Steven Helmer Publications

My wife was in her sewing studio yesterday evening, working on Christmas gifts, and while I had some time while waiting for her, I ended up re-watching It's a Wonderful Life for the first time in a few years. As I did and was reminded of some things I had forgotten about the film and a couple I hadn't noticed before. Mr. Potter ( Lionel Barrymore ) is a character that still sticks in my crawl. This movie could be considered a perfect film in a lot of ways but, at least in my opinion, falls a bit short because Potter doesn't get any sort of comeuppance for stealing money, doesn't have a redeeming change of heart and, despite anything, remains a respected member (albeit not very well liked) member of the community. Yes, you could make the argument it doesn't matter because this is George Bailey's (James Stewart) story. I disagree though. In fact, George was kind of an ass at times too. Sure, he made sacrifices, stayed in Bedford Falls running the family business...

Synopsis: When an aristocrat is found dead with two pin-sized marks on his neck and drained of blood, the locals suspect Count Mora and his daughter, Luna, of being vampires. However, authorities are hesitant to consider a supernatural explanation. Who's in it? The movie stars Lionel Barrymore , Bela Lugosi , Elizabeth Allan , Lionel Atwill and Carroll Borland. Review: I came across this movie early this morning and, even though I'm always a bit skeptical about Bela Lugosi in non-Dracula vampire roles, decided to give it a try, just in case it ended up being a pleasant surprise. As it turns out, it was better than expected. This is one of those movies that you need to watch in its entirety to fully understand the plot. At first glance, it just seems like another rip-off of Dracula , and not just because Lugosi walks around in a cape. Many of the plot elements are similar, including a doctor who is an expert in the supernatural (Barrymore) and a soon-to-be-married woman (All...