Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

 

A young New York socialite becomes interested in a young man who has moved into her apartment building, but her past threatens to get in the way. 

Not really a faithful adaptation of Truman Capote's novella, the plot is quite messy and the male lead a bland miscast; nevertheless, this movie became an instant classic thanks to a lively and witty direction and the irresistibly charming Audrey Hepburn.

On re-watching: Despite all its flaws this is a movie I come back to every soften mainly for Audrey and quite a few memorable scenes.

Halliwell*: "Impossibly cleaned up and asexual version of a light novel which tried to be the American I am a Camera (qv). Wild parties, amusing scenes and good cameos, but the pace is slow, the atmosphere is unconvincingly clean and luxurious, and the sentimentality kills it."

Maltin***1/2: "Charming film...Dated trappings don't detract from high comedy and winning romance." 

Quicksand (1950)

After taking 20 dollars from his employer to go on a date with plans to repay it the next day, an auto mechanic falls into increasingly disastrous circumstances for more and more money which rapidly spirals out of his control.

Doom-laden and mildly intense Noir drama with Peter Lorre stealing the show and with an ending more improbable than the twisted plot.

Maltin**1/2: "Minor film noir...Lorre is wonderfully menacing as a sleazy penny arcade owner."

The Black Stallion (1979)

A young boy is shipwrecked on a deserted island with a wild Arabian stallion whom he befriends.

From memory: Surprisingly good (and old-fashioned) race horse tale aimed at a younger audience with especially beautiful cinematography.

Halliwell*: "1980 seems a bit late for boy-and-horse pictures, but this one is so beautifully directed and photographed, if drastically overlong, that most adults thought their children should see it."

Maltin***: "Exquisitely filmed story...Too slow at times, but still worthwhile, with many precious moments, stunning cinematography by Caleb Deschanel, Rooney's lovely performance as veteran horse trainer."

Francis in the Haunted House (1956)

The talking mule helps a friend who's trapped in a haunted house with art thieves in this last entry in the series.

Life Begins For Andy Hardy (1941)

With his high school graduation behind him, Andy Hardy decides that as an adult, it's time to start living his life.