Monday, April 25, 2011
"Vincentennial" : Vincent Price Centennial Celebration!
St. Louis is celebrating the 100th birthday of native son, Vincent Price with displays of memorabilia, and festival of 20 of his horror flms, including my personal favorite "Theatre of Blood".
Monday, April 11, 2011
"Home Before Dark" on TCM USA April 11 2011 - Set Your Recorders!
"Home Before Dark" (1957) is on TCM USA April 11 2011 at 2:30PM EDT.
This movie used to be on TV all the time in the 70's, now it seems to be almost forgotten.
When Jean Simmons died, hardly anyone mentioned this movie, which has one of Simmons' best performances as a woman recently released from a mental hospital who comes home to face the same problems that caused her breakdown. There is a great supporting cast: Dan O'Herlihy as the stuffy conventional husband who just doesn't have the nerve to be honest with her or himself. Rhonda Fleming as the half sister laying in wait and Efrem Zimbalist Jr as the sympathetic friend.
Based on the eponymous novel by Eileen Bassing.
This movie used to be on TV all the time in the 70's, now it seems to be almost forgotten.
When Jean Simmons died, hardly anyone mentioned this movie, which has one of Simmons' best performances as a woman recently released from a mental hospital who comes home to face the same problems that caused her breakdown. There is a great supporting cast: Dan O'Herlihy as the stuffy conventional husband who just doesn't have the nerve to be honest with her or himself. Rhonda Fleming as the half sister laying in wait and Efrem Zimbalist Jr as the sympathetic friend.
Based on the eponymous novel by Eileen Bassing.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Tsunami March 11 2011
I hope that anyone who can will donate to their favorite reliable charity to help the afflicted areas of Japan.
Personally, I gave to the Salvation Army.
The tsunami had little impact at my location which is 30 miles south of San Francisco. Coastal geograophy really affects the impact of a tsunami. One location could have little affect and another severe damage. (According to a letter I received from the county, I live in an evacuation zone. That is because the property includes a creek 1/4 mile inland, The bulk of the property including all buildings, is far above any danger zone.) Eight miles north there was a five foot variance at the harbor, but any wave action was absorbed by the breakwater. There was no damage to beaches, no surge of waters inland. Forty miles south, Santa Cruz harbor is closed due to damage, mostly because of sunken vessels causing a transportation hazard: 18 vessels capsized/sunk, estimated 100 vessels afloat but damaged. The environmentalists are worried about wildlife being affected by an oilsheen!
A coworker said her 20 year old son was in a panic because he believes the 2012 End of The World Scenario and he thought this is the first blow. Instead of staying calm and helping his mother during an evacuation order, he was begging her to drive away. He would have driven himself, but he recently injured himself while skateboarding. Useless kid. He should go to Japan and help them clean up, that will knock some sense into him. Anyway, here is a photo of one of the "tsunami events" near my house. This happened several times. Fortunately, it was also low tide.
Click on the photos for larger images.
The waters retreated about 200 feet further than normal.
And then the waters returned. Except for the exagerated length of the withdrawing water, it looks pretty normal for wintertime.
We are all very lucky on the West Coast. The only people killed were victims of Social Darwinism who went too close to the water to film the action.
Personally, I gave to the Salvation Army.
The tsunami had little impact at my location which is 30 miles south of San Francisco. Coastal geograophy really affects the impact of a tsunami. One location could have little affect and another severe damage. (According to a letter I received from the county, I live in an evacuation zone. That is because the property includes a creek 1/4 mile inland, The bulk of the property including all buildings, is far above any danger zone.) Eight miles north there was a five foot variance at the harbor, but any wave action was absorbed by the breakwater. There was no damage to beaches, no surge of waters inland. Forty miles south, Santa Cruz harbor is closed due to damage, mostly because of sunken vessels causing a transportation hazard: 18 vessels capsized/sunk, estimated 100 vessels afloat but damaged. The environmentalists are worried about wildlife being affected by an oilsheen!
A coworker said her 20 year old son was in a panic because he believes the 2012 End of The World Scenario and he thought this is the first blow. Instead of staying calm and helping his mother during an evacuation order, he was begging her to drive away. He would have driven himself, but he recently injured himself while skateboarding. Useless kid. He should go to Japan and help them clean up, that will knock some sense into him. Anyway, here is a photo of one of the "tsunami events" near my house. This happened several times. Fortunately, it was also low tide.
Click on the photos for larger images.
The waters retreated about 200 feet further than normal.
And then the waters returned. Except for the exagerated length of the withdrawing water, it looks pretty normal for wintertime.
We are all very lucky on the West Coast. The only people killed were victims of Social Darwinism who went too close to the water to film the action.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Great Blog Post on "The Black Cat" at Classic Film and TV Cafe
Classic Film and TV Cafe has a great post on one of my all time favorite horror movies, "The Black Cat"
This film is a feast of creepily fascinating plot, fabulous cinematography and set design.
Click here at Dr. Macro for a supersize version of this fabulous photo.
It makes great wallpaper!
Go, now! Read the post!
This film is a feast of creepily fascinating plot, fabulous cinematography and set design.
You might not guess from this photo, but Lugosi is the hero.
I love the cat treatment on this classy poster. 
Click here at Dr. Macro for a supersize version of this fabulous photo.
It makes great wallpaper!
Go, now! Read the post!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
2011 Movies for Valentine's Day
Once again, I would like to suggest some movies about love for Valentines's Day. Last year's selections leaned more to the love lost and unattainable, this year is more optimistic and the viewer will not need to lay in so many hankies.
I generally only watch old movies, made before 1960, mostly black and white. Therefore, the list below may seem limited to readers who watch newer films. This list is mostly American films, maybe more foreign films next time.
The links on the titles lead to TCM.com
THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET (1934)
A film full of love of all kinds - some of it pretty unsavory.... There is the unusual love between poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, whose initial connection is their mutual admiration of each other's work. (Norma Shearer and Frederick March). There is the creepy smothering possessive incestuous love of Mr. Barrett (Charles Laughton) for Elizabeth, his favorite daughter. There is the young healthy passionate love of the sister Harriette for her suitor Captain Cook. Directed by Sidney Franklin who remade it in 1957 with Jennifer Jones and John Gielgud, which is also quite good.
[Trivia: Although in the story always shows Barrett's beloved spaniel going with her, it's fate was not so happy; her father killed the dog after she eloped with Browning. He really was a twisted control freak of a father. His attitude toward Elizabeth was particularly creepy, but he treated all of his sons and daughters just as bad; disinheriting any child who married or left home.
SMILIN' THROUGH (1932)
In dual roles, Norma Shearer and Frederick March heat up the screen with pre-code passion. Leslie Howard suffers and grieves. In Victorian times, two men love the same woman, Moonyean. On her wedding day, the jealous drunken ex-suitor shoots the bride. Her widower lives in grief and solitude, communing with Moonyean's spirit. He adopts his Moonyean's orphaned niece who grows up into spitting image of his dead bride. She falls in love with the son of none other than the murderer. Will Leslie Howard stand by and let love have its way? Will the lovers be parted forever by a vengeful guardian and the first World War? Because it is a Pre Code film, the passionate love is portrayed with great feeling and intensity. Love, romance, passion, ghosts - this story has it all.
Remade in technicolor with Jeanette MacDonald and Gene Raymond to much less affect but much lovely singing. Not everyone appreciates MacDonalds singing, and Gene Raymond's heyday was in the early 30's. However, he was a decent actor and singer, very athletic and enjoyable to watch. He is under appreciated today.
MY FOOLISH HEART (1950)
A very touching tale of a college girl's great love at the beginning of WW2, and the consequences. Dana Andrews and Susan Hayward were really too old for these parts. But it doesn't matter at all because they are so appealing. When the story begins, Susan Hayward is an unsympathetic lush on the verge of divorce. She remembers her love affair with Walt, played Dana Andrews who is terrifically appealing as the easy going, humorous but fatalistic Walt. Be armed with many hankies when you watch this. And here is another photo of Dana Andrews just because.....
THE LIFE OF VERGIE WINTERS (1934)
My favorite Ann Harding film. This used to run on AMC back when AMC showed old RKO movies in the good old days.
This is one of the ultimate pre-code "women's pictures". Per Mick LaSalle it was the last film released before the production code went into effect. It was blacklisted by the Catholic church decency brigade, and was very profitable. Moira Finnie has very nice write up about Ann Harding at Movie Morlocks, including some lovely photos from this movie.
Vergie Winters (Harding) loves John Shadwell (John Boles). Her father, for a price, tells the man she loves that she has married someone else. Heartbroken, he marries another played by Helen Vinson, an actress who is not well known today but was a reliable supporting actress who often played the bad wife, but was equally good as a nice wife (ie, "Transatlantic Tunnel"). I always watch a movie if Helen Vinson appears. Vergie and John carry on a 'back street marriage' together for many years as he becomes a distinguished politician until his wife brings it to a drastic halt. I don't want to reveal too many plot details because the it is such a heartfelt melodrama. Jon Boles could be a wooden actor when he wasn't singing, but he is fine in this movie. Lon Chaney Jr, back when he was billed as Creighton Chaney, plays Vergie's steadfast friend and would be suitor. Ann Harding is at her most beautiful in this film. The fashions, ranging from WW1 to 1930's fashions are really lovely.
DOUBLE HARNESS (1933):
Ann Harding and William Powell. Another great pre-code film. Harding plays Joan, a very forthright and honest woman who loves John (William Powell) who is extremely fond of Joan, but marriage shy. (In the best old movie tradition, we know they are sleeping together because Joan changes into a negligee when she visits him.) Joan tricks him into marriage, then works to honestly win his love and commitment to the marriage. It is not an easy task battling such obstacles as a frivolous and dishonest sister, The Other Woman, and the dinner party from hell. Before Myrna Loy became famous as the ultimate Wife, Pal and Best Friend, Ann Harding wore that crown.
BLIND DATE (1934)
Ann Sothern plays Kitty, who works as a switchboard operator and supports her family. She is engaged to a hardworking mechanic and long time friend Bill (Paul Kelly). When he is too busy to step out with her on her birthday, she goes on a blind date and meets Bob (Neil Hamilton), a wealthy man whose intentions are not entirely honorable - at least in the beginning. Rather improbably, Sothern gets a job modeling clothes for Bob's department store. There are many vignettes of frugal Depression life. There are several touching scenes between Kitty and the two men who love her. Will true love, or obligation win out? Paul Kelly is extremely good in this film. There are many closeups of Ann Sothern and her fabulous eyes, I cannot think of a movie where she was prettier. Supporting cast includes Jane Darwell and Mickey Rooney. Laura's Miscellaneous Musings has a nice write up of this film.
ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS (1948 )
Billed as "Pleasure beyond measure!" Jack Carson and Doris Day. Doris Day plays a struggling singer who is hired to impersonate a wealthy socialite on a cruise. The socialite stays home to secretly spy on her husband. Meanwhile, the husband hires a private detective (Jack Carson) to spy on his wife during the cruise. Both people struggle to maintain their assumed roles while falling in love with each other. Lots of fun songs, nice technicolor, cute dialogue. Day and Carson have great chemistry together. What is it about Jack Carson? The lovable jerk. He can put his shoes under my bed anytime.
Also with Oscar Levant playing the usual Oscar Levant character. (Levant made the famous quip that he "knew Doris Day before she was a virgin".) This is a perfect example of Day's great charm: effervescent, spunky but not overly cute. Check this link for lots of nice information about this film at this site devoted to Doris Day's films.
ON DANGEROUS GROUND (1952)
With Robert Ryan, that intense hunk of noir pulchritude and Ida Lupino, petite and equally intense. This spare and intense drama stars Robert Ryan as a scary, hardened cop, who seems to revel in his brutality. Ida Lupino a blind woman determined to get her psychotic brother safely put away. Through his growing feelings for her and his experiences in the rural community where he is sent to help capture a murderer, he becomes a more sympathetic and empathetic man. A very famous music score by Bernard Herrmann. Film Noir of the Week has a fabulous post on this film, so I won't waste time saying much more. The gentle reader may wonder "A Robert Ryan film noir for a romantic Valentine Day viewing?" You betcha. Ryan and Lupino are one of my favorite film pairs. Read more about Robert Ryan at Skeins of Thought, and this article by David Thomson which contains my favourite description of the actor "so convincing you could see his jaw muscles thinking."
THE SEVENTH VEIL (1945) Starring James Mason, Ann Todd and Herbert Lom
Completely cornball melodramatic fun! Anne Todd plays a concert pianist suffering from amnesia who is brought back to mental health thanks to 1940's movie style psychoanalysis. The seventh veil refers to that revelation of emotion that restores our heroine's psyche and mental health. Dark and brooding James Mason provides both menace and romance. Don't miss the scene at the piano!
VOICE OF THE TURTLE aka ONE FOR THE BOOK (1948)
From the John Van Druten play. Of course, the original play is more sophisticated and frank; the movie steps softly around the more controversial aspects of the play and presents one of the sweetest most romantic movies ever. Propinquity brings two people together early one Spring: Eleanor Parker is Sally, a ditzy struggling actress who so is in love with falling in love that she love unwisely and too well. Ronald Reagan is Bill, a soldier with some baggage of his own who has been stood up by his date Olive, played with great vigor by Eve Arden. She has dumped him for her old beau Commander Ned Spurling (Wayne Morris), for whom she still lusts. Unfortunately for Olive, Ned doesn't live up to her ardent memories.
Eleanor Parker plays the kind of woman who is so sensitive she thinks her radio got lonely because it was left on while they were out. Normally, that is the kind of woman my palm would itch to slap. But Parker (and the playwright) give the character plenty of gentle quirky charm.
It's popular among some to dismiss Reagan as a mediocre actor, which is very unfair. He brings a great naturalness, humor and common sense to this character. Bill is just what Sally needs.
I generally only watch old movies, made before 1960, mostly black and white. Therefore, the list below may seem limited to readers who watch newer films. This list is mostly American films, maybe more foreign films next time.
The links on the titles lead to TCM.com
THE BARRETTS OF WIMPOLE STREET (1934)
A film full of love of all kinds - some of it pretty unsavory.... There is the unusual love between poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, whose initial connection is their mutual admiration of each other's work. (Norma Shearer and Frederick March). There is the creepy smothering possessive incestuous love of Mr. Barrett (Charles Laughton) for Elizabeth, his favorite daughter. There is the young healthy passionate love of the sister Harriette for her suitor Captain Cook. Directed by Sidney Franklin who remade it in 1957 with Jennifer Jones and John Gielgud, which is also quite good.
SMILIN' THROUGH (1932)
Remade in technicolor with Jeanette MacDonald and Gene Raymond to much less affect but much lovely singing. Not everyone appreciates MacDonalds singing, and Gene Raymond's heyday was in the early 30's. However, he was a decent actor and singer, very athletic and enjoyable to watch. He is under appreciated today.
MY FOOLISH HEART (1950)
THE LIFE OF VERGIE WINTERS (1934)
This is one of the ultimate pre-code "women's pictures". Per Mick LaSalle it was the last film released before the production code went into effect. It was blacklisted by the Catholic church decency brigade, and was very profitable. Moira Finnie has very nice write up about Ann Harding at Movie Morlocks, including some lovely photos from this movie.
Vergie Winters (Harding) loves John Shadwell (John Boles). Her father, for a price, tells the man she loves that she has married someone else. Heartbroken, he marries another played by Helen Vinson, an actress who is not well known today but was a reliable supporting actress who often played the bad wife, but was equally good as a nice wife (ie, "Transatlantic Tunnel"). I always watch a movie if Helen Vinson appears. Vergie and John carry on a 'back street marriage' together for many years as he becomes a distinguished politician until his wife brings it to a drastic halt. I don't want to reveal too many plot details because the it is such a heartfelt melodrama. Jon Boles could be a wooden actor when he wasn't singing, but he is fine in this movie. Lon Chaney Jr, back when he was billed as Creighton Chaney, plays Vergie's steadfast friend and would be suitor. Ann Harding is at her most beautiful in this film. The fashions, ranging from WW1 to 1930's fashions are really lovely.
DOUBLE HARNESS (1933):
BLIND DATE (1934)
Ann Sothern plays Kitty, who works as a switchboard operator and supports her family. She is engaged to a hardworking mechanic and long time friend Bill (Paul Kelly). When he is too busy to step out with her on her birthday, she goes on a blind date and meets Bob (Neil Hamilton), a wealthy man whose intentions are not entirely honorable - at least in the beginning. Rather improbably, Sothern gets a job modeling clothes for Bob's department store. There are many vignettes of frugal Depression life. There are several touching scenes between Kitty and the two men who love her. Will true love, or obligation win out? Paul Kelly is extremely good in this film. There are many closeups of Ann Sothern and her fabulous eyes, I cannot think of a movie where she was prettier. Supporting cast includes Jane Darwell and Mickey Rooney. Laura's Miscellaneous Musings has a nice write up of this film.
ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS (1948 )
Also with Oscar Levant playing the usual Oscar Levant character. (Levant made the famous quip that he "knew Doris Day before she was a virgin".) This is a perfect example of Day's great charm: effervescent, spunky but not overly cute. Check this link for lots of nice information about this film at this site devoted to Doris Day's films.
ON DANGEROUS GROUND (1952)
With Robert Ryan, that intense hunk of noir pulchritude and Ida Lupino, petite and equally intense. This spare and intense drama stars Robert Ryan as a scary, hardened cop, who seems to revel in his brutality. Ida Lupino a blind woman determined to get her psychotic brother safely put away. Through his growing feelings for her and his experiences in the rural community where he is sent to help capture a murderer, he becomes a more sympathetic and empathetic man. A very famous music score by Bernard Herrmann. Film Noir of the Week has a fabulous post on this film, so I won't waste time saying much more. The gentle reader may wonder "A Robert Ryan film noir for a romantic Valentine Day viewing?" You betcha. Ryan and Lupino are one of my favorite film pairs. Read more about Robert Ryan at Skeins of Thought, and this article by David Thomson which contains my favourite description of the actor "so convincing you could see his jaw muscles thinking."THE SEVENTH VEIL (1945) Starring James Mason, Ann Todd and Herbert Lom
Completely cornball melodramatic fun! Anne Todd plays a concert pianist suffering from amnesia who is brought back to mental health thanks to 1940's movie style psychoanalysis. The seventh veil refers to that revelation of emotion that restores our heroine's psyche and mental health. Dark and brooding James Mason provides both menace and romance. Don't miss the scene at the piano!VOICE OF THE TURTLE aka ONE FOR THE BOOK (1948)
Eleanor Parker plays the kind of woman who is so sensitive she thinks her radio got lonely because it was left on while they were out. Normally, that is the kind of woman my palm would itch to slap. But Parker (and the playwright) give the character plenty of gentle quirky charm.
It's popular among some to dismiss Reagan as a mediocre actor, which is very unfair. He brings a great naturalness, humor and common sense to this character. Bill is just what Sally needs.
Everyone starring in this film was a the peak of their talent and good looks. A thoroughly enjoyable movie.
As usual, the prolific Laura has a very nice post on this film.
A line loves a dot who loves a "wild and unkempt squiggle". What must the straight arrow line do to win her love? It's only 10 minutes so why spend time describing it? Just watch it:
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Who is the Most Over Rated Screen Legend?
Take your mouse over to the right and take my little poll. Please add your alternative suggestions in the comments. Thank you.
Obviously,many different opinions are possible. The criteria is this:
1. American
2. Dead
3. Appears on the AFI top 25 list.
Actors
Humphrey Bogart
Marlon Brando
Gary Cooper
James Dean
John Wayne
Actresses
Marlene Dietrich
Katherine Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn
Marilyn Monroe
Elizabeth Taylor
Just because I put a person on the list, doesn't mean that I personally think that star is over-rated.
I'll give my personal opinions after the polls close.
Obviously,many different opinions are possible. The criteria is this:
1. American
2. Dead
3. Appears on the AFI top 25 list.
Actors
Humphrey Bogart
Marlon Brando
Gary Cooper
James Dean
John Wayne
Actresses
Marlene Dietrich
Katherine Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn
Marilyn Monroe
Elizabeth Taylor
Just because I put a person on the list, doesn't mean that I personally think that star is over-rated.
I'll give my personal opinions after the polls close.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Living in a Really Old Farmhouse....
Mice can be a problem! I told my friend if he wondered what to get me for Christmas, I like some old fashioned wooden mousetraps. Can't beat the classics. Sure enough, Christmas morning, there were six mousetraps. I've had great luck. I strung up last night's bag in the doorway to surprise him when he came home...into the dark house. He loved it.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"My Foolish Heart" Dana Andrews Lovers - Set Your Recorders!
"My Foolish Heart", a 1949 gem starring Dana Andrews, Susan Hayward, Kent Smith, Robert Keith and Jesse Royce Landis is on TCM USA , January 25 2011 at 8:45AM EDT.
I haven't seen this for many years, but remember it as a very touching tearjerker. Dana Andrews is most appreciated these days for his roles as disillusioned characters, but here he plays a really endearing man: good humored, decent, easy going, natural.
The plot is quite the melodrama, told in flashback by Susan Hayward. In the beginning of the film, she is an unsympathetic lush on the verge of divorce. She remembers her college years when "she was a nice girl" and we see the story of her great love.
It's from J.D. Salinger's story "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut". Apparently, Salinger was so upset by the "hollywoodization" of his story that he vowed never again to sell film rights to any of his creations.
While the public loved the film, critics dismissed it as another woman's picture. It is quite the damp hanky film but has a skillfull cast and direction makes it work beautifully.
I once answered a survey of "the film character you would like to marry" and my choice was Dana Andrews in "My Foolish Heart".
One day I will post my personal list of tearjerker films - this will be one of them.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Zenyatta in A Winter Wonder Land
Here is a very lovely film for Christmas. Click here to view the full aspect video at YouTube (and see other nice Bloodhorse videos.) Almost everyone's favorite thoroughbred mare enjoys a snowy turnout her retirement at Lands End Farm on December 20, 2010. She is very well behaved and affectionate and certainly very beloved. I wish Goldikova was getting as much attention too! Three time Breeders Cup Mile Winner!! But enjoy this happy winter scene and keep the music at a low volume, it's lovelier that way.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Spam-Ku and the "Mysterious Porcine Muse"
Who would have though that the canned mystery meat would spawn so much verse?
Because it's so easy!
Uniform pink meat
Salty and gelatinous
What did it come from?
+ + + + + +
Odd and ends of ham
Collected by the packer
Too damned expensive!
+ + + + + +
Spam fried in hot bacon fat
Pumpernickel and mustard
Served with a pickle!
Because it's so easy!
Uniform pink meat
Salty and gelatinous
What did it come from?
+ + + + + +
Odd and ends of ham
Collected by the packer
Too damned expensive!
+ + + + + +
Spam fried in hot bacon fat
Pumpernickel and mustard
Served with a pickle!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman on TCM November 4, 2010
"Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight." (Rossiter Worthington Raymond)
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman is on TCM November 4, 2010 at 10:PM Eastern time.
With James Mason and Ava Gardner. Mason is the mysterious, brooding, oh so handsome Captain van der Zee and Gardner is Pandora, headstrong beauty. It's slightly uneven, but a gorgoeous and compelling combination of supernatural and romance. Beautiful people and scenery, beautifully filmed.
I'd throw away the world for Hendrick too! No one does mysterious romance better than James Mason.
Although this has been a favorite film since childhood, I have only seen this in rather muddy color, hopefully tonight's film will have improved color.
In the film, Hendrick quotes some lines from the poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold. The entire poem is here.
Pandora and the Flying Dutchman is on TCM November 4, 2010 at 10:PM Eastern time.
With James Mason and Ava Gardner. Mason is the mysterious, brooding, oh so handsome Captain van der Zee and Gardner is Pandora, headstrong beauty. It's slightly uneven, but a gorgoeous and compelling combination of supernatural and romance. Beautiful people and scenery, beautifully filmed.
I'd throw away the world for Hendrick too! No one does mysterious romance better than James Mason.
Although this has been a favorite film since childhood, I have only seen this in rather muddy color, hopefully tonight's film will have improved color.
In the film, Hendrick quotes some lines from the poem "Dover Beach" by Matthew Arnold. The entire poem is here.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Answers to Amanda's Cinema Survey
My Answers to Amanda's Cinema Survey .
1. What is your favorite movie starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, excluding all of The Thin Man films? LOVE CRAZY
2. Name a screen team that appeared in only one film together but are still noteworthy for how well they complimented each other.
I think these people appeared together only once: Dana Andrews and Susan Hayward in "My Foolish Heart". Eleanor Parker and Dennis Morgan in "The Very thought of You"
3. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' best film together?
FOLLOW THE FLEET
(My personal favorite because it also has Randolph Scott and Harriet Hilliard who sings some wonderful songs.)
4. Your favorite actor named "Robert"?
ROBERT RYAN . Great actor, great hunk.
5. An actor/actress who, when you see one of their movies, you always wish that someone else was in his/her role?
LUCILLE BALL in most movies. (I don’t like “I Love Lucy” either, what an annoying character! I really admire Lucille Ball’s great business sense, she was a consummate professional. But I never feel like watching a film if she's the star.
Most of SPENCER TRACY’S later movies. He was usually too old for the parts and obviously cast for box office reasons. (ie, Sea of Grass - and he could not even ride a horse!)
GARY COOPER dramas. He was OK in comedy, but too stiff for drama. He was awful in The Fountainhead (and he knew it). The lusty bits in Fountainhead are quite good of course.
6. An actor/actress that someone close to you really loves that you can't stand or vice versa?
My mother thought Harrison Ford is a good actor, I think he has the talent of a fence post. Ironically, I brought him to her attention by saying I thought he had an interesting face.
7. An actor/actress that you both agree on completely?
We agreed that James Mason was a great actor and a fine figure of male pulchritude. We agreed on most movie things.
8. Complete this sentence: Virginia O'Brien is to Ethel Merman as...
As Buster Keaton is to Joe E Brown.
9. What is your favorite film starring Ray Milland?
SO EVIL MY LOVE
10. You had to have seen this one coming: what is your favorite movie of the 1960s?
COMEDY OF TERROR with Vincent Price, Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff.
11. An actor/actress that you would take out of one film and put into a different movie that was released the same year?
Take Allan Jones out of "Everybody Sing" which is OK, but Jones deserved to be in a better film: "Girl of the Golden West". Nelson Eddy was too tall, fair and Anglo Saxon to play Rodriguez, although of course Eddy's voice was fine. Allan Jones was Jeanette MacDonalds choice for the film and would have been a
better fit. Besides, I like Allan Jones a lot and wish he'd made more films with Jeanette. That leaves Nelson Eddy without a property, which is unfair.
Removce Cary Grant from Arsenic and Old Lace - he can be in anything else as long as it's not A&OL. He was awful in that. Grant said Capra made him mug it up in the movie, he hated his performance.
12. Who was your favorite of Robert Montgomery's leading ladies?
Ann Harding and Myrna Loy in "When Ladies Meet"
13. You think it would have been a disaster if what movie starred the actor/actress who was originally asked to star in it?
WIZARD OF OZ. Shirley Temple was considered to star. They realized the songs were beyond her abilities and needed a stronger singer, so went with Judy Garland. If they had stuck with Temple, maybe they would have tailored the songs to her range and abilities and it would have been a completely different movie, which is unthinkable.
13 Alternate : What movie would be great if the actor/actress originally asked had appeared in it?
Dan Dailey was oroginally cast as the gunslinger in Blazing Saddles. He was enthusiastic had to back out due to bad eyesight. John Wayne was offered the role. He loved the script and would have liked to do it, but he said his public would not understand. Gene Wilder got the part. So instead of an actor
parodying himself, you get a nebbish jewish guy who can't ride.
14. An actor/actress who you will watch in any or almost any movie?
ANN HARDING / ERROL FLYNN /LAURENCE OLIVIER / RONALD COLMAN / BARBRA
STANWYCK / KAY FRANCIS /
15. Your favorite Leslie Howard film and role?
Tom in THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. I also like The Scarlet Pimpernel, and preferred Ashley to Rhett.
There are some films I have not yet seen, so there may be another favorite.
16. You have been asked to host a marathon of four Barbara Stanwyck films. Which ones do you choose?
MIRACLE WOMAN, DOUBLE INDEMNITY, THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW, THE LADY EVE (I think that well illustrates her fabulous range.) Actually, due to the popularity of the marathon, it should be extended another day with these films: MY REPUTATION, CLASH BY NIGHT, STELLA DALLAS. Because once you see a few Stanwyck films, you want to see more.
17. What is, in your mind, the nearest to perfect comedy you have ever seen? Why?
KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS. Every line is pithy. It just works. This movie gets a lot of attention because of Alec Guiness' multiple roles, but the script and ensemble is great.
18. You will brook no criticism of what film?
I don't worry about that. Everyone has their hits and misses according to personal taste.
19. Who is your favorite Irish actress?
GREER GARSON.
20. Your favorite 1940s movie starring Ginger Rogers?
LADY IN THE DARK
21. Do you enjoy silent movies?
Very Much! Especially the long German sagas like THE INDIAN TOMB and SPIES.
22. What is your favorite Bette Davis film?
LITTLE FOXES came first to mind, Davis was a great actress and it's hard to choose just one.
23. Your favorite onscreen Hollywood couple?
JACK CARSON and JANE WYMAN. They always conveyed fun loving lust.
Memo: Why just couples? How about pairs? Like Ronald Reagan and Wayne Morris in their comedies. Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins!
24. This one is for the girls, but, of course, the guys are welcome to answer, too: who is your favorite Hollywood costume designer?
ORRY KELLY
25. To even things out a bit, here's something the boys will enjoy: what is your favorite tough action film?
ZULU
26. You are currently gaining a greater appreciation for which actor(s)/actress(es)?
JEAN ARTHUR. Her voice is incredibly annoying to me. I've gotten used to her voice so I can appreciate her talent. Same thing with Glynis Johns - something about her voice grates on me, but she is great.
27. Franchot Tone: yes or no? YES!
28. Which actors and/or actresses do you think are underrated?
BASIL RATHBONE: People mostly think of him as Sherlock Holmes but he was extremely versatile and could play anything.
LIONEL BARRYMORE: People remember Barrymore as the crochety old character actor in a wheelchair. They need to see him in more films before he was crippled when he could do so much more.
HEDY LAMARR : she was so beautiful, she didn't always get a chance to play interesting characters. When she had a chance to do something unusual, like The Strange Woman, or a nice natural woman like HM Pulham Esq. She was also excellent in comedies.
TYRONE POWER: Like Hedy, he was so handsome he was stuck Swashing on film, but found an outlet on the stage. Also his career was interupted by WW2. He was from a distinguished acting family, was well read and anxious to play unusual roles. Check him out in NIGHTMARE ALLEY.
RONALD REAGAN: It's fashionable to dismiss Ronald Reagan's film career. Because they don't like his politics, people believe he was a mediocre actor yet have not actually seen his films. This is unfair. He was natural and earnest and very good in light comedies. Bedtime for Bonzo isn't as bad as they claim - it's cute and lightweight.
29. Which actors and/or actresses do you think are overrated?
GARY COOPER, MARILYN MONROE
30. Favorite actor? I like too many to nail down just one person. I'll answer with a twist. My favorite German /Austrian actors are Conrad Veidt, Wolfgang Preiss and Bruno Ganz
31. Favorite actress? My favorite French actress is Isabelle Hupert
32. Of those listed, who is the coolest: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Steve McQueen, or Patrick Stewart? I'm not sure what the definition of cool is but I like Patrick Stewart best of this list.
33. What is your favorite movie from each of these genres:
Comedy: TWENTIETH CENTURY
Swashbuckler: THE SEA HAWK
Film noir: ASPHALT JUNGLE
Musical: MAYTIME
Holiday: MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER
Hitchcock: THE PARADINE CASE
UPDATE: hmmm...I'm not sure Maytime is quite a musical, it's a melodrama about opera singers plying their trade. So I'll suggest one of my 50's favorites "THE PAJAMA GAME". It also features much of the original broadway cast which is a great bonus.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Segue on Question #13. I recently read that there were plans in 1977 to remake "Dodsworth" starring Rock Hudson and Elizabeth Taylor. Thank goodness *that* never happened!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Podcast: Life of Reginald Mitchell 1895-1937, Designer of the Supermarine Spitfire Fighter
Listen to the The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography's podcast biography of Reginald Mitchell, who designed 24 airplanes, most famously, the Spitfire.
Website for Reginald Mitchell
On the other hand, don't forget the Hawker Hurricane:
"Battle of Britain week: Was the Hurricane the plane that REALLY saved us from the Nazis?"
On the other hand, don't forget the Hawker Hurricane:
"Battle of Britain week: Was the Hurricane the plane that REALLY saved us from the Nazis?"
Eileen Nearne, WW2 Spy, Dead at 89
"Eileen Nearne, who has died aged 89, was a member of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) and recruited into the Special Operations Executive (SOE); parachuted into France, she was captured, then interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo. " From the Telegraph, September 17 2010
From the Guardian: Lonely Death of a Wartime Heroine and The spy who we loved: Eileen Nearne was cherished says niece
Trust the Daily Mail to take the most melodramatic angle.
From the Sunday Independent
From the Guardian: Lonely Death of a Wartime Heroine and The spy who we loved: Eileen Nearne was cherished says niece
Trust the Daily Mail to take the most melodramatic angle.
From the Sunday Independent
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Lieutenant-Commander Tony Bentley-Buckle Obituary
Lieutenant-Commander Tony Bentley-Buckle, who has died aged 88, spent the last 18 months of the Second World War as a prisoner-of-war in Germany, when he and his fellow inmates of Marlag-O, a PoW camp for naval officers in northern Germany, built a man-sized dummy called “Albert RN”.
--From the Telegraph, September 5 2010
This gentleman sounds like a character from a Nevil Shute novel!
--From the Telegraph, September 5 2010
This gentleman sounds like a character from a Nevil Shute novel!
Obituary Elizabeth Jenkins 1905-2010
"Elizabeth Jenkins, who died on Sunday aged 104, was a sensitive and perceptive novelist and biographer; having been introduced to the Bloomsbury Group in the 1920s, she soon turned her back on Virginia Woolf, whom she found “appalling”, to achieve success in her own right. " From the Telegraph, September 6 2010
Obituary from The Guardian
Obituary from the Independent
Find Elizabeth Jenkin's books
Obituary from The Guardian
Obituary from the Independent
Find Elizabeth Jenkin's books
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Body building, steroid abusing midgets ?!?!
"SWAT TEAM REQUESTED FOR VIOLENT MIDGETS" from the Reno Union "Police Blotter"
(My local fishwrapper's Police Blotter is never this good!)
More From Tabloid Prodigy: "A posse of midgets cooperated with “steroid-using” bodybuilders in an attempt to kill TWO people, according to a bizarre 911 call in Western Nevada County, Calif. on Tuesday...."
(My local fishwrapper's Police Blotter is never this good!)
More From Tabloid Prodigy: "A posse of midgets cooperated with “steroid-using” bodybuilders in an attempt to kill TWO people, according to a bizarre 911 call in Western Nevada County, Calif. on Tuesday...."
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