Tikisoo
-
Posts
9,238 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
6
Posts posted by Tikisoo
-
-
Wow thanks for the great response-you are living up to your moniker!
>Frank Capra...I simply like the way he got his message across better than the director did in Network.
Agreed, it's more gentle. Network is pretty brutal in-your-face.
And I like the Face In The Crowd example too. Similar themes of "lying", but in the entertainment field. Much more along the lines of "reality" shows.
Network tackles NEWS specifically, and I agree the news is just out of hand these days.
>I've explained for myself before, but again, like the 14oz. 'pint' and the 48oz. 'half gallon' of ice cream which I still buy, I capitulate
Well, you're just buying whatever ice cream is available. :-)
>IF you want to see television, you HAVE to pay the piper. IF you do not - is it you who still gets stuff from someone else or is that another poster - who chooses not to pay the crooks in cable who steal from the people.
Oh that's me. I just decided to steal from the crooks.
Typically I'm against stealing but I completely rationalize this one act of piracy.
I once had a problem of employees stealing gold & other supplies. Someone advised; "If you don't give your employees what they ask for, they will take it anyway."
I began a policy that if any employee wanted to work on their own projects in our shop, they could do so at the cost of materials.
Employees were happy to pay the minimal fee for how much gold they used while using all our tools. No more stealing.
This tells me that people WANT to do the right thing.
If you are just loyal & fair to your collegues, they will be loyal & fair to you.
>As my father told me ages ago when I complained, if you don't like it leave and go live in another country.
I agree with that too. Sometimes we don't realize how lucky we are to be arguing on the internet over pay TV. Some people are just trying to drink clean water or eat more balanced meals than rice or bread.
-
He was also in Hearts Of The West with young Jeff Bridges.
I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days in Andy's hometown of Mt Airy NC this past February. The Andy Griffith Museum was a highlight, I learned so much about him. He was interested in acting from the time he was in high school and actually formed productions just so he could play in them.
He was a very well rounded, happy balanced man for his entire career, not unlike Andy Taylor. I love how he developed a show of morality tales without including (& therefore alienating) any religion-he was a Moravian. I was thrilled to see his actual TV sheriff uniform-it was custom made by Nudie.
"Mount Pilot" is actually Pilot Mountain and just juts out of the landscape not unlike Devil's Tower. It's obvious why it was a childhood icon for him.
Andy Griffith was an outstandin' actor, creator, writer, collaborator. So much so you really don't realize it when watching him. As with all the "greats" he makes it look easy and you are unaware of his talent.
The TV Land statue of Andy & Opie is at the entrance to the Museum and a copy is in Raleigh. The likeness of both figures is astounding.
-
I'm so glad there's a thread where I can be a "know-it-all". ;-)
I've been told the reason for mounting a horse from one side had to do with swords too.
It's tough to say when talking about "history" because all it takes is one person's musings and another repeating them to become "fact". I remember in my museum days someone asking why a carousel horse was carved with it's tongue sticking out. A fellow curator said glibly, "Maybe he didn't like the guy he was working for" and I actually seen that crazy statement repeated in books as "fact"!
It's taught me the plethora of opinion & speculation in historical "facts". Unless you were there, it's ALL speculation or pov. (ever read Capra's autobiography?)History is all educated guessing.
I believe there are a few carousels in the US that still employ the brass ring machines. Off the top of my head I think Providence RI, Riverfront Park, Spokane WA (plastic rings!) and Knoebels Groves PA have them as well as Martha's Vinyard.
I find steel rings in horses all the time, but it was the brass one that got you a free ride.
-
Oh no....meatloaf AGAIN?
First of all MrTCMFan, this is not your forum, it's a public place and you cannot demand who does/does not reply to your posts.
Secondly, it's supposed to be a friendly discussion of things related to TCM...like uh, FILM?
Otherwise, I find your ranting posts rather funny, especially your comments, "lead pens pros : fashionable" and "swirly light bulbs". It's fun to hear other people's opinions, especially if you can relate to their frustrations with changing times and possibly larn something.
I'm right with you on the camera thing. I grew up in Rochester NY and it was part of public schooling to learn real photography since Kodak donated all sorts of materials. I lament the day my SLR broke and there are no technitions or parts available to fix it. I have come over to the dark side using a digital camera for every day use, but insist on having images printed professionally, and I don't mean at Sprawl-Mart kiosks.
I hate that I cannot show my 14 year old how to make "spirit" photos-digital cameras simply won't make them. And PhotoShopping images does not replicate the fun of real physical film exposure.
I am in the business of "fixing" classic art and antiques. I love being around things that LAST and reject our "disposable" society. I often find original pencil marks on things over 100 years old-lead marks are very durable, more durable than paint! I hate seeing people spend money on particleboard furniture made in China.
>Don't get me started on shaving creams and smelly gels. Stick to the $! can of Barbasol over that $3 can of smelly jelly.
Did you know Barbasol will remove stains from upholstery without harming the fabric? Even urine stains in carpet? No need to buy fancy schmancy new products out there. I even use Borax in my laundry and can clean old stains from a 50 year old tablecloth.
Put into perspective that 80 years ago people complained about phones stopping face to face contact, or rejecting that new fangled electricity into their homes. In 80 years, home phones were perfected, taken for granted and now we're off to the next thing.
Maybe we'll perfect other technology too.
Nowadays we use "primitive" lifestyles for entertainment, like camping, grilling (not gas but wood) and horse back riding.
Did my post tutoring you with your DVD recorder help you at all?
-
>It's not so much about network news, or even television... it has to do with alerting us to what society has become, and how humanoid the individual has become.
>Very very true. But it's been done before and better. Oh, and btw, what are you going to do about all that is wrong with the world today? Revolt?
I just finished watching Network again last night. I think it's a fantastic movie and very prophetic. I do not think it's been "done better" especially the end, where giant corporations take over the networks.
It's the story about how business (and government) has taken over humanity by lying. What are we going to DO about it...revolt?
Well, I for one have simply "opted out". I realize I'm a very small individual, but I simply cannot live knowing I'm feeding the beast.
My biggest frustration is seeing everyone around me continue to feed the beast-and COMPLAINING about it.
I work in a Mall for heaven sakes, and I see zombies attending really terrible movies and housewives shopping their boredom away and couples sitting across the table from each other texting other people EVERY day.
It's upsetting to see people follow this path without even thinking. It's upsetting to be in the minority, not "buying" into the hype. I really wish more people would wake up and smell the Heelots.
And I think that's what Network tries to say, with drama, humor & pathos.
-
>Note: I think that a Carousel Ride should go in One Direction . . . Counter Clock Wise. I noticed that some Carousels go in the opposite direction. I've yet to ride on a Carousel going Clock Wise. I'd feel like I was going backwards.
ugaarte: British carousels go clockwise because the riders can mount from the "proper" side of the horse. American (& some European) carousels go counter clockwise because most people are right handed and it was easier to "catch the brass ring" with your right hand on the outside of the ride.
I've been "in the biz" for 30 years and never ridden an English carousel. (there are a few in the US)
Last trip to Toronto I was disappointed to find Center Island's gorgeous Dentzel carousel has new figures replacing some of the valuable originals. Gone is my favorite horse with canaries holding drapery and the very rare bears.
And I am WAY more creeped out by porcelain dolls than wax figures, mannequins or amusement parks.
-
Where's a rolled up newspaper when you need one?
-
Ha MP, I can completely relate to that story....
In a former life, I was an editor and have read several galleys, screenplays, etc. mostly just checking for historical accuracy.
I was once given a new screenplay to just "casually read through for opinions" not really edit. The first half hour was interrupted SEVERAL times to describe the sets/costumes/color themes, as if the "look" of the film was far more important than any story. (not unlike any Tim Burton vehicle)
And yes, it became a film but died a merciful death.
One of my favorite sites is http://www.imsdb.com/ I've downloaded and printed both Citizen Kane and Sunset Blvd for people to read. They show such spectacular writing these movies almost couldn't fail-and you "hear" the famous actors/actresses delivery and understand what they brought to the part.
-
I have exactly that Seeburg 200 wallbox (the jukebox remote) on my 'fride...it's the kitchen night light.
That is SO FUNNY! I remember when my brother bought one of those, and later that "projected" TV with the 3 color bulbs. I was the only one underwhelmed by it's picture quality. (I feel the same way about the new 3D TVs) Today's "big flat" TVs finally have come up to my expectations of what a TV should look like.
And those photos of "remotes"...remember the satisfaction of the "click" when you pressed one of those buttons?
-
Is there really any way Chayefsky could have imagined the cripptycrap TV has become?
Anonymous Twitter opinions used on national "news"? Entertainment shows centered around personal humiliation? Ordinary people putting their lives in danger to capture pictures for a millisecond of "celebrity"? TV shows with 50% BLEEPING instead of any kind of story?
Whenever someone begins a conversation about these shows I start reciting the quote with "I want you to get up off your couch..." and most have no idea what I'm talking about EVEN when I get to the last line.
It's the main reason I cut my cable last year. I surely miss TCM, but I simply "couldn't take this anymore".
-
I hear ya on those tubes-very tough to find these days!
Just found the photo of my TV awaiting restoration:
Although I spent almost 10 years as a professional "computer geek" I still enjoy "old school" media like the mellow sound of my restored "tombstone" radio & turntable and next this old TV.
I have been told restoring it and making it compatible with a DVD player will not ruin it's value, so we're looking forward to watching old 50's TV shows on it!
-
Great story, Mark!
I must shamefully admit that as a kid I didn't like Hayley much- I thought she had funny hair, awkward looking body and acted weird. See how critical & cruel kids can be?
Of course, as an adult I am completely charmed by her and I don't think any viewing of The Parent Trap escapes without a few scenes bringing me to tears.
She is absolutely wonderful- a powerhouse actress and so beautiful. Glad I grew up!
-
I guess they are doing something "right" for all of you, you are all excited to go see it!
Apparently I'm just spoiled because in my neck of the woods, I have access to see a hundred classic FILMS (35mm) a year; foreign film, comedy shorts, documentaries, B-pictures, cults and common classics.
I was dismayed when our big downtown movie palace stopped showing classic film in favor for live shows, but in reality they are supplemented by several other venues.
I'm just super lucky, I guess.
Sure, new digital movies are here to stay, but it doesn't effect me much since generally I don't see new movies.
I may live in a downtrodden rust belt part of the country with god awful weather, but the culture is rich with classic film & film restoration.
-
Wow I just stumbled upon this while looking at next month's Eastman House schedule:
Man In The Dark Lew Landers, US 1953, 70 min.
In 3-D! A lean thriller about lobotomized amnesia and tough-guy gangsters, Man in the Dark was the first major studio picture released in 3-D. Starring noir standbys Edmond O?Brien and Audrey Totter, Man in the Dark is a beguiling blend of medical drama, fever dream, and crime saga. The rollicking climax shows both 3-D and Ocean Park?s seedy Sea Serpent roller coaster to their best effects.
It's a Looff made carousel and I see a goat's tail peeking out at the far right. The only Looff carousel with a goat on my census list is now operating at Media City Center in Burbank. It's history states it ran at Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica from 1958 to 1967, not quite jibing with a 1953 made movie. Most likely this ride, though.
-
Anyone else?
Although I love the theater experience seeing classic film with an audience, TCM seems to be making some mistakes here.
First of all, they are screening digitally, not on FILM. Film looks different than digital projection.
I can watch the DVD of Singin' In The Rain at home on my big TV with surround sound. Not really that big of a difference, especially when you're herded into a small "portion" of a theater.
Secondly, the airport atmosphere of the multiplexes they've chosen does not add to any film viewing experience. And expecting patrons to pay $12.50 plus "convenience fees" just to get a ticket through a ticket service is ridiculous.
I think these "classic screenings" are just not worth bothering with.
-
>But you should really see Caged, the best of all women's prison movies.
July 19 at 11:15am ET
Yay! It's already on my "record" list already because "women in prison/bad girl juvie" movies are my absolute favorite! Looking forward to it!
-
Well this is shocking news to me-I always think of her as a "young hipster" writer.
I thought her writing for When Harry Met Sally made the picture. A perfect example of good writing via talented delivery. Never cared for Sleepless or Mail, but that could be because of Tom Hanks.
Bewitched & Julie/Julia were enjoyable films, although no classics.
In hindsight what I _most_ appreciate about Nora's body of work is she wrote "nice" stories with fun twists and never resorted to gutter language. (although the occasional drop of "don't f with mr big" in WHMS was actually pretty funny)
Really a sad loss for Hollywood and us.
When asked to cameo in a movie my only requirement is: "only if you give me an I'll have what she's having line."
Thanks kjk for confirming she was product of earlier Ephrons. I'll check out that film.
-
Well, we're not all exactly the same, are we?
As soon as I hit the "post" button, it hit me that I should have differentiated between comedies & dramas. For whatever reason, silent comedies can hold my attention viewing at home just fine-it's the dramas that are tiresome for me.
That's just my experience...others maybe not so.
I just find if a person says, "I hate silents", or "are bored by silent film" if they give them a second chance in a theater setting, they might feel differently.
Not always, but sometimes.
-
Wow, everyone's responses to this thread have been so knowledgeable and thoughtful!
Swithin said:For me, Marlon Brando in The Godfather would fit. I never much cared for his acting early on but thought his Don Corleone really worked.
I agree with both those statements 100%.
>Also from Swithin: I'm not a great fan of some of Huston's highly touted work; but I think his last film, The Dead, is simply of the greatest movies ever made
That's quite a statement! Noted and now on my must-see list!
TomJH, has Cagney EVER given a bad performance? I certainly can't think of one. In fact, I'd use him as an example of a consistently great actor.
>Lori added: Judy Garland in ?I Could Go On Singing? 1963. Judy?s last film, and again she shows us what a great dramatic actress she was.
Agreed, a great performance. But again, did she ever give a poor one? There certainly was a vast difference in her early musicals versus her later more dramatic roles, not unlike Cagney's.
Again, I'd call their performances consistent, just the vehicles changed.
Very interesting opinions & good information in this thread!
-
I find viewing silent film at home on a TV tiresome and difficult to get through. Don't allow your "home viewing" experience to be the only judge of these films.
For some reason, sitting in a theater with a live piano/organ player makes all the difference in the world.
I have been given both the Lon Chaney & Garbo collection on DVD and they both sit still shrink wrapped. But when viewed at film festivals, those same movies are the standouts.
-
Thanks for the plug MW.
I was just reminded of the silly '67 Sonny & Cher movie Good Times, where Cher sings a merry-go-round song (Merry-Go-Runaround?) and rides a kiddie carousel.
-
Thanks TB for the response & validation.
>In order for Tom Hanks to win two Oscars as best actor he had to play a mentally imbalanced man and a homosexual.
That's because for the most part, Hanks is a terrible actor. People like HIM because in his youth he was "every" man cute, but his acting limits have become painfully obvious as he's aged. He personifies the star who needs a "vehicle".
>In ATLANTIC CITY, we do have Burt playing a rather sleazy human being, but he does it vividly as well as subtly.
Wish I had the foresight to see it. Burt was an excellent sleazy charactor in Sweet Smell of Success. But from what's been written on this thread, what he brought to AC was a crusty maturity that only comes with long honed, practiced talent.
For me, the beauty of Bette Davis playing Baby Jane (as well as Swanson in Sunset Blvd) was that she was an over-the-top actress and her age allowed it to manifest itself into insanity.
-
Haha this thread reminds me of the tired argument by those politically correct individuals who say, "Kill Your Television". The argument of one media being superior to another is often (not always) a matter of opinion and there will always be those fascinated by "old school" technology.
Blanculli has an excellent book on the subject, "Teleliteracy" that explains this age-old conversation (not unlike the ancient Greek "youth of the day") that BOOKS are superior to plays, the STAGE is superior to film, that FILM is superior to TV, and so on.
Newer technology is invented and everything has it's plusses & minuses.
Personally, my half century eyes just can't follow CGI and I miss the days of film where backrounds were out of focus creating depth. I love the internet, but just can't appreciate the tinny sound of MP3s.
I was thrilled yesterday to find 3 Deitrich LPs at an estate sale and can't wait to attend our chic bi-monthly "Vinyl Party" and recently stumbled upon a new store in town, HIONFI that reconditions vintage stereo equipment. They are excited for me to bring in a box of Walkmans! Imagine!
-
Snoods are (to me at least) traditionally netting. They are still used by upper level equestriennes since ponytails are not allowed. They rule for long hair because once removed your fall looks wonderful-no flattening or mussing.
Also makes a great vulgar-less insult.
"I'M AS MAD AS HELL"... The Prophecy of NETWORK!
in Hot Topics
Posted
>As my father told me ages ago when I complained, if you don't like it leave and go live in another country.
slayton & darkblue - I think you're misinterpreting the statement by taking it literally.
I see the statement as saying, "complaining is only lip service, be proactive" and that by "taking it" you're allowing the behaviour to continue and therefore becoming part of the problem.
It's kind of like when people complain about how bad movies are today I respond with, "Then stop rewarding them with your dollars."