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By Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).Published less than a minute ago • 3 min read
Robert M. Massimi. (National Arts Club).
You Tube has some hidden gems on it. Many people are drawn to the newer movies like an "Oppenheimer", or the latest bing worthy series. For anyone interested in older movies, or very old movies, I have a few suggestions.
29th Street: the movie came out in the early 90's and like many movies in its genre, 29th st is a funny, pithy movie, and in the end it becomes heartfelt. Starring Danny Aiello and Anthony La Paglia. The plot takes place in both Queens, New York and Manhattan (on 29th st).
Like "City Island" that I recently watched, it deals with family and family issues. Aiello is at his comedic best, not since "Moonstruck" has he been so comical. I believe the story maybe a trues one... The Pesce family has become rich by way of La Paglia hitting the very first lottery. Aiello, the father of the family is a degenerate gambler and loses his money faster than he makes it. He continually gets in debt with the wise guys in his neighborhood.
The movie covers the 70's; the direction is excellent, and the cinematography covers New York City in the 70's perfectly. From the cars to the Vietnam War scenes, the clothes, 29th street is well done!
'A Trip To Bountiful" is a movie that has been done many times on the big screen. My favorite stars Cicely Tyson and not the movie made by Geraldine Page. Although Page won the Oscar for her effort, the older "Trip" captures the time period much better. The other benefit to the older "Bountiful" is how it captures the old South. The politeness of the family even when they argue is impressive and makes this movie, watch worthy.
Like in the book, the movie has an older lady wanting to go back home one more time before she dies (we never know if she is dying or not). The son who is the protagonist and his wife as antagonist is in between both mother and wife the entire movie. The mother, even though she is poor is content with her life; she is proud of her son and the family that she has raised. The wife faces being poor another way: she puts on airs and pretends that she is better off than she is,,, image is everything to her. Rather than have financial security, she would rather go get her hair done, play bridge, go to the soda shop.
When mother takes off for Bountiful, a town that is all but abandoned is when the movie gets interesting. Along the way she meets a young, polite woman who's husband is in the war. She is going to live with her mother until her husband comes back home. Both ride the bus for hours and talk about their hopes in life. Both are religious and quote scripture and sing hymns.
Like the book, "Bountiful" ends happily and is worth seeing. It is a classic!
I have not seen "North by Northwest" since my Senior year in college. Hitchcock who directs this masterpiece is one of the best directors of all time and he directs a beauty here. Carey Grant who stars as an advertising executive is spun into a wild brew of the underworld. Although the movie never states exactly what the criminals are up to, the story is great no-less.
Hitchcock movies always have splendid cinematography! North by Northwest may just have the best. The scenery at Mt Rushmore alone is worth the price of admission! Grant and Eva Marie Saint blend well and the story line on Saint is even better. The viewer judges her one way, then another and at the end of the film we are shocked to find out who she really is. In typical Hitchcock form, North by Northwest is twists and turns, great acting and superb direction!
3 movies: one a comedy in 29th st, one a drama in Trip Through Bountiful and the third, a suspense masterpiece in North by Northwest.
About the Creator
Robert M Massimi. ( Broadway Bob).
I have been writing on theater since 1982. A graduate from Manhattan College B.S. A member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, which recognizes excellence in both English and Science. I have produced 14 shows on and off Broadway. I've seen over700 shows
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