Movies I like

Tangible and visual pleasures are a symbolic journey into the forbidden zone, where no subject matter is taboo. Above, 24-year-old Joan Blondell in 1930s, "Office Wife."

 

The complete spectrum of vice seeps into the enthusiastic indulgences of the human soul, and Christian values and blind patriotism were abandoned by the likes of Joan Blondell, James Cagney, Cary Grant, Glenda Farrell, Ginger Rodgers and of course, Jean Harlow. 

Joan Blondell rocking the Betty Boop hair style in 1930s "Office Wife"  

A vast array of vintage movies spawned to the masses between 1930-1934 are officially known as Hollywood Pre-Code films. In 1935, the so-called guardians of censorship joined forces with religious and political zealots and enforced their rules of film making to biblical proportions.

The “Archive Collection, Forbidden Hollywood Volume 8” contains four certified Pre-Code films venturing into the frontiers of free expression and illegal activities luring in its audiences with wanton mischief and hot youth at its wildest, loving and living freely. 

Edward G. Robinson portrays a true gambling addict in 1934s “Dark Hazard.” If your open minded to vintage black and white films and clever dialogue, “Dark Hazard” is well worth a watch.

War Cry was a crowned greyhound racing dog when “Dark Hazard” was released. War Cry even received a picture credit in the movie.

Jim “Buck” Turner (Robinson) bets everything he has on a fast dog and a fast blonde. Luscious Glenda Farrell portrays Valerie, who truly lives and loves.

!934, "Dark Hazard." 

Glenda Farrell, !934, "Hi, Nellie." 

“Dark Hazard” is both well scripted and acted. It’s an entertaining story, complete with the perplexing persistence of delicious desires and devious deeds.  

“Blonde Crazy” was my favorite in this four DVD set. James Cagney and Joan Blondell were featured together seven times in films, and the delightful duo shined in 1931s “Blonde Crazy.”

Cagney and Blondell portray a couple of con artists in “Blonde Crazy.” Fornication and crime was the theme in “Blonde Crazy,” and to this day, the story is solid. Cagney was a smooth talker in this film, and I love the scene when he barges in Blondell’s apartment to talk business.

Joan Blondell, 1931, "Blonde Crazy." 

Blondell

                        Can’t you see I’m taking a bath?

Cagney

                        We’ll move over!

James Cagney, 1931, "Blonde Crazy" 

Cagney, Blondell, 1931, "Blonde Crazy" 

“Blonde Crazy” is a prime example of why Cagney and Blondell were movie icons of film yesteryear.

“Strangers May Kiss” contains rewarding adultery. Believing in love is not foolish, while the tangible touch of a lascivious lady weaved its way into a solid storyline.  

“Hi, Nellie,” released in 1934 is about a hard drinking and truth-seeking journalist forced to write a weekly ‘Lovelorn’ column. Glenda Farrell does a great job in portraying a co-working journalist. Foxy Farrell has some harsh, yet funny words about monogamous relationships, and I dug her style!

Mark Izzy Schurr