Scene That I Love: Queeg Cracks in The Caine Mutiny


The Caine Mutiny (1954, dir by Edward Dmytryk, DP: Franz Planer)

Today’s scene that I love comes from 1954’s The Caine Mutiny.

In this scene, Captain Queeg (Humphrey Bogart) is cross-examined by Barney Greenwald (Jose Ferrer).  The court martial concerns whether or not an officer under Queeg’s command was justified in taking over the ship from Queeg.  Greenwald, tasked with defending the head mutineer, knows that the only way to win the case is to expose Queeg himself as a paranoid and unstable officer.  Greenwald does his job but he’s not happy about it.

This scene, directed by Edward Dmytryk, features both Bogart and Ferrer at their absolute best.

Scenes That I Love: The Ramones Play Rock ‘n’ Roll High School


To go along with Brad’s book review and my tribute to Ron Howard, I really wanted to share a scene of Clint Howard as Mr. Eaglebauer in the 1979 film, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.  Unfortunately, I really couldn’t find any Eaglebauer scenes on YouTube but I did find this upload of the Ramones performing at the end of the film.

If you look closely, you’ll see Clint Howard dancing to the song.  His face isn’t visible but you’ll spot the hair easily.

I love this movie!

Scenes That I Love: Keanu Reeves in John Wick


Today, we wish a happy sixty-first birthday to the one and only Keanu Reeves!

Today’s scene that I love comes from the film that made Keanu an icon for a whole generation of moviegoers who had blocked The Matrix sequels from their collective memories, John Wick.  In this scene, Keanu explains that it wasn’t just a dog that he lost.

There’s not a pet owner in the world who doesn’t understand exactly what John Wick is saying here.  And it must be said that Keanu, who has definitely grown a good deal as an actor over the years, really sells the emotions in this scene.

Scenes I Love: The Birds Attack in Birdemic: Shock and Terror


Today, the Shattered Lens wishes a happy birthday to director James Nguyen!  Today’s scene that I love comes from Nguyen’s masterpiece, 2010’s Birdemic: Shock and Terror!

Those who claim that Brian De Palma stole too much from Hitchcock obviously never met James Nguyen.

Scenes That I Love: Elsa Lanchester as Mary Shelley in Bride of Frankenstein


The writer Mary Shelley was born on this date in 1797.  Shelley, of course, is best-known for writing Frankenstein, a book that some claim is the first science fiction novel.  (That’s debatable but it was still a major literary achievement.)

In this scene from 1936’s Bride of Frankenstein, Elsa Lanchester appears as Mary Shelley, continuing her story.  (Of course, Lanchester also played the Bride herself.)

Scenes That I Love: The End Of The French Connection


Today, the Shattered Lens celebrates what would have been birthday oif the great William Friedkin.  As a director, William Friedkin revolutionized both the horror genre and the crime genre.  The car chase from 1971’s The French Connection has been much imitated but rarely equaled.

That said, as impressive as the car chase is, the ending of the French Connection is a perfect example of the bleakness of 70s cinema.  Between the seemingly crazed Doyle firing his weapon into the void to the end cards that leave us wondering if any of this was worth it, the final minutes of The French Connection still pack an undeniable punch.

Scenes That I Love: James Bond Meets Pussy Galore In Goldfinger


Today’s scene that I love features Sean Connery, born on this day 95 years ago.  In this scene from 1964’s Goldfinger, Connery needs only one simple line — “I must be dreaming,” — to create an iconic moment.

Daniel Craig, as good as an actor as he is, could not have pulled this off.  Only Sean Connery could have made this scene unforgettable and that’s why Sean Connery will continue to be the Bond to which all others should be compared.

Scenes That I Love: “Good Mornin'” from Singin’ In The Rain (Happy Birthday, Gene Kelly!)


In honor of Gene Kelly’s birthday, today’s scene that I love comes from the 1952 classic, Singin’ In The Rain.  In this scene, Debbie Reynolds performs the song Good Mornin’ with Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor.

Brad’s Scene of the Day – The Dwarves sing “Misty Mountains” in THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY (2012)!


To celebrate the 54th birthday of actor Richard Armitage, I decided to watch this awesome scene from THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY where he plays the badass Thorin. This is such a cool scene and a highlight of the series. Enjoy!