bansi4

I'm partial to two Claudette Colbert films which take place during WWII, "So Proudly We Hail!" which also starred Paulette Goddard and Veronica Lake. Also "Three Came Home" based on a true story in which she gives a fine performance. It's also the movie where she injured her back and had to bow out of "All About Eve" which she was scheduled to star in. And in which Bette Davis would make a stunning come back. Mongo

Joe, TCM is presenting Oscar month in February because the Academy moved their awards show from March to February last year. So in keeping up with the tradition TCM is once again obliging. Mongo

The movie "Freaks" is an eerie foray into the lives of those unfortunate human beings born with deformities, to say the least, and interesting enough to satify our curiosity. Other than the performers in the film it was the 'Freaks' who were the real stars of the movie. The siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton joined at the hip were born in England and given up by their mother to the mid-wife who delivered them. She would abuse and expose them until they were of age to go out on their own. Once in the states they made a few films and appeared on stage. Ironically they were both married although it didn't last long. They ended up in poverty living and working in North Carolina where they eventually died of the flu at age 60. The 'Freak' billed as Schlitze the 'Pinhead' was born in Mexico and exhibited as a female was, in fact, a man. In the movie "Freaks" he wore a dress and a ribbon on his head. After his brief stint in movies he was confined to a state home for 30 years after which he was rescued. He was actually a lovable soul and continued on the sideshow circuit until he died at age 80. The 'freak' billed as the Half-Boy was the amazing Johnny Eck. He had a twin brother who was born of normal size. Johnny was an active and strong fella who once climbed the steps of the Washington Monument on his hands. After many years on the sideshow circuit and with Ripley he returned to his mome state of Baltimore and became a screen painter. Asked once what he would do if he were of normal size he responded "I would beat the hell out of the SOB who made our lives so miserable" referring to his next door neighbor. Johnny died in the house where he was born at age 79 with his beloved brother at his side. The adorable 'midgets' in the movie were Harry Earles and his sister Daisy. They would be joined by their sisters Grace and Elly to perform on the circuit as the Dolls. Harry was one of the Loppipop Guild in "The Wizard of Oz" and in both versions of "The Unholy Three" with Lon Chaney. The Dolls were near perfectly formed except for being of small stature and lived together until they died. Amazing to say the least. Mongo

Ahh, my favorite month of the year on TCM especially since I am an Oscar buff. Not only do I get see see some great Oscar winning films and performances but also those delightful short films and mini interviews. I would also welcome some newer films worthy of Oscar contention as well as winners. Roll out the red carpet and get out the popcorn it's time for those Hollywood movies and stars to strut their stuff and entertain us once again whether winners or losers. Mongo

moviejoe, I watched the tearjerker "Imitation of Life" (1934) last night although I've seen it before on TCM. And your on the money about the outstanding performances in the film from Miss Colbert and Miss Beavers. The movie was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar although it didn't win. Miss Beavers and Miss Washington should have been nominated for an Oscar however Best Supporting awards didn't begin until 1936. In the 1959 version Juanita Moore in a superior performance as the weary black mother was Oscar nominated in the supporting category as was Susan Kohner who played her 'white' daughter. We had some debates on the boards already about which version of the two films we liked best. I believe the 1934 version won overall although I prefer the 1959 movie. Mongo

"But you are, Blanche, you are in that chair!" from "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?"

Prince Randian in "Freaks" w/ Roscoe Ates Roscoe Ates in "Meet Me in Las Vegas" w/ Robert Dix Robert Dix in "Air Patrol" w/ Merry Anders Merry Anders in "House of the Damned" w/ Frieda Pushnik Connect Shawn Yue to Gertrude Olmstead

********************************************************* ******************HAPPY THANKSGIVING********************* **********************ONE & ALL************************** Mongo

bggalaxy, we could call the male counter-part of this thread: Studs, Gigolos & Hustlers Good choice path. Mongo

Two characters that come to mind are Viven Leigh in "Waterloo Bridge" and Jane Darwell in "The Grapes of Wrath". Mongo

Ute Lemper in "Drei gegen drei" w/ Ralf Wolter Ralf Wolter in "Frauen des Herrn S., Die" w/ Oskar Sima Oskar Sima in "Dangers of the Engagement" w/ Dietrich Connect Nathaniel Olderman to Ole Chan

leo, its amazing how you sniff out any topic that has to do with bashing TCM. It seems you don't miss a **** in a windstorm when it comes to anything derogatory. There are many viewers that enjoy silent films so don't be so selfish in your views. There is something for everyone on TCM...even you. Mongo

Asia Argento in "Trauma" w/ Piper Laurie Piper Laurie in "Mississippi Gambler" w/ John McIntire John McIntire in "Psycho" w/ Patricia Hitchcock Connect Nick Fuoco with Vilma Banky

Al Jolson in "Wilson" w/ Francis Ford Francis Ford in "The Quiet Man" w/ Jack MacGowran Jack MacGowran in "How I Won the War" w/ John Lennon Connect Grainne Murphy to Zeffie Tilbury

YAHOO! Welcome back dear lady (it's been much to long). Can't wait until we can all get back into the thick of things on the boards once again. Mongo

The American Film Institute is at it again. They are preparing a list of the Top 100 Movie Quotes of all time to air on CBS in June of 2005. Of course some memorable quotes that will make the list are: "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn" "May the Force be with you" "Here's looking at you, kid" "You ain't heard nothin' yet" OK...lets see how many famous one liners we all can list that perhaps will match the AFI choices. It should be fun. Mongo

Speaking of Dietrich in the movie "Blonde Venus" on a recent topic, I was reminded of her sensual character that perfectly fits this category.

Although it's the day after that fiery night when Rhett Butler swept Scarlett into his arms and up that fabulous staircase, it was a hoot to see Miss Scarlett happy and singing in her boudoir...at last.

I'll choose "Blonde Venus" with the fabulous Dietrich. As was already stated there is nothing like Marlene coming out of that ape suit and belting out "Hot Voodoo". Unfortunately many prints are missing her skinny-dipping scene at the beginning of the film. Herbert Marshall, Cary Grant and Dickie Moore were also good in the melodrama. Mongo

slappy, considering what Fox did with the Chan films we should be grateful that TCM didn't edit the scene in "Clash By Night" or for that matter not air it at all. Like moira explained we are dealing here with two oafs, especially the Douglas character, and unfortunatly lugs like that behave badly (in real life too). Remember TCM is one of the very few movie stations left who promise to air classic films as they were meant to be shown, uncut, no matter the controversary i.e. black face, a nude Hedy Lamarr and Tarzan's 'Jane', King Kong chewing on people and undressing Fay Wray, a rape in "Deliverence", a foul-mouth De Niro in "Raging Bull", etc. Thank you TCM. Mongo

bggalaxy, speaking of journeys how about "Sentimental Journey" with Maureen O'Hara and John Payne. The 1946 movie is certainly a tear jerker and the child actress Connie Marshall is outstanding. Unfortunately it is a 20th Century-Fox film which means TCM doesn't have it...yet. Mongo

One of my favorite James Stewart roles is in the movie "Call Northside 777" (1948) which is also a fine film. Mongo

No big deal. Remakes come and go and the original usually remains the champ. Mongo

garboloygrant, the movie "Imitation of Life" is mentioned on the very first post of this thread (page 10). When I began this topic I suggested that other than "Imitation of Life" (both versions) what films bring tears to your eyes since the movie is just about THEE biggest tearjerker of all time. Mongo

bggalaxy you were right about the movie "Whale Rider". It was certainly moving and touching. Now I know why the starlet Keisha Castle-Hughes got a Best Actress Oscar nomination, she was terrific. Mongo