The Man Who Cried Wolf (1937)

It's unfortunate that The Man Who Cried Wolf hasn't been remastered, as it could easily have been a classic thriller known to modern audiences the way Strangers on a Train is. This forgotten classic is riveting and has likable characters you care about. An actor confesses to murders, knowing he'll be discovered innocent and thought of as a joke by the police force. What's his point? He's planning on committing a murder in the future, and he wants the police to scratch him off the suspect list immediately. Isn't that brilliant?

The tour-de-force role is eaten up by Lewis Stone, the man soon to be known as the wise, calm Judge Hardy who never has an emotional outburst. This is a fantastic, meaty change of pace for Lew, so if you only think of him as tired and resigned, you've got to check this one out. You might think he's a bit old to take on a leading role and carry the entire movie, but keep in mind he' had gray hair ever since he was twenty, so his locks are more a statement of elegance than age. This is a very enjoyable old movie, with lots of dramatic intrigue, a very fitting title, and a compelling story with twists and turns. Rent it during a rainy afternoon! You'll also get to see a pre-hick Marjorie Main. This was one of her first speaking roles, and she plays a wealthy, corrupt snob, the exact opposite of how she was throughout the rest of her career!

DLM Warning: If you suffer from vertigo or dizzy spells, like my mom does, this movie might not be your friend. About 5 minutes before the end, there's a montage and the camera swirls a bit; that will make you sick. In other words, "Don't Look, Mom!"