2024 Movie Diary, Part 12

34. SAHARA (1943)

Terrific war movie with Bogart as an American tank commander leading a ragtag group of survivors as they battle the unforgiving North African desert as well as the equally hard-pressed Germans. Bogart is tremendous, and the rest of the cast, representing soldiers of differing nationalities, races, and faiths, is also splendid.
Verdict: Most highly recommended.

35. THE MUSIC MAN (1962)

If it had done nothing more than record Robert Preston’s force-of-nature performance for the ages, it would be worth seeing. But it is so much more. It’s just a pure joy. A tad long, perhaps, but it’s a minor carp.
Verdict: Highly recommended, particularly if you’re feeling blue, because you won’t be after watching it.

36. BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (1925)

As story-telling goes, it’s pretty ham-fisted, as state propaganda tends to be. But technically and stylistically, it’s a marvel.
Verdict: Nothing else to say really, except that I watched it because I’ve heard of it and it showed up on YouTube. See it here, if you feel so inclined.