The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated self-isolation and quarantine measures have given many of us a lot of extra time.  I’ve been spending my extra time by drinking wine and watching movies. So, no, my life hasn’t changed much. Grocery shopping has changed.  Who would have believed that when panic hit the streets, the toilet…

Can a war movie be reassuring in a time of crisis?  Each of the films in this excellent collection stress people working together: to repel invaders, escape from or attack the enemy, and just to survive in sticky situations. All are inspirational in that they see cooperation, organization and leadership doing good work. See the…

Van Johnson steps into adventure-guy shoes more suitable for Humphrey Bogart in this European-shot thriller. Daring Martine Carol provides the sex appeal as the mystery dame who entices Johnson to smuggle a man out of Red Albania. The movie is practically a proto- James Bond film: it’s directed by Terence Young, includes Sean Connery and…