Reel Old Movies

On this date in Hollywood history -- January: "The Shop Around the Corner" released ... Cary Grant's birthday ... Gina Lollobrigida passes away ... Marilyn Monroe's "Niagra" premieres ... Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights" screens in Los Angeles ... "Casablanca" opens widely across the United States. Discover what happened on days throughout January in Hollywood history, from historic film premieres and industry milestones to anniversaries of birthdays/deaths of beloved Old Hollywood figures, and more. (This story will be updated throughout the month) January 12 The original “You’ve Got Mail”: 1940’s “The Shop Around the Corner” stars James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as shop workers who fight by day and unknowingly fall in love with each other via letters at night. Versions of this premise abound in movies, but none so tender as this movie with the “Lubitsch touch,” a favorite of both fans and critics. It was released in theaters Janu...

"Gaslighting" is Merriam-Webster’s word of 2022. 

“Here’s looking at you, kid.” “We’ll always have Paris.” “Out of all the gin joints …” “Round up the usual suspects.” While today’s movies would be lucky to have one or two memorable quotes that permeate pop culture, 1942’s “Casablanca” is bursting with dozens of great lines that are woven into our language. I will argue it's the most quoted movie of all time – with many people ignorant that they’re actually quoting the movie! Not bad for a movie marking its 80th anniversary.  “Casablanca” is a staple for classic film buffs, but I encourage any Old Hollywood novice or fan of modern movies to watch for the first time. (Or if it’s been a while since you’ve seen it, re-discover it).  Don’t let the fact that it’s in black and white and decades-old deter you. The star power of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman will certainly pull you in, but the allure of “Casablanca” is also rooted in its screenplay, a masterclass of a movie script.  Which goes to show us there is no formul...