Golden Age of Hollywood Book Club discussion

Just for fun!

I'd like everyone in this group to view 'Black Magic' (1949) and report their reactions.

The flick is free on many platforms. Easily located. No commercials.

I admit I wasn't expecting much when I aired it --and I was unimpressed as the first few minutes rolled.

But --in the end --I found it a total HOOT. Goofy as all get-out.

So --something which rarely happens --my first impression swiveled around 180 degrees.

Agree? Disagree? Contribute your views.

I'm not sure I have the patience but I will give it a try. I hope it isn't too long.

Well, so far I have watched about 40 minutes of the film. Barry Kroeger as Dumas pere, hammed it up very badly and Raymond Burr was miscast IMO. The camera work is well done.

I am watching it in spurts, so will keep you updated.

Hurrah! Yes I agree especially the first half is best taken in small doses.

I would say it is a fairly long film but after the second half commences, there is so much zany action that one probably shouldn't mind. I didn't.

The audience sure got its money's worth from this production.

I might try to watch it later tonight.

OK, I finished it and I have to say that it was a hoot. The strength of the film is the fantastic camera shots, many of which reminded me of Citizen Kane. Otherwise, it is a mish-mash of crowds running around and weird characters doing whatever they are doing.

Welles had a strange genius which was often hard to understand and he often went overboard as he did in this film. I'm glad I watched it just to see his eccentricities which were on display.

Fabulous. Two votes "for", and one vote "against".

Very elucidating!

I really appreciate y'all sampling this hand-me-down recommendation we get from Scorcese.

It's worthwhile to hear other opinions.

Alternate ending: was Cagliostro, shot down by a soldier's bullet at the end? I can't recall exactly. But I think there ought to have been a thunderstorm passing over Paris as he raced up to the roof. He should have been struck by lightning and topped to the ground.

As for Welles ...yes, 'strange genius', as Jonathan Rosenbaum described. He loved carnivals; loved being the ringmaster, always sought center stage. Always insisted on being some kind of 'showman'. No wonder Hollywood tired of him.

It's dismaying to think that just ten years later he had gained enough weight to play Capt. Hank Quinlan.

p.s. I wonder if Welles suggested some of those camera maneuvers to Ratoff? With his usual lofty superiority?

Feliks wrote: "p.s. I wonder if Welles suggested some of those camera maneuvers to Ratoff? With his usual lofty superiority?"

You know he did. He always tried to take over a film even if he wasn't directing it..........think The Third Man and he didn't even have much screen time in that film. But I will say this: his first appearance in that film in the dark doorway is breathtaking and may have been his idea.

Aye. It's just that I know that Mad Russkie, (Gregory Ratoff) very well too and I'm not sure how well he would accept suggestions. Ratoff was a very strident, forthright individual, not shy or tentative at all.

This is a question for some film school student, surely.

Something very confusing re: this film, is that Charlie Chan #3 is similarly named. Exactly named.

Directed by Richard Rosen or somebody, and also a likely title on Scorcese's list.

Don't be deceived! These are two very different movies! Only ONE is an EDWARD SMALL PRODUCTION

One of those Monogram cheapies. I read that they changed the name when it was released for television.