Tikisoo
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Posts posted by Tikisoo
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Silent actress Mary Miles Minter.
It's too easy to just follow the URL of the photo....
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>hamradio said:When as a kid, you thought this was a space age computer.
Hilarious!
(cuz I'm one of them)
>You live at a time when kids were not drugged up with Prozac and not dumbed down. Could build about any gadget with parents not worrying about them getting hurt or freaking out some child product advocate.
Boy is THAT a great statement!
I spent *hours* in the basement workshop with my brother building model airplanes & oil painting. As adults my brother works for NASA and I paint carousels. What kind of adults would we have been if that dangerous creativity wasn't allowed?
What will kids these days be nostalgic for? "Remember when we had to GO to school and sit with other people in a room?" and "Oh remember when we saw that movie in the megaplex and the guy next to us sexted us and we had to move?"
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Beautiful post Meingast, full of direct information.
I am often offended by portrayals in older films too but I try to remember historical context. Yeah, people laughed at the rolling eyes and mispronunciations of Willie Best, but they also found El Brendel, Fanny Brice & Chico Marx antics funny too. Same thing, different accent.
I was surprised to hear Mammy say "axe" in GWTW instead of "ask". It was pointed out to me that English would be a second language for Mammy and her mispronunciation would be typical for her time. Not unlike Maureen O'Hara who pronounces "Tanks" for "thanks".
Portraying blacks as dumb is demeaning to us today, but realize their knowledge came from observation, not books. There was no education opportunity for slaves.
We are lucky enough here to have a PBS station that shows vintage "black cinema" - these are movies made by black directors for a black audience in the south where theaters were segregated.
Although mostly in terrible condition they are an amazing window to the other side of classic film making we'll never see on TCM. Most are simple westerns or Abbot & Costello level comedies and you'll see Willie Best bugging his eyes out in those too.
So this humor obviously was funny to all back then.
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OK, Casa2, I love all the songs in Mary Poppins. But I will agree, Supercalifragalisticexpialidocous is a stoopid song....for an ADULT. But it was just announced Poppins will soon be screened at our favorite theater and the kid spontaneously spouted the "super" song!
Hey, if it turns a 15 y/o on to an "old" film, I'm all for it!
Have you seen the YouTube "evil Mary Poppins" trailer? It's a hoot!
And jamesjazz, do you really enjoy McCartney's music? Sure, he's a pretty good tunesmith, but what's so outstanding about that? Wasn't Silly Love Songs Paul's retort to Lennon's How Do You Sleep?
Indeed, if Paul truly was talented, he'd be composing meatier music than the 2/4 verse/chorus typical pop he's churned out. I think Paul's a poser who's content to ride the coattails of the Beatles. (I know, blasphemy)
What do you think?
I watched Murphy's Romance last night (catching up on films I missed) and was appalled by the soundtrack. Carole King, (a real favorite) scored wholly inappropriate music & instrumentation. Horribly dated an otherwise excellent light romantic comedy.
A LOT of 80's-90's films have dated scores that almost ruin them-The Goodbye Girl comes to mind.
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>Publishers do have fact checkers to protect them from libel suits.
Not really, not these days.
They run computer editing programs instead of hiring real people.I know, I used to BE one of those editors/fact checkers.
Have you read a book lately? I have a paper inside the newest Busby Berkeley book with my notation of errors.
It's rife with simple grammatical mistakes like loose for lose, two for too, etc. The author constantly makes claims like, "..when Buzz saw that he went ashen" as if he was there and knew Berkeley's reaction.
Awful.
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>How far is a friend suppose to embrace another's love of cinema?
You're looking at it backwards...you can't shoehorn someone's interests into yours.
Your soul will be fulfilled if you find a classic film group in your town. Start attending screenings of classic film (not those silly broadband digital "events" TCM has, but real clicking film) and just be friendly-you'll find most attendees will be ready to give their opinion and most likely try to impress you with their knowledge.
If your town doesn't seem to have a Cinefile group, try colleges-they often have classic film courses & screenings open to the public. Many old style theaters show classic film on the weekends.
I realize with digital projection it's getting harder & harder to find 35mm or 16mm screenings, but you've got to stop following the sheep to the megaplexes.
If all those avenues fail you, there are MANY affordable film conventions all around the US & Canada. Silent festivals, silent comedy festivals, rare historical film fests, noir fests, etc. You will be hurled into your element with others who are just as "geeked out" as yourself, concentrated in a marathon viewing of 2-4 days!
You can PM me if you'd like recommendations.
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Most films from India still have Intermissions, especially the Bollywood musicals. An intermission was even included in the Flash animation Sita Sings The Blues just for effect.
I find the B'wood intermissions to be perfectly placed within the story arc, much like the familiar break in GWTW-it signals the end of establishing the charactors by situations and the beginning of the roller coaster ride of consequences caused by their actions.
During Indian film intermissions, everyone gets up, stretches and discusses the movie during the break.
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Count me in as another Meeker fan!
This photo is a magnet on our 'fridge:
(from Jeopardy-the silliest movie ever-watchable only because of great performances)
I also think Ralph is a handsome hunk of man...partly the reason he does so well in despicable roles. Isn't it always the spoiled cute boy who turns into a bully, never the homely boy? He plays flawed charactors brilliantly, except I'd never believe a guy that cute, smart or charming would end up in prison.
Yummy posing for publicity photos though!
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Hilarious thread! I especially like the word "dreadful".
Although I've never cared for Springsteen (based on his hits) I know many who adore him based on his performances & non-hit songs. I agree Philadelphia the movie & song are both stinko.
Phil Collins is just awful. I think the complaint here is the overplaying of any movie song becomes tiring. Imagine working in a store that plays these middling hits endlessly-you'd hate them too.
Movie themes can also play endlessly during the film and actually distract your concentration. Around The World in 80 Days, Dr Zhivago and that Orson Welles balailaika theme song come to mind.
The person who mentioned Tim Rice/AL Webber's cellpool of mis-tunes was spot on. And I nominate Danny Elfman as the heir to that genre. How can anyone defend his tuneless mess of sounds as "good music"? There's zero melody, structure or flow to his flat songs-the Nightmare Before Christmas makes me want to pull my hair out.
I suppose someone had to follow music poser Johnny Williams. It's as if they can hide bad music behind the grandness of a full orchestra. The aforementioned Randy Newman at least has real musical education behind him-AND IT SHOWS.
And Sepiatone- I have always been into electronic music (I'm a theramin player) While I own all of Vangelis's LPs and enjoyed him, Chariots Of Fire was definitely past his high point. So many others did it so much better, as you say.
Also please note: a new movie biography has been made about electronic music granddaddy Raymond Scott called "Deconstructing Dad" can't wait to see it!
Give me a Gershwin or Irving Berlin tune in a movie ANY day. You'll leave happy & humming.
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Very nice personal review, FG.
I never took apart the story before, but you're exactly right.
For me, seeing a grand downtown Department Store in the late 40's is a special treat this movie captures. I grew up going downtown for Christmas to see the merchandise & special decorations. Seeing Santa (and free grab bag type gift-they did things like that in those days) the seasonal kiddie train ride & the huge tree was total pagentry!
Macy's, being in NYC of course was the grandest of all department stores-they gave a parade with huge balloons for goodwill (& capitolism)-a central theme of the story.
I was the last generation of window dressers and loved setting up the animated figures, the lighting and special effects displays. We'd all work Christmas Eve partying up but on call at any moment to remove requested merchandise from a window. As the shift went on
we'd end up opening all the toys, making a mess.
Funny, someone just recently suggested Monty Wooley may have had the part of Santa in this movie based on his appearance. Wouldn't that have been a disaster? The casting in this movie is definitely a part of it's success.
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>Addison said:The Matrix is definitely the most ridiculous selection
Yes, because isn't that a digital film? What needs to be "preserved"?
>Personally, I think film lists are dumb, as is the idea that a limited number of films must be selected every year for preservation. Film in general should be preserved, as much as is possible.
Exactly. I hate film lists (or any lists) because they are just a cheap shot of affirmation for the reader, a list means nothing.
I'd prefer to just see films in the worst condition be restored first, regardless of their popularity.
I was just mentioning to a fellow Cinefile of a fantastic "home movie" taken by an employee of Kodak circa 1905-10. The workers were filmed on the job & on their lunch break walking the park grounds in Rochester. Amazing historical footage. Would it get funding for restoration? No name recognition, so probably no.
And sorry about starting a Tom Hanks rant. It's not far from the Gary Cooper debate-good actor or not? Personally, I don't care for Coop's acting either, but boy he certainly was perfect as John Doe and Potsy in Ball of Fire.
>he possesses that "everyman" quality reminiscent of Jimmy Stewart.
Except Jimmy Stewart (& Coop) knew how to express his charactor with voice & body language much better than Hanks can. Hanks is just an annoying blob on screen. (ouch, sorry Tom)
And good defense Dargo with "He's always been more the "likeable presence" on screen" which I'd agree with. I actually liked him very much early on, was even a Bosom Buddies fan.
Maybe he just kind of got jaded in Hollywood & gave up trying. That's how his screen presence strikes me-dull and uninterested. Man, did any of you see The DiVinci Code? Oy.
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Classic Images recently had a wonderful long detailed story on Irene Dunne-an interview about her entire career. It was most insightful to hear in her own words her experiences making movies, performing, getting along with fellow actors....it gave me a whole new appreciation for her as a professional & a career woman.
Just read a long article on Gilbert Roland's career too, so when he came on the screen Christmas Day, I had a new appreciation for him, too.
I can't recommend these publications more. And yes, the friend that introduced me to these magazines is a "film angel"!
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Well I think any award VanDyke receives is well deserved. He certainly has brought a lot of pleasure & laughter to the world.
I recently read his autobiography over the summer. Amazing how his biggest breaks into show business were pure dumb luck. But every time he was granted a "break", he worked extremely hard with determination to learn and succeed.
His "salad" years of learning and honing his craft came via radio, kind of surprising for such a physical performer.
And how lucky he was to have the once-in-a-lifetime success of a fabulous TV show that really holds up very well today. The casting & writing on that show was amazing.
Congratulations Dick! You deserve it!
PS I'm so lucky too-it was just announced the historic Capitol Theater will be screening Mary Poppins (35mm) in 2013!!! Yay!
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Have you ever thought of subscribing to a film magazine with a historical slant? A fellow Cinefile has turned me onto "Classic Images" and "Films of the Golden Age" magazines, both much more interesting than any one book that focuses on one "star".
CI, a thick newsprint fold over "paper" has a little more of a collectors bent and contains articles on recent film festivals with stories of particular stars. I just finished fantastic in-depth articles on Gilbert Roland and Vera Ellen for example. The obituary section in the back is amazing, they don't miss anyone involved in film.
FOTGA is a standard magazine format that has articles on specific films as well as stars. Recently there was a great story on the making of "My Favorite Wife" for example. Again, in-depth and fascinating with tidbits on the director, conflicts, editing and making the finished product.
Virginia Weidler & Michael Rennie would never be ignored in either of these two magazines, in fact, you'll find back issues featuring them as well as other favorite but lesser known charactor actors.
Classic Images ( classicimages.com)
and
Films Of The Golden Age (filmsofthegoldenage.com)
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Ugh I had the recorder all set before finding out at the last minute this was cancelled!
I have been a Robert Crumb fan since his "underground" days (wish I still had my stack of Zap! comics) and have NEVER seen Fritz The Cat.
As stated earlier, it was rated X and I was underage when it came out.
And I'm guessing compared to the offensive stuff out these days, this cartoon would be pretty bland. TCM has shown questionable stuff early in the morning before like (gasp!) brief nudity, so that can't be the problem.
Hope TCM still showed Crumb, as it was a very good movie.
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I too once thought "take a powder" meant leaving to go to the ladies room. But somewhere I found out about the powdered aspirin explanation.
There are websites that explain the origin of phrases but of course you must read them with a grain of salt.
My favorites are British entemology (?) "Blimey!" whose origins is a shortened "Blind me with a knife!"
and
"Raspberry" shortened from "raspberry tart" a polite British description of passing gas. ("raspberry tart" instead of saying "****")
Hitchcock better describes this British wordplay in an interview where he uses the example of "apples & pears" for stairs.
And "copper" is definitely from "Constable On Patrol" shorthand.
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Well my 1910 house has storm windows. And yes, every time the season changes (fall to winter & winter to spring) it's a big ritual to wash the storms and change to screens and visa versa.
My storm windows open in case I need air or fill the bird feeder or scream at a neighbor. I suppose they protect heat loss through the glass, but heck I lose enough heat through the WALLS of this old cave.
In old WB cartoons you'll often hear Yosemite Sam say "Open the door!" and then turn to the camera and say, "Notice I didn't say Richard?" I looked at my Mom puzzled and she said there was a huge song hit, "Open The Door Richard"
And sepiatone, as for stereotype ethnic terms like "In Dutch", the one still in use today is "to gyp" meaning cheat someone. It derives from "gypsy" and I find it offensive.
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I love this subject....it's so personal to each individual.
For me, the funniest movie is judged by "outburst laughing" which ALL the Marx Brothers comedies will do. They're even better seen with an audience.
Thinking about the movie that still makes me gaffaw, This Is Spinal Tap comes to mind on top.
When I was a kid, it was It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and any Bob Hope movie.
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These comments are all great!
Remember when your parents would say, "I remember when so-and-so was a NICKEL!" and you'd roll your eyes?
Well, comic books are now $10. Really.
I try hard to refrain from complaining; "$12.99 for a plastic switchplate cover...REALLY?" I remember when they were $1.50, metal and made in America.
And then there's watching a movie, not too old, like the 70's and you see a gas station sign, $.97/gallon and you think to yourself, "Was gas EVER that cheap?" because you're too old to remember.
But best part is when I'm at work and some old codger comes in and calls me a "young lady" (I'm 51) And I completely understand....to him I AM a young lady! But I was on AARP TV last year, heh.
We were brought up not to trust anyone over 30. Now I barely trust anyone UNDER 30!
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>Fred said:I lived in an old Victorian house about 20 years ago, and I learned why windows in such houses were so tall, and they opened at both the top and bottom.
Ahh thanks Fred, that's a great idea! I'll try that next time I'm painting and need ventilation!
I always liked the phrase heard in movies, "Take a powder" and found out from other films that aspirin was originally given in powder form. Yes, these little tablets & caplets are a NEW convenient invention. Guess "take a powder" meant "medicate yourself & relax".
"Scram" of course is a shortened version of "why not make like an egg & scramble?".
MrTiki was offended when I'd call him a "Cop" he thought it was derogatory until I explained it was abbreviated "constable on patrol". See? We're not the first generation to shorten names by initials.
And TikiKid is getting a very good education on the English language, jargon, slang and history, ALL from watching old movies!
I love those old phrases.
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...for $1!
(well, Syracuse is a depressed rust belt area)
I spotted it and took a chance it may be what it seemed to be; a pattern for a dress Jane Wyatt wore in a film. This morning I did some internet sleuthing and found:
http://www.antiquetrader.com/articles/movies/vintage_hollywood_movie_star_sewing_patterns
Wow-all this talk about beautiful costumes in films and there you are! An ebay search yielded several interesting patterns available-including a GWTW group!
If you have the talent to cut & sew a pattern, you'll have enough know-how to retro fit a dress to your own size. What fun!
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Dothery-been a while since reading Ann-Margaret's book, but I recall her early manager duped her out of a lot of money. It wasn't until she met her husband (Roger?) things straightened out for her.
>SansFin:I have often wondered if stars married other stars because it was convenient because they shared a lifestyle and it was more socially acceptable than having a long affair.
When you're "in the biz" no one understands the sacrifice & dedication you must have to your work. (everything stops and is second when I get a job!) Most families are more demanding of a partner's time and often feel "pushed aside" and resentful "Daddy wasn't at my recital/baseball game/etc"
Sadly, I think that often filters into infidelity expectations. Almost as if because of the job, you should overlook "on set affairs".
It completely makes sense when actors marry other actors.
I think meeting others "in the biz" that realization of dedication is inherent, so they understand each other. I can totally see why Michael Jackson & Lisa Marie Presley were attracted to each other-they understood the loss of childhood each experienced.
What I find amazing is when successful actresses successfully raise children-Goldie Hawn & Susan Sarandon come to mind. Somehow they had strong partners who supported the entire family while Mom was working.
Also, maybe big stars today don't work as incessantly as in the past, like Bette Davis or Burt Lancaster.
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>I read Evelyn Keyes' book about their marriage... The topper for me was that when he was "educating" her in how to please him (the rationale was that if he was happy in all things, then she would be happy)
Whoaboy, I was with one of those for 6 years. Without a strong support system you believe their rationale & try harder. Thank goodness I finally saw through the jerk and left him to the next flunky.
You would think these women would have enough financial independence to just leave, but too often these spoiled mamas boys drain their hard earned money along with their self-confidence.
This is the theme of too many (women) star auto/biographies: Debbie Reynolds, Ann Margaret, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe....the list goes on.
>and I'm surprised she didn't murder him in cold blood. I would have.
Then you become the criminal.
My best revenge is that the moment I forged it alone, my career took off. I have a much more secure, happy life now and he's still stuck in his angry existence.
Glad a few of our stars made it out in one piece too. Debbie Reynolds is my hero because of her pluck & perseverance. And SHE had media reporting on her every move throughout.
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Well, guess we know how Marie was viewed in H'wood....I have sheet music from one of her films, "Party Girl". A flapper for sure!
Fred, isn't that what a lighting director is for? To design the "look" of a production?
But I understand your point, your "vision" just wasn't directed that way. And that's GOOD-there's not enough good documentary filmmakers out there. (I dated one for awhile)
Is there anything worse than the dreck on cable these days perporting to be documentaries? I suppose you gotta start somewhere.
So be grateful you have the talent in the field you've chosen.
LIttlest Rebel with Shirley Temple makes blacks look stupid
in General Discussions
Posted
>Baker's appeal lies solely in her "exoticism" and the controversy surrounding her. She's like a black Gypsy Rose Lee -- not very interesting without the gimmick. I honestly just don't see what all her "accomplishments" were. I recognize her as an important historic figure but not in the same way that Astaire is.
Whoa. Obviously you only know Josephine Baker from her films, as an entertainer.
Yes, she crossed over into entertaining white audiences as the "exotic"as a teen in NYC. She then left the US seeking a better life & treatment in Paris where she continued performing. Celebrated and included in international "society", she hobnobbed with the famous and powerful. This opportunity allowed her to actually be an undercover spy for the allies. She smuggled people out of Europe via her mansion in the south of France.
Her celebrity & charisma presented her with the opportunity to learn to fly a plane, so bold girl, she became a pilot. She flew refugees to Morrocco regularly under the guise of partying & performing.
Josephine was part of the Civil Rights movement in the US and is seen at the March on Washington films giving speeches. She was even asked to take over MLK's place when he was assinated.
She adopted several children of varied colors calling themselves The Rainbow Tribe (where the coalition gets their name from) When she did return to the US, she started her own nightclub in NYC an amazing feat in itself.
Josephine Bakers story is one of the most fascinating in history, read up on her if you think she's simply an exotic dancer. (and I don't mean Wiki-a REAL book) She never let any barriers stop her from doing what she thought was correct for ALL people. She just used her celebrity to get there!
She is the person I most admire in my life.