CoopsGal

Hello John! So glad to see you're back! They've fixed the place up quite a bit and it's working (for now) but I'm glad you held tight and didn't give up. In response to your Blowing Wild comment: Personally, I didn't care for the movie. I do enjoy Noir films, obviously, but this one wasn't a favorite because I couldn't fully picture Gary as the character of Jeff Dawson. He's tremendously talented, but when I get to know someone by studying their career and personal life -- I guess I can't relate as well because it's not the sweet, courageous, 'quiet' and noble hero I've gotten to know in his previous 82 films (round-about). To know he's just the opposite of who he's portraying in the film just detaches me from being completely captivated. I understand it's just a movie and you're bound to get movies that are the absolute opposite of who the actors truly were in real life -- but again, personally I can't get a grasp around that character if I know the actor doesn't believe in it 100% -- like the Fountainhead. I like to know that at least a little bit of his true character peaks itself through but I guess that's just why I don't care for ?Man of the West? either. I've met a lot of people who say they've seen 'Man of the West' or 'They Came to Cordura' and just never bothered to get into any of his other films because they thought that's who he truly was in real life. I understand that's their own personal view and shouldn't effect how I feel toward a movie but as I said, I just like to have the comfort in knowing the actor is giving his all to contribute to the film because he wants a positive outcome to grow from his portrayal -- something that will make the audience reflect in their own personal lives and walk away from the movie with something to be inspired by. I may have to sit down and watch Blowing Wild again because I had reservations -- only seeing about 30 of his films before I sat down and watched it all the way through.

That's a gorgeous compliment, Mrs. C. I'm always looking to stimulate others. I'm very glad to hear you are so inspired. Since you are in the Noir world, I'll return the favor and start watching Coop films. You've cinched my purchase of the Coop box set. I know you'll find them to your liking -- you may even branch out and find you like more of his goofier films. By the way, you (and Dan) possess strong stimulative powers. I'm glad you spent last night with me. How's that for sexuality? WHO TURNED UP THE HEAT?! Well, hopefully next time we chat it won't be so early in the morning when my brain begins to shut down and run toward the sillier aspects of all our topics. But it was very stimulating and I enjoyed getting to know your personal tastes as well. Are you setting a trap for me with your open-minded kindness? Be gentle. No trap, just desperately searching for a new review that could give me another outlook on the film. And I assure you, Mr. Hopeless-Romantic-For-Femme-Fetales, I am always gentle.

I didn't have time! Dan & Mrs. C ran me ragged last night. Or was it the other way around? It was unmistakably the other way around, Mr. Grimes. You're quite the conversationalist! I didn't get to bed until 4 in the morning because my mind was so full of new ideas and an inspiration to barrel through all those Noir films sitting on my shelves! I'm also still anxiously awaiting your feedback on the Fountainhead I dislike that film so very much, as I've stated before, but it would be nice to hear your thoughts coming from a different perspective.

Kim, You are certainly one of the major contribtors to any conversations on Gary Cooper and films in general that I know I very much respect your opinion on all things to the highest degree. Awwww, well golly gee, you guys! I can't tell you how much you've given me new thoughts concerning...well...more things than I can remember this late at night; but I do so very much respect each one of your opinions and I hope we have another wonderful debate soon. Though I must say I still stand firm on those eyebrows...or the lack thereof. Sure, they had their style back then...but in some cases I'm just glad we've moved on. For anyone who just happened upon this site and completely got disoriented by the photo...don't worry, the feeling of terror will soon go away....just don't make eye contact with it.

LOL, Angie, your accent is rubbing off! I get off the phone with you and everyone knows who I've been talking to! I want a Montana accent...maybe I'll download one from iTunes.

We're gonna have to boost your confidence level, Missy. You're not intruding one bit, in fact, it's been quite the opposite. You've ADDED to the conversation. Well ya'll are starting your posts off with each others' name and it FINALLY caught on that maybe I'm intruding, lol. I don't have much contact with people who are living so the body language -- or in this case font language -- is a little rusty.

I can handle and often like watching the less noble character or even dispicable person, tramp or whatnot as long as there is a person I can like that I can root for also in the movie. This is the case in the One Sunday afternoon. I can not quite see just how good Frances Fuller is without seeing just how bad Fay Wray is. It is a very good combination to have them both in the picture and this movie is My thoughts exactly. If a movie has too much pain, heartache or villianry (it's 3am, in my mind I say it's a word) then it suddenly becomes distasteful and boring; I'm most likely to forget it by the next film. Sure, not every movie ends happily but a--okay, I'm just gonna step out of this conversation. I know I'm getting annoying with all my intruding thoughts but it's wonderful to read such debates and I'll definitely take note on what's being said and consider them while I'm watching these films in the future. Thanks for your thoughts, fellas! EDIT: This excludes all Noir. lol, I was thinking about that when I re-read this post. I love noir films that make you think -- and keep you on your toes guessing until the very end -- they make me absolutely giddy. But in dramatic films, if I can't find common ground with an actor or actress I just turn it off and walk away because I can't relate. I'll give it a try for a while but there are many films that seem too driven and focused on one aspect of the film -- revenge, hatred, or what-not; and it completely loses it's sense of power because it lacks that one most important element: sympathy.

Dan, a topic I found from associatedcontent.com: "Casablanca: Film Noir or Not Film Noir? Interestingly, almost no list of classic film noirs includes the Bogart classic Casablanca despite the fact that it contains nearly every single element that a film noir should contain. Although no two people are likely to agree on exactly what elements are necessary to constitute describing a film as noir, most fans of the genre would probably find little to argue about in this assessment from the web site Filmsite.org: "The primary moods of classic film noir were melancholy, alienation, bleakness, disillusionment, disenchantment, pessimism, ambiguity, moral corruption, evil, guilt, desperation and paranoia". A quick overview of Casablanca reveals that of those elements the film is lacking...only one. Since Casablanca is universally regarded as a film classic does the fact that it is almost never mentioned as a film noir classic mean that it is not actually a film noir? Film noir is most notable for its cinematic look: black and white cinematography, heightened use of shadows and darkness, and distorted, Expressionist staging. Clearly, Casablanca was filmed in black & white and clearly it makes effective use of shadows, especially in the key scenes that take place in Rick's caf? afterhours. However, one would be hard-pressed to describe the film as Expressionistic. It is a deeply realistic film, in fact, directed in an almost pedestrian manner with little in the way of unusual angles or camera movement. Since the distorted look of most film noirs is intended as a manifestation of the distortion of values and morals that drive the characters in the story, perhaps this may be why Casablanca is rarely regarded as film noir. That the visual style of Casablanca does not serve to heighten the moral ambiguity should not be confused with the idea that the film doesn't contain elements of ambiguous morality, however. Rick Blaine begins the film as one of the most disillusioned and apparently amoral leading characters to appear in a major Hollywood since the introduction of the Hays Code. The character of Renault is generally regarded as even more amoral and disillusioned. The story revolves around a woman who is the cause of Rick's disillusionment and although nobody should ever take the argument that Ilsa should be considered a femme fatale, she possesses enough of the darkness within her to qualify at least as female with a profound sense of disillusionment and not just a little confusion regarding her morals. And, of course, quite clearly most of the other non-Nazi characters exhibit signs of moral ambiguity. The Nazis, naturally, represent the evil in the universe. So, then is Casablanca not to be considered a film noir merely because its director chose to shoot scenes without a tilted camera? No, the real reason that Casablanca presents a problem to the lover of film noir goes back to that missing element from Tim Dirks' description."

Ohhh, I'm harmless. I am a straight guy though, so I do like women, and I'm not embarrased to say so. Maybe it's the Gary Cooper in me coming out. By the way, I got one thing on Coop, though. I'm a serious loyalist. It's one and only with me. Oh boy! You've hit it dead on. I'm an extreme loyalist as well. Once I find an actor, I will dive deep into the obsession and not come out for, sometimes, years. I can't just pace myself and buy a couple movies each year on that one particular person -- I need to buy them all...immediately! If it's Gary Cooper -- it's only Gary Cooper. I need to find as much information about him as possible or else I don't feel as though I've mastered the obsession, lol. I know it sounds crazy, but to love more than one person is foreign to me. I never have more than one crush; so I'm at least thankful to know that I'll be a good wife someday, lol. Most people have more than one celebrity crush -- I suppose it's only natural -- and I know you're probably speaking about women in real life (such as dating and what-not) but I've never dated so I just stick with the men who are no longer living...it's so much safer that way and you don't have to worry about the unfaithfulness. Wow...I am so done talking now; I'm actually beginning to scare myself.

I am not one to sugar coat things on my very strong views on things and hope that it doesn't get me in trouble some time here. If I like a movie, actor or actress I will certainly let everyone know about it and why, but in the same sense I am very much going to let people know if I don't like a movie, actor or actress and why I don't. We know it, Dan! And that's why we love you. We know you'll give us the truth and we can trust you'll speak them with good intentions -- either way. Your honesty is something that's inspired me to do the same and I'm so glad you stand strong to it. Most everyone here is honest in their opinions and that makes me cherish this board even more. By all means, give it to us straight. It doesn't do a bit of good to make someone sound, or seem, better than they really are because you fear they may disagree; granted, everyone has their own opinions, but it's good to know where someone stands so we can better prepare ourselves for a good, healthy debate. If these messages are confusing -- don't worry; not much sense finds its way into my head after 2am easily, so bear with me.

Let me clarify one thing: sexuality does not mean a women has to act like Marilyn Monroe or Jean Harlow or Barbara Stanwyck in Baby Face. Not at all. I find the taste of sexuality is at its sweetest when it's subtle, although still quite palpable. THANK YOU for clarifying that, Frank; I must admit: I was getting a bit worried there.

I adore Frances Fuller!! It's such a shame she isn't in more films -- she'd be my next favorite actress! I love the romance element in classic movies not the sexual aspect. By golly, Dan, then you must love our adventures! LOL

You are all quite and don't think she was capable of giving good sweet girl perfomance as she was quite limited but as a jewel thief/swindler she was perfect On that I must agree. She was superb at acting in the style she knew best and I'm glad she stuck with it -- knowing her limitations and talents for such genras. I'm just saying that she wouldn't be a particular favorite of mine because of my reasons stated above -- or...below. But I always love to know your thoughts, Dan; you bring up such wonderful debates in which many others would never bring to my attention.

I love ramblings, but I know it can be off-putting to others. I just like having some fun sometimes. For me, rambling is what makes a conversation more interesting; you learn things about a person you wouldn't have known before if it were always on topic, but I know this forum is a little more strict because it's very popular and many people come here to read about Gary, not our fascination with Marlene's barely-there eyebrows. But as you said, it may be off-putting to many others so I'll just use my sad excuse at posting another freakish amount of Gary pictures and not feel guilty because I know I have supplied enough eye-candy to distract them from my ramblings.

I know we're now off the Cooper path right now, but don't you fret, I'll have a Cloak and Dagger review tomorrow. Hey, maybe even a review for The Fountainhead, too. Oh goodie-goodie gumdrop! I'll be looking forward to that, Frank! I'm gonna make up for all my ramblings:

The board is not user-friendly yet You're right about that! I was almost bitten by the quote button yesterday. I am starting to hate this forum. Sometimes it doesn't post and will erase all my work! Why, Robert Osbourne; why do you hate me so?

Okay, I could not resist: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Barbra Walters: Good evening, and welcome to "Not For Wadies Only". I'm Baba Wawa, and tonight we'll be talking to an actual wiving wegend - the incwedible Mawene Dietrich. Marlene Dietrich: Thank you. It's gweat to be heah. Barbra Walters: Mawene, what is it wike to be wiving wegend? Marlene Dietrich: Wet me just say, it's been a weawy wich expewience. Barbra Walters: I'm so impwessed. Mawene.. you are so with and swender. How do you stay so swim? Marlene Dietrich: Swimming keeps me swim. My daily wegimen incwudes swimming twelve waps in my pool. It's wonderful for my wegs. Barbra Walters: Mawene, tell us the secwet of your perpetual youth. Marlene Dietrich: I only eat healthy foods. I get massaged weguwally, and.. I've had evewything wifted. Barbra Walters: [ incredulous ] You mean you've had your wegs wifted?! Marlene Dietrich: Evewything, even my weah. Barbra Walters: Your what? Marlene Dietrich: My weah. Barbra Walters: Your wear? Marlene Dietrich: What? Barbra Walters: Dwop it. Marlene Dietrich: You bwought it up. [ laughing in ] Of course, wooking gwamowous on film isn't all beauty secwets. A wot of it is wighting. I do all my own wighting. Barbra Walters: I didn't weawize you wote. Marlene Dietrich: I don't. I wight. Barbra Walters: You're weferring to.. [ moves her fingers as though typing ] ..typewriter witing, wight? Marlene Dietrich: [ pointing to lights ] I'm weferring to ewectwic wighting. You see, in pictures, bwight wighting can be vewy unfwattering, particuwawy if it makes my wegs wook white. Baba, am I wong to want to appear wadiant? Barbra Walters: No, that's very weasonable.. [ to herself ] Hawy Weasonuh.. Hawy Weasonuh.. five million dollars.. I'm wich! [ to camera ] Well, we've wun out of time. Before we go, I wanted to mention what a beautiful fur you have on. Is it mink? Marlene Dietrich: No, it's just a silly wabbit. Barbra Walters: Well, Mawene, it's been a weal pweasure. I thank you. [ into camera ] Don't forget to dwop in next week when our guest will be Elmer Fudd. Good night.

Have you ever seen Blazing Saddles and Madeline Kahn's "Marlene"? Oh for Heaven sakes, don't remind me, lol.

Bad side? Well, I wouldn't count her among the list of my favorites. I couldn't honestly say either way because I haven't given any of her movies a fair chance. From what I've seen of her alongside Gary; I'd have to say no. I suppose I just admire women who are strong, quiet, wise and beautiful yet aren't over-powering or dare I say...dangerous. With Marlene I just feel she's too forceful and 'harsh'; as if she's better than everyone else on screen and she knows it. I like the humble yet distinguished actresses that leave you in awe of their charm, beauty, grace and wit; yet also have that underlying depth of wisdom, patience, gentleness and humility that inspire you to dig deep within yourself and carry on their legacy. To be quite honest I don't think Marlene falls into that category. I know I seem very picky and silly about describing all this, but in today's society hero's aren't found as easily as they were 'back in the day'. They just seemed to have disappeared and are now replaced by women who set the standard high for flakiness (I know it isn't a word). I realize I set my standards high and not too many people amount to women such as Greer Garson, Theresa Wright or Ginger Rogers (a few of my personal favorites) but I suppose that's why I love these older movies so much; they teach others (myself included) that a true woman isn't always admired or praised for her physical beauty but it's on the inside that you find what matters most. And it's those women with such integrity that are, sadly, more forgotten than others. All right, I'll step off my soapbox. I warned you guys: the slightest little thing could set me off! But, Frank, that's the best I could do to explain my feelings of why I don't care for Marlene.

Marlene is fine in Morocco and Desire but what I just can't understand is why she (or the director) can think she has talent for singing... And don't EVEN get me started about that accent! "Mwistew Bwwandon." I'm sorry, I can't stop thinking about that SNL skit now. Angie, I'm still cackling over our phone conversation last week! LOL

Those eyebrows look like they're trying to crawl off her face! Run eyebrows, RUN !! Gosh, if I were eyebrows...I wouldn't wanna be on Marlene Dietrich's face either...

I stalk both the dead and the living (ha!). I think that should only be one strike against me!! It evens out, lol.

Can you imagine how bad we would be if Gary was still around (evil laugh!!!)? You know, I've thought about this many times and I'm almost convinced that we'd be locked up in tiny little rooms with an automated voice that constantly asks over the loud speaker: "Who's Gary Cooper?" Though it would be somewhat amusing to see how he'd react if he saw a group of women running toward him with drool leaking from their mouths. "I feel fine; it was a nice day yesterday, it's a nice day today, it'll be a nice day tomorrow. I feel fine, I feel fine, I feel very fine."

I love wacky, obsessive women. Well, at least the ones who don't stalk Brad Ausmus. So women who stalk and obsess over men who are no longer living is fine? ......That's a double strike against ya', Angie, you're having no luck, lol.

I am just bawling my eyes out. This is amazing. *Sobs*