Movies Came Out In (1938)
Winner:
You Can’t Take It with You – Just watched on TCM (a man from a rich snooty family gets engaged to a woman from an eccentric family). It was an interesting story, but ultimately a very corny/predictable ending. I actually didn’t mind this movie, even though it is somewhat dated. It was fun seeing a youngish Jimmy Stewart, and the court room scene reminded me of his George Bailey bank scene (which was 8 years later in 1946’s It’s A Wonderful Life).
The Adventures of Robin Hood – I saw this as a kid and a few times as an adult. I still rather enjoy this film, despite it being a little dated compared to modern films.
Alexander’s Ragtime Band – I just watched recently, it’s a fun film filled with a love story intertwined between musical numbers. I could see where in 1938 this was probably a catchy film to go see in theaters and enjoy. The music is obviously dated by today’s standards, but still has some decent catchy tunes in it.
Boys Town – Watched recently and thought this was a pretty good film. It’s an biographical drama film based on Father Edward J. Flanagan’s work with a group of underprivileged and delinquent boys in a home that he founded. Spencer Tracy delivers an excellent performance as Father Flanagan, however, Mickey Rooney’s child character is all sorts of cheesy/corny. That was my least likable part of the movie. But this was a good film and I’m glad I watched it.
The Citadel – Rented on Amazon Video because I couldn’t find it anywhere else. Set in England (London at times), around mid-1930’s, a young doctor finds himself struggling to make a difference as a doctor/researcher, gets lured by dirty/easy money, and eventually rediscovers his way. This was a good film with a good message. Even though it’s quite old, it really didn’t feel too dated. The acting was good/believable and the plot held my attention. This film was worth watching.
Four Daughters – Just watched this on TCM, was not impressed. Movie felt like a play, and not a very exciting one. It was basically a soap opera, very transparent, not much intrigue. Color me unimpressed.
Grand Illusion – Just watched recently, and I liked this film quite a bit. It’s a French film, so it’s subtitled, and it’s about some French soldiers that attempt a prison escape from a German POW camp in World War 1. I enjoyed the plot, and it was neat to see elements of their prison escapes that I’ve seen in later films (like Great Escape).
Jezebel – Just watched recently, and this was a pretty decent film starring Bette Davis and Henry Fonda. A Southern belle doesn’t appreciate what she has (fiancee) until she loses him, and attempt to win him back. The plot is pretty good and moves along nicely. I would recommend watching if you ever get the chance to view it.
Pygmalion – Just watched recently and as I was watching, I was like “Wait, this is ‘My Fair Lady’ but without the singing”. I liked it quite a bit. It’s a movie based on George Bernard Shaw’s play (of the same name). I had no idea the musical was based on this play. This was a good film, worth watching.
Test Pilot – Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy star in this film about a test pilot that falls in love, and likes to push the boundaries of life and alcohol. The film I would classify as just “ok”. It’s not great, but it’s not unwatchable either. It’s a bit corny at times, especially with the romance developments (typical for the period).
Brian’s Winner:
Very good year for films, this was difficult, but I think my favorite was Grand Illusion
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#1938
Ceremony Year (1939) – Movies Came Out In (1938)