Damn Yankees (1958) ***

Musical film about baseball. Songs:

"Six Months Out Of Every Year"  **
"Goodbye Old Girl"
"Heart"  **
"Shoeless Joe From Hannibal Mo"  **
"There's Something About An Empty Chair"
"A Little Brains A Little Talent"  **
"Whatever Lola Wants"  **
"Those Were The Good Old Days"  *
"Who's Got The Pain"  **
"Two Lost Souls"  **

Kalosze szczescia (1958) ***

Osmy dzien tygodnia (1958) ***

King Creole (1958) ***

An Elvis Presley musical set in New Orleans. Songs:

“Crawfish” *
“Steadfast Loyal And True”
“Lover Doll” *
“Trouble” *
“Dixieland Rock” **
“Young Dreams” **
“New Orleans” *
“King Creole” **
“Don't Ask Me Why” **
“As Long As I Have You” *

La Putain sentimentale (1958) ***

Les Bijoutiers du claire de lune (1958) ***

Brink Of Life (1958) ***

Naked Venus (1958) ***

A milestone in the history of cinema - it's the first time that a lead actress (Patricia Conelle) in a mainstream American motion picture - directed by Edgar G. Ulmer of "Black Cat" (1934) and "Detour" (1945) fame - is shown completely naked (breasts and ass, no bush) for extended periods of time. In fact, few mainstream American films since then - even recent ones - have shown their lead actresses in the nude as much as "Naked Venus". Conelle plays a French woman who is forced to divorce her American husband because of her nudist lifestyle.

The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness (1958) **

Set in China before and during the Japanese invasion, it's an epic drama starring Ingrid Bergman as a missionary saving little orphan children. Long, talky in the first half, but quite exciting in the second half.

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958) **

With all references to homosexuality removed from the film adaptation, it doesn't make much sense, as Bosley Crowther amusingly commented upon in his 1958 New York Times review: Mr. Williams' original stage play has been altered considerably, especially in offering explanation of why the son is as he is. Now, a complicated business of hero-worship has been put by Mr. Brooks and James Poe in place of a strong suggestion of homosexuality in the play. No wonder the baffled father, in trying to find out what gives, roars with indignation: "Something's missing here!".

Separate Tables (1958) **

David Niven plays a retired British officer accused (and convicted) of sexual harassment. A curious film to see in the #MeToo era, showing how moral values have (and haven't) changed in 60 years.

I Want To Live (1958) **

Susan Hayward's Oscar-winning performance aside, this is a dated and disappointing legal drama about a miscarriage of justice.

The Defiant Ones (1958) **

Overrated drama about two escaped convicts: one black, one white.

The Reluctant Debutante (1958) **

Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall give bravura comic performances in this otherwise very uneven comedy, co-starring Sandra Dee.

The Wild Women Of Wongo (1958) *

Insignificant bit of silliness about two tribes of prehistoric humans exchanging women among themselves. The catch: in one tribe, all men are ugly and all women are beautiful, while in the other tribe, all women are ugly and all men are handsome. There is no nudity, though, making the whole film rather pointless and dated.

Houseboat (1958) *

Atrocious comedy starring Cary Grant and Sophia Loren.

Anticipation Of The Night (1958) ***

An ambitious experimental film showing beautiful images of nature, light, childhood, happiness, anxiety and despair. It's a succession of shifting, semi-abstract patterns of light and colours, combined with dynamic editing, whirling camera movements, continuous pans and travelings. One of Stan Brakhage's longest films (41 min), but just as abstract (and lyrical) as his shorter works.

Petla (1958) *

Depressing Polish film about the last day of an alcoholic who commits suicide. Wojciech Has's feature film debut doesn't give a hint of his cinematic glories to come ("Rekopis znaleziony w Saragossie" and "Sanatorium pod klepsydra").

Ewa chce spac (1958) ****

Absurdist comedy about a young girl (Barbara Kwiatkowska), who arrives in a strange city and cannot find a place to sleep. Her bizarre encounters with policemen, criminals, hotel clerks and wandering drunks, lead to hilarious misunderstandings.

Dwaj ludzie z szafa (1958) ****

Roman Polanski's silent short about two young men emerging from the sea and dragging an antique wardrobe across sandy beaches, town squares and city dumps. Rejected by society, kicked out of bars and assaulted by thugs or security guards, the two men finally return to the sea. Equally inspired by Bunuel, Becket and Kafka, it's a grim and bitter mixture of surrealism and absurdity.

L'Opera-mouffe (1958) ****

A Movie (1958) ****

Les Raquetteurs (1958) ***

The first example of the famed "cinema direct" tradition in Quebec's documentary films.

Les Mistons (1958) ***

Directed by François Truffaut. A sunny and nostalgic film about a bunch of mischievous little boys spying on a young woman and her fiance. Filmed in Southern France, this gently sensual short radiates warmth and sadness.

Tide Clean (1958) ***

Grand Canyon (1958) ***

Spacerek staromiejski (1958) ***

Very innovative documentary by Andrzej Munk.

Charlotte et son jules (1958) ***

Amusing short film by Jean-Luc Godard about a young girl visiting her ex-boyfriend.

Une Histoire d'eau (1958) ***

Co-directed by Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut. A French New Wave short about a young couple trying to get to Paris while all the roads are flooded.

Amelia And The Angel (1958) **

Directed by Ken Russell. A little girl tries to find a pair of wings.

Touch Of Evil (1958) ****

One of Orson Welles' best films. An amazing opening scene.

Vertigo (1958) ****

One of Alfred Hitchcock's most fascinating films.

Harmonia (1958) *

Depressing short film about a little boy. Directed by Wojciech Has.

Popiol i diament (1958) *****

Znakomity film Andrzeja Wajdy, oparty na powiesci Jerzego Andrzejewskiego. Mlody partyzant Armii Krajowej otrzymuje rozkaz zabicia lokalnego dzialacza komunistycznego.

Gigi (1958) *****

One of the best musicals of 1950's, a glorious, enchanting and superbly entertaining film about Paris at the turn of the century. Songs:

"Thank Heaven For Little Girls" ***
"It's A Bore" **
"The Parisians" **
"She's Not Thinking Of Me" **
"The Night They Invented Champagne" ***
"I Remember It Well" ***
"Gigi" ***
"I'M Glad I'M Not Young Anymore" *
"Say A Prayer For Me Tonight" *
"Thank Heaven For Little Girls" (reprise) **

Eroica (1958) *****

Dwuczesciowy film w rezyserii Andrzeja Munka, analizujacy prawdziwe znaczenie heroizmu w kontekscie Drugiej Wojny Swiatowej.

"Scherzo alla Polacca" *****
"Ostinato lugubre" *****

Trzecia czesc filmu dolaczona jest na kasecie video:

"Con bravura" ****

Hidden Fortress (1958) ****

An excellent samurai film by Akira Kurosawa. The same story was used by George Lucas for "Star Wars: A New Hope" (1977).

Mon Oncle (1958) ****

One of Jacques Tati's best films.

The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad (1958) ***

Excellent special effects in this superior adventure film inspired by "Arabian Nights" tales.

Ascenseur pour l'echafaud (1958) ***

Excellent thriller starring Jeanne Moreau.

Auntie Mame (1958) ***

Excellent comedy starring Rosalind Russell.

Big Deal On Madonna Street (1958) ***

An Italian heist movie about a botched robbery.

Man Of The West (1958) ***

An unusual western starring Gary Cooper.

A Night To Remember (1958) ***

An excellent film about the sinking of "Titanic". Almost as good as the 1997's James Cameron's version, and better than the 1943's German version (from which it "borrows" some shots of the sinking vessel).

White Wilderness (1958) ***

Disney documentary about the the life in the Arctic.

The Magician (1958) ***

After investigating the theme of life and death in "The Seventh Seal" (1957) and the theme of life's meaning confronted with a sense of impending death in "Wild Strawberries" (1957), Ingmar Bergman took on the theme of the relationship between art and life in "The Magician" (1958).

South Pacific (1958) ***

Rogers and Hammerstein's musical about a French plantator wooing an American army nurse during World War II. Unfortunate experiments with color filters weaken the visual impact of this film, but the musical score more than compensates for those shortcomings. Songs:

"Bloody Mary"
"There Is Nothing Like A Dame" *
"Bali Ha'i" **
"A Cockeyed Optimist" **
"Twin Soliloquies" *
"Some Enchanted Evening" *
"Dites-Moi"
"I'M Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" **
"I'M In Love With A Wonderful Guy" **
"Younger Than Springtime" **
"Happy Talk" **
"Honey Bun" *
"My Girl Back Home" *
"Carefully Taught" *
"This Nearly Was Mine" *

Tarnished Angels (1958) ***

An adaptation of William Faulkner's novel, directed by Douglas Sirk (and quite different from his other films).

Teacher's Pet (1958) ***

Fine comedy starring Clark Gable and Doris Day.

A Time To Love And A Time To Die (1958) ***

It's a fitting companion piece to Russian films like "The Cranes Are Flying" (1958) and "Ballad Of A Soldier" (1960), only this time, the hero is a German soldier. Classy melodrama, despite a weak ending.

Bonjour Tristesse (1958) **

A father-daughter relationship is threatened by another woman.

The Horse's Mouth (1958) **

British comedy starring Alec Guinness as a crazy painter.

I Married A Monster From Outer Space (1958) **

The title says it all, except that it's a serious, well made (but also languid and slow-moving) film.

The Old Man And The Sea (1958) *

Ernest Hemingway's greatest novel is adapted into a mediocre film starring Spencer Tracy as a poor Cuban fisherman who catches a huge fish and sees it eaten by sharks before he can return to port.

Marjorie Morningstar (1958) *

A very dated soap opera about a young Jewish girl (Natalie Wood) and her first great love.

The Naked And The Dead (1958) *

A mediocre war movie set on a Pacific island during World War II.

Night Of The Blood Beast (1958) **

While its special effects are ridiculously bad, this low budget sci-fi/horror film about a beast from outer space is actually far better than most films of its type. Still, nothing to write home about.

Cat Feud (1958) ****

A huge bulldog is smitten by a cute little kitty and tries to protect him from countless dangers on a construction site. Inventive, perfectly timed gags and stylish, impressive backgrounds.

Dom (1958) ****

An avant-garde animated short from Poland.

Sidney's Family Tree (1958) ****

Although one of the pioneers of American animation, Paul Terry had the dubious distinction of being the least innovative cartoon producer in Hollywood. But after he sold his studio to CBS in 1955, Terrytoons were taken over by Gene Deitch, a brilliant animator and director, who produced a series of extremely inventive, stylish and humorous cartoons in the late 1950's. "Sidney's Family Tree" was one of the finest among them and it received a well-deserved Oscar nomination (the first for the Terry studio in 13 years). Deeply inspired by the UPA "graphic art" style, the film tells an amusing story of Sidney, an orphan elephant, who tries to get himself adopted by two chimpanzees and live with them on a tree. The neurotic, constantly whining Sidney is a delightful creation.

Le Merle (1958) ****

A blackbird is losing a part of its body - beak, eye, head, neck etc. An illustration of a French-Canadian song. The film was animated using paper cut-outs.

Knighty Knight Bugs (1958) ****

This Oscar-winning cartoon stars Bugs Bunny as a court jester sent by King Arthur to recover a singing sword guarded by the Black Knight (Yosemite Sam) and his green dragon. Beautiful backgrounds and a fast-paced, very amusing story.

Sailing And Village Band (1958) ***

A "Ham and Hattie" cartoon. Simple and charming.

The Tot Watchers (1958) ***

Excellent cartoon with Tom and Jerry chasing after a toddler on a construction site.

Sick Sick Sidney (1958) ***

Sidney wants to be captured by animal poachers.

Robin Hoodwinked (1958) ***

Handsome cartoon adaptation of "Robin Hood", starring Tom and Jerry.

The Vanishing Duck (1958) ***

A superior remake of "The Invisible Mouse".

Free Radicals (1958) ***

In arguably his greatest film, Lye reduces the medium to its most basic elements by scratching designs on black film. He uses a variety of scribers ranging from dental tools to an ancient Native American arrowhead, and synchronizes the images to traditional African music. The film won second prize at the International Experimental Film Competition during the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, judged by Man Ray, Norman McLaren and Alexander Alexeiff.

Tal Farlow (1958) ***

Robin Hood Daffy (1958) ***

Daffy claims to be Robin Hood and tries to find some "merry men" to join him, but Friar Porky requests a proof of identity. Daffy crushes into countless trees and finally gives up, choosing instead to join Porky as Friar Duck. Stylish, colorful backgrounds.

Paul Bunyan (1958) ***

The Disney cartoon about the legendary lumberjack starts with his childhood in a small Maine community and moves West as Paul clears the land for new settlers and even creates some new mountain ranges. The story is told through mock interviews with various pioneers who supposedly met Paul as he helped them cut the forests. The cartoon achieves a delicate balance between ironic whimsy and straightforward storytelling. An excellent companion piece to the "Johnny Appleseed" segment from "Melody Time" (1948).

Magoo's Young Manhood (1958) ***

Magoo fondly recalls his college days when he was mistaken for an understudy during a theatrical performance.

Sheep Wrecked (1958) ***

Droopy protects a flock of sheep from a flegmatic wolf. Directed by Michael Lah.

Hook Line And Stinker (1958) ***

Gags include a piano that won't drop unless Coyote falls along with it and an elaborate trap involving bird seeds, mice, candles, canons and countless other objects designed to trap the elusive Road Runner. A typical cartoon in the series.

Waggily Tale (1958) ***

A boy dreams of being a dog.

Hare-Way To The Stars (1958) ***

Because it obstructs his view of Venus, Marvin Martian wants to blow up the Earth. Fortunately, Bugs Bunny is there to stop him. A memorable cartoon with great designs of a futuristic city suspended in outer space.

Hare-less Wolf (1958) ***

An insanely stupid wolf is ordered by his wife to bring her a rabbit for supper, but the brainless animal soon forgets what he's hunting. Bugs Bunny has a field day confusing the empty-headed creature.

Gumshoe Magoo (1958) ***

Magoo constantly crosses the path of a dangerous criminal in this ingenious cartoon.

Mutts About Racing (1958) ***

"Tortoise and the Hare" story in a modern setting: a car race between Droopy and Butch. Directed by Michael Lah.

To Itch His Own (1958) ***

The world's strongest flea leaves his job as a circus performer for a short holiday in the country. He finds a lazy pooch and protects him from a bullying bulldog. Good gags and plenty of action.

Dustcap Doormat (1958) ***

Amusing cartoon about a pushover.

Don't Axe Me (1958) ***

Elmer Fudd tries to kill Daffy Duck.

The Juggler Of Our Lady (1958) ***

A juggler joins a monastery.

Happy Go Ducky (1958) **

An average Tom and Jerry film. Many gags are "borrowed" from Disney's 1948 cartoon, "Mickey And The Seal".

Bird In A Bonnet (1958) **

Sylvester tries to catch Tweety who's hiding on Granny's bonnet.

Tree's A Crowd (1958) **

A cat tries to catch Woody.

Whoa Be Gone (1958) **

Coyote chases Road Runner and almost catches him. His gadgets include: a giant rubber band, a barrel of dynamite and a "Do-It-Yourself Tornado Kit".

Weasel While You Work (1958) **

The usual antics between Foghorn Leghorn and his canine adversary are interrupted by a hungry little weasel. Set during the winter, it's an average entry in the series.

Tortilla Flaps (1958) **

A Mexican vulture replaces Sylvester as the pursuer of Speedy Gonzales, but the cartoon is predictable and routine.

Scoutmaster Magoo (1958) **

Magoo leads three bear cubs on a scouting expedition.

A Pizza Tweety Pie (1958) **

Sylvester's again trying to catch Tweety, only this time, he's trying to catch him in Venice.

Carrousel boréal (1958) **

A tale of winter and spring.

Now Hare This (1958) **

Confusing parodies of Little Red Riding Hood and other tales, with Bugs Bunny.

Hip Hip Hurry (1958) **

A weak Road Runner cartoon.

Gopher Broke (1958) **

Goofy Gophers use a "psychological wearing-down" process to drive a poor dog insane. An inferior remake of "Mouse Wreckers" (1948).

Feather Bluster (1958) **

This cartoon is set in a distant future, when Foghorn Leghorn and his nemesis, the barnyard dog, have both grown old and senile. Playing checkers, they reminisce about their old fights and watch their grandchildren tormenting each other.

Dog Tales (1958) *

Boring spot gags about dogs.

Droopy Leprechaun (1958) *

Droopy is mistaken for a leprechaun.

Salmon Yeggs (1958) *

Tired of fishing in a lake, a lazy bear sneaks into a factory to steal some cans.

Misguided Missile (1958) *

Woody Woodpecker wants to be an insurance salesman. His clients should always read the fine print - being hit by a guided missile apparently isn't covered by his policy. And apparently, viewers aren't insured against watching a mediocre cartoon, neither.