Linnell Reviews

Working Girl (1988)

Excellent Capra-esque comedy/drama

[9/10 · 1 March 1999]

If you are one for those Capra films of the '30s, where the underdog struggles to to top, fighting lies and unjustice en route, 'Working Girl' is your kind of film. Transpose 'Mr Smith goes to Washington' into the late 80s, swap the leads' genders, exchange Washington for Wall St and you are there. The nervous anticipation of Tess as she enters the top-level board meeting with Trask exactly mirrors Smith's first steps inside the Senate. Both characters hit rock bottom and apparent disaster minutes before the end of the film and are then saved and vindicated by a 'miracle'. The seamless blend of comedy, romance, drama and tension is there in both. Even the gift of a new briefcase is common as a symbol of the new status.

A major difference is that Tess' motivation is self-improvement and has to break a few rules to get what she wants (although none that no one else is breaking) unlike Smith's passion for the truth at all costs. 'Working Girl' does not have the same serious depth of 'Mr Smith', but that probably to its advantage, and doesn't quite have the 1939 film's breadth of vision or masterful direction. But it is still a superb movie that can be enjoyed more with each viewing and, apart from its portrayal business technology, hasn't dated or lost its edge in over 10 years. A good example, too, of a movie where the theme song and soundtrack augment the characters and story perfectly. There are also some subtle messages about gender identity in the business world.

Young and Innocent (1937)

Minor Hitch thriller

[8/10 · 18 February 1999]

An early, minor classic from the Master, with all the touches that makes his films so enjoyable and satisfying, time after time. Combines suspense with rustic charm of 1930s English locations. Familiar 'innocent-man-on-the-run' theme, as in the earlier '39 Steps' (and later films) but with additional complication of the Chief Constable's daughter in tow. Has dated badly in places - blacked-up jazz musicians and pronounced English accents, together with some unconvincing model scenes and back-projections. Still, the zooming crane-shot that identifies the murderer is a masterstroke.

Oh, Mr. Porter! (1937)

Superlative entertainment

[8/10 · 18 February 1999]

One of the greatest British comedies of the 1930s and still superbly entertaining. Hay, Moffatt and Marriott produce a first-class comedy trio, bungling their way through a non-stop adventure than involves a haunted windmill, disappearing trains and chasing gunrunners. The final, frantic dash to Belfast is a great climax to the film, despite obvious camera tricks and effects. Correct accents help the authenticity of the Irish location, although it was filmed in southern England.

The Man from Laramie (1955)

Brilliant and engaging

[9/10 · 12 February 1999]

The most rewarding of all the Stewart/Mann films, which are all great films - this one pushes the boundaries a little further. Complex and engaging storyline, with a rich mixture of personalities that go beyond mere character types. Surprisingly brutal in places, even shocking for a 1955 Western, with Stewart's handling of it again proving his extensive acting range. We see the gentle, shy, home-loving Stewart drinking tea, and the intense, driven Stewart, brimming with anger, growling 'You scum!' at his enemy. Mann's usual fabulous scenery/photography and score adds to this brilliant film.

The Hireling (1973)

Disappointing

[5/10 · 11 January 1999]

If you have enjoyed the original Hartley book with its subtleties and irony, then this film is going to be a big disappointment. Although the pace and direction of the screenplay are broadly the same, some of the characters are missing and others have extended roles. The revised finale completely loses the harrowing irony and pathos of the book. Ripe for a Merchant/Ivory production...

Father of the Bride (1950)

Stick out the first half-hour for a rewarding comedy

[7/10 · 11 January 1999]

Tedious and rather predictable for the first few minutes, this classic finally matures into a satisfying comedy. Without Spencer Tracy in the title role it would be extremely dull, and his belligerent, bewildered, but ultimately touching and endearing character injects real-life sentiment. Scope of film effectively embraces almost-slapstick scenarios with poignant insights. Its close portrayal of mid-century, middle-class American family life now make it fascinating for reasons beyond the original idea. Funniest scenes - Tracy's nightmare on the night before the wedding and his dumbfounded reaction as the quarrelling couple make up.

To Be or Not to Be (1942)

Witty comedy at its best

[11 January 1999]

This is a very, very funny movie! It cleverly succeeds in poking fun at the Third Reich and its leaders, without minimising their horrors (like Casablanca). All the key actors are brilliant comedians in their own way, especially Lombard who is without equal (except, perhaps, Jean Arthur). The story whips along at a cracking pace - drama, action, humour and poignancy blend well together to make a great entertainment, including a witty script and some terrific running jokes. A movie you want to see over and over again.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

Still the best classic adventure

[11 January 1999]

Having recently seen this on the big screen, it still holds up very well to films 60 years its junior. This is quality film-making at its best with perfect characters, well-paced direction and a stirring score. The famous sword-fight climax must still be the most exhilarating on screen, enhanced by the breathless, sweaty faces of Flynn and Rathbone which ooze genuine hatred! The original action-adventure film - and definitely the best.

It's a Wonderful World (1939)

Entertaining screwball comedy

[8/10 · 15 December 1998]

Stewart easily steals the picture for laughs in this fast-paced, roller-coaster screwball - playing well outside his normal character range (motivated by money, despising women). Clearly influenced by 'It happened one night', especially with Colbert in the lead. Entertaining movie, genuinely funny, and withstands repeated viewings. Highlights include Stewart's impromptu impersonations of a scout leader and Southern actor and hearing the poem that Colbert has supposedly written just for him being broadcast over the radio (wearing very thick spectacles).

Matinee (1993)

Entertaining nostalgia trip

[8/10 · 11 December 1998]

For 1960s nostalgia buffs, or anyone with fond memories of growing up in that decade, this film is a real treat. Several films successfully blended - kitsch B-movie horror pastiche, sensitive young-teens 'rites-of-passage' and Cold War drama. Top marks not only for period detail, but also period ambience (great soundtrack), plus, thanks to contemporary film-stock, we actually feel we are watching a 60s movie. Witty blending of on-screen fantasy and real-life drama as film progresses. Lots of humour based on movie culture and the Communist/'Bomb' neurosis. Enjoyable entertainment.

The Little Foxes (1941)

Excellent battle-of-values drama

[10/10 · 11 December 1998]

Superb, brooding Southern family melodrama about tension between greed and integrity, revolving around coming-of-age Alexandra Giddens (Teresa Wright), torn between corrupt, cruel and manipulative mother (Davis) and honest, loving, but infirm father (Marshall). Final realization of Davis' cruelty forces her to leave for lover, who embodies personality and values of Marshall. Pivotal scene - impromptu gathering of the honest characters where Marshall reads 'Little Foxes' text from the 'Song of Solomon'. Absorbing character studies, gets better with each viewing.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Charm, wit, pathos

[10/10 · 9 December 1998]

Two warring shop workers in a leather-goods store turn out to be secret sweethearts as they correspond under box-number aliases. Within this simple idea and an everyday setting, Lubitsch produces a rich tapestry of wit, drama, poignancy and irony that never lets up. Stewart and Sullavan are perfect as the average couple with real emotions and tensions, and the rest of the well-developed characters have their own sub-plots and in-jokes. Although wrongly eclipsed by Stewart's big films of 39/40 (Destry, Philadelphia Story, Mr Smith) this is easily on a par and we enjoy a whole range of acting subtlties unseen in the other films.

Destry Rides Again (1939)

Fabulous Western romp

[9 December 1998]

This was the first great Western pastiche - reviving the genre (with Stagecoach) to A-movie status. How many classic Western adventures have real comedy, poignant love scenes and great songs, plus Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart in the leads? All the character (stereo)types are convincing - villains, cowboys, ordinary townsfolk and the Dietrich/Frenchie-Stewart/Destry relationship adds depth. Easily on a par with Stewart's other 39/40 greats (Mr Smith, Philadelphia Story). Entertaining bar-room brawl scenes. Even the score is wonderful! Very highly recommended.

Fail Safe (1964)

Tense, absorbing thriller

[10/10 · 30 November 1998]

Gripping, intelligent Cold-War thriller - beginning at a gentle pace and philosophical level about the possibility of Armageddon, but developing into a tense nail-biter where the impossible seems inevitable. Formidable presence of Henry Fonda (as the President) and psychological tension reminiscent of 12 Angry Men, but with world-wide implications. Exciting cinematography heightens drama, culminating in breath-taking final montage. Unfortunately coincided with better-known Dr Strangelove.