Classic Movie Recall

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Lara and James welcome classic film commentator and author Jeremy Arnold to chat about one of the most popular MGM musicals of the 1940s, starring the one and only Judy Garland. Based on a series of short stories from New Yorker Magazine, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS depicts chapters in the lives of a St. Louis family amid the opening of the 1904 world’s fair. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, it was filmed in spectacular Technicolor and received four Oscar nominations and a Academy Juvenile Award for a superb performance from 7-year-old Margaret O’Brien.

The Man Who Came To Dinner (1942)

TCM's Dave Karger joins for this chat about a comedy based on a 1939 play of the same name. Sheridan Whiteside (Monty Woolley) is invited to dine at the home of a wealthy factory owner, but he slips on some ice outside their house and is confined to the house while he recovers. He turns out to be a TERRIBLE houseguest, meddling in everyone’s life and inviting some interesting folks over, like paroled convicts, all while sitting in a wheelchair. But will he go too far? Or will they just kick him out? The film also stars Bette Davis the unflappable secretary.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Orson Welles produced, co-wrote, directed and stars in his 1941 masterpiece about a rich newspaper tycoon who utters the word “rosebud” on his deathbed. A newspaper reporter is then assigned to investigate the meaning of “rosebud,” uncovering details about a tragically complex, wealthy, powerful yet ultimately lonely life.

The War of the Worlds (1953)

Based on the 1890s novel by HG Wells, this 1953 Technicolor sci-fi classic depicts a devastating Martian attack on Los Angeles. The film received the Academy Award for Special Effects and went on to influence generations of filmmakers. Lara and James welcome two guests: Craig Barron, an Oscar-winning visual effects artist; and Andrea Kalas, the head of the Paramount Studios Archive who oversaw the restoration and preservation of the film.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)

Before there was Warren Beatty in HEAVEN CAN WAIT… before there was Chris Rock in DOWN TO EARTH, there was Robert Montgomery in HERE COMES MR. JORDAN! Join as as we travel to the great beyond — to heaven! And who is “Mr. Jordan”, anyway? Find out - in this episode of Classic Movie Recall.