Rear Window

Rear Window

Paramount

September 1, 1954

Mystery, Romance, Dramedy

DVD
B

I'd seen this once or twice before and, although it's one of my favorite Hitchcock movies, I don't regard it as perfect.  To be honest, it would probably be a B- without that amazing set, since it's hard for me to like or care about any of the characters but the always incredible Thelma Ritter.  That said, I think the movie does get better as it goes on and it sucks the viewer in more.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Columbia

October 19, 1939

Dramedy?

DVD
C-

Surprisingly flat, and it doesn't help that Jimmy S doesn't show up until a dozen minutes in.  (And I didn't even get to Jean Arthur this time.)  Capra's Mr. Deeds wasn't great but at least it had real momentum.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Paramount

April 22, 1962

Western

DVD
D-

Shockingly bad direction by Ford, in pacing, composition of shots, and definitely the acting, especially by Vera Miles.  (And I tuned out before the Duke showed up.)

The Shootist

The Shootist

Paramount

July 21, 1976

Historical Drama

DVD
C

I actually gave this 45 minutes, because I thought it had potential, and of course it was neat to see the supporting cast.  But ultimately, I didn't want to stay with it.  This is based on Glendon Swarthout's novel and directed by Don Siegel, whose other three movies I've looked at so far I definitely didn't enjoy as much.

The Rare Breed

The Rare Breed

Universal

February 2, 1966

Western

DVD
C

Various machinations, and slapstick, around cattle-breeding and selling.  Andrew V. McLaglen directed a couple years before Hellfighters.

Night Passage

Night Passage

Universal

July 17, 1957

Western

DVD
C-

Jimmy Stewart's singing makes people brawl.  James Neilson directed.

The Far Country

The Far Country

Universal

July 22, 1954

Western

DVD
C

The quirky characters made this more likable than most Westerns.  Anthony Mann directed this a couple years after Bend of the River.

Bend of the River

Bend of the River

Universal

January 23, 1952

Western

DVD
D+

A bit dull.  This is based on Bill Gulick's novel Bend of the Snake, and directed by Anthony Mann, who also did Border Incident and He Walked by Night.  This is part of a four-pack of James Stewart movies, and thus filed under J.