Beyond the Classics

The Contradictory Mexican-American Representation of ‘Bordertown’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

The 1935 film relies on stereotypes but inadvertently shows the debilitating barriers that racism puts on Mexican immigrants.

Loss of Identity in ‘My Name is Julia Ross’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Suspense, camp, and social commentary are all on display in this early film noir.

The Unsettling Appeal of ‘Dementia’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

In 1955, John Parker’s experimental feature didn’t find its deserved audience. Today, we present it as an essential work of horror cinema existing in the canon beyond the classics.

Dorothy Arzner’s ‘Working Girls’ Shows Depression Hard-Knocks from the Female Perspective

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Dorothy Arzner’s 1931 film ‘Working Girls’ shows “MEN may do the bossing — but the girls make their own plans for them!’

Love Needs No Explanation in ‘History is Made at Night’

By  Emily Kubincanek 

The restored Criterion edition of Frank Borzage’s masterpiece romance shows the talent and intuition he had to reach the audience’s hearts.

‘Where Are My Children?’ and Lois Weber’s Trailblazing Films About Women

By  Emily Kubincanek 

First-wave feminism sprung from the birth control movement, which is on full display in Weber’s controversial 1916 film.

‘No Man of Her Own’ was Carole Lombard and Clark Gable’s Precursor to Real-Life Romance

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Before they fell in love, they starred in this romance that gives modern viewers a peek at their relationship.

‘Christmas in July’ and Preston Sturges’ Overlooked Dream Project

By  Emily Kubincanek 

Writer-director Preston Sturges made his passion project ‘Christmas in July’ early in his career, but its sincerity is passed over to talk about his classic hits.

‘It Happened on 5th Avenue’: the Holiday Movie That Frank Capra Passed Up

By  Emily Kubincanek 

This rediscovered Christmas movie has a fascinating history and is the perfect watch for this year’s turbulent holiday season.