Sullivan's Travels

Sullivan's Travels technically speaking is kind of a self-indulgent film given that its basically Preston Sturges tooting his own horn "aren't comedy films the best!". The film works, and I think it actually does a portrait of the plight of the common man a bit better than some of Frank Capra's films. Sturges knows how to do this without becoming too heavy handed yet he still manages to keep a lighter touch. Even though it successfully tugs at the heart, it's also pretty hilarious to boot, and is an early example of a Hollywood film actually poking fun at itself a bit.
5/5

Ball of Fire

Ball of Fire is just a lot of fun as a comedy. It's professors meets gangsters is a great set up and bolstered by some very enjoyable performances including Gary Cooper giving one of his most comfortable turns. The whole thing is just enjoyable and just is a great example of a screw ball comedy. What I really like is that the gangsters coming in does not make the comedy fade away since both Dana Andrews and Dan Duryea manage to be pretty funny while still being menacing. In addition the whole liar revealed part of the plot does not halt the story like it possibly could. It's just pure entertainment.
5/5

Frankenstein (1931)

Frankenstein actually is quite pared down adaptation but in a good way. It breaks the story down to the pure emotions of the story quite effectively. This film has so many iconic elements its pretty extraordinary. The monster himself of course in terms of the outstanding makeup but also Karloff's performance. Dr. Frankenstein himself as well with Colin Clive's rather lively depiction of a mad scientist. Not to forget Dwight Frye's monstrous lab assistant, even if he's not named Igor. The film though goes beyond that through James Whale's impeccable direction that uses the camera so fluidly when so many directors just kind of pointed it in the most standard fashion possible. The atmosphere of the film is remarkable, and the art direction, particularly the windmill and the lab, is unforgettable. The horror element is always present, but the film actually is a rather poignant examination of tragic story of a creature that should never have been made.
5/5

Dracula (1931)

The film begins with a great atmospheric sequence as we follow a man into Dracula's dark castle. This sequence is masterfully handled, and we get the introduction to Bela Lugosi's deservedly iconic portrayal of the character. Then it seems like Tod Browning completely gave up, apparently he did, as the film becomes really stagy for the rest of its run time. The scenes are repetitive, blandly acted for the most part with a few ridiculous attempts at comedy thrown in. There's nothing remarkable about the rest of the film other than Lugosi whose work stays strong, though he actually is not in it all the much. The ending, which features an off screen death for Dracula, is particularly disappointing.
2.5/5

The Gunfighter

It should be said that this story would later be handled in a more impressive fashion by The Shootist, which was helped by having an additional element through the examination of an aging gunfighter through John Wayne's final performance. This film hits upon somewhat similar themes through the story of a gunfighter (Gregory Peck) who finds he's a target everywhere even while he's trying to become reacquainted with his family. Though it does not hit the heights of that later film it is well told through one of Peck's better performances, as well as creating the right sense of tension as one man is the target of all, not for revenge, but rather only for fame.
4/5

My Darling Clementine

My Darling Clementine tells the story of Wyatt Earp against the Clantons and probably takes the most liberties with the story. In this version he and Doc Holliday are not really friends, and the whole set, involving Old man Clanton, is considerably different than other versions. It is a good version though as a fairly straight forward, Sheriff cleaning up that town variation, but with enough of an addition involving Holliday to make something a bit special out it. Holliday in himself is a bit of a surprise altogether as Victor Mature gives a rather lively performance for once. Other than that aspect the story proceeds as you'd expect though in an effective fashion particularly in a rather well directed final shootout by John Ford.
4/5

The Searchers

The Searchers is a film filled with some odd extremes. It has such a great central character with John Wayne giving an exceptional performance. Anything involving directly around Ethan's obsession, and personal search is outstanding. There are also a few side characters that are terrific when involved directly with Ethan such as Ward Bond's character and Henry Brandon's chief Scar though he only shares one real scene with Wayne. The rest of the supporting cast is not particularly good with some downright bad performances in there. There's too many distractions, particularly the romantic subplot, which takes away so much from the strength of Ethan's personal story. It goes back and forth from masterful to cookie cutter western scenes. I think the film is best summed up by its ending scenes. The final showdown with Chief Scar is underwhelming, as Ethan is not the focus, but you could not ask for a better final shot than the one in this film which is focused directly on him.
4/5