Giant (1956)

A Texan bigwig (Rock Hudson) travels to Maryland to buy a stallion for his ranch and while there takes a shine to the landowner's daughter (Elizabeth Taylor – well, you would, wouldn't you?). The speedy romance is the beginnings of a family story that spans almost three decades. In that time fortunes change (financial and otherwise) and attitudes are adjusted.
There's almost no onscreen chemistry between the lovers in the first half, but the second half makes up for it a little, with the comfortable feeling that long-time couples can sometimes acquire being much better realised. If not for Liz and James Dean doing their thing, she adding heart and he being a fiercely independent worker who resents his boss, that first half would really drag.

3 resources out of 5

Woman of the Year (1942)

I’ll watch anything starring Katharine Hepburn; she’s fantastic. Woman of the Year is no exception. It’s a romantic comedy drama about two journalists working in the same building but existing in different worlds.
When hate turns to love they have to each decide what it is that’s important, and have a laugh along the way. It’s predicable stuff up to a point, but there are moments where I was surprised at the turn of events.
It was the first film to pair her with Spencer Tracy. They'd go on to make another eight pictures together and fall in love in real life.

3½ breakfasts out of 5

A Place In The Sun (1951)

Working boy Montgomery Clift (the housewife's choice) gets himself in a pickle when he falls for the charms of the rich Elizabeth Taylor. He gets trapped between duty and desire, which is never a fun place to be.
Both Clift’s character and the film narrative took a sharp turn that I really wasn't expecting. It's certainly not the typical 1950's Hollywood romance.
It gave Elizabeth her first proper role as a woman with passions and she did a stand-up job. Shelley Winters was equally as good; but that's like saying rain is wet, because Shelly is always good.

3½ American dreams gone sour out of 5