MissGoddess

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}*Well, let us know which one you watch first.* > > Probably *Roughshod* . > OK, I have to re-watch that since I really don't remember much about it. I did enjoy it, though. > *He disappeared again.* > > > He almost makes me seem active and lively! > He and butterscotch seem to be on the same schedule!

Well, let us know which one you watch first. > > Where is Molo? I've got Astaire & Rogers and he ain't even around! I have a couple other films of his, too. He disappeared again.

I don't know what others have access to or have seen and liked. I think Jackie said she really liked *Roughshod*.

I hope you do give Din a try, it's a real "guy's" movie to me. > Roughshod > City of Fear > The Hitch-Hiker > Thieves Highway > Stranger Impersonation > Underworld, U.S.A. > I've seen all of those except Underworld U.S.A.. The only ones I have is *City of Fear* and *Roughshod*. I really liked *Strange Impersonation*, I wish I had that one. *The Hitch-Hiker* is good, too, very suspenseful. Though my favorite of the Ida Lupino-directed movies are *The Bigamist* and *The Outrage*. I need to re-watch most of these, though I don't think I can do *Thieves HIghway* again. I didn't like it. You'll probably love it. I don't like the actress in it. > I'm also interested in the Sherlock Holmes films. > Those are fun. So when are you going to watch these movies?

I'm expecting there to be an uncomfortable feeling for me with Gunga Din. But if the film is exciting and engaging, I may be able to look past that stuff. I don't know why it never occurred to me before, but *Gunga Din* has a lot in common with *Wee Willie Winkie*, which you said you liked. Besides both being based on Kipling characters, the characters themselves (Din and Wink) are rather similar. Both are outsiders, or don't really belong in the regiment, yet both long to and yearn to be accepted as "good soldiers". Din does EXACTLY the same little bit as Shirley in the earlier film where he wants to be "drilled" just like the regular soldiers. And of course, there's Vic, playing roughly the same kind of character. Where emotion and a child's point of view are the focus of Ford's film, *Gunga Din* mixes action/comedy and a little sentiment, with the empasis on action and some spectacular sequences. I think from this point of view, you'll be okay with the movie.

I completely agree, Mimi! These shows are like mini-movies, they pack so much into half-hour or less timeframes. AHP is my second-favorite tv show of all time (right after "The Dick Van Dyke Show"---so you can imagine how excited I am to see that episode). You bring up an interesting point about comedic actors in dramatic parts...I forget where I heard or read it, but someone speculated many of the funniest people were really serious off-screen (Lucille Ball for one), and that acting for comedy is actually much more demanding than drama. I can't say for sure how true that is, but I have a huge respect for the kind of lightening quick timing and reaction you have to have to be good at being funny.

Some *Norman Lloyd* interviews here, including a bit where he discusses "Man from the South", the 5th Season of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episode he directed with *Steve McQueen* and *Peter Lorre*: http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/norman-lloyd

Season Five of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" is finally being released on DVD in January. This is the season that has Steve McQueen as one of the guest stars. Also guesting are Laurence Harvey, Brian Keith, Peter Lorre, William Shatner, and in one episode I've never seen, Dick Van Dyke! http://www.classicflix.com/alfred-hitchcock-presents-season-p-11789.html Episode List at IMDb.com, including links to watch the first three online: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047708/episodes#season-5

Why don't you list the five films, either noir or any genre, that you most want to see next and discuss here on the board? Edited by: MissGoddess on Oct 10, 2011 11:48 PM

How marvelous! I wish I was on the west coast to attend. And I, too, hope this movie will come to DVD...with your musical accompaniment of course!

Oh my goodness, you just posted two of my FAVORITE, FAVORITE things to eat on earth...I could literally eat a whole entire loaf and a whole entire cake...just me alone!!! Oh, why do these things have to be so darn fattening???

That is super, butterscotch! I could never do a list like this, it would drive me batty. I love the mix of serious and fun you have. And you have several movies on there I've never even heard of let alone seen! I see *Cape Fear* was last on the list one year...I wonder why.

Hi butterscotchie, > Why do you say that? You don't like seeing Junie with anyone? Not even with her hubby in their movies together? What about her with Vanji (Van Johnson)? I thought she looked adorable with both. > Yes, I'm just not crazy about her, I never have been I'm afraid. > The Shrike is the only movie of hers I have't seen yet. I REALLY wanna see it, so much! It looks to be quite interesting, especially with her supposed character. I wish TCM would show it.

And the man who brings them together is director George Stevens. He's worked with Kate before but not Tracy. And a good director wants to work with an Actor, not a personality. He wants to work with someone who can dig his teeth into a role and communicate such an amorphous thing as Emotion. Stevens has that with Tracy and Hepburn. That was an eye-opener...brilliant! It's true...Stevens must have respected both enormously, Kate especially was responsible for giving his career it's leg up to the next level. So he knew they could take these characters, bring to them their strengths...and be unafraid to show their weaknesses...and challenge him to make a movie worth of their talents. I think he did.

Git along home, Bronxie, Bronxie...!

I'm sorry you missed TCN...you need to fix that VCR! Or get a cute guy to fix it for you! I agree with Mom, but then I'm not keen on June with anyone! (I'm still hoping to see The Shrike, something tells me that's the June Allyson I'll like the most! )

> Terrific! Carole is playing it straight, but Powell is Powell. There's some real emotion with him, too. > I remember she wasn't playing for comedy this time. > Then I'll add it to the next batch of films I'm gonna watch. > Good, I look forward to your impressions of it. > Cary is already a great favorite of mine and Vic continues to climb my favorites list. He's been a major revelation for me. He's so darn good in the 30s. > This is a showy role for him, fits him like a glove. > I've heard good things about *Gunga Din*. I don't have it on DVD, though. > No rush on that one. *Pursued* is better! Mitchum.

> You should give it another looksee. > I will! I like him and Carole together. > And if I would have said that, you would have told me I didn't like kids! You're awful! > Not this time! > I'm sure I'll find the kid to be an annoying addition. > It takes all the fun out. > I may have to fire that one up, soon. > I have it on DVD so I should rewatch as well. I do remember Brian Donlevey was excellent. A real brute. > > *Gunga Din, definitely.* > > But you said I wouldn't like it! Those two Coop films must be horrible, then. I'm sure you are right. > Of the three it has the best chance. You'll like Cary and Vic, I think. They're a couple of rascals.

> I like that he can be a rascal. He's basically a mug all dressed up, really. Have you seen *Man of the World* ? It's such an interesting character and performance for Powell. > A while ago, but I don't remember anything special about his character. I do have the DVD. > > You make *Another Thin Man* sound funny. > It's got a lot of silliness in it. It's one example where serious and silly are not mixed well. It's also one with the kid, and I don't like Nick and Nora with a kid. It's too domestic and tame for them. > So you're saying I'm gonna understand and associate with poor Charlie, eh? I'm sure you're right! > Ha! Just you wait! "Nature, Mr. Alnutt, is what we are put here to rise above." > > What?! When do you ever like tragic?! And you give me heck for liking hopelessness! > This is the kind of noble tragedy I don't think you care for. But this is another movie I haven't seen in a long time. > > So which of those three films do you think I'd like most? > *Gunga Din*, definitely.

> That's a great point. That really does make the films more than just "vehicles." It's not just a studio director shooting the script. > Right, it's Cukor, Stevens and Capra and the Kanin-Gordons writing. > Yes, that's what I mean. It seems like the studios only saw him as a second banana, not a major star. He wasn't being pushed. He raised himself to star status. > Though they gave him pretty big stuff, too, like *The Power and the Glory*. That's a "Citizen Kane" character and very early on. I think they knew what they had in Spence in terms of talent at Fox, but I'm not sure they really had the material. In those days, musicals and Americana with a little history thrown in seemed to be the Fox specialty. MGM for better or worse, could afford to buy Tracy properties like Jekyll and Hyde, the story of Edison, Captains Couragous, etc. Whatever he wanted. > > From what I've seen of Spence, I definitely agree with that. I have really liked him in the 30s. I like his "mugs" and "average Joes." That's something that appeals to me. He's not a flashy guy. He's an honest sack of potatoes. And what's strange is that I like the champagne of William Powell, too. Even a little more than Spence. > I'm so excited about Bill in December! I just love him. He's a gent without the slightest trace of snobbery. That's what makes him so ideal as Nick Charles, who's really not a polished guy...he's a former private detective after all, yet Powell makes him so at ease with a lady like Myrna without ever losing his unpretentious manner. And he's always the smartest guy in the room without calling attention to it. I was watching *Another Thin Man* I think it was, the other day on TCM. It's not their best, but the scenes between Powell and Otto Kruger are so hilarious! Bill keeps doing this double take whenever he looks at Kruger which breaks me up! And Kruger behaves kind of like a wacko, so you understand why, ha haaa! No dialogue, just these looks that pass as if Nick is thinking "Is this guy for real?" > She's superb in *Suddenly, Last Summer*. But I do prefer her youthful and full of girliness. What I'm hoping to like with her in *The African Queen* is her fight. > Poor Bogie! > I haven't seen any of those classics. I'm a big Indy fan, though. Which do you like more, *Gunga Din* or Coop's films, *Beau Geste* and *The Lives of a Bengal Lancer* ? > That's really hard to say! however, the contest for me is between Bea and *Gunga Din*, I don't care much for Bengal. I guess I'd prefer *Beau Geste,* I love Gary, and I find it more tragic.

> > I certainly agree. So are the Tracy & Hepburn films "vehicles"? > Maybe in concept, but the people on board were the best (writers, directors) which made them a little above that. > One of my favorite Kate moments was this: > I like that one, too. > He seems to be self-made since he was basically given "buddy" roles and "mugs" in the 30s. > What do you mean "self made"? You mean not a studio creation? Absolutely. He was a full-fledged actor right from *Up the River*. There's no real development except in the nature of the roles, but for himself, he had it all from the beginning. Amazing. Just look at Bogie in the same film, he's so green! He hasn't found himself as an actor, yet. Tracy was unique. Special. I can't say good enough things about him as a performer. No one impresses me as much. > Something tells me that I will. That's not to say I'm not going to like the older Kate, though. > You will find her vulnerability very appealing, but she isn't going to be as desirable because she is past the bloom of youth in those movies. I don't know how you'll react to that. Well, you saw her in *Suddenly Last Summer*. > Absolutely. But there are masterpieces that not everyone likes. With *Shane*, three of us listed it as our favorite for Stevens. I'm sure Movieman would do the same. Something tells me that wouldn't be CineMaven's favorite, though. We need those lists! > Good point, it's a crowd pleaser. I am betting CineMaven puts *A Place in the Sun* at the top. > > > Actually, I believe I'd like *Gunga Din*. It's been called an early version of Indiana Jones. That would be great with me. > I do consider it the template for all "buddy" action-adventure pictures to come. There is some of *Indiana Jones*, though I see more *King Solomon's Mines*, John Wayne's *Legend of the Lost* and other 50s adventure movies in that.

> That's how I feel about a lot of Gable and Coop's films. Gable is almost always entertaining, so much so that he's usually better than the films. > I feel that way about a lot of the old stars, actually. They had so much personality, and some, like him and Coop, were put in tons of "vehicles". Someone like Tracy got offered the "acting" stuff, the real meat. They say Gable was jealous of that, even though they were friendly. But I'm sure if Gable had it in him they would have given him the heavier stuff, too, but he was insecure about risk taking. Tracy wasn't. Like Kate said, he was unsure in life, but not at all about acting. > Because it seems like the feeling is with Tracy & Hepburn is that they are terrific to watch but their films don't match them. That reminded me of Gable and Coop. > Oh, yes! Yes, I definitely think their best work was apart, though there are moments in all their films of course. I like in *Woman of the Year* the looks Kate gives Spence when they first meet. That moment in the office when he catches her pulling at her stocking, that is a really "movie movie" moment. Special. I also love Kate's hair in this movie. This and *The Philadelphia Story* are her at her loveliest, I think. Her hair is so soft, it softens her angular features yet it's a sophisticated style, which suits her persona. > I find Spencer Tracy to be one of the warmest of actors. You always get the feeling he's putting his arm around you, giving you a pat on the back. Very honest. > Yes, and he could play a real con-man, too yet you always got the feeling inside he was basically a good guy even if he fought against it. > > And Tracy's change is mostly done through acting. It's the best performance I have seen from him, and that's saying a heckuva lot, because I like quite a few of his performances. > It's fascinating, a complete work with a whole range of stuff going on. > And those are the films I've yet to see of hers. I'm curious to find out if I prefer the young, crazy comediene or the older, dramatic actress. I really like her when she's young and crazy. > You may always prefer that Kate. > > So three of us have *Shane* as our favorite Stevens film. We both like *Giant* and *A Place in the Sun* but Jackie does not, yet Jackie and I like *The More the Merrier* and *The Talk of the Town* more. Very interesting! What's with me liking the comedies more than you?! > *Shane* is a masterpiece, really, at least in the western genre. > *Gunga Din* and *Swing Time* are probably the biggest Stevens films I've yet to see. > I can't see you liking either. GD is one of the best action movies I've ever seen, though it's not a genre I'm big on. I love Vic in it, old Vic and his darling elephant. It's fun seeing Cary being really physical and crazy, too.

Yes, the *Sgt. Rutledge* team (Woody, Juano and Rafer) reunited in Africa. It was on last week during a tribute to Angie.

Roger doesn't show up until like 45 minutes into the movie, then he disappears again. It's another of his "playboy" types. But I love when he teases Angie/Rachel: "It's so easy to get a rise out of you."

> {quote:title=JackFavell wrote:}{quote}I like Albert Finney, but of course, he has more movies since he's still going strong nowadays. > > I actually like Finney better the older he gets. > He may be an example of what you said about which movies you see first. My first exposure was *Two for the Road* and one of those British kitchen sink dramas; in both he plays really arrogant guys and it put me off! > Maybe Ill see if I can find Rachel Cade again. I don't know if I ever found out how it ends. In that one, the doctor is Roger Moore, and like Peter Finch he is involved with a religious girl in two movies, the other for him being *The Miracle* (with Carroll Baker).