1940s

Christmas Holiday; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
The hard-to-wrap-one’s-head-around story of Deanna Durbin as a prostitute-ish character married to a homicidal psychopath played by Gene Kelly.

Announcing the Made in 1944 Blogathon!
A blogathon about pop culture released and cultural influencers born in 1944.

The Bells of St. Mary’s; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
Manipulatively inspirational pablum elevated by Ingrid Bergman’s stellar performance.

To Each His Own; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
Outstanding romantic drama of a woman’s struggles through two world wars.

Margie; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
A delightful confection of a movie about a teenage girl coming of age in the late 1920s.

State of the Union; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
Legendary duo Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy shine in Frank Capra’s populist take on presidential politics.

Texas (1941); Review by Robin Franson Pruter
Breezy western about two friends, a rancher and rustler, fighting for the affections of young woman.

His Butler’s Sister; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
Lushly-directed romantic comedy featuring Durbin’s charm and strong support from Franchot Tone.

Something in the Wind; Review by Robin Franson Pruter
Fun musical romantic comedy elevated by Durbin’s winning personality.