Elia Kazan

CHICAGO – “What If” is a really bad title, but that is the least of the film’s concerns, apparently, as the old can-man-and-women-be-friends canard rears its indecisive but predictable head (snicker). This time it’s interpreted through Harry Potter and Elia Kazan’s granddaughter, if this is to be believed.

CHICAGO – Few movies are as timeless as Elia Kazan’s amazing “On the Waterfront,” recently released in a Criterion Blu-ray edition that stands among the best classics-in-HD releases I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen a lot of them.

CHICAGO – Marlon Brando was at or near the peak of his screen charisma when Elia Kazan tapped him to star in his adaptation of Tennesse Williams’ “A Streetcar Named Desire,” recently released on Blu-ray in a digibook edition with a booklet about the making of the film but no new special features. The transfer is nice and the previously released special features are stellar, but this feels like something of a missed opportunity to do something a little more special for the HD debut of this influential film.

CHICAGO – The TCM Classic Film Festival, in Hollywood from April 22nd to the 25th, made a stop in Chicago during their “Road to Hollywood” fest promotion. Legendary star Eva Marie Saint introduced the film “North by Northwest.”

CHICAGO – The film buff’s essential network, Turner Classic Movies, is having a film festival next month in Hollywood from April 22nd to the 25th, and as promotion for that festival, Eva Marie Saint will introduce “North by Northwest” in Chicago.