| Watch, study, and enjoy four movies, representing four important genres, from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Screwball Comedy: My Man Godfrey (1936), Wartime Romance: Casablanca (1941), Film Noir: Double Indemnity (1944), The Western: The Searchers (1956). |
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My Man Godfrey (1936) directed by Gregory La Cava 1. Many critics agree that My Man Godfrey is the definitive example of the genre known as "Screwball Comedy." Define this term, and in an essay describe three examples (scenes) of this type of comedy that we find in this film. 2. What sociopolitical events led to the rise of "Screwball Comedies" in 1930s Hollywood? Name the titles and directors of three other classic films that are also considered an integral part of this genre. 3. Why and how did Godfrey Park become Godfrey Smith? What events led him to become a "forgotten man," then re-invent himself as a butler? Where does he intend to go from here? 4. One of the major themes of this film is obligation and responsibility. How is this theme fulfilled first, by Irene towards Godfrey in the first part of the film, and later on towards the conclusion of the film by Godfrey towards the "forgotten men" that live in the dump under the 59th street bridge? This assignment is worth 40 points. Download Answer Sheet Here. This assignment is due on February 16, 2012. |
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Casablanca (1941) directed by Michael Curtiz In order to answer the following questions, you must visit my website: Vincent's CASABLANCA HomePage. 1. Who are the authors of the original unproduced stage play which Casablanca is based on? What was its title? 2. What is the relationship between the film Casablanca and the classic German Expressionist film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari? 3. Name two actors that Warner Brothers considered for the role of Rick before deciding on Humphrey Bogart. 4. Who plays the role of Ugarte? Name two other films (that we studied in this class) where we get to see this fine character actor. 5. What is the name of the song that the Nazi officers sing? What is the relationship between this song and an American Ivy League university. 6. How much was the final cost of the film Casablanca? What was Claude Rains's salary for the role of Louis Renault? 7. What is the title of Ilsa Lund's favorite song? Where did she first hear it? 8. Where is actor Humphrey Bogart buried? This Assignment is worth 40 points. Download Answer Sheet Here. The above assignment is due on February 28, 2012. There will be a quiz on Casablanca on this day. |
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Double Indemnity (1944) directed by Billy Wilder Double Indemnity (1944) is a great Film Noir -- one of the best in the history of Cinema. It was directed by Billy Wilder, who also co-wrote the script with Raymond Chandler, one of the best pulp, crime writers of the time. The film was photographed in beautiful Black & White by one of the best Film Noir cinematographers, John F. Seitz, A.S.C. The film was based on a novel by James M. Cain, who is also one of the great writers of the pulp crime genre. In order to re-familiarize yourself with this genre, read the following online article about Film Noir by clicking Here. There will be a quiz on Double Indemnity on March 1, 2012. |
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The Searchers (1956) directed by John Ford For many, The Searchers (1956) is the greatest western ever made, and one of the great performances by its star, John Wayne. It is also the greatest film in the career of director John Ford, the man who made the Western his trademark, and Monument Valley the setting for most of his movies about the West. The Searchers is the film that inspired Taxi Driver (Martin Scorsese) and Star Wars (George Lucas),and even inspired the great Rock & Roll star Buddy Holly to write one of his best known songs of the 1950s. Read Roger Ebert's review of this film after you watch it. Click Here. There will be a quiz on The Searchers on March 6, 2012. |