Cinema Cities

Hi everyone!
I’ve got some audio stories that were originally shared on my Substack and Patreon pages, and I thought I’d bring one over here to share with you. It’s not brand new content, but it is new to YouTube — and it felt like a nice way to ease back into the YouTube grind.

This story is about how legendary director William Wellman came to make The Story of G.I. Joe — a powerful World War II film based on the writings of war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Wellman initially refused to direct the film, but what changed his mind is a surprising, emotional journey that he later recounted in his own words.
https://youtu.be/xWbP-58Lbkc

Hope you enjoy it!

2 months ago | [YT] | 92

Cinema Cities

Hi all,

I wanted to reach out and explain why I’ve been so quiet on the video front.

My husband passed away last year, and while I kept writing and working through the aftermath, I found myself slowly pulling away from video creation entirely. The grief didn’t hit all at once—it arrived in waves, slowly and unexpectedly. For a long time, I just didn’t have the emotional energy or clarity to bring a visual project to life. It felt like that part of me—the spark that loves to share, to present, to speak—went completely still.

I wasn’t sure how much to share, or when. But over the past few weeks, I’ve felt something shift. A small sense of possibility has returned. The thought of making videos no longer feels impossible. In fact, some of those old, exciting ideas are beginning to tap me on the shoulder again.

So if you’ve been wondering where I went—I was still here, just quieter. Writing, healing, processing. And now I’m starting to come back.

Thank you for your patience, your kindness, and for sticking with me. I can’t wait to bring some new things to the screen soon.

With love,
Sydney ❤️

PS - I've still been writing and posting on my Substack and Patreon here are the links: screenspectator.substack.com/ and www.patreon.com/c/CinemaCities

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 292

Cinema Cities

I can't believe I've been on YouTube for 5 years. Wow. According to Youtube I have 133 videos (including shorts) and 36,700 subscribers. Not too shabby 😂

8 months ago | [YT] | 452

Cinema Cities

In the latest installment of my ongoing series Pre-Code Confidential, I dive into the 1932 pre-Code comedy The Greeks Had a Word for Them. (you can read it here ➡️ screenspectator.substack.com/p/pre-code-confidenti…)

Starring Ina Claire, Joan Blondell, and Madge Evans, this sophisticated and sexy comedy follows three savvy gold diggers with one goal in mind: men and money. (you can watch the film here ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYvaB...)

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8 months ago | [YT] | 36

Cinema Cities

✨ 2025 Channel Update ✨

Hi everyone! I wanted to share a quick update as we head into 2025. You may have noticed I took a break in December—I really needed that time to recharge. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends with the channel, newsletter, and member content, and it became clear that I needed to make some changes.

Going forward, the newsletter will become something I publish when inspiration strikes. I pour a lot of time and energy into researching and writing the articles, often while simultaneously working on video projects. That’s simply not sustainable, and after a year of VERY research-heavy work, I’m feeling burned out.

For 2025, I’m thrilled to announce a new video series that blends Hollywood history with social, political, and pop culture history. This first video in this series will debut in late January or early February, and I think you’re going to love it!

For my paid Substack and Patreon members, there will be new installments of the Pre-Code Confidential series, audio episodes, member videos and posts.

My main goal for 2025 is to nurture my curiosity, enthusiasm, and creativity while maintaining a better work-life balance. I believe that will result in a happier, healthier me—and even better content for all of you.

As we close the door on 2024, I also want to say how thankful and grateful I am for the community we’ve built here. You have no idea how much it means to me that you enjoy what I do. This is truly a passion project—I’m clearly not chasing trends or the algorithm—and yet, you’ve come along for the ride. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤️ Here’s to an exciting 2025! 🎉

There are 8 million stories in the Cinema Cities. . . .

9 months ago | [YT] | 341

Cinema Cities

Merry Christmas my friends!!!! 🎄✨

9 months ago | [YT] | 315

Cinema Cities

I absolutely love this video from ‪@MyLovelyDeadFriends‬. It sets a mood that is the perfect mix of melancholy, introspective and wistful. ❄️ ❄️❄️

9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 72

Cinema Cities

The 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge has people revisiting this pivotal moment in history, and it seems to be sparking renewed interest in my video on the making of MGM's 1949 war film Battleground. Directed by William Wellman and starring Van Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalbán, George Murphy, and James Whitmore—plus a cast of MGM up-and-comers alongside real Bulge veterans from the 101st Airborne—it's truly one of the best war films ever made.

If you haven’t seen the video yet, check it out and let me know what you think! https://youtu.be/ydlLCxmZaZs?si=MBNe-...

9 months ago | [YT] | 128

Cinema Cities

For my Friday viewing, I followed The Lusty Men with The Story of G.I. Joe and ended the night with Brief Encounter—and a good cry😢

9 months ago | [YT] | 226

Cinema Cities

This week has been so stressful!!! I’m looking forward to settling in with some Thai food, some wine and some movies. First up, Nicholas Ray’s 1952 film The Lusty Men . . .and then maybe something that will make me cry. Any suggestions????

9 months ago | [YT] | 143