ADAM'S RIB

ADAM'S RIB - 1949

RATED - NR but probably G

RATINGS - 44 Amazon (4.5/5), 5,602 IMBD (7.6/10), 97,549 Netflix (4.0/5)

STARRING - Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy

AWARDS - 1 Academy Award nomination, AFI Top 100 Laughs.

THEMES - Male/Female roles, equality, justice.

STORY - The story begins with Doris Attinger (Judy Holliday) waiting outside her husband's (Warren Attinger - Tom Ewell) office to follow him when he leaves to what she believes will be a romantic tryst. We get an idea of her motive when she drops her purse and a small revolver spills out. Her hunch is right, and after reading the directions how to use the weapon, she closes her eyes and starts shooting, wounding but not killing, her husband. The story shifts to a stylish apartment building where a servant is bringing breakfast to the bedroom of Adam (Tracy) and Amanda (Hepburn) Bonner. They scan the lead stories as they eat and prepare for work, noting the attempted murder story. Adam arrives at his office (Assistant District Attorney) and discovers he has been assigned to the case which he assumes will be a 'slam dunk'. He calls to tell Amanda, an attorney in private practice, the news and rub it in how he will put this one away quickly. Amanda hangs up on him, determined to defend this woman, believing women are treated differently than men and that this woman was justified in her actions. The movie shifts to the courtroom where the action and the fun begins. Each night the trial carries over into their personal life. A little dated now, it was somewhat shocking in 1949 that a woman could, heaven forbid, compete in the 'men's domain'. Where are there inequities today that need to be corrected? The chemistry between Tracy & Hepburn is at its best and makes for a very funny, romantic comedy that deserves its place in AFI' Top 100 Laughs. Enjoy! Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 01/12/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER

HIGH NOON

HIGH NOON - 1952

RATED - NR but probably G/PG. Family friendly.

RATINGS - 153 Amazon (4.5/5), 21,913 IMBD (8.3/10), 283,562 Netflix (3.9/5).

STARRING - Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Lloyd Bridges.

AWARDS - 4 Academy Awards including Best Actor (Cooper) plus 3 nominations, AFI Top Thrills, AFI Top 100.

STORY -Stars Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly (her first role) and Lloyd Bridges and is arguably the best western of all time. Will Kane (Gary Cooper) has just said his wedding vows with his new bride (Grace Kelly) and is about to turn in his badge as sheriff and leave the town he had singlehandedly cleaned up, with his pacifist Quaker wife. As they're about to ride out of town in their buckboard limo, three tough hombres ride into town and let it be known that Frank Miller is arriving on the noon train-it's now 10:40 AM. Will leaves but just out of town turns around and comes back. He can't leave now. He's responsible for arresting Frank Miller and sending him up to prison. He was supposed to be executed but instead he's paroled and coming back to get even. Will believes he can round up a posse to defend the town during the next hour as the film progresses in real time. The plot is simple but the acting is terrific and the scenes are tight and tense as he tries to recruit help as well as keep his new bride. All this leads up to the showdown at HIGH NOON and the final, climactic scene-a great one. More than just a good western, there are some underlying themes of courage (and lack thereof) as well as the issue of pacifism and 'standing by your man'. This is the role that got Grace Kelly's career on track. One interesting note-on Netflix there's a commentary on issues for parents to judge whether a film is suited for children and what age. Under the category of SOCIAL BEHAVIOR it says "Women are exceptionally intelligent and respected". Apparently that was not the norm for films back then. Everyone should see this at least once. Recommended for ages 10 and over. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 01/05/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, TRAILER.

GIDEON'S TRUMPET

GIDEON'S TRUMPET - 1980 (TV-Hallmark Hall of Fame)

RATED - NR but probably PG for adult themes. Nothing offensive.

RATINGS - 52 Amazon (3.5/5), 355 IMBD (7.2/10), 1175 Netflix (3.5/5)

AWARDS - Peabody Award plus 3 Emmy nominations.

STARRING - Henry Fonda, Jose Ferrer, John Houseman, Fay Wray.

THEMES - Justice, The Constitution.

STORY - It's 1961 and Clarence Earl Gideon (Fonda), a destitute, four time felon from Panama City, FL, is arrested again for robbery and breaking and entering. When his case comes to trial, he asks the state to appoint an attorney because he can't afford one. The state denies his request, stating that only applies in capital offenses. He is forced to represent himself, ending in conviction and a five year prison sentence. In prison he pursues his belief that everyone is entitled to a fair trial with competent representation regardless of the severity of the crime and regardless of the person's ability to pay. Amazingly, his handwritten appeal to the Supreme Court finds its way into the hands of a sympathetic law clerk who pushes it through. Abe Fortas (Ferrer), who would later become a Supreme Court Justice himself, is assigned to represent Gideon before the high court with John Houseman playing the Chief Justice. This is a fascinating true story of how one destitute prisoner literally changed the law of the land, resulting in what we all know as the Miranda Law giving specific rights to everyone charged with a crime. This is one of Fonda's least known movies, yet perhaps one of his best. There is no soundtrack to get you emotionally involved, just great acting and a story worthy of these outstanding performances. It is endorsed by the National Education Association and apparently is used in many law schools. Never underestimate the difference one person can make. You could be that person. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 01/05/2008.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD