Arkadin

Very sad. A amazing comic with great timing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt2ZdxFGosw "You SHALL go to the Ball!!"

Herbert Pocket/Great Expectations (1946)

I read comics quite a bit as a kid (and still have most of them). The movies I have seen lately though have been very disappointing to me. The first big problem with many of them is they have factual errors. The main people who want to see this stuff are the people who read comics--so please get your facts straight! Another problem is that it seems to be mostly special effects driven and there is not much in acting (I felt some of the Xmen stuff, and Batman was better in this regard. I thought the acting in Spiderman was just awful). I would be interested in a Captian America flick if they could do it right (WW2, the Red Skull, etc.). I also enjoyed the Captian Marvel serials as well as Green Hornet.

I personally find "Laura" (1944), a mixed bag. While Clifton Webb (in his first film) was brillant especially in his scenes with Vincent Price, Dana Andrews does a very poor job in his role (throwing out lines in a monotone and standing around like a cigar store indian). Tierney herself really doesn't do much here except model clothes and hairstyles. The whole film feels like someone wanted to make a Noir, but didn't want to get their hands dirty. This film probably would have not gone anywhere if it had not been for Walter Winchell's backing. While there are some good points to this film (Webb's wonderful voiceover, Webb's and VP's performances, Laura's theme music which actually became a Jazz standard) they are overshadowed by bad pacing and a plot that is somewhat laughable when viewed today. As for Tierney in this role: although she herself stuggles to be a strong independant woman, in the men's eyes she is simply a prize to be fought over. This I feel, is the central point (and flaw) of the film. If you are a fan of GT I reccomend "Leave Her To Heaven" (1947). Tierney has much more room in this film to make the role her own and does some fine work. The sets and location shots are beautiful as well (3 strip Technicolor) and the storyline is quite gripping.

More great news.

Recorded it as well. Not had time to view it yet.

The Stange Affair of Uncle Harry is a great George Sanders film!

Wow. Good News.

Yes, I thought the film was flawed (especially in the dialogue), but the performances were quite good. As one poster above said about Monty, he looked very jittery and unconfident, but I really don't know if that was him personally (knowing what he had been through) or what his character was supposed to personify.

I just got the 2 DVD set of The Stunt Man. Haven't had a chance to view the quality of the transfer yet, but it looks pretty good. Lots of features.

No. I have just seen the same one that's always been out there. It's actually a nice little film. I have a fondness for horror, but I can't stand the blood and gore flicks.

Anybody see or familar with this film? I recorded it yesterday morning because it had Montgomery Clift, Robert Ryan, and Myrna Loy. I checked it out today. Interesting film. Thoughts?

Great James Stewart film. People were talking in another thread about the score overwhelming the dialogue. I recorded it, but haven't had time to check that complaint out yet. The original film never seemed to have that problem though.

I actually do have a DVD of the film. I was wondering how much better the Criterion DVD could look since this was a pretty low budget film anyway. I guess I will spring for it and find out.

Pretty Poison (1968) is a great one. You also might like him in Orson Welles "The Trial" (1963) He was also good in the westerns "The Lonely Man" (W/Jack Palance) and "The Tin Star" (W/Henry Fonda). Both films are from 1957.

Has anyone seen the Criterion print of this and can tell me what the differences are in the look and versions? I have a chance to pick up a used Criterion copy. I already own this film though in a pretty decent looking print and was wondering what the Criterion print might have to offer that mine does not. I am specifically interested in those people who have seen the Criterion disc and can talk about the quality of the transfer.

Pencil me in. I would definitely be interested in seeing it.

Who cares about Cary Grant? We have Zap Rowsdower!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4L2lwQiAkA

Yes indeed.

I don't know if it was mentioned, but Lancaster does all his own stunt work in this film which is quite a feat (he was in his 50's at this time I think).

Argh! My computer is freezing on the link. I will try later. Thanks anyway. Yes, I thought it was as good as "Blind Spot" I don't know about more interesting, but there was certainly more to look at on the screen!! I thought the actors all did a good job. I did feel that it could have been lit and shot better camerawise. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

To switch from a talking film to silent one is a big difference. We as viewers must participate in a way that is not done in talking films. You have to be paying attention. You also have to be able to read expression and body language. Finally, you have to be able to catch ideas and quickly realize where they are headed. All this takes place in continual motion and you have to be willing to give more of yourself to the film than the casual observance. Yes, some silent films encapsulate the time period they are shown in like many other films in history, but there are some that are quite timeless and would appeal to any age: The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) Faust (1924) The Temptress (1928) He Who Gets Slapped (1924) The Navigator (1927) Foolish Wives (1922) City Lights (1930) The Crowd (1928) Spies (1928) Pandora's Box (1928) There are plenty of others, but I would encourage you to try one of the above and take your time. You don't have to view the entire film in one sitting. Don't expect it to be the same as a talking film--it's not. Enjoy the difference.

You're right (1938).

If you enjoyed that one you might check out "Il Bidone" (1955). It's my personal favorite. I would also reccomend: La Strada (1954) The Nights of Cabria (1957) Later films like "8 1/2", "La Dolce Vita", "Juliet of the Spirits" and others are more adventurous works and if you haven't seen the earlier movies and viewed the natural progression of Fellini's work they can leave you quite confused (and running for the smelling salts). Most people (like myself) started with something like "8 1/2" and were quite baffled by what we were seeing. Fellini didn't make the films in that order and his initial audience didn't view them that way either--why should we? I would suggest concentrating with his 50's output and then jumping up to the 60's, etc. You might also look for a companion film guide on his work. Have Fun!

> I liked him a lot in While the City Sleeps. That's a great film with a great cast (Directed by Lang too!). It's coming up soon.