The plot is not just simple but simplistic, the “black moment” lasts all of 15 seconds, there is no deep characterization or expertly layered subplots. There is, however, a street, a song, a rainstorm and Gene Kelly in one of Hollywood’s most iconic and joyous moments. Who needs plot? Singin’ in the Rain is considered by many the pinnacle of...

When I was thirteen, my mother took me to see a great star of the silent screen who was signing a coffee table book she’d done about the films of her and her sister. When we reached the front of the line, I couldn’t help myself and gushed, “Oh, Miss Gish, you’re my favorite actress! I loved you in Broken Blossoms and Orphans in the...

The husband and I first tried to see this last weekend and discovered that the theatre where it was playing was sold out for all of the showings we could get to. (We ended up with a second viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows instead, which is much better if you’re not feeling deathly ill while watching it.) We decided we’d try again this week...

Blake Edwards passed away Wednesday night; he was 88. While Edwards did have some clunkers in his career, there was also so much magic. Operation Petticoat, Victor/Victoria, The Great Race, and, of course, The Pink Panther — pictures that make you laugh and often touch the heart as well. He will be missed. Edwards’ comedy was often tinged with a dark...