the only mystery I never solved was... why my heart couldn't let go of you

Outstanding, enthralling, annoying, and clever.

The Illusionist (2006) - "In late nineteenth century Vienna, renowned illusionist Eisenheim is reunited with the Duchess von Teschen when she is volunteered from the audience to participate in an illusion during one of his performances. Despite having not seen each other in fifteen years when they were teenagers, they almost immediately recognize each other as Eduard Abramovich and Sophie von Teschen, they who had a doomed romance at that time due to their class differences. The Duchess is soon to be wed to the Crown Prince Leopold in what would be for him a marriage solely in pursuit of power: overthrowing his father, the Emperor Leopold, as well as overtaking the Hungarian side of the empire. The Crown Prince is known to use violence against women if it suits his needs or purposes. As such, the Duchess, who realizes that she still loves Eisenheim and he her, can never leave the Crown Prince without it jeopardizing her life. After Eisenheim humiliates the Crown Prince at a private show which results in an incident between the Crown Prince and the Duchess, the battle between Eisenheim and the Crown Prince moves into the public performance realm, which many believe demonstrates Eisenheim's supernatural powers. Much of the work for the Crown Prince in the battle with Eisenheim is conducted by Chief Inspector Uhl, who would become the Chief of Police under the Crown Prince's reign. As such, Uhl may have ulterior motives in turning a blind eye to any unlawful act of the Crown Prince against Eisenheim or the Duchess."
source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: it was recommended
IMDB: 7.5/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 73% Audience: 83%
my IMDB: 9/10

notable quote: "'He has tricked you, it is all an illusion!'

    'Perhaps there is truth in this illusion.'"

MPAA rating: PG-13

directed by: Neil Burger

my notes: I was thoroughly enthralled by this movie, which has one of the most satisfying endings in film. Edward Norton (Eisenheim) was, as always, phenomenal. Paul Giamatti (Chief Inspector Uhl) was awesome, too. The cinematography, costumes, and setting were terrific. I loved it!

Academy Award nominee: Best Cinematography—Dick Pope
overall: very highly recommended

Notorious (1946) - "Following the conviction of her German father for treason against the U.S., Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman) takes to drink and men. She is approached by government agent T.R. Devlin (Cary Grant) who asks her to spy on a group of her father's Nazi friends operating out of Rio de Janeiro. A romance develops between Alicia and Devlin, but she starts to get too involved in her work."

source: streamed on Tubi
I watched it because: Bergman and Grant have great chemistry, and this was well-reviewed
IMDB: 7.9/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 96% Audience: 91%
my IMDB: 7/10

MPAA rating: [approved]

AFI: 100 Years…100 Thrills (2001) #38

    100 Years…100 Passions (2002) #86

notable quote: "'Don't you need your coat?'    

     [suggestively]: 'You'll do....'"

directed by: Alfred Hitchcock

my notes: a pretty good thriller
Academy Award nominee:
• Best Supporting Actor—Claude Rains
• Best Writing, Original Screenplay—Ben Hecht

    (previously watched: March, 2007)

overall:  recommended

Topper Returns (1941) - "Topper is once again tormented by a fun-loving spirit. This time, it's Gail Richards (Joan Blondell), who was mistakenly murdered while staying at the home of her wealthy friend, Ann Carrington (Carole Landis), the intended victim. With Topper's help, Gail sets out to find her killer with the expected zany results."
source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: it was recommended as "the funniest of the Topper movies"
IMDB: 6.8/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 89% Audience: 81%
my IMDB: 2/10

notable quote: "Well, I might be a little over weight. But, I'm certainly not paunchy! In fact, I'm in pretty good shape, for the shape I'm in. After all, I'm a banker - not a glamour boy."

MPAA rating: [TV-G]

directed by: Roy Del Ruth

my notes: Billie Burke (Mrs. Topper) is intolerable, and Eddie Anderson (Rochester) is embarrassingly stereotyped. If it weren't for them, this might've been a decently funny and compelling movie. Dennis O'Keefe as the clever Bob the Taxi Driver is funny and snappy. Carole Landis as the smart and beleaguered Ann Carrington is quite appealing. Still, this movie is dreadful.

Academy Award nominee:
• Best Sound, Recording—Elmer Raguse

• Best Effects, Special Effects—Roy Seawright (photographic), Elmer Raguse (sound)
overall: not recommended

Along Came Jones (1945) - "After robbing a stagecoach, the gunman Monte Jarrad is wounded and hunted with a thousand-dollar reward. Meanwhile, the clumsy cowboy Melody Jones and his old partner George Fury ride through the wrong road and reach Payneville. When the locals see the initials MJ on Melody's saddle (and his appearance), he is mistaken as the dangerous criminal. Melody believes that the respectful behavior is because he is an unsmiling man. Melody is saved from a shot by Cherry de Longpre, who is Monte's girlfriend, and they head to her ranch where the hideout of the wounded Monte is. Cherry plots a plan sending Melody with Monte's saddle to the North to lure the posse while Monte heads to South. But the naïve cowboy is in love with Cherry and decides to return to the ranch instead against the will of his friend George."
source: streamed on Amazon Prime
I watched it because: Gary Cooper is adorable
IMDB: 6.4/10  -  Rotten Tomatoes: Tomatometer: 40% Audience: 52%
my IMDB: 6/10

notable quote: "Like I told your friend, never turn your back on anything... especially a girl!"

MPAA rating: [TV-PG]

directed by: Stuart Heisler

my notes: not the most original film ever, but... it's worth seeing. Cooper is always wonderful, and William Demarest (as his sidekick George Fury) is awesome.

overall:  recommended

[the title quotation is from The Illusionist]