CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.
Gene Kelly
Entertainment News: Dean Stockwell of Film ’Blue Velvet' & TV’s ‘Quantum Leap’ Dies at 85
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 9, 2021 - 8:21pmCHICAGO – In my one encounter with Dean Stockwell back in 2013, he was properly off-kilter and amazing, as you expect from Frank in “Blue Velvet.” But Stockwell was so much more, starting as a child actor in Hollywood’s Golden Age, morphing to the hippie era and getting a major comeback with David Lynch and TV’s Quantum Leap.” He died in New York City on November 7th, 2021, at age 85.
Film News: Remembering Debbie Reynolds, in 2009 Interview
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 29, 2016 - 5:05pmLOS ANGELES – The shocking news of the passing of Debbie Reynolds, hours after her daughter Carrie Fisher passed away, is still resonating in the 2016 atmosphere. Ms. Reynolds died of a massive stroke on December 28th, at her son’s home near Los Angeles, while making funeral arrangements for her daughter. She was 84.
Film Review: ‘La La Land’ Will Create Love for Musicals Again
Submitted by PatrickMcD on December 15, 2016 - 2:04pmCHICAGO – “La La Land” has the spirit of an old time “Singin’ In The Rain”-type Hollywood musical, but this is no throwback or revival. It brings that spirit into the modern age and gets it to live, breathe, and thrive once again. It’s a beautiful technicolor spectacle that celebrates the whimsy of musicals, while finding a way to translate it credibly and wonderfully to the modern age.
Interview: Mitzi Gaynor Lights Up the TCM Classic Film Festival
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 25, 2013 - 11:48pmCHICAGO – This weekend is the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) Classic Film Festival, and few movie stars alive represent that classic status better than Miss Mitzi Gaynor. Whether co-starring in movies with Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, or starring in the film version of “South Pacific,” Mitzi Gaynor always inspires the old “razzle dazzle.”
DVD Review: Some True Classics in ‘The Robert Mitchum Film Collection’
Submitted by BrianTT on October 22, 2012 - 2:26pmCHICAGO – They don’t make ‘em like Robert Mitchum any more. Every few years, there’s a DVD collection of classic movies that rises above the others for the holiday season. One of this year’s most star-packed entries includes not only Mitchum but John Wayne, Deborah Kerr, Kirk Douglas, Shirley MacLaine, Richard Widmark, Gene Kelly, Paul Newman, Shelley Winters, Marilyn Monroe, and many more. Mitchum may be the face on the cover but the set is a trip through the golden era of Hollywood through more than just one star.
Blu-ray Review: Wonderful Limited Edition of Timeless ‘Singin’ in the Rain’
Submitted by BrianTT on July 25, 2012 - 8:52pmCHICAGO – The best musical of all time was recently released in a beautiful, lavish, packed limited edition — the kind that we see typically around the holiday season but rarely in July. The gorgeous box set for the timeless “Singin’ in the Rain” is easily one of the best Blu-ray releases of the year to date, a must for true movie collectors.
Interview: Oscar Winner George Chakiris Reflects on the Silver Age
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 12, 2012 - 3:25pmCHICAGO – What is striking about George Chakiris is not so much the memories of his unforgettable performances in films of another era, but his true kindness and humility in the wake of all that jazz. Winner of the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1961, playing Bernardo in “West Side Story,” the combination of his youth, energy and gratitude comes from his roots as a dancer.
Blu-Ray Review: Pair of Oscar-Winning Musicals Tap to HD Beat
Submitted by BrianTT on April 6, 2009 - 11:49amBlu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0 |
CHICAGO – Two of the most beloved musicals of all time recently made their debut on Blu-Ray with extravagant collections of special features, beautiful HD, and crystal clear audio. All musical fans will want to add the Best Picture-winning “An American in Paris” and “Gigi” to their Blu-Ray collection.