Trimonthly Favorites 2024: Zachary Scott, Noir Rarities and One Major Discovery

Discussing my most memorable classic movie finds that I saw during the year's first months

Typically, the beginning of the year proves chaotic for me. Despite my enjoyment of Christmas, it often feels like an abrupt interruption to the momentum I feel I have been building up during October and November, two of my favorite months. January and February, both metaphorically and literally, normally seem a bit cold and stagnant. The usual dynamics are disrupted, and a new year, which doesn't quite feel like one yet, slowly begins to take shape in a state of dormancy. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, it's also during these times that I find myself drawn to delve into films I had previously postponed watching or to explore new ones, seeking to break free from a feeling I can’t totally put my fingers on. As I take a look at the past few months, I would like to share some of the films I've discovered, with the aim that they may offer you as much comfort or inspiration as they have for me, during these initial stages of the year.

So then, what did the beginning of 2024 had to offer? In my case, film noir rarities, several Zachary Scott films, adventure movies, Douglas Sirk’s debut… Fantastic cinematic treats, if you ask me. My yearly classic film journey started this 2024 with a wild mix of movies that I have been thoroughly enjoying. It has been a while since I posted about favorite first-time watches, so since we are entering the second quarter of this year, I thought it would be a great moment to do it once more. Therefore, join me as I highlight a few discoveries that have stood out for me (many of which can be streamed or found online). Whether you're a declared noirista or just dipping your toes into old Hollywood waters, there's something here for everyone and I am here to prove it to you! Just remember that.

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1/7. The Spiritualist a.k.a The Amazing Mr. X by Bernard Vorhaus

You will meet a tall dark stranger is both the title of a flopped Woody Allen film and a cliché prediction from a fortune teller. Well, it might have worked as a better title for this film noir mystery released in 1948, that effectively starts with its female protagonist Christine (Lynn Bari) walking down the beach at night and then stumbling upon a charismatic stranger named Alexis (Turham Bey). He turns out to be an intriguing and attractive spiritualist –or a mentalist, who seems to know all about her. A walking red flag from our perspective but in Christine’s and her romantic younger sister Janet (Cathy O’Donnell) view, the perfect person to consult over the matter of her recent eerie contacts with her late husband Paul Faber (Donald Curtis).