TEAR GAS SQUAD (1940)
Why you should watch it: It’s the little B-movie that could. Dennis Morgan and John Payne play cops who get in each other’s way. Morgan, in fine voice , sings ‘When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,’ along with several other well-known selections. Gloria Dickson is the love interest. This is one of three films she made with Morgan at Warners, all of them directed by Terry Morse.
More reasons: Character actress Mary Gordon is on hand as Dickson’s Irish mother. Mixed in with the music and romance are some good comedy and action sequences.
*****
SHORT CUT TO HELL (1957)
Why you should watch it: It’s the only film James Cagney ever directed, and for a first-time effort, this remake of THIS GUN FOR HIRE is not too bad. Cagney supposedly made the film as a favor to producer A.C. Lyles, and he did not really intend to pursue a career as a director. While it may not be up to the original, the film still has a good deal of energy, and enough suspense to sustain viewer interest.
More reasons: Actress Georgann Johnson is cast in the Veronica Lake role, and she applies a serious amount of realism. At one point, she has to walk down the aisle of a train, and she does it very subtly as if her equilibrium is off-balance, which if you think about it, it should be. How come other actors do not walk realistically on trains, planes and other fast-moving transportation in movies?
*****
FUN ON A WEEKEND (1947)
Why you should watch it: This is one of Priscilla Lane’s last films, and a triumphant comic performance at that. It’s fairly reminiscent of her earlier screwball antics in ARSENIC AND OLD LACE. Only this time instead of Cary Grant, her sparring partner is Eddie Bracken, who brings his own unique brand of humor and pizzazz to the project.
More reasons: The story starts quite simply but as complications develop, it becomes increasingly obvious (and increasingly painful for one’s ribcage) that only the absurd die happy.
*****
ABOUT MRS. LESLIE (1954)
Why you should watch it: Shirley Booth only made five motion pictures, so any chance to see her in a movie is a real treat. This particular item pairs her with Robert Ryan who plays against type as a mysterious magnate with romance in mind. Of course, his idea of companionship differs significantly from hers, yet a bond is forged and it is a lasting connection.
More reasons: Booth displays a range of emotions in this film, and she gets the chance to sing. The story of the couple’s unusual courtship is told mostly in flashback, with several subplots in the present to balance out the narrative.
*****
HIGH NOON (1952)
Why you should watch it: This esteemed western, an allegory about the blacklist, is full of plot impossibilities and contrivances that make an hour and a half in a lawman’s life (and a movie viewer’s life) seem interminably long. But it contains an earnest, heartfelt performance by Gary Cooper who was awarded the Oscar for his efforts. The cast includes a luminous Grace Kelly at the beginning of her movie career as well as sultry Katy Jurado, a star of Mexican cinema.
More reasons: Tex Ritter sings the theme song, which repeats the phrase ‘Do not forsake me, oh my darlin.’ How could anyone forsake this classic?
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