Mogambo: solemn, awkward romance that fails to justify solidly why the characters are falling in love; by the other hand, as an adventure this is a fairly minor one. The exception is Ava Gardner’s character, well-constructed and well-acted. John Ford was out of his métier in many ways (most relevantly, perhaps, by having a female character as the central piece of the story, as well as not dealing with Americana); nevertheless, one has to appreciate that he took the risk. […]

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: romance

To Have and Have Not: an interesting case; if judged as what this film tries to emulate and reminds of (look a few entries back), it doesn’t really work all that well. But if instead of judging it by what it is not the film is judged by what it is, this movie is entertaining. Its value comes much from showing one of the great screen chemistries of all time, not often rivaled.

Categories: Film reviews • Tags: romance