The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

"Fate doesn't always make the right men kings ..."

Plot: When Englishman Rudolf Rassendyll comes to Ruritania for a fishing trip, he accidentally meets the Crown Prince Rudolf V, who is his distant relative and exact double. Prince Rudolf is to be crowned king the next day, but at the hunting-lodge party he throws for Rassendyll, he serves so much wine that everyone falls asleep. The next morning, the Prince does not wake up; and his bodyguards, Colonel Zapt and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim, know that the Prince's wine was drugged by his wicked half-brother, Duke Michael, to prevent him from being crowned king that day.

Colonel Zapt thinks quickly, and begs Rassendyll to take the Prince's place at the ceremony, just until the Prince awakes. Rassendyll agrees; but although the coronation passes without incident, Rassendyll quickly realizes that he's involved much deeper than he realized - not only does he immediately fall deeply in love with the beautiful Princess Flavia, Rudolf's betrothed, but when Colonel Zapt goes to fetch the Prince, he has already been kidnapped by Duke Michael! With the Duke wise to the plan, how will Rassendyll keep up his ruse and save the throne?

Cast:
Rudolf Rassendyll - Ronald Colman
Prince Rudolf V - Ronald Colman
Princess Flavia - Madeleine Carrol
Duke Michael - Raymond Massey
Rupert - Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Colonel Zapt - C. Aubrey Smith
Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim - David Niven
Antoinette de Mauban - Mary Astor

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High Points:
- Gripping, intense, suspenseful plot with unexpected twists and surprises
- Star-studded cast that handles the story brilliantly
- High-budget film with lavish cinematography, beautiful costumes, and realistic props and scenery
- Excellent mix of swashbuckling action, suspenseful dialogue, and poignant romance
- Swordfights!

Could Be Better:
- If you're a hopeless romantic like me, you won't like the ending. :-}

Possible Concerns:
- The consumption of wine is central to one of the first scenes, since it is the drugged wine that starts the plot rolling. As long as you know that the point of this scene is Rudolf's being drugged, as well as to point out his irresponsible and thoughtless personality, you can skip this part without missing anything crucial.
- Duke Michael's henchman, Rupert, is in love with Michael's lover Antoinette, and she uses his attraction during the escape scene to lure him into her rooms so Rassendyll can rescue the Prince. All he does once he gets there is kiss her, but if the idea makes you uncomfortable, it also can be easily skipped, as it is very brief and not essential to the plot.

Vicki's Vote: 6/5!

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Review: The Prisoner of Zenda is one of my new all-time favorite movies! I had heard of the book but never read it; I knew it was supposed to be very exciting, so when I saw a version made in the 1930's, and then saw so many of my favorite actors in the cast, I decided to give it a try. I'm very glad I did!

On the surface, this seems like a typical action-adventure movie. Because of this, I was surprised at how much depth of emotion there was in this movie. Rassendyll goes through many powerful emotions as he is yanked from a peaceful fishing trip to the throne room of Ruritania in one day, and he struggles to evade Michael's net, learns to love the sweet and beautiful Princess Flavia, fights through obstacles to get to the Prince, and wrestles with his own knowledge that someday he must give up the throne to its rightful owner. I had never seen Ronald Colman in any movies before, and I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of emotion he could convey in his face (a key criteria on whether I like an actor/actress).

The ending scene between Rassendyll and Princess Flavia is one of the most powerful I have seen in a long time. Rassendyll says one of the most beautiful lines in film: "There's a world out there, our world; and there's a home for you, and a throne - a woman's throne, in my heart."

I also enjoyed the performances of the bad guys, Duke Michael (the creepy Raymond Massey) and Rupert (Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.). Duke Michael was calculating, always calm and in control with a scary coldness. Rupert, on the other hand, was roguishly charming and arrogant. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was only 28 years old when this movie was made, and he brings a lot of youthful enthusiasm and complexity to his role.

But even though there is depth to it, it's still a great, suspenseful action-adventure movie. You're really not sure how this movie is going to end, who is going to win each battle, or what Rassendyll is going to decide to do in the end. And there's something for everyone - do you like swordfights, gunfights, escape scenes, evil schemes, lavish royal balls, beautiful princesses, midnight rescues, or acrobatic stunts? Or any of the above? Then you will like this movie.

This movie is a must-see for any serious black-and-white movie critic. Not only is it based on a great work of literature, but the combination of plot and cast make it a truly exceptional movie.

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For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
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Going My Way (1944) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1945)

Plot: This delightful duo of films chronicles the adventures of Father Charles "Chuck" O'Malley (Bing Crosby), a young, happy-go-lucky priest whose unconventional methods pit him against his more traditional superiors - often with surprising results!

In Going My Way, Father O'Malley is given one of his first assignments, to replace the aging priest at financially strapped St. Dominic's parish in New York City. Father Fitzgibbons (Barry Fitzgerald) is a fussy little old Irishman who has run his parish the same way for 45 years, and he is shocked when his energetic young curate breaks a window playing baseball, gives money to a teenager running away from home, and rounds up a gang of young lawbreakers to become St. Dominic's new choir. Father Fitzgibbons even goes to the bishop to ask for Father O'Malley's transfer. But when these unconventional methods start bringing astonishing results, he comes to realize that Father O'Malley is something special. Even Father O'Malley's creativity is tested, though, when things start to go wrong at St. Dominic's ...

In The Bells of St. Mary's, Father O'Malley has been reassigned to take over a crumbling parochial school at risk of being condemned. When he arrives, the housekeeper informs him that the previous principal had been driven nearly insane by the headstrong nuns at the school; and it quickly becomes clear that easygoing Father O'Malley has met his match in strict, stubborn, headstrong Sister Benedict (Ingrid Bergman). Even as their opposing views on education erupt in arguments, they form a strong friendship dedicated to saving the school, and to helping troubled student Patsy Gallagher (Joan Carroll) deal with her turbulent home life.

Then Sister Benedict begins having fainting spells, and her doctor secretly informs Father O'Malley that she is in the early stages of tuberculosis. Father O'Malley arranges for her to be transferred to a warmer climate; however, the doctor warns him not to tell her she is sick, and so a brokenhearted Sister Benedict assumes that he can no longer tolerate her viewpoints on education. Father O'Malley is torn. Should he disobey the doctor to help his friend?

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High Points:
- Award-winning music and acting
- Heartwarming plots and inspiring themes
- Realistic, endearing characters
- Some surprising plot twists keep the stories interesting

Could Be Better:
- Going My Way starts out at a pretty slow pace and takes almost an hour to speed up into the main part of the movie. If you can stick with it, it gets more interesting as you go along. :-)
- If you like adventure and action, these movies may seem boring to you, as they mostly center around everyday problems and occurrences.
- Despite their Christian setting, neither of these videos presents any kind of clear Gospel message or mentions God much at all, except for short prayers.
- Definitely look for the black-and-white version of The Bells of St. Mary's; some colorized versions are not done well and can be distracting.

Possible Concerns:
Going My Way
- Father O'Malley tries to help troubled teen Carol James, who has run away from home to escape her "repressive" parents and become a singer; it is hinted several times that she is living an immoral lifestyle. However, as this movie was made in 1944, the references are fairly veiled. Carol does change her ways later in the movie, as well.
- Father Fitzgibbons has a bottle of alcohol that he sneaks out on "special occasions."

The Bells of St. Mary's
- Patsy Gallagher's parents are separated; Father O'Malley gently works on them to bring them back together, and they reconcile in the end. The effects of their separation are clearly shown in Patsy's life.

Vicki's Vote: Both movies - 5/5

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Review: How many movies these days could win multiple Academy Awards by declaring that Christianity is full of joy, laughter, and music? Both of these movies are lighthearted musicals that move at a gentle pace, sensitively depict real-life problems, and yes, Father O'Malley dares to declare to his skeptical friends that he has fun being a priest.

I was introduced to The Bells of St. Mary's many years ago, as it is the livelier and more kid-friendly of the two movies (naturally, since it takes place in a school). So I was excited last night to finally see Going My Way, the first movie in the series. Both of these movies are peaceful, fun to watch, and leave you with a fuzzy feeling for several hours after they're over.

In Going My Way, Father O'Malley is young and exuberant, lively and musical, sometimes clumsy, but with a creative vision that we in the audience can see right away ... even though poor Father Fitzgibbons is sure for nearly an hour's worth of film that he's been saddled with a scatterbrained assistant. Somehow, though, we watch as the tangled mess of huge debts, wayward young people, and generational clashes turns into a beautiful song that starts to turn lives around:

This road leads to Rainbowville,
Going my way
Up ahead is Bluebird Hill,
Going my way

Just pack a basket full of wishes
And off you start,
With Sunday morning in your heart

Round the bend you'll see a sign,
"Dreamers Highway"
Happiness is down the line,
Going my way

The smiles you'll gather
Will look well on you -
Oh, I hope you're going my way too!

(And by the way, I dare you to watch the ending and not cry ...)

When The Bells of St. Mary's begins, however, we see that Father O'Malley has grown up a little bit. His youthful spontaneity has solidified into a firmer set of convictions ... and it's fascinating to watch his firm convictions crash head-on into the even firmer convictions of his polar opposite, Sister Benedict. Just like his relationship with Father Fitzgibbons, it seems that this unlikely partnership will not last; but as they learn to accept each other and start working together, their combined strengths help to rescue troubled Patsy and save the school in a very unusual way.

Both of these movies are wholesome, happy movies that celebrate creativity, understanding, loyalty, friendship, and joy. The music is beautiful late-40's swing, sung by the incomparable Bing Crosby himself, and both of the stories are interesting and believable. I definitely encourage you to see these movies!

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For More Information:

Going My Way
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer

The Bells of St. Mary's
Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
Trailer

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Go For Broke! (1951)

Plot: Lieutenant Grayson (Van Johnson) is from the Deep South - Texas, to be exact - and when World War II began, he enlisted in the army to fight the Japs. Only ... when he got his commission, he wound up with the 442nd, the only Japanese-American unit in the United States Army. At first, Grayson tries to torment his "Jap" subordinates through harsh discipline and lack of respect; but as the 442nd surges across France and his soldiers courageously perform rescue after rescue, he begins to take another look at his racist attitudes.

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High Points:
- Most of the Japanese-American actors were actual veterans of the heroic 442nd Regiment
- Endearing characters
- Historically significant
- Excellent balance of action, dialogue, humor, conflict, and growth

Could Be Better:
- The balance of the movie is dialogue and character development, with very little action; some viewers might get bored with this.

Possible Concerns:
- There is moderate alcohol consumption in this movie, including drinking in homes and a brief bar scene at the end. The drinking is always secondary to the dialogue, and is not the focus of the scene; however, some families may find this uncomfortable.
- As is typical of Van Johnson's 1950s war movies, he is constantly on the lookout for beautiful women as he moves through Europe. He only "catches" one; they drink wine and kiss passionately in her house for a few minutes ... until he catches sight of all her souvenirs from other soldiers who have been through before, that is. :-) Other than the concept being bad, the scene is not revealing or suggestive; and it can easily be skipped over if you like, as well.

Vicki's Vote: 5/5

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Review: Go For Broke! is a fascinating "time capsule" of a movie - it not only captures the experiences of Japanese-American soldiers just a few years after the war is over, but it does so in the most authentic way possible: by bringing together veterans of the real 442nd regiment to portray their experiences.

The movie is unusual for the time period as well, because it explores the backgrounds and personalities of the soldiers and discusses the prejudices and bigotry they faced back home, in their jobs or in the internment camps. Each of them has a different reason for joining the army, but each of them is committed to fighting for their country and their right to be first-class citizens.

I really enjoy this movie every time I watch it. Van Johnson starts out so obnoxious that I just can't stand him. Why can't he see the humor in Masami's hula dancing, or the wisdom of philosophical Sam, or the sweetness of little Tommy? In this way, we see just how blinding racism can be. But we are allowed to see the men, to learn their stories and why they joined the army - some to get away from the internment camps, some to earn better lives for their wives and children, some to try to make more money to follow their dreams. And in the middle of their conversation, Lt. Grayson barges in and starts yelling derisive orders, ensuring that they won't like him any more than he likes them.

But just as you expect, they all get thrown together and head for the battlefield; and that's where things heat up. Lt. Grayson almost gets busted for being so busy with an Italian girl that he misses the order to march ... but for some reason, his men decide to cover up for him. Then they start proving their worth on the battlefield. By the time Lt. Grayson's coveted transfer papers come through, he suddenly isn't sure that he wants to go. And then the men start to find out that maybe they've misjudged Lt. Grayson, too.

I heartily recommend this movie! It's a fascinating story of racism and respect in a difficult time for minorities, and how one group of courageous men started changes coming for other Japanese-Americans back home. Definitely give this movie a try!

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For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
Plot Synopsis Without Spoilers
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The Clock (1945)

Plot: The Clock (1945) is the story of a young soldier in a big city - and the girl who trips over him in the train station. Lonely, sensitive Joe (Robert Walker) and bright, confident Alice (Judy Garland) are seemingly thrown together in the middle of New York City; and New York keeps things moving so fast that Joe and Alice just can't seem to get away from each other, until they're separated in the city's largest subway station, without knowing each other's last name or destination. When they find each other again, they decide to get married - but it's a race against the clock to get through the red tape before Joe's two-day leave is up.

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High Points:
- Engaging, believable plot
- Sweet characters who grow and change
- Wholesome romance
- Excellent actors, both main characters and supporting cast
- Unusual plot depth involving the characters' destiny being manipulated by the setting (in this case, New York)

Could Be Better:
- Mostly not shot on location; lots of (well-done, but still) backdrops and projection screens
- May be disappointing for some people: Judy Garland doesn't sing at all in this movie

Possible Concerns:
- One scene where a woman changes her blouse on-screen. It is brief (about one minute), and when my family watches it, my dad and brother just close their eyes until it is over.
- A false suggestion by a secretary that Alice and Joe may be having an inappropriate relationship. It is subtly implied; nothing is directly stated.
- A drunk man in one scene; he is harmless and provides some comic relief, but this may be a concern for some families. Also, Joe and Alice are given some wine as a gift early in the movie; they each take one sip before getting back to their conversation. Again, it is unobtrusive, but might be a problem for some families.

Vicki's Vote: 10/5!!

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Review: The Clock is my favorite movie of all time because it is sweet and wholesome, but still poignant and dramatic. In many movies, even when the main characters are supposed to be young and innocent, the actors themselves still bring their own "baggage" into the part; but both Robert Walker and Judy Garland were very young when this movie was filmed, so their characters are fresh and youthful. Their romance really seems like the first one for both of them.

On paper, this movie's plot seems to fall into the usual "boy meets girl, they overcome obstacles, fall in love and live happily ever after" mold. However, many critics have noted that this movie actually contains a special kind of antagonist - in this case, the city of New York itself. Now, "the city" takes the forms of different supporting characters - the bus fare collector, the milkman, the Irish mounted police officer ... all of these people are sent at just the right time to either bring Joe and Alice together, or later on, to try to drive them apart. You can feel the unseen force of the city throughout the movie - the man who walks by just as Joe tries to express his feelings for Alice; the busboy eavesdropping on them in the restaurant - it seems maddeningly random, but when Joe and Alice triumph and everything works out at the end, you see that there was a meaning in it, after all.

Of course, this sounds a little mystic. :-P What it actually is, is really superb writing by the screenplay director. And that's what makes this movie a cut above other straightforward romances.

There are a lot of visual symbols and nonverbal communication in this movie that also help to make it special. In fact, this has been a much harder review for me to write than I anticipated, because so much of the movie is felt, rather than heard or seen. The best scene is the beautiful church scene at the end - I can't tell you more about it, though. You have to see it for yourself! :-)

In summary, this movie is one of the best to come out of World War II. It provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the war, the parts of their lives that didn't involve shooting, marching, sailing, or rationing. It is also timeless, though, in the way that it portrays two sweet young people who fall in love for the first time. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie!

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For More Information:

Plot Synopsis With Spoilers
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Welcome!

Welcome to Screenplay! My name is Vicki, and I have created this blog to be a resource (or, may I say, a fan site?) for Christians who love movies.

I have been watching movies for as long as I can remember, and while I enjoy movies of all eras and genres, my real passion is for the movies of Hollywood's Golden Years (1910-1950). Here at Screenplay, I hope to review all kinds of family-friendly movies, especially focusing on the dear old black-and-whites.

I will always welcome comments, suggestions, questions, tips, and recommendations for reviews on this blog! The list of all my family's movies currently stands at about 125, so I have a lot of good movies to review for you; but obviously there are way more movies in the world than that, so feel free to send them in!

Grab your popcorn and find the remote, and let's watch some great movies!

Love in Christ,
Vicki

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