Tikisoo
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Posts posted by Tikisoo
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Hi Chris!
If you are truly a classic movie fan you have the great outlet of the Dryden Theater at the Eastman House to view rare & classic film in 35mm with an audience.
Also keep in mind Syracuse has a Cinefile Society that screens classic & rare 16mm movies on Monday nights along with Cinefest a four day marathon in March.
December 14th, TCM is broadcasting a typical example of Eastman archive films that show at Cinefest. It's even more fun (& informative!) to see these with fellow movie lovers.
I often round up a vanload of film buffs to travel to the Eastman for special screenings & there's a Rochester crowd that does the same thing to come to Syracuse Monday nights!
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Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with me....several people I know love this movie and I just don't "get" it.
Granted, I only watched it once but it came across as very mean spirited to me. I don't find ridicule funny and it seems a lot of the scenes people delight in are just making fun of others.
I grew up in the early sixties too, and I wonder if people mostly enjoy the nostalgia of the costumes & set dressing. Eh.
After just one viewing, though, I have adopted the pronunciation "fra-JILL-ay" which I did find rather cute.
OK, fellow classic film lovers, I'll give it another go-around. I hate being the only person in the room who doesn't "get" a movie.
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Hey, she was from the PNW...people there are eclectic independents.
I saw the biopic starring Jessica Lange at the theater well before I knew who Frances was. It's a stunning portrayal and has shown up on TCM late at night (I think you see naked buttocks-whoop-de-do)
There have been studies recently showing how teeny electrical shocks to the brain can alter perceptions, speech, vision, etc depending on the position/location of the electrodes. This helps explain the heavy violent electroshock therapy in use for many years. They knew it helped some, just didn't know how or why. With MRIs, now the physical changes have been corroborated & documented.
I love reading Carrie Fisher's books, she's a fantastic gifted writer. Her book "Shockaholic" is in my library queue. I only wish the talented & intelligent Frances could have been helped better in her day. We should be so thankful such great strides have been made to help those suffering from these afflictions.
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I caught the interview with the author of this book on NPR's Science Friday. He gave a very detailed explanation about this particular invention and the events leading up to it.
It was fascinating and made perfect sense since she was exposed to this type of dealings while married to her first husband in Austria.
He also spoke of her long wait for recognition and her pride when it finally came from the US military, late in her life.
He also said her story has been successfully done as a play and there are many options out there for a movie.
Judging from the author's demeanor & eloquence on the radio, I think the book would be a great read!
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musicalnovelty-
Regrettably I have never even heard of the Seymour Hicks '35 version. I'm not real keen on cartoon versions, I prefer to compare the creative handling of real actors as ghosts, fade outs, etc.
I have tried to show a "traditional" version along with an "updated" version each year. I'll leave the "super whacky" versions for her to discover herself if she ever chooses.
Monday night (our traditional family movie night) we'll be watching the Alistair Sim version-perfect scheduling!
The oddball version we'll see this year is Dr Who's Christmas Carol only because this kid's totally into Dr Who. She watches a lot of stuff I recommend, now it's MY turn to give a little for her!
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I caught a recent documentary on PBS "Reel Injun" that was about Native Americans in film. Quite good, it covered portrayals of Amerindians from early Hollywood to more recent films echoing TCM's excellent spotlight of last year.
Looking at the upcoming schedule I see this which may be of interest:
December 29 at 10 PM
These Amazing Shadows
by Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton
The National Film Registry is an eclectic collection of films that typify cinema's contributions to American culture. The 550 films inducted thus far constitute a roll call of national cultural and artistic treasures that reflect a nation's self-perception, fears, and ambitions.{font:Arial}{font}
Check your local listing for broadcast times.
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/tv-schedule/
Rich text just never works right on my Mac!
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Susan Lucci.
In an attempt to get TikiKid to appreciate the classics as well as holiday traditions, we watch a different version of The Christmas Carol every year.
I really like Leo G Carrol as Marley-he has the perfect woeful long face!
We saw the Alastair Sim version _first_ and the Muppet one last year. I'm hoping we can catch the Reginald Owen one this year. If not, I'll borrow the George C Scott version from the library.
It's a fun holiday tradition!
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I am really surprised at all the judging of charactor going on in this thread!
Maybe I'm more sympathetic to those who have made mistakes involving love (Loretta Young, Ingrid Bergman) than those mistakes surrounded by meanness (Jerry Lewis, Joan Crawford) but that's just me.
I have not read any of the books mentioned, so I do not know the particulars.
Having a parent who denies biological parentage because of shame & desire for a career seems pretty understandable (not right, but understandable) when you consider the morality of the day. The fact that she kept Judy rather than giving her up for adoption says she truly loved this child and was willing to take some responsibility for her emotional weaknesses.
Morality has a place in our society, it helps keep us in line for the good of others welfare. Today's "free for all" attitude has given us confused families of "every child has a different absent daddy" and grown adults wearing infantile pajamas in public.
And I'm one of those who truly believe Debbie Harry (of Blondie) is Marilyn Monroe's daughter given up for adoption.
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Clore, I love your responses....& especially the text color change to differentiate it from the OP.
>No offence, but that does not make sense when he is promoted as the expert.
I think that's the heart of the issue. Robert Osborne is no expert. He is a HOST of a cable channel.
I know several people (some on this board) who truly ARE film historians & experts. They'd write their own intros/outros.
If they were given copy to read to an audience, they would check the facts, especially if something didn't seem correct.
The problem is, none of these people would be suitable as a TV host (one would -you know who you are!) because public speaking is not their "job".
Robert Osborne has TV experience & great presence. He has some knowledge of film history (esp Academy Awards), he's just not a walking encyclopedia like others-it's a trade-off.
>Yes, it is important that he is back. Now if only the staff would treat him with the importance he deserves and not leave him to the mercy of others having to make excuses for him on account of his age when his only fault perhaps is trusting that the info is correct.
Here here!
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Robert Osborne's absence just made it clear to me how little difference his presence makes to TCM.
Sure, you couldn't HELP but notice how much better his delivery is compared with all the "fill in guest" hosts. He definitely is well suited to the job- good looking, well spoken, professional & personable.
But Ben Mankiewicz is also good looking, well spoken, professional and personable. If Robert Osborne wanted to retire and Ben Mankiewicz took his place, it would not change my enjoyment of the channel.
Some might call me the wet blanket around these boards, but I'm just being realistic.
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OK, without looking on IMDB, just your own observation....what actor/actress had the most non-starring appearances?
It seems to me the award would go to Ward Bond first-man that guy turns up everywhere!
Second place: Thomas Mitchell
Third place: Adolf Menjou
Has anyone else ever noticed this?
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>None of it touches me and none of the characters resonate. I know I have watched it at least twice and I do not remember any scene or element of the plot. It is a rare thing that no single thing remains with me.
Perfectly said. I was reluctant to see a screening of this recently but (as usual) was talked into it. This movie definitely fares better with an audience than a TV viewing. I also noticed Huston brings an interesting understated quality to his role that is easily overlooked.
I think the fact the mother is more interested in herself than her daughter & grandchild is just another heavy handed (& unrealistic) point the story makes. Wish the story was more subtle & the performances more dramatic.
And the comment on the closing with Astor's beaming face was a good one, I agree.
PS I caught a teeny bit of the Maltese Falcon yesterday & discovered Miss Wonderly's namesake! Haha-_YOU'RE_ Mary Astor!
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It doesn't seem like any genre divides people as much as musicals.
Was there something going on with MM during the filming of this picture? She plays her role over the top cartoony which I find totally beneath her. Her talent & beauty for her numbers pretty much counter balance her lousy obvious over acting.
While I don't really care for the film at all, ANY opportunity to see Donald O'Connor dance is worth tuning in for. He's in the film a lot, and I just think he's an incredible talent.
And I literally cried when Ethel Merman sang the title number at the end. What a wonderful thing that we have that on film to see forever.
So I grant you musical haters, it's a silly film. But I'm so glad it was made for posterity at least. Some of the greatest talent performing classic Berlin songs.
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I am always very saddened when thinking we'll never get another piece of work by a great artist. Love him or hate him, his work is "stand out" original and a unique voice in film media.
Even though his best known work THE DEVILS scared me to death when I saw it as a 20 year old, it certainly made an impression and made me think about the subject further.
After that, I tried catching his films at the theater and they all left me with the same feeling. Since TCM has shown TOMMY a few times, I've noticed Russel's films tend to sink in better with repeat viewings.
Russell's films strike me like Kubrick films for that reason. It's as if his films worm their way into your body like residue, heh. I hope he'll be better appreciated through history as an untypical filmmaker.
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Like casablancalover I too noticed the similar themes of Mr Skeffington & Dodsworth. It is difficult to see what the attraction was for both men of the women beyond looks, but maybe that is the true message.
The biggest difference I see is the adultery issue. In Skeffington, it seemed ok they forgave each others indescretions since sex was less important than companionship at that point.
But I'll never understand why faithful Dodsworth would ever desire or even accept his cheating wife back. It makes him seem like a real chump. There is no nobility in ignorance in my book.
The only thing that saves Dodsworth is Huston's strong subtle performance. And I really enjoy Mary Astor's serene portrayal as well.
I think we all might have enjoyed Chatterton's charactor if she was played a little more vivacious (charming, flirtatious) like Bette Davis' Fanny.
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I'm with you clore-William Powell to Warren William-heaven!
It's funny, my Mom is in town for the holiday & we heard a host say Robert Osborne was to be back soon. I looked at her and said, "All the people on the TCM board will be excited for his return, how do YOU feel about it?"
And she said, "Nothing. I don't really care."
My sentiments exactly.
I care a lot more about the movies TCM will be showing than the host segments. To me, they're just a chance to grab a cup of tea.
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MrTiki was glued to the set for *Jeopardy* so I sat down and watched it with him and we laughed throughout the entire movie.
It began when "Bobby" was stuck out on the pier and both parents yelled for him-the Tikis would have instantly RAN to rescue him before yelling!
Then the father was stuck. Babs took off in the car (wow cars bounced a lot in the 50's) to get help (& a rope) and met up with some Mexicans. Instead of piling them in the car to help her free her husband, she got frustrated trying to speak to them & took off!
Then she meets up with Meeker. I didn't know it was "his" day, but was instantly drawn to him. What a hunk! And I loved how he played his role, very menacing. I've met a lot of ex-convicts and they don't look, talk or act like that, not even in the 50's.
MrTiki is a cop too & his gun is either ON him or in the safe, never in the glove box! If he stopped a car looking for an escaped convict, he'd WAKE UP the guy sleeping on her shoulder, not just talk to the girl driving the car. We split our sides when the cops drove away, "enjoy your vacation!"
Bobby tried to console his father with coffee. A straw or pipe to breathe with underwater would have been more helpful.
It was totally funny when Meeker helped to free Bab's husband. A real convict wouldn't bother. And what pushed me off the edge was seeing Meeker lean over the pier railing right next to ANCHORS & ROPES!! (which could have easily lifted the post that pinned the husband)
The father was helped off the beach at the end. He visibly walked on both feet, even the one presumably crushed by the dock. Babs wistfully hopes the convict gets away.
Who WROTE that story? It might as well have been directed by Ed Wood.
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Whenever you have a word borrowed from another language, BOTH pronunciations are acceptable.
Do you say, "en-velope" or "on-velope"?
...you say po-tay-to and I say pot-a-to
you say to-may-to and I say to-ma-to....
Let's just lay this one to rest
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Good post Dobbs, as usual I agree with you all the way.
I didn't bother to watch because I can't think of any director or composer I care less for than Spielberg & Williams.
Oh wait- Tim Burton & Danny Elfman.
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Dargo-
I know exactly the phenomenon you speak of.
While teaching TikiKid (oh why didn't we name her Trippy?) a lesson in COURAGE, I wanted to illustrate to her if you ACT brave -no matter how scared- you will BE brave.
We were walking around a busy festival and I acted like a meek little old lady hunched over looking at the ground. People pushed me aside with zero eye contact.
I said, "Now watch, I'll be Sophia Loren" and I just pretended to be Sophia-walked with my head high, shoulders back, smooth gait and the crowd parted - EVERY head turned -not just men but women too, and believe me, I'm no beauty. (I often do "the Sophia" when walking dogs, even animals respond)
I think that is the core of acting. Just pretending to be something you're not, but it takes conscientious work. People read the visual cues and it can color their perception. It is often most apparent in photographs vs seeing the person in real life.
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>PS: Harmetz's books are rife with errors.
Really?
Do you think the Baum/Prof Marvel coat story is true? I recently flipped through a new biography on Baum that mentions the story and shows him wearing *the* coat. (but I realize urban legends have a way of perpetuating, esp if false)
If it IS true, it's just another example of the serendipity this story (Oz book & movie) holds.
For those of you unfamiliar...a quick Wiki synopsis:
According to another story which appears to be true, the coat Frank Morgan wore as Professor Marvel, which was handpicked from a second-hand clothing rack, once belonged to L. Frank Baum (the author of the Oz series of books). The inside pocket had his name on it. After completion of the film, the coat was presented to Baum's widow who confirmed it was indeed his.
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Remember MovieGal, the biggest reason Fanny married Mr Skeffington was so he'd drop all larceny charges against her beloved brother Trippy. (the name "Trippy Trellis" must be some kind of inside joke at WB)
>Both Skeffingtion and Fanny married each other for the wrong reasons. In the end none of the trivialities mattered.
I think the reason why I like this film so much is because I was brought up in the era that "beauty bought security", a shameful attitude regarding men... & women's roles for that matter. I never understood the idea of "marrying for money" and this film illustrates it for me.
The biggest flaw in the film is the theme quote. It SHOULD be "A woman is never really beautiful until she HAS loved." (since she doesn't discover loving anyone else until the very end)
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I think Bette using "that voice" was her own acting decision. Maybe it helped her define her charactor's shallowness.
Obviously Skeffington had low self esteem to marry such a shallow woman-he wrapped himself up in his work, he was fairly shy & unassuming, maybe it was the way he was brought up.
Eugenia perfectly said:
maybe Skeffington had a compassionate nature that allowed him to overlook her faults and love her anyway.
Dobbs asked:
why would Fanny marry Mr. Skeffington, since she didn't care for him and she had many other wealthy men she could have married?
Because those guys weren't wealthy then, they were all just starting out-young & passionate. Skeffington was mature & established.
Besides, (Fanny's thinking) the calm guy will give you far less trouble than the wild passionate type who are always demanding sex. (which of course, no woman wants, oy!) Skeffington was her "safe" bet. A patsy.
As for Bette Davis not being "beautiful" in this movie- one introduction said, "Davis was such a great actress, she made you believe she was beautiful."
I just kind of liked the "Gift of the Magi" type of twist ending this movie has, far better than Gilda, which leaves me cold.
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Well how about that? A first post and it's a complaint! I'll give that it's original....not the typical:
Intro inaccuracies
Ben Mankiewicz
Frequent movie repeats
Movies from the 70's-90's
Welcome to the TCM Message Board Red!
Can Old Studio Cameras Be Used Today...Please?
in General Discussions
Posted
>Those machines must be somewhere...why not dust them off and use them?
In the beginning of this decade I was given a pile of old film equipment to sell for a friend on ebay; cameras, lenses, blimps, baby legs, Mole Richardson lights, etc. I think he had received them in leiu of payment? At that time in Canada, everyone "in the biz" was unloading their old film stuff and investing into digital.
I was amazed that all the old wooden baby legs were sold to a guy in CA who used them as bases for floor lamps to sell to swanky stores.
Cameras & lenses went as far away as Alaska & China, they were unbelievably awful to crate & send.
The seller said, "some poor chump thinks he's going to make a movie with those old things" because getting parts and even FILM is difficult these days, not to mention EDITING film has come a long way in simplification.
I just don't think using them is practical.
Some of the equipment was sold to the son of a well known 60's sitcom producer who used them as backround props for new interviews to include on a DVD box set.
The coolest sale was an entire Steenbeck editing machine. I had to disassemble it (monsterous!) to send it to the new owner, the grandson of the inventor!
>It just seems like when they try to make a WW2 movie today, the actors/actresses don't look right.
I think that's due more to lighting than anything else. When a professional photographer was in my home & saw the MR baby spots, he said, "Wow, I'd love to do a portrait using those. It would make the photo look like a real 40's still." He insinuated the lighting makes the picture, which makes sense.