Happy Birthday to Robert Alda,William Frawley, Jackie Gleason, Betty Hutton and Tony Randall.
I think the first time I ever saw William Frawley was in I Love Lucy and then My Three Sons. To me he was always that man. A neighbor a grandfather. Then as I watched more films he would be there as a character actor. When TCM premiered the Jazz Singer with Al Jolsen, there he was. A young man with a full head of dark hair. My goodness the man was in films forever.
In watching a marathon on I Love Lucy, I paid particular attention to William. He is a great reactor to what is going on. Many years a go when I read a book on Lucille Ball I couldn't believe it when I read that William Frawley and Vivian Vance hated each other. They are such great actors that it does not show in the program.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
February 25
Happy Birthday to Jim Backus, Larry Gelbart and Zeppo Marx.
I am a big fan of the Marx Brothers, whether there are 3 or 4 in a film. I always saw Zeppo as the straight man of the group. Being the straight man is often an unappreciated and difficult role. I watched Coconuts. He did not have a big role. He was Groucho Marx's hotel assistant. Often times he looks uncomfortable, like he doesn't want to be there. At the end when they are making their final appearance in the film, he has a big smile on his face as he waves to the camera. He has a nice smile. His style is more understated and more normal behavior compared with his brothers.
Since that film was short, I was able to watch another Horse Feathers. In the DVD packing this film states that Zeppo has a larger role in the film to induce him to stay in the group. Groucho plays a college professor and Zeppo plays his son. Zeppo convinces Groucho to recruit football players that hang out in a bar. The players are recruited by another team and Groucho recruits Harpo and Chico for his team in error. Zeppo is in love with a “college widow” played by Thelma Todd. Groucho wants Zeppo to give her up, but he won't. Groucho goes after her to get her away from Zeppo. Another man is also interested in Thelma and he has her trick both Zeppo and Groucho to get the college plays so the other team can win. I like the fact that Groucho makes fun of Thelma when she talks baby talk to him. A grown woman talking baby talk to get a man to do something just annoys me. The football game is fun and full of gags. The end Chico, Harpo and Groucho marry Thelma. I think only the Marx brothers could have gotten away with that.
Each of the brothers play a version of “I Love You” to Thelma. Harpo plays a lovely version on the harp, Chico plays piano and sings a version, Groucho plays the ukelele and sings in a row boat while Thelma rows and Zeppo sings the song first to her. He has a good voice. He sings in a similar style to Rudy Valley, popular style.
My favorite jokes in comedy are when figurative phrases are taken literally. The Marx Brothers always have those jokes in their stories. In Horse Feathers Thelma falls out of the boat and says “toss me the lifesaver” he tosses her a mint.
I am a big fan of the Marx Brothers, whether there are 3 or 4 in a film. I always saw Zeppo as the straight man of the group. Being the straight man is often an unappreciated and difficult role. I watched Coconuts. He did not have a big role. He was Groucho Marx's hotel assistant. Often times he looks uncomfortable, like he doesn't want to be there. At the end when they are making their final appearance in the film, he has a big smile on his face as he waves to the camera. He has a nice smile. His style is more understated and more normal behavior compared with his brothers.
Since that film was short, I was able to watch another Horse Feathers. In the DVD packing this film states that Zeppo has a larger role in the film to induce him to stay in the group. Groucho plays a college professor and Zeppo plays his son. Zeppo convinces Groucho to recruit football players that hang out in a bar. The players are recruited by another team and Groucho recruits Harpo and Chico for his team in error. Zeppo is in love with a “college widow” played by Thelma Todd. Groucho wants Zeppo to give her up, but he won't. Groucho goes after her to get her away from Zeppo. Another man is also interested in Thelma and he has her trick both Zeppo and Groucho to get the college plays so the other team can win. I like the fact that Groucho makes fun of Thelma when she talks baby talk to him. A grown woman talking baby talk to get a man to do something just annoys me. The football game is fun and full of gags. The end Chico, Harpo and Groucho marry Thelma. I think only the Marx brothers could have gotten away with that.
Each of the brothers play a version of “I Love You” to Thelma. Harpo plays a lovely version on the harp, Chico plays piano and sings a version, Groucho plays the ukelele and sings in a row boat while Thelma rows and Zeppo sings the song first to her. He has a good voice. He sings in a similar style to Rudy Valley, popular style.
My favorite jokes in comedy are when figurative phrases are taken literally. The Marx Brothers always have those jokes in their stories. In Horse Feathers Thelma falls out of the boat and says “toss me the lifesaver” he tosses her a mint.
February 24
Happy Birthday to Marjorie Main, Zachary Scott and Abe Vigoda.
I always like Marjorie Main. She seemed like a person you would want to have around to help, to listen and have a good time with. I always like the Ma & Pa Kettle series. Robert Osborn introduced one of the films last year and said that she did not like the films, but did them because she had to, whether it was because she needed the money or was contractually obligated, I don't remember.
I watched several films for Marjorie Main. First is Ma & Pa Kettle Go On Vacation. Ma & Pa win a trip to Paris. Why the film is not called Ma & Pa Go To Paris, I don't know. There are plenty of fish out of water scenes and political intrigue. My favorite scenes are when Ma & Pa go out to clubs. In one scene there are French Apache dancers. Ma does not like how the man treats the woman and throws the man into the kitchen. He comes out and is covered head to toe in spaghetti noodles. Another scene the waiter is making crape Suzette and Pa thinks that the fire is out of control and tries to put the fire out with his coat. When Ma is kidnapped Pa goes to the police and the police don't understand English or his pantomime he throws a police hat on the floor and takes a baton and throws it through the glass door. He gets the police to chase him to where he is supposed to meet Ma.
I also watched Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone. Marjorie plays Mrs. O'Malley, a woman from Montana that wins money on a radio musical contest. She goes by train to NY to collect her prize. In Chicago meeting with her niece she meets Mr. Malone (James Whitmore) a lawyer and writer of detective stories. Mr. Malone is a shyster, fast talking, skirt chasing and broke lawyer. A man that owes him money gets on the train for NY. He follows along with the police, the man's ex-wife and girlfriend. The film is a comedy and a mystery set mainly on a train. My favorite scene is probably when they get to NY. The police think that Mrs. O'Mallery and Mr. Malone murdered a person each and handcuff them together to take to the station. The radio program staff meet Mrs. O'Mallery at the station with a small band. When she gets off the train, they start playing. She and Mr. Malone are looking for the actual murder and escape from the police. The band members follow and several times they start playing. Mr. Malone catches the murder and starts to go over his crimes and the murder states that he wants to hire him to represent him. He immediately goes into lawyer mode.
I always like Marjorie Main. She seemed like a person you would want to have around to help, to listen and have a good time with. I always like the Ma & Pa Kettle series. Robert Osborn introduced one of the films last year and said that she did not like the films, but did them because she had to, whether it was because she needed the money or was contractually obligated, I don't remember.
I watched several films for Marjorie Main. First is Ma & Pa Kettle Go On Vacation. Ma & Pa win a trip to Paris. Why the film is not called Ma & Pa Go To Paris, I don't know. There are plenty of fish out of water scenes and political intrigue. My favorite scenes are when Ma & Pa go out to clubs. In one scene there are French Apache dancers. Ma does not like how the man treats the woman and throws the man into the kitchen. He comes out and is covered head to toe in spaghetti noodles. Another scene the waiter is making crape Suzette and Pa thinks that the fire is out of control and tries to put the fire out with his coat. When Ma is kidnapped Pa goes to the police and the police don't understand English or his pantomime he throws a police hat on the floor and takes a baton and throws it through the glass door. He gets the police to chase him to where he is supposed to meet Ma.
I also watched Mrs. O'Malley and Mr. Malone. Marjorie plays Mrs. O'Malley, a woman from Montana that wins money on a radio musical contest. She goes by train to NY to collect her prize. In Chicago meeting with her niece she meets Mr. Malone (James Whitmore) a lawyer and writer of detective stories. Mr. Malone is a shyster, fast talking, skirt chasing and broke lawyer. A man that owes him money gets on the train for NY. He follows along with the police, the man's ex-wife and girlfriend. The film is a comedy and a mystery set mainly on a train. My favorite scene is probably when they get to NY. The police think that Mrs. O'Mallery and Mr. Malone murdered a person each and handcuff them together to take to the station. The radio program staff meet Mrs. O'Mallery at the station with a small band. When she gets off the train, they start playing. She and Mr. Malone are looking for the actual murder and escape from the police. The band members follow and several times they start playing. Mr. Malone catches the murder and starts to go over his crimes and the murder states that he wants to hire him to represent him. He immediately goes into lawyer mode.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
February 22
Happy Birthday to Robert Young, Dorothy McGuire and John Mills.
Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire stared in Enchanted Cottage with Herbert Marshall. I really like this movie and decided to watch it to celebrate the stars birthday.
Dorothy plays a woman who becomes a maid at a cottage who is described as homely. It is amazing how bad lighting can make you ugly. Robert plays a wounded WWII soldier who goes to the cottage to hide due to his disfiguring wounds. Herbert plays a blind pianist and their friend. Robert attempts suicide and Dorothy stops him. They spend a lot of time together and become friends. Robert's family puts a lot of pressure on him to come back to the family home and he refuses. He decides to marry Dorothy. She loves him, but he is looking for companionship and a safe haven. During their wedding dinner he realizes that he loves her. He sees her as a beauty and she sees him as handsome with no wounds. They are blinded by love and think they have transformed. In reality of course they have not changed. Robert's family make them see that they haven't changed, but they are happy with each other and see themselves as they wish.
There is one scene I greatly identify with. At a soldier's canteen dance Dorothy sits alone at a table. A soldier comes in and sees her sitting alone and goes towards her to ask her to dance. As he goes to the stairs she turns sees him and smiles. The soldier sees her face, he stops and bends down to tie his shoes. Dorothy gets her coat and runs door.
Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire stared in Enchanted Cottage with Herbert Marshall. I really like this movie and decided to watch it to celebrate the stars birthday.
Dorothy plays a woman who becomes a maid at a cottage who is described as homely. It is amazing how bad lighting can make you ugly. Robert plays a wounded WWII soldier who goes to the cottage to hide due to his disfiguring wounds. Herbert plays a blind pianist and their friend. Robert attempts suicide and Dorothy stops him. They spend a lot of time together and become friends. Robert's family puts a lot of pressure on him to come back to the family home and he refuses. He decides to marry Dorothy. She loves him, but he is looking for companionship and a safe haven. During their wedding dinner he realizes that he loves her. He sees her as a beauty and she sees him as handsome with no wounds. They are blinded by love and think they have transformed. In reality of course they have not changed. Robert's family make them see that they haven't changed, but they are happy with each other and see themselves as they wish.
There is one scene I greatly identify with. At a soldier's canteen dance Dorothy sits alone at a table. A soldier comes in and sees her sitting alone and goes towards her to ask her to dance. As he goes to the stairs she turns sees him and smiles. The soldier sees her face, he stops and bends down to tie his shoes. Dorothy gets her coat and runs door.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
February 21
Ann Sheridan
For Ann Sheridan's birthday I watched The Man Who Came To Dinner. Since I haven't been into some of the films lately I decided to watch a favorite film. The film has a great cast and is a fast paced comedy. Ann plays a vain, self-involved actress. She is very beautiful and wears the clothing and jewelry to fit the part. She has fast dialog and is elegant in her movements, even when she is angry. The character does not have a sense of humor and takes herself so seriously that other people play jokes on her and she does not take them well. I always felt sorry for her because at the end they put her in a sarcophagus. I can't imagine that she was in their long, but that had to be a difficult thing to do.
For Ann Sheridan's birthday I watched The Man Who Came To Dinner. Since I haven't been into some of the films lately I decided to watch a favorite film. The film has a great cast and is a fast paced comedy. Ann plays a vain, self-involved actress. She is very beautiful and wears the clothing and jewelry to fit the part. She has fast dialog and is elegant in her movements, even when she is angry. The character does not have a sense of humor and takes herself so seriously that other people play jokes on her and she does not take them well. I always felt sorry for her because at the end they put her in a sarcophagus. I can't imagine that she was in their long, but that had to be a difficult thing to do.
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 20
Happy Birthday to Gale Gordon and Sidney Poitier.
For Sidney Poitier's birthday I watched In the Heat of the Night and For Love of Ivy.
I could not get into the film In The Heat Of the Night. It was well acted by Sidney and Rod Stieger. It had great music by Quincy Jones and the opening song was sung by Ray Charles. I liked the photography, the POV of the camera would change from 3rd to 1st person. Once Rod knew that Sidney was a police officer, he gave him a little more respect, but didn't really believe his reasoning on what really happened. Sidney seemed a little wooden in his actinging, but it could be the character's way of being in control.
In For Love Of Ivy Sidney played an owner of a trucking company that was front for gambling. In this film, every emotion showed in his eyes. His first scene with Beau Bridges he doesn't show a lot of emotion, but you know exactly what he is thinking with his eyes. Ivy played by Abbey Lincoln is a 27 year old maid who wants to go leave the family she has worked for 9 years to go to the city to study as a secretary. The young people in the house decide to blackmail Sidney into going out with Ivy. Ivy falls in love with Sidney and then she finds out about the gambling and that Sidney was blackmailed to go out with her. She plans to leave the family and never see Sidney again. Sidney is in love with her and goes to get her in his truck with the gambling in the back. The truck circles around as Sidney tries to get Abbey to come with him. Sidney does convince her that he loves her and to go with him. As they get in a car to follow the truck, police stop the truck and arrest the people inside. Sidney get's away but promises to bail out is people.
For Sidney Poitier's birthday I watched In the Heat of the Night and For Love of Ivy.
I could not get into the film In The Heat Of the Night. It was well acted by Sidney and Rod Stieger. It had great music by Quincy Jones and the opening song was sung by Ray Charles. I liked the photography, the POV of the camera would change from 3rd to 1st person. Once Rod knew that Sidney was a police officer, he gave him a little more respect, but didn't really believe his reasoning on what really happened. Sidney seemed a little wooden in his actinging, but it could be the character's way of being in control.
In For Love Of Ivy Sidney played an owner of a trucking company that was front for gambling. In this film, every emotion showed in his eyes. His first scene with Beau Bridges he doesn't show a lot of emotion, but you know exactly what he is thinking with his eyes. Ivy played by Abbey Lincoln is a 27 year old maid who wants to go leave the family she has worked for 9 years to go to the city to study as a secretary. The young people in the house decide to blackmail Sidney into going out with Ivy. Ivy falls in love with Sidney and then she finds out about the gambling and that Sidney was blackmailed to go out with her. She plans to leave the family and never see Sidney again. Sidney is in love with her and goes to get her in his truck with the gambling in the back. The truck circles around as Sidney tries to get Abbey to come with him. Sidney does convince her that he loves her and to go with him. As they get in a car to follow the truck, police stop the truck and arrest the people inside. Sidney get's away but promises to bail out is people.
February 17
Happy Birthday to Hal Holbrook and Alan Bates.
I went to library to get Zorba the Greek for Alan Bates. It was checked out. I went to find Far From the Maddening Crowd it was checked out. I went to find Bertie and Elizabeth but I could not find it. By this point I was really discouraged. I thought about going on to Hal Holbrook, but I really wanted to watch Zorba the Greek. I have tried to watch it in the past (I really like the music) but I could not get into the film. So I decided to wait till I could get Zorba on DVD to write the blog.
I recently saw Alan Bates in An Unmarried Woman. My friend had a copy and we watched to celebrate Jill Clayburgh's life at New Years. He was really good in that film. He played a divorced artist who really cared for Jill and wanted to be a part of her life. I have to admit I really didn't understand the ending of the film, but it was enjoyable.
I finally got Zorba the Greek on DVD (2/20). I must be having an off day. I watched 6 films and only was able to get into 1 and that 1 was not Zorba the Greek. Alan Bates, Anthony Quinn and the whole cast were very talented. The photography and music were great. But the story to me just dragged and most of the film I did not understand. I guess I liked the ending best were the men were dancing and the music was playing. That may be the only thing I really understood about the whole movie. Anthony Quinn said “A man needs a little a little madness or else... he never dares cut the rope and be free.”
I went to library to get Zorba the Greek for Alan Bates. It was checked out. I went to find Far From the Maddening Crowd it was checked out. I went to find Bertie and Elizabeth but I could not find it. By this point I was really discouraged. I thought about going on to Hal Holbrook, but I really wanted to watch Zorba the Greek. I have tried to watch it in the past (I really like the music) but I could not get into the film. So I decided to wait till I could get Zorba on DVD to write the blog.
I recently saw Alan Bates in An Unmarried Woman. My friend had a copy and we watched to celebrate Jill Clayburgh's life at New Years. He was really good in that film. He played a divorced artist who really cared for Jill and wanted to be a part of her life. I have to admit I really didn't understand the ending of the film, but it was enjoyable.
I finally got Zorba the Greek on DVD (2/20). I must be having an off day. I watched 6 films and only was able to get into 1 and that 1 was not Zorba the Greek. Alan Bates, Anthony Quinn and the whole cast were very talented. The photography and music were great. But the story to me just dragged and most of the film I did not understand. I guess I liked the ending best were the men were dancing and the music was playing. That may be the only thing I really understood about the whole movie. Anthony Quinn said “A man needs a little a little madness or else... he never dares cut the rope and be free.”
Sunday, February 20, 2011
February 19
Lee Marvin
For Lee Marvin's birthday I watched The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The film starred James Stewart and John Wayne. I did not expect to like the film, but it was very good. Lee Marvin played Liberty Valance. A mean, evil, just plain cruel man. He first appears on screen as a stage coach robber. I am not sure that is obvious or not. He has a scarf over his face, but those eyes and voice are unmistakable. The scene is at night and very dark, hard to see all the action. That may have been on purpose by the director John Ford's part due to the nature of the scene of James being beaten and whipped by Marvin.
The outdoor scenery was great, but I liked the scene's in the bar the best. There is an election held in the bar and the bar can't serve alcohol until the election is officially over. Once it is everyone rushes to the bar and people climb over each other to get a drink. The Sheriff talks to Marvin to get him not to fight James that night. Marvin is playing poker as the Sheriff talks. Marvin knows he is going to kill James, so he is living his normal life. After Marvin is killed John realizes the the girl he loves actually loves James he goes to the bar and gets drunk. John Wayne drunk is a sight to see.
My favorite scene is probably at the end. James, now a Senator, comes back into town to attend the funeral of John. James gives the full story to newspaper and the newspaper editor tears up the story and puts in the fire. The editor states “When legend becomes fact, print the legend.” That type of journalistic respectability would not happen today in a TMZ world.
For Lee Marvin's birthday I watched The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The film starred James Stewart and John Wayne. I did not expect to like the film, but it was very good. Lee Marvin played Liberty Valance. A mean, evil, just plain cruel man. He first appears on screen as a stage coach robber. I am not sure that is obvious or not. He has a scarf over his face, but those eyes and voice are unmistakable. The scene is at night and very dark, hard to see all the action. That may have been on purpose by the director John Ford's part due to the nature of the scene of James being beaten and whipped by Marvin.
The outdoor scenery was great, but I liked the scene's in the bar the best. There is an election held in the bar and the bar can't serve alcohol until the election is officially over. Once it is everyone rushes to the bar and people climb over each other to get a drink. The Sheriff talks to Marvin to get him not to fight James that night. Marvin is playing poker as the Sheriff talks. Marvin knows he is going to kill James, so he is living his normal life. After Marvin is killed John realizes the the girl he loves actually loves James he goes to the bar and gets drunk. John Wayne drunk is a sight to see.
My favorite scene is probably at the end. James, now a Senator, comes back into town to attend the funeral of John. James gives the full story to newspaper and the newspaper editor tears up the story and puts in the fire. The editor states “When legend becomes fact, print the legend.” That type of journalistic respectability would not happen today in a TMZ world.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
February 18
Happy Birthday to Edward Arnold and George Kennedy.
For Edward Arnold's Birthday I watched Easy Living. Edward played a Wall-Street banker whose family spends a great deal of money, the wife buys a fir coat for $58,000 and the son (Ray Milland) a car for $11,000. When Edward sees the bill for the fir he confronts his wife (Mary Nash) and wants to send the coat back. When he opens her wall length closet it is full of furs (and 3 rows of shoes), and he just grabs one, which happens to be the new one. The wife does not what to give it up so she grabs it and runs away from Edward with him chasing her through the house. She ends up on the roof he gets the coat and throws it over the edge. It lands on Jean Arthur who is in an open top bus. She goes back to the area to find who dropped the coat. Edward coming out of his house sees her and tells her the coat is hers. He ends up giving her a ride to work. When the coat fell on her head it damaged the feather on her hat. They stop and Edward gets her a new hat, a sable to match the coat. Edward gives the milliner (Franklin Pangborn) his card to send him the bill. Jean keeps the coat thinking it is faux fur. Jean never learns her benefactors name. She gets to work late and no one believes her story about the coat falling on her head. She gets fired for ethical reasons because of how her boss thinks she got the coat.
The milliner tells Mr. Louis (a hotel owner who is behind in his mortgage payments to Edward) about the morning events. Mr. Louis (Luis Alberni) decides to get Jean in his floundering hotel as a way to keep it afloat. He ends up renting a suite (4101-14) to her for $7 a week (plus an egg for breakfast) and paying her last weeks rent at her old apartment. The tour of the rooms is great. They go from one room to another to another. Every room is beautiful and has a chandelier. The luxurious bath is the size of a pool. She goes to an automat to get dinner (I love films with automats). There she meets a very fresh bus boy, Ray Milland. He decides to help her by giving her food and he will pay for it out of his next check and she can pay him back. He gets caught and fights back. In the struggle the doors to the food open and people start grabbing food. Jean and another man sit calmly at a table while chaos erupts around them. A man goes into the street and tells people there is free food. There is a lot of great slapstick in this scene. Ray gets free, gets Jean and they run out of the automat. Jean thinking that he is living in the park invites him to her suite. As they tour the house they try to figure out the bath and water, like a fountain shoots out and they both get wet. Edward alone in the house (son not returned after their argument and the wife packed her 12 trunks and 17 suitcases to go to Florida) decides to go to the Hotel Louis. There he meets Jean dressed in beautiful clothing given to her by the milliner and buys her dinner. Mr. Louis goes to the newspaper who prints an incriminating social story about a the two in a love nest. That popularizes the hotel and increases business. The next day Jean gets phone calls and people visiting, wanting to giver her things, cars, jewelry, clothing and the works. A man comes to the house wanted advice from the Wall-Street man but got advice from the Wall-Street son mistakenly that steel is going down. This starts a selling spree on steel and causes Edwards to almost go bankrupt because he thinks steel is going up and buys a great deal. Ray seeing in the afternoon paper that his fathers company is struggling goes to his father's office. The wife also finds out about the trouble and comes back. Edward figures out what happened and contacts the police to find Jean. Jean is thrown out of Hotel Louis (after giving him a present of goldfish in a bowl). Jean finally figuring out who Edward is goes to his office with two sheep dogs she just purchased to confront him. They decide to have Jean call her contact to tell him the steel is going up to reverse the action, which actually works. She gives the coat back, takes the two dogs and leaves with Ray chasing after her. The police catch up to her and make her go back to the office building. Ray gives Edward advise and he gets a job. Ray asks Jean to marry him. Edward sees the coat in his wife’s arms and takes the coat and throws it over the balcony where it lands on another woman and ruins the feather in her hat.
The above description doesn't do the film justice. The acting is great, the story is fun and fast paced with great dialog and all the sets are beautiful. The opening credits are of a woman getting ready for an event at her dressing table. She is putting on stockings, jewelry, perfume, orchids and furs, very extravagant. The film was written by Preston Sturges and the “interior decorations” by A.E. Freudeman. That is the first time I have seen such a credit. It is really deserved. The rooms of Edwards house and the hotel are incredibly beautiful. Everything seems to shimmer either with the mirrors or the glass lights and decorations. It is directed by Mitchell Leisen. I don't recognize the name, but I may have to find more of his films.
For Edward Arnold's Birthday I watched Easy Living. Edward played a Wall-Street banker whose family spends a great deal of money, the wife buys a fir coat for $58,000 and the son (Ray Milland) a car for $11,000. When Edward sees the bill for the fir he confronts his wife (Mary Nash) and wants to send the coat back. When he opens her wall length closet it is full of furs (and 3 rows of shoes), and he just grabs one, which happens to be the new one. The wife does not what to give it up so she grabs it and runs away from Edward with him chasing her through the house. She ends up on the roof he gets the coat and throws it over the edge. It lands on Jean Arthur who is in an open top bus. She goes back to the area to find who dropped the coat. Edward coming out of his house sees her and tells her the coat is hers. He ends up giving her a ride to work. When the coat fell on her head it damaged the feather on her hat. They stop and Edward gets her a new hat, a sable to match the coat. Edward gives the milliner (Franklin Pangborn) his card to send him the bill. Jean keeps the coat thinking it is faux fur. Jean never learns her benefactors name. She gets to work late and no one believes her story about the coat falling on her head. She gets fired for ethical reasons because of how her boss thinks she got the coat.
The milliner tells Mr. Louis (a hotel owner who is behind in his mortgage payments to Edward) about the morning events. Mr. Louis (Luis Alberni) decides to get Jean in his floundering hotel as a way to keep it afloat. He ends up renting a suite (4101-14) to her for $7 a week (plus an egg for breakfast) and paying her last weeks rent at her old apartment. The tour of the rooms is great. They go from one room to another to another. Every room is beautiful and has a chandelier. The luxurious bath is the size of a pool. She goes to an automat to get dinner (I love films with automats). There she meets a very fresh bus boy, Ray Milland. He decides to help her by giving her food and he will pay for it out of his next check and she can pay him back. He gets caught and fights back. In the struggle the doors to the food open and people start grabbing food. Jean and another man sit calmly at a table while chaos erupts around them. A man goes into the street and tells people there is free food. There is a lot of great slapstick in this scene. Ray gets free, gets Jean and they run out of the automat. Jean thinking that he is living in the park invites him to her suite. As they tour the house they try to figure out the bath and water, like a fountain shoots out and they both get wet. Edward alone in the house (son not returned after their argument and the wife packed her 12 trunks and 17 suitcases to go to Florida) decides to go to the Hotel Louis. There he meets Jean dressed in beautiful clothing given to her by the milliner and buys her dinner. Mr. Louis goes to the newspaper who prints an incriminating social story about a the two in a love nest. That popularizes the hotel and increases business. The next day Jean gets phone calls and people visiting, wanting to giver her things, cars, jewelry, clothing and the works. A man comes to the house wanted advice from the Wall-Street man but got advice from the Wall-Street son mistakenly that steel is going down. This starts a selling spree on steel and causes Edwards to almost go bankrupt because he thinks steel is going up and buys a great deal. Ray seeing in the afternoon paper that his fathers company is struggling goes to his father's office. The wife also finds out about the trouble and comes back. Edward figures out what happened and contacts the police to find Jean. Jean is thrown out of Hotel Louis (after giving him a present of goldfish in a bowl). Jean finally figuring out who Edward is goes to his office with two sheep dogs she just purchased to confront him. They decide to have Jean call her contact to tell him the steel is going up to reverse the action, which actually works. She gives the coat back, takes the two dogs and leaves with Ray chasing after her. The police catch up to her and make her go back to the office building. Ray gives Edward advise and he gets a job. Ray asks Jean to marry him. Edward sees the coat in his wife’s arms and takes the coat and throws it over the balcony where it lands on another woman and ruins the feather in her hat.
The above description doesn't do the film justice. The acting is great, the story is fun and fast paced with great dialog and all the sets are beautiful. The opening credits are of a woman getting ready for an event at her dressing table. She is putting on stockings, jewelry, perfume, orchids and furs, very extravagant. The film was written by Preston Sturges and the “interior decorations” by A.E. Freudeman. That is the first time I have seen such a credit. It is really deserved. The rooms of Edwards house and the hotel are incredibly beautiful. Everything seems to shimmer either with the mirrors or the glass lights and decorations. It is directed by Mitchell Leisen. I don't recognize the name, but I may have to find more of his films.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
February 16
Happy Birthday to Vera-Allen, Chester Morris, Sonny Bono and Edgar Bergen.
My Chester Morris obsession started with Robert Osborne. Several years ago Robert Montgomery was star of the month. The first film showing was the Big House. I don't remember the exact introduction that Robert said, but this is what I remember “starring with Robert Montgomery is Wallace Berry and the great Chester Morris.” I thought the great Chester Morris? I had never heard of him. As I watched the film I tried to figure out which man was Chester. The first scene he is in, he is stretched out in a bunk in a jail cell. You don't see him as he speaks, but I figured it was him. Shortly thereafter he is shown, a very handsome and talented man. Those eyes, that voice, he was the whole package. The next film that night was The Divorcee. That was the same month that I also discovered Kay Francis. A year or two ago TCM played all the Boston Blackie films. Thank you TCM for showing these wonderful films and keeping the films and the people involved alive.
For Chester Morris' birthday I watched The Divorcee. Norma Shearer was considered the star of the film. At the start of the film Norma and Chester become engaged. Conrad Nagel is also in love with Norma. He is upset about her engagement, drinks and drives and has an accident injuring a female friend. Conrad marries the injured woman. The next scene is 3rd anniversary. Norma throws a party and a mysterious woman shows up. It turns out she had an affair with Chester. Norma finds out and is upset. Chester states that it meant nothing it was no big deal. Chester goes out of town for a business meeting. Norma upset goes out drinking with Robert and they go to his apartment and spend the night together. When he comes back Norma confesses “that I’ve balanced our account”. This is probably my favorite scene Chester goes from joy to concern to anger to disbelief to humiliation. He followed the the same path as Norma and gets drunk. He decides to leave and they divorce. They both go on with their lives but are very unhappy. Conrad and Norma get together and he is going out of the country, but not divorcing his wife and asks Norma to go with him. Conrad's wife asks Norma not to go with him. She decides she only wants Chester. She finds him on New Years Eve in Paris at midnight they kiss as the lights dim.
In the Boston Blackie series Chester Morris plays Blackie, a safe-cracking excon who has gone straight along with his sidekick Runt. He has friends who come to him for help and he gets in terrible situations. Blackie is the usual suspect to the police. Blackie is smarter than the police and often solves the crime. I don't know which one is my favorite, they are all basically the same, but they are all enjoyable. Chester plays the character of Blackie with humor, intelligence and wit. Chester was a magician and he would occasionally use one of his tricks in a film.
If you are interested there is a great website http://www.chester-morris.com/ The site even has public domain movies you can watch.
My Chester Morris obsession started with Robert Osborne. Several years ago Robert Montgomery was star of the month. The first film showing was the Big House. I don't remember the exact introduction that Robert said, but this is what I remember “starring with Robert Montgomery is Wallace Berry and the great Chester Morris.” I thought the great Chester Morris? I had never heard of him. As I watched the film I tried to figure out which man was Chester. The first scene he is in, he is stretched out in a bunk in a jail cell. You don't see him as he speaks, but I figured it was him. Shortly thereafter he is shown, a very handsome and talented man. Those eyes, that voice, he was the whole package. The next film that night was The Divorcee. That was the same month that I also discovered Kay Francis. A year or two ago TCM played all the Boston Blackie films. Thank you TCM for showing these wonderful films and keeping the films and the people involved alive.
For Chester Morris' birthday I watched The Divorcee. Norma Shearer was considered the star of the film. At the start of the film Norma and Chester become engaged. Conrad Nagel is also in love with Norma. He is upset about her engagement, drinks and drives and has an accident injuring a female friend. Conrad marries the injured woman. The next scene is 3rd anniversary. Norma throws a party and a mysterious woman shows up. It turns out she had an affair with Chester. Norma finds out and is upset. Chester states that it meant nothing it was no big deal. Chester goes out of town for a business meeting. Norma upset goes out drinking with Robert and they go to his apartment and spend the night together. When he comes back Norma confesses “that I’ve balanced our account”. This is probably my favorite scene Chester goes from joy to concern to anger to disbelief to humiliation. He followed the the same path as Norma and gets drunk. He decides to leave and they divorce. They both go on with their lives but are very unhappy. Conrad and Norma get together and he is going out of the country, but not divorcing his wife and asks Norma to go with him. Conrad's wife asks Norma not to go with him. She decides she only wants Chester. She finds him on New Years Eve in Paris at midnight they kiss as the lights dim.
In the Boston Blackie series Chester Morris plays Blackie, a safe-cracking excon who has gone straight along with his sidekick Runt. He has friends who come to him for help and he gets in terrible situations. Blackie is the usual suspect to the police. Blackie is smarter than the police and often solves the crime. I don't know which one is my favorite, they are all basically the same, but they are all enjoyable. Chester plays the character of Blackie with humor, intelligence and wit. Chester was a magician and he would occasionally use one of his tricks in a film.
If you are interested there is a great website http://www.chester-morris.com/ The site even has public domain movies you can watch.
February 15
Happy Birthday to Harold Arlan and John Barrymore.
To celebrate John Barrymore's birthday I watched silent film The Beloved Rogue. John plays a character from history Francois Villon. He is a combination of Don Juan, Robin Hood and poet. Durring the all Fool's Festival he insults the King who banishes him from Paris. He and friends go to a bar where he writes poetry and drinks. A wagon full of food for the King stops at the bar and John and his friends, using a catapult give the food and wine to the people in Paris. John deciding he was tired of banishment catapulted himself over the wall. The King eventually caught up with him and captured him. John saved his life by telling the King he saw the Kings death 24 hours after his. John was whipped and tortured, but did was saved by the people.
John Barrymore is a great actor. You see every emotion cross his face. You know exactly what the character is feeling/thinking at that moment. He is a swashbuckler in this film and has a lot of action. He certainly deserved the name The Great Profile. There is none other.
The film has some tinted scenes. There are a few where it is blue and with the snow it looks like full color, not just one hue. I really didn't feel like a silent film tonight, but I am glad I watched it.
To celebrate John Barrymore's birthday I watched silent film The Beloved Rogue. John plays a character from history Francois Villon. He is a combination of Don Juan, Robin Hood and poet. Durring the all Fool's Festival he insults the King who banishes him from Paris. He and friends go to a bar where he writes poetry and drinks. A wagon full of food for the King stops at the bar and John and his friends, using a catapult give the food and wine to the people in Paris. John deciding he was tired of banishment catapulted himself over the wall. The King eventually caught up with him and captured him. John saved his life by telling the King he saw the Kings death 24 hours after his. John was whipped and tortured, but did was saved by the people.
John Barrymore is a great actor. You see every emotion cross his face. You know exactly what the character is feeling/thinking at that moment. He is a swashbuckler in this film and has a lot of action. He certainly deserved the name The Great Profile. There is none other.
The film has some tinted scenes. There are a few where it is blue and with the snow it looks like full color, not just one hue. I really didn't feel like a silent film tonight, but I am glad I watched it.
February 14
Jack Benny
There is no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than watching Jack Benny in films on TV or listening to him on the radio. Today is the 76th anniversary of his 39th birthday.
I first heard of Jack Benny through his appearances on Here's Lucy reruns. I then heard old time radio programs and his television show. It wasn't until a few years ago that I actually saw him in movies. The first one I saw was To Be or Not To Be. I still don't quite understand how a film about WWII and Hitler can be considered a comedy but it is a good film. Jack Benny is a fine actor. I highly recommend Sunday Nights at Seven: The Jack Benny Story, Jack Benny and Joan Benny a great look into the man's life and dedication to his craft. I might have to read that again. It is nice to know the cheapness was only a character and not a fact.
I watched Charley's Aunt for Jack Benny's birthday. He plays a student at Oxford University in 1890. He has been in college on and off for 10 years. Jack's English accent is almost non-existent except for an occasional English “A”. Jack's two college friends have girls visiting and they need a chaperone. Jack is in a play as a woman and when Charley's Aunt is delayed they blackmail him in to playing the Aunt. Charley's Aunt is a millionaires from Brazil that no one has met, she is actually played by Kay Francis. It is a great slapstick farce. One of the suitors interested in Charley's Aunt is Edmund Gwenn. I have never seen him so active. He chases Jack (as Aunt) around the living room.
On the DVD there is a promotional short where Jack meets Randolph Scott and Tyron Powers. They talk about the western and military films they are in and Jack is embarrassed to admit what film he is working on. Studio boys bring in items to get his approval on, stockings, wig and then the dress. Randolph and Tyrone state they wished they were working on the longest comedy ever produced on Broadway and translated into 88 languages.
There is no better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than watching Jack Benny in films on TV or listening to him on the radio. Today is the 76th anniversary of his 39th birthday.
I first heard of Jack Benny through his appearances on Here's Lucy reruns. I then heard old time radio programs and his television show. It wasn't until a few years ago that I actually saw him in movies. The first one I saw was To Be or Not To Be. I still don't quite understand how a film about WWII and Hitler can be considered a comedy but it is a good film. Jack Benny is a fine actor. I highly recommend Sunday Nights at Seven: The Jack Benny Story, Jack Benny and Joan Benny a great look into the man's life and dedication to his craft. I might have to read that again. It is nice to know the cheapness was only a character and not a fact.
I watched Charley's Aunt for Jack Benny's birthday. He plays a student at Oxford University in 1890. He has been in college on and off for 10 years. Jack's English accent is almost non-existent except for an occasional English “A”. Jack's two college friends have girls visiting and they need a chaperone. Jack is in a play as a woman and when Charley's Aunt is delayed they blackmail him in to playing the Aunt. Charley's Aunt is a millionaires from Brazil that no one has met, she is actually played by Kay Francis. It is a great slapstick farce. One of the suitors interested in Charley's Aunt is Edmund Gwenn. I have never seen him so active. He chases Jack (as Aunt) around the living room.
On the DVD there is a promotional short where Jack meets Randolph Scott and Tyron Powers. They talk about the western and military films they are in and Jack is embarrassed to admit what film he is working on. Studio boys bring in items to get his approval on, stockings, wig and then the dress. Randolph and Tyrone state they wished they were working on the longest comedy ever produced on Broadway and translated into 88 languages.
Monday, February 14, 2011
February 13
Happy Birthday to Carol Lynley and Kim Novak.
I watched Strangers When We Meet for Kim Novak. She plays a married housewife and mother. Her husband does not physically show her how much he loves her. She meets Kirk Douglas, a father of one her sons classmates and an architect by profession at a grocery store. He states “You're not so pretty”. Her face changes from indifference to amusement to anger to fear in a few seconds. Kirk's wife is a woman who wants more for her husband and wants him to take a high profile project.
The timeline of the film is based upon a house construction. Kirk is designing a house for Ernie Kovacs. When Kirk and Kim first meet, they go out and measure the property. After the house is designed and construction starts Kim and Kirk start the affair. It seems as though she is morally conflicted about starting an affair, but wants the physical connection with a man. After the house is completed Kirk is offered a position in Hawaii. While Kirk is deciding what to do Kirk's friend, Walter Matthau makes a pass at Kirk's wife. Kirk punches Walter and Walter states “How am I any different from you?” That is how Kirk's wife realizes that he is having an affair and asks him to leave. She changes her mind and wants him to stay. Kirk decides to take the project in Hawaii. They meet one time to tour the new house (the inside looks like a maze to me). They state they love each other and separate back to their respected spouse.
I did care for Kirk or Kim or Walter's character. I did not like the movie. The houses (other than the new one) were full of color and style. The only character I really liked was Ernie Kovacs. He played an insecure talented writer who drinks a lot. He has a couple of lines that don't make sense but are interesting. “Critics, I eat them like the piece of cheese they are.” After Kirk gives him the keys to his new house as he leaves “We meet as strangers and half the time we part that way.”
I watched Strangers When We Meet for Kim Novak. She plays a married housewife and mother. Her husband does not physically show her how much he loves her. She meets Kirk Douglas, a father of one her sons classmates and an architect by profession at a grocery store. He states “You're not so pretty”. Her face changes from indifference to amusement to anger to fear in a few seconds. Kirk's wife is a woman who wants more for her husband and wants him to take a high profile project.
The timeline of the film is based upon a house construction. Kirk is designing a house for Ernie Kovacs. When Kirk and Kim first meet, they go out and measure the property. After the house is designed and construction starts Kim and Kirk start the affair. It seems as though she is morally conflicted about starting an affair, but wants the physical connection with a man. After the house is completed Kirk is offered a position in Hawaii. While Kirk is deciding what to do Kirk's friend, Walter Matthau makes a pass at Kirk's wife. Kirk punches Walter and Walter states “How am I any different from you?” That is how Kirk's wife realizes that he is having an affair and asks him to leave. She changes her mind and wants him to stay. Kirk decides to take the project in Hawaii. They meet one time to tour the new house (the inside looks like a maze to me). They state they love each other and separate back to their respected spouse.
I did care for Kirk or Kim or Walter's character. I did not like the movie. The houses (other than the new one) were full of color and style. The only character I really liked was Ernie Kovacs. He played an insecure talented writer who drinks a lot. He has a couple of lines that don't make sense but are interesting. “Critics, I eat them like the piece of cheese they are.” After Kirk gives him the keys to his new house as he leaves “We meet as strangers and half the time we part that way.”
Sunday, February 13, 2011
February 12
Forrest Tucker
For Forrest Tucker I watched Chisum. The film is based on real events of NM territory “reworking of the events in Lincoln county 1878” as listed on the DVD packaging. Forrest Tucker plays a banker and the villain of the film. He wants land, a lot of land. He is powerful, intelligent and feared. He tells you his evil plans and exactly what he thinks of you with a smile on his face. He knows his enemy as well as he knows himself. His character is a polar opposite of the John Wayne (Chisum) character. Alas, when you go against John Wayne, you do not win. This is a very serious role. I expected him to be a little more upbeat like in his Ftroop role and was pleasantly surprised at his great acting. Not to take anything away from Larry Hagman, but I wonder if he saw this film before he portrayed JR Ewing.
His character has some good lines.
“That is not just a map, it is a chess board. If another man makes the right moves there might just be a new king”. “(Chisum is) a man who respects the law, around here I am the man who owns the law.”
John Wayne has a great line when dealing with Forrest “I don't favor talking to vermin but I'll talk to you just once.” He basically tells Forrest he better not mess with his land and possessions. Forrest states “that sounds like a threat.” John punches him. “Wrong word, fact.” That is great interaction.
The film was made in 1970. There were many actors who I recognized but I couldn't really place them. The actors names were listed with their character names but no pictures. There were some songs sung by Merle Haggard.
The movie was probably filmed in California, but the scenic views were beautiful and letterbox widescreen to get the most out of the picture. During the climatic scene the cattle drive goes right through town. Hundreds if not thousands of cattle running through the middle of the street, going up on to the sidewalks, knocking over beams and causing part of buildings to fall, and trampling over anything that is in the road. Some of the shots show the dust that they are kicking up causing a haze.
Normally when there is a lot of shooting in films I close my eyes and cringe, but I happen to see this interesting moment. After the sheriff was shot by Billy the Kid, the camera looks down at the body and you see the shadow of John and his hat, it looks like a cross on his chest.
For Forrest Tucker I watched Chisum. The film is based on real events of NM territory “reworking of the events in Lincoln county 1878” as listed on the DVD packaging. Forrest Tucker plays a banker and the villain of the film. He wants land, a lot of land. He is powerful, intelligent and feared. He tells you his evil plans and exactly what he thinks of you with a smile on his face. He knows his enemy as well as he knows himself. His character is a polar opposite of the John Wayne (Chisum) character. Alas, when you go against John Wayne, you do not win. This is a very serious role. I expected him to be a little more upbeat like in his Ftroop role and was pleasantly surprised at his great acting. Not to take anything away from Larry Hagman, but I wonder if he saw this film before he portrayed JR Ewing.
His character has some good lines.
“That is not just a map, it is a chess board. If another man makes the right moves there might just be a new king”. “(Chisum is) a man who respects the law, around here I am the man who owns the law.”
John Wayne has a great line when dealing with Forrest “I don't favor talking to vermin but I'll talk to you just once.” He basically tells Forrest he better not mess with his land and possessions. Forrest states “that sounds like a threat.” John punches him. “Wrong word, fact.” That is great interaction.
The film was made in 1970. There were many actors who I recognized but I couldn't really place them. The actors names were listed with their character names but no pictures. There were some songs sung by Merle Haggard.
The movie was probably filmed in California, but the scenic views were beautiful and letterbox widescreen to get the most out of the picture. During the climatic scene the cattle drive goes right through town. Hundreds if not thousands of cattle running through the middle of the street, going up on to the sidewalks, knocking over beams and causing part of buildings to fall, and trampling over anything that is in the road. Some of the shots show the dust that they are kicking up causing a haze.
Normally when there is a lot of shooting in films I close my eyes and cringe, but I happen to see this interesting moment. After the sheriff was shot by Billy the Kid, the camera looks down at the body and you see the shadow of John and his hat, it looks like a cross on his chest.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
February 11
Happy Birthday to Leslie Nielsen and Burt Reynolds.
I watched Hooper and White Lightning. I really didn't care for the story line of each film. Hooper really didn't have much of a story. Burt plays Sonny Hooper a stuntman. The stunts are really good. You see how stunts are handled and all the care that the crew goes through. The climatic scene a whole town is destroyed. That was incredible to watch. Burt seems to be having a good time and makes fun of the Hollywood industry.
In White Lighting Burt plays a moonshiner runner who gets out of prison to help bring down a corrupt sheriff (Ned Beatty) who he thinks killed his brother. The opening scene shows just how cruel the sheriff can be, it is kind of hard to sit through. The movie was filmed in Arkansas. You see a lot of the countryside in the car chases. Those scenes are great. It really looks like Burt is driving the car. The shots inside the police car you can hear the suspension and squeaking of the car. There is a car chase through a corn field. The action of chase, the actors in the cars and the music playing. The climatic car chase is very long. Beatty and an other officer are chasing Burt. The cop car ends up off the road. An officer in another car stops chasing after Burt to see if the sheriff is ok. Beatty say's “I'm walking aren’t I?” as he walks to the other police car. He sits in the car and looks down the road as if deciding if he can catch up to Burt. All of a sudden Burt's car comes speeding along and hits the back of the police car. Burt then speeds off with Ned following. There is more chasing until Burt's car disappears and then Ned's car goes flying over a hill, over Burt's car and into a lake. That is beautiful.
I watched Hooper and White Lightning. I really didn't care for the story line of each film. Hooper really didn't have much of a story. Burt plays Sonny Hooper a stuntman. The stunts are really good. You see how stunts are handled and all the care that the crew goes through. The climatic scene a whole town is destroyed. That was incredible to watch. Burt seems to be having a good time and makes fun of the Hollywood industry.
In White Lighting Burt plays a moonshiner runner who gets out of prison to help bring down a corrupt sheriff (Ned Beatty) who he thinks killed his brother. The opening scene shows just how cruel the sheriff can be, it is kind of hard to sit through. The movie was filmed in Arkansas. You see a lot of the countryside in the car chases. Those scenes are great. It really looks like Burt is driving the car. The shots inside the police car you can hear the suspension and squeaking of the car. There is a car chase through a corn field. The action of chase, the actors in the cars and the music playing. The climatic car chase is very long. Beatty and an other officer are chasing Burt. The cop car ends up off the road. An officer in another car stops chasing after Burt to see if the sheriff is ok. Beatty say's “I'm walking aren’t I?” as he walks to the other police car. He sits in the car and looks down the road as if deciding if he can catch up to Burt. All of a sudden Burt's car comes speeding along and hits the back of the police car. Burt then speeds off with Ned following. There is more chasing until Burt's car disappears and then Ned's car goes flying over a hill, over Burt's car and into a lake. That is beautiful.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Enjoyable films but don't understand
For Robert Wagner's Birthday (2-10) I watched Harper. There is an all star cast lead by Paul Newman, featuring Robert Wagner, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Arthur Hill, Janet Leigh, Pamela Tiffin, Strother Martin and Shelley Winters. The photography is interesting, the sets are nice and the story is interesting with great dialog. I liked the movie, but I don't get the film. The fact that I did not get the film doesn't detract from it's greatness. That got me to think about a few other films I enjoy but don't really understand.
There are so many things in Blazing Saddles I don't get. I think it is funny, well acted and deserves to be in the top 10 on film lists. I am a big fan of Mel Brooks but there are a lot of things in his films I don't understand, but I laugh out loud anyway. Comedy doesn't have to make sense to be funny.
The Loved One is the most disturbing, disgusting, confusing and yet the most beautiful film I have ever seen. I won't go into all the aspects of the film, but the b&w photography is incredible.
There are so many things in Blazing Saddles I don't get. I think it is funny, well acted and deserves to be in the top 10 on film lists. I am a big fan of Mel Brooks but there are a lot of things in his films I don't understand, but I laugh out loud anyway. Comedy doesn't have to make sense to be funny.
The Loved One is the most disturbing, disgusting, confusing and yet the most beautiful film I have ever seen. I won't go into all the aspects of the film, but the b&w photography is incredible.
February 10
Robert Wagner
I liked Robert Wagner in Heart to Heart. I watched that show every week when it first aired. The chemistry with Stephanie Powers was great and the story lines were well thought out. He has a very distinctive voice and incredibility handsome. He like Lyle Talbot is handsome at any age.
I woke up early and was able to watch a film before going to work, I could have exercised but what would not have been near as much fun.
I watched Let's Make it Legal. Robert plays a young married man living with his mother-in-law (Claudette Colbert) and working for his father-in-law (Macdonald Carey). The in-laws are divorcing and he is unhappy with his wife letting her mother do all the work. When he greets his mother-in-law he kisses her, but he does not kiss his child. When the child makes a noise he does look at her, but keeps eating breakfast. He has a really good role with a lot of dialog. He shows a great deal of range in the film: love, frustration, happiness, anger and exasperation.
When I got to work I had a very strange feeling. It was strange enough that I called my doctor and was able to get in the same day. I spent the afternoon having tests done. I wasn't really in the mood to watch movies when I got home but I decided I had to keep going.
I watched With A Song In My Heart. Susan Hayward sang to him twice: once in a nightclub and once in a military hospital. The first time he was a shy military man at the first blush of youth. The second time he was suffering from a physical injury and shell shock. He was the same man but two different personalities.
I liked Robert Wagner in Heart to Heart. I watched that show every week when it first aired. The chemistry with Stephanie Powers was great and the story lines were well thought out. He has a very distinctive voice and incredibility handsome. He like Lyle Talbot is handsome at any age.
I woke up early and was able to watch a film before going to work, I could have exercised but what would not have been near as much fun.
I watched Let's Make it Legal. Robert plays a young married man living with his mother-in-law (Claudette Colbert) and working for his father-in-law (Macdonald Carey). The in-laws are divorcing and he is unhappy with his wife letting her mother do all the work. When he greets his mother-in-law he kisses her, but he does not kiss his child. When the child makes a noise he does look at her, but keeps eating breakfast. He has a really good role with a lot of dialog. He shows a great deal of range in the film: love, frustration, happiness, anger and exasperation.
When I got to work I had a very strange feeling. It was strange enough that I called my doctor and was able to get in the same day. I spent the afternoon having tests done. I wasn't really in the mood to watch movies when I got home but I decided I had to keep going.
I watched With A Song In My Heart. Susan Hayward sang to him twice: once in a nightclub and once in a military hospital. The first time he was a shy military man at the first blush of youth. The second time he was suffering from a physical injury and shell shock. He was the same man but two different personalities.
February 10
Robert Wagner
I liked Robert Wagner in Heart to Heart. I watched that show every week when it first aired. The chemistry with Stephanie Powers was great and the story lines were well thought out. He has a very distinctive voice and incredibility handsome. He like Lyle Talbot is handsome at any age.
I woke up early and was able to watch a film before going to work, I could have exercised but what would not have been near as much fun.
I watched Let's Make it Legal. Robert plays a young married man living with his mother-in-law (Claudette Colbert) and working for his father-in-law (Macdonald Carey). The in-laws are divorcing and he is unhappy with his wife letting her mother do all the work. When he greets his mother-in-law he kisses her, but he does not kiss his child. When the child makes a noise he does look at her, but keeps eating breakfast. He has a really good role with a lot of dialog. He shows a great deal of range in the film: love, frustration, happiness, anger and exasperation.
When I got to work I had a very strange feeling. It was strange enough that I called my doctor and was able to get in the same day. I spent the afternoon having tests done. I wasn't really in the mood to watch movies when I got home but I decided I had to keep going.
I watched With A Song In My Heart. Susan Hayward sang to him twice: once in a nightclub and once in a military hospital. The first time he was a shy military man at the first blush of youth. The second time he was suffering from a physical injury and shell shock. He was the same man but two different personalities.
I liked Robert Wagner in Heart to Heart. I watched that show every week when it first aired. The chemistry with Stephanie Powers was great and the story lines were well thought out. He has a very distinctive voice and incredibility handsome. He like Lyle Talbot is handsome at any age.
I woke up early and was able to watch a film before going to work, I could have exercised but what would not have been near as much fun.
I watched Let's Make it Legal. Robert plays a young married man living with his mother-in-law (Claudette Colbert) and working for his father-in-law (Macdonald Carey). The in-laws are divorcing and he is unhappy with his wife letting her mother do all the work. When he greets his mother-in-law he kisses her, but he does not kiss his child. When the child makes a noise he does look at her, but keeps eating breakfast. He has a really good role with a lot of dialog. He shows a great deal of range in the film: love, frustration, happiness, anger and exasperation.
When I got to work I had a very strange feeling. It was strange enough that I called my doctor and was able to get in the same day. I spent the afternoon having tests done. I wasn't really in the mood to watch movies when I got home but I decided I had to keep going.
I watched With A Song In My Heart. Susan Hayward sang to him twice: once in a nightclub and once in a military hospital. The first time he was a shy military man at the first blush of youth. The second time he was suffering from a physical injury and shell shock. He was the same man but two different personalities.
February 9
Happy Birthday to Ronald Colman and Kathryn Grayson.
I first heard of Ronald Colman as the neighbor of Jack Benny on his radio program. Jack was always jealous of the Academy Award that Ronald won.
I had a bad night on the 9th, (I won't go into my idiocy that caused the problem) this is the first night that I missed watching a film since I started. I woke up early on the 10th so I decided to make up for the night before. Back on track.
I watched Champagne for Caesar for Ronald Colman's birthday. The title refers to Caesar the parrot. The parrot was found one day by Ronald and the parrot could not remember his address so Ronald kept him. The parrot likes champagne and the beginning of the film Ronald's sister played by Barbara Britton tells her piano student that Caesar is down to 2 glasses of champagne a day and will hopefully be down to none by the end of the year.
Ronald plays an unemployed scholar who cannot seem to hold a job due to the fact that he knows everything. He is sent to do a research project at a soap company. The leader of the soap company is Vincent Price. Ronald makes a few quips and Vincent does not like that and does not hire Ronald. Ronald takes offense to this and decides to get back at Vincent by appearing on the game show that Vincent's company sponsors. Art Linkletter plays the game show host with nauseating sweetness and excitement on air. Ronald becomes very popular and Vincent decides that Ronald will only be asked one question each week. After awhile Vincent decides it has been enough and tries to give him tougher questions to make him fail. That doesn't work so he tries other tactics. One is Art going after the sister and Two is Celeste Holm. When the soap company decides to stop the program people refuse to by the soap and the company has no choice but to put the show back on the air. Celeste plays a nurse who assists Ronald when he is sick and finds out is weakness, Einsteins space time continuum. When he answers it is incorrect. Einstein calls and states that it was correct. The final question will be held as a big finale at the Hollywood Bowl. The final question is what is your social security number? He didn't get it correct. He actually made a deal with Vincent to not answer the question correctly but he did not know the answer.
Ronald is very good in the role. He is whimsical and witty. He even does a little slapstick while being dignified at the same time.
My favorite character is played by Vincent Price. He is so entertaining in comedy. As the executive in charge of the soap company he is a well respected person whose peculiar behavior is tolerated. When he first appears on screen he looks to be in a trance. After a few moments he comes to life. When he is finished with conversation he is goes back into a trance. At first he is very happy with Ronald, since sales goes up. He decides that it is time for him to go and wants to pay him off. Ronald was given a question that Vincent thought was difficult and would get him off the program. When Ronald got the question correct Vincent had a look of shock on his face and threw his arms out and ran out of the booth. When Art tells Vincent that Ronald wants $40 million, everything that the soap company has Vincent shrinks slowly in a chair as he understands that Ronald wants his destruction. When Ronald answers the $20 million dollar incorrectly he is gleeful. When Einstein calls and states the answer is correct Vincent faints and has to be carried out. In the final scene Vincent comes to Ronald's house, when Art comes in Vincent is hidden behind the door, then Celeste comes in and he is still hidden. When the door closes the last shot of Vincent is with the bird on his head.
There are some surreal moments in the film. The entrance way to the soap company has female arms coming out of the wall with a soap bubble in the hand. In the lobby area there is a large rectangular statue with arms stuck in the wall holding soap and bubbles. There is no order to the arms on the statue. On the game show there is also a large cardboard arm with a bubble in the hand.
The film was made in 1950 and there are some great historical moments. There is a scene where Art and Barbara go to the drive in theater. There are several scenes where crowds are gathered in front of store windows to watch television.
I really like this film not only because of all the above, but also the bubbles. There are bubbles in the background of the opening credits, at the factory and on the program.
I first heard of Ronald Colman as the neighbor of Jack Benny on his radio program. Jack was always jealous of the Academy Award that Ronald won.
I had a bad night on the 9th, (I won't go into my idiocy that caused the problem) this is the first night that I missed watching a film since I started. I woke up early on the 10th so I decided to make up for the night before. Back on track.
I watched Champagne for Caesar for Ronald Colman's birthday. The title refers to Caesar the parrot. The parrot was found one day by Ronald and the parrot could not remember his address so Ronald kept him. The parrot likes champagne and the beginning of the film Ronald's sister played by Barbara Britton tells her piano student that Caesar is down to 2 glasses of champagne a day and will hopefully be down to none by the end of the year.
Ronald plays an unemployed scholar who cannot seem to hold a job due to the fact that he knows everything. He is sent to do a research project at a soap company. The leader of the soap company is Vincent Price. Ronald makes a few quips and Vincent does not like that and does not hire Ronald. Ronald takes offense to this and decides to get back at Vincent by appearing on the game show that Vincent's company sponsors. Art Linkletter plays the game show host with nauseating sweetness and excitement on air. Ronald becomes very popular and Vincent decides that Ronald will only be asked one question each week. After awhile Vincent decides it has been enough and tries to give him tougher questions to make him fail. That doesn't work so he tries other tactics. One is Art going after the sister and Two is Celeste Holm. When the soap company decides to stop the program people refuse to by the soap and the company has no choice but to put the show back on the air. Celeste plays a nurse who assists Ronald when he is sick and finds out is weakness, Einsteins space time continuum. When he answers it is incorrect. Einstein calls and states that it was correct. The final question will be held as a big finale at the Hollywood Bowl. The final question is what is your social security number? He didn't get it correct. He actually made a deal with Vincent to not answer the question correctly but he did not know the answer.
Ronald is very good in the role. He is whimsical and witty. He even does a little slapstick while being dignified at the same time.
My favorite character is played by Vincent Price. He is so entertaining in comedy. As the executive in charge of the soap company he is a well respected person whose peculiar behavior is tolerated. When he first appears on screen he looks to be in a trance. After a few moments he comes to life. When he is finished with conversation he is goes back into a trance. At first he is very happy with Ronald, since sales goes up. He decides that it is time for him to go and wants to pay him off. Ronald was given a question that Vincent thought was difficult and would get him off the program. When Ronald got the question correct Vincent had a look of shock on his face and threw his arms out and ran out of the booth. When Art tells Vincent that Ronald wants $40 million, everything that the soap company has Vincent shrinks slowly in a chair as he understands that Ronald wants his destruction. When Ronald answers the $20 million dollar incorrectly he is gleeful. When Einstein calls and states the answer is correct Vincent faints and has to be carried out. In the final scene Vincent comes to Ronald's house, when Art comes in Vincent is hidden behind the door, then Celeste comes in and he is still hidden. When the door closes the last shot of Vincent is with the bird on his head.
There are some surreal moments in the film. The entrance way to the soap company has female arms coming out of the wall with a soap bubble in the hand. In the lobby area there is a large rectangular statue with arms stuck in the wall holding soap and bubbles. There is no order to the arms on the statue. On the game show there is also a large cardboard arm with a bubble in the hand.
The film was made in 1950 and there are some great historical moments. There is a scene where Art and Barbara go to the drive in theater. There are several scenes where crowds are gathered in front of store windows to watch television.
I really like this film not only because of all the above, but also the bubbles. There are bubbles in the background of the opening credits, at the factory and on the program.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
February 8
Happy Birthday to James Dean, Lana Turner, Jack Lemmon, Lyle Talbot and Charles Ruggles.
I decided to watch films for Lyle Talbot. He has been in a variety of films during his career. TCM has shown his films where he is the leading actor with the great Kay Francis to the mob like villain in Bowery Boys films. No matter what age he is in films I find him very handsome.
The first film I watched was Strange Impersonation. Brenda Marshall plays a female scientist in love with a fellow male scientist. One evening she accidentally backs her car into a woman walking along the sidewalk. The woman was drunk and unhurt. Brenda gives her a ride home to make sure she is ok. That night Brenda performs an experiment on herself of a synthetic anesthesia that she created. While she is under, her assistant mixes the formula and causes an explosion. The male scientist comes back for something he left and puts out the fire. Brenda is burned and stays in the hospital for several months. When she is back home the women she hit comes to her house looking for money and pulls a gun from her purse and takes Brenda's ring and money. Brenda knocks the gun out of her hands and the women chase after the gun. They fight, the woman gets shot and falls off the balcony. The woman had Brenda's purse and ring so the police assume it is Brenda. Brenda realizes this and runs away, taking the identity of the woman who died. She goes to California where she has several surgeries over a year and gets a new face. She comes across an article where her fiancee has married her assistant and she becomes hysterical. The doctor realizes that the pictures of the woman he was given was not the same face he operated on. He said “You can change your face...but you cannot change yourself. You cannot escape the person you are.” When she can finally leave the hospital she goes back to New York to get her job and money back while still under an assumed identity a friend of the female scientist. She tries to find out what really happened. The male scientist notices that she moves and acts like his former fiancee but cannot make the connection. He asks her to go to France to be his assistant and she accepts. The wife visits her as she is packing and Brenda ends up telling her that she is the woman that everyone thinks is dead. Brenda pulls a gun to scare the woman, but she lets her leave. The ending is an overdone clique, but I won't give it away. I had to watch the film twice to see Lyle Talbot. I think that he was a cop that identified the dead woman. He had a few lines, but his face was obscured by his hat so I could not tell for sure if it was him. The film is a bit slow but it has some interesting moments.
Since it is still early I have time to watch another film, so I go through my Kay Francis collection and decide to watch Mandalay. Kay falls in love with Ricardo Cortez in Rangoon. Ricardo leaves Kay to the mercy of a night club owner Warner Oland, he dares to hit her when she complains about the situation. The singer that she is replacing states “you find out it is easier to make men do what you want them to do than it is to fall in love and have them make a fool of you. Make the most of it” which she does. She is outfitted in the best of clothing to entertain the men. There is one scene where she is in a beautiful gold gown, I wished I look that good. Every man in the place looked at her with lust in their eyes. There is a great montage where there is a circle in the middle of the screen with Kay entertains the men with drinks and dancing and they give her jewels. She gets called into the police station where the Police Captain states that he has had more complaints about her than any other woman in town, two police officers were court marshaled because of her and she is to be deported. On the boat to Mandalay she meets Lyle Talbot who is a physician going to help people deal with an epidemic. Lyle gets drunk and is unable to get to an ill baby on board and the baby dies. Turns out he was in the army and when he was drunk he operated on a cadet and the cadet died. He resigned from the army and ran away a coward, but he can't run away from himself. That is why he is going to help because he needs to do something decent. Lyle starts to get sober and falls in love with Kay. Ricardo shows up on the boat and wants to pick up with Kay where they left off. She has become her own person and does not want to get mixed up with Ricardo. She goes to find Lyle but he is drinking with other passengers. Ricardo gets word the authorities are coming for him and he hides and pretends to have committed suicide. The Captain goes to arrest Ricardo and cannot find him. The Captain is not sure if Kay killed him or if he committed suicide. The Captain tells the authorities that he committed suicide and jumped off the boat. Kay wants to go with Lyle to help with the epidemic “We are two wrecked people who need each other.” Ricardo comes out of hiding not only to pick up things again with Kay but to make her be the same type of woman she was in Rangoon. She decides to poison him because she can't go back to that kind of life. When Ricardo realizes what has happened he fights her but he looses strength and ends up falling out of the window he climbed out of the night before and falling into the sea. Kay and Lyle leave the boat the next day to begin life a new.
I decided to watch films for Lyle Talbot. He has been in a variety of films during his career. TCM has shown his films where he is the leading actor with the great Kay Francis to the mob like villain in Bowery Boys films. No matter what age he is in films I find him very handsome.
The first film I watched was Strange Impersonation. Brenda Marshall plays a female scientist in love with a fellow male scientist. One evening she accidentally backs her car into a woman walking along the sidewalk. The woman was drunk and unhurt. Brenda gives her a ride home to make sure she is ok. That night Brenda performs an experiment on herself of a synthetic anesthesia that she created. While she is under, her assistant mixes the formula and causes an explosion. The male scientist comes back for something he left and puts out the fire. Brenda is burned and stays in the hospital for several months. When she is back home the women she hit comes to her house looking for money and pulls a gun from her purse and takes Brenda's ring and money. Brenda knocks the gun out of her hands and the women chase after the gun. They fight, the woman gets shot and falls off the balcony. The woman had Brenda's purse and ring so the police assume it is Brenda. Brenda realizes this and runs away, taking the identity of the woman who died. She goes to California where she has several surgeries over a year and gets a new face. She comes across an article where her fiancee has married her assistant and she becomes hysterical. The doctor realizes that the pictures of the woman he was given was not the same face he operated on. He said “You can change your face...but you cannot change yourself. You cannot escape the person you are.” When she can finally leave the hospital she goes back to New York to get her job and money back while still under an assumed identity a friend of the female scientist. She tries to find out what really happened. The male scientist notices that she moves and acts like his former fiancee but cannot make the connection. He asks her to go to France to be his assistant and she accepts. The wife visits her as she is packing and Brenda ends up telling her that she is the woman that everyone thinks is dead. Brenda pulls a gun to scare the woman, but she lets her leave. The ending is an overdone clique, but I won't give it away. I had to watch the film twice to see Lyle Talbot. I think that he was a cop that identified the dead woman. He had a few lines, but his face was obscured by his hat so I could not tell for sure if it was him. The film is a bit slow but it has some interesting moments.
Since it is still early I have time to watch another film, so I go through my Kay Francis collection and decide to watch Mandalay. Kay falls in love with Ricardo Cortez in Rangoon. Ricardo leaves Kay to the mercy of a night club owner Warner Oland, he dares to hit her when she complains about the situation. The singer that she is replacing states “you find out it is easier to make men do what you want them to do than it is to fall in love and have them make a fool of you. Make the most of it” which she does. She is outfitted in the best of clothing to entertain the men. There is one scene where she is in a beautiful gold gown, I wished I look that good. Every man in the place looked at her with lust in their eyes. There is a great montage where there is a circle in the middle of the screen with Kay entertains the men with drinks and dancing and they give her jewels. She gets called into the police station where the Police Captain states that he has had more complaints about her than any other woman in town, two police officers were court marshaled because of her and she is to be deported. On the boat to Mandalay she meets Lyle Talbot who is a physician going to help people deal with an epidemic. Lyle gets drunk and is unable to get to an ill baby on board and the baby dies. Turns out he was in the army and when he was drunk he operated on a cadet and the cadet died. He resigned from the army and ran away a coward, but he can't run away from himself. That is why he is going to help because he needs to do something decent. Lyle starts to get sober and falls in love with Kay. Ricardo shows up on the boat and wants to pick up with Kay where they left off. She has become her own person and does not want to get mixed up with Ricardo. She goes to find Lyle but he is drinking with other passengers. Ricardo gets word the authorities are coming for him and he hides and pretends to have committed suicide. The Captain goes to arrest Ricardo and cannot find him. The Captain is not sure if Kay killed him or if he committed suicide. The Captain tells the authorities that he committed suicide and jumped off the boat. Kay wants to go with Lyle to help with the epidemic “We are two wrecked people who need each other.” Ricardo comes out of hiding not only to pick up things again with Kay but to make her be the same type of woman she was in Rangoon. She decides to poison him because she can't go back to that kind of life. When Ricardo realizes what has happened he fights her but he looses strength and ends up falling out of the window he climbed out of the night before and falling into the sea. Kay and Lyle leave the boat the next day to begin life a new.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
February 7
“Buster” Crabbe
I watched You're Telling Me for Larry “Buster” Crabbe's birthday. He has such a small role in the film that it is really difficult to say what type of actor he really was. He was not your classically handsome leading actor of the early 30's but you could tell that he was athletic and had a large presence on screen. He had a small role as the rich boyfriend of W.C. Fields daughter.
He was quite a western actor so I tried to find some of those films, but I could not find any available in my area. His biggest role was probably in the film serials of Flash Gordon. In looking up information about him on Wicipedia he had a wide and variety of work in his life. He was a medal winning Olympic swimmer, he thought about going into law school before acting. In the down times of his acting he was a stockbroker and businessman.
I watched You're Telling Me for Larry “Buster” Crabbe's birthday. He has such a small role in the film that it is really difficult to say what type of actor he really was. He was not your classically handsome leading actor of the early 30's but you could tell that he was athletic and had a large presence on screen. He had a small role as the rich boyfriend of W.C. Fields daughter.
He was quite a western actor so I tried to find some of those films, but I could not find any available in my area. His biggest role was probably in the film serials of Flash Gordon. In looking up information about him on Wicipedia he had a wide and variety of work in his life. He was a medal winning Olympic swimmer, he thought about going into law school before acting. In the down times of his acting he was a stockbroker and businessman.
February 6
Happy Birthday to Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ramon Navarro, Ronald Reagan, Babe Ruth, Rip Torn, Francois Truffaut and Mamie Van Dorn.
I did not have anyone listed for the 5th so I thought of watching directorial films of Ida Lupino (2-4) but her items were so popular they were all checked out. I then thought to celebrate baseball to counter the Super Bowl by watching Babe Ruth films. There are several films were he was himself, because who else could he be but Babe Ruth. I thought I have a silent film DVD of baseball theme cartoons, shorts and feature film. Babe Ruth was in Speedy by Harold Lloyd so I watched the few minutes of that. I then went in a totally different direction and watched season two of Parks and Recreation. I watched all the episodes, specials and commentaries. I really like that show and am SO happy it is finally back on air.
For Zsa Zsa Gabor I watched Queen of Outer Space. Zsa Zsa who stars in the film is not the Queen. She is a scientist who wears stunning evening gowns and fabulous jewelry. She changed gowns several times and looks great. Astronauts are going to the space station to check out some disturbing things (they don't say what the disturbing things are). Along the way there are these paths of light, that look like shooting stars. They eventually hit the space station and it explodes. The rocket is caught in either the explosion or the path of the light and is taken off course and it ends up on another planet. When they explore the planet they are taken over by women. When they are taken into the building they notice it is all women, no men. After they meet the queen and her court, who are all covered with masks and find out they are on Venus. They are then taken to a cell. At this cell Zsa Zsa comes in and wants to help them. She explains that there was a war and most of the men were killed. The queen basically took over because the men underestimated her because she was female (I have to admit this is my favorite scene). She got rid of the men, but kept some men, scientists, mathematicians and put them in a penal colony somewhere on the planet. The queen takes a fancy to the Captain and he goes to her rooms where he takes off her mask and she has radiation damage to her face, which is why she blames and hates men and determines the captain and his men must die. The men escape but are recaptured. The women are running around trying to find the men with heels, they don't run that well. The queen plans to blow up Earth and makes the astronauts watch. The machine has been compromised and explodes, killing the queen. Zsa Zsa then becomes queen in a glorious gold gown with red ruby earrings, necklace and tierra. The astronauts have to stay until a replacement ship can be sent. Needless to say the men and the women are happy with this result. They don't say anything about what is going to happen to the men in the penal colony.
This film was made in 1958. The crew who worked on the original Star Trek series must have either seen this film or worked on the crew. The costumes the women in the army wore were red, blue or tan. The same exact shade of the uniforms of the Star Trek crew. The outdoor and inside backgrounds were very similar to what was on the series. The soldiers had silver diamonds as their emblem. They even had a televiewer and weapons that were similar. The DVD packaging does say that sets, costumes, and effects were from Flight to Mars, Forbidden Planet and World Without End so it could be that NBC made due with what was already created.
I did not have anyone listed for the 5th so I thought of watching directorial films of Ida Lupino (2-4) but her items were so popular they were all checked out. I then thought to celebrate baseball to counter the Super Bowl by watching Babe Ruth films. There are several films were he was himself, because who else could he be but Babe Ruth. I thought I have a silent film DVD of baseball theme cartoons, shorts and feature film. Babe Ruth was in Speedy by Harold Lloyd so I watched the few minutes of that. I then went in a totally different direction and watched season two of Parks and Recreation. I watched all the episodes, specials and commentaries. I really like that show and am SO happy it is finally back on air.
For Zsa Zsa Gabor I watched Queen of Outer Space. Zsa Zsa who stars in the film is not the Queen. She is a scientist who wears stunning evening gowns and fabulous jewelry. She changed gowns several times and looks great. Astronauts are going to the space station to check out some disturbing things (they don't say what the disturbing things are). Along the way there are these paths of light, that look like shooting stars. They eventually hit the space station and it explodes. The rocket is caught in either the explosion or the path of the light and is taken off course and it ends up on another planet. When they explore the planet they are taken over by women. When they are taken into the building they notice it is all women, no men. After they meet the queen and her court, who are all covered with masks and find out they are on Venus. They are then taken to a cell. At this cell Zsa Zsa comes in and wants to help them. She explains that there was a war and most of the men were killed. The queen basically took over because the men underestimated her because she was female (I have to admit this is my favorite scene). She got rid of the men, but kept some men, scientists, mathematicians and put them in a penal colony somewhere on the planet. The queen takes a fancy to the Captain and he goes to her rooms where he takes off her mask and she has radiation damage to her face, which is why she blames and hates men and determines the captain and his men must die. The men escape but are recaptured. The women are running around trying to find the men with heels, they don't run that well. The queen plans to blow up Earth and makes the astronauts watch. The machine has been compromised and explodes, killing the queen. Zsa Zsa then becomes queen in a glorious gold gown with red ruby earrings, necklace and tierra. The astronauts have to stay until a replacement ship can be sent. Needless to say the men and the women are happy with this result. They don't say anything about what is going to happen to the men in the penal colony.
This film was made in 1958. The crew who worked on the original Star Trek series must have either seen this film or worked on the crew. The costumes the women in the army wore were red, blue or tan. The same exact shade of the uniforms of the Star Trek crew. The outdoor and inside backgrounds were very similar to what was on the series. The soldiers had silver diamonds as their emblem. They even had a televiewer and weapons that were similar. The DVD packaging does say that sets, costumes, and effects were from Flight to Mars, Forbidden Planet and World Without End so it could be that NBC made due with what was already created.
Friday, February 4, 2011
February 4
Ida Lupino
I watched The Big Knife for Ida Lupino's birthday. Ida is married to Jack Palance who is a movie star living in Hollywood. In front of the press they are very happily married. Once the press agent leaves they they argue and are really separated. When Jack meets with his agent and entourage he states “I didn't wake up, I came to”. Jack decides he has had enough of Hollywood and doesn't want to renew his contract, even though he can name his own price. Rod Stieger convinces (by blackmail) Jack to sign a new contract. Jack finds out that a friend asked Ida to marry him. Jack becomes very jealous and wants her back. Ida thinks that Jack needs her and comes back, but another woman, Shelley Winters is in the house. Jack tries to convince her that nothing was going on and they argue, verbally and physically. The film really shows the dark side of Hollywood and how far the studio would go to cover up for their stars. Jack was in an accident while drunk and Shelley was in the car with him and he hit and killed a child. The studio covers up the story and decides to take care of Shelley so she doesn't talk, because she can't. She ends up getting beat up. The studio asks him to get her out of the bar and take her home, he is supposed to get her so drunk she passes out then he is to leave, his obligation cleared. The studio will take care of her after that. Jack believes that they will kill her and he refuses. He states she is his friend. Rod decides that if Jack doesn't go along with the idea he will not cover up him and will have the family of the killed child sue him and takes everything he has. Shelley ends up leaving the bar on her own and gets killed. The press agent is happy at this, a problem solved. Water drips from the ceiling. As you hear the commotion above, the camera is on Ida's face, you see the confusion, the fear until she can make it upstairs. When she comes back downstairs slowly, she is covered in dark stains, whether is blood or water, you can't tell. Her face reflects shock and pain she gets his coat and trembles.
There is an awful sound in the film. I can't tell if it is sliding door or dramatic music. When the sound comes men are talking or walking into a room, so I can't really tell. The music at a few points is very startling. I almost jumped off the couch at one point from the shock when the music suddenly erupted.
I like the way that the people are photographed. In one scene the agent is standing up looking down at Jack on the right side of the screen vertical and Jack bent over a table on the left side of the screen horizontal. Later on at a dinner party Ida is on the right side of the scene sitting on the couch and Jack is standing up on the left side of the screen in front of a stone fireplace looking at Ida. Later when Ida comes back and sees Jack with another woman you see her standing behind a wooden decorative room divider. There are several shots where the camera is lower so you look up at the actors and you see the top of the wall. You don't see that shot very often. There are also a lot of shots where the camera is overhead looking down on all the actors. If I were to watch the film several more times, I would probably notice more great shots.
I really like the house. The living room, where most of the action takes place, is beautiful. It is a sunken room with modern 50's furniture. There is one wall that is all stone with a fireplace in that wall and a large wall plaque of a sun, with drama/comedy masks. On the side of the room there is a large spiral staircase that leads to the bedrooms and bath upstairs. On the other side of the wooden room divider is wallpaper with elongated diamond shapes, I can't tell what colors in black and white, but there are dark and light shapes. On another wall there is a built in bar, made of the same stone as the wall with the fire place. On the same wall as the bar is a large glass and wooden door to the patio. The hallway floor leading into the living room has black and white tile. There are several large statues: Buddha head on a pedestal and an ivory horse, head down either on the floor or on top of a table behind one of the couches. There are several large paintings on the wall next too the bar. There is only one scene where you see the fourth wall and it looks like a jumbled mess compared to the rest of the room. Maybe because the TV is in the center of the wall, right underneath a large picture window. Off to the side is the library. They don't go into that room but it is often in the background.
It is a good film. It is not a film I could watch every day, but it is well acted, by everyone. Rod Steiger (who is a little too realistic as as studio executive a******) has the best dialog in the film.
I am going to return the film at the library and get a few more DVD for next week. I don't have anyone listed for the 5th, but there are a number for the 6th. At this point I don't know if I will watch Ida Lupino directorial films or if I will watch someones films on the 6th for the 5th.
I watched The Big Knife for Ida Lupino's birthday. Ida is married to Jack Palance who is a movie star living in Hollywood. In front of the press they are very happily married. Once the press agent leaves they they argue and are really separated. When Jack meets with his agent and entourage he states “I didn't wake up, I came to”. Jack decides he has had enough of Hollywood and doesn't want to renew his contract, even though he can name his own price. Rod Stieger convinces (by blackmail) Jack to sign a new contract. Jack finds out that a friend asked Ida to marry him. Jack becomes very jealous and wants her back. Ida thinks that Jack needs her and comes back, but another woman, Shelley Winters is in the house. Jack tries to convince her that nothing was going on and they argue, verbally and physically. The film really shows the dark side of Hollywood and how far the studio would go to cover up for their stars. Jack was in an accident while drunk and Shelley was in the car with him and he hit and killed a child. The studio covers up the story and decides to take care of Shelley so she doesn't talk, because she can't. She ends up getting beat up. The studio asks him to get her out of the bar and take her home, he is supposed to get her so drunk she passes out then he is to leave, his obligation cleared. The studio will take care of her after that. Jack believes that they will kill her and he refuses. He states she is his friend. Rod decides that if Jack doesn't go along with the idea he will not cover up him and will have the family of the killed child sue him and takes everything he has. Shelley ends up leaving the bar on her own and gets killed. The press agent is happy at this, a problem solved. Water drips from the ceiling. As you hear the commotion above, the camera is on Ida's face, you see the confusion, the fear until she can make it upstairs. When she comes back downstairs slowly, she is covered in dark stains, whether is blood or water, you can't tell. Her face reflects shock and pain she gets his coat and trembles.
There is an awful sound in the film. I can't tell if it is sliding door or dramatic music. When the sound comes men are talking or walking into a room, so I can't really tell. The music at a few points is very startling. I almost jumped off the couch at one point from the shock when the music suddenly erupted.
I like the way that the people are photographed. In one scene the agent is standing up looking down at Jack on the right side of the screen vertical and Jack bent over a table on the left side of the screen horizontal. Later on at a dinner party Ida is on the right side of the scene sitting on the couch and Jack is standing up on the left side of the screen in front of a stone fireplace looking at Ida. Later when Ida comes back and sees Jack with another woman you see her standing behind a wooden decorative room divider. There are several shots where the camera is lower so you look up at the actors and you see the top of the wall. You don't see that shot very often. There are also a lot of shots where the camera is overhead looking down on all the actors. If I were to watch the film several more times, I would probably notice more great shots.
I really like the house. The living room, where most of the action takes place, is beautiful. It is a sunken room with modern 50's furniture. There is one wall that is all stone with a fireplace in that wall and a large wall plaque of a sun, with drama/comedy masks. On the side of the room there is a large spiral staircase that leads to the bedrooms and bath upstairs. On the other side of the wooden room divider is wallpaper with elongated diamond shapes, I can't tell what colors in black and white, but there are dark and light shapes. On another wall there is a built in bar, made of the same stone as the wall with the fire place. On the same wall as the bar is a large glass and wooden door to the patio. The hallway floor leading into the living room has black and white tile. There are several large statues: Buddha head on a pedestal and an ivory horse, head down either on the floor or on top of a table behind one of the couches. There are several large paintings on the wall next too the bar. There is only one scene where you see the fourth wall and it looks like a jumbled mess compared to the rest of the room. Maybe because the TV is in the center of the wall, right underneath a large picture window. Off to the side is the library. They don't go into that room but it is often in the background.
It is a good film. It is not a film I could watch every day, but it is well acted, by everyone. Rod Steiger (who is a little too realistic as as studio executive a******) has the best dialog in the film.
I am going to return the film at the library and get a few more DVD for next week. I don't have anyone listed for the 5th, but there are a number for the 6th. At this point I don't know if I will watch Ida Lupino directorial films or if I will watch someones films on the 6th for the 5th.
February 3
Peggy Ann Garner
I have to be honest and say I don't know this actor. The films I saw her in were as a child actress. I watch Daisy Kenyon. I had to go through the interactive pressbook to find her name and role. She played Roseamund, Dana Andrews daughter in the film. She was closer to her mother than father. Her role she played the good daughter, who covered for her mother when she beat the other child who was closer to her father. She was very vibrant. It is literally a dark film. In watching the documentary about the film it was talked about the photography being dark for two reasons, one being Joan Crawford having an affair with a married man, that their relationship had to be kept in the shadows and the other is to hide Joan Crawford's age, that she was too old for the role. This is too much information on the film really and it somewhat detracts from the film. I watch film for the sake of film and I don't necessarily get the subtle undertones the director and crew are going for. Based on the book Joan Crawford may have been too old as the Daisy character, but she was really good in the film. I found her very believable as Daisy struggling to decide between two men and leading a fulfilling career. In one scene Joan drives in the snow and has a car accident. It was very realistic. She managed to walk away, but it was stunning.
I managed to watch another film Blondie Brings Up Baby (my 2nd favorite Blondie film). A salesman determines that Baby Dumpling is a genius and Blondie enrolls the 5 year old in kindergarten. The 2nd day of school Baby Dumpling goes to school escorted by Daisy. Daisy gets taken by the dog catcher (unbeknownst to Baby). Baby Dumpling in despair goes looking for her the next day, missing school. While looking for Daisy he hears her barking and finds her playing with a young girl, Peggy Ann in a wheelchair. Due to an illness Peggy Ann can't walk. Peggy Ann and Baby Dumpling decide to go to find a real swing with Daisy following. The parents find the children and Peggy Ann walks several feet from the swing to the wheelchair. She walks as though she is balancing on a tight rope, arms in a U shape and tottering back and forth. Baby Dumpling pushes the wheelchair and they both say Choo-Choo.
I have to be honest and say I don't know this actor. The films I saw her in were as a child actress. I watch Daisy Kenyon. I had to go through the interactive pressbook to find her name and role. She played Roseamund, Dana Andrews daughter in the film. She was closer to her mother than father. Her role she played the good daughter, who covered for her mother when she beat the other child who was closer to her father. She was very vibrant. It is literally a dark film. In watching the documentary about the film it was talked about the photography being dark for two reasons, one being Joan Crawford having an affair with a married man, that their relationship had to be kept in the shadows and the other is to hide Joan Crawford's age, that she was too old for the role. This is too much information on the film really and it somewhat detracts from the film. I watch film for the sake of film and I don't necessarily get the subtle undertones the director and crew are going for. Based on the book Joan Crawford may have been too old as the Daisy character, but she was really good in the film. I found her very believable as Daisy struggling to decide between two men and leading a fulfilling career. In one scene Joan drives in the snow and has a car accident. It was very realistic. She managed to walk away, but it was stunning.
I managed to watch another film Blondie Brings Up Baby (my 2nd favorite Blondie film). A salesman determines that Baby Dumpling is a genius and Blondie enrolls the 5 year old in kindergarten. The 2nd day of school Baby Dumpling goes to school escorted by Daisy. Daisy gets taken by the dog catcher (unbeknownst to Baby). Baby Dumpling in despair goes looking for her the next day, missing school. While looking for Daisy he hears her barking and finds her playing with a young girl, Peggy Ann in a wheelchair. Due to an illness Peggy Ann can't walk. Peggy Ann and Baby Dumpling decide to go to find a real swing with Daisy following. The parents find the children and Peggy Ann walks several feet from the swing to the wheelchair. She walks as though she is balancing on a tight rope, arms in a U shape and tottering back and forth. Baby Dumpling pushes the wheelchair and they both say Choo-Choo.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February 2
Happy Birthday to S.Z. “Cuddles” Sakall and Bonita Granville. In looking at the list of Bonita Granville films I realized I have seen a number of her films where she played a supporting character. I tried to find a film where she was the lead. In a library 20 miles away they had copy of the “Original Nancy Drew” on DVD. I was going to go on Sunday before the storm hit to borrow the set. I was still not feeling well and did not have the energy to drive that far. TCM has shown those films before so I will have to watch for those films to be shown again.
I watched the Andy Hardy double feature Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble and Love Laughs at Andy Hardy. Bonita played Kay a fellow Wainwright College student. She played a very mature student. She was pretty as a teenager, but as an adult she was beautiful. She had grace and style and sophistication that that a lot of college students don't possess. Her role was small in both films. In Blonde Trouble (she is not the trouble) she has a few scenes with Herbert Marshall who plays the dean. He sends her a corsage, but she thinks it is from Andy. When she finds out it is from the dean, she puts the flowers in a glass on his desk and adds water, giving him the flowers back. Graceful and dignified way to show thank you, but to let him know that she doesn't feel the same.
In Love Laughs (my favorite Andy Hardy film)while Andy was fighting in WWII all he could think of was Bonita, but he finds out his feelings were not returned. Shortly after Andy's return to college Bonita goes home to deal with a family event. When she comes back she tells Andy that she is going to marry her guardian and that she would like him to be best man. Andy ever the gentleman agrees and throws rice as they drive away.
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy is my favorite film because of Dorothy Ford. She is 6'2”. A college mate fixes up Andy and Dorothy for a college dance. She says that she would probably be taller than any man and he says he would have probably been shorter than any girl they got fixed up with. They go to the party and dance. They start dancing with Andy on the podium where they are about the same height. They then proceed to dance a jitterbug. He has to jump to get his arms over her head. The end he tries to get her on his back, but he can't so she lifts him up and he kicks his legs up. Dorothy then gets asked to dance by other men, taller than Andy, but still shorter than Dorothy.
I watched the Andy Hardy double feature Andy Hardy's Blonde Trouble and Love Laughs at Andy Hardy. Bonita played Kay a fellow Wainwright College student. She played a very mature student. She was pretty as a teenager, but as an adult she was beautiful. She had grace and style and sophistication that that a lot of college students don't possess. Her role was small in both films. In Blonde Trouble (she is not the trouble) she has a few scenes with Herbert Marshall who plays the dean. He sends her a corsage, but she thinks it is from Andy. When she finds out it is from the dean, she puts the flowers in a glass on his desk and adds water, giving him the flowers back. Graceful and dignified way to show thank you, but to let him know that she doesn't feel the same.
In Love Laughs (my favorite Andy Hardy film)while Andy was fighting in WWII all he could think of was Bonita, but he finds out his feelings were not returned. Shortly after Andy's return to college Bonita goes home to deal with a family event. When she comes back she tells Andy that she is going to marry her guardian and that she would like him to be best man. Andy ever the gentleman agrees and throws rice as they drive away.
Love Laughs at Andy Hardy is my favorite film because of Dorothy Ford. She is 6'2”. A college mate fixes up Andy and Dorothy for a college dance. She says that she would probably be taller than any man and he says he would have probably been shorter than any girl they got fixed up with. They go to the party and dance. They start dancing with Andy on the podium where they are about the same height. They then proceed to dance a jitterbug. He has to jump to get his arms over her head. The end he tries to get her on his back, but he can't so she lifts him up and he kicks his legs up. Dorothy then gets asked to dance by other men, taller than Andy, but still shorter than Dorothy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
February 1st
Happy Birthday to Clark Gable and my niece Melissa (Due to the weather in Kansas we cannot be together to celebrate her 11th birthday, but she got several days off school to make up for the disappointment).
Clark Gable is probably most known for Rhett Butler. I think Rhett is the best character in Gone With The Wind. When Scarlett asks what will happen to her, Rhett states the famous line “Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn” and leaves, I cheer.
I watched Command Decision. Clark Gable plays a leader of jet fighters. He plays a very good commander who supports his men and stands up for them. The film is a different type of war film. The focus is not the action but as the title states, it is the decisions that the officers make that the men follow. It is a lot of talk and little action yet it is very intriguing an intense. It is a side of war films I have not seen before. The story takes place in England and the military has to deal with congress people who come over to see what is going on, public relations, and the almost publicity style or propaganda the generals deal with the camera crews. It gives a new take on the war that we are currently fighting in the Middle East.
In an early scene where the men are coming back from a mission a plane is in trouble. Gable has to talk him down and the plane crashes and explodes. The hand holding the microphone shakes and the men on the podium watching the action are very still. There are close ups of the men to show their reaction.
There is a voice over scene explaining the action of the crews to get the planes ready and go over the maps and the targets. When the men are on the planes ready to go, the scene cuts to one watch to another watch to another watch to show the passing of seconds until the command to go finally happens. Gable's friend dies in the battle and Gable goes to sit alone in the combat room. There is voice over is of the men on the radio in combat and sound of bombs, fighting and planes. The camera starts as a wide shot and slowly comes closer to Gable to show him in profile with the map in the background. It is a somber moment of reflection.
Clark Gable is probably most known for Rhett Butler. I think Rhett is the best character in Gone With The Wind. When Scarlett asks what will happen to her, Rhett states the famous line “Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn” and leaves, I cheer.
I watched Command Decision. Clark Gable plays a leader of jet fighters. He plays a very good commander who supports his men and stands up for them. The film is a different type of war film. The focus is not the action but as the title states, it is the decisions that the officers make that the men follow. It is a lot of talk and little action yet it is very intriguing an intense. It is a side of war films I have not seen before. The story takes place in England and the military has to deal with congress people who come over to see what is going on, public relations, and the almost publicity style or propaganda the generals deal with the camera crews. It gives a new take on the war that we are currently fighting in the Middle East.
In an early scene where the men are coming back from a mission a plane is in trouble. Gable has to talk him down and the plane crashes and explodes. The hand holding the microphone shakes and the men on the podium watching the action are very still. There are close ups of the men to show their reaction.
There is a voice over scene explaining the action of the crews to get the planes ready and go over the maps and the targets. When the men are on the planes ready to go, the scene cuts to one watch to another watch to another watch to show the passing of seconds until the command to go finally happens. Gable's friend dies in the battle and Gable goes to sit alone in the combat room. There is voice over is of the men on the radio in combat and sound of bombs, fighting and planes. The camera starts as a wide shot and slowly comes closer to Gable to show him in profile with the map in the background. It is a somber moment of reflection.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
January 31
Happy Birthday to Jean Simmons and Suzanne Pleshette. TCM aired films for Jean Simmons. I have to admit I wasn't sure what exactly to make of Ms. Simmons. Her face doesn't really seem to move very much. Her face is very sculpted and her eyes seem very large. Her eyes show expression and she smiles, but she has a stillness to her overall facial movements. The films that I watched she played a young person but she seemed older. Maybe it is that stillness or the characters attitude. I will have to try some films from later in her career.
In Adam & Evelyne Ms. Simmons played Evelyne as a young girl in a childrens home. She was an older child in the home and she takes care of the younger children, chores and teaching. Her father dies and his friend comes to tell her, but she thinks he is her father. Her father signed his friends name and sent his picture. Adam becomes her guardian and takes her to his home. Evelyne does find out the truth. She goes away to boarding school. After she finishes school she comes back and discovers that Adam runs a gambling room out of his apartment. When the cops raid, she admits to the police that it is a gaming establishment because she loves Adam and it will stop him from gambling. I did not like this film. Ms. Simmons acted like a spoiled school girl that everything should go her way.
The next film I saw is So Long at the Fair. Ms. Simmons and her brother go to Paris in 1898 traveling from Italy on the way to England. Several days after they arrive is the start of the exposition. The night they arrive they go out to eat and to the Moulin Rouge. The brother is tired and they go back to the hotel to go to bed. Sometime in the night the bell rings for the bothers room. The next morning Ms. Simmons go to her brothers room, but the room is gone. She goes to the hotel staff and they state she checked in alone. She finds a man who talked with her brother the night before and they try to find out what happened. The story is imaginative and well planned. I won't give away the ending, but it seemed strange, maybe not complete or there should have been another scene to wrap up the story.
In She Couldn't Say No Ms. Simmons plays a young woman who received funds as a toddler to cover the cost of transportation and surgery goes back to the town to pay them back in any way she can. She plays 21 but seemed 30. I don't know how old she really was in the film, but maybe it is a sophisticated style of acting or the way she saw the character. Having faced so much so young, experience aged the girl. Robert Mitchum plays a doctor who is the son of the doctor that originally operated on her. This is a little more lighter role for him, but he plays the country doctor very well.
In Adam & Evelyne Ms. Simmons played Evelyne as a young girl in a childrens home. She was an older child in the home and she takes care of the younger children, chores and teaching. Her father dies and his friend comes to tell her, but she thinks he is her father. Her father signed his friends name and sent his picture. Adam becomes her guardian and takes her to his home. Evelyne does find out the truth. She goes away to boarding school. After she finishes school she comes back and discovers that Adam runs a gambling room out of his apartment. When the cops raid, she admits to the police that it is a gaming establishment because she loves Adam and it will stop him from gambling. I did not like this film. Ms. Simmons acted like a spoiled school girl that everything should go her way.
The next film I saw is So Long at the Fair. Ms. Simmons and her brother go to Paris in 1898 traveling from Italy on the way to England. Several days after they arrive is the start of the exposition. The night they arrive they go out to eat and to the Moulin Rouge. The brother is tired and they go back to the hotel to go to bed. Sometime in the night the bell rings for the bothers room. The next morning Ms. Simmons go to her brothers room, but the room is gone. She goes to the hotel staff and they state she checked in alone. She finds a man who talked with her brother the night before and they try to find out what happened. The story is imaginative and well planned. I won't give away the ending, but it seemed strange, maybe not complete or there should have been another scene to wrap up the story.
In She Couldn't Say No Ms. Simmons plays a young woman who received funds as a toddler to cover the cost of transportation and surgery goes back to the town to pay them back in any way she can. She plays 21 but seemed 30. I don't know how old she really was in the film, but maybe it is a sophisticated style of acting or the way she saw the character. Having faced so much so young, experience aged the girl. Robert Mitchum plays a doctor who is the son of the doctor that originally operated on her. This is a little more lighter role for him, but he plays the country doctor very well.
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