Travis Simpkins

Bringing Up Baby (1938): Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn

Directed by Howard Hawks, Bringing Up Baby (1938) is the quintessential "Screwball Comedy" and ranks amongst the funniest and most influential comedies ever filmed. It's reputation has grown steadily, and it provided much inspiration for Peter Bogdanovich's classic film, What's Up Doc? (1972). The film is often cited as the first to use the word "gay" in the common modern context (in a scene during which Cary Grant's character is wearing a woman's robe). The rapid-fire story concerns a paleontologist, a fast-talking and mischievous girl and a leopard on the loose. Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn have great chemistry in the lead roles. The supporting cast is excellent as well, including Charles Ruggles and Fritz Feld.

Bringing Up Baby. 1938: Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn

Bringing Up Baby. 1938: Cary Grant

Bringing Up Baby. 1938: Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn

The Aviator (2004): Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Howard Hughes

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Aviator (2004) gives a sweeping look at the life of filmmaker and aviator, Howard Hughes, from his playboy days in the 1920's to his unraveling with obsessive-compulsive disorder in the 1940's. Full of bravado and true to the look of the period, Scorsese shot the film in a style that emulated the color schemes of early cinema. The art direction team did an amazing job recreating the era, and won the Academy Award for their work. The cast is great, including Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn, Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner, Jude Law as Errol Flynn, Gwen Stefani as Jean Harlow, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Willem Dafoe and Ian Holm. Father and son musicians, Loudon Wainwright III and Rufus Wainwright, appear separately as lounge singers.

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio and Gwen Stefani

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Cate Blanchett

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Kate Beckinsale

The Aviator. 2004. Martin Scorsese: Leonardo DiCaprio

Bend of the River (1952): James Stewart and Julia Adams

Directed by Anthony Mann, Bend of the River (1952) was his second Western collaboration with actor James Stewart. The story concerns a tough cowboy who escorts a confiscated shipment of supplies to settlers in need in 19th Century Oregon. The scenery and cinematography are breathtaking. James Stewart is great in the lead role. Julie Adams (billed as Julia) is beautiful in her role, her lovely visage on fine display. The rest of the cast is good as well, including Rock Hudson and Arthur Kennedy.