Tikisoo

> {quote:title=HollywoodGolightly wrote:}{quote} > Would you prefer it with the Alec Baldwin intro,or the Fan Programmer intro? What would you guess? CINEMAVEN, of course!!!!

After looking at hamradio's post of TCM's original mission statement, I can see why Saving Private Ryan doesn't belong: "The greatest movies of all time, ALL the time......legendary classic movies" SPR certainly isn't "legendary" nor "classic". But is Hollywood Party ? I suppose the "edge" that old films have over modern ones for _THIS_ station, at least, is even though they may be a dud, they are historical. You may see the first appearance of an upcoming star, or an unusual against type performance, or a failed first version of a story. They become "historically significant" in the overall view of film as a medium. SPR is a less than average film, in my opinion....but I know many who were impressed by it. It certainly seems fitting TCM shows it once, while showcasing Spielberg's work. (although there are others I would have preferred) I just hope it's not repeated in any typical scheduling. Close Encounters, Jaws & ET all fall into "classic" film category (again, imo) because they were ground breaking for their day, and pretty universally liked and unoffensive. But I'd prefer if TCM steers away from this type of film because, yes, they are easily available on DVD and commonly broadcast on other stations. But even that arguement fails when you think of GWTW, It's A Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz, all common films. TCM walks a tightrope. You can't please everybody all the time. (although you can "have a good time....ALL the time!" Viv Savage) So I can tolerate occasional schlop like SPR because TCM broadcasts all kinds of great stuff from Tell It To The Marine with Lon Chaney to Carnal Knowledge....both rarities.

> {quote:title=sineast wrote:}{quote} > History Channel, which apparently couldn't make money > by televising history programs and came up with all kinds of junk as a substitute. Woo-boy, I'm sorry to go so off topic, but with every turn this discussion gets more inneresting. (hey, Jimmy Stewart says it that way!) Gee, I thought I was the only one who noticed how quickly THC turned. I used to watch it all the time and even own a few shows on DVD. Now it seems to be vapid computer generated shows without a point or hand held camera outings with marginally credentialed "scientists" trying to find unicorns. This board has shown me that 90% of TCM viewers feel about it as I do (humbling & justifying at the same time) with only minor opinion differences. Now I realize my opinion of other channels are echoed here too. So how does a channel "go bad"? Is it strictly money, is it the availability of good shows? A scary thought is the accepted business plan for chain restaurants: They open big with good portions, good prices, good staff. As they gain reputation, they start cutting back, keeping the loyal customers who still enjoy the experience. But after too many cutbacks even the loyals get discoraged. Then, they sell. They've made their profits and can sell at a high price because of the previously good reputation. This is usually in an 8 year life span. I hope it's not going the same way with cable channels. I pay more for it every year, and my enjoyment diminishes. TCM is the LAST channel worth paying the $50/month for. One channel.

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> {quote:title=JackFavell wrote:}{quote} > Sometimes the light is cut by dark lines - prison bars? THAT picture is a magnet on the inside of my 40's metal medicine cabinet. I told you-people give me presents that relate to this film for some reason. (I'm a man killer, I guess) PS if anyone DVR'd this and wants to burn me a copy, I'd be happy to reciprocate

> {quote:title=CineSage_jr wrote:}{quote} > "Saving Private Ryan" is simply too recent of a movie to show on TCM." I honestly don't understand why americans keep dropping the superfluous word "of" into sentences of this construction. It should read "...too recent a movie to show on TCM." The same reason why Americans won't use adverbs. They'll say, "don't take it personal" (personally) or "hey, drive slow" (slowly). Considering the youth of today have accepted mumbling "baby talk" as their language, I've dropped quibbling over grammar. (hey mah, whassup, I goie to da stoe) I am so relieved to know I'm not the only one who thinks SPR is crap. I think Hanks is a talentless blob and generally dislike Spielburg's work. People have actually urged me to see SPR to change my opinions of them. I did watch the interview Fri night and when I saw a few clips of SPR, I knew it was nothing I'd want to see. Just awful. Spielburg seems to have so much talent (and money & power), I wish he'd learn some finesse.

Glad you finally got around to watching this film, radio. I think it's really fantastic, especially showcasing McLaine's talent. I actually like the idea the brat never saw punishment. It's more true to real life, imho. People do rotten things all the time and never see consequence. Especially chilling that it's a little girl and how much damage she could do with suggestion. > One didn't had to say any of the taboo words back then for the public to understand what she was referring to. That's right, and that's what I really like about this film. It doesn't have to be "in your face" with graphic descriptions. And in my perception, the subtleties are more "real"; it's Martha's own confusion with her feelings. Maybe she's never befriended any boys growing up, maybe Karen was her only friend, maybe she's never experienced the difference between close friendship and romantic love. > The suicide scene was a bit of a disappointment as well, only seeing a shadow of Martha's high heel shoes, how lame. Again, I like the subtlety. I don't need to see more. People's feelings, especially sexual is never black and white. There is nothing that says Martha is a lesbian, it's only implied by the girl and her grandmother. (In Some Like It Hot, does Joe E Brown saying "Nobody's perfect" at discovering Daphne's a man (Jack Lemmon) make him a ****?) Martha might only be inwardly jealous over the idea that everything comes easily to Karen and alludes her, like meeting a man like Garner and wanting to marry. Of course, she wants the best for her good friend, but is confused as to why it doesn't happen for herself. That's just as powerful a jealousy as a romantic one. I think it's a great film/story, I wouldn't change anything.

As usual, I'm with JackF. I watched it again (only my second viewing) and found a million teeny great touches. For example: as Leslie was first telling the story of what happened "that night" to her husband and the 2 investigators, she is visually framed by their backs almost in silouette. This creates the illusion we, the audience are sitting there in the room listening to her too. Every time Leslie turns her back to us, she "acts" out the gestures and lines that were supposedly said. When she turns and faces them (us) it's a close up of her face, making eye contact, almost beseeching them (us) to believe her. The scene has the distinctive feel of a woman acting out a part on stage. And we, as the audience can clearly see it IS a "performance". Brilliant. Thanks CineMaven for choosing this film and discussing it here. You are 100% right, it's a spectacular film. I wonder why it took me so long to discover it?

I do this already. When I get "dupe discs" of movies, I bundle them into box sets just so they take up less room on the shelf. The only tough part is making covers that list all the discs/movies inside. I tried to post my "Naughty Stanwyk" collection cover, but can't seem to reduce it to fit on this board. It has 10? A Dance, Night Nurse, Shopworn, BabyFace, Lady Eve & Ball of Fire.

Ooops, I just read this thread AFTER posting pictures. I am not sure how to resize pictures via pixels, I always keep them under 1mb....and I'm guessing that keeps the image size reasonable. Here's MY snarky candid photo (yes, I took it, yes she was not aware of it): But I agree, no need to post whompin' big photos. You're right, it takes forever to load for us without broadband connections.

I certainly can't compete with mongo on best collection of *candids*. But I am still very proud of this one, the only cadid photo in my collection. It's a 2x3.5 inch (remember that size print?) picture of Carmen Miranda taken at some Hollwood party or function. I think she's just stunning dressed as an elegant lady instead of some kooky charactor in a film. You can really see how tiny she was. I'm sorry....is this a "only mongo posts" thread?

Heh, I've been cleaning out my attic to lighten my load for a weekend yard sale. I came across this beautifully matted publicity still. Just silver leafed a frame. Will be on the wall by Monday...sorry about the glare-

I watched It Happened One Night for the hundreth time last night and still love it. I was paying attention to the lighting, the composition and all the million teeny "touches" put in, like the gas station attendant who "never owned a hat like that before." Capra will give screen time to an incidental charactor (like the bridge attendant who falls off his chair in IAWLife) that just adds humanism to the main story. And he knows just where to cut. I watched Stagecoach the other night and was actually jarred by Ford's misuse of close-ups, medium shots and long shots. It was as if he didn't realize the inpact a close up has (intimacy) and overused it because Wayne had such a beautiful face. It ruined the telling of the story, in my humble opinion. Capra used the camera to create intimacy and tension by his compositions. There was even a scene between Gable and his boss where Gable's back was to the camera, then he got up, turned and faced him. Capra directed composition and movement to help tell the story with body language. And who could forget the long shot of Ellen Andrews running across the dark lawn in her white gown & jumping into the car? We saw it just like the wedding guests and news cameras saw it. It's a visual art form, isn't it? I think Capra was a master at visual film story telling.

I first loved this film because of Hitchcock's touch. I then loved this film for the dramatic carousel climax (I restore carousels for a living) Now I love it for Robert Walker's performance. I'm so glad this example of his dramatic work survives for us to discover. A must on DVD. Amazing to me that crash is a "model", pains were taken to make the horses look authentic.

> an alternate ending Why am I not surprised? That movie could have had several different endings....I think that's why it's so engaging, you really don't know what might happen next. On a personal note-I receive birthday cards, refrigerator magnets and such memorabilia with a picture of Bette holding the gun with the quote, "With all my heart, I still love the man I killed". My friends somehow think that applies to me or that I'm a "man killer" of sorts. The line always struck me as hilarious and I wanted to see the context of when the sentence was spoken in the movie. When she finally said it, my mouth dropped I was shocked! Knowing it was there didn't even ruin the moment for me!

Wow thanks for your "take" on NCFOM Frank. It makes me want to see it now. Amazing just how many films the Brothers have made in 25+ years. And even though they are kind of hit & miss, they always seem to have something interesting to say and do it in a unique way. And because their films are so detailed, they almost demand repeated viewings. Even though I dislike bloody violence and potty mouth language in film, I put up with it to see the otherwise unusual films of the Coen Brothers. I'm glad they're there and not making comic book or TV sitcom remakes like the rest of Hollywood.

> {quote:title=HollywoodGolightly wrote:}{quote} > As best as I can tell, animals aren't greedy, and that alone gives them a huge advantage over humankind. Uh sorry, animals _are_ greedy. Humans are greedy over money because it ensures survival. Animals are greedy about food, ensuring survival. When I worked at a zoo I witnessed terrible cruelty of Japanese Snow Monkeys-mother monkeys stealing food from babies and clobbering them over it. I stupidly taught my horse a trick for treats and whenever I stand in front of her she'll do the trick whether I have treats or not. Gimme, gimme gimme! But where animals are smarter than humans is their acceptance for life as it is. They understand how to conform to their caregiver's wishes to ensure their comfort. They don't dwell on the past or future, just do their best for today. Worrying seems to be a negative human trait. Anyway, just for yuks, here's my very contented golden: And my greedy for peppermints horsie (and me):

> {quote:title=HollywoodGolightly wrote:}{quote} > Wyler's The Letter is being shown again on TCM this Sunday, May 31 at 8am ET. Thank you. I read that Sunday, May 31 at 8:09 am. I logged out and rushed downstairs before having my coffee to get the set on. I've never seen this movie and was infuriated when I had to work the evening CineMaven introduced it! I will still watch it again next Saturday's Essentials, but am so glad I caught at least some of this broadcast. The story is great...but it's the brilliant way it's told! The photography was gorgeous and if you ever doubted "lighting" was important, just watch THIS movie! The balance of blacks whites & grays are incredible. The reoccurring patterns & themes! A letter opener that looks like a dagger! It was almost too much to injest in one viewing. Then, the actors, the performances, the costumes....just everything. Thanks for the heads up & the thread!

> {quote:title=tterrace wrote:}{quote} > When Weissmuller and Waterfield finally got on screen together in Jungle Manhunt it was like a bad acting competition. Or better, a non-acting competition. > I can think of two reasons, one being that they were filmed for some other movie. >Only slightly less rare than that other scarce substance, dirt. Hey, what's not to love about these cheesy movies? At least they're not offensive, right?`

Haha, just this past week I watched (yet again) Annie Get Your Gun The Music Man Seven Brides For Seven Brothers Guess those would be my favorites. And I think I prefer them as films because of the granduer of space, especially the horse "drill" work on AGYG. I know it's done, but I'd hate to see a horse on stage. Side note: I actually applauded in my living room over the scene where Buffalo Bill introduces Annie Oakley on horseback. Louis Calhern did a marvelous job holding his horse in place for the camera while waving his hat and gesturing which really unnerved that horse. I could see Calhern kept his balance and worked with the horse's movement like a real cowboy! Not easy for a city slicker.

> {quote:title=HollywoodGolightly wrote:}{quote} > By the way, TCM is going to be showing Minnelli's Yolanda and the Thief next week, in case anyone's interested. I think it's one of his most original and beguiling musicals, even though it was somewhat of a disappointment with audiences in the 40's. I watched it. It was weird, I had no idea Lucille Bremer was a singer. All I could think of while watching it was how obviously this film was made by a homosexual. I'm sure that's one reason it laid an egg in the 40's. I have a feeling I'll like it more with subsequent viewings.

Thanks for asking for opinions...this has always been in my top 15 favorite films. I love everything about it, especially the casting. I think it's the role James Gleason shines in the most, second best for him is The Clock. I like the fact that Mr Jordan repeats, "Everything's going to be all right." and often use this film to help those hopelessly depressed. I like the balance of philosophy, comedy, seriousness & lightheartedness this movie offers. It's a great introduction to "classic" film for the uninitiated. And yes, I've noticed several of my favorite films all concern the afterlife and are from that era. No one mentioned It's A Wonderful Life - the ultimate angel film. Robert Montgomery was great in the role, but a good physique? Why are all the handsomest guys in Hollywood flat bottomed? Even Gable has zero muscle tone in his gluteus maximus. Disappointing. But I do love his voice inflection and he was puh-fect for the role. And as for the remake Heaven Can Wait with Warren Beatty; it's quite a good update in most ways. It's a little dated sounding with the cheesy 80's score. But it's big shortcoming is Julie Christie in the Evelyn Keyes role. You don't realize how important that role is, until you see it played badly. Cristy's expression never changes, I don't think she smiles even once in the picture-certainly her eyes don't. Deadhead. If you like this movie I highly recommend less commonly seen All Of Me with Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin, shown last month on TCM and Wings of Desire by Wim Wenders (remade as City of Angels with Meg Ryan & Nick Cage. They changed the ending!) They offer similar themes and temperment.

I was completely unfamiliar with the Jungle Jim series until they broadcast them yesterday. I howled with delight over those "giants" in ragged clothing and the "skeleton men" in Halloween suits. I also enjoyed the fantasy mixing of cultures, costumes and dancing of the "natives" and several continents of animals in one place. Nothing's more fun than narrating, "real Africa....Hollywood Africa" with each scene. I was very disappointed in Weismuller's stilted acting, though. The female leads were often the only ones dramatic enough for the situation, many of the actors seemed like this was their first role. Kid's movies like these can be great innocent fun, only wish they were up a notch in talent.

I've been reading a fantastic biography of Robert Mitchum by Lee Server that has great anecdotes of old Hollywood. Talking about the filming of Not A Stranger, Gloria is mentioned: Quote: "She (Grahame) had put tissue under her lips because someone told her a thrust upper lip was sexy!" said Stanley Kramer. "See what I had to cope with?" After many hours of shooting, the toilet paper would begin to wad up with saliva, making her dialogue incomprehensible. When Mitchum tried to kiss her in the film's big passionate love scene, he found flecks of wet tissue coming out of her mouth. And she smelled funny. "She's a nut!" he told people. endquote

Wow. You certainly have interesting things to say, but your posts really would be easier to comprehend if you tried using punctuation. Interesting they are thinking of Pitt as McQueen. And no, I guess we have nothing to say about the decision At first thought, Brad Pitt doesn't seem nearly cool or manly enough (sorry) to play McQueen, but who could? Maybe it's just natural that we "idolize" those no longer with us, and feel no one could fill their shoes. Brad Pitt seems like he's actually a pretty good actor, I've certainly enjoyed him in everything I've seen him in. His pretty boy looks can be distracting, but also work in his favor for some roles. He doesn't seem very rugged but maybe he can ACT rugged & manly. And my question is WHY are they making a biopic of McQueen? Is there really anything to say about him? Can't we just enjoy his performances in films? Do we need to know anything more about his personal life?