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American Pilot and the Pulitzer Prize Winner

 Monday: The Prize (1963)

             Andrew is in Sweden to receive a Pulitzer for literature. He could care less about winning. The only reason he came was because that was the only way to get the money that comes with the prize. When he arrives he meets another prize winner a German named Dr. Stratman and his niece Emily. Later Emily sees Andrew at a club. He has had far too much to drink. She tricks him into coming back to the hotel and sending him to bed alone. The next day during press interviews Andrew notices something different about Dr. Stratman. But he thinks nothing of it. During his interview he talks about how he is a failure as a writer. To make money he has been writing mystery novels under a fake name. He claims to be able to come up with a plot on the spot. He describes a story about Dr. Stratman. The real Dr. Stratman was taken away by spies and replaced with a look alike to further the work of Germany. Little does Andrew know, he is actually very close to what has actually happened. Andrew gets involved in figuring it all out and proving it to the police. As serious as the plot sounds there is a lot of comedy in the movie. I thought it was good. Andrew was played by Paul Newman, who was great as always.

Tuesday: Easy to Love (1953)

             An aquatic performer named Julie works at a resort for a man named Ray. He works her hard. She does shows on skis on the lake several times a day, models, and does secretarial work. Julie just wants to be able to have some fun. When ever she has plans Ray convinces her to cancel them and work. To get away from it all she agrees to marry another performer and leave with him. Hearing this Ray knows he doesn't want to lose her. So he convinces her to come to New York. He promises fun. But of course she ends up working the whole time. On a commercial shoot she meets a singer named Barry. She goes to his show later and they hit it off. He even gets her an audition for a show. But when Ray goes back Julie follows. She wants him even though he never shows any interest. That all changes. I liked this movie.

Wednesday: The Devil Makes Three (1952)

             An American pilot named Jeff returns to Germany after WWII. He wants to thank the German family who saved his life. When he gets to their house he discovers that the house was destroyed. Only the daughter, Willie, survived. Jeff finds her working as prostitute at a club. He wants her to have a better life. She refuses to give up her job. Jeff is able to convince her to take a vacation to a place she loves that was relatively untouched by the war. So they rent a car and head to Austria. She seems happy. But then Jeff finds out that she has smuggled illegal items in the car. He is upset that she uses him as an American soldier to get through the border check. Later the army tells him about that there is a plot to start up where Hitler left off. This new group of Nazi's needs money. Willie is involved somehow. Jeff agrees to help find out where they are getting the money. This movie is alright. Gene Kelly is Jeff. Always interesting to see him in a movie where he doesn't sing or dance.

Saturday: Chaos Walking (2021)

           This movie is set in a world where there are no women and the men are able to hear and see each other's thoughts. It's called noise. Todd has trouble controlling his noise. One day he finds a stranger sneaking out of his barn. He follows the stranger to a crashed space ship. Then he discovers the stranger is a girl. He has never seen a girl. Todd goes to tell the Mayor. They capture the girl and try to discover more about her. Her name is Viola. She was on a scouting mission. If their planet is habitable the rest of her ship will land. The mayor doesn't want this. Viola overhears his plans and runs. Todd's dad convinces him to take Viola to another settlement where it would be safer. Todd didn't even know there was another settlement. The mayor and his men chase Viola and Todd as they try to find a safe haven. Viola must warn her people not to come. Todd discovers his world is not what it seems. This movie was ok. I read the book series it is based on. In the book Todd's thinking is very simple, almost caveman like. Like "Dog is good" or "Hate chores they stupid." They didn't do that in the movie which was probably a good idea. The movie ends at a point where it could go on to the next book or it could end there. I'm not sure if it will do well enough for them to make another one.

Sunday: Olivia (1951)

         This is a French movie. It is set in the late 19th century. Olivia is a new student at an all girls boarding school. She soon learns there is a rivalry between the two heads of the school, Miss Julie and Miss Cara. They compete to win the affection of the girls. Miss Cara is always sick. Many believe she is faking it to get more attention, especially from Miss Julie. Miss Julie is elegant and intelligent. Olivia is fascinated by her. Miss Julie takes a special interest in Olivia. She even takes Olivia on a special trip to Paris. Olivia falls in love with Miss Julie. Miss Julie does little to discourage her. Olivia becomes obsessed. Then tragedy strikes and it all changes. This movie was alright. 

               

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