Love Letters to Old Hollywood

SPELLBOUND is one of Hitchcock’s underdogs. It deserves another look, so just dismiss anything you read about it being silly in its take on psychoanalysis. As Hitch would say, “It’s only a moo-vie.” It’s also a very enjoyable film, starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck as one of the most beautiful couples on celluloid.

Earlier this week, the Oscars aired and being the cinephile I am, I dutifully watched it as I do every year. This year’s ceremony did something that I absolutely loved—they honored the 75th anniversary of THE WIZARD OF OZ. As I’ve stated before, OZ is my absolute favorite film. No film could ever be as near and dear to my heart as this one is. Because of that, I definitely cried when the wonderful singer Pink sang “Over the Rainbow” as scenes from the movie played in the background. Call me a baby, but I felt so thrilled that Judy and Co. were being remembered like that. And having Judy’s children there just made it even more special. Despite all that, I did have a small problem with the Academy’s decision to honor OZ. Don’t think I’m ungrateful, but why didn’t they mention all the other great films that have a 75th anniversary this year? You all know what I’m talking about: Hollywood’s greatest year, 1939, the year that produced classic after classic after freaking classic. MR. SMITH G…