Author Archive: Retro

A dancer helps an American reporter in a spy scheme. Color. Dir. Charles Bryant.

Based on a true story, this drama depicts the downfall of teenager Richie Werner (Robby Benson) through a destructive drug habit. Induced by peers to use drugs, Richie is drawn deeper into a pattern of addiction, to the horror of his girlfriend, mother (Eileen Brennan) and brother (Lance Kerwin). Richie’s behavior is dealt with most forcefully by his father (Ben Gazzara), who will not tolerate drugs. When Richie becomes increasingly violent, his family must take action.

Dir. Sergei Eisenstein. In 1547, Ivan IV (1530-1584), archduke of Moscow, crowns himself Tsar of Russia and sets about reclaiming lost Russian territory. In scenes of his coronation, his wedding to Anastasia, his campaign against the Tartars in Kazan, his illness when all think he will die, recovery, campaigns in the Baltic and Crimea, self-imposed exile in Alexandrov, and the petition of Muscovites that he return, his enemies among the boyars threaten his success.

Young woman caught in an advertising scandal finds success with the help of a young man who loves her, unaware that the ad-agency is plotting her downfall.

Boston shipbuilder competes with a British vessel in a fierce competitive race from China to New England.

In 17th century Italy, a simple and clumsy young man joins a Franciscan order, pursues full priesthood and performs a miracle that eventually ensures his sainthood.

Sequel to “Father of the Bride”. Tracy marries off his daughter and becomes an reluctant grandfather.

A group of blacklisted film makers made this movie during the McCarthy era. Contention is the result when New Mexico zinc mine workers organize a strike.