“The Awful Truth”

Cary Grant and Irene Dunne in “The Awful Truth” (Columbia, 1937)

“The Awful Truth” (Columbia, 1937). Cary Grant and Irene Dunne play Jerry and Lucy Warriner, an erudite married couple that has decided to call it quits. After the judge gives them a 90-day waiting period until their divorce is final, the couple does all that they can to wreck each other’s potential romantic options. Along the way, they realize an awful truth–that maybe they’re really in love with each other after all. A classic screwball comedy with terrific performances by Grant and Dunne. Also stars Ralph Bellamy. Written by Viña Delmar. Based on the play by Arthur Richman. Directed by Leo McCarey. “And if you get bored in Oklahoma City, you can always go over to Tulsa for the weekend!”

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”

Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (20th Century Fox, 1953)

“Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” (20th Century Fox, 1953). Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe sizzle in this musical farce about two showgirls looking for love. While Dorothy Shaw (Russell) wants to fall in love with a nice, decent guy, Lorelei Lee (Monroe) is mostly interested in finding a dude that’s rich (hence the “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number). Lorelei’s fiancé Gus (played by Tommy Noonan) is, understandably, unsure about Lorelei’s motives, as is Gus’ father, who hires a spy to follow the girls on a trip to Paris. Transcontinental craziness ensues, along with some classic musical numbers (particularly Monroe’s iconic “Diamonds” set piece) and some big laughs. Written by Charles Lederer. Based on the Broadway musical by Joseph Fields and Anita Loos. Directed by Howard Hawks. “It’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor man…”

“Raiders of the Lost Ark”

Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (Paramount, 1981)

In honor of the Blu-ray release of all four Indiana Jones movies happening on September 18, Paramount Pictures and Lucasfilm have been showing “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (Paramount, 1981) in IMAX theaters over the past week. I saw it last night at my local IMAX and it was an absolute treat to see this modern classic again on the big screen. Featuring some of the best work ever done by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, the film is as exciting, thrilling, scary and fun as ever. Go see it today in IMAX if you can! Story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Written by Lawrence Kasdan. Directed by Steven Spielberg. “Snakes. Why’d it have to be snakes?”

“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”

Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (Warner Bros., 1985)

“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” (Warner Bros., 1985). Pee-wee Herman (played by Paul Reubens) travels the country trying to find his treasured stolen bicycle. Along the way, he meets ex-con Mickey Morrelli, truck driver Large Marge, waitress Simone, and a bunch of bikers. We also learn about the architecture of the Alamo. Surreal silliness which I totally love. Written by Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens and Michael Varhol. Directed by Tim Burton (his first feature-length film). “I know you are, but what am I?”

“My Man Godfrey”

William Powell and Carole Lombard in “My Man Godfrey” (Universal, 1936)

“My Man Godfrey” (Universal, 1936). Carole Lombard plays Irene, a kooky, filthy rich socialite who hires a vagabond named Godfrey, played by William Powell, to be the family’s butler. While Godfrey (who has some secrets up his sleeve) sets out to teach this idle rich family a lesson or two, Irene falls hopelessly in love with him and tries desperately to win him over. A 1930’s screwball comedy with a little social commentary thrown in the mix. Based on the novel by Eric Hatch. Written by Morrie Ryskind and Eric Hatch. Directed by Gregory La Cava. “Stand still, Godfrey. It’ll all be over in a minute.”