MissGoddess

Howdy, Peacemaker, > > NO worries, little darlin'. Ha.. at least it did not take you as long as it did ME (to watch Giant!) HA! (and I bet you had better reasons than I did, too) :-) > It just took a while to come around on the "conveyor belt" of my DVDs to watch. I confess, I did watch *The Chalk Garden* first, though, so I am guilty of dragging my feet. P.S. Now that is an interesting film for discussion, especially for the ladies. Some really REALLY intense mother-daughter stuff. Hayley almost gives little Rhoda a run for her money, ha. > That is one of the Dukes I have yet to see.. and I don't know why exactly because I have had plenty of opportunities.. I just have not been able to get into it the few times I tried to sit down and watch it (for whatever reason) I will give it a try sometime, if only so we can chat about it here. > You will like John Wayne and the child-parent stuff, I think. It's very similar to *Big Jake*, he even has an "Indian" sidekick. I think maybe this movie is lacking a really defined villain, though. George Kennedy, he's bad, but somehow he doesn't approach Richard Boone's level of danger and he certainly isn't no big "Sweet". Somehow George is always kind of goofy to me, like a comical villain, ha! > > I have to agree with you about that. It WAS pretty brutal at the beginning.. and then later at the end.. especially that low-life machete guy. OH my golly, he (and all that repeated hacking over and over.. and over again) started to REALLY get on on my nerves.. if ONLY poor beloved (dearly departed) DOG could have laid into him a bit harder.. alas. > Isn't the big guy called, of all things, "Sweet"? Yikes! Feed him some chocolate please, he's either on major sugar withdrawal or just plain psychotic. I have to admit, he scared me more than Boone. Stupid psychotics worry me, I'm amazed Boone was able to control him with just words, he was so much bigger than anyone I'd think no one could handle him. Did you catch in the little run-down of all the villains in the beginning how they said Boone had served honorably and even received some citations. But they never get into his character as to why he changed. That's one of the things I was hungry for in this movie. He's a lot like Frank in *The Tall T*, but we get to know Frank a little and that's part of what makes this movie so good. Plus, John Wayne facing off with Richard Boone is exciting, that was the part of the end scenes that I enjoyed the most. "Who are you?" "Jacob McCandles." "I thought you were dead." "Not hardly." (Ha, I would have sworn he was going to say "That'll be the day" but he said that earlier.) > > HA!! Now just imagine if old Jake had brought HER along w/ them to deliver that "ransome" trunk.. OH me.. ha. couldn't you just see it.. the trunk pops open and she jumps out.. and the machete guy is TOAST!! (shades of LeRoy!) > Hahahahhahahaaaa!!! Forget it, the old west would NEVER be the same if little ol' Rhoda had been there to clean up Dodge. Every saloon would be forced to play her favorite tune over and over and over again. I wonder who would win in a Main Street showdown between Rhoda and little Anthony (Billy Mummy in The Twilight Zone's "It's a Good Life"). > I can see that a little. I think Rooster was a bit grittier (and maybe seedier too) though. And he had a wife and son, (at one time) though didn't he?? So not sure WHY he came out a bit "rougher around the edges than Jake.. ha! > Did he have a son? I thought he was just married, with no kids but I am not 100% sure. I've seen it so many times this year because AMC plays it almost every weekend yet I can't recall him mentioning a child. > Ha.. glad to hear the QT and I are not the only ones.. ha. (the kidling went around saying "I understand" in this silly little copy-cat deadpan voice for YEARS before she even knew where that line came from.. ha) > lol. This is the first time I ever saw that expression in a movie. I thought my parents were the only ones who used it. > Maybe we can talk one day about Cahill US Marshall to compare > > I will make a point of it seeing it the next time I find it on (it comes on pretty often if I recall) and we'll definitley give it a chat. > Yes, AMC has it on pretty heavy rotation. If you can stand the commercials!

I recorded *Danger Signal* but haven't watched it yet. I did watch *The Southerner*, which I've seen before. I like it, and think Scott did a good job. I kind of wish it had been shot in color, though, because the movie reminds me in some ways of Renoir's later film, *The River* which is one of the most beautiful color films you'll see. Gee, I wonder where he got it?

My dear movieman, Yes, Maureen was a terrific stuntwoman! She really held her own with the boys. I saw *Ride the High Country* a couple of times earlier this year, so I can talk about it pretty much any time you and Frank and anyone else care to. Good movie. And *The Wild Bunch* was in my mind as I watched *Big Jake*. I was sure there was an influence. TWB is much more interesting movie, of course, but I can't really bear the violence in either!

> *She evidently did quite a few. They even inducted her into the Western Hall of Fame.* > > Wow! That's quite an honor. > I read an interview with her, she said she learned to ride really well and would even do some stunts herself. > > *Only if the situation calls for it.* > > As much as you slap, you would be saying "Dog" a lot! > In New York, especially!

> You think so? I guess that depends on your dad. The experience can sometimes be embarrassing. > I mean if you have a dad like Jacob McCandles. > *She has a small part, but not much interaction with Wayne beyond maybe one small scene. I like her in westerns and in films noir.* > > I don't know if I've seen her in a western or not. > She evidently did quite a few. They even inducted her into the Western Hall of Fame. > *What else in New York?!* > > You seemed to want an attack dog! > Only if the situation calls for it.

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}*Well, yes, that's all true and I agree.* > > And I know his sons came to appreciate him more because they got to spend time with him and be around him in action. > It's the kind of experience boys probably dream of. > Marie is in "Cahill"? That's interesting. And I know she's not Maureen to you. Especially with the Duke. > She has a small part, but not much interaction with Wayne beyond maybe one small scene. I like her in westerns and in films noir. > You just want to walk the dog? > What else in New York?!

> I thought he was. I believe he respected his sons more and I thought he felt a closeness with his grandson. I think it would be more difficult for him to just abandon these boys after all of this. I feel he'll be more responsible and accountable. > Well, yes, that's all true and I agree. > Did you like the actress as much as Maureen? > Marie Windsor? I like her alot, though she's no Maureen O'Hara. > > They died viciously, too. And you've got a skillet! > You can't walk a skillet.

> But that scene was on the silly side, for me. > Only because it didn't end in bloodshed. > Me, too! But I liked how the sons and grandson come to affect Big Jake, and vice versa. I also love Sam (Bruce Cabot) and Dog and what they end up doing. > But how do they affect him? He didn't seem any different at the end! > You wanted the female presence! > I suppose so, but there wasn't much female presence in Cahill, and I didn't mind as much. > I was surprised by there not being any kind of remorse over the loss of Sam and Dog. But I can tell you that I provided it for them. It hurt to see them perish. It was a good feeling to have. > I felt terrible, too. Dog was mighty handy to have around. I'd love to have him in New York.

*Big Jacobean Spoilers* > Oh, my. I was still worrying about the film at that point. > We just met McCandles at that point! I'm amazed you liked this movie at all. > > You had Richard Boone as your parents? That explains a lot with you! > In a way he was like my father. Smart and sarcastic about it. "You just had a look in your eye that worries me." ha! > > That would have been a much better ending than the silly still. > When you really notice a character's absence then they weren't used enough. And I didn't care for how the Indian just got killed and there was no real reaction to it. This is gratuitous to me. Reactions are what I look for, more than "action". > I'm guessing Maureen didn't want to do much at this point of her career. > Maybe so. > > I'd have to get that one. > Oh, I thought you had it. Funny those 60s/70s movies aren't all together in one bunch, they're so similar.

Ro, Chris, Frank: I'm sorry it took so long, but I finally got around to re-watching *Big Jake* and while I thought it was probably better than I remember, I still have stand by my preference for Cahill, U.S. Marshall. I think the violence in this one bothered me too much. The beginning and end scenes just seemed to drag out longer for the sake of showing a blood bath. And it didn't need it! I'd like to have seen much more character work from the actors, many of whom were real pros, than all that killing. But to go back to what I did like, I enjoyed the cinematography in Mexico, for one thing...much nicer than I remember...too bad Jim Davis' bit was so small but that was one of my favorite segments. And the music was pretty good, the variations on that tune, "Frere Jacques", that little Jake plays in the opening...Ro...it had me thinking of Rhoda, ha! Jake kind of reminds me of Rooster Cogburn, if Rooster had had kids with his wife. He just wasn't played for comedy. Patrick Wayne was good, and of course, Richard Boone as the bad guy. "You understand? Say it." that was funny, my parents always did that. And of course, the running joke that McCandles was thought dead by everyone, I liked that. Only Martha seemed to know he was alive and where to find him. I still wish they could have returned and gotten a reaction from Martha. I'm bewildered there was so little use made of Maureen. Less time shooting and killing in the beginning is one way. Maybe we can talk one day about *Cahill US Marshall* to compare.

I read that as was the custom with actors, Gable wore his own clothes for contemporary movies like *Teacher's Pet*, and he was actually very persnickety about his wardrobe. For example, it was said he showered and changed several times a day when on location in humid Hong Kong for Soldier of Fortune, so he always looked crisp and fresh in his whites and linens. Chris, I love the sartorial splendor of those times. Men looked great, and not effeminate about it either. The only time they were sloppy was when they were playing sand hogs or sharecroppers!

> I also prefer *Teacher's Pet*. But I can definitely see how this film could be a Tracy & Hepburn film. > They set the "template" for this kind, you might say.

> *He won the Oscar for this role, believe it or not.* > > > Really?! I would never guessed that! > My mistake, he was only nominated.

It's a really sophisticated comedy like they truly "don't make anymore". It's rare a movie can be so funny/sexy and at the same time smart with a message. I see the screenwriters were Michael and Fay Kanin...no wonder, Michael wrote *Woman of the Year*. I prefer this one, surprising as that may be. One other moment I liked was when the school admissions clerk, that snooty woman who kept looking down her nose at James (Gable) and told him not to smoke inside, as he walked away he blew smoke at her from the side of his mouth. Ha!!

> And dance! It's a really nice role for Doris. > I love her clothes in this one. She looks great. > And I loved how these guys "felt for him" : > They were priceless! Especially Charles Lane. > Oh yes, the news staff...it was great. Like how the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" staff would be. Clark is "Lou Grant". > > I just loved how James' (Clark Gable) insecurities were raging with Hugo. I think most every guy can relate to that. > Smart, handsome, young, confident, successful, what's so threatening about that? > That's a wonderful observation! You've got it right. The roles will eventually reverse. And, indeed, they have. Now it's about what papers you carry versus what you can do. > Yes, and that little "key". > That's because it's your song! > OH, to have that shape.

> And that's probably why I responded to her so much more in this one. I think the film allows her to showcase a lot of her talent. > She even gets to sing a little, and very playfully. > *Her jealousy at the club, you mean? Love that scene.* > > > Uh-huh. Particularly back at her place. > And so much of it is non-verbal. With her eyes and hips! > Gig was so darn good at playing these roles. He's a terrific "third wheel." I did end up liking his "Dr. Hugo Pine." > He won the Oscar for this role, believe it or not. "There's definitely oxygen leaking in here somewhere..." > He's exceptional with that. He's really hung out to dry in this one. He starts the film off as an overconfident power player who soon finds himself feeling like a nobody who doesn't measure up. Both men and women do this, just in separate ways. And these ways are presented in the film. > He gets it from the academia, his new girl, her dead father and Richard Long's mother. > I was definitely surprised by how great it was. It's now one of my very favorite comedies. > Fabulous! > That's probably the most "out of place" part in the film because of how seriously it is played, but I did end up liking it. The entire selfishness behind "I was raised that way and I turned out all right" is examined quite nicely. I love the entire attack on selfishness ("my way") in the film and the presentation of male and female insecurities. > I even sense that the balance is tenuous. You know that soon enough, Gable's kind isn't going to be in charge, that the "college kids" will take over and yet the same kind of arrogance will go on, just the players have changed. > > I loved the jealous, insecure teasing of Erica (Doris Day): > Ha! She's so cute and I love that song! It sticks in your head all day.

> Absolutely adorable. She's the perfect mix of good girl and sexy. I love her jealousy. I also didn't find her to be too over-the-top (comedically), which I sometimes find annoying with Doris. > I'm glad you finally found a Doris you really respond to. I think she was such a fine tuned actress she could give a director exactly whatever he wanted. She'd go big and exaggerated, if that's what was wanted or keep it down. She never misses, to me. She can do what the material calls for. This comedy is a little more realistic and with a serious side and she delivers. Her jealousy at the club, you mean? Love that scene. They're both jealous and Gig is hilariously in the middle. You think you're going to dislike him, he's so sure of himself and so smug, then he reveals he even knows himself and then you end up liking him. I love the contrast between his "type" and Gable. And I always liked that Gable could let himself be poked fun at. I wish the movie would get more play. People are usually really surprised by how good it is. > That's how I felt about it. The meanness that's found in the film is met with guilt. And you make a terrific point on the humility each faces and how they come to understand it. It's very lovely. > I like the story about Richard Long and his mother, it was unexpectedly touching. > That was done with a very even hand. Both sides are shown to be needed. Lots of give and take, and I feel that's what makes a great relationship. > What did you like best?

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}*Please! Why did you rate it so highly?* > > Because I loved it! I thought it was very funny, very sexy, and rather loving. I have actually developed a crush on Doris Day because of *Teacher's Pet*. She's sensational in this one. She is great in it, isn't she? This might be a good example of how a comedy can mix serious aspects in without spoiling the stew. It hits all the right notes. And if I'm going to watch any kind of "battle of the sexes", this is more to my liking than Adam's Rib. Both Doris and Gable have their blind spots and it's lovely, as you say, how they find each other (and learn about themselves, too). Both get humbled while trying to show up the other, but there's no meanness. Then there's the balanced way it handles the whole experience vs. classroom education issue. One of the best I've seen. It shows you don't need to make a preachy, super heavy movie to make the right points on that score.

> > It wasn't okay? You didn't like it? > Please! Why did you rate it so highly?

> But the two male leads are Ralph Bellamy and Robert Young; not your kind of guys. This ain't Wayne and Carey. But I suppose you're not that big on Fred MacMurray, too. > It doesn't matter if the story is good. > Gloria rarely got to play leading ladies, so it makes it difficult to say, "that's my favorite character." Most people would say "Debby Marsh" from *The Big Heat* is their favorite of hers. But her "Mary" just seemed more "dreamy" to me. > Debby for me. It's more memorable and unique. > *I loved Juano Hernandez, he's been so good in so many films.* > > > I just added him to my favorite actors list. It's a list that's getting to be fairly long. > He has great humanity. I first noticed him in *Young Man with a Horn*. > > *You should, it's very exciting.* > > > I ended up watching it two nights ago. > The Killer that Stalked New York? > I'd say. And I didn't know he was married to Merle. > He saved her career, too. She developed a bad skin disorder that made it tough to photograph her face flatteringly, but Ballard discovered a way to light her. Maybe she was so grateful she married him. > > *Now that I've got the other out of the way tell me about my favorite, Teacher's Pet. * > > > It was okay. > It was not!

hi, > There is a strong female presence in both films, so it does make sense that she would like them. The lack of your kind of men and women in those two films is why I think they would fall short to you. > *Spitfire* is a different sort of film about a different character, I wouldn't expect anything else. I remember it looking rather stage-bound, unlike *Shepherd of the Hills* and *Trail of the Lonesome Pine*, which kind of took away from its "magic". > She's fantastic in the film. In fact, I liked her so much that I now list "Mary" as my favorite Gloria Grahame character. I love the emotional ups and downs she has in the film. She is also shot beautifully. I've never really seen a film that treated Gloria like this. She gets the "Lana" treatment. I loved that. I'll walk on her side of the street! > really, your favorite? why? > Gloria! I really liked how Clay (Robert Sterling) came to love and respect Mary. He had to get past his own prejudices to do so. He also decided he wanted to try love. He had been avoiding that throughout his life. He'll have his fun with the ladies, but that's where it ends. There are some of us guys who are afraid of love. > Some?! > I think it's more Clay's story than Mary's. Mary is the thrust in the film. The other girls have interesting side stories. They add texture to the film. > amazing I can't even remember what he looked like. > In fact, he has a begrudging respect for him... which I liked. Still, I just don't like Gary Cooper as being "one of the group." It just doesn't suit him well. > It isn't enough for him, true. It's surprising. He did a silent variation called *Beau Sabreur* which is a lost film. > As you said, Markoff (Brian Donlevy) really is the star of the film. He's the one that draws you in. > I liked the eeriness of the fort being manned by the dead. That scene has been ripped off in a couple of movies and western series episode. > > *That one I have no recollection of.* > > > You don't remember a Coop film?! Heresy! > *Lives of a Bengal Lancer* and *The Adventures of Marco Polo* blend together in my memory and I don't remember caring much for either. > > There's also a money versus the people dispute in both films that divides the community. > I loved Juano Hernandez, he's been so good in so many films. > > *I think you'd like The Killer that Stalked New York...do you have it?* > > > Yes, I do have that one. I have it on DVD. I'd like to watch that one. > You should, it's very exciting. > > *I thought Markoff was nastier. He'd have eaten Vince for breakfast.* > > > He was definitely nastier, but Vince was cold-blooded! > Vince had a punkish quality, which makes him less interesting to me, and more "modern". He wouldn't have had a chance with Markoff. > Jerry's score was bigger than the material. I think understated would have worked better. *City of Fear* features two major players in Goldsmith and Lucien Ballard. > I didn't know it was photographed by Mr. Merle Oberon. Very "experimental" for such a pro. Now that I've got the other out of the way tell me about my favorite, *Teacher's Pet*.

> I'd say I like *Roughshod* and *Spitfire* more than you and we probably like *Teacher's Pet* and *Adam's Rib* similarly. I believe you like the others more than I do. > Yes, it looks like *Roughshod* and *Spitfire* are more the Jackie films. Though I did like Gloria, it was neat to see her in a western. How did you like her specifically? What did you like about the movie overall? > I liked his character and I thought his understated style fit the character. But the film doesn't feature a dynamic presence that you would like. > I seem to recall it was more the girls' story anyway? > I wasn't moved by it on that level and that's a big reason why the film didn't connect with me. *The Lost Patrol* is much more fascinating. I thought Gary Cooper was wasted in this film. > You're right, he doesn't have much to do, he doesn't even have a significant conflict with Markoff. > I loved the entire mystery of the film. The beginning is extremely well done and I did like the pay-off to it. > It's a good story, it's just too spread out. > > I'm sure of that. I'm guessing I will like *The Lives of a Bengal Lancer* more, too. > That one I have no recollection of. > After I got past the beginning, I was able to really accept and love Trigger (Kate). I love that she's a "witch." > Her character is interesting, a little like Betty Field's character in *The Shepherd of the Hills* with the "second sight". > > *Don't let ChiO hear that, he'll shoot you!* > > > He would simply say Tourneur's version was better... as was *Citizen Kane*. > Ha! > The story is narrated by the child in the story, who is now an adult. He speaks of love and fondness for the town he grew up in and all the people who made the town special to him, including his adopted family. The lead in the film is a rebellious preacher, who comes to link the entire community while providing a role model for the boy. The child also contracts a serious illness in the film. It's all about the eyes of a child and the love of his childhood. > Goodness, I had no idea there were so many parallels. I do remember the boy narrating and his affection for Joel but I forgot he was sick. There was an epidemic I recall. I'm really forgetting everything I ever watched these days! > I've only seen the former and that film is definitely better because it moves. You really do feel like you are chasing a crisis. *City of Fear* doesn't really chase. Irving Lerner attempts to make it feel that way, but I don't feel he succeeds. > I think you'd like *The Killer that Stalked New York*...do you have it? > Yes! Vince was nasty! He wasn't just cracking guys on the head! > I thought Markoff was nastier. He'd have eaten Vince for breakfast. > Me?! But I'm super sweet! You know that! Oh, I get it. You don't like sweet guys. That figures. Snippy! > I don't like sadists! > > It definitely has the feel of a television show. And Jerry Goldsmith's score was so darn bombastic. > Ha, for once I agree with that! I love Goldsmith's score for *The Detecitve*, it's one of my favorites in that jazzy style. Do you like Mancini's score for *Touch of Evil*?

> You may still like the group a little more than me, but just slightly. > I bet I do. > I can't see you really liking it. It lacks the dynamic kind of man you often seek. I liked Robert Sterling, but he's not the biggest reason why I enjoyed the film, though. > I'm sure you're right because I have no memory of him whatsoever! > Interesting. Why? BEAU GESTE SPOILER Well as I said about *Beau Geste*, it was too long although I admit I still cried when Beau died, I cried a lot. I was very touched by the love between the brothers, I always like to see that in movies for some strange reason. > *I preferred the legion stuff more.* > > > Not enough conflict for me. > So you didn't like anything about it? Don't worry, I think you'll like *Gunga Din* a lot better. > I don't think you'll like it nearly as much as I do. It reminded me of *The Trail of the Lonesome Pine* and *The Shepherd of the Hills*. Those films are better for atmosphere, but the setting, characters, and story are fairly similar. I thought the ending was sensational. > Since seeing those films I wonder if I'll be more receptive to *Spitfire*. I can remember being so turned off by Kate's "accent" and not caring for the setting. > Yet another religious film that I ended up liking. I see it as Jacques Tourneur's *How Green Was My Valley*. > Don't let ChiO hear that, he'll shoot you! How do you think they're alike? > It's on the dry side, for me. Vince (Vince Edwards) basically sits around while we hang out with the chasers. That's not too thrilling to me. > It reminds me a lot of *Panic in the Streets* and *The Killer That Stalked New York*. I liked both of those movies better, though. > I was surprised by the amount of killing. The film is rather vicious, in that regard. I like the idea of films like this, the "Cold War" films noir. It's just the execution wasn't up to snuff. > You mean all the killing an viciousness was a plus for you?! You're sicko! You need to be executed and snuffed out! > I thought you would hate the film. There's nothing really "you" with this one. > I admit I'm no fan of Vince Edwards. Had it been made ten years later I probably would have hated it. It felt to me like a television show and I enjoy cop shows from that period.

> Yet it ranks fairly high on your list. So you weren't too fond of this group of films? > > I really only love three of them the rest are likable to "okay" for me. And to be honest, I need to see *Roughshod* again to know how I feel about it. I remember liking it but I don't recall the details. That usually means it was "okay" to me. Whereas I remember liking *Pursued* and *Beau Geste* a lot more than I did this time. > *I felt it would have been great if it hadn't gone on so long.* *The first part was too long, especially with all the Aunt Pattie scenes, and then the movie didn't end when I thought it should have.* > > > I loved the opening and then the mystery of the "Blue Water," but the entire legion stuff really didn't do much for me. > I preferred the legion stuff more. > > How did you think it should end? > Right after Digby (Robert Preston) joined John (Ray Milland) out in the dunes. > I thought Donlevy did a terrific job, but even he couldn't raise the film for me. He's easy to hate, though. I would have shot him. > I thought he was very powerful. You can tell he was totally committed to this character, just like I've read (he apparently got so into character that he alienated all the cast and finally had to apologize). > > 1. Teacher's Pet - loved it (9/10) Super! It's one of my tippy top favorite comedies. I wish TCM would show it! > 2. Spitfire - really liked it (7/10) You and Jackie have made me so curious to see it again. > 3. Stars in My Crown - really liked it (7/10) That's one I want to re-watch soon. It gets better each time I see it. So why was *City of Fear* disappointing? Did you like anythiing about it? While I wasn't crazy about it, I did think the documentary style was fun, if only to show how everything looked in those days.

BEAU SPOILERS > Very interesting! So do you really like *Beau Geste* or is that the best of the "okay" films for you? > I didn't like it as much this time as when I first saw it. I felt it would have been great if it hadn't gone on so long. The first part was too long, especially with all the Aunt Pattie scenes, and then the movie didn't end when I thought it should have. However, I was totally impressed with Brian Donlevey's Sgt Markoff...he has to go on my all-time best villains list. This is the best performance I ever saw him give, and he's given a couple of really good ones. He's so real as that man it's frightening. > You hit two right on the head, but the others are a little off. > > 1. Teacher's Pet > 2. Spitfire > 3. Stars in My Crown > 4. Roughshod > 5. Letter From an Unknown Woman > 6. Pursued > 7. City of Fear > 8. Adam's Rib > 9. Beau Geste > My goodness I was off on a lot! Now my question's the same, did you really like ANY of these or are they just ranked in order of tolerable to intolerable?