Beholds Spirit Film of 1957
Old Yeller
Classic coming of age story about two young boys and a dog. Travis matures and learns that life is about accepting responsibility and that loss and sadness are as unavoidable parts of life as love and pleasure. He is helped along this journey through his relationship with a stray dog, Old Yeller.
Brian’s Favorite Uplifting Films of 1957
Desk Set
Change is coming to the late 1950s workplace in the arrival of mainframe computers. The office of researchers is afraid the computer will cost them their jobs, partly because of natural fears and partly because they have not been given the whole story. The film captures office dynamics very well and how much people depend on their jobs for money and identity in modern culture.
A Face in the Crowd
A young television producer discovers a drunk country singer in a small town jail and is impressed with his charisma enough to help him get a career on radio and tv. And it works, only can his character and behavior allow him to keep it?
Island in the Sun
A Caribbean island hosts a story full of dramatic elements: inequality, social injustice, racism, adultery and murder. Four love affairs (made of up of varying racial mixtures) form the core of this entertaining story. I especially like the way it shows the locals becoming aware of their own political power.
Spring Reunion
A fifteenth high school reunion is the setting for this sweet tale. The central character is the former most popular girl who has gone on to a successful real estate career, but has never married. She reconnects with an old crush at the reunion, but he has his own issues. I love stories about people finding love after a long time, especially when the reasons why are explored.
Twelve Angry Men
The twelve (all-male) members of a jury must decide whether or not an inner-city teen will face the death penalty. But the crime itself, nor the accused criminal, are the focus here. It is all about the character and personalities of the jurors while they explore the evidence and the concept of reasonable doubt.