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Beyond the Classics

Beyond the Classics is a recurring column in which Emily Kubincanek highlights lesser-known old movies and examines what makes them memorable.

Browse the full archive for Beyond the Classics below

Johnny Eager

Romance, Crime, and Queer-coding in ‘Johnny Eager’

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The queer storyline and fascinating lives of the lead actors set this film apart from other crime romances before and since.

Bordertown Paul Muni

The Contradictory Mexican-American Representation of ‘Bordertown’

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

My Name Is Julia Ross

Loss of Identity in ‘My Name is Julia Ross’

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

Dementia movie

The Unsettling Appeal of ‘Dementia’

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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.

Working Girls 1931 Arzner

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

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

History Is Made At Night Cooking

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

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

Lois Weber Where Are My Children Dancing Angels

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

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

Clark Gable And Carole Lombard

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

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

Christmas In July

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

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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.