Public Domain Drive-In: Inauguration Day Viewing

For many of us, Inauguration Day is going to be a challenge....and many of us want to protest in some way.

Here is a partial listing of Chicago-area activities; I'll be attending Artists Against Hate's fundraiser Friday night and for those not in the area....some great public domain movies and cartoons.

Because, let's face it, the next four years are going to be interesting....

Public Domain Drive-In: THE SHADOW STRIKES

So you're probably wondering where I've been.... ...well, busy. Mostly, freelance work - a surprise assignment around the holidays led to further work. Plus, with current client and the search for other clients, my time's been at a premium.

Thankfully, my life is starting to fall into a slightly more orderly rhythm - one of my extracurricular activities has been limited in scope, and I will be leaving another one within the next few months. (It's not Chicago TARDIS, so don't worry on that end). But it does mean dedicating myself to not burning the candle at both ends.

In that spirit, and as an apology, here's The Shadow Strikes. Yes, it's a film version of that Shadow. But it's also not quite that Shadow. Hoping that, by posting this, the Internet is torn in half. Enjoy!

Public Domain Drive-In: JIGSAW

So it's the night before Thanksgiving - you want to watch a little something before the big day. Tomorrow, it's going to be turkey, football, and chaos....so you want to get in a little noir-ish fun.

Let me present to you 1949's Jigsaw.

It's a story about a man who investigates a murder....and finds a larger conspiracy. This film is also chock full of blank-and-you'll-miss-them appearances by some well-known actors.

It's a pretty good, taut movie that is really well worth checking out. Enjoy!

(Don't worry - we have something special planned for tomorrow as well)

 

Public Domain Drive-In: MY MAN GODFREY

After a busy, turbulent few weeks, need a little time to rest, relax, and catch up on some writing. So rather than another why-I-haven't-been-blogging post (and trust me, I have a few posts that need to be uploaded in the next few days), why not enjoy the comedy magic of William Powell in My Man Godfrey?

Public Domain Drive-In: Happy Birthday, Orson Welles

Whether he's made films about egocentric newspapermen, engaging in audio pranks involving alien invasions, or inspiring the voice of a cartoon mouse, Orson Welles has had a significant impact on popular culture.

So in that spirit, I offer some video tidbits featuring the great man, including The Stranger (a great little noir thriller); the infamous War of the Worlds broadcast from 1938;  and an oft-parodied piece of audio. Enjoy!






And now, for the democratic response:

Public Domain Drive-In: KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL

Now that things are settling down for the holidays, it's time to forget being nice....and get nice and noirishly naughty.

For your approval - Kansas City Confidential, a heist film which not only gets mileage out of masks, but makes veteran character actor Jack Elam look....presentable.

Enjoy!