#oscars 11

[theoscarsproject]

The Great Waltz (1938). Johann Strauss II was a gifted amateur composer who worked in a bank. Johann found that he was often distracted by the melodies in his head and would end up writing waltz instead of computing figures on company time...

There are some beautiful scenes in this film, some lovely shots and, in particular, the scenes between Luise Rainer and Milza Korjus are wonderfully charismatic. Otherwise, the film’s a bit flat, and a dime a dozen from this era. 6/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Merrily We Live (1938). Dizzy society matron Emily Kilbourne has a habit of hiring ex-cons and hobos as servants. Her latest find is a handsome "tramp" who shows up at her doorstep and soon ends up in a chauffeur's uniform. He also catches the eye of her pretty Geraldine.

This is such a silly film, but it’s a lot of fun, with a really charming cast and a sweet little reverse-Cinderella story. The whole cast has awesome chemistry too, which adds to the film’s charm. If you love offbeat romcoms, this is definitely one to check out. 7/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Carefree (1938). Dr. Tony Flagg's friend, Steven, has problems in the relationship with his fiancee, Amanda, so he persuades her to visit Dr. Flagg. After some minor misunderstandings, she falls in love with Dr. Flagg. When he tries to use hypnosis to strengthen her feelings for Steven, things get complicated.

This is a pretty harmless film elevated by the sheer wonderfulness of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It’s fun, well-paced, with some charming set pieces, even if Astaire’s character is a little bit of a jerk at times. 7/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Pygmalion (1938). Shaw's play in which a Victorian dialect expert bets that he can teach a lower-class girl to speak proper English and thus be taken for a lady.

This is probably my favourite adaptation of Pygmalion and in a lot of ways, it’s interesting to see how much the Hepburn adaption drew from this one, not only in script but in shots and acting choices. Wendy Hiller and Leslie Howard have chemistry which registers basically off the charts, and both deliver moving performances with such integrity. It’s a terrific film. 9/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Girls’ School (1938).  Teenagers who are sent to a boarding school to learn proper etiquette. One of the girls causes a scandal when she stays out all night, then announces on planning to elope with a boy. She gets in trouble when the faculty finds out through a monitor's report from a reluctant poor girl attending on scholarship

It’s so rare nowadays to find  serious film devoted to the relationships between teenage girls that this one came as such a surprise. Not only does it explore that, but also class, wealth and responsibility. It’s an interesting little film well acted and deceptively simple. 7/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Holiday (1938). A young man falls in love with a girl from a rich family. His unorthodox plan to go on holiday for the early years of his life is met with skepticism by everyone except for his fiancée's eccentric sister and long suffering brother.

I love a good family drama and this is one that approaches it in such a compelling way - stuffy, overprotective father stifling his adult children’s creativity and finding an unlikely compatriot in his youngest daughter. It doesn’t hurt that Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant are such a sweet couple too and fall into each other beautifully (I mean, that dance scene - that chemistry was off the charts). Plus I think Lew Ayres is such an underrated actor of this generation, and he’s honestly wonderful as the middle brother who can’t quite let himself off the hook. 8/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Test Pilot (1938). Jim is a test pilot. His wife Ann and best friend Gunner try their best to keep him sober. But the life of a test pilot is anything but safe.

A strong script and the stellar cast of Myrna Loy, Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable are really what elevates this small movie about two people’s love for a reckless man. It’s tightly told, compelling, and features some really genuinely lovely scenes, particularly all those starring Myrna Loy. 7/10.