Street Scene (1931)

 

 

Twenty-four hours elapse on the stoop of a Hell's Kitchen tenement as a microcosm of the American melting pot interacts with each other during a summer heatwave. 

 

Remarkable adaptation of a award-winning play literally creates the titular street scene in a studio with good details and sense for realism; enhanced by overall excellent performances.

 

Halliwell*: "Slice-of-life drama from an influential play; never much of a film, and very dated."

Maltin***1/2: "Heartbreakingly realistic account of life in N.Y.C. tenements...Elmer Rice's Pulitzer Prize-winning play...enhanced by fine performances, George Barnes' striking camera-work, Alfred Newman's classic music score."

Remember the Night (1940)

A shoplifter and her prosecutor fall in love, creating tensions for his career and family.

From memory: Hilarious screwball comedy, one of the best of its kind - and a classic Christmas family movie, wins over with pacing, excellent cast and a crisp script.

Halliwell*: "Eccentric but winning blend of comedy, romance and drama, deftly mixed by master chefs."

Maltin***1/2: "Beautifully made...builds masterfully as it creates a very special mood."