robfollower

Night Nurse is a 1931 American pre-Code crime drama mystery film.

For anyone who isn't familiar, the Production Code '

Hays Code

Ran from 1934 to 1968 and censored the content of movies. Movies made after 1968 in the New Hollywood era are famous for their explicit subject matter, but pre-Code films are just as transgressive in their own way. Anyone who thought exploitation movies were invented in the 1960s will know better after having watched Night Nurse. It's a strange mix of comedy, drama and mild sleaze. Directed by William A. Wellman, and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Joan Blondell and Clark Gable.

Here nurses break the law, doctors violate their oath, and unless you go along, you don't work. Also included are gamey one-liners, mild strip scenes, and a really sardonic look at motherhood, along with a very scary Clark Gable. For a brief period from around 1930-34, Hollywood operated with the lid off, pressed by audiences with no work, no money and no prospects.

A great picture of the sleazy side of life in the thirties before the Hays commission took over. Barbara Stanwyck is fabulous as a tough streetwise girl turned nurse. Any rumors about her having some flaw in her figure should be finally put to rest by her slim form in her outfits . Joan Blondell makes an equal impact as her wise-cracking sidekick. And last but definitely not least, Clark Gable plays a tough chauffeur who menaces Stanwyck in a rather seductive way. This early Hollywood film is a great time capsule to open ! 7.5/10.

Sorry, Wrong Number' is based on a 28-minute radio play starring Agnes Moorehead - essentially a one-woman show, broadcast on the CBS radio program 'Suspense', in 1943.

It created a national sensation, and was rebroadcast an additional seven

times before the final broadcast in 1960, each time starring Agnes Moorehead . I found the broadcast on YouTube ! At 28 minutes it is worth a watch/listen. Moorehead is great , Stanwyck is even better! She had more time for character development.

Barbara Stanwyck delivers a perfectly-pitched performance, as the movie unfolds and the character of Leona grows more desperate and panicked, the sheer artistry and talent of Stanwyck comes bubbling to the surface. Burt Lancaster is also fine as the husband who may or may not be part of the plot to murder his wife. Australian-born character actress Ann Richards (not to be confused with the brunette American jazz singer), is a delight to watch as the jilted girlfriend who might also have an axe to grind with Leona

Sorry, Wrong Number conforms to many of the conventions of film noir. The film plays in real time with many flashbacks, and adds more characters and backstories. The bedroom window overlooks the night skyline of Manhattan. The film is shot in very dark light, with looming shadows and a circling camera used to maintain a high level of suspense. Hollywood's Production Code Administration initially objected to elements of Fletcher's screenplay, including its depiction of drug trafficking, and the script was significantly revised to win approval.

Stanwyck is a spoiled unpleasant character while Lancaster will step on whoever he has to to get to the top. Lancaster is dealing with character defects in that his masculinity/male stereotype issues are so strong he resents be taken care of by his wealthy wife. This dynamic actually asks the audience to pick from the lesser of the 2 undesirable personalities or antiheroes if you will . Making Stanwyck appear as the best option.

This film is an excellent character study . The movie adaptation is considered a classic of the film noir genre. Its twist ending is often cited as one of the era's most memorable. Stanwyck's performance was highly acclaimed. Stanwyck gets to run through a gamut of hysterical emotions as the intended victim. She garnered her a fourth Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Must watch noir thriller 8/10.

As soon as the film started I was struck by the beauty of the landscape . I researched and learned the movie was shot in Estonia ! With a large number of Estonians among the cast and crew.

Largely a wordless film, "Azrael" was shot on location in Estonian forests - principally in Pärispea Forest - in 2022.

I had to get through the first quarter of the film. I starts off slow and kind of far fetched in ridiculousness no speaking character acting . I almost bailed , but I am a Huge Samara Weaving fan . Her natural charisma always shines through in her work. And she always picks such interesting roles that I'm not surprised to see her choosing one entirely lacking dialogue. But Azrael is more than just its gimmick, providing a badass new heroine and an intriguing world , I did a complete 180 . The film really does find it groove .

It's hinted at (and downright stated in marketing material) that the Rapture has happened.

What happens during the rapture? The dead in Christ are resurrected, Living Christians are caught up into the air, Christians meet Jesus in the air, and Christians receive new bodies.

Those left view speech as sin, so everyone has gone willingly mute. There's no mysterious virus causing this, they're doing it of they're own volition. And I love how the film doesn't hold your hand with the narrative.

Samara Weaving is, as expected, absolutely incredible. She really gets put through the wringer, being covered in mud and blood throughout the film. She goes from a woman just trying to survive to one out for revenge. My favorite Final Girl of the modern day horror genre as of late .

As the film progresses, Azrael ventures more into action movie territory and, eventually, ends up feeling like a blend of action and horror. The horror comes from the creatures and the visceral practical effects that go into their design and the sequences of the creatures eating humans.

Azrael may be a tough sell for some viewers. Having a film that's practically void of dialogue.

But if you're willing to go down the rabbit hole .... you'll be rewarded with a fantastic performance from Weaving and some absolutely gorgeous visuals. And some decent practical gore for good measure !