MissGoddess

> I thought it was funny how Susan was so darn open to Isabella on the phone. Anne Francis was very good. > Ha! That was funny when you consider it's wholesome, youthful Debbie Reynolds saying it. > It's both sweet and sexy. It's also a film that is really pushing the boundaries. > That's a good description. If it weren't tastefully done, it could be a disaster. But it's got a great script and an excellent cast. Everyone clicks. I like the secretary, boy she hated Isabella (so did Virgil). I laughed when Mark (Powell) told Susan that "Isabella's a natural blonde. I know. She told me." Susan's expression was hilarious. Men are so naive! > I can see how one could get caught up in all of that. But she was very naive to the intentions of Dwight (Warren William). > She was, but he was a big, big noise in terms of money and power. Two very intoxicating "drugs" at work on a foolish young mind. And Warren is so delightfully wolfish. > *He was annoying, I was glad when she slapped him.* > > > That sounds like you! > First time I saw it, I was surprised by his reaction. I didn't see that coming, but she came right back again. Good girl! > Very much so. It seemed like Mel Brooks may have been inspired by the film for *Blazing Saddles*. > How? I haven't seen *Blazing Saddles* in so long, I really don't recollect it at all. > I was fine with the cast. The direction and production made the film feel like Gunsmoke. > Yes, I feel that way about so many late 60s and 70s westerns. They all have a "tawny", grainy look to them and the towns all look alike. > That was nicely said. Jules certainly doesn't pull his punches. He spells it out for people, literally and figuratively. > "Down on your knees." I got the impression that he was made to crawl, or maybe his father was. It's like it was personal as well motivated by his feelings for Janice. He was finding his self-respect in a way, even if it cost him everything. What shocked me was Segal's turn at the end, I didn't see that coming.

> I actually ended up really liking Susan (Debbie Reynolds). That surprised me. She was using your trick with the rolling pin! And you were also quite interesting in the film, Isabella. > I'm nothing like Isabella. I'm glad it amused you. I didn't used to care for it when I first saw it, now it makes me laugh. > And the Gary Cooper that Veidt reminds me of is the older Coop, so I think you'll like him. > That is unexpected. > *Maureen is very sweet*. > > And stubborn! She kicks almost as much as you! > She was tempted, like a lot of girls when they come to New York. > Mainly because of the story. I didn't find the story to be interesting at all. It's rather dry. And then you toss in Norman Foster's annoying "Tom," and I'm going crazy. > He was annoying, I was glad when she slapped him. > > Lots of social commentary to be found, which is what I liked. Some of it is on the heavy-handed side, which can be a turn-off for some. > Yes, I'd agree with that too. All kinds of ideas and social ills, prejudices were attacked. > He is the reason why the film is fascinating and good, to me. For others, he's going to be why they really don't go for the film. That's what I told rohanaka. The cast is different and not at all typically "western". I'm okay with it, it works well this time. I like the many layers to Jules (Yul). He's compassionate yet also quite arrogant. He's interesting. > He reminds me a little of Rhett. I like those characters that mock the hypocrisies of people around them. He was two men, really, and a tragic figure.

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}*I'm astonished most of all that you seemed to like* *Susan Slept Here that much.* > > Me, too! I really enjoyed it. > Did you enjoy "the baby face killer"? Dick Powell is so funny. I like how the Oscar "narrates". > It's very Hitchcockian and Conrad Veidt reminded me of Gary Cooper, believe it or not. I think it's a good film. And I do think you'll like it. > Ooh, now I must see it to be sure! > I only liked Maureen O'Sullivan and Anita Page. The entire story of the film bored me and Norman Foster annoyed me. There just wasn't anything there for me. > I really liked Anita Page's character and her story was the most interesting to me of all though there wasn't a whole lot to it. Maureen is very sweet > Actually, I mostly liked all of the films with the exception of *Skyscraper Souls*. > Why did you dislike it? Was it just because the story is thin or you don't like that whole setting and subject? > It's a rather fascinating western; definitely not your traditional western. I don't believe Movieman would like it because it's unconventional. > You may be right. The casting is really odd. It works extremely well in my eyes, but I don't think it's everyone's cuppa. I just love Jules, and how Brynner portrays him, and the sadness of the character in back of all the bravado. He knows he's only allowed to live as freely and well as he does for all the worst reasons.

> {quote:title=rohanaka wrote:}{quote}Finally someone has at least seen Invitation to a GF after all the times I've mentioned it! I don't even think movieman has seen it, which surprises me > > Woo hoo.. Happy New year, to you little darlin'.. (and me) and Movieman.. (oh..and various Grey people too, ha) Will try to give it a looksee soon. > > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4Tncl6qJ-c&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL1F93019B635B5C9B > Oh WOW!! It's on YouTube and all in one piece, not chopped up into "parts" (boy that sounds gruesome). I hope you like it, Ro, I'm not so sure you will...only because I'm not sure how you'll like Yul Brynner or Janice Rule and George Segal. None of them are my ideas of "western" performers (Mag 7 notwithstanding) and I'm not really familiar with Rule or Segal except in one or two other movies. However, it does have a good story, and one of those towns where you just want to boot everyone out (except the Spanish folk, they were cool) because they're so smarmy. Oh, and the bonnet-lady. She was kind of sweet on Yul (you'll see what I mean). And what I say about Yul is just a first impression, he's actually one of my all-time favorite actors, and I LOVE, LOVE his character. I generally mention his "Jules Gaspard D'Estaing" among my very favorite western characters, right up there (almost) with Tom Doniphon and Will Kane. > Hey.. isn't that the Professor?? You mean he finally got off that island? Ha!! Every single time I see that actor I always think the same thing. He is forever locked in my mind, inventing things out of sand and coconuts that they can't even seem to make in the real world with all the available technology.

> Miss G.. I bet maybe YOU have a better perspective on Ginger's whole career than I do and that is why she did not stand out as much for you in this one as she did for me. I am not as familiar with her as I bet you are, so for me.. I thought it was one of the better roles I had seen from her. Maybe I have missed out (as I am not much on the whole "ballroom dancing" ha, which I know is more what she is known for) and I might have shied away and overlooked some of her other performances. The two other films I have seen her in that stand out for me (probably more than this one does on further consideration) would be Kitty Foyle and The Major and the Minor.. I really liked her a lot in both those films. > > But I also really did enjoy her in this one as well... because you get to see her "crack wise" both AT and WITH Cary.. and yet, you get to see her face all the other emotional moments (and come out like a human being) instead of just a "gold digger" (like she first appears at the beginning) > > Anyway.. if you do decide to watch again, I hope you find it more enjoyable. .but then again.. that is the THING I like about movies. .they are nothing if not subjective... so sometimes what appeals to one, won't always stand out for others. > > Thanks for letting me bring it all up here to chat on though, little darlin'. Hi, Ro I'm glad you brought it up so I can think twice about my first impression. I've changed my mind about movies more often than not after what I read here from you guys. I like Ginger when she was quite young, with a couple of exceptions later on. It's "chemical" I guess, she just doesn't quite engage me when she becomes a serious actress. I like her being a wiseacre, though. I'm sure I'll get around this and enjoy the movie better next time around. I do remember her character changing from being superficial and materialistic, to developing a conscience.

I'm astonished most of all that you seemed to like *Susan Slept Here* that much. I will try to watch *Contraband* tomorrow, you and Jackie have made me very curious. I always like Veidt and I trust Powell & Pressburger. It's hilarious you put *Skyscraper Souls* at the bottom, it's such a quintessential 1930s film. I'm guessing you really don't care for anything from #7 down and weren't too hot on any of them. Finally someone has at least seen *Invitation to a GF* after all the times I've mentioned it! I don't even think movieman has seen it, which surprises me.

Oh my goodness, there it is!

> {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote}ro, thanks for providing the ONCE UPON A HONEYMOON link! > Even though I'm a Cary Grant completist, I've always stayed away from this movie. Not sure why, though. Could someone tell me, lol? I hope I'll feel differently after watching it.You will probably enjoy it, though I need to give it another chance sometime. I watched it a couple of times in the past, but this was one of those Ginger movies that didn't do much for me. She can be hit-and-miss with me in her post-1930s movies and I didn't feel much chemistry between her and Cary. But like I said, that's my own feelings, they could change if I watched it again.

Just think, he was Burt the cop in *It's a Wonderful Life*, the Yankee officer in *Gone with the Wind*, the "Oh, yeah?" bus driver in *It Happened One Night*, the clergymen in *The Searchers* and *The Quiet Man*, a sociopath in *Canyon Passage* and yes, a real jerk in *Young Mr Lincoln*, he was mean to John Wayne in *Tall in the Saddle* and then died trying to help him in *Rio Bravo* and finally, of course, he led countless trains of wagons across the west every week in 1950s living rooms. Some actor!

Wardyyyyyyyyyy! Oh yes, we can't forget my big, burly bear Bond. It's funny you should mention him just now because last night I re-watched *On Dangerous Ground* and was conscious of how well Bond played the rage-blinded father, out to avenge his daughter's death. At first it can seem like a simple portrayal of a somewhat "hick" type,the kind that always want to lynch someone without bothersome "city trials" as he put it. But in Nicholas Ray's guideance, the man becomes something so much more. He's not an evil man, not even unsympathetic, in fact I felt, like Mary (Ida Lupino), terribly sorry for him. Bond is a scary guy with a gun in his hands and when out for blood, you can see he's so torn up there's no reasoning with him. But you can see the pain underneath and the emerging goodness of the man at the end. In short, I think Bond was a very skilled actor. It seems like he was in just about every classic, big name movie there ever was.

Let's hope the Professor can review another deathless classic soon! I'm dying to find out if they really recruited the "secret word" fowl that flew around Groucho's game show set for *The Giant Claw*. Or maybe I should save that for the look-alikes thread?

Don't rush.

This was difficult to rank. Here's how I think you may have liked them. 8. Another Thin Man 7. China Seas 3. Contraband 12. Desk Set 1. The End of the Affair 15. The Gay Divorcee 4. The House of Fear 6. Invitation to a Gunfighter 9. Lady of Burlesque 2. Obsession 10. Pursuit to Algiers 14. Rendezvous 11. Skyscraper Souls 13. Susan Slept Here 5. The Woman in Green *My rankings:* 1. Invitation to a Gunfighter 2. The Woman in Green 3. Susan Slept Here 4. Skyscraper Souls 5. Obsession 6. Pursuit to Algiers 7. The House of Fear 8. Another Thin Man 9. China Seas 10. The Gay Divorcee 11. Desk Set 12. The End of the Affair 13. Lady of Burlesque 14. Rendezvous I didn't rank *Contraband* since I haven't seen it yet.

> oh! well then! Wy was Margie so attracted to him?! Just because he wore a fancy coat and hung out with Marybelle. sheesh! he was such a meanie to her! He wasn't even that cute to boot. > Those coats were so ugly! I hate to say what they made those men look like who wore them. I guess he was the most popular guy, the one all the girls dreamed of going with. Like the football star would later be. I guess Johnnykins had money, a flash car, the same old story. Margie was just a normal girl who didn't want to always be different. I understand. Sometimes it's too tiresome to always stand for individuality and what's right. At that age you just want a cute boyfriend that makes all the girls you hate envious. I have to say though, for dancing and skating he was more fun that Lloyd or Floyd or whatever the nerdy guy's name was.

> > oh...pardon my ignorance fair lady. heehee! why yes, i am in Texas and it is all of 60 degrees here. still FROST BITE by my standards, but at least its not sweltering hot. is there any snow up there? have you made a snow angel yet?! > This fair lady won't set a fair foot outside if it's snowing! I'll send Nikki and Felix out to make snow kitties. > > Ha! yeah, its amazing what the normal look for women back then compared to now was. goodness me! I think Barbara got skinnier in *Mother is a Freshman* more so than in *Margie*. although my grandmama kinda shakes even that theory. when she got married in 1959, she was barely a size 0. not that she is tall, either, but honestly! > I wish I had the more curvaceous, hour-glass look back then like Ava Gardner or Brigitte Bardot. What's nice is all the women looked different to each other. They had unique style. > "Marybelle" reminds me more of Terry Moore in *Peyton Place* than Gloria Grahame in *It's a Wonderful Life.* I'm not so surely why; maybe its her personality. although, Barbara wasn't terribly naughty, she was just really snobbish and loved to brag about her success with looks and boys. Goodness only knows why Margie actually stayed friends with Marybelle her whole life. > I think they were a little less friends and more like frienemies. > i find it painful to even read about these stories today about celebrities fitting into a size 2 dress three weeks after having a baby. that can't be healthy!! > I'm sure it's even more painful for the babies. > I love how when she fainted on the ice rink and woke up, she couldn't find her bloomers anywhere. it was too funny and Professor Fontayne took them and handed them to her the next day. the look on her face is priceless. only a man who is truly in love and entertained by a lady, would do that for her. awww the beauty of crushes! > I guess a man who'd hold your bloomers is something special. > What did you think of Conrad Janis as "johnny-kins"? that silly fur coat! he must have been so hot during the filming on the movie. It took me a while after seeing the show *Mork and Mindy* growing up to realize Mindy's dad in Johnny-kins! talk about weird! > And I didn't know it till you wrote it! I thought "Johnnykins" was funny. There's always one of those in high school, too. I laughed at his remarks about Jeanne and her great grandmother.

> {quote:title=movieman1957 wrote:}{quote}It's hard to believe you were not in the popular group. When I was in high school and they would give out "Most Likely To...." awards, I was voted "Most Likely To Be Forgotten." That is much harder to believe.

No way, I was never in the "popular group". Bambi and her sister, Jill. The richest, prettiest girls in town.

> Hey Dahlink!! How's it going today? it's beautiful outside!! I think we should have a tea party! > Are you kidding?! Where do you think you are, Texas? It's two degrees outside. > Wasn't Babara Lawrence also in *Mother is a freshman* as a dorm-mate with Loretta Young's daughter in the movie? I forget the daughter's name. Barbara Lawrence was super funny in that role too. She was soooo skinny and always seen lifting these weights to be "more toned." heehee! > That is funny. Even as I watched her I thought that today they'd say she was overweight, skinny as she was. They would say Jeanne was obese. Crazy. I thought Barbara was cute, she reminded me of Gloria Grahame in *It's a Wonderful Life* and Terry Moore in *Peyton Place*, the naughty small town blondes. We had one in our high school and she had the perfect name for her "role" in high school life: Bambi. > See I love that Jeanne plays this awkward teenager, because that how i first got acquainted with her and every time i saw a movie of hers after *Margie*, it was weird for me to see her all grown up, especially in *People WIll Talk*. It was like up-shifting straight to level 3! > I don't remember what the first Jeanne Crain movie was that I saw. Maybe *Leave Her to Heaven*. I thought she was one actress that seemed to get even more lovely looking as she matured. It's astonishing she looked so good after having seven kids. And this before all the plastic surgery and killer physical trainers celebrities have today. > Didn't you just love how her poor bloomers kept losing their elasticity and she kept fainting everywhere? so adorable! But her self-disvoery is what I always loved most about this cute film. She realized who she was and became self-confident and that always shined greatly in my eyes. It just made *Margie* the quintessential awkward girl-next-door normal and sweet. > That's a perfect description of the film, T. Glenn Langan sure was a beaut. I love his voice. Not much personality but who needs that! I kept thinking about Langan's character and how that could never be portrayed so innocently today. Now people look at that and think he's some kind of freak. Amazing.

Fred, how do?! I've had Encore now for about four years and I'd be lost without my Westerns Channel, I confess. I basically have these few networks I flip through when I'm looking for something watch: TCM, Encore Westerns, AMC, TVLand and the Fox Movie Channel. There are a few others I will glance at if they happen to have one particular program but that's about it. Of these channels, I'd say only TCM and Encore Westerns make up the majority of my movie time aside from DVDs. I don't know how I overlooked that Pat was Mr. Haney on "Green Acres"! How could I forget that voice! A young and sassy looking *Pat Buttram*, pointing out his birthplace in Alabama on a map. As we know him better, as Gene Autry's sidekick. And as Mr. Haney on "Green Acres"

Rich, I looked here and in the Horror thread for this timeless classic, but didn't find it...have you "reviewed" *The Giant Claw* yet? I was sure you did. I watched it last night and it made me laugh so much. I think it gets my vote for silliest looking movie "monster" yet. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI6hx-crEu4&feature=related I watched *Not of this Earth* recently, too, and Roy Orbison is exactly who came to my mind! "Mercy!"

Lol, I can see that actor with the thick glasses who often played psychiatrists in the movies...I think he played one in *Bringing Up Baby*...he'd be saying "Now my dear Ms. Rohanaka, when did this fixation with Mr. Brennan first manifest itself in your psyche?" Walter rides a thin line perfectly in *The Westerner*, it's his movie all the way I think. Is he crazy or just mean or just selfish or just misunderstood? Or all those things and more? Whatever his "Judge" Roy Bean he was fascinating to watch. Now to go back and correct my wretched spelling for wonce.

That's too bad...those others are sweet but kind of re-hashes of other stories. Kilmeny has a nice little story to it and I think is the best of those three. I used to have a couple of beautifully illustrated Frances Hodgson Burnett story books...that I bought as an adult!

Howdy, Fred, When I finally got Encore Westerns in my cable package, it was my introduction to Gene Autry and of course, Smiley as "Frog Millhouse". What a funny pair. I don't know which I prefer, Smiley or Pat Butram, but both made excellent comic foils for Gene and I really have come to love these movies they made. *Smiley Burnette*

Howdy, Ro! > {quote:title=rohanaka wrote:}{quote}Howdy there, Miss G!! > > One of the things I like most about him is his ability to play so many different KINDS of characters and still come off so TOTALLY believable with each and every one. Just TWO examples (out of so many) would be my beloved "STUMPY" (nobody else COULD have played him so perfectly) and yet.. his Pa Clanton STILL sends shivers down my spine. Talk about your polar opposites.. Oh me.. oh my. And yet.. he owns both those characters to a T. > Westerns just would not be the same without old Walt. And he was extremely versatile. He could be soft spoken and reserved, kindly or crotchety, snobbish or down-to-earth and always believable. His old man Clanton scare the willies out of me. > Hey.. did I ever tell you that I once had a dream I was on school bus eating ice cream with Walter Brennan?? Talk about your whacky dreams.. ha. I have NO idea where it came from, but there we were.. just sitting on the bus.. eating a couple of vanilla cones and shooting the breeze. (Woo hoo.. Me and Walter on a bus eating ice cream.... now THAT would be a dream come true for SURE!) That's quite a dream! I wonder how many women could tell Walter he was in their dreams? Gary Cooper and *Walter Brennan* in The Westerner for which Brennan won an Oscar. Edited by: MissGoddess on Dec 28, 2011 8:28 PM because Walt won not one but three Oscars.

> {quote:title=bOb39 wrote:}{quote}Walter Brennen, Andy Divine and "Smiley" Burnette are among the best and favorites of mine, but for me, the best of "em all is George "Gabby" Hayes. My all-time favorite. And he's quite the scene-stealer. I love Gabby, too and scene stealer is right. He was terrific in *Tall in the Saddle* with John Wayne.