Classic Movie Review

John E. Cornelison
  • 4.7 (48)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Biweekly

Join the host archaeologist John for classic movies reviews with his own special spin. Using his archaeological background, he connects historic, cinematic, genealogical, and current facts to add a dimension to his reviews that will increase your enjoyment of these classic movies. John tells all for movies over 25 years old. He also presents his world-famous short summaries of each classic movies reviewed. ClassicMovieRev.com

  1. Oct 15

    Bodyguard (1948): Lawrence Tierney on the Right Side of Film Noir (AFNP)

    🍿Bodyguard (1948) is a fast-moving RKO Film Noir starring Lawrence Tierney as Mike Carter, a hotheaded homicide detective who loses his badge, takes a private bodyguard job, and soon finds himself framed for murder. Directed by Richard Fleischer, this compact 62-minute crime thriller came early in a remarkable run of Film Noirs that would eventually include Follow Me Quietly (1949), Armored Car Robbery (1950), and The Narrow Margin (1952). We look at the story, the cast, Robert De Grasse's black-and-white cinematography, and where this lesser-known RKO production belongs in the ALL FILM NOIRS PROJECT.🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 Born to Kill (1947) - https://youtu.be/E03XjuH7KEY The Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947) - https://youtu.be/FBpl8Tz4JJ0 Armored Car Robbery (1950) - https://youtu.be/CC7dLUAJW7I The Narrow Margin (1952) - https://youtu.be/G42vOUwzL1s All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #FilmNoir #LawrenceTierney #ClassicMovies **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  2. Oct 8 ·  Video

    7 Gothic Noir Movies That Turn Home Into a Nightmare

    🍿What happens when Film Noir leaves the mean streets and enters the mansion? We're counting down seven unforgettable Gothic Noirs where elegant homes conceal psychological manipulation, murder, obsession, greed, and family secrets. From Alfred Hitchcock's Rebecca (1940) to George Cukor's Gaslight (1944), we explore the performances, story beats, shadow-filled filmmaking, and Gothic atmosphere that make these films so unsettling. Along the way, we'll look at Ingrid Bergman, Vincent Price, Joan Fontaine, and other classic stars caught in worlds where the person you trust most may be the person you should fear. Watch the countdown, then tell me which Gothic Noir you would put at number one.🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 Dark Waters (1944) — https://youtu.be/KEdr_A9FZ9o I Walked with a Zombie (1943) — https://youtu.be/3bBiRTAwO6c Out of the Past (1947) — https://youtu.be/D1veAGe12AM Elisha Cook Jr.'s 10 Greatest Film Noir  — https://youtu.be/ix6ujJ3clGE All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #GothicNoir #ClassicFilmNoir #ClassicMovies **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  3. Oct 1

    He Walked by Night (1948) - An All Film Noirs Project

    🍿A criminal who knows police methods, radio technology, and Los Angeles better than the men hunting him. He Walked by Night (1948) blends semi-documentary police procedure with some of Classic Film Noir's most striking nighttime imagery. In this review, we explore Richard Basehart's controlled performance as Roy Morgan, the methodical police investigation, John Alton's extraordinary cinematography, and the filmmaking techniques that transform Los Angeles into a landscape of shadows, tunnels, and isolation. We also examine Alfred L. Werker's credited direction, Anthony Mann's important uncredited contribution, and the unforgettable storm-drain climax. Subscribe and follow the ALL FILM NOIRS PROJECT as we journey through the database, one Noir at a time.🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 Border Incident (1949) — https://youtu.be/4GacjbZWpKM The Big Combo (1955) — https://youtu.be/w1g01g61MhA Brute Force (1947) — https://youtu.be/FtIPD17M2zQ All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #HeWalkedByNight #JohnAlton #FilmNoir **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  4. Sep 24

    The Whistler (1944) - An All Film Noirs Project

    🍿What happens when a man pays someone to murder him—and then desperately wants to live? The Whistler (1944) turns that cruel premise into a compact 59-minute Film Noir nightmare of guilt, paranoia, and fate. In this review, we explore Richard Dix's performance as Earl Conrad, J. Carrol Naish's chilling professional killer, and director William Castle's use of urban settings, darkened interiors, and psychological tension. We'll also examine the story's connection to The Whistler radio program and how its fatalistic worldview helped make the film a fascinating bridge between radio crime anthologies and Classic Film Noir. Subscribe and follow the ALL FILM NOIRS PROJECT as we journey through the database, one Noir at a time. 🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 Johnny Stool Pigeon (1949) - https://youtu.be/5KDAI-kVRH8 All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #TheWhistler1944 #ClassicFilmNoir #FilmNoir **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  5. Sep 17

    Sweet Smell of Success (1957) - An All Film Noirs Project

    🍿What happens when words become more dangerous than bullets? Sweet Smell of Success (1957) delivers one of Film Noir's bleakest examinations of ambition, corruption, manipulation, and unchecked power. In this review, we explore Burt Lancaster's intimidating performance as newspaper columnist J.J. Hunsecker, Tony Curtis's career-defining turn as desperate press agent Sidney Falco, and director Alexander Mackendrick's dark vision of New York City. We also examine the film's razor-sharp dialogue, James Wong Howe's striking nighttime cinematography, Elmer Bernstein's unforgettable jazz score, and the story of moral compromise that drives Sidney deeper into Hunsecker's world. Subscribe and follow the ALL FILM NOIRS PROJECT as we journey through the database, one Noir at a time.🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #SweetSmellOfSuccess #ClassicFilmNoir #FilmNoir **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  6. Sep 10

    The Fat Man (1951) - An All Film Noirs Project

    🍿A murdered dentist, missing dental X-rays, stolen money, gangsters—and a sinister circus clown. The Fat Man (1951) may be one of Classic Film Noir's strangest forgotten mysteries. In this review, we explore J. Scott Smart's unconventional private detective Brad Runyan, an early appearance by Rock Hudson, and Emmett Kelly's memorable turn as circus clown Ed Deets. We'll examine the film's mystery, flashback structure, unusual story beats, and William Castle's economical filmmaking, along with its connection to Dashiell Hammett and the hard-boiled radio tradition. Is this obscure Noir worth rediscovering? Join the ALL FILM NOIRS PROJECT as we work through the database, one Noir at a time. Subscribe and follow for more forgotten Film Noir. 🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 The Whistler (1944) — https://youtu.be/2nPu5QeWfVc Johnny Stool Pigeon (1949) — https://youtu.be/5KDAI-kVRH8 The Fat Man (1951) — https://youtu.be/ux0JsuU6ft8 The Maltese Falcon (1941) — https://youtu.be/iDqjuPCKUVc The Killers (1946) — https://youtu.be/KbninbLqoMU Sunset Blvd. (1950) — https://youtu.be/vnZjw1u0Otc All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #TheFatMan1951 #ClassicFilmNoir #FilmNoir **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  7. Sep 3

    Nighthawks (1981) Stallone's Underrated Neo-Noir - An All Film Noirs Project

    🍿Before Sylvester Stallone became synonymous with larger-than-life action heroes, he delivered one of his most restrained performances in Nighthawks (1981)—an underrated Neo-Noir thriller that was remarkably ahead of its time. We examine Stallone's Deke DaSilva, Rutger Hauer's chilling American film debut as terrorist Wulfgar, and Bruce Malmuth's tension-driven direction. Discover how the story transforms New York City into an active part of its deadly cat-and-mouse game, why its focus on international terrorism helped modernize Neo-Noir, and how restraint and urban realism keep the filmmaking effective decades later. Join the ALL FILM NOIRS PROJECT and subscribe as we journey through the database, one Noir at a time.🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #Nighthawks1981 #NeoNoir #FilmNoir **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

  8. Aug 28

    9 to 5 (1980): A Tribute to the Unforgettable Dolly Parton

    🍿Dolly Parton didn't just make her movie debut in 9 to 5 (1980) — she proved she belonged on the big screen. In this tribute, we revisit the workplace comedy that paired Parton with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dabney Coleman. We explore Dolly's remarkably natural performance as Doralee Rhodes, the story's satire of bad bosses and workplace inequality, and how comedy, fantasy, and revenge turn office frustration into something unforgettable. We also look at the creation of Dolly's iconic "9 to 5" song, why the movie still resonates, and even its surprising Sterling Hayden Film Noir connection. Share your favorite Dolly Parton movie, performance, or song in the comments. 🍿 📖Reviews Mentioned📖 The Asphalt Jungle (1950) — https://youtu.be/fynIloiiVDY The Killing (1956) — https://youtu.be/laP1Iye5LA8 All Film Noirs Project 1927 – 2026 - https://classicmovierev.com/all-film-noirs/ 👽Affiliates👽 GoPro 9 - https://amzn.to/3ITZcbw SmallRig Quick Release Phone Cage Kit Basic - https://amzn.to/4qzw51D The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 1 - https://amzn.to/4syL7X9 The Falcon Mystery Movie Collection Volume 2 - https://amzn.to/3L1G805 Camera - https://amzn.to/3SjOUnI Audio - https://amzn.to/4l7jCPY Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/3CQZQUf  My Books - https://www.amazon.com/John-E-Cornelison/e/B00MYPIP56 **Say Hi on Social** Website: https://www.classicmovierev.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicmovierev/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClassicMovieRev #DollyParton #9to5Movie #ClassicMovies **Disclaimer** CMR participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes. CMR claims no ownership of third-party content. Materials may be used under Fair Use (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act) for criticism, commentary, education, and research.

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4.7
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Join the host archaeologist John for classic movies reviews with his own special spin. Using his archaeological background, he connects historic, cinematic, genealogical, and current facts to add a dimension to his reviews that will increase your enjoyment of these classic movies. John tells all for movies over 25 years old. He also presents his world-famous short summaries of each classic movies reviewed. ClassicMovieRev.com

Information

  • Creator
    John E. Cornelison
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    482
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2014-2026
  • Show Website
    Classic Movie Review

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