Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis: Henry Grant is in love with his fiancée, Marcia West. However, their relationship is put in jeopardy when the 20-year-old develops a crush on actor Basil Underwood. Hoping to correct the situation, Henry asks Underwood for help and, seeking to redeem himself for all the times he lied to and cheated on his own fiancée, Joyce Arden, Basil agrees to go Marcia's house and make her fall out of love with him by acting like a cad.  However, as his attempts repeatedly fail, Underwood's loyalties to Joyce are tested when he realizes he is attracted to Marcia's unwavering devotion. Complicating matters is Joyce unexpectedly arriving to see Marcia in Basil's arms. Who's in it? The movie stars Leslie Howard , Olivia de Havilland , Bette Davis , Patric Knowles , Eric Blore and Bonita Granville . Review: While I like classic comedies, I usually avoid watching them first thing in the morning because I'm always afraid my brain won't be awake enough to catch the...

Synopsis: A spoiled and snobbish heiress, Maggie Richards, gets into an argument with her parents and storms out of the house. While driving, she discovers the car is almost out of gas and fills it up at a service station. When she is unable to pay and tries to drive away, the manager, Bill Davis, forces her to work off the money she owed. Angry and embarrassed, Maggie vows to get back at Davis and when she learns of a business venture Davis is working on, tricks him into seeing her father, Ben Richards, for the money, knowing her dad will give him the runaround. However, her desire for revenge fades when she starts to fall in love with Davis. There's just one problem, telling him the truth might make him hate her. Who's in it? The movie stars Olivia de Havilland , Dick Powell , Charles Winninger , Allen Jenkins and Bonita Granville. Review: I added Hard to Get to my movie library mostly because I have enjoyed most (maybe all) of the Olivia de Havilland movies I've seen...

Synopsis: After being orphaned as a child, Philip Ashley was raised by his wealthy cousin, Ambrose. When Ambrose dies under mysterious circumstances while vacationing in Florence, a pair of letters make Philip suspicious of Rachel, the woman Ambrose married prior to his death. Philip invites Rachel to his newly inherited estate, determined to confront her and learn the truth. Only, Rachel turns out to be beautiful and charming, causing him to fall in love with her and sign over everything to her, believing she will marry him. However, when Rachel rejects his proposal, Philip once again grows suspicious of his cousin's widow. Who's in it? The movie stars Olivia de Havilland , Richard Burton , Audrey Dalton , Ronald Squire and John Sutton . Review: After scanning several possible choices, I decided to watch My Cousin Rachel this morning mostly because I'm an Olivia de Havilland fan. After I finished watching it, I was convinced I made the right choice. The thing that impr...

Synopsis:  Convicted of treason after helping a rebel during the Monmouth Rebellion against King James II, Dr. Peter Blood is sold into slavery in India. He is purchased by the niece of a local military commander and, with her help, becomes the governor's physician. However, despite his relatively easy workload, Blood's desire to be a free man results in him escaping with other slaves and becoming a pirate captain. Who's in it? The movie stars Errol Flynn , Olivia de Havilland , Lionel Atwill , Basil Rathbone and Ross Alexander. Review: I have seen bits and pieces of this movie over the years but had never actually taken the time to watch the film in its entirety. I changed that this weekend when, feeling a bit lazy on Sunday, decided to finally watch it. After doing so, I have to say it has become one of my favorite pirate movies. The overall story was an intriguing one. Blood (Flynn) starts out as a former soldier determined to choose helping people over violence but, ...