“Gaslighting” is the use of psychological manipulation to make a person doubt their own sanity, and even to lose it. The term derives from the 1938 British play Gas Light and its 1940 and 1944 film adaptations from Britain and Hollywood, respectively. It is somewhat surprising Alfred Hitchcock was not at the helm of the […]
Suspicion (1941)
June 1, 2020 by
Film Title
SuspicionSynopsis
A shy young heiress marries a charming gentleman, and soon begins to suspect he is planning to murder her
Director
Alfred HitchcockCast
Cary Grant
Joan Fontaine
Cedric Hardwicke
Nigel Bruce
Isabel Jeans
Auriol Lee
Dreamers: John Huston’s The Treasure of the Sierra Madre & The Misfits
May 25, 2020 by
Speaking of cowboys, Isabelle Steers (Thelma Ritter) says to aging cowboy Gay Langland (Clark Gable), “I love every miserable one of you, though you’re all good for nothing, as you well know,” to which he replies, “That may be, but it’s better than wages.” That motto (“it’s better than wages”) is referred to several times […]
The Truth Of The Matter
May 17, 2020 by
Keeper of the Flame (1942) Directed by George Cukor. With Spencer Tracy and Kathrine Hepburn. 36 Hours (1965) Directed by George Seaton. With James Gardner, Eva Marie Saint, and Rod Taylor The “truth of the matter” can be an elusive concept. What is real? This is the persistent theme in the works of Philip K. […]
Network: A Look At A Classic
April 30, 2020 by
Film Title
NetworkSynopsis
We are mad as Hell, and not going to take it anymore
Director
Sidney LumetCast
Faye Dunaway
William Holden
Peter Finch
Robert Duvall
Wesley Addy
Ned Beatty
Network is certainly not the greatest movie ever made, and I would never argue that it achieves any lasting impact as a work of art. Its style is flat (like most television programs, appropriately enough), and you’ll hardly remember any of the visuals. Still, it remains my favorite films because I don’t believe a better […]
The Birds (1963)
April 13, 2020 by
Film Title
The BirdsSynopsis
Birds decide to attack all humans who refuse to practice social distancing
Director
Alfred HitchcockCast
Rod Taylor
Jessica Tandy
Suzanne Pleshette
Tippi Hedren
Veronica Cartwright
Ethel Griffies
In his excellent nonfiction book Danse Macabre, Stephen King posits that the horror story is essentially conservative, a chronicle of the battle between Apollonian and Dionysian forces. These are the Light and Dark sides of the Force, respectively, if you prefer that terminology (obviously it is not only horror stories that utilize this formula). The […]
The Last Man On Earth (1964)
April 11, 2020 by
Film Title
The Last Man On EarthSynopsis
A global pandemic and the inspiration for all zombie movies
Director
Ubaldo RagonaCast
Vincent Price
Franco Bettoia
Emma Danieli
Giacomo Rossi Stuart
The Last Man On Earth is a B & W classic starring Vincent Price. It is a dark and depressing movie based on Richard Matheson’s novel, I Am Legend. This film has to be the basis for dozens of zombie movies, including the classic Romero’s Night of the Living Dead. I debated even watching this […]
The Fighting 69th (1940)
April 9, 2020 by
Film Title
The Fighting 69thSynopsis
James Cagney is a loudmouthed, self-centered braggart, and a soldier fighting in WW1. How will this turn out?
Director
William KeighleyCast
James Cagney
Pat O'Brien
George Brent
Jefferey Lynn
Alan Hale
Frank McHugh
( “Faugh a Ballagh” ) A battle cry of Irish origin meaning ‘clear the way’ was first used as a regimental motto of the Royal Irish Fusiliers back in and now the motto of the Royal Irish Regiment. It was adopted by the the Fusiliers back in 1798 after the exploits of Sgt Patrick Masterson […]
A Note on Hitchcock’s Strangler Trilogy.
April 7, 2020 by
Flanked by Shadow of a Doubt (1943) and Strangers on a Train (1951), Rope. A budding pianist anxious to know if his debut concert will be a success, Philip asks Mrs. Atwater to read his palm. She grants his request and says: “These hands will bring you great fame.” Her prophecy should please him, but […]
John Welsh’s Look At Turner Classic Movies
March 30, 2020 by
For a movie lover, life can change for the good even in these troubled times when Turner Classic Movies re-enters. Yes, I went without TCM for years, when last week a miracle occurred. Yes, a miracle. Great films are on my television screen. What need have I of HBO or Showtime? Ha! I say Ha! […]
The African Queen (1951)
February 19, 2020 by
Film Title
The African QueenSynopsis
World War 1 reaches Central Africa and an unlikely tandem decides to get involved.
Director
John HustonCast
Humphrey Bogart
Katherine Hepburn
Robert Morley
Peter Bull
Here at Ruthless, we are famous for 80’s Action and Christmas Movie Reviews. One genre that is seriously underrepresented at Ruthless is the classics. Movies with dialogue that pops and sizzles, and with great acting and character development. The African Queen is one of my favorite classics and stars two of the greatest actors to […]
