CineFocus Vintage Movies

Lucky Ghost (1942) (info from Imdb) Two down-on-their luck friends suddenly hit the "jackpot" when they win the clothes, car and chauffeur of a rich man in a game of dice. Director: William Beaudine Writers: Lex Neal (story), Vernon Smith (story) Stars: Mantan Moreland, F.E. Miller, Maceo Bruce Sheffield Taglines THRILLS! CHILLS! (original poster- all caps) Goofs During the band number towards the end, a ride cymbal can clearly be heard on the soundtrack - but the only instruments in the drum set seen on screen are a snare drum and a hi-hat cymbal set. Connections Featured in Black History: Lost, Stolen or Strayed (1968) Soundtracks If Anybody Cares Written by Don Swander and June Hershey Performed by Lorenza Flennoy and His Chocolate Drops, Florence O'Brien (uncredited)

Royal Wedding Elizabeth And Philip This is a silent film from Castle Film made for the home market showing the Royal Wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten. Their wedding took place on 20th November 1947 at Westminster Abbey, London. On the morning of their wedding Philip was made Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com

Royal Destiny (1953) A 1953 short British documentary about Queen Elizabeth II. Produced by British Movietone for the Central Office of Information.

Royal Children (1961) A 1961 British short documentary about Queen Elizabeth II's children. Produced by Associated British-Pathe for the Central Office of Information.

Life of a Queen A short 1960 British documentary about Queen Elizabeth II. Produced by Associated British-Pathé for the Central Office of Information. (I'll be posting a series of short vintage documentaries on Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II until the day of her funeral on Monday 19th September. )

The Passionate Plumber (info from Imdb) To make her lover jealous, a beautiful socialite passes off a bumbling plumber as her paramour. Director: Edward Sedgwick Writers: Laurence E. Johnson (adaptation), Ralph Spence (dialogue), Jacques Deval (play "Dans sa candeur naive") Stars: Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante, Polly Moran Trivia "MGM"'s first attempt to promote Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante as a comedy team. The other two pairings of Keaton and Durante are "Speak Easily (1932)" and "What-No Beer? (1933)." Quotes Tony Lagorce: [meeting for a duel with Elmer] Anything! Swords. Pistols. I don't care. I'll kill him anyway. McCracken: What's the difference? Swords, pi... Elmer: Satisfy both sides. Let him have a sword and I'll use a pistol. Connections Alternate-language version of Le plombier amoureux (1932) Soundtracks Mariska (1925) (uncredited) Music by Erno Rapee

A Girl Of The Limberlost (1934) (info from Imbd) Elnora Comstock is the badly abused daughter of Katherine Comstock, who blames her because her father was drowned while on the way home the night she was born. She finds her comfort with Margaret and Westley Sinton, a childless neighbouring couple, who help her with her school costs, as does the wealthy Mrs. Parker, who takes an interest in the talented young girl. She meets and falls in love with Phillip Ammon, the nephew of Dr. Ammon, but learns that he is already engaged. Director: Christy Cabanne Writers: Gene Stratton-Porter (novel "A Girl of the Limberlost"), Adele Comandini (screenplay) Stars: Louise Dresser, Marian Marsh, Ralph Morgan

THE BAT WHISPERS (1930) Special 65mm Widescreen Edition (info from Imbd site) A master criminal terrorizes the occupants of an isolated country mansion. The Bat, a master criminal, steals a necklace from the safe in the house of a rich socialite. He leaves a note saying he is going to the country to give the police a rest. Pausing only to rob a bank at Oakdale, he proceeds to terrorise the occupants of a lonely country mansion, in a mixture of thrills, chills and laughs. Director: Roland West Writers: Mary Roberts Rinehart (based upon a stage play by), Avery Hopwood (based upon a stage play by), Roland West (uncredited) Stars: Chester Morris, Una Merkel, William Bakewell Taglines "DON'T MOVE!" The World's most cunning bad man spurns danger in a daring quest after a great fortune. You'll laugh and gasp; throb and thrill. (Print Ad- Otsego Farmer, ((Cooperstown, NY)) 30 January 1931) Trivia This is allegedly the film that inspired Bob Kane to create Batman. Goofs After the bank robbery, there is a obvious slot in the "road" where the miniature car travels. Quotes Police captain: [after The Bat has committed a daring crime under the noses of the police] Get me Detective Anderson! No cheap crook is going to make a monkey out of me and get away with it! Crazy credits After the film an actor comes onto a movie house stage and implores the audience to withhold the identity of the bat from family and friends so they can also enjoy the movie. Alternate versions This film was shot in two versions with a different director of photography for each. One is in standard 35mm and the other in an early 65mm process. The 65mm version is considered "stagebound" (it was actually based on a popular play) while the 35mm version is considered more "cinematic". Prints of both versions still exist. Connections Featured in Cinemassacre's Bat-a-Thon (2008)

Please Murder Me (1956) A lawyer suffers a guilt complex after getting a murder acquittal for his client, and then finding out she did commit the crime. Director: Peter Godfrey Writers: Al C. Ward (screenplay), Donald Hyde (screenplay), Ewald André Dupont (original story) Stars: Angela Lansbury, Raymond Burr, Dick Foran Trivia This is one of Lamont Johnson's last movies as an actor before becoming a full-time director. Quotes Myra Leeds: I'll just have a coke if you don't mind, my husband doesn't like me to drink during the day. He thinks it's a bad habit to get into; alcohol I mean. Connections Edited into Muchachada nui: Episode #2.9 (2008)

The Ghost Camera (1933) When a photograph is taken at the scene of a murder, the camera is tossed out of a castle window to destroy the evidence and lands in the back of a passing car belonging to chemist John Gray who becomes an amateur sleuth after developing the film, and goes in search of the woman captured by the photograph. Then the camera is stolen from his laboratory. Director: Bernard Vorhaus Writers: Joseph Jefferson Farjeon (by: {"A Mystery Narrative"}), H. Fowler Mear (adapted for the screen by) Stars: Henry Kendall, John Mills, Victor Stanley Trivia Ida Lupino was allegedly 15 years old when she made this film. Quotes John Gray: I've got some photographs here I'd like to show you. Mary Elton: Now listen, if you try selling me any of those things I'll shout for the police! This is London, not Paris. Connections Featured in Truly, Madly, Cheaply!: British B Movies (2008)

Child Bride (1938) Also known as Dust to Dust A schoolteacher in a rural community campaigns to stop the practice of older men marrying underage girls. Director: Harry Revier Writer: Harry Revier (story and screenplay) Stars: Shirley Mills, Bob Bollinger, Warner Richmond Trivia The only film the cast and crew of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988) refused to satirize after watching. During an interview, host Michael J. Nelson revealed that the crew considered the film "disturbing." Quotes Freddie: I'll beat you undressed, Jennie. Jennie: Freddie, you ain't goin' swimmin' with me no more. So don't you take your clothes off. Freddie: Aw, you're teasin'. Jennie: No, I'm not. I mean it. Freddie: We've always gone in swimmin' together. Why not now? Jennie: Teacher says not to. Freddie: Why? Jennie: Well, because... because we're not what we used to be. Freddie: You mean, we're different. How? Jennie: Naw. We're the same, only you can't see me without my clothes on. Freddie: How come? I know how you look without your clothes on. I've seen ya lots of times, haven't I? Jennie: Yes, I know, but now we're grown up and barin'. Teacher says that I shouldn't put bad ideas into your head. Freddie: Aw, shucks. Now I can't kiss ya no more. Jennie: Of course you can, silly. Only with my clothes on. Freddie: Alright, but I wish that teacher would mind her own business. Jennie: Now don't beg. Crazy credits Angel Rossitto portrays diminutive moonshiner Angelo, but the credits identify him as "Don Barrett." Connections Featured in Sleazemania III: The Good, the Bad and the Sleazy (1986)

Court Of Last Resort: the Mary Morales Case | 1957 Tv Series (info from imdb) The Court of Last Resort was founded by Erle Stanley Gardner in the 1950s. The team sought to reveal whether someone already found guilty might really be innocent. The show dramatized the original crime then followed the investigation. Actual cases were used Juan Morales walked into a bar after seeing his wife Mary, with another man. But it was his wife who was sent to prison for life. After 6 years, can a new lawyer find her innocent? Director: James Goldstone Writers: Max Ehrlich, Arthur Weiss, Erle Stanley Gardner (co-creator) Stars: Lyle Bettger, Joe De Santis, Carl Benson

Another episode from the Brainy Baby series aimed at young children and toddlers. This episode teaches animals.

Brainy Baby Left Brain 1999 ish VHS with 2002 ish music

The Studio Murder Mystery (1929) Philandering actor Richard Hardell is murdered at a movie studio. His jealous wife Blanche, his director Rupert Borka, and a girl he mistreated, Helen MacDonald, all have substantial reasons for having wanted him dead. Director: Frank Tuttle Writers: A. Channing Edington (based on magazine serial), Carmen Ballen Edington (based on magazine serial), Frank Tuttle (adaptation and dialogue) Stars: Neil Hamilton, Doris Hill, Warner Oland Trivia One of the earliest of over 700 Paramount Productions, filmed between 1929 and 1949, which were sold to MCA/Universal in 1958 for television distribution, and have been owned and controlled by MCA ever since. Quotes Rupert Borka: No, no, no. That is terrible. Get up. Richard Hardell: Well, what's the matter? Rupert Borka: Matter? Well you cannot act. That is all. You do not feel it; you do not think it. Bah! Richard Hardell: Want me to try again? Rupert Borka: What for? I told you all week that you cannot act. Then I thought maybe if we came here and rehearsed here alone tonight... but it is useless. Why that dummy has more feeling than you. Richard Hardell: Ohhh [throws dummy out of chair and onto floor] Richard Hardell: Now look here, Borka. Why don't you play ball? You agreed to give this part to the winner of that newspaper contest. Now didn't you? Rupert Borka: Yes. Richard Hardell: Yes. Rupert Borka: Like a fool! Richard Hardell: Oh, well you just say that because the winner was me and you've always thought I was just a rich man to hang around moving picture people. Rupert Borka: And you are! Richard Hardell: No, I'm not either. I've always really wanted to act. And if you weren't the director, old boy I'd be making good right now. Rupert Borka: You are crazy. You cannot act and you will never learn to act. Connections References The Benson Murder Case (1930) Soundtracks Bridal Chorus from "Lohengrin" (uncredited) Written by Richard Wagner Heard at the end of the film

Three riverboat workers perform the title song, accompanied by a banjo, a jew's harp, and bones. Meanwhile, Uncle Tom brings Fluffy the pig to the pier on a donkey cart so she may board the riverboat. Piggy, her lover, is the captain. Piggy's exploits include riding an alligator's tail, rescuing Fluffy from a villain with a moustache, and saving Uncle Tom from drowning. Uncle Tom had his own experience when he ended up at a graveyard by accident. The skeletons had sprung from their graves, offering to transport him to Hallelujah Land. Director: Rudolf Ising Star: Rudolf Ising (uncredited) TRIVIA - - One of the "Censored 11" banned from TV syndication by United Artists (then the owners of the Looney Tunes film library) in 1968 for their blatant racism. Ted Turner continued the ban when he was hired and stated that these films will not be re-issued and will not be put on home video. These cartoons will probably never air on television again, and only non-Warner Bros.-licensed public domain tapes/DVDs will probably ever have these cartoons on them. Featured in Animation Lookback: Top 10 Controversial Cartoons (2015) (TV Episode) The "Censored Eleven" are ranked at number 1.

Hot Rod Girl (1956) After his kid brother is killed in a street race, a champion drag-racer quits racing. However, a new kid comes to town determined to force him back into racing so he can take his title--and he's already taken his girlfriend. Director: Leslie H. Martinson Writer: John McGreevey (original story and screenplay) Stars: Lori Nelson, Chuck Connors, John Smith Trivia The 1955 Thunderbird that Lori Nelson drives was actually her own car. The script called for her to drive a sports car but there wasn't enough money in the budget to rent one, so she offered to drive her own car, which the company gratefully accepted. Goofs When fight starts in YoYo's near end of film, YoYo gets excited and tells Jeff's girl to call the police. When he reaches out to get her attention he grabs her left breast, putting his hand all over it. She seems a little startled!! LOL!. Quotes L.P.: Okay, I made a mistake. Two Tanks: YOUR PARENTS made a mistake. Crazy credits The first word in Nacirema Productions is "American" backwards. Connections Featured in Steve Smith Playhouse: Hot Rod Girl (2004)

Somewhere In The Night 1946 George Taylor returns from WWII with amnesia. Back home in Los Angeles, while trying to track down his old identity, he stumbles onto a 3-year old murder case and a hunt for a missing $2 million. Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz Writers: Howard Dimsdale (screenplay), Joseph L. Mankiewicz (screenplay), Marvin Borowsky (story) Stars: John Hodiak, Nancy Guild, Lloyd Nolan

The Private Life of Henry VIII King Henry VIII marries five more times after his divorce from his first wife Catherine of Aragon. Director: Alexander Korda Writers: Lajos Biró (story and dialogue), Arthur Wimperis (story and dialogue) Stars: Charles Laughton, Robert Donat, Franklin Dyall

Ghosts on the Loose (1943) The East Side Kids try to fix up a house for newlyweds, but find the place next door "haunted" by mysterious men. Director: William Beaudine Writer: Kenneth Higgins (original screenplay by) Stars: Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordan

The Little Princess (1939) A little girl is left by her father in an exclusive seminary for girls, when her father fights in the Second Boer War. Later, when he is presumed dead she is forced to become a servant. Directors: Walter Lang, William A. Seiter (uncredited) Writers: Ethel Hill (screen play), Walter Ferris (screen play), Frances Hodgson Burnett (based on the novel by) Stars: Shirley Temple, Richard Greene, Anita Louise

Murder by the Clock (1931) When a wealthy woman dies, she is buried with a loud horn in her crypt due to her fear of premature burial. Before her will can be read, her heirs start to die mysteriously. Taglines Three Murders Done-But Only Two Persons Die! Trivia One of over 700 Paramount Productions, filmed between 1929 and 1949, which were sold to MCA/Universal in 1958 for television distribution, and have been owned and controlled by Universal ever since. Quotes Jane, a Maid: Are you married? Officer Cassidy: Well, not that I know of! Jane, a Maid: Have you have any bad habits? Do you drink or smoke? Officer Cassidy: I thought you said *bad* habits! Director: Edward Sloman Writers: Charles Beahan (play); Rufus King (story), Henry Myers (adaptation) Stars: William 'Stage' Boyd, Lilyan Tashman, Irving Pichel

Japs Bugs Bunny Tokio Jokio 1943 - One of the 'Censored 11' Tokio Jokio is a 1943 Looney Tunes short directed by Norman McCabe (Cpl. was added after the film finished production, as McCabe was drafted into the Armed Forces before its release). It is a propaganda film made during World War II mocking Japan in the style of a supposed Japanese film journal broadcast. Mel Blanc supplied all the voices. **Controversy over stereotypes:** The cartoon was intended as an American propaganda film against Japan while the two countries were at war. The depiction of the Japanese would generally be considered unsavory by today's standards. All the Japanese are shown wearing big glasses, having buck teeth and grinning and rubbing their hands in a very sinister way. Their stereotypical politeness is mocked by their continuous use of the words: "please", "regrettable" and "honorable". Also, their language is spoofed by adding many "Ooo's" at the start of every sentence and replacing the letter "l" with the letter "r" and vice versa. Furthermore, the Japanese are represented as being incompetent, weak, cowardly, and primitive. Although the jokes are generally aimed at Japan, the cartoon also pokes fun at Lord Haw Haw, Rudolph Hess, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. As with a lot of World War II cartoons in America, this hasn't aired on any network, syndicated, or cable channel due to its offensive content. However, the Cartoon Network animation history show ToonHeads once showed clips of this cartoon during a special episode about World War II-era cartoons, with a voiceover explaining that the cartoon, like many others at the time, had very cruel depictions of the Japanese.

Royal Wedding (1951) | Full Movie A brother and sister dance act encounter challenges and romance when booked in London during the Royal Wedding. Director: Stanley Donen Writer: Alan Jay Lerner (story) Stars: Fred Astaire, Jane Powell, Peter Lawford

Bluebeard 1944 In Paris, an artist hires portrait models, and after he finishes their portraits, he strangles them. Director: Edgar G. Ulmer Writers: Arnold Lipp (story), Werner H. Furst (story), Pierre Gendron (screenplay) Stars: John Carradine, Jean Parker. Nils Asther