Monthly Archives: December 2016

3 things about Ernst Lubitsch’s THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER

Posted on December 19, 2016 by robchristopher

The Shop Around the Corner [1940] 1. Her gloved hand inside the empty post office box. 2. A cacophony of cigarette boxes. 3. The way he tactfully gleans if anyone is without plans for Christmas Eve. Frank Morgan FTW.

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3 things about Irving Cumming’s DOWN ARGENTINE WAY

Posted on December 17, 2016 by robchristopher

Down Argentine Way [1940] 1. “I’ll go all right! I wouldn’t stay if you threw a barbecue in my honor!” 2. Charlotte Greenwood’s Pac-Man hands during “Sing to Your Señorita.” 3. Betty Grable’s aggressively stripy jacket.

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3 things about Michael Haneke’s THE WHITE RIBBON

Posted on December 13, 2016 by robchristopher

The White Ribbon [2009] 1. Acne in crisp black & white. 2. An added layer of meaning when she says, “Sleep tight.” 3. “I never saw the villagers again.” A very slow fade to black, as if all the people … Continue reading →

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3 things about George Pollock’s MURDER MOST FOUL

Posted on December 12, 2016 by robchristopher

Murder Most Foul [1964] 1. “One member of that jury was being deliberately perverse.” “Many more than one, Inspector, I assure you. Eleven, to be precise.” 2. She turns her cape into a lap blanket. 3. A pocket mirror fastened … Continue reading →

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3 things about Ken Russell’s BILLION DOLLAR BRAIN

Posted on December 11, 2016 by robchristopher

Billion Dollar Brian [1967] 1. Leo has a tattoo near his neck. What does it mean? 2. Homolka in long underwear and black garters. 3. General Midwinter has a rather unsubtle logo to match his rather unsubtle name.

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3 things about Guy Hamilton’s FUNERAL IN BERLIN

Posted on December 10, 2016 by robchristopher

Funeral in Berlin [1966] 1. The customs agent opens the suitcase, revealing a collection of lingerie, then looks up at Palmer for an explanation. 2. “What will you tell Ross?” “I don’t know. Let’s get out of here. I’ve got … Continue reading →

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A new tale for Xmas from Barry Gifford.

Posted on December 9, 2016 by robchristopher

In 2009 Chicagoist posted “The Starving Dogs of Little Croatia,” a newly written Christmas story by Barry. Seven years later and the annual tradition continues with “Role Models.” (It just might be included in my documentary!) Enjoy.

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3 things about Sidney J. Furie’s THE IPCRESS FILE

Posted on December 8, 2016 by robchristopher

The Ipcress File [1965] 1. He grinds his own coffee! And uses a french press! In 1965! No wonder he’s referred to as a gourmet. 2. “Do you ever take off your glasses?” she asks. “No,” he replies. “Only when … Continue reading →

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3 things about Ted Demme’s THE REF

Posted on December 5, 2016 by robchristopher

The Ref [1994] 1. “Is it real coffee, or some Scandinavian Christmas potion?” 2. Poodle sweater. 3. Daniel Lanois poster in his bedroom. The kid has taste.

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3 things about Roy Rowland’s THE 5,000 FINGERS OF DR. T.

Posted on December 4, 2016 by robchristopher

The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. [1953] 1. Pointing pink and red gloves. 2. “You talk a lot but I don’t know how much you say.” 3. Flatbed plumber truck with A. ZABLADOWSKI painted across the side. 3 other things.

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