Okay, never say never. But it seems unlikely these films could be made today, for the reasons I’ve listed.
I’ve added one film that was limited by the restrictions of yesteryear (and perhaps some bad choices by the producers, directors, screenwriters and/or actors). Still, the story is worth telling, and if the right people took it on…
All of these films have been reviewed on my other blog, Classic for a Reason. Click on the title to see the individual reviews, and if you get the chance, check out these movies!
The More the Merrier
A single woman rents out the spare room in her apartment to two strange men? It was a controversial idea at the time, but today it likely would be nixed because of the danger factor, not the sexual one.
The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer
A man suspected of seducing an underage girl is sentenced to date her? While there would be outrage at the concept now, Cary Grant and Shirley Temple (with the able assistance of Myrna Loy) make it plausibleand–really funny.
The Thin Man series
Since we all know drunks don’t get more charming and capable with every martini, Nick and Nora’s sophisticated use of liquor would be suspect. Besides, some classics just should be left alone.
Dark Victory
You have to tell the patient she’s dying. You just do.
And the film the right director should take on…
In This Our Life
This is an incredible story based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, and the movie is good, but it should be great. There is so much going on it actually would make a good multi-part series (you know, six episodes on HBO, that sort of thing). Bette Davis and Olivia de Havilland alone make it worth watching, and it was John Huston’s second film (after The Maltese Falcon), but it just doesn’t quite reach its full potential. And, I’d suggest they change the names of the lead characters. Stanley and Roy are simply not great names for women.
My World With Words 
I adore The Thin Man movies. They definitely could not be remade. I’ve never seen In This Our Life, but I’m going to look for it.
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It’s a good movie, but I think you’ll see what I mean when I say it could have been great. However, I do believe the limitations of the era played a part in that, plus, as I understand it, Bette Davis didn’t get along with John Huston, and that sort of tension usually hurts a film.
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I’ve read that Bette noticed that Olivia was getting better close-ups (Olivia was dating Huston). Interestingly, Bette didn’t get mad at Olivia, she lashed out at Huston! 🙂
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Says something about their friendship, maybe? Bette’s and Olivia’s, that is.
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P.S. I don’t know why, but a couple of your comments didn’t show up under my “orange dot bell.” Or I just plain missed them. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you!!
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Great list, and of course, all wonderful movies.
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The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer is a lot of fun. I get a kick out of seeing Shirley Temple act so naughty!
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I do, too…she did a wonderful job in this film. It’s too bad audiences at the time didn’t appreciate her grown-up style!!
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I particularly like the scene where she dresses “older” to try to see Cary Grant in jail — it makes me smile just thinking about it.
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Temple shows signs of great comedic timing here. She retired a bit too soon!
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I agree!
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The Thin Man series is absolutely wonderful! I want to buy all the films! My current favorite is After the Thin Man.
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That’s a great movie!! I love Asta’s little family. Kind of a bonus for the audience!!
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This is a very interesting article. I like it a lot.
I would like to invite you to participate in my first blogathon, “The Great Breening Blogathon:” https://pureentertainmentpreservationsociety.wordpress.com/2017/09/07/extra-the-great-breening-blogathon/. We could really use your talent!
Yours Hopefully,
Tiffany Brannan
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I’d love to see a Thin Man remake, actually. It’s one of my favorites of all time. A couple years ago johnny Depp had the rights to remake it. I think Steve Martin would be a great Nick Charles.
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It’s hard to imagine a remake would have the same magic as the original, however, with the right stars, right director, right screenwriter…sure, anything is possible! And Steve Martin does have a sophisticated flair and style, as well as comedic genius. I didn’t know Johnny Depp had had the rights to remake it — he’s tremendously talented, and I believe would have respect for the original if he took on that project.
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Reblogged this on Classic for a Reason.
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