Warner Archive Collection New Releases April 1: Norma Shearer’s Got Class
Only the Good …
THE CLASS (2006-07) Comedy kings David Crane (“Friends”) & Jeffrey Klarik (“Mad About You”) bring you the tale of an overeager romantic (Jason Ritter) who hosts the ultimate surprise party for his fiancée: a reunion of their third-grade classmates to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the day they met. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned as we are plunged into the dark comic world of this ahead-of-its-time sitcom serial that plays like the mutant spawn of “Friends” and “Melrose Place.” Extra-marital affairs, suicidal tendencies, friendship and other lies all provide ample fodder. Classmates of note include “The Walking Dead’s” Jon Bernthal, “Modern Family’s” Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Mr. Sunshine’s” Andrea Anders, “Once Upon a Time’s” Sean Maguire and “Party Down’s” Lizzy Caplan. Notable guest stints from David Keith, Sara Gilbert, and Sam Harris. Directed by James Burrows (“Frasier”. 19-Episode, 2-Disc Collection.
THE LAST OF MS. SHEARER?
THE LAST OF MRS. CHEYNEY (1929) This first film adaptation of the stage play – and Norma Shearer’s second sound film – embodies the same froth and frill as the later Joan Crawford/William Powell version while providing a fascinating glimpse at how the story must have played on-stage. Shearer plays the eponymous Mrs. Cheyney, an Australian arriviste to the socialite circle who employs a valet of most particular resources (George Barraud) who is more than what she seems. Basil Rathbone plays Lord Dilling, the aristocrat who gets a lesson in morals from the criminal class.
HER CARDBOARD LOVER (1942) George Sanders plays the romantic rogue that Norma Shearer’s socialite can’t say no to, driving her to the desperation play of hiring Robert Taylor’s muse-blocked songsmith to play her faux amour. Unfortunately for the socialite, this is one song and dance man that isn’t playing around. Norma Shearer’s cinema swan-song finds her in fine form ably supported by the dashing pair of Taylor and Sanders. Sanders depiction of romantic conceit flummoxed is a particular delight. Co-starring Frank McHugh and keep your eyes out for western mainstay Chill Wills in a judicial turn. Directed by George Cukor.
Go HBO!
FIRST COUSIN ONCE REMOVED (2012) A distinguished poet, translator, critic and teacher, Edwin Honig wrote dozens of books and poems that attracted critical praise around the world. His seminal translations awakened English-speaking readers to previously overlooked literary giants, resulting in honorary knighthoods from the king of Spain and the President of Portugal. Shot over the course of five years, acclaimed documentary filmmaker Alan Berliner paints a deeply personal portrait of his “good friend, cousin and mentor” Honig as he journeys through the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. The film reflects Honig’s life steeped in tragedy, love, loss, irony and literary daring with the same raw honesty that resonates in his poetry.
LIFE ACCORDING TO SAM (2014) This official selection in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival explores the remarkable world of Sam Berns and the relentless pursuit of a treatment and cure by his parents (both doctors) to save him from the fatal and extremely rare progressive aging disorder, progeria. Directed by Sean and Andrea Fine, this incredibly moving film chronicles three years of the family’s inspiring efforts which lead to the first clinical drug trials and the discovery that progeria is linked to the human aging process. As Sam’s resilient parents race against the clock (average life expectancy: 13 years), he embraces his circumstances with admirable courage. He becomes empowered to enjoy his childhood while his parents seek to make the most of their time together.
