In a Lonely Place (1950) - 4/5

This is a classic film noir that overemphasizes the self-destruction of its protagonist without providing much impetus for it. There are setups and payoffs, but disconnected from one another so they seem to come a bit out of nowhere. Now that we have that out of the way, of course it’s always a treat to see the legendary Humphrey Bogart plying his trade. The story is a good, well-conceived tragedy that holds up over time and delivers on its unsettling slow-build tension. If tragedy noir is your jam, this is a must-see.

Closest comparison: It’s the self-destruction of Raging Bull in the garb of The Maltese Falcon.

Setting: Drama
Plot: Tragedy
Tone: Noir

Adventures of Don Juan (1948) - 3/5

This is another Errol Flynn adventure movie, and holds up about as well as you’d expect. It’s a sweeping adventure with swordplay, romance, and a comical grin. The film’s story is much more sluggish than its peers, ending up with minimal swashbuckling and rope-swinging and filling the gaps with obvious and dry intrigue. You could do a whole lot worse than this, but it pales in comparison to Robin Hood and Captain Blood.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Adventures of Robin Hood by way of Captain Blood.

Setting: Globetrotting Adventure
Plot: Romantic Adventure
Tone: Comedy Adventure