Dark Victory

Dark Victory (Edmund Goulding, 1939)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Drama, Disease, Coping, Tearjerker

What a tremendous performance by Bette Davis! I'd read and heard many times about this film and the popularity it had with audiences, but had never watched it until now. It's a beautiful story about coping and living your life to the fullest. We all know our days are numbered, but what do you do if you know how it will happen? A tearjerker, for sure, and a story about facing truth, coming to terms, and finding peace.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Doctor Blake Mysteries Seasons 1, 2, & 3

Doctor Blake Seasons 1, 2, and 3 (George Adams and Tony Wright, 2013-present)

Click here for the basics

Season 1 Rating: DSQ=9, SP=7 / Sweet Treat

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=4
   Favorite from Season 1 = "Someone's Son, Someone's Daughter"

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4
   Favorite from Season 2 = "A Foreign Field"

Season 3 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=3, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4
   Favorite from Season 3 = "Women and Children"

1950s, Australia, Mystery, Medical, Complex Relationships

I've been thoroughly enjoying this wonderful mystery series--another from Australia that just gets it right. Great characters, lots of focus on clues and getting to the truth, and a fun time/setting. At times the relationship between Dr. Blake and his housekeeper, Jean, drove me crazy (get together, already!) but just like Phryne and Jack in the Miss Fisher mysteries, it's that tension and suspense that keeps you watching.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray (Albert Lewin, 1945)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Drama, Thriller, Philosophical, Psychological

A wonderful adaptation of a classic story. I find it strange that human nature hasn't changed--there will always be vanity, selfishness, and narcissism, it seems. Dorian Gray is a timeless character and an important reminder of what not to be and what not to do.

This film is full of suprises--beatufiul camera shots, crisp details and wonderful performances. And the timing and atmosphere of the story add just the right amount of suspense to the horrors the characters face.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Captains Courageous

Captains Courageous (Victor Fleming, 1937)

Click here for the basics

Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Father/Son, Sailing, Coming of Age, Adventure, Based on Book

This film is nothing less than marvelous. A true classic that I think still captivates a modern audience. It is full of action/adventure to keep a good pace but also has the important moments of conflict, reflection, and love. It is a great Coming of Age film that shows how vital a father/son relationship can be to a boy. And it is wonderful to watch young Harvey's transformation. I'd watch this again tomorrow, I enjoyed it that much.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here