January & February 2023 Film Club Picks
Two classic films with movie milestones are on our radar right now. And while the announcement of our selections for January and February are well overdue (c’est la vie…), we couldn’t think of a better classic Hollywood double feature!
Our January pick is the oft quoted romantic drama: Casablanca (1942, dir. Michael Curtiz). Having premiered in November of 1942, the film was widely released in January of 1943, hence recently celebrating its 80th anniversary. The film stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and is notable for having been filmed and set during World War II. It would even go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, despite not being expected to be a big draw within the studio system at the time of its release. Casablanca is frequently heralded as one of those seminal films that every movie-goer should see at least once, so what better time to rewatch it than right now?
On a significantly more comedic note, our second pick, for February, is another romantic film, but with a much zanier, screwball flair. I am, of course, talking about Bringing Up Baby (1938, dir. Howard Hawks), a film that I’ve only mentioned at least seven times on this blog (here’s the proof in case you weren’t counting … see: “Some Like it Hot,” “Sarah’s Favorite Fictional Felines,” “Bring on the Remakes and Sequels,” “What’s Up Doc?,” “30 Films: A Quarantine Birthday Celebration,” “More Animal Movies,” plus “And the Blog Goes On… 2”). This romcom gem celebrates turning 85 this month, having premiered on February 16, 1938. Starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant as an unlikely couple who are overly preoccupied with finding David’s missing bone and Susan’s missing pussycat, a leopard named (you guessed it), Baby. A truly delightful film you are sure to not want to miss!
While it may be a new year, we cannot wait to revisit more classic films. Get your remotes and popcorn ready and join us in revisiting Casablanca and Bringing Up Baby!
What films are you hoping we review this year? What do you think of this double feature? Share your thoughts in the comments below and happy viewing!!!
Copyright © 2023 Sarah Crane
