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Reviews
Keeper of the Flame (1942)
Relevant Today
This movie is a classic because the message remains timely. The lead character, Forrest, who we never meet, was a self-aggrandizing influencer who used the public's fear of World World II to create a political rah-rah Forward America movement. Only his devoted wife, played by Hepburn, discovered that Forrest was, in fact, a fascist, protected by his associates. As Tracy's character journalist O'Malley explains to the little boy who worshipped Forrest and joined the youth bund, dictators arise when people can be made frightened and confused enough to turn on each other. O'Malley learns later how prophetic his words were.
When Mrs Forrest reveals the evidence to journalist O'Malley, and confesses that she let her husband die in an accident to stop his movement, Forrest's people murder her and attempt to silence O'Malley. He survives to write a glowing biography of Mrs Forrest, the true American martyr.
Her Cardboard Lover (1942)
Shearer's Swan Song
Even with George Cukor as director, this comedy is lame. The script is boring with predictable slapstick. Without her usual lighting to mask her crossed eyes, and the gorgeous Adrian costumes, Shearer is not glamorous. George Sanders' talents are wasted with his one-dimensional character. Taylor knocks himself out to be funny, but isn't. What a shame this was Shearer's last movie compared to her many earlier triumphs.