Here is an alphabetical list of movies I watched that were nominated this year. Below is the list of award winners with what I would have voted for - or click here
A Tale of Two Cities
I was absolutely blown away by the ending of this movie! The level of intensity was off the charts! The way the story unfolded was incredibly well-executed. Certain moments in the cinematography were truly outstanding, especially the clever use of panning. The editing was absolutely fantastic, delivering a real punch. The score was simply phenomenal, and the sound design was ok. What really made this movie shine for me was Ronald Colman. His performance was beyond exceptional! Not only is he incredibly talented, but his eyes are captivating as well. Unfortunately, the leading actress fell short in comparison to his extraordinary acting abilities. On the other hand, Edna May Oliver, Blanche Yurka, and Isabel Jewell delivered fantastic performances as supporting actresses. Basil Rathbone, Donald Woods, and Mitchell Lewis also did a very commendable job. The direction of the film was solid, particularly in the group scenes where tension was skillfully built up towards the end. The interaction between Defarge and Pross was a personal highlight for me. The costume design was impeccable, and some of the sets were quite impressive too. Now, the big question: does this movie deserve an Oscar Nom-Nom? Absolutely! It deserves recognition in both categories. However, it's a shame that Ronald wasn't nominated for Best Actor, and perhaps a screen adaptation award as well. In my opinion, it was unjustly overlooked.
7/10.
After the Thin Man
What a delightfully entertaining film! It provided moments of leisurely pacing here and there, but overall, it excelled at creating an atmosphere of suspense and fascination. While it may not have been a pinnacle of cinematography and editing, the visual aesthetics and wardrobe choices were absolutely breathtaking. William Powell delivered a stellar performance, and Myra Loy was simply enchanting. However, the real showstopper was Jimmy Stewart in the finale – his portrayal was absolutely fabulous! I must admit, I found the supporting actresses to be somewhat underwhelming. Should this film be bestowed with an Oscar Nom-Nom? Absolutely! Perhaps it could have received recognition for its outstanding costume or production design as well.
7/10.
Anthony Adverse
While I usually adore grandiose sagas, this particular one failed to amaze me. The conclusion left me disheartened, although I comprehend the necessity of it. I appreciate the nuanced portrayal of villains with a tender side and the moral complexity of virtuous characters engaging in questionable deeds. However, I struggled to fully immerse myself in the overall story. Fredric March's performance was truly magnificent, while the others were somewhat forgettable, except for Claude Raines, who also delivered a great portrayal. The cinematography was exceptional, skillfully encompassing various captivating locations. It was good in many aspects but lacked extraordinary brilliance. Nonetheless, it remains an enjoyable viewing experience, particularly recommended for those who appreciate this genre. Perhaps a tad lengthy, in my opinion.
7.3/10.
Banjo on My Knee
At first, this movie got under my skin, until I realised it was a comedy. Barbara Stanwyck's acting was top-notch, and I couldn't help but adore Katherine DeMille's performance as well. And oh my, Buddy Ebsen, known to me only from the Beverly Hillbillies, stole my heart with his lovable character. However, the true standout was the incredibly talented Walter Brennan. His skills are so remarkable that I often fail to recognize him from one movie to the next. He's swiftly becoming one of my absolute favorites. The songs in this film were undeniably fantastic and irresistibly catchy. I caught myself humming the title song on numerous occasions, although I must confess that my personal favorite was the soulful St. Louis Blues. Tony Martin's voice simply bewitches me.
On the downside, the story was decent but occasionally annoying, and the excessive violence left a sour taste in my mouth. The character of Ernie didn't sit well with me, and my heart ached for poor Chick.
Did this movie deserve an Oscar Nom-Nom? Honestly, no. It was enjoyable, but not quite worthy of such prestigious recognition. 6.7/10 Bored of Education
The young actors delivered an impressive performance that left me thoroughly impressed. As someone who hadn't experienced the joy of watching the Little Rascals before, this film served as a delightful introduction. However, I must admit that I have a strong aversion to balloons, and the sight of Alfalfa with one in his mouth sent shivers down my spine. Nonetheless, it was an incredibly cute and enjoyable experience overall. And hey, bribery always seems to do the trick! Ha! The only downside was that the balloon-inflating scene dragged on a bit too long, leaving me concerned about potential germs. But despite that minor flaw, this movie deserves an Oscar Nom-Nom for sure! It's one of the rare short films that I didn't cringe at while watching.
6.6/10
Born to Dance
Oh boy, what a disappointment! James Stewart's incredible talent is completely squandered in this film. He's an absolute joy to watch, but his acting skills are far too impressive for this utter nonsense. I can't stand movies that rely on silly misunderstandings as their main plot. Eleanor Powell does a decent job, although it feels like her talents are somewhat underutilized. The dance sequences are decent, but they lack that wow factor. Buddy Epsen had his moments, but he relied a bit too heavily on his familiar trademarks. Overall, this movie was a total miss for me.
6.65/10.
Cain and Mabel
I enjoyed Gable and Hopkins' performances, although their on-screen chemistry didn't quite spark. The acting was decent, but it felt like their talents were underutilized in this particular film. The storyline followed a typical formula for musicals during that era. However, what truly captivated me was the heartfelt conversation they had about leaving their careers behind and embracing a simpler life. That scene became the standout moment for me. As for the nominated dance sequence, it went above and beyond, feeling excessive and irrelevant to the overall film. Just because you have the ability to do something doesn't necessarily mean it's a wise choice.
6.61/10.
Come and Get It
This movie was more of a flop than a hit in my book. The positives: it showcased stunning cinematography, particularly in capturing the captivating timber cutting and moving operations. The clever use of camera angles and shadows added to its eerie atmosphere, effectively highlighting the inappropriate nature of Barney's feelings.
On the flip side, the aging effects fell flat for me, the sound quality was abysmal, making it impossible to comprehend Walter Brennan's dialogue, and I disliked the glorification of violence.
As for an Oscar Nom-Nom, I'm content with Walter Brennan's Supporting Actor award, but for his performance in "Banjo on my Knee," not this movie. And when it comes to film editing, "A Tale of Two Cities" far surpassed it.
6/10.
Dancing Pirate
This movie was quite a struggle, to say the least. The storyline seemed to lack coherence, the attempts at comedy fell flat, and the romantic aspects were devoid of any spark. Additionally, the timing of certain scenes didn't sit well with me. I have a strong preference for actors of the appropriate ethnicity portraying non-white roles, although I must admit that Frank Morgan's performance was commendable. Despite all this, it wasn't a complete disaster; it simply left me feeling bored and bewildered. The dance sequences featuring numerous performers were the highlights, but everything else was rather uninspiring. I cannot recommend this movie to anyone.
As for an Oscar Nom-Nom, perhaps it deserves recognition in the Dance Direction category, but an impressive dance routine within a lackluster film shouldn't be cause for too much excitement.
6/10.
Dodsworth
I was absolutely captivated by this film, and it's no wonder it scooped up numerous awards and nominations. The storyline was absolutely enthralling, and although I initially held a dislike for Sam, my sentiments changed completely by the end, and I found myself genuinely empathizing with him and rooting for him to be with Edith. On the other hand, I despised Fran, but that was precisely the intended effect. The visuals of the movie were stunning, with breathtaking cinematography and exquisite costumes. The performances delivered by the cast were exceptional, and the ending took me by surprise, especially considering the time period. I wholeheartedly recommend this film to anyone and it has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Plus, David Niven's charm is simply irresistible.
Now, let's talk about its Oscar potential. It definitely deserves a nomination for Best Picture and Best Actor, as both aspects were truly outstanding. However, I must say that Maria's character didn't have enough screen time to justify an award. Nonetheless, I fully support all the other nominations, and this film will certainly be a tough contender to surpass.
8.5/10
Dummy Ache
This one was quite humorous. Some of it was silly but overall, it is still filled with laughs, even to a modern audience. Worthy of its nomination.
6.1/10.
Fury
Hmm, I had higher hopes for this one, but it fell a bit short for me. I'm a big fan of Spencer Tracey, and he delivered some impressive performances. Katherine Grant also stood out with her great acting. The film had its fair share of intriguing moments that really made me ponder. However, the overall storyline felt unbelievably silly. It could have been executed in a more believable manner, as it seemed like they took the easy route. Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable watch.
7/10.
General Spanky
I liked this one more than the score I gave it but sometimes that's how it goes. It a kid's film but it truly delivered an enjoyable experience. The young actors showcased their talent for the most part, adding to the film's charm. From start to finish, it captivated me, providing constant entertainment. While it may not achieve remarkable cinematography or intricate plot twists, it never aimed for that in the first place. Instead, it focused on its own unique qualities, and I must say, I genuinely relished it. Considering my personal viewpoint, I would rate it a solid 7 out of 10. It's worth noting that my scoring system accounts for aspects of filmmaking that this particular movie didn't need to emphasize.
6.4/10.
Give Me Liberty
Yawn! Prepare for a snooze fest as this film fails to deliver any redeeming qualities. While it may pique the interest of American viewers, for me, it resembled the excitement of watching paint dry. Thankfully, it was mercifully short.
5/10.
Gold Diggers of 1937
The original Gold Diggers of 1933 left a lasting impression on me, but now, four years later, the franchise has lost its shine. Unfortunately, such disappointments are not uncommon in the world of sequels. While I still hold a fondness for Dick Powell and his captivating singing voice, and there were certainly moments of brilliance in the plot (which was refreshingly unique), the overall experience fell flat.
One aspect that puzzled me was the decision not to dub a strong singing voice for Blondell. It was a missed opportunity that left me wanting more. The nominated song that featured in the movie failed to deliver the innovative spark that once defined the franchise. It felt unoriginal and lacked the impact it once had. Additionally, the visual effects felt clumsy and outdated, failing to impress.
However, amidst the shortcomings, there was a redeeming theme that resonated with me – the notion of staying forever young at heart, regardless of age. It's an idea that holds its charm, even if the film failed to fully capture its potential.
Gold Diggers of 1937 had its moments, with Dick Powell's magnetic presence and some standout elements in the plot. Yet, as a whole, it fell short of expectations. While it is disheartening, it serves as a reminder that even beloved franchises can lose their magic over time.
6.7/10
Libeled Lady
Prepare to be captivated! The stellar performances of William Powell and Myrna Loy in this magnificent film left me in awe. Their acting prowess truly shone through, establishing them as an irresistible on-screen duo. While Spencer's portrayal was decent (though Jean failed to impress me), it was the impeccable lighting, breathtaking cinematography, and fashionable costumes that added an extra layer of charm.
Although the plot may have seemed far-fetched at times, it was undeniably clever, weaving a web of intrigue that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn. Amidst the absurdity, the film delivered moments of timeless comedic brilliance that had me laughing out loud. Without a doubt, this movie proved to be an exceptionally entertaining watch from start to finish.
7.8/10.
Lloyd's of London
Lloyd's of London pleasantly surprised me with its captivating storyline. Despite my initial doubts, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this film. Tyronne Power's captivating charm and exceptional acting skills truly stood out. The on-screen chemistry between Power and Carroll was palpable and added an extra layer of excitement. Additionally, Freddie Bartholomew's performance was commendable. Although the movie leaned towards patriotism at times, it remained utterly fascinating throughout.
7.1/10.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
This cinematic gem left a lasting impression, lingering in my thoughts long after the credits rolled. While some may argue that Gary Cooper seemed a touch mature for the role, his impeccable acting prowess more than compensated for any concerns. The plot took unexpected twists and turns, skillfully toying with the audience's perception of Mr. Deeds and his motivations. And oh, what a glorious finale it delivered!
Admittedly, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" wasn't without its flaws, encountering a few jarring plot moments along the way. However, when considering the bigger picture, this film stands tall as one of the finest offerings of the year. It left an indelible mark on my cinematic journey, securing its spot among the best movies I've had the pleasure of experiencing in recent times.
7.4/10.
My Man Godfrey
A charming yet quirky affair. As a fan of William Powell's films, I approached "My Man Godfrey" with excitement, but I must admit it left me slightly unsettled. While undeniably entertaining, the storyline veered into the realm of nonsensical, which dampened my overall enjoyment. Carole Lombard's portrayal, although intended to be endearing, unfortunately grated on my nerves. Even Alice Brady, whom I typically admire, didn't quite win me over with her performance. Though the movie boasted some remarkable moments, when comparing it to Powell's other works of the same year, I found myself leaning towards alternative choices.
7.3/10.
One In a Million
Oh my, I must express my disappointment with this film. Regrettably, it failed to interest me, leaving me thoroughly bored throughout. I would have gladly preferred witnessing Sonja's continuous skating prowess instead of enduring the lackluster storyline, subpar performances, and dreadful supporting acts. Undoubtedly, this ranks among the most disappointing movies I have encountered this year.
5/10.
Pennies From Heaven
Bing, oh Bing! While this film didn't reach amazing heights, it undeniably possessed remarkable aspects. Poole's mindset captivated me, and Louis Armstrong's performance left a lasting impression. The opening scene evoked emotion, and the heartfelt relationships depicted throughout tugged at my heartstrings. It's hard to find fault with this movie, though I must admit it fell short of being fantastic. Nevertheless, it delivered a truly satisfying experience.
7.4/10.
Pigskin Parade
There were some aspects that could have been improved, such as introducing the farmers earlier and delving deeper into their connections with the students. However, Judy's incredible performance, especially considering her young age, was truly remarkable. Although I initially had doubts about getting into an American football movie, it turned out to be quite enjoyable. The only downside was the excessive length and the overabundance of music, making it a tad longwinded.
6/10.
Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor
Dull and unimpressive! The sound effects in this film were utterly disappointing, and the absence of a coherent plot was glaringly obvious. The singing performances fell short of expectations. Regrettably, I struggle to find any redeeming features in this particular movie. Sorry!
4.7/10.
Romeo and Juliet
As someone who isn't particularly fond of Shakespeare, I must admit that this film exceeded my expectations. The intricate costumes and mesmerizing sets truly stood out and left a lasting impression. While the acting had a distinct theatrical quality, it suited the nature of the story. What truly captivated me were the stunningly beautiful shots throughout the movie, which led me to rate it highly. Without a doubt, this film deserves recognition for its exceptional production design.
One aspect that surprised me was Basil's nomination for Supporting Actor. Not that he didn't deliver an impressive performance (he certainly did), but considering his limited screen time, the nomination caught me off guard. On the other hand, Norma's nomination was well-deserved, although her portrayal had a few exaggerated moments that detracted from her overall performance.
Nevertheless, I must commend Leslie Howard for his outstanding portrayal in this film. His performance was truly remarkable and, in my opinion, deserving of a nomination.
8/10.
San Francisco
I wanted to like this more than I did but it was still pretty good. I don't think this is Gable's best performance but I did like the tough guy act. I found Jeanette bearable. She is so pretty! The stand-out performance for me here was Spencer Tracey. So good! He should have won the best supporting actor award for this movie I think. He didn't have enough screen time to warrant a lead acting category. The last 15 minutes of the movie were great. The effects were pretty good for the time. The editing was pretty clunky through the whole movie. The ending was cliche but, as I'm a Christian, it tugged at my heartstrings.
7/10.
Sing, Baby, Sing
Oh dear. This movie felt like a complete waste of time and not in a good way. The plot was so boring! I like Alice Faye's voice but it's not that memorable. And the Ritz Brothers - soooo painful and annoying. Apart from some nice songs, this movie has nothing memorable, apart from the tedium.
5.34/10.
Suzy
It was interesting to see Cary Grant in a villain role and I quite enjoyed it. I liked Jean Harlow in the happy moments but wasn't convinced by the sad. Tone's accent was terrible. The plot was overly melodramatic and had more holes than swiss cheese. But it was enjoyable for the chemistry between Harlow and the male leads - my favourite actor and relationship though was with Lewis Stone. He was brilliant and I love the father daughter bond with Harlow. That was my highlight. Turn your brain off and it's quite enjoyable.
6.6/10.
Swing Time
This was good, but nothing special. I love Fred Astaire and I loved most of the numbers. Ginger was fantastic in this one and the dresses were chef's kiss. My pleasant surprise for this film was how good the supporting cast were. I got slightly bored at the end but there were some stellar and funny moments throughout. The sound wasn't great, but the songs were beautiful.
7.2/10.
That Girl from Paris
This had some really funny moments but for the most part, it was just stupid. The sets were pretty good but that was about it. I fast-forwarded through the singing. I think I was most disappointed by the lack of chemistry between the characters. Lucille Ball was pretty good but wasn't in it very much. Her dance sequence was the highlight of the film.
6.3/10.
The Charge of the Light Brigade
I found the story a tad uninteresting with no real plot points to keep me watching. I thought most of the acting was too much. But I really enjoyed Spring's performance and I thought the score was fantastic. Having Errol and David Niven in uniform was nice. I think it totally deserves it's nominations for the score but I think Spring maybe should have been nominated for supporting actress.
7.2/10.
The Country Cousin
Not a bad cartoon. It had some cute moments, but the jokes tend to go on too long and it was the same sort of thing over and over. Just seemed a bit pointless but looked nice.
6.10.
The Garden of Allah
Not a fan of the plot here and both the acting and the score were too melodramatic. However, what I gave good scores for here was the cinematography and the colour. Also, the end scene was fantastic. I loved Basil Rathbone; I think he is such an underrated actor. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone but I'm glad I watched it.
7.2/10.
The General Died at Dawn
I loved the cinematography in this movie. My favourite shots were the arm on the jacket, the bowling ball, and where the four corners roll down to reveal what is going on in other areas. I found the plot weird - relationships seemed to move too fast and for no reason. I didn't feel much chemistry between the main characters, nor any realistic motives. It just felt too surface level. The acting was OK, with Gary being the stand-out.
7/10.
The Great Ziegfeld
While I adore the talented William Powell and his commendable performance in this film, I struggled to form a personal connection. I don't think his acting is to blame; I believe the screenplay fell short. On the other hand, Luise Rainer truly excelled in her role, initially captivating my heart, albeit becoming slightly grating towards the end. Perhaps she overplayed it a tad? Nevertheless, the movie remains enjoyable. However, I must admit, the delivery of the plot failed to captivate me. It seemed to prioritize superficiality over substance, with minimal tension aside from financial concerns. Fear not, though, as this film truly shines when it comes to its grandiose theatrical moments. Prepare to be dazzled! The Oscars committee clearly adores epic and saga-like productions—the grander, the better! Yet, personally, I yearned for a more gripping narrative, heightened tension, and stronger acting performances. Undeniably interesting to watch, but regrettably lacking emotional connection to any of the characters.
7/10.
The Gorgeous Hussy
At the beginning of this movie, I thought I'd hate it but it got better - not great, but not terrible. The story was interesting, even though it was nothing like real life. The acting was pretty good. I liked Joan Crawford more than I thought I would. I didn't even recognise Lionel Barrymore! James Stewart was my favourite in his little role and I really enjoyed Beulah Bondi's performance. The editing and sound weren't great but the costumes and hair were good.
7/10.
The Last of the Mohicans
This pleasantly surprised me. Initially, I had reservations about the casting choices, as the two main actors seemed too similar. However, as the story unfolded, I realized that this was actually a clever decision. The plot captivated me from start to finish, and I was particularly drawn to the breathtaking cliff-top scene, which evoked memories of the classic film "All Quiet on the Western Front." While the acting didn't reach extraordinary heights, it still held its own. I couldn't help but imagine the impact this film would have had on young boys in the mid-1930s; it undoubtedly would have been an awe-inspiring experience. With its prominent themes of bravery, sacrifice, and duty, it's a pretty solid adventure movie.
6.9/10.
The Magnificent Brute
This was painful. The storyline unfolds with an increasingly ludicrous and absurd nature, leaving me rolling my eyes on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, Victor's acting failed to impress me. The ensemble cast fails to make a lasting impact, save for the young boy who was ok. However, the film manages to redeem itself slightly through its captivating portrayal of the steel works, which provides a genuinely intriguing aspect worth noting. Other than that, bleh.
5.6/10.
The Old Mill Pond
Had the film featured the original singers performing the songs instead of this animated rendition, I might have found it more enjoyable. The animated format felt peculiar and somewhat disconnected.
5.3/10.
The Public Pays
I really enjoyed this, surprisingly.I think some of the acting was better than some of the acclaimed actors of the time! I thought it was quite informative at how racketeering works, and I actually learnt from it! I know it was simplified but it was well done in my opinion.
6.2/10.
The Story of Louis Pasteur
This movie was so good! While the historical accuracy may have been slightly compromised, the plot remained incredibly engaging. Throughout the film, I found myself completely engrossed in the history it depicted.
Louis Pasteur's character had me rooting for him wholeheartedly, and the ending set in the Academy (or wherever it was meant to be), left me with tears in my eyes. The acting performances were magnificent. Although I've had mixed opinions about Paul Muni's previous work, his portrayal of Pasteur stands as his finest achievement to date for me. Hutchinson's performance, despite a smaller role, was still brilliant.
Visually, the cinematography was stunning, delivering exquisite scenes that enhanced the overall viewing experience. While the score failed to leave a lasting impression on me, it was the only aspect that fell slightly short of brilliance.
Without hesitation, I wholeheartedly recommend this movie to everyone. In my opinion, it easily secures a place among the top three films of the year.
8.16/10.
The Texas Rangers
Average. The plot was pretty standard and the characters full of stereotypical tropes. I wasn't a fan of the casting choices, as while Fred MacMurray's acting was ok, I wasn't convinced of a tough and resilient character. On the bright side, Jackie Oakie delivered a commendable performance, and the unfortunate events that unfolded for his character, especially in relation to the female lead, were genuinely poignant, if not a bit unfair. The movie's nomination for Sound is understandable, considering the attention given to background noise and the impressive impact of the rolling stones. Although it's not a film I would highly recommend, it still provides an entertaining watch.
6.6/10.
Theodora Goes Wild -
I really liked the first three quarters of this movie. I found it witty and interesting. I like the juxtaposition between the country town and the city writer. The theme of being trapped in a confining environment where one doesn't belong was compelling, and I particularly admired how Theodora's family ultimately stood by her side. Irene Dunn's performance was commendable.
However, as the movie reached its conclusion, it veered into excessive silliness, losing some of its appeal. Douglas's character failed to resonate with me, and the ending left me unsatisfied. I think it would have been better with Hopkins and Gable. Nevertheless, it still managed to tell a good story with several entertaining elements. It showcased the struggles of an individual breaking free from societal constraints, and despite its shortcomings, it offered an enjoyable cinematic experience.
7.05/10
These Three
I felt that this was quite an original movie - it's not like anything I've watched on this journey so far. I really liked it. I like having a child villain - she made me so mad! The plot was interesting the whole way through. I think the original plot would have been any better but wasn't allowed for the day. I liked the adult acting and the kids did ok - but the sound was screechy when they were fighting. I was saddened by the ending but it couldn't end any other way. I don't usually like Merle Oberon but I did in this film - and weirdly I usually like Miriam Hopkins but felt this wasn't her best. It was nice to see Margaret Hamilton too. A lovely plot-driven, character filled movie - just what I like.
7.35/10.
The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
This movie took a while to get going but oh, the ending! The plot was pretty standard and I could see what was coming, but it was done well. I loved Henry Fonda! All of the others did great work too. I enjoyed seeing a movie in colour and I thought the theme of the movie was deep and poignant. I rated this a lot higher than others on IMDB, but it really appealed to me. Yes, I shed a tear or two at the end. Beautiful.
7.4/10
Three Smart Girls
Not my cup of tea. I think the plot didn't work for me as the father needed to be loveable but deluded. We needed to feel like he comes to his senses and goes back to the mother. But because he's annoying, I didn't want the poor mother to be lumped with him, even if she still loved him. I'm not a fan of Deanna's singing, even though she really is super talented. Everything was just so-so in this movie without anything really special (apart from Alice Brady who is always wonderful). This needed to be either funnier, or have more character depth and development for the father.
6/10.
Valiant Is The Word For Carrie
I liked most of the movie but thought the ending was stupid. It would have been a great film and a solid theme without the crime aspect. It was a bit fanciful at times but genuinely heart-warming. The acting was solid, and I think Gladys George was wonderful, as was Jackie Moran. I thought the aging and passing of time was done very well, as there have been plenty of movies so far that just whack a date up but don't change any of the costume or decor. The copy I saw was pretty old-looking but it was pretty good. I loved the line when Paul says something along the lines of that he doesn't judge people until he's met them and they're either his friends or he doesn't see them again. Whatever it was. But it tugged at my heartstrings, which would have made a more appropriate ending so much better than what it was.
7.11/10.
Winterset
I didn't love the casting for this movie. I get that Burgess Meredith was in the play and he acted really well, but I didn't buy him as a son of a convicted Italian revolutionary. I thought the whole plot was ridiculous with coincidental timing and run-ins. What I loved most about the movie was the ending (which was different than the play - if the play had been filmed as is, I would have disliked it even more!). I liked how the organ was tied in. But that ending made the six month diagnosis irrelevant to the story. It was all just so weird!
6.39/10.
Below is the list of nominees with the winner at the top but my choice is underlined.
Outstanding Production
WINNER - The Great Ziegfeld – Hunt Stromberg for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Anthony Adverse – Henry Blanke for Warner Bros.
Dodsworth – Samuel Goldwyn and Merritt Hulbert for Samuel Goldwyn Prod. and United Artists
Libeled Lady – Lawrence Weingarten for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town – Frank Capra for Columbia
Romeo and Juliet – Irving Thalberg for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
San Francisco – John Emerson and Bernard H. Hyman for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
The Story of Louis Pasteur – Henry Blanke for Warner Bros.
A Tale of Two Cities – David O. Selznick for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Three Smart Girls – Joe Pasternak and Charles R. Rogers for Universal
I think the only reason The Great Ziegfeld got the Oscar win here was because the Academy love big spectacle. The bigger the better. But for me, I love character driven movies with great acting, themes, and beauty, so Dodsworth wins for me (8.5/10). My top three had The Story of Louis Pasteur second (8.16) followed by Romeo and Juliet in third (8).
My WORST movie of the year award goes to One In a Million, the ice-skating story - 5/10.
Best Director
WINNER - Frank Capra – Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
William Wyler – Dodsworth
Robert Z. Leonard – The Great Ziegfeld
Gregory La Cava – My Man Godfrey
W. S. Van Dyke – San Francisco
I like Capra movies but my favourite wasn't nominated. I liked the direction of William Dieterle for this year. Every element of great movie-making was captured beautifully. That said, Capra and Wyler were great nominees too.
Best Actor
WINNER - Paul Muni – The Story of Louis Pasteur as Louis Pasteur
Gary Cooper – Mr. Deeds Goes to Town as Longfellow Deeds
Walter Huston – Dodsworth as Sam Dodsworth
William Powell – My Man Godfrey as Godfrey
Spencer Tracy – San Francisco as Father Tim Mullin
I agree with the Academy here. Fantastic work. I forgot I was watching Paul Muni and was completely convinced by his performance, that he was Louis Pasteur. A shout out to Huston as I thought he was amazing. Spencer Tracey's nomination should have been for supporting actor. Ronald Colman should have been nominated though but so many great male performances for this year!
Best Actress
WINNER - Luise Rainer – The Great Ziegfeld as Anna Held
Irene Dunne – Theodora Goes Wild as Theodora Lynn/"Caroline Adams"
Gladys George – Valiant Is the Word for Carrie as Carrie Snyder
Carole Lombard – My Man Godfrey as Irene Bullock
Norma Shearer – Romeo and Juliet as Juliet
I get why Luise Rainer won the Award, but her performance seems overdone when you compare it to the fantastic work of Gladys George. I think all the nominations were warranted but I think Ruth Chatterton should have been nominated too.
Best Supporting Actor
WINNER - Walter Brennan – Come and Get It as Swan Bostrom
Mischa Auer – My Man Godfrey as Carlo
Stuart Erwin – Pigskin Parade as Amos
Basil Rathbone – Romeo and Juliet as Tybalt
Akim Tamiroff – The General Died at Dawn as General Yang
Here my vote would be for Spencer Tracy in San Francisco (we was nominated for Best Actor but I don't think his character got enough screen time for that). He brought that film to a new level. Out of those nominated, I think it should have gone to Basil Rathbone, who I think is a sensational actor.
Best Supporting Actress
WINNER - Gale Sondergaard – Anthony Adverse as Faith Paleologus
Beulah Bondi – The Gorgeous Hussy as Rachel Jackson
Alice Brady – My Man Godfrey as Angelica Bullock
Bonita Granville – These Three as Mary Tilford
Maria Ouspenskaya – Dodsworth as Baroness Von Obersdorf
Tough call for me between Bondi and Granville here but I have seen Bondi in a few movies now and I like her versatility. She was one of my favourite characters in this movie. To be fair, I feel Granville had enough of a part to be nominated for Best Actress.
Best Original Story
WINNER - The Story of Louis Pasteur – Pierre Collings and Sheridan Gibney
Fury – Norman Krasna
The Great Ziegfeld – William Anthony McGuire
San Francisco – Robert Hopkins
Three Smart Girls – Adele Comandini
I agree with the Academy here. I'm not sure how "original" it can be when it's based on someone's life, though.
Best Screenplay
WINNER - The Story of Louis Pasteur – Pierre Collings and Sheridan Gibney
After the Thin Man – Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, based on a story by Dashiell Hammett
Dodsworth – Sidney Howard, based on the play by Howard and the novel by Sinclair Lewis
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town – Robert Riskin, based on the story "Opera Hat" by Clarence Budington Kelland
My Man Godfrey – Eric Hatch and Morris Ryskind, based on the story "1101 Park Avenue" by Hatch
Unlike the Academy, I'm not giving the awards to the same team. That's just boring. So, I go for the writers for After the Thin Man, which was one of my favourite plots of the year.
Best Live Action Short Subject, One-Reel
WINNER - Bored of Education – Hal Roach and MGM
Moscow Moods – Paramount
Wanted – A Master – Pete Smith and MGM
I only got to watch Bored of Education but it was charming and I can see why the Little Rascals were so popular. Quite fun.
Best Live Action Short Subject, Two-Reel
WINNER - The Public Pays – MGM
Double or Nothing – Warner Bros.
Dummy Ache – RKO Radio
I totally agree with the Academy here. This was quite educational and very well acted.
Best Live Action Short Subject, Color
WINNER - Give Me Liberty – Warner Bros.
La Fiesta de Santa Barbara – Louis Lewyn and MGM
Popular Science J-6-2 – Paramount
I only got to see Give Me Liberty and it was one of my least favorite watches for the year. I can't vote for it and I didn't see the other two so I'm not voting here.
Best Short Subject, Cartoon
WINNER - The Country Cousin – Walt Disney Productions and United Artists
The Old Mill Pond – Harman-Ising and MGM
Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor – Paramount
While not super entertaining, The Country Cousin was still far superior to the other movies nominated (by far!). Another gong for Walt Disney.
Best Scoring
WINNER - Anthony Adverse – Warner Bros. Studio Music Department
The Charge of the Light Brigade – Warner Bros. Studio Music Department
The Garden of Allah – Selznick International Pictures Music Department
The General Died at Dawn – Paramount Studio Music Department
Winterset – RKO Radio Studio Music Department
I found that overall, this year didn't have any amazing scores, but I preferred The Charge of the Light Brigade over the others. The sound in general for the movie was incredible.
Best Song
WINNER - "The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time – Music by Jerome Kern; Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
"Did I Remember" from Suzy – Music by Walter Donaldson; Lyrics by Harold Adamson
"I've Got You Under My Skin" from Born to Dance – Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
"A Melody From the Sky" from Trail of the Lonesome Pine – Music by Louis Alter; Lyrics by Sidney Mitchell
"Pennies from Heaven" from Pennies from Heaven – Music by Arthur Johnston; Lyrics by Johnny Burke
"When Did You Leave Heaven" from Sing, Baby, Sing – Music by Richard A. Whiting; Lyrics by Walter Bullock
What great songs from this year! Hard for me to choose between The Way You Look Tonight and Pennies from Heaven but the former just pips it for me.
Best Sound Recording
WINNER - San Francisco – Douglas Shearer
Banjo on My Knee – Edmund H. Hansen
The Charge of the Light Brigade – Nathan Levinson
Dodsworth – Thomas T. Moulton
General Spanky – Elmer A. Raguse
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town – John P. Livadary
The Texas Rangers – Franklin Hansen
That Girl from Paris – John Aalberg
Three Smart Girls – Homer G. Tasker
As per the Score category, this is the only movie I actually noticed great sound elements of the film. With Levinson's win in my books, he is now a dual Oscar Nom-Nom winner.
Best Art Direction
WINNER - Dodsworth – Richard Day
Anthony Adverse – Anton Grot
The Great Ziegfeld – Cedric Gibbons, Eddie Imazu, and Edwin B. Willis
Lloyd's of London – William S. Darling
The Magnificent Brute – Albert S. D'Agostino and Jack Otterson
Romeo and Juliet – Cedric Gibbons, Fredric Hope, and Edwin B. Willis
Winterset – Perry Ferguson
Wow, you could swap the winners for Best Picture and Best Art Direction, and I'd be a happy lady. Here is where the spectacles should get recognised. Gibbons for the win.
Best Cinematography
WINNER - Anthony Adverse – Tony Gaudio
The General Died at Dawn – Victor Milner
The Gorgeous Hussy – George J. Folsey
For me, the clear winner was Victor Milner. Such beautiful and interesting shots. He now has 2 Oscar Nom-Noms from me. I look forward to seeing more of his work (I hope there's more anyway).
Best Film Editing
WINNER - Anthony Adverse – Ralph Dawson
Come and Get It – Edward Curtiss
The Great Ziegfeld – William S. Gray
Lloyd's of London – Barbara McLean
A Tale of Two Cities – Conrad A. Nervig
Theodora Goes Wild – Otto Meyer
This was the only movie where I was struck by great editing. I must like his work because Nervig now is another of my 2 times Oscar Nom-Nom winners.
Best Dance Direction
WINNER - The Great Ziegfeld – Seymour Felix
Born to Dance – Dave Gould
Cain and Mabel – Bobby Connolly
Dancing Pirate – Russell Lewis
Gold Diggers of 1937 – Busby Berkeley
One in a Million – Jack Haskell
Swing Time – Hermes Pan
Hard for me to pick between Lewis and Pan here but I remember the sequences for Dancing Pirate more than for Swing Time. I think I preferred some of Astaire's other dance routines than in this one.
Best Assistant Director
The Charge of the Light Brigade – Jack Sullivan
Anthony Adverse – William Cannon
Garden of Allah – Eric G. Stacey
The Last of the Mohicans – Clem Beauchamp
San Francisco – Joseph M. Newman
I always think this is a dumb category because I can't tell which director did what but out of those movies, I feel San Francisco was the best directed so I'll go with Newman.
