johnggriff Reviews

Personal Affair (1953)

Interesting exploration of gossip

[10/10 · 14 August 2009]

Taunt tight suspenseful drama, I don't want to to say to much about the plot. Gene Tierney is very good in this very talkie film. Tierney is expressive and restrained and gives a great performance. Despite a few flaws in the script the film held my attention. Leo Genn was also very good as the besieged teacher, nice to see him in as a leading man. Glynis Johns seems a little too mature for the part of a teenage girl, overlooking that a nice performance. Pamela Brown is wonderful as the bitter Aunt. The direction seemed very controlled. Overall an interesting film about gossip and the damage it can do to peoples lives. The performances from the two stars to supporting cast make this Film, Tierney and Genn stands out. The strong production value of the film is grade A. Beautifully filmed in England.

Leave Her to Heaven (1945)

Gene Tierney: The most beautiful women in film

[10/10 · 5 February 2007]

The Film draws from two styles that were popular in the 40's Film Noir and the Melodrama. The story has the feel of the over the top melodrama filmed in color but has all the dark undercurrent of film noir. Director John Stahl was the master of the womens picture, he holds his vision and keeps the film balanced. Gene Tierney who was miscast in some of her earlier movies as Fox's good girl, Gene under Stahl's direction is spellbinding, she commands your attention. Gene Tierney was one of the most underrated Actresses of her day. The rest of the cast does a great job but this is Tierney's picture. Tierney received a Oscar nod for Best Actress (1945)

I watched the DVD commentary with Darryl Hickman in which he has some issues with Stahl and Tierney ( He should get some help) He proceeds to compare the acting style of the 40's to the method style which really had not come into its own (in film) until the 50's with Brando etc......... I like the commentaries to get some insight, all I got where the rantings of a bitter man (child actor) who had a score to settle with Stahl and Tierney. I highly recommend the movie for people who want to see what Hollywood does best Entertain us.

The Mating Season (1951)

Classic Ensemble Comedy: Tierney, Hopkins, Ritter, at their Professional Peak **** stars

[10/10 · 2 February 2007]

Where do I start, this seems to be just a well done ensemble farce with elements of screwball comedy. Mistaken identity, overbearing mother in law. But when you take a second look, this is a movie with cynical undercurrents about the American dream. I don't want to give away the plot so I will just comment on the excellent cast and direction by Mitchell Leisen. Leisen treats the material with such respect and care, what could have been average is fresh and new. Gene Tierney has a great comic touch, Miriam Hopkins gives a great over the top performance, then what can I say Thelma Ritter, just amazing. I was really impressed with her warm hearted scenes with Gene Tierney. There is not a weak link in the supporting cast. This is great ensemble acting. The movie comes to a very satisfying conclusion. This is one of the most underrated comedies of the era. I do believe this movies is gaining the respect it deserves. Most critics today consider this a CLASSIC. I hope Paramount will release this on DVD.