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What a thought-provoking topic, good job Tom! The classic films that I have probably seen the most, and both in movie theaters and on TV: DR STRANGELOVE at least 20x THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (1960) 30x THE BIG SLEEP (1946) at least 40x. One day I must count how many times the word "sister" is uttered in this movie... I'm guessing about 132 times FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN at least 40x THE MALTESE FALCON 50x GENTLEMAN JIM 30x ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES 50x BLUES BUSTERS 20x SINGIN IN THE RAIN 20x There are certain films that I try to hold back on seeing too much. CASABLANCA, I try to see just once a year. Which is difficult because TCM seems to show it just about every month! Certain classic films that are depressing, I also limit to once or twice a year...OF MICE AND MEN, THE DEFIANT ONES....

1937 & 1949 1934 1930 & 1941

Thought of a few more: The Magnificent Seven The Great Escape Spartacus The Wolf Man The Texas Chainsaw Massacre From Russia With Love Goldfinger The Kentucky Fried Movie Brazil This Is Spinal Tap Pee-Wee's Big Adventure Prince of Darkness The Road Warrior Conan the Barbarian Raiders of the Lost Ark Caddyshack

I don't have any exact numbers like Bogie56 does, but I've seen all of these at least 5 times, some many more: Dracula (1931) Frankenstein (1931) Dr. Strangelove The Shining Goodfellas Taxi Driver Apocalypse Now Halloween (1978) Dawn of the Dead (1978) Evil Dead 2 Robocop (1987) Predator The Terminator Star Wars Big Trouble in Little China The Thing (1982) Airplane! Monty Python and the Holy Grail Raising Arizona Blade Runner Alien Aliens Videodrome Forbidden Planet Dr. No

And, if so, what would it be? Would you happen to know how many times you've seen it, or, at least, make an approximate guess. In my case, I could only boil it down to a handful of films and, as for the number, I only wish I knew. I sometimes have wondered if I may have seen some particular favourites of mine as many as 100 times or more over the years. I honestly don't know since I never documented it. Another question, and this in complete contrast to the thread title question. Rather than frequently watch a certain film, do you, instead, have favourite films that you put off viewing for a period of time because you're afraid that overexposure to them may spoil their enjoyment for you? I fall into this category probably more so now since I've already seen so many of my favourites dozens of times, maybe more. For example, I watched CASABLANCA for the first time in over a decade two years ago and I adored it. Far from being disappointed by the film, I was thrilled that this brilliant exercise in film craftsmanship held up so well for me. I had been concerned that I might not enjoy the film so well since I recalled it very well (even after over a decade), particularly with the assistance of a few zillion clips it seems I've seen of the film in various TCM promos or documentaries. This year I had a similar experience with THE THIRD MAN after having deliberately avoided watching the film for a number of years. So anyone else avoid seeing favourites for a period of time, too, for fear of overexposure to them? And how about those films, by contrast, that you've seen, 20, 50, 100 times or more? "I haven't seen you for over a decade, kid, but I think this is the continuation of a beautiful friendship."

The actress Tawny Kitaen, who achieved fame as an early Tom Hanks co-star and for her high visibility in 1980s music videos, died Friday at the age of 59. She died at her home in Newport Beach, California, but no cause of death has been announced. Her daughters Wynter and Raine -- born during her 1997- 2002 marriage to former Major League Baseball pitcher Chuck Finley, addressed Kitaen's death on Instagram. "We are heartbroken and saddened to announce the death of our mom," they wrote. "We just want to say thank you for all of you, her fans and her friends, for always showing her such support and love. You gave her life everyday. We miss her and love her and we know her legacy will live on forever." Her screen debut was in the 1984 French adventure/comedy "The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak," based on a sexy cartoon serial heroine from 1940s magazines. The film was directed by France's Just Jaeckin, who had launched the softcore "Emmanuelle" film, series in the 1970s. Also in 1984, she played Hanks' fiancée in the raucous comedy "Bachelor Party." It was the rising actor's third film, released four months after the successful fantasy hit "Splash!" Kitaen served as the cover model for the 1984 debut album "Out of the Cellar" by the heavy metal band Ratt. She was dating guitarist Robbin Crosby (1959-2020) at the time. The LP's sales were boosted by the video for "Round and Round," which featured comic great Milton Berle -- the uncle of band managerMarshall Berle. In 1986, Kitaen starred in the horror thriller "Witchboard," the supernatural tale of a young woman terrorized by otherworldly spirits after using an ex-boyfriend's Ouija board. The movie's success led to the sequels " Witchboard 2: The Devil's Doorway" (1993) and "Witchboard III: The Possession" (1995). Neither featured Kitaen. When Kitaen became involved with Whitesnake lead singer David Coverdale, she became a regular in the British rock band's music videos. Her past prowess as a gymnast was evident in 1987's "Here I Go Again," which The New York Times in 2020 ranked as one of the 15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos. Kitaen also appeared in the Whitesnake videos for "Still of the Night," "Is This Love" and "The Deeper the Love." She and Coverdale were married from 1989 to 1991. From 1991 to 1993. Kitaen starred in "The New WKRP in Cincinnati," Hugh Wilson's syndicated reboot of his hit 1980s CBS sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati." She appeared as Mona Loveland, the radio station's new nighttime disc jockey. Kitaen guest starred in a Season 3 episode of "Seinfeld" as Jerry's girlfriend Isabel, a vapid would-be actress who both attracted and repulsed him. The episode -- titled "The Nose Job" -- originally aired on NBC on November 20, 1991. In 1994, Kitaen starred as Deianeira, the wife of Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) in three made-for-television films shot in New Zealand about the legendary Greek demigod. She reprised the role in three episodes of Sorbo's syndicated series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," which aired from 1995 to 1999. In 1997, Kitaen married Finley, who pitched for the California/Anaheim Angels (1986-1999), the Cleveland Indians (2000-2002) and the St. Louis Cardinals (2002). Their relationship turned messy and resulted in a divorce. In April 2002, Kitaen was charged with spousal abuse and battery of Finley. According to the Associated Press, they argued while driving home, and Kitaen allegedly kicked him with her high-heeled shoes. Two weeks after the incident, Finley filed for divorce and took out a restraining order against Kitaen, the AP reported. In July 2002, she agreed to a plea bargain to avoid Finley, entered a spousal battery counseling program, and donated to a battered women’s shelter. Michael Des Barres @MDesbarres I am so sorry to hear of Tawny’s passing. A turbulent life indeed. I worked with her on the new WKRP TV series & found her 2 be the wittiest, most charming, self deprecating sexy woman, with the biggest smile. 9:44 AM · May 8, 2021·Twitter for iPhone

The Nutcracker (1977 tv movie) Superman (1978) Elf (2003)

Heller in Pink Tights (1960) -- Sophia Loren (in about as different a role from Two Women as one can imagine, though released the same year) An American in Paris (1951) -- Gene Kelly proudly displaying one of his best...assets To Be or Not to Be (1942) -- Jack Benny (distracted by Robert Stack's departure)

The Men (1950) SOURCE: Criterion Channel I saw that this film on the Criterion Channel and wanted to make a point to watch it before it left Criterion. I knew that this was Marlon Brando's film debut. Normally, I'm not a huge fan of Brando's, I don't really consider him to be the end all, be all of acting; however, I do like him in the beginning of his career. He starts to lose me once he hits middle age. And let's face it, Marlon Brando in the 1950s was HOT HOT. Later... not so much. Anyway. In "The Men," Brando plays Lieutenant Ken "Bud" Wilocek. During the last days of WWII, Bud is shot in the back and paralyzed from the waist down. He then spends the next four years in a P rivate room in the paraplegic ward at the army hospital. Mired in self-pity, depression, bitterness, etc. Bud is mean and nasty to the nurse and doctor and not showing any progress. Hoping to force Bud to socialize and maybe improve not only his body, but also his mental state, Dr. Brock (Everett Sloane) has Bud moved from his p rivate room to the common room. In the common room, Bud's bed is placed next to Norm Butler (Jack Webb), Leo Doolin (Richard Erdman), and Angel (Arthur Jurado) all fellow soldiers. Bud continues to be bitter about his situation but after awhile, with the help of his neighbors, he begins to come out of his shell. Angel, especially, is a big help as his positive attitude and determination to make the best of his situation (and leave the hospital), inspires Bud to do the same. Starting with sitting up in bed, Bud begins a workout regimen to work to get stronger. Meanwhile, Bud's girlfriend, Ellen (Teresa Wright) whom Bud hasn't seen since before his accident is determined to get back together with him. Up until now, Bud has been refusing to allow Ellen to see him; but she's relentless. He finally relents when Ellen makes it clear that his disability doesn't make a difference. They start to go out on dates. Bud is even able to drive with a modified car. However, Bud begins to question whether Ellen is really ready for life with a disabled partner. This was a really great film. Brando apparently threw himself into the role by living in the paraplegic ward, lying in bed for a month. He also became very skilled in maneuvering with the wheelchair and skillfully rounded tight corners and even played basketball. In some of his films, (if this makes sense) I feel like Brando can seem affected. His performance says "Look at me I am acting" as opposed to seeming genuine. I think that's what turns me off of him. But in this film, and even films like "A Streetcar Named Desire," "The Wild One," and "On the Waterfront," he doesn't give me that vibe. At the beginning of the film, we're treated to a seminar/Q&A session about paralysis, and I was concerned that this film would become preachy. Thankfully this scene seemed like it was just setting up the issues that paraplegics face, especially the idea that it's almost certain that they will never walk again. I know that it can happen, but I imagine that it is a minute possibility, not a guarantee. I appreciate that the film did not have a contrived ending, like Brando magically gaining the ability to walk and running down the hall to Teresa Wright or something. An ending like that would have completely undermined the entire point of the film. I thought this was a great film and thought that Brando did an excellent job.

I grew up on the Universal classic monster films in the late 60's/early 70's. Then as a teen/early adult these movies disappeared from my local TV, so I had no access to them from about mid 70's until VHS became commonplace and affordable in the 90's. I bought them all on VHS and may have over-watched them in the 90's. After these films all became available on DVD, I guess early 2000's on, I picked them all up, but I limit myself to one binge watch every one or two years. This has led to me liking certain films less, and certain films more than originally. As a kid I thought one of the weaker ones was HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN. I love this film now, great atmosphere, great Karloff, great J Carrol Naish. SON OF DRACULA, not a favorite as a kid. But I love it now. Chaney Jr.'s Dracula intimidates in a realistic, physical way and the film has such an underlying sense of inescapable dread. As a kid I thought the best one was BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, but now I like it a bit less. Dr. Praetorious' miniature people scene seems out of place.

This is an interesting topic. My viewing habits throughout the years has been rather silly. If I see something that is on Youtube, I tend to watch it. However I do own over 600 movies on DVD. I also have a number of films I own on iTunes. I watch those more frequently. Those iTunes movies include: Bite the Bullet Breakheart Pass Casino Royale (Daniel Craig version) Chisum The Core Dante’s Peak Dead Again Deep Impact Executive Suite MacArthur Man of Steel Return to Me Star Trek (2009) Star Trek Insurrection Star Trek V The Final Frontier Star Trek First Contact Star Trek Nemesis Superman II The Talk of the Town The Train Robbers (John Wayne) The Wind and the Lion The World’s Fastest Indian Every now and again I will put on a DVD of a favorite film and those are usually the films I have watched many, many times. Here is a list of 100 of my all-time favorites that I have watched at least more than 10 viewings (* indicates more than 25 times): The Adventures of Robin Hood* The American President Apollo 13 Bad Day at Black Rock The Bedford Incident The Best Years of Our Lives* The Big Country* The Bourne Ultimatum Bullitt* The Caine Mutiny Casablanca Contact Crocodile Dundee The Day the Earth Stood Still* Defending Your Life* Destination Tokyo* El Dorado* The Enemy Below* Fail-Safe* Fort Apache Gardens of Stone The Ghostwriter Goldfinger* The Guns of Navarone Hatari!* Heartbreak Ridge Heat Heaven Can Wait Heist Hoosiers* The Hunt For Red October* Ice Station Zebra* In Harm’s Way* Invasion of the Body Snatchers It’s a Wonderful Life* Judgement at Nuremberg Lawrence of Arabia A League of Their Own Legal Eagles Legends of the Fall Local Hero* The Longest Day* Lost Horizon* The Man From Laramie* The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance* Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World A Matter of Life and Death* McLintock!* Much Ado About Nothing My Darling Clementine The Natural* North By Northwest* Open Range Patton* The Professionals* Random Harvest Red River The Remains of the Day Ride the High Country Robin and Marian Roman Holiday Ronin Sahara (Bogart) The Sand Pebbles The Sea Hawk The Searchers Seven Days in May* 1776* Shadowlands (Hopkins/Winger)* She Wore a Yellow Ribbon* Singin’ in the Rain Sink the Bismarck! Skyfall Sneakers Sound of Music Spartacus Speed The Spirit of St. Louis Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan* Star Trek III: The Search for Spock* Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Star Trek The Motion Picture* Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country Superman: The Movie Support Your Local Sheriff!* They Were Expendable* The Thing From Another World* Thirteen Days* Three Days of the Condor Tora! Tora! Tora! The Train Twelve O’Clock High* 2010 A Walk in the Sun We Were Soldiers Where Eagles Dare* White Christmas Will Penny* Winchester ‘73* You’ve Got Mail

Oh, NOW you tell me!

Sorry Holden, but sure, while Michelle is hotter looking than Olivia, the only thing I remember liking about this sequel the one time I sat through it years ago were the motorcycles ridden by the guys in it. And which btw, were all anachronistic to the timeframe of 1961 in which this film is set. The Hondas especially were all of later vintage than the era shown. I'm an avid motorcyclist from way back ya know, and started my affinity for them just a few years after this film is supposedly set...in my case, in the mid-'60s. And sorry again, but I also recall there not being any memorable songs in this one compared to the original. Nope, not one even close to "You're the One that I Want" or even "Greased Lightning". (...but then again and as they say, "Your mileage may vary", and it appears your "mileage" for this film is a lot higher than mine...and sorry again to say, pretty much everyone elses it seems)

I watched the interviews and I loved seeing the cast members together again. I also agreed with Rita's comments about the casting and the use of brown-face, I can see how she'd find that disappointing. I did think it was a little awkward with George Chakiris being right there; however, I have read Rita's comments on her disappointment with some of the aspects of West Side Story previously, so perhaps this is old hat to George. I don't think Rita blamed George. After all, he was cast just like Natalie Wood was. I actually prefer Natalie in her other films over this one. There is just something about her in this film where I feel like she's out of place and I do not like Marni Nixon's dubbing. That is really out of place, imo. I cannot help but think of Potsie from "Happy Days" every time Richard Beymer was on screen. I like West Side Story, but there's just something about it that keeps it from ranking in my top 5 of musicals. It might be in my Top 10, maybe a #8 or #9; but I have other musicals that I love much more. I've seen this film about half a dozen times, I've even seen it in the theater, and I plan on making my husband watch it again with me in the theater at the end of the year. After watching it again yesterday, I realized that I really don't care about Tony and Maria's story. Their story is meh. I want more of the Bernardo/Anita story with special appearance by Riff! For me, I watch West Side Story for the fantastic dancing, music and sets.

A rough estimate to follow, and from the most watched to lesser watched: It's a Wonderful Life (maybe 40 times...gotta watch George's little epiphany unfold every year, or it just isn't Christmas, ya know) Singin' in the Rain (maybe 30 times...and besides, yes, Donald O'Connor always succeeds in making me laugh during his solo dance sequence...among so many other parts of this classic) The Best Years of Our Lives (maybe 25 times...this one is my favorite flick of all time, ya know) Casablanca (maybe 20 times...shweetheart) The Apartment (maybe 15 times...where else are ya gonna learn, and so entertainingly, that brown-nosing your way to the top isn't all it's made out to be) The Music Man (maybe 15 times...the best and most fun way to celebrate our country's independence from those superfluous-u spellers...although of course, one can still not spell the word "trouble" correctly and as what was found in River City, without that 'u' in it)

I can't say how many times I've seen these films but it's a lot, these are in no particular order, love them all but I may be forgetting some. I have tapes of these. plus I've seen so many of them when I was kid lots of times. To answer your question, yes sometimes I skip watching when they show up on TCM, 1. Random Harvest 2. Laura 3. Casablanca 4. The Razor's Edge ( Tyrone version of course) 5. The World of Henry Orient 6. Miracle On 34th Street ( Edmund Gwenn version) 7. White Christmas 8.. Wizard of Oz 9. Mildred Pierce 10.. Imitation of Life 11. Green Dolphin Street 12. Gidget 13 Double Indemnity 14.. The Trouble With Angels 15. Sitting Pretty 16. Thin Man Movies 17. Goldfinger 18. Godfather 1 and 2 19. Goodfellas 20. The Magnificent Seven 21. The Thomas Crown Affair ( Steve McQueen version) 22. The Adventures of Robin Hood 23. The Big Country 24. There's No Business Like Show Business 25. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 26. Some Like It Hot 27. Ocean's Eleven ( Frank version) 28. Elmer Gantry 29. The Band Wagon 30. Singin In The Rain 31. The Day The Earth Stood Still ( Michael Rennie version) 32. Invasion of The Body Snatchers ( Kevin McCarthy version) 33. Pillow Talk, but I'll watch a Doris movie whenever one shows up on TCM 34. Can't forget Hitchcock, probably seen Rear Window,The Birds, NBNW, Vertigo, The Man Who Knew Too Much ( J Stewart version) Rebecca, a ton of times 35. From Here To Eternity

I am about to watch The Whistle at Eaton Falls on Watch TCM, and in examining the cast, I was stunned at how great Murray Hamilton looks:

I've kept a film diary since I was 12 so I can tell you exactly what my top ones are. I've seen roughly 600 films, three times or more. A Christmas Carol (1951) 28 times The Great Escape (1963) 19 times Dr. Strangelove (1964) 18 times The Wizard of Oz (The) (1939) 15 times Casablanca (1942) 12 times A Clockwork Orange (1971) 12 times 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) 12 times Bedazzled (1967) 11 times A Night at the Opera (1935) 11 times Paths of Glory (1957) 11 times Slaughterhouse-Five (1972) 11 times Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948) 10 times Bananas (1971) 10 times The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) 10 times Last Tango In Paris (1972) 10 times Lolita (1962) 10 times The Magnificent Seven (1960) 10 times Play It Again, Sam (1972) 10 times Touch of Evil (1958) 10 times .. I'll stop there!

Alfie, both of them were showing back to back on HD Net DirectTV. I've seen the Jude Law version several times, own it too. Never had seen the Michael Caine version and wanted to see how similar the story lines were. I really enjoyed the earlier version's British scenery and the cultural nuances. I was floored by the grainy photo montage that roll with the credits at the end. That is emulated in the newer version which is equally effective, yet seeing the original and knowing how many years earlier that had been produced makes it much more impressive. I had no idea Cher sang that original theme song. Having heard the newer soundtrack so many times I've come to like the Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Mick Jagger songs very much. Alfie is supposed to be a selfish cad, this line from the later version is slightly more powerful than the earlier; "You know, when I look back on my little life, and all the women I've known...I can't help but think about... all that they've done for me... and how little I've done for them." Thing is, both Alfies (or is it Alfi) use the men in their lives too, but I found Michael Caine's Alfie to be downright abusive to women with few redeeming qualities. Jude Law has the boyish good looks and charm to pull off the half-hearted 'I know I hurt you, but I didn't mean to' apology. This contrast becomes more apparent in how the two Alfi deal with children in their lives. I know the Jude Law version has lousy reviews but I'll give it 7.5/10 and Michael Caine's 8/10

Good point -- adding Shakespeare movies including HAMLET, MACBETH, HENRY V, OTHELLO, ROMEO AND JULIET, etc

Irma's signature green tights in Irma la Douce in Desperately Seeking Susan, Madonna's friend's were neon lime

Kimo and Kory: a love story do not ask for whom the tree sprouts. it sprouts for thee.

My favourite film as a kid was Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (I still remember sitting on Dad's lap as I watched it the first time and clasping my hand over my eyes any time the "Wolf Man Theme" started to play on the soundtrack). After all these years I still love the film, even if I may have cooled it a bit on Bud and Lou in their other films. It would be interesting to know how many times I've seen the film over the years but my guess is that it has to be a minimum of 30 to 40 times. Others films that I've seen, perhaps in the same approximate number, would include Adventures of Robin Hood Captain Blood Gentleman Jim Mark of Zorro (1940 version) Ghost Breakers Treasure of the Sierra Madre White Heat No wonder Warner Bros. is my favourite studio.

I've seen dozens of films numerous times, but the one film I've seen most in movie theaters is Harold and Maude. I first saw it the year it was released, at the Loew's Paradise in the Bronx. I was hooked. I went back again and again and am convinced that I was the original cult member. When it formally achieved cult status a few years later, it was revived, and I went back to see it some more, in the Bronx and Manhattan. I even took friends to see it, dragging them to such far away places as Brooklyn Heights. I have the book, and whilst working on a project with Garson Kanin, I got his wife, Ruth Gordon, to sign it for me.

One of the many moments of hilarity worthy of a repeat viewing in It's A Gift. "Do you know a man named La Fong? Carl La Fong. Capital L, small A, capital F, small O, small N, small G. La Fong. Carl La Fong." "No, I don't know Carl La Fong. Capital L, small A, Capital F, small O, small N, small G."

Most every nite it’s North by Northwest or one of the Master’s other recent classics. My Dad took me to see a debut showing at Radio City Music Hall in 1959. Since my departed wife started watching a nightly recording (Jurassic Park!!!) to help her sleep now I too watch faves for the same reason. I always wondered if the music used when Roger Thornhill entered the lounge to meet with associates was actually a thoughtfully selected Hitchcock joke: “It’s a Most Unusual Day”. He also chose to not redo the Rushmore Cafe scene because of the young boy plugging his ears in anticipation of Eve Kendall’s firing her “silly little gun”. And has anyone noticed that the Roger’s ROT matchbook was used and partially empty when he wrote the telling message but full and new when Eve later found it? I wonder what other oops I missed. This film will never get old or tired.

Boris Karloff

I've always blamed, "The Goodbye Girl," for starting a genre of movie in which the female star acts like a self-centered, ill mannered, mean, nasty, crank throughout the entire film, while the male star scurries around like a nervous Pomeranian, endlessly trying to please her. By the end I always hate her and have lost all respect for him and think they deserve a long hellish marriage.

Just kinda watched it. Michelle Pfeiffer is stunningly gorgeous which makes it tolerable. Love the gas pump jockey chic angle. Connie Stevens! Dargo, yeah most of those bikes are later vintage, particularly the hero’s. But I guess we’re supposed to ignore that because he’s built that from the junkyard. There are some CB72s running around though and those were available in 62. Also the cop car that gets jumped is a 62 Plymouth Belvedere so they may have hit that by accident. I agree there’s no comparison musically. If it wasn’t for Michelle, Grease 2 would rank right next to Caddyshack 2.

1939

Flesh and the Devil (1926)/Love (1927)/Queen Christina (1933) Next: Jean Arthur & Joel McCrea

Wayne, Patrick

Rails Into Laramie (1954)

Van Cleef, Lee

I'm thinking of people whose work I'd like to see more of, so despite how much I love Errol Flynn and Lucille Ball (e.g.), I've seen a huge majority of their films. 1 Charles Boyer 2 Yvette Mimieux 3 Joan Blondell 4 Tyrone Power 5 Anne Baxter 6 Ann Blyth 7 Carmen Miranda 8 Danny Kaye 9 Alice Faye 10 Fay Wray 11 Don Ameche 12 Irene Dunne 13 Loretta Young 14 Alan Ladd 15 Beulah Bondi 16 Arthur Kennedy 17 Joan Bennett 18 Dan Duryea 19 Rhonda Fleming 20 Joel McCrea 21 Fred MacMurray 22 Cesar Romero 23 Betty Grable 24 Carole Lombard 25 Greer Garson 26 Paulette Goddard 27 Gloria Grahame 28 Sterling Hayden 29 Joseph Cotten 30 Thelma Ritter 31 Alice Brady

A lot of you have come up with many good ideas. A few of those ideas have come to me. Who would I like to see honored for 2021 Summer Under the Stars? I've got ideas for each day of this August, along with August 2022 and August 2023 ! For this August 2021: 1. Bette Davis 2. Cornel Wilde 3. Janis Paige 4. John Gilbert 5. Dorothy Dandridge 6. Laurence Harvey 7. Anna Lee 8. Richard Crenna 9. Suzanne Pleshette 10. Rex Ingram 11. Colleen Dewhurst 12. Russ Tamblyn 13. Carol Lynley 14. Lee Grant 15. Roy Glenn 16. Joan Blondell 17. Jack Carson 18. Robert Taylor 19. Celeste Holm 20. Philip Carey 21. Virginia Grey 22. Marcia Mae Jones 23. Carroll O'Connor 24. Claudia Cardinale 25. Lionel Barrymore 26. Clifton Webb 27. Jacqueline Bisset 28. Wendell Corey 29. Diahann Carroll 30. Gordon MacRae 31. Yvette Mimieux

Stevens, Andrew

Leonard Maltin included the opening of Oklahoma! in Todd-AO in a presentation he did at the festival about big screen formats, and people gasped at the power of it. I'm glad you liked Madeleine, a film which for me really improved on second viewing. It's based on a real Victorian case, which ended as in the film. Lean does so much with camera positions where Madeleine is looking up: out her window and up at her lover; the scene at the ball with a balcony; and the stunning shot as as she looks up the stairway to enter the courtroom. Ann Todd is perfectly cast.

I streamed Oklahoma! last night. It was the restored Todd-AO version that premiered at the TCM Film Festival a few years back. Although I was at that festival, I didn't have the pass level that gets you into the opening night film at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Although I love the music from the show, I've only been lukewarm to the movie in the viewings I've had of it, and I've never cared for the "let's hurry up and end the show ending," both on the stage and screen, or the crazy accents employed. I've only seen the 35mm Cinemascope version before. But seeing this restored Todd-AO version was like an entirely different film (and it really is, given that they shot each scene twice). The performances seem fresher, and the colors and cinematography really popped in this restoration version, especially in the outdoor scenes.

The Big Sleep (Bogie \ Bacall 1946). I have seen this in a revival theater 3 times, and on T.V. at least 20 (start to end). Nowadays I'll just watch the beginning.

And speaking of Florence Rice: Primetime June 7 Florence Rice Sworn Enemy (Robert Young, Florence Rice) (MGM, 1936) Beg, Borrow or Steal (Frank Morgan, Florence Rice) (MGM, 1937) Double Wedding (William Powell, Myrna Loy) (MGM, 1937) Fast Company (Melvyn Douglas, Florence Rice) (MGM, 1938) Vacation from Love (Dennis O'Keefe, Florence Rice) (MGM, 1938) At the Circus (Groucho Marx, Chico Marx) (MGM, 1939)

After reading about this new podcast on here, I went back to showtime on Demand to look at the little section of the 2015 documentary De Palma, where a surprisingly mild-mannered Brian De Palma reflects on all the films he made juxtaposed with truly graphic clips from his films. I had seen it before, but I just wanted to listen again to the 2 and a half minute section on Bonfire and what De Palma had to say about it. He said that he felt that if you approached the film by itself without having read the book, it was fine (and indeed the clips did look like it had some inventive camerawork and good set design in it), but he indicated that he was stuck between a rock and a hard place with the film. Warner Bros. kept hounding him with notes on how to adapt it, to make the novel's sharp edges softer and they were the ones who forced Tom Hanks onto the film (and it seems the other two leads weren't supposed to be there either: Bruce Willis was forced on him as well, and Tom Hanks wanted Melanie Griffith instead of De Palma's pick of Uma Thurman). Once Tom Hanks was cast, De Palma felt he had no choice but to soften the book's completely acid viewpoint. He said now that he knew the film should have been as cynical as Sweet Smell of Success and the lead should have been delineated like Tim Holt in The Magnificent Ambersons, but those two films destroyed their director's careers, and he went along with the studio because he was afraid he would never work again

More Boyer! Gaslight (1944) I know this film is old hat to many here, but it was the first time that I really watched it. Oftentimes, it was on in the background and while I watched it, I didn't really WATCH it. This film's title is the namesake for a form of psychological abuse where the victim is manipulated by another into thinking that they're losing their mind. In "Gaslight," Ingrid Bergman plays a young woman, Paula, who as a child interrupted her Aunt (and guardian)'s murderer looking for some priceless jewels. Paula's Aunt, Alice Alquist, was a world famous opera singer who was also known to have these jewels in her possession. An unknown assailant murdered Alice in an attempt to abscond with the jewels, but ultimately was unsuccessful due to Paula. Flash forward ten years. The adult Paula is trying to become an opera singer like her famous Aunt. She's also in love with her pianist, Gregory Anton (Charles Boyer), who she has only known for a short time (2 weeks!). After a whirlwind romance, the two marry and honeymoon at Lake Como in Italy. Gregory reveals to Paula that he's always dreamt of living in "a square" in London. Paula, completely enamored of Gregory, reveals that she inherited her Aunt's London townhouse #9 on Thornton Square, and agrees to let Gregory live out his dream and the two move in. After returning to the townhouse for the first time since her Aunt's murder, Paula is overcome by all the memories she had with her Aunt. Gregory, seemingly wanting to help put Paula at ease, suggests that they put all of her Aunt's belongings up in the Attic and buy new furniture so that they can start with a clean slate. Before moving the items up into the Attic, Paula discovers a letter written to her Aunt two days before her death. The sender of the letter is revealed to be "Sergis Bauer." Gregory has a vitriolic reaction, scaring Paula. He says that reacted that way because he was so upset at Paula finding such an emotionally-charged reminder of her Aunt's death. Paula lets it pass and agrees to move her Aunt's possessions into the attic. Gregory also hires a new maid, Nancy (Angela Lansbury), to help Paula. However, Nancy ends up being just as much an antagonist as Gregory. Nancy is overt about her sexuality and she and Gregory openly flirt with one another. She also notices the emotional abuse inflicted upon Paula (by Gregory) and follows along, hereby making her complicit in Gregory's emotional abuse of Paula. Nancy wants more than to just be a chambermaid, and Gregory might just be her ticket to high society. She's also quite the tart, which makes her fun to watch. Throughout the film, Gregory casually (in the sense that Paula doesn't interpret it as such) but overtly manipulates Paula into believing that she is mentally ill and losing her mind. He convinces her of her forgetfulness and knack for losing things. Paula begins hearing footsteps when the house is supposed to be empty and observes the flame of the gaslight going down, as if someone else is using the gas elsewhere in the house. Gregory starts out small, but slowly turns Paula into a nervous mess. He keeps her sheltered, away from the prying eyes of nosy neighbors like Miss Whaites (Dame May Whitty). A chance encounter with Scotland Yard Inspector Brian Cameron (Joseph Cotten) causes Paula's Aunt's cold case to be reopened. Paula bears a striking resemblance to her Aunt and Brian was a fan of hers as a child. There is something "off" with Gregory and Paula and Brian is determined to figure out what it is. This is a fantastic film. I don't know why I didn't intently watch it earlier. Boyer is so delightfully creepy and evil in this film. It's easy to see how a young woman like Paula would be smitten and taken with him. Boyer's voice and accent and seemingly romantic gestures would make any woman swoon--especially a sheltered, somewhat naive woman like Paula. Ingrid Bergman's portrayal of a woman slowly being driven mad is fascinating and she deserved her Oscar. You feel for this poor woman who seemingly has to accept that she's losing her mind, but you know deep down, she's trying to rationalize everything. She's not losing her mind. But everyone around her (Gregory and Nancy) convince her that she is. Angela Lansbury is amazing in this film and it's hard to believe that she was only seventeen when she started filming this movie. Joseph Cotten is always a welcome addition to any film. "Gaslight" has such a fun, gloomy atmosphere. It is suspenseful and delightfully creepy. Even the opening credits feature a gaslight flickering in front of a shadow of a man strangling a woman. This film comes highly recommended to anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers and/or the two leads: Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman.

The Long Long Trailer. I've probably seen this film at least a hundred times (not exaggerating) since I discovered it in the mid-90s when I was in middle school. Other films that I've seen a lot, but don't have an official tally, but it's more than a dozen: The Wizard of Oz Beauty and the Beast (1991) Mildred Pierce The Adventures of Robin Hood Gentleman Jim Picnic Gidget Gidget Goes Hawaiian Viva Las Vegas Meet Me in St. Louis Casablanca Summer Rental Planes, Trains and Automobiles (My family's annual Thanksgiving film) Clue Clueless Double Indemnity The Maltese Falcon It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown A Girl, A Guy and A Gob Gilda The Palm Beach Story Grumpy Old Men & Grumpier Old Men The Thin Man My fave Christmas movies: Never Say Goodbye A Christmas Story White Christmas Remember the Night A Charlie Brown Christmas How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation I don't avoid watching movies I've seen dozens of times. If I'm in the mood for that particular film, I'll watch it again. I don't get burned out on my favorites. I've watched the same movie back to back before. Sometimes I'm in the mood to watch a "new" film and sometimes, watching Gidget for the umpteenth time is the only thing that will do. My fallback favorite films are comforting.

Since Sean Connery died, I have played The Russia House (1990) every night. Got hooked on the score and play the movie in the background while I play Solitaire to settle down for the night. 😆

How much space do you have here?

Unfaithful (2002) With Richard Gere and Diane Lane.The latter is spectacular as a woman who commits adultery. Such a common theme but Lane makes it fresh, the wonder, the joy, the disbelief that it's actually happening. the anticipation of the next meeting, the joy and the apprehension in opposition, all done with facial expressions and gesture. There are skillfully made montages What we see is a down-to-earth experience of a woman who is doing something that she probably did not think she could ever do. Here is a comparison. Few of us would probably put out a contract on another's life. In CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS, Martin Landau is the idea of an Everyman who actually is talked into doing just that, but it is not an easy sell and it is accomplished through the emotional base of a regular person, not a person whose world might contain such possibilities. Diane Lane's character emanates from this same day-to-day emotional base and is marvelous throughout in Unfaithful. And no question she was aided by some brilliant directing. Richard Gere is not as successful, at least from my point of view. About half way through the film he is finally asked to do something in the film and I was immediately struck that this movie is a remake of The Unfaithful Wife (1969). A French movie which is a fave for me. Directed by Claude Chabrol, with Michel Bouquet and Stephan Audran. Suddenly the rest of the story flashes through my mind and knowing what he was going to do, Gere's performance might have been ruined for me. He looked liked he was simply acting and not being. I'll settle for miscasting and not bad acting (although this is a role he might be expected to do.) The ending of the French version is reserved and nuanced. The American version is not. 2002 1969

two thousand sixty-fifth category Tights! Camera! Action! MOTHER WORE TIGHTS (1947) TRAPEZE (1956) ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS (1993)

WHERE THE BOYS ARE (1960)...BACHELOR IN PARADISE (1961)...THE HONEYMOON MACHINE (1961) Next: Greta Garbo & John Gilbert

I’m trying to adhere to TCM’s SUTS practice of honoring classic film stars with an African American heritage, foreign (non-American) heritage, stars from the silent film era, as well as no recent SUTS repeats. In addition, I’d also like to see more character actors and actresses honored. (I do not know if TCM has rights to films with some of my listed SUTS choices.) Ronald Colman Donna Reed Robert Taylor Billie Burke Richard Widmark Gloria Grahame Mickey Rooney Loretta Young WC Fields Ethel Barrymore Howard Keel Jennifer Jones Tyrone Power Jane Wyman Donald Crisp Clara Bow Frank Morgan Elsa Lancaster Jack Carson Romy Schneider Robert Young Margaret Sullavan Don Ameche Ida Lupino Robert Ryan Edward Everett Horton Thomas Mitchell Fay Bainter Eddie Anderson Joan Bennett Abbott and Costello