Tikisoo
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Posts posted by Tikisoo
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I find it kind of sad that people don't seem to want to separate an actor from his roles. Bela was a classy, intelligent gentleman who did a great job acting in horror roles.
I think some actors bring a large element of drama to these roles, even "hammmy" rather than understatement which hits the viewer more emotionally. Compare Tony Perkins' Norman Bates to Anthony Hopkins' Hannibal Lector.
Bela was a BIG actor, who filled a role. His gentility makes the charactor scarier.
But he was really just a person with a job to do. It makes me sad when people reduce really good dramatic actors performances (like Vincent Price & Boris Karloff as well) to just a scary "boogeyman" like the guys in modern slasher films.
And even worse when people focus so much attention on Bela's drug addiction.
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>I don't think Hollywood has enough talented people to fill the original actors' shoes. I think I posted You've Got Mail as a very successfully updated version of The Shop Around The Corner.
Geez, except for loser Tom Hanks who stunk it up
>Then the other movie that was actually pretty darn good remake was Imitation Of Life. Both versions of this movie can hold their own.
I agree 100% with you on that one.
I also really enjoy both versions of THE CHILDRENS HOUR too.
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OK I just checked this with my brother (who is a maritime historian living in Marblehead MA) just because I found the question interesting. He says absolutely "sailing at midnight" is a "Hollywood" thing, only added because of atmosphere.
Ships depart "whenever" since there is no control over arrival time. If they want to arrive at "11am", they would just wait outside the harbor in deeper water until sunrise. Fishing boats often do this anyway to get a visual of dangerous rock or shallow water.
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The most prophetic message film I can think of is NETWORK. I am totally amazed the warning of "news as entertainment" has come true so totally in our lifetime.
What do you all think of war "message" pictures like THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES and companion piece SINCE YOU WENT AWAY? Are they tapping into truth or creating a truth?
I especially love WB gangster "message" pictures like the aforementioned WILD BOYS OF THE ROAD as well as ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES.
Like my beloved CapraCorn, the simplicity of the "be good or you'll die" message in these films is heavy handed at times, but because of good writing, tight editing and superb acting, I think they hold up well.
I just made a box set of these films as a gift for teen TikiKid who loves Cagney & Frankie Darro. Hope they make the intended impact!
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My mother, grandmother & I went to see THE GODFATHER at the drive-in down the street (in Rochester NY) They made me lie down in the back seat with my eyes covered for the "horse head" scene since I was a horse crazy kid.
Now of course I realize it was a prop, not even realistic, but they wanted to spare me the trauma.
As a young adult I got talked into seeing THE SHINING. I didn't sleep for a week without the lights on in my bedroom. The most disturbing thing was the guy in a bear suit!
What the heck?
It was the most "nightmarish" movie I had ever seen, with weird imagery straight from the unconscious. At least that's the only explanation I can muster for being frightened to the core by a guy in a bear suit.
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No one on this board is more judgmental about clothing, "dress code" & public appearance than I; rock stars on stage dressed if they are going to mow the lawn (at $75 a ticket!) or those shopping in sleepwear (except babies in "onsies") and don't even get me started on "low pants" (say no to crack!)
That said, I adore Robert Osborne's dresser and think he does a fine job, often exceptional. Bob's white hair allows some great colorful combinations.
I've noticed Ben's dresser has "stepped it up" since he's been on daily. Weekends, he's in dark jeans but with a casual jacket, open collar. Weeknights, he's in a casual suit that's better fitting than previous disasterous outfits. And didn't I even see him in a tie?
When you are being seen by the public, especially as a figure with some "authority", you really need to dress the part. Ben certainly has done that (or the professional advisor he's hired) I think the clean shaven face makes him look more mature as well.
It's all part of the CLASS in TCM.
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pturman, I don't recall if Betty ever goes into her children's story in the book, it was ages ago I read it. I think it's pretty much glazed over OR I'd remember it.
And yes, Betty's "side of the story" or "embellishments" don't ruin the book or my admiration for Betty one whit.
Are you talking about the book FEVER, Mackie? That's been on my shelf a year now, but always opt for a li-berry book first (gotta get it back in time!) I really want to complete it before the film version is out.
I understand Reese Witherspoon wants to play Lee-PERFECT! I think Reese is a great actress and takes all kinds of interesting roles. She's one of the few contemporary stars who is as good as any one in the "classic golden" age.
I pretty much read all the classic film stars biographies and find MANY of the autobiographies written by ladies are full of "done me wrong" stories. Debbie Reynolds' comes to mind. I guess it's a way of airing out frustrations, but often leaves me upset thinking, "How could you allow that?"
I realize I want these stars to be as confident & strong as they portray charactors.
I will ALWAYS admire Betty Hutton for her portrayal in *Annie Get Your Gun* because she KNEW she wasn't wanted on the set. What a performance she gives us- she's strong, loving, fun and just downright thrilling!
In the face of adversity, she gave us that incredible performance to enjoy forever.
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>What actress displayed more range than Woodward from 1957-1972?
Well that's exactly what I was thinking.
What IS it about this time period where "everyday people" & "real situations" films dominate and costume or "fantasy" films are only trippy oddities?
But Woodward was really great in everything she did.
>But she was a plain looker.
I'm sure Woodward's being a "method" actress doesn't help. But I see her a a pretty, natural delicate thing, just not glamorous. (sort of along the lines of Julie Harris)
Glamor, (like Liz Taylor & MM) were out of style by that time period. Even hubba hubba gal Raquel Welch had very toned down make-up & little sparkle.
Anyway, I've always really liked Woodward. Maybe she's truly a product of her era.
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>The role and the (now dated) story demand some theatricality and flourish. I mean, does anyone want to see The Accountant of The Opera?
Nicely put, JG.
Last night I just finished watching the last recording of Lon Chaney Day and I agree-it was my favorite SUTS day so far.
For some reason I can look past the often ludicrous stories and just enjoy the fantasy aspect and dramatic quality of Chaney himself.
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I always wanted to see this film and FINALLY watched it last night. Loved it.
Have always been a Woodward fan, don't even really know why. Guess there's just something real & likable about her that comes across on the screen.
Although I felt her treatment of the bunny was unforgivable, I could understand the charactor's frustration-she had begged her daughter to clean up after it several times in the film, and she totally had a full plate already.
I very much liked the "hidden" quality of the drinking too, just like in real life. The kids didn't find her passed out in the chair every night, her escapades were away from the kids for the most part.
LOVED the old lady bit. Did you see how Bea *looked* at that woman as she left her mother?
It was an interesting version of the "disappointing life" movie, elevated by the stellar acting abilities of all three actresses.
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Ok, *GIRL* sorry.
Here's proof I like Roz...my office's current half sheet features her:
My computer has a TCM desktop pic natch. And now you see why I'm called TikiSoo.
BTW the Lon Chaney is a portrait done entirely with rubber stamps by artist Haig Demarjian.
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I can completely understand the dislike for silents, even though I'm not in their camp. Silents are really best seen in a theater with an audience, not TV.
I was thrilled for an entire day of Lon Chaney and took the opportunity to record a few faves not included in either of my Chaney Box Sets. I took a chance and recorded "Todd Browning rarities double feature" ZANZIBAR & EAST IS EAST overnight.
I played the recording while on the phone with Mom who said, "I hated yesterday, I don't like being scared!" which shows just how people can wrongly pidgeonhole movies. TELL IT TO THE MARINES, nor UNHOLY THREE certainly aren't scary.
Reminds me of those who ask, "Is it in COLOR? I hate black & white movies."
Anyway, while just watching ZANZIBAR (while Mom "blah, blah, blah") I was so glad I recorded it.
The beauty of silent film is that you can watch them while on the phone!
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>Re: the earlier post who couldn't understand how anybody could prefer Scott over Grant; well, they are certainly not cut from the same cloth, but I think Scott would be considered quite a catch by a lot of people.
I _did_ specify no woman would prefer Scott over Grant. (and I understand even Cary was a bit light in his loafers)
The bit where Cary visualizes Scott on the trapeze always evokes a howl from me!
Funny that I mix up THE AWFUL TRUTH & MY FAVORITE WIFE too. I don't see much difference between Jean Arthur or Irene Dunn (except in height) either. I'm only luke warm to either of them and don't know why.
This is why I prefer HIS GAL FRIDAY, I just like Roz and what she adds to the film. Just wish she wore a dress with eyes on the chest for every movie.
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MrTiki, who had never seen this before, was sucked right in by Rosalind Russell- apparently he's attracted to pushy broads.
I agree (again) with misswonderly about the "stagey" quality & "talktalktalk" as reasons why I don't pull the DVD off the shelf more often.. it's kind of tiring. MY MAN GODFREY strikes me the same way and finding Carole Lombard annoying doesn't help.
My favorite screwball comedy despite the presence of Irene Dunn is MY FAVORITE WIFE. I like the dialogue pace, enjoy the sets & clothes, think the scenario is cute, but especially enjoy icky Randolph Scott as a "desirable" muscle man. How could Cary Grant EVER believe a woman would prefer Scott to him?
Anyway, we missed the end of HIS GAL FRIDAY.... the dialogue lulled us to sleep!
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anne, tell us what you thought of it...sorry to be nosey rosie, but I'd love to know.
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No one hated Hollywood & their career like Garbo. She is the queen of snub in that regard.
I think often the transition for Europeans to the Hollywood studio system was a difficult one. The balance of art vs money is hard for many to take.
Alice Faye also comes to mind. I realize family was the underlying reason, but she had zero desire to juggle both, she just dropped out of movies. And she was Fox's biggest star!
And I think you're off base citing Marilyn Monroe. Like Judy Garland, she had a tough time fitting into the studio's demands and treatment (often rightly so) but completely embraced the idea of being a famous entertainer & star. I think both gals wanted their careers badly, actually sacrificing their health for it.
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In MEN ARE BORN broadcast this past week there was a scene where an engaged couple wanted to "go back to the apartment". The other two roommates just rolled their eyes and said, "Eh they just want to play house for awhile. Let's be generous and give them *an hour!"*
I liked the insinuation it would be fairly quick, due to youth! Guess pre-marital sex isn't any result of the 60's sexual revolution.
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> How about people changing their clothes about 10 times a day?
Either I'm a real retro gal or this just isn't an aspect of the past. In some instances, it's just elements added/subtracted like footwear.
Daily Clothing Changes:
1. decent work clothes (I'm a contractor but seen by the public!)
2. barn/riding clothes (change boots, pants & underclothes-NO metal, not even a belt)
3. work at home/grocery or gas stop (casual wear like shorts & sandals, earrings)
4. walk the dog (walking sneakers, better clothing)
5. yoga (change to stretchy top & pants)
6. if going out with friends/family, change again to my best clothes & jewelry
7. it all comes off - pajama time!
All this "changing" because I have too much pride to wear sloppy or inappropriate clothing in public.
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Good thing Norma didn't remover her make up - she practically vaulted out of bed to go back out to the nightclub and confront "the women"!
Last night I watched all the Ann Dvorak pre-codes I recorded and found a few....
Franchot Tone puts rubbers on over his shoes before going out in the rain! I remember seeing old fashioned teachers wearing them in the 60's, but I bet you can't even FIND them nowadays. A great practical and forgotten accessory.
I also noticed a typo on a sign in the newsroom set, "Make Sure Your Right" most likely referring to getting the facts right in your story.
In DOUBLE INDEMNITY the grocery store where Stanwyk & MacMurray meet have signs that say, "Cand Milk" and "Cand Beans". I wasn't sure if that was a typo or just cute abbreviated jargon of the day.
I also notice dropping adverbs is nothing new to the language, example, "Don't take it personal" (should be "personally") "Get rich quick" ("quickly") and so on.
In the first half of our century, it wasn't unusual for kids to not even graduate from high school. These days more kids graduate, but language sloppiness is just accepted and misspelling is vogue. (ex; Hair Cutz, Ludakris)
I'd venture to say most kids do not know how to spell "light".
And did you realize cursive writing is a thing of the past? I have to translate cursive "notes" shown in films to TikiKid! (makes a good "code" for notes between MrTiki & I)
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It's A Wonderful Life had a few great Stewart moments, I agree with Dargo's post.
My absolute favorite one, though, is a long take at the train station when George & family are greeting Harry & (surprise!) his new wife.
George is standing alone with a deep puzzled look on his face, then strides across the screen coming close to the camera, still deep in thought about the implications of Harry's marriage. In an instant he decides he must not dwell on his own career but celebrate his brother's arrival and his face lights up as he slaps Harry on the back.
No words.
It's as if you can read his mind.
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I saw this a long time ago and wasn't too impressed so I gave it another whirl-glad I did! It was a lot more complex and less sordid than I remembered it-of course-stellar cast & Billy Wilder. It seemed just a tad stereotypical & dated but the performances really helped round out the charactors and helped me forget how ludicrous the concept.
As for Paul Douglas (or similar actor Broderick Crawford) being attractive, absolutely. There is a "big cuddly bear" sort of quality these guys have, along with a strong no nonsense attitude often tinged with "animal" like passion. Rrrawr. Definitely miscast as a suave corporate executive type, though.
I definitely don't see Fran Kublick as a "golddigger". If that was the case why would she be so devastated when realizing she's just another fling for the boss? She is a special girl and felt she deserved a special guy, which she realizes in the end is Baxter.
I'm sure she loved the attention from the big boss at first and then fell for his manipulative "sweet talking". He's obviously a manipulator, illustrated by his conversation when she's crying in the apartment.
I very much enjoyed Jack Lemmon's performance in this film and as always, MacLaine's portrayal. She's one of my favorite actresses.
Although some of her books are "out there", she is a gifted writer. She did write one (or two?) books on her experiences in Hollywood. MY LUCKY STARS, a Hollywood Memoir is a MUST read, especially for her take on Mitchum & Sinatra.
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OK, I'll tell you what...email me in the TCM inbox with your "wish lists". Alert me when one's coming up & if the machine is free, I'll try to make sure you get to see it.
I record a LOT because I'm self employed and can often work weird hours. I might just already have them, though not one of misswonderly's wish list.
BTW, we thought Mr Arkadin was terrible. Trippy weird, disjointed, non capturing story. You missed nothing.
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I just love all the thoughtful posts on this thread. I wish I had your eloquence. LOVE BPerkins post especially.
CITIZEN CANE is the #1 movie in my house, I've loved it since the first viewing.
And I love it because of the performances.
I can identify with every charactor in CZ, many of which make the most of short screen time. I like the person who Susan Alexander is. Dorothy Comingore isn't a "whining shrew" but an uneducated, disappointed woman who feels trapped. The portrayal of Mr Bernstein was so loveable. The simple "Lady with the white parasol" story is moving because of his wonderful heartfelt delivery.
Agnes Moorehead as Kane's Mom? Sure, the technique & camerawork is beautiful in that scene, but Aggie lets us know every second, every thought going through her mind both with & without words.
I like seeing them age. I like the complexity of their charactors. Stories that are about life's disappointments are depressing, but I feel for the charactors and are inspired by them.
As for the snowglobe, it shows that the set dressing in this film was almost it's own charactor. The details of Susan's "jigsaw puzzle of a room" (great quote!) is best appreciated when viewed on the big screen.
And I find it funny that ON THE WATERFRONT leaves me cold, movielover11. It's one of MrTiki's faves but I don't like the performances, the charactors nor the story. I dislike violence too.
But how cool that film is so opinion based. It points out our similarities & differences. Although _I_ love it, I totally understand when people say "I didn't get what was so great about Citizen Kane."
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> "1 1/2 ribs higher on the chest than it was a century ago"? That's pretty observant. Sounds as if you've done some research on breasts.
Well, I use exactly the same "eye guage" as Cappy- looking where the breast falls in relation to the elbow. Bette Davis takes the prize for "Lowest Breasts in Classic Film" even as a young woman.
I'm a woman & an artist. I need to see proportion immediately to ascertain what clothing, lighting and angles will flatter a model or ruin him/her. (just so you know I'm not some dirty old man ogling bewbs)
When anyone says "Wow I really like him/her" about a not so attractive charactor actor in close up, they often are subconsciously noticing the person's facial symmetry. Mickey Rooney, Frank McHugh fall within that category.
I'm pretty bored by "perfect" looks, like Grace Kelly. I'll take a Stanwyk any day.
Which Movies should never be remade like ever
in Hot Topics
Posted
> two movies that should never be remade are: The Great Escape and The Bridge Over The River Kwai
Whoa, could you imagine either of these remade? They'd light it very darkly to cover up all the CGI. Shameful.
It's funny, whenever scale models are used in older films TikiKid blurts out "TOY" meaning a "toy" train or boat, etc. For whatever reason I am much less offended by the use of models than the use of CGI in modern films.
And as for my disdain over talentless Tom Hanks, his ineptitude has already been well covered by my earlier rants on this message board.
But I did like the idea of that remake, changing letter writing to email.