Reel Old Movies

Who needs fictional beach reads when you can get your fill of murder, romance, drama and more from books about Hollywood’s history and stars? Here’s a round-up of a few new(ish) books from the last few years to get you through the dog days of summer. 

One of the original pair of iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz" disappeared in 2005. The mystery had been the subject of numerous investigations, documentaries and even a podcast series.  The iconic shoes were recovered in 2018 in an FBI sting, but the mystery remained of who stole the ruby slippers from The Judy Garland Museum in Minnesota and how they got away with it.  Now, some of those answers may be imminent after a 76-year-old man was indicted this week, the first charges in the case. Terry J. Martin was indicted Tuesday with one count of theft of a major artwork, according to U.S. Justice Department officials. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that Martin is 76 and lives 12 miles south of the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.  The indictment and news release by the Justice Department do not give details about how the crime was allegedly committed and who and where the shoes were held before the 2018 recovery. They do say

Today, audiences are going to the movies to watch Alexander Molony and Jude Law in the 2023 "Peter Pan and Wendy"  released this week, but almost 100 years ago, audiences were flocking to the theaters to see the first big screen appearance of "Peter Pan." 

The Anna May Wong-inspired Barbie is already sold out on the Mattel toy site and in other places. 

Someone with a spare $26,000 bought a piece of pivotal movie history, after an original copy of the 1927's "The Jazz Singer" script sold at auction this weekend. 

On this date in Hollywood history -- April edition: Charlie Chaplin was born, Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last!" premieres, a bevy of classic movie stars' birthdays including Doris Day, Bette Davis, Gregory Peck, Spencer Tracy and more! ...

[Last updated September 2023] One silver lining of movie theaters shuffling their way back to pre-pandemic levels? A surge of classic movies heading to movie theaters in 2023 so that new and veteran fans can appreciate the vintage films on the big screen.  Hollywood studios are still trying to get new movie production back on track. Re-issues of classic films help fill that void in theaters.  “It was definitely a rebound year,” Tearlach Hutcheson, VP of film at Studio Movie Grill, told Variety in December 2022. “There’s still a lack of product from studios, and it’s going to take a while to change that.” TCM has parted ways with Fathom Events , which had been the biggest player in re-releases of classic favorites. But Fathom announced a new series that will honor classic cinema. That plus a few other national series – such as Flashback Cinema and Alamo Drafthouse special screenings – translates into more movie theater love for old movies.  Here’s a look at pre-1980 movie re-releas

“Charade” starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant is among the 25 movies inducted to the National Film Registry, the Library of Congress announced Wednesday, December 14. 

"Gaslighting" is Merriam-Webster’s word of 2022. 

“Here’s looking at you, kid.” “We’ll always have Paris.” “Out of all the gin joints …” “Round up the usual suspects.” While today’s movies would be lucky to have one or two memorable quotes that permeate pop culture, 1942’s “Casablanca” is bursting with dozens of great lines that are woven into our language. I will argue it's the most quoted movie of all time – with many people ignorant that they’re actually quoting the movie! Not bad for a movie marking its 80th anniversary.  “Casablanca” is a staple for classic film buffs, but I encourage any Old Hollywood novice or fan of modern movies to watch for the first time. (Or if it’s been a while since you’ve seen it, re-discover it).  Don’t let the fact that it’s in black and white and decades-old deter you. The star power of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman will certainly pull you in, but the allure of “Casablanca” is also rooted in its screenplay, a masterclass of a movie script.  Which goes to show us there is no formula or one-w

Now Available!“It’s a Wonderful Life” is part of many families’ holiday traditions, but the 1946 Frank Capra movie starring James Stewart offers inspiration all year long. Order a paperback or download the ebook to “It’s a Wonderful Life: Quotes & Inspiration” – a collection of the best quotes, excerpts, scenes from the movie, posters and other material in a small volume, perfect for holiday gift-giving.

Whether it’s blood and gore or creepfest thrills or just a classic monster movie – what do these movies all have in common? Enough scares to last all year long.  If you’re looking for classic horror movie favorites or searching out new frightful films for the Halloween season, here are a few ideas for when you want to jump and shiver.  It’s a mix of popular fright favorites, horror classics, psychological thrillers and hidden gems, from the silent era into the 1960s. What would you add to the list? What would you remove? Share your thoughts @ReelOldMovies on Instagram.   The Phantom of the Opera (1925) While in more modern interpretations, the phantom is portrayed as a singing misdirected figure, the 1925 silent movie version showed the phantom is all his most obsessed and grotesque glory. Lon Chaney, the Man of a Thousand Faces, created the Phantom’s skull-like look himself and the big “reveal” scene would make audiences recoil for generations. Night of the Hunter (1955)  Robert Mit

Angela Lansbury, everybody's favorite TV detective and star of an eclectic body of stage and film work, died Tuesday, October 11, 2022 , just shy of her 97th birthday.   Her long career began in the movies when the "Murder, She Wrote" actress was a teenager. She was just 17 when she got the role of sharp-tongued Cockney maid Nancy in 1944's "Gaslight."

Audiences went on "A Trip to the Moon" with Georges Méliès 120 years ago, and the world of cinema was forever changed.

In honor of 2022’s National Silent Movie Day on September 29, check out these silent film classics that are considered must-see favorites by silent film fans. 

September 29, 2022 is National Silent Movie Day. But what exactly is it, when did it start and what is its purpose? A few frequently asked questions (and answers) around National Silent Movie Day 2022.

The best autumn leaves scenery in a classic movie? “All That Heaven Allows” from 1955.

Holy Batman Day! Saturday, September 17 is National Batman Day with special events, movie theater screenings, giveaways and more. But before Michael Keaton, Ben Affleck, George Clooney and yes, Adam West, there was … Lewis Wilson in 1943.

“The Godfather” is now regarded by many as one of the greatest movies ever. When it was released in 1972, it was also a big box office hit in addition to critical darling.

Early “scream queen” Fay Wray was born on this day, September 15, in 1907.  She is best remembered for her character Ann Darrow in 1933’s “King Kong” and her roles in horror films.