Just Call Me Martha

Sunset Boulevard is a film noir that stars a young William Holden  as Joe Gillis, a struggling screenwriter, and Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, a former silent film  star who lures him into her fantasy world, where she dreams of making a triumphant return to the screen. Gloria Swanson as Normal Desmond is a revelation in dark comedy. "I am big. It's the pictures that got small" is a line only a true silent film legend could deliver. Just like Desmond, Swanson first achieved fame acting in silent films, albeit known more for her garish costumes than her acting. William Holden plays your typical charismatic, but down-on-his luck Hollywood screenwriter who narrates the film with his deep and resonant baritone voice.  Release Date: Aug. 10, 1950 Runtime: 1 hr 50 min Rating: ★★★★☆

The Shop Around the Corner is  a sentimental, homespun story of combative coworkers in a pre-war Budapest leather-goods store. The plot twist is that they do not realize that each if the other's secret pen-pal.  My husband and I watched this movie Christmas evening. It was featured on Turner Classic Movies because their romantic complications are resolved on Christmas Eve. With a heavy snow falling, Alfred admits to Klara that he is her "Dear Friend" pen-pal. What drew me to the film was the title, which is the name of the quaint financially troubled bookstore in You've Got Mail,  which is arguably one of the best romantic comedies of the 90's. To my surprise, You've Got Mail is simply a modern remake of The Shop Around the Corner.   Release Date: Jan. 25, 1940 Runtime: 1 hr 37 min Rating: ★★★☆☆