The Defense of Freedom

There is no question that President Obama is confronted with a delicate diplomatic situation in regard to the ongoing political unrest in Iran. But it is ironic that the main issue that is bubbling over on the streets of Tehran is the same one that John Quincy Adams addressed in the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of the illegally imported slaves that is wonderfully portrayed in the Stephen Spielberg movie, Amistad. In a magnificent performance, Anthony Hopkins plays the elderly Adams defending the slaves before the Supreme Court. Enjoy.

Final Argument

The late Paul Newman in The Verdict playing a talented but alcoholic lawyer who gets a final opportunity to redeem a disappointing career in a difficult medical malpractice case. Enjoy.

There is no crying in baseball

With the passing of Memorial Day, it’s officially baseball season, even though the dang NBA Playoffs seem endless. Thus, it’s time for Tom Hanks as exasperated Manager Jimmy Dugan to remind us of the best baseball tirade in cinematic history. Enjoy.

Brothers at War

The trailer for the new documentary — particularly appropriate for the Memorial Day weekend — is below.

Mostly for Trekkies

With the latest Star Trek movie opening this weekend, you may want to pass the following video of an old William Shatner Saturday Night Life sketch along to your Trekkie friends. Be sure to watch through the end.

The Butcher vs. The Oilman

Daniel Day-Lewis as Bill the Butcher from Gangs of New York has a discussion with Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview of There Will Be Blood.

Barcelona 1908

This 36 Hours in Barcelona column in Sunday’s New York Times reminded me of this fascinating video of Barcelona in 1908 shot from a streetcar. Enjoy.