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Reviews
Follow the Sun (1951)
Simply awful
This film is a disgrace to the legacy of Ben Hogan. Hogan was a complicated man who deserved better.
Glenn Ford is AWFUL!!! I've heard stories that he didn't even like golf. But it was still the Hollywood "studio" system, so he was contracted to make this film.
After the 1950 car accident and comeback, Hollywood clearly saw $$$$$ in the story. And rushed out this film as quickly as possible.
Of all the "cameos" in the film, any wonder why Hogan's best friend, Byron Nelson, didn't do it? I don't think he like the idea. I wish Ben hadn't let them do it either.
Ben had a very withdrawn, reserved, guarded persona. But the film hardly touches the "reason" behind that. Did you know Ben was the sole witness to his father's suicide when he was 9 years old? Might explain a lot.
But Hollywood chose to make this wishy-washy, sentimental piece of crap.
Romeo and Juliet (1936)
Leads too old
The retelling of this Shakespeare classic is fine, and the acting performances solid. But I found the 2 leads a little hard to believe because of their ages. While the "suspension of disbelief" is a necessary element for virtually all film, having the 36 year old Norma Shearer and 43 year old Leslie Howard was too much. Romeo and Juliet are supposed to be teenagers!!! Edna Mae Oliver, on the other hand, is perfect as the nurse. In regards to other film productions of R & J. There is no question the Franco Zefferelli version is the best. With a perfect cast of 2 actual teenagers in the lead roles. I recommend everyone to see this version. As a side note, avoid the 1996 DiCaprio/Danes version at all cost. What a waste of Shakespears amazing words.
Call Northside 777 (1948)
Some things don't change
I'm a born and bread, life-long Chicagoan. Even if you were "innocent" but pegged a "cop killer" today, you think the cops would care? This film is brilliant for many reasons. The cinematography is what really does it for me. The "back of the (stock)yards" neighborhood is still there. Although, of course, the demographics have changed a bit. The gritty feel of the polish immigrant community gives it a realism unmatched by many films.
It was also one of Stewart's best performances to date. He was desperately trying to break away from the stereotype of "average Joe hero" like in "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" or the family man of "It's a Wonderful Life". This showed audiences he has a darker, cynical side, which would culminate in his equally brilliant performance in "Anatomy Of A Murder".