Kings Row • The Next Reel

“Where’s the REST of me?!?!" “Kings Row” was adapted from a much racier novel from 1940 and had to be sanitized quite a bit because of the Hays Code. They had to leave some pretty big elements out — homosexuality, mercy killings, incest, nymphomania — but even with that, the film still is very dark because of the issues it does deal with. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Black and White Cinematography of James Wong Howe series with Sam Wood’s 1942 film “Kings Row.” We talk about the adaptation and what had to change in order for the producers to be given the green light, but what those changes meant for the film and how the added subtext really aids the film through today’s eyes. We chat about the cast — Robert Cummings, Ann Sheridan, Claude Rains and Ronald Reagan in particular — and what each of them bring to the table (notably Reagan in what many call his best performance). We talk about Howe’s great cinematography and what he adds to this dark story with a midwestern gothic style of shooting, giving this seemingly idyllic town at the turn of the last century a touch of noir. And we talk about Wood and his body of work, noting what we’d seen of his without realizing they were his films. It’s a film that really took us both by surprise but one that worked well for us, particularly as a film from the 40s. Tune in! Film Sundries Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork King’s Row — Henry Bellamann Flickchart Star Wars & Kings Row Score Thematic Comparison Trailers of the Week Andy’s Trailer: Everest — “Not an IMAX documentary but it sure feels like one. I’m quite impressed by everything about this trailer — the cast in particular." Pete’s Trailer: American Ultra — “This may not be the follow up to the Bourne films that we wanted, but it’s the follow up to the Bourne films that we needed… that we deserve." Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunes The Next Reel on Facebook The Next Reel on Twitter The Next Reel on Flickchart The Next Reel on Letterboxd Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter Follow Pete Wright on Twitter Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter Check out Tom Metz on IMDB Follow Mike Evans on Twitter Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements | The Film Board | Movies We Like | The Next Reel | Sitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Web | Letterboxd | Flickchart | Instagram | Bluesky | YouTube | DiscordYour Hosts: Andy | PeteMerch Store | Audible