Robert Duvall, one of our finest living screen actors, turns 81 tomorrow. Born to a career military officer from Virginia and his wife, an amateur actress and descendant of General Robert E. Lee, Duvall’s childhood was peripatetic, as his father was transferred frequently to various bases around the country. (The military bearing Duvall absorbed from his father would later come … More Details

This was the not the first title I had in mind for this piece. But when I dug into Clint Eastwood’s life and career, it seemed particularly apt – and not even close to an overstatement. Just consider this: Over a career spanning over half a century, he’s been involved in over ninety film productions, and directed thirty films. Having … More Details

It’s been nearly two years since the kerfuffle when Faye Dunaway made the admittedly unfortunate, off-hand remark on hearing that Hilary Duff (who calls herself an actress) was playing Clyde’s moll Bonnie Parker, a role Faye after all originated. Her reaction: “Couldn’t they at least cast a real actress?” Rather than rise above it, Hilary, a performer who has every … More Details

As we head into the Independence Day weekend, I wanted to suggest some classic titles scattered over the decades that each in their way evoke our country’s unique character. Some of these movies are overtly patriotic, portraying seminal moments and figures in our colorful history, while others delve into more complex, troubling periods and events which have also helped shape … More Details