Movies

Ghost in the Well (1957) Tragic Japanese romance between nobleman and servant, literally titled Ghost Story of Broken Dishes at Bancho Mansion. When the maidservant deliberately breaks the heirloom plates that were to have sealed the deal on her beloved master's wedding, destroying his prospects and those of his entire family, he strikes her down in a rage and she falls into the courtyard well, becoming the titular ghost. At 45 minutes it is exactly half as long as I would have liked. Nothing truly outstanding, but all very nicely done and quite touching at times. 6/10

Goodbye Again (1933) Muddled hotel room farce - Warren William is the author of salacious novels on a promotional tour, Joan Blondell is his secretary who reminds him what city they are in and what he is supposed to be doing there. A Cleveland matron who had a brief college fling with him has always believed that his novels were all about her, and her appearance at his door begins the conflict. Hugh Herbert is unusually subdued as the vague boob who doesn't know how cuckolded he really is. Composed more of set-pieces than a coherent plot. Warren William has always seemed to me to be a dime-store Barrymore getting by on looks rather than ability - his version of Perry Mason is unnerving to anyone who has grown up with Raymond Burr - and Blondell's devotion to him here is inexplicable if not offensive. Gowns by Orry-Kelly featuring layered cape shoulders and asymmetrical bodices. Overall rather hard to like. 5.5/10