Fair warning: this recap of a Preston Sturges film from 1937 also features Barbie content.

Easy Living

Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr, Randy Dotinga and Nathan Alderman

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

Next time, we’ll watch

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Shelly talks with the “czar of noir” about his new book, his favorite films noir and what’s happening at Turner Classic Movies.

An Interview with Eddie Muller

Shelly Brisbin with Eddie Muller

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Eddie Muller Interview Links

The Self-Referential LTS

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Who would dare comment on the inherently propagandistic aspects of the war effort, right in the middle of World War II? That would be Preston Sturges. A soldier is discharged from the Army because he has hay fever, but is declared a war hero when he returns to his hometown. Eddie Bracken and Ella Raines (last seen on LTS in Phantom Lady) are your stars.

Hail the Conquoring Hero

Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Nathan Alderman and Randy Dotinga

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

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The Summer of Sturges continues with a movie that’s not in a class with The Lady Eve. But we still need to talk about it. World-renown conductor Rex Harrison suspects his much younger wife (Linda Darnell) of cheating on him, and he dreams up three different ways to punish her for it.

Unfaithfully Yours (1948)

Shelly Brisbin with Erika Ensign, David J. Loehr and Randy Dotinga

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

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We begin the summer of (Preston) Sturgess celebration with a true classic. Director and stars were at their best here, and it’s a treat to watch LTS’ favorite dame work her magic on Henry Fonda. I have four more Sturgess offerings coming up, but this one is hard to beat.

The Lady Eve

Shelly Brisbin with Randy Dotinga, David J. Loehr, Micheline Maynard and Annette Wierstra

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

Next time, we’ll watch

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Audrey Hepburn is iconic as Holly Gollighty. Is there more to say? Of course. That’s why we have a podcast.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Shelly Brisbin with Erika Ensign and Annette Wierstra

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

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The Lubitsch Touch applied to Nazi occupation? You bet. Carole Lombard and Jack Benny star as members of an acting troupe in Poland, scrambling after the Nazis arrive. It’s funny and serious all at once, with great performances. The film was released two months after Lombard died in a plane crash, and would have earned good will, had the subject matter not been a rough go for Americans of the time.

To Be Or Not To Be

Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Randy Dotinga, Nathan Alderman and Dr. Drang

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

Next time, we’ll watch

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We return to Huston (John) and Bogart, but there’s also Lauren Bacall, Claire Trevor (Oscar winner for this), Edward G. Robinson and more. The cast is trapped together in a Florida hotel, awaiting a hurricane. It’s a film noir, so there are secrets and gun play, plus the eventual storm to contend with. And a boat.

Key Largo

Shelly Brisbin with Annette Wierstra, Dr. Drang, Lisa Schmeiser and David J. Loehr

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

Next time, we’ll watch

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Here’s a movie from Douglas Sirk’s high period. We’ve only talked about Sirk in the context of “Lured,” a movie I think is underrated, but one that looks nothing like this splashy 50s melodrama. This one stars Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson. And I get to talk about Agnes Moorehead. So, bonus! Can a lonely widow find love with a tree farmer? Stay tuned. We also mention Todd Haynes’ excellent 2002 remake (you read that right!), “Far from Heaven” with Julianne Moore.

All That Heaven Allows

Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard, Nathan Alderman and Randy Dotinga

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The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

Next time, we’ll watch

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“A fascinating crumminess.” That’s how Pauline Kael described Joseph Lewis’ “Gun Crazy,” a noir whose cast you probably won’t know, but whose visual style and essential seediness are compelling. It’s a story about two people with a mutual obsession with guns, but it’s told with sensitivity and a focus on their relationship.

Gun Crazy

Shelly Brisbin with Randy Dotinga and Nathan Alderman

Get in touch with the show at [email protected] or on the socials.

The Movie: review/commentary on a single classic film

The Self-Referential LTS

Next time, we’ll watch

Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.