Adaptation is a tricky business. Not every great book makes for a great film and wonderful films have been made from mediocre novels. I recently read Grand Hotel for the first time then revisited the 1932 film. What struck me was not just how well they’ve both stood the test of time, but also how […]
Life Itself: ‘The Razor’s Edge’ (1946)
The first of the three maxims inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi was “Know Thyself”. Such simple advice, yet so difficult to follow. Larry Darrell (Tyrone Power) is one of life’s great seekers; The Razor’s Edge is the story of what he found. We first meet Larry at a country club party just […]
David Niven Makes a Scene
Merry Christmas! Preparations have been well under way in the Retro Movie Buff household for several days. In between movie marathons and mince pies, I’ve been dipping into David Niven’s autobiography, The Moon’s a Balloon—a book practically brimming with good cheer. The star of Around the World in 80 Days, A Matter of Life and […]