Author Archive: Retro

Guy Rolfe is top-billed in the British Prelude to Fame, but the critics’ attention was directed at young newcomer Jeremy Spencer. This is the story of a poverty-stricken boy named Guido (Spencer) who turns out to be a musical prodigy. Prodded into fame by a wealthy, childless patroness of the arts (Kathleen Ryan), Guido rises to the uppermost rungs of the musical world — and loses his childhood in the process. Star Rolfe is cast as John Morrell, the philosophy professor who discovers Guido’s genius, only to regret what happens to the boy afterward. Best scene: Jeremy Spencer leading the London Philharmonic without adult assistance. Released in America by Universal-International, Prelude to Fame is based on a story by Aldous Huxley.

Kurosawa’s noir about a detective tracking his stolen gun.

Rare film tells of post-WWII Italy where women without passports were placed in detention camps. Hard-hitting, unflinching story of the life and conditions in these camps. In English, French & Italian with English subtitles. English dialogue by Jesse Lasky, Jr.

Drunken prostitute is protected from her abusive pimp by a sailor and a local bartender. English subtitles.

Jewel thieves become interested in an invisibility formula invented by Professor Nakazato and want to use his invention to acquire a diamond necklace called the “Tears of Amour”..

Jewel thieves become interested in an invisibility formula invented by Professor Nakazato and want to use his invention to acquire a diamond necklace called the “Tears of Amour”..

Comedy about a man mistaken for Oliver Cromwell’s spy.

Six stories of life in Italy, many featuring Allied soldiers and nurses during WWII. English subtitles.