Billy Wilder

A Trio of Intriguing Factoids From the Sci-Fi/Horror/Mystery Genre!

Dr. Franklin Ruehl, Ph.D. | Posted 05.22.2012

Dr. Franklin Ruehl, Ph.D.

Why was the ending of TV's The Quatermass Xperiment changed for the silver screen? What would be the ultimate destiny of The Incredible Shrinking Man? Was screen credit denied to the stars of several cinematic and TV productions?

Exquisite Austrian Food in Beverly Hills!

Jay Weston | Posted 05.26.2012

Jay Weston

BeerBeisl is a stunning, delightful and delicious restaurant with authentic, enchanting food so satisfying and striking it will resound favorably in the inner recesses of your mind.

When Comedy Was Clean and Comediennes Were King

John Farr | Posted 05.20.2012

John Farr

For those wanting a respite from today's low, "in-your-face" brand of comedy, here are a few tried-and-true classics featuring these top screen comediennes. These special ladies made us laugh -- and feel smart -- at the same time.

The Perfect Noir: Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity

Network Awesome | Posted 04.29.2012

Network Awesome

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Five Classic Movies You Need to Revisit

Bryan Young | Posted 04.28.2012

Bryan Young

While everyone has their attention fixed on cinema because of the Academy Awards, there are some classic Blu-ray releases I'd love to kindle (or rekindle) interest in.

Which Directors Have Gotten The Most Academy Award Nominations For Their Actors?

The Huffington Post | Sharon Knolle | Posted 04.22.2012

Who's the best director in Hollywood history? You could look at who's won the most Best Director Oscars -- that would be legendary John Ford, whose fo...

Kirk Douglas Turns 95!

John Farr | Posted 02.07.2012

John Farr

Should we call him "Spartacus"? Or "Champion"? Both names certainly fit the man. Kirk Douglas turns 95 tomorrow, and he is still very much with us.

Why We Need Shirley MacLaine, and Billy Wilder's The Apartment More Now than Ever

Vivian Norris | Posted 11.09.2011

Vivian Norris

Perhaps this morality tale will cheer up a few folks who are out of work in the big city...things could be worse, you could still be working for some schmuck, dating some jerk, serving the corporate beast.

10 Black & White Movies for People Who Won't Watch Black & White Movies

John Farr | Posted 09.27.2011

John Farr

If I could get all those black and white haters out there to watch just ten titles -- movies that constituted absolutely essential viewing -- which would they be?

Is Today's Film Comedy in the Toilet?

John Farr | Posted 09.16.2011

John Farr

I continue to be nostalgic for comedy that doesn't require constant profanity or a surfeit of fart gags to succeed, that relies instead on subtle, clever scripts and witty dialogue; movies that in the end give their audiences some credit for brains and taste.

10 Classic Movies That Turn Up the Heat for Summer

John Farr | Posted 08.21.2011

John Farr

I googled "best summer-themed movies" but I think what I got was "any summer-themed movie."For those who want a little extra quality in their summer fare, here comes a varied but more rewarding list.

The 2011 Academy Awards: It Gets a C-Plus at Best

Michael Russnow | Posted 05.25.2011

Michael Russnow

You know the writers are in trouble when they have to rely upon Hathaway's mother and Franco's grandmother to help out in the audience. All in all the show was mediocre, but not a disaster.

Three Underappreciated Silent Film Classics

George Heymont | Posted 05.25.2011

George Heymont

The Bay Area has a large and loyal base of silent film fans, many of whom will descend on the Castro Theatre this weekend for the San Francisco Silent Film Festival's annual winter event.

Make Way for Satana, Heaven

Kim Morgan | Posted 05.25.2011

Kim Morgan

Who was ever like Tura Satana? Tura was a tiger with a blackbelt, a true exotic who actually lived a life of hard knocks and one she, no doubt, disgorged in cathartic release on screen.

Just Maybe -- the Best Comedy Film Director Ever

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

Even though Entertainment Weekly named him the 16th-best film director of all time, if I mention the name Ernst Lubitsch to my own middle-aged contemporaries, I usually get a hazy look.

Why It's A Wonderful Life Still Resonates

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

With glitzier fare squeezing out this special old stand-by, is the new generation missing out on something special? I think so. In short, the film explores the fundamental, overarching importance of the ties that bind.

They Belong in Every Home: The Ten Best Holiday Movies by Farr

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

The values and emotions imparted in these timeless films are sure to stoke the spirit of "Peace On Earth, Good Will Towards Men" (and women). Happy viewing!

Missing Mr. Matthau

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

On the first of this month, Walter Matthau, who left us just a decade ago, would have turned ninety. Ruminating on this unnoted milestone made me consider anew what a unique and gifted screen actor he was.

The Man Who Was Tony Curtis

Tom Teicholz | Posted 05.25.2011

Tom Teicholz

It was Curtis' combination of toughness and vulnerability -- his predatory sexual magnetism and the almost female quality to his beauty -- that would make his career.

Two Passing Greats: A Tribute to Arthur Penn and Tony Curtis

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

One had to acknowledge and admire Tony Curtis's sheer spirit and zest. But while Curtis was the ultimate public personality, filmmaker Arthur Penn, who died two days ago, was basically a private man.

Professional Pictures: Movies About Our Day Jobs

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

As seen through the revealing lens of timeless film, you can derive a measure of comfort and perspective amidst the seeming complexity of it all, because the pressures and vicissitudes of the work place go back a very long way.

Survivor: Heroes vs Villains: Double Indumbnity

Tallulah Morehead | Posted 05.25.2011

Tallulah Morehead

Over in Samoa, Jerri, having profited from the use of Candice's disloyalty, now suggested cutting her loose, for being untrustworthy. Excuse me? Show me one Insufferable who is trustworthy.

Kate Mantilini: The Son(s) Also Rises!

Jay Weston | Posted 05.25.2011

Jay Weston

The only problem with this restaurant is that the menu is so extensive and irresistible that I always end up ordering far too much food.

The Top Father/Son Movie Stars, Bar None

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

With advance apologies to Lloyd and Jeff Bridges, Henry and Peter Fonda, Martin and Charlie Sheen, this special designation belongs to Kirk and Michael Douglas.

Recalling "The Lubitsch Touch"

John Farr | Posted 05.25.2011

John Farr

If you have not experienced the German director Ernst Lubitsch's special "touch," well -- here's your chance.