My Favorite Brunette (1947)

 

Shortly before his execution on the death row in San Quentin, amateur sleuth and baby photographer Ronnie Jackson, tells reporters how he got there.

Light-weighted, silly, but basically entertaining spoof of a Noir plot keeps the jokes coming, but is hardly a convincing parody of the genre.  

Halliwell*: "Pretty fair star vehicle which half-heartedly spoofs Farewell My Lovely."

Maltin***: "Better-than-usual Hope nonsense...Two very funny surprise cameos at beginning and end of film." 

House of Frankenstein (1944)

The Mummy's Tomb (1942)

Of Mice and Men (1939)

 

 

A mentally disabled giant and his level headed guardian find work at a sadistic cowboy's ranch in depression era America. 

Arguably the best adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel is realistic, heart-felt and effective in its rendition of the tragedy; among overall good performances Lon Chaney Jr shines in the role of Lennie Small.

Halliwell***: "A strange and unexpected tragedy which has strength and is very persuasively made but seems somehow unnecessary."

Maltin****: "Chaney gives best performance of his career...John Steinbeck's morality tale remains intact in sensitive screen version."  

Lon Chaney Jr.

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lon_Chaney_Jr.

The Alligator People (1959)

A woman in a hypnotic state recounts to two doctors the details of a horrific experience from her past life that began with the mysterious and sudden disappearance of her husband.

Despite having a silly story this is an imaginative, above-average B-movie with some memorable moments.

Halliwell (no star): "Moderately inventive 'B' chiller."

Maltin**1/2: "Strictly routine."

Hillbillys in a Haunted House (1967)

Country singers on their way to Nashville have car trouble, forcing them to stop at an old haunted mansion.

The Wolf Man (1941)

The Wolf Man (1941)