[N.B.: All of the following movies are public domain movies – available online and free to watch.]
Blood in the Sun (1945)
Nick Condon (James Cagney) is a reporter in Tokyo who has already criticized Japanese war propaganda. He comes into possession of the “Tanaka Document”, a Hitler-style model of evil. But he can’t expose its content unless he leaves Japan safely. Iris Hilliard (played by Sylvia Sidney), a mysterious part Chinese woman, provides Mr. Condon with intrigue and romance. She also apparently assists the authorities in their investigation of him. She serves as both an ally and a love interest for Condon. The film is full of action, intrigue and colorful cultural manifestations.
The main actors are James Cagney, John Emery, Porter Hall, Robert Armstrong and Sylvia Sidney. Filming locations include Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. This movie is also known as “Blood on the Sun”.
More information:
Director: Frank Lloyd
Country: United States
Total running time: 1 hour and 38 minutes
So is your Aunt Emma! (1942)
Emma, a rather likeable spinster, lives with her stern, conservative sisters. Emma goes to town to meet her ex-boyfriend’s son who is a boxer. Emma goes through a series of strange events in the city. At some point, the police think she is Ma Parker and mistakenly charge her with murder! Subsequently, the young boxer is kidnapped. Emma decides not to run from this mistaken identity because she wants to find the kidnapped boxer.
Main cast of the film: Douglas Fowley, Gwen Kenyon, Roger Pryor, Warren Hymer and Zasu Pitts. This movie is also known as “Aunt Emma Paints the Town”.
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Director: Jean Yarbrough
Country: United States
Total running time: 1 h 2 min
Lonely Wives (1931)
Edward Everett Horton plays both of his roles beautifully, both as a vaudeville impersonator named Felix and a womanizing lawyer named Richard. Felix is eager to add Richard to his list of people he impersonates. Richard says that he would get permission only if he can fool Richard’s mother-in-law. At the same time, Richard meets with Diane O’Dare to discuss divorcing her husband. Richard is unaware of the fact that Felix is Diane’s husband. On the other hand, Richard’s wife, Madeline, comes home early from a vacation and spends the night with Felix (disguised as Richard).
The main cast of the film includes Edward Everett Horton, Esther Ralston, Patsy Ruth Miller, Spencer Charters, and Laura La Plante.
More information:
Director: Russell Mack
Country: United States
Total running time: 1 hour and 25 minutes