Kings Row (1942) - Sam Wood

A melodrama of small town America that could serve as a precursor to Peyton Place and Twin Peaks. Everyone is slightly disturbed here, and some highly soap opera-esque things happen. The story is set around the turn of the century, and I wonder if it really mattered, but it does situate it in a unique and different time. Ronald Reagan, despite getting third billing is pretty much the main force behind the film and delivers what is pretty much unanimously considered his best performance. Ann Sheridan (who shot scenes for The Man Who Came to Dinner after getting off of work in the mornings from this film) delivers a key transitional role for her. The legendary James Wong Howe was the photographer here, and already the deep focus photography is readily employed.

*Kings Row was nominated for best picture, best director, and best black and white cinematography.