Tikisoo
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Posts posted by Tikisoo
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>Fred said: The reason more people aren't complaining on this board about all the post 1960 movies is
Really?
I used to enjoy Fred's old man curmudgeon attitude, but am very quickly tiring of his speculative posts stated as "fact".
(BTW "instant classic" is also speculative, a prediction)
I am really unhappy women's pants are low waisted and have "skinny" legs. Why can't they make them like they used to? I can't ride my horse with my bum hanging out. Oh why can't I even find a decent pair of Jodhpurs? Maybe I'll complain to the cashier or on an internet message board and things will change JUST TO SUIT ME.
^^That's what you sound like Fred.
There are several things I can no longer purchase that I am unhappy about. It's just not available. Not offered. So you adapt and move on. There's more to life than TV, movies, jodhpurs or jujubes.
I wasn't getting $100/month worth of enjoyment from cable TV, so I simply said "no thanks" and moved on. So has FXreyman and thousands of others. Maybe losing customers will change things for the cable stations, maybe not.
You are supporting the very thing you dislike by continuing to pay for it.
It just seems silly to sit at your little computer keyboard and complain about things you cannot change....especially when YOU refuse to take any action to better your situation.
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>Eugenia said: I love when a great actor simply changes his facial expression and conveys a wealth of emotion with no words at all
I love this too and the Barrymores and Marion Davies come to mind for doing this brilliantly and almost so quickly, you only see it subliminally.
The best familiar example I can think of is Lionel Barrymore as Mr Potter in ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE. In the scene where he tries to woo George Bailey he says, "You wouldn't mind taking a few business trips...maybe even Europe?" His face changes expression several times in that otherwise dull conversation, and when he says "Europe" it's a big false smile-but only a flash-in an otherwise grim faced speech.
Also, the scene where the family meets Harry Bailey's wife at the station. Capra keeps the camera tight on George Bailey's face as he walks from the train to the baggage alone-you see exactly what he thinks of the situation in 3 flashes of expression on his face.
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>Fred said: there are several people on the board who want TCM (snipped) That's why TCM has been showing a lot of un-classic random post 1969 films.
"that's why"? I don't think the programmers change the format because of what's said on an internet forum. They can only broadcast what's available from what's offered to rent.
I hear your frustration about the cost of TV Fred. I was actually disgusted by what I was seeing on TV and when TW Cable had a price hike, I bailed out.
That was 18 months ago. I spent $50 for an antenna and now only receive the 3 local networks and PBS. My viewing is supplemented by the library and occasional TCM recordings. I have never been happier.
Cable stations are NEVER going to improve if people keep feeding the cash cow. Your best chance at being heard is to stop paying them.
If you are unhappy with TCM and are having more enjoyment from watching movies on your computer, than just put your money where your mouth is & cut the cord.
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>Andy said: The age of a movie is the least important thing about it. The great ones transcend their era, but even the lesser ones help us *understand* their era.
Very nicely said.
And realize, "classic" when you're speaking of age, is a sliding scale.
Classic architecture has a much longer history than say, classic cars. So as time goes on, the "cut off" date everyone here seems to want, will change too.
(It's sad when you see your childhood stuff in antique shops labeled "classic")
>Too bad they can't seem to bring it back on a more regular basis.
Thank goodness some of us had the foresight to record it.
Ha! we _could_ be complaining about how often it's on TCM. I wouldn't want to see it once a month either.
>Nell Potts
She left acting (wasn't she great?) and instead founded Newman's Own product line.
I dated a guy who drove that vehicle-still have the logo plate from it.
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You bring up an interesting point, Andy. I was busy as a young person in the 70's & 80's and didn't go to many movies, although many titles are familiar. I'm now seeing these films for the first time either on TCM or from the library.
Many of the movies from the 60's to the 90's are just awful, like DR DOOLITTLE or aforementioned TANGO, but many are really interesting.
I was really happy TCM showed THE EFFECT OF GAMMA RAYS a few years ago, it's not available for loan. And frankly, would I have even understood it at 19 years old? It was a first time viewing, 40 years later.
This age old discussion on "new films" on TCM has many facets. Not ALL 1930's films are classic, nor are all 1970's films junk. They are all worth seeing to give an overall picture of the state of the art & talent of every era and every culture.
I've said it a hundred times on this board and no one seems to grasp the concept of YES, there IS a definition of "classic".
It's any art form (music, poetry, paintings, film) that's appreciation is transcended by culture and time by many people.
The entire world enjoys and appreciates the Pyramids although we do not share it's people or it's time.
So, if a French film from the 60's is still enjoyed by people in say, a hundred years, it's a true classic.
If a strong contingent of people enjoy a particular film whose merits are lost to others, it is defined as a "cult classic".
TCM shows a lot of not classic film, the era doesn't matter. All the hits & misses round out the picture of what film is as an art form.
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We just finished watching WB's ROMANCE ON THE HIGH SEAS and every time strains of "It's Magic" played all I could think of was Bugs Bunny singing, "Oh carrots are so divine you get a dozen for a dime...it's magic"
(or something to that effect-anyone know the exact lyrics?)
That reminded me of all the songs Mel Blanc had sung as Bugs with changed lyrics. I recall hearing Bugs sing, "I'm looking over a 3 leaf clover that I overlooked be three!"
And as Little Red Riding Hood, "The rabbit in red....la-da-de-dee...the rabbit in red" (instead of The Lady In Red)
Does anyone else remember these?
WHAT'S OPERA DOC with Wagner's Ring rewritten lyrics is an obvious answer, but I'm more tickled by the scenes where Bugs sings one or two lines of some popular hit to himself.
Were these songs usually tie-ins with WB films?
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>hamradio said: That movie has more bugs than a bait store. About the ending...
Realize you're responding to someone who just posts links of whatever he can find with no additional personal comments to explain his pov.
Those kind of posts just seems like spam when they're a bold all-cap single sentence.
Anyone who actually saw that stinker knows it certainly wasn't "The Most Perfect Ending" in a movie....unless you consider that it was perfect because then it was over.
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How could you forget DANCE GIRL DANCE where Maureen makes that great speech at the end? It goes to show you she could hold her own among a female cast as well as those dusty westerns.
Wow, looking at her IMDB list she played in a LOT of movies! We always think of her starring roles, but she was a wonderful supporting actress too-look at SITTING PRETTY. Her presence can add to the story without overtaking it.
That photo of her at the Wayne celebration is wonderful (are those Duke's boys in the back?) Man, that lady never changes, she must have a painting in her attic that ages for her.
Maybe she's just a testament to what hard working, good & honest living can do for you. Too bad there isn't an entertainer today who follows her lead. Thank goodness *I* had her as a role model.
Think about it, she played an independent career woman in MIRACLE ON 34TH ST in 1947, when that wasn't typical for another 40 years. And she balanced her career and private life without any crazy scandals.
I second her autobiography 'TIS HERSELF.
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Being an old thread, I haven't re-read many back pages so forgive me if this has been mentioned....
I've always really enjoyed Wim Wender's WINGS OF DESIRE and the ending (spoiler!) when the angel's dreams are fulfilled. It's a great film.
I then found myself in the theater watching CITY OF ANGELS, the Hollywood remake. It was basically the same story, a bit less poetic and had the ill fate of starring Meg Ryan...but I actually liked the change they made to the ending! It creates an entirely different story (if you can get past a Dr who doesn't wear a helmet while biking in traffic) with it's tragic ending.
I love the idea of an angel giving up divinity for "life" and then facing the trials and tribulations life brings without the one he loved!
It has some of the same feeling as the end of Lon Chaney's UNKNOWN.
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Yipes! You two have some incredible posters!
I am an art restorer, so I've restored some great movie posters and archivally framed them for others, but my own collection is much less "classic".
For example, my living room sports full size KITTEN WITH A WHIP
(self explanatory for those who know me) PAPER MOON and half sheet IT SHOULD HAPPEN TO YOU.
Funny what becomes your "favorite". Mine is a lobby card from SECRET OF THE INCAS because it pictures fave Yma Sumac. I have scads of half sheets and those long skinny size of oddball titles from the 40's-50's that I've just never framed. Usually I just like the graphic or the star pictured.
I also scored some really old silent lobby cards from someone who found them insulating a roof! All have nail holes & rust, but are still great!
And then I have a HUGE wall size crazy sexy pirate girl graphic of GUNS OF THE BLACK WITCH. What the heck do you DO with something that big?
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Wow, pretty amazing everyone here totally agrees on "best to not so best" on Tracy/Hepburn films.
My only problem with WOMAN OF THE YEAR is it's a bit mean spirited when it comes to the baby. I also felt the divorce part of ADAM'S RIB a bit harsh too, but understand how it leads to a revelation.
My only comment on the "end speech" in GWC2D is I feel that is exactly what impression they were going for. Tracy is just reciting words in his own special way and Kate's eye watering and wavering head were part of her physicality at that point in her life. I'm sure it wasn't hard for her to tear up just a bit more and she appears to be quaking with emotion.
Garson Kanin was a gifted writer (Born Yesterday, Adam's Rib, Pat & Mike, The Marrying Kind) and he & wife Ruth Gordon were close personal friends of Tracy & Hepburn. His memoirs of them stands as the very best "insider's" point of view, an excellent read:
ISBN: 1-55611-102-9
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I love all the T/H movies mentioned already as well.
Might I also add GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER? Although rather outdated in subject, still wonderful performances, and a chance to see how their dynamics changed as they aged.
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>SansFin said: A problem with pronunciation is that it is not fixed. (snipped) Such information is usually not available through Wikipedia.
Exactly. The example I often use is "en-velope" or "on-velope" and "foy-er" and "foy-a" where both pronunciations are correct in the US. I seem to recall an entire song about this..."you say tomay-to and I say tomah-to..."
>they make fun of it whenever they hear it , which of course is rude. As I mentioned before, they make No effort to speak English.
Who you callin' "they"?
I have NEVER had any difficulty with the French (or French Canadians for that matter) using English words when I can't communicate in French (admittedly pretty rusty from high school)
I find the French welcoming and accommodating, nothing like those old urban legends of snubbing Americans.
In fact some French, once hearing my blundering of their language often find courage to try out their "American" if they're not too shy.
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I use the movie script data base frequently to find particular quotes to post here. God help anyone who paraphrases around this bunch.
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>TikiSoo, that was Betty Grable. I looked it up to be sure, and it's her.
Why do you do this to me?
(my point was there may be much more to a career than just what TCM shows)
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>Fred to become "bored" with the film. And then the film becomes a non-classic, according to Fred.
And therein lies the flaw in Dobbsy's argument.
A "classic" means it is universally enjoyed by many generations and cultures. If a book (or seal meat) only appeals to Eskimos, it's not technically "classic" instead it's "classic within Eskimo culture."
"Classic" is not "what a fan decides based on personal opinion."
And as helenbaby states, using "always" and "never" is like gunpowder to open flame in an argument. You'll instantly be proven incorrect. Geez, by 15 years old I understood not to use those terms in conversation, unless you wanted to paint yourself into a corner.
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>FredDobbs referring to Gaslight: "It is no longer a classic"
Can you please explain or elaborate on that statement?
(I do not understand how a movie can be "classic" and then no longer "classic")
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I'm with finance....no biggie when you've made a mistake or misspoken. (Well, except when you're a know-it-all geek that needs to point out superiority on a message board)
I've mixed up Lana Turner and Betty Grable for years and often on this board. They're both just bland WW2 pin up blondes to me.
Well, until I saw Grable sparkle in a Fox musical never shown on TCM. And Lana holds her own in TB&TB as well as in IMITATION OF LIFE. I just saw Lana in I WAKE UP SCREAMING and boy was she lusciously pretty.
I love TB&TB, mostly for it's over-the-top acting and silly composite charactors that ring true in Hollywood history. My very favorite scene is where Douglas snivels, "Maybe I LIKE to be cheap once in awhile! (screams) Get out!" There's something funny about a guy screaming in a high voice like a little girl.
I also really like the ending where everyone realizes the value of someone who gives it all for their craft.
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>SansFin said: It has been very evident in the past that showing some people the facts has no affect on their perceptions, beliefs or assertions. Yet we continually analyze the schedules so we can present the facts in hopes they will see the truth and accept it.
Their perception that TCM "used to be better" is because when they first tuned in, EVERY movie was a new discovery. The first time they saw THE WOMEN, KEY LARGO, MILDRED PIERCE (and others from Fred's list) it was exciting and fun. They may have watched these fine films again and enjoyed them scheduled through the years.
But after the 4th or 5th time, the viewer decides to pass them over, looking for something else to discover.
So if you're a regular viewer, your choices run out as you become more familiar with these films. And then the perception becomes, "They show the same old movies on TCM"
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I love Burt Lancaster and am looking forward to revisiting a few films I haven't seen in awhile, like CRISS CROSS.
If you like Burt I highly recommend BURT LANCASTER AN AMERICAN LIFE by Kate Buford ISBN: 0-306-81019-0
As far as Hollywood biographies go, it was one of the most interesting & varied.
It's in depth and very well written telling about Burt's beginnings, his film triumphs, and his elderly years in a respectful non judgmental way.
No ATLANTIC CITY on the list, that's one of my favorites.
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>I don't know if the Honeymooners belongs on TCM, but it would be nice if there were a channel that showed old TV the same kind of respect TCM shows old movies.
There is...a poster mentioned METV earlier in this thread. It broadcasts a wide variety of classic TV shows.
The programmers understand we've seen these shows before, so they mix the roster pretty regularly to keep it fresh.
Yeah, there's commercials, but we all have "mute" buttons and besides, these shows were originally seen with commercials!
I agree, the Honeymooners do not belong on TCM.
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Yay!
You stated it perfectly- I am generally bored by SUTS, but they always throw one or two unusual gems into the mix of typical oft seen stars & flicks.
Mary Boland Day is almost as difficult to decide what to watch as Thelma Todd Day two years ago.
Thanks TCM!
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I just want to say THANKS to the programmers at TCM for the great rarities you offer viewers.
I just watched HI-DE-HO (1947) from your "music" day last week. Not made by any major movie studio, the film was of poor quality and the print was fuzzy, scratched and looked as if it was made in 1911.
But it was a fun light story featuring Cab Calloway and his band. It was thrilling to see his performance of "We The Cats Shall Hep Ya" (and see couples trying to slow dance to it) What a great historical record on film.
I realize many turned the channel on 7/22, but thanks for your scheduling that for all us "oddball" viewers. Where else can you start the day with fun Busby Berkeleys, then see shorts of real bands, then see more movies with a "musical" theme?
It's like having a film festival in my own home!
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>The several-months-long theme which begins in September has several movies which I love but which fear are little known to most viewers and I must wonder if my calling attention to them might spur some to watch them.
I'd appreciate it!
I no longer have cable and read the board daily to see what people are talking about. I may then get a copy from the library or ask my friend if he might record it for me.
A thread like Bogart/Cagney/Robinson may contain a declaration, "Yeah, but didja ever see him in XXX? It was a powerful performance that threw me for a loop!" and I'll be intrigued.
Whenever anyone mentions a film they like (and why) and I understand their point of view, I may seek out that film.
I've certainly discovered a few beloved gems prompted by postings here, so please SansFin, feel free to post your opinions. If you say, "I really enjoyed the gory violence in this revenge tale" I'll know to skip it.
Often I'll often give films I was less than enthused with another try if there's some heated argument going on these boards about it's merit. Most of the time I feel the same, but a few times have been turned around to "getting" it better.
"Influential" posts of fellow film lover's opinions is certainly more exciting than the endless vanity threads about nothing clunking up the forums.
Hattie McDaniel Part Deux
in General Discussions
Posted
I haven't read the entire thread, forgive me. But I wanted to respond to a couple of points brought up. And I have read GWTW several times, it's a very detailed book.
If they made GWTW today, you betcha it would highlight titillating interracial sex, and brutal violence-that's what sells. The book was like the movie with no mention of either. You could glean a little from the dialogue, "..that white trash Slattery girl" using your imagination. That's what they did when there was the Hays Code-got creative.
The book, as does the '39 movie depicts blacks and whites the same-some strong, some weak...it shows the charactor's strengths and flaws, their social status or job being part of their charactor. I remember being surprised when Polk says, "I don't know nothing about farming, I'm a house servant" which I interpret as dignity and pride.
Hattie McDaniel is a splendid choice for a stamp. She brought entertainment to thousands through her art, her creativity & talent. What's wrong with that? I know I'd rather see Bela Lugosi on a stamp representing Hungarians, much more so than The Gabors or Vlad the Impaler.