Films: October 6 - 12

Indian Horse (2017)

Becoming Jane (2007)

The Duke (2021)

Edge Of Darkness (1943)

Winchester 73 (1951)

Repeat Performance (1947)

The Black Swan (1942) ///

Indian Horse (2017) Soberly told, cleanly visualized tale of survival from brutal Canadian residential school system sees Ajuawak Kapashesit on verge of making impact on NHL hockey only to be haunted by abusive echoes. Sparks of humanity give final hope. A carefully affecting and lasting testament.

Becoming Jane (2007) Initial setup of Anne Hathaway's burgeoning creativity is tonally awkward, yet developing love story with James McAvoy finds surer sense of wit and drama. Agreeable cast amplify character detail and Jane Austen’s literary voice. Style meshes historic and modern sensibility.

The Duke (2022) Humanely spun, gentle comedy lightly touches on Jim Broadbent's socio-political aims whilst providing rousing courtroom antics after valuable painting is 'borrowed' from National Gallery. Generous performances include despairing Helen Mirren. Solid production and design.

Edge Of Darkness (1943) Vivid, visceral style builds tension for Norwegian village under savage Nazi rule, with resistance leaders Errol Flynn and Anne Sheridan finally inspiring bloody uprising. Dominant Franz Waxman score mirrors alternately earnest and melodramatic telling. 

Winchester 73 (1951) While the titular rifle passes through various hands, a symbol of national strength and personal avarice, edgy James Stewart seeks revenge on brother Stephen McNally. Skillfully made, terrific cast and muscular visuals balance the psychological and physical.

Repeat Performance (1947) After killing cruel husband Louis Hayward on New Year's Eve, distraught actress Joan Leslie has a chance to put life right and re-live the previous year. Mildly appealing time travel drama includes light theatrical satire as events conspire to repeat mistakes of past (and future).

The Black Swan (1942) Reformed pirate Tyrone Power kidnaps Maureen O'Hara while seeking to trap wily George Sanders and blunt Anthony Quinn for notorious governor Laird Cregar. Vigorous action told with sweeping colors and brash score, cast supply spirited humor to predictable yet immensely enjoyable tale.