Category: Frank Sinatra

‘Not as a Stranger’ from 1955: The Beginning of the End

Commentary I don’t usually review movies released after 1954. That’s why I was initially hesitant to watch and write about “Not as a Stranger” (1955). However, it’s a highly-acclaimed film because of its prestigious cast, adaptation of an award-winning play, and direction from first-time director Stanley Kramer. Both for entertainment and reviewing purposes, I generally…


Iconic Films: ‘The Manchurian Candidate’: Director John Frankenheimer’s Chilling and Timeless Masterpiece

NR | 2h 6min | Drama, Crime, Thriller, Satire | 24 October 1962 (USA) With the exception of “Little Big Man” and “GoodFellas,” I’ve watched the 1962 original version of “The Manchurian Candidate” more than any other movie in my life—roughly four dozen times. In every instance, I notice something I hadn’t seen or noticed before and am more entertained and enlightened…


Dad and Son Sing an Amazing Duet of Frank Sinatra’s ‘Me and My Shadow’

One can really tell they love each other and enjoy being together. Their duet is just beautiful! (Video courtesy of Clayton Branchett) …


Revenge: A Motivating Factor?

Commentary Throughout history, “revenge” has been a motivating factor in geopolitical relations between countries. For example, in 2001, following the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York, the President of the United States, George W. Bush, promised swift retaliatory action against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan that harboured Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind…


Pop Culture Historian Preserves LA’s Past While Looking to the Future

Alison Martino calls herself a “DeLorean of the internet”—comparing herself to the iconic modern car that serves as a time machine in the movie “Back to the Future.” The daughter of show business royalty, Martino has made it her life’s mission to preserve the pop culture history of Southern California by creating Vintage Los Angeles,…