mrroberts

I see that TCM is airing *Mister Roberts* on Oct 25, tuesday morning, part of a Jack Lemmon mini tribute day. And *Mister Roberts* will also play in December as part of the William Powell month tribute. I believe the film has already aired 2 or 3 times this year so I guess we're getting into the TCM "plays this too much" category. I hereby swear that I have nothing to do with this programming decision. But I do thank TCM for having "good taste" and want to nominate the film as a future "essential".

I wonder what Henry Fonda got paid for doing *The Lady Eve* ? I would have worked for free.

Still enjoying this thread, many thanks for your work doing this .

Fortunate are the ones who want to keep working, and get the opportunities to do so. Still its a business, and its all about money. If you can help make some money, you're welcome.

I joined the work force in the late 70's, working over 30 years in a non union steel mill. My best years earning wise were the earliest ones. Over 30 years I've seen my buying power decline little by little. The much bragged about tax breaks have done little for me. But the CEO's are doing much, much better then ever. The young people of today taking my job are working much harder and longer hours and for less pay, they will get no pension plan either. Just a few personal observations here.

I guess I should hate Charles Boyer for torturing Ingrid Bergman in *Gaslight* . Richard Kiley beat up and even shot Jean Peters in *Pickup On South Street* . The little kid who played Damien in *The Omen* killed Lee Remick. I am starting to build up an "enemies list". --- Fred MacMurray killed Barbara Stanwyck in *Double Indemnity* but she had it coming.

I actually don't think that the money issue is that big, if you don't have the money then you can't retire. And if you have to "retire" it is because you either can't get the work or you can't do the work (physical ailment, etc). Then you may need to find some other way of earning a living. Those people who voluntarily give up their acting career have some other interests they want to pursue and they have the financial security that allows them to do that. James Cagney always wanted to be a "gentleman farmer" so thats what he did , have his property and raise horses and things. I don't think that actors are any different then the rest of us in that regard.

You're obviously referring to actors being typecast, but on a more personal level, which I guess we all do to some degree. I am sure some people have never liked Richard Widmark (although he is one of my favorites, and a long time buddy of Karl Malden too) all because of that one character he played in *Kiss Of Death* . This also reminds me of that story Ernest Borgnine tells about the guys on the street who wanted to beat him up because of what "Fatso" did to little Frankie Sinatra in *From Here To Eternity* . It says something about the actor's talent that they did such a good job playing that villain that we carry those feelings about them along like that. I really can't say there is anyone who I carry a grudge against because of some evil deed in a film role, only actors who I just think are lousy actors

This thread is starting to give me terrible flashbacks to English classes in school. I never liked English class, History and Math were my favorites.

Carole Lombard in *My Man Godfrey* -- Barbara Stanwyck in *The Lady Eve* and *Meet John Doe* -- trying to avoid those femme fatalle types

Given that they are young male teens I would believe they need some action and suspense to catch their interest. I was about 12 years old when I first saw *The Great Escape* on TV, I believe it was the premier TV broadcast showing around 1967 or 68. The film is a realistic account of an actual event of WW2 with fine acting by an all star cast. You don't need a fantasy Hollywood script and cartoon like characters with wild special effects to tell an intriguing story. This film is now almost 50 years old, the real life story it depicts was fairly recent history at the time. But I believe it still plays fresh today like it was made within the last ten years. I would guess your nephews' exposure to movies is limited to what is currently showing on channels like Showtime or HBO. Thats shows the role of TCM , to play the "classics" that would hardly ever get shown on TV otherwise. Edited by: mrroberts on Oct 19, 2011 3:53 PM

I have yet to watch *Citizen Kane* from start to finish in one viewing. A highly influential landmark film I suppose, but the greatest of all time, I can't see it.

*Manhattan Tower* 1932

*Judgment At Nuremburg*

This Saturday night 10 pm est is the Edward G Robinson drama *Illegal* , its one of his last films where he is the lead actor and its a good one. Robinson is in his sixties at this time, he will continue working as a supporting actor for the rest of his career. . Eddie G. gives his usual great performance (when did he ever give a bad performance?). The story line of *Illegal* makes me think of one of his early films, *Five Star Final*; in both movies Eddie gets a little carried away at his job and the result is some unintended consequences and he has to deal with the guilt of his actions. *Illegal* also stars Nina Foch in a rare starring role for her, this is part of a tribute night to this fine actress. Also you will see a young Jayne Mansfield in one of her first films. And at the film's beginning you will see a very familar face for just a minute or so, I won't tell who it is but everyone knows it. *Illegal* classifies as a film noir because of its dark storyline and the man who is trapped by some circumstances beyond his control, can he get out of it or is he doomed? Edited by: mrroberts on Oct 18, 2011 11:47 AM

paraphrasing Biff Grimes -- "He hit me when I wasn't lookin', with a beer bottle. Or was it a broom handle? A spitoon?"

I wouldn't mind striking out with someone like Rita, I should be so lucky. ---- Anyone out there just see *The Strawberry Blonde* ? Like to hear comments.

When Glenn Ford and Lee Marvin have their final shoot out if you look closely you'll see Lee Marvin taking cover behind the Rocky statue, what more do you want?

I have DVD copies of both *Nothing Sacred* and *Too Late For Tears*, both are barely watchable prints. Since I like both films a lot it would be great to see any restoration work for each. And I would welcome seeing TCM broadcasts of each, can't afford to be buying copies of everything I like. And I can understand that new releases will be a little pricey. I love watching the early Hitchcock films too, so improved prints would be great.

Colin Clive, "Its alive, Its alive" , as Dr Frankenstein in the original *Frankenstein*

About Spencer Tracy, he was supposed to play "Doc" in *Mister Roberts* but apparently there was a conflict with another picture he was going to do. So at the last minute they got William Powell ( who was considering retirement from the movies). Glad things worked out the way they did for Powell. And of course he got billing over Tracy in *Libeled Lady* , Powell was the better actor -- This is directed to the Tracy fans out there Edited by: mrroberts on Oct 15, 2011 3:21 PM

Sometime ago I finally decided that William Powell was my all time favorite actor. So first thoughts were Nick Charles or Godfrey for a screen name. But I have also decided that *Mister Roberts* is my all time favorite movie. And that was also William Powell's final film. But his character is known only as "Doc", not much of a screen name. So to honor both the whole movie and Mr Powell especially , I chose mrroberts.

One of the best romantic comedies is on TCM on Monday, Oct 17th at 12:30 pm est, *The Strawberry Blonde*. A terrific cast including James Cagney, Olivia DeHavilland, Rita Hayworth, and a bunch of top Warners character actors. If you've never seen it, its a must see.

The 1997 Titanic film will be regarded as a classic film, but the 1953 Titanic film has a great cast headed by Barbara Stanwyck, and the 1958 film A Night To Remember will always be the best film about the Titanic.

Since a lot of this discussion of Bette Davis brings up comparisons to Barbara Stanwyck I would like to make this point : My Mom would have loved me bringing Barbara Stanwyck home to meet the family, but bringing Bette Davis home would have scared everyone including the dog.