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Nation HistoryMarch 23, 2015
The Unconvincing Semi-Socialism of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’
Many small towns are “backward” in a likable way, but I have never seen one so Norman-Rockwellish.
James Agee
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March 24, 2011
Elizabeth Taylor in ‘National Velvet’
In his review of Taylor’s first major role, The Nation‘s James Agee summed up his thoughts: "I think that she and the picture are wonderful, and I hardly know or care whether she can act or not."
James Agee
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FilmFebruary 17, 2009
D.W. Griffith, Remembered
The death of pioneer filmmaker D.W. Griffith in 1948 prompted this appreciation from The Nation‘s film critic James Agee.
James Agee
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FilmJanuary 16, 2009
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
“Badges, we don’t need no stinkin’ badges.” Who said one of the most famous lines in film history? As it turns out, nobody.
James Agee
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FilmJanuary 11, 2009
The Best Years of Our Lives
Three World War II veterans return home to their families to recover from the worst years of their lives.
James Agee
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FilmJanuary 5, 2009
The Lost Weekend
Billy Wilder didn’t have it in him to tell the story behind Don Binam’s alcoholic binge as it appeared in the novel–that he’d had a homosexual affair in college.
James Agee
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FilmDecember 29, 2008
Crossfire
Hollywood turns a novel about a gay murder into a call to action against anti-Semitism. Homophobia would have to wait.
James Agee
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FilmDecember 23, 2008
Double Indemnity
Before he was the perfect TV dad, Fred MacMurray was Billy Wilder’s favorite movie heavy.
James Agee
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FilmDecember 23, 2008
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Some feared a film of Hemingway’s novel about the Spanish Civil War would take too strong a stance against fascism. They didn’t know Hollywood.
James Agee
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FilmDecember 22, 2008
Hail the Conquering Hero
Hail Preston Sturges, the king of screwball comedy, whose string of subversive films from 1939 to 1943 rank among Hollywood’s funniest ever.
James Agee