TCM TiVo Alert for April 8-14

TCM TiVo ALERT

For

April 8–April 14

DAVID’S BEST BETS:

DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE (April 12, 8:00 pm): This lush MGM remake features incredible performances by Spencer Tracy as the title characters and Ingrid Bergman as Ivy, Hyde's abused girlfriend. The film is about two hours in length, but is done so well that the film flies by. Its sexual situations were restricted by the Hays Code, but we still get the picture. And while the violence is largely implied, it's done exceptionally well. It's been criticized by some – at one time I wasn't much of a fan – but it is an excellent film. 

ON BORROWED TIME (April 14, 6:00 am): Like he did in numerous movies, Lionel Barrymore plays a grumpy old wheelchair-bound man (Gramps). He's raising his grandson, Pud (played by Bobs Watson; yeah Bobs as in more than one Bob), in this one. Pud's mother and father die in a car accident before the film starts, and his aunt wants to raise him, primarily to get her hands on the money left to the boy by his parents. But Pud and Gramps can't stand her, see right through her, and share an exceptionally close bond. Gramps has an apple tree and the fruit is constantly being stolen so he makes a wish that anybody climbing the tree gets stuck up there until he permits them to come down. Well, Death (masterfully played by Cedric Hardwicke) comes calling for Gramps and is tricked into climbing up the tree. Not only can't he take Gramps, but he can't take anyone else. The aunt thinks Gramps is crazy and sees this as an opportunity to get him committed and have Pud – and his money – for herself. As the movie progresses, Death tricks Pud into climbing the tree with disastrous results. Just thinking about the film's conclusion gives me chills. On Borrowed Time has a wonderful storyline, with many funny scenes, as well as a loving and touching message.

ED’S BEST BETS:

SUNSET BOULEVARD (April 9, 8:00 pm): Billy Wilder has made many excellent films over the years, but this may just be his masterpiece. Joe Gillis (William Holden), a down-on-his-luck screenwriter, escaping from the repo men, has the dubious fortune of parking his car at the estate of faded silent film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson). Norma is lost in the dreams and memories of her former glory as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Though at first hostile, Norma warms to Gillis when she discovers he’s a screenwriter and wants him to work on the script for her comeback film. Desperate for money, Gillis agrees, and soon becomes a kept man, discovering that Norma is so possessive that it becomes impossible for him. Erich Von Stroheim is Norma’s butler, and former director and husband. When Norma discovers Joe has fallen in love with fellow screenwriter Betty Schaefer (Nancy Olson), Joe in turn discovers that hell hath no fury like a former Hollywood goddess scorned. The film has been hailed by critics as the definitive insider portrait of Hollywood, sort of a Hollywood Babylon in just under two hours. In one word, it is sublime. Gloria Swanson gives the performance of a lifetime, and today is remembered among film buffs not for her many silent triumphs, but for her performance in this film.

THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (April 11, 8:00 pm): Ever watch a film that just makes you feel better after it’s over? That’s exactly the case with this movie. When one looks up the term “action picture,” a still from this film should be under the definition. Quite simply, this is the role Errol Flynn was born to play, and he’s quite good in it. Give him such villains to play against as Claude Rains and Basil Rathbone, and this film just can’t be beaten. Olivia de Havilland shines as Maid Marian, with Una O’Connor and Herbert Mundin in fine form as the comic relief. The best thing about the film is its refusal to take itself seriously, which amps up our enjoyment even more. Michael Curtiz directed with a nearly flawless style. It’s simply one of those rare films I can watch over and over without growing bored.

WE DISAGREE ON ... CAPTAIN BLOOD (April 11, 10:00 pm)

ED. B. Captain Blood is a solid adventure with great performances from its cast, including Errol Flynn in his first swashbuckler, Olivia de Havilland as his leading lady, Lionel Atwill and Basil Rathbone as the heels, and that wonderful Warner’s stock company in support. The only fault, and that which prevents a higher grade, is the rather primitive way it’s presented. The use of title cards makes it almost seem as if it were made in the silent era or as an early talkie. This is 1935, and sound recording had been mastered. Perhaps the reason was due to it being a low-budget production; Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland were unknowns at this time. Note the difference in production values between this film and later Flynn adventures. Otherwise, it’s a great way to spend one’s time.

DAVID: A. The movie that launched the career of Errol Flynn as a swashbuckling icon is not only historically important, but is an excellent film. The cast is top-notch with Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Guy Kibbee and Lionel Atwill. Flynn is Dr. Peter Blood, condemned to a Jamaican plantation to serve out a sentence for treating an English rebel. When the Spanish invade Jamaica, the fun and the action begins. Blood leads a prison rebellion with the men stealing a Spanish ship – the Spaniards are busy looting the town – and later the French on his way to becoming a hero when England is overthrown by William of Orange. Flynn is as dashing as you'll see him on screen showing great charisma during the fight scenes, though he needed work at times with dialogue. There's no arguing that it's a low-budget film. It was so low budget that stock footage from silent films were used. However, I strongly disagree that it diminishes from the impact of the movie. The action sequences are top-notch. Flynn and de Havilland are perfect together without being over-the-top in the romance department, and of course, Rathbone is outstanding. 

For the complete list of films on the TCM TiVo Alert, click here.