Beyond the Classics

‘Mary Stevens, M.D.’ and the Approachable Modern Woman Kay Francis

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Even as a professional working woman in a man’s world, Kay Francis was able to be the feminine, approachable gateway into evolving gender roles.

‘Targets’ Made Modern Horror More Real and More Terrifying

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Peter Bogdanovich’s first film (and Boris Karloff’s final film) should be looked at as more than a stepping stone to greatness. It was also genre-changing.

Two Silent Stars Collide in ‘Beyond the Rocks’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

100 years has passed since Gloria Swanson and Rudolph Valentino worked together, but the story of their production is still fascinating today.

‘I’ll Be Seeing You’ and How Rewarding Sad Christmas Movies Can Be

By  Emily Kubincanek 

The best holiday movies take on the realistic struggles of our lives and turn them into heartwarming stories, including ‘I’ll Be Seeing You.’

Once Untimely, ‘The Mortal Storm’ Proves Timeless Years Later

By  Emily Kubincanek 

While critics and audiences thought it was untimely in 1940, the themes it explores have proved to be timeless as years have passed.

The Suspense of Domesticity in Max Ophüls’ ‘The Reckless Moment’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

This lesser-known film noir starring Joan Bennett depicts how overwhelming being a woman and a mother was during the mid-20th century — and within a genre usually reserved for men.

‘No Way Out’ and the Best of “Social Message” Film Noir

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Sidney Poitier’s first big role was also the film that finally showed America just how ugly their racist ideals really were.

The Original Ghostly Thrills of ‘The Uninvited’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Everyone loves a good ghost story. You have this film to thank for their popularity in cinema today.

The Flop that Ruined Musicals for Cecil B. DeMille

By  Emily Kubincanek 

We look at the 1930 film ‘Madam Satan’ — where it fails and where it accidentally succeeds.