Author Archive: Retro

Based on a story by Somerset Maugham, The Beachcomber was originally released in Great Britain as Vessel of Wrath. This English version was much franker–and much more fun–than the abbreviated, watered-down US release prints. Even the American version, however, is successful in capturing the spirit of Maugham’s tale of slovenly remittance man Charles Laughton drinking and wenching away his monthly allowance in the picturesque Dutch Islands. Elsa Lanchester (the real-life Mrs. Laughton) plays the prim sister of sanctimonious missionary Tyrone Guthrie, who slowly regenerates the wastrelly Laughton. Our hero redeems himself fully through his courageous behavior during a cholera epidemic. This version of The Beachcomber is based on the stage adaptation by Bartlett Cormick; the 1955 remake, which played faster and looser with the Maugham original than the Cormack version did, starred Robert Newton, who plays the local British authority in the 1938 film. The Beachcomber was the only film directed by producer Erich Pommer, [...]

Noted composer goes stale in this colorful tale of backstage life. Music by Oscar Strauss and it’s gay and lifting.

Prominent businessman offers a million dollar reward for the capture of Adolf Hitler. Three ex-cons devise a scheme to get the reward and bring Hitler to justice. Amazingly, based on a true story! Dir. Nick Grinde

Bank teller Vince Grayson wakes from a nightmare in which heand an unknown woman murdered a man in a strange, mirroredroom. Only a dream…but Vince finds that he has physicalobjects and bruises from his “dream.” His cop brother-in-lawdismisses his story…until the family, on a picnic, takes shelter from a thunderstorm in a deserted mansion containing that mirrored room. Is doom closing in on Vince?

Gang of street kids from New York’s East side band together in order to help a crippled vet come up with the downpayment on a chicken farm. First in the series. Produced by Sigmund Neufeld. Dir. Sam Newfield

Group of parachutists must destroy the flame thrower installations on Omaha Beach. Color. Dir. Henry King.

1950 pilot of ‘You Bet Your Life’ recorded live with all the bloopers left in. A rare one!

Female leader of Chinese guerrillas organizes the farmers in preparation to fight Japanese occupation in pre-Pearl Harbor China. Dir. William Nigh

Romance and suspense ensue in Paris as a woman is pursued by several men who want a fortune her murdered husband had stolen. Whom can she trust?