The Unconvincing Semi-Socialism of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ 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.
Mar 23, 2015 / Feature / James Agee
Elizabeth Taylor in ‘National Velvet’ 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...
Mar 24, 2011 / James Agee
D.W. Griffith, Remembered 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.
Feb 17, 2009 / Editorial / James Agee
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre 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.
Jan 16, 2009 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
The Best Years of Our Lives 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.
Jan 11, 2009 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
The Lost Weekend 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.
Jan 5, 2009 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
Crossfire Crossfire
Hollywood turns a novel about a gay murder into a call to action against anti-Semitism. Homophobia would have to wait.
Dec 29, 2008 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
Double Indemnity Double Indemnity
Before he was the perfect TV dad, Fred MacMurray was Billy Wilder's favorite movie heavy.
Dec 23, 2008 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
For Whom the Bell Tolls 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.
Dec 23, 2008 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
Hail the Conquering Hero 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.
Dec 22, 2008 / Books & the Arts / James Agee