ChipHeartsMovies

Mickey did a Private Screenings with Robert Osborne. You can actually see it in the "Mickey & Judy" DVD box set (I know that because my sister gave the box set to me for Christmas --- and obviously I have a great family who chooses good gifts, thanks, Barb!). If you look at other TCM threads, I am the biggest booster about the Mick you'll ever find. Mickey Rooney has entertained us in films NON-STOP since the SILENT MOVIE days. He made movies in the 1920's, he made movies this year, he pretty much made movies without a break for --- can it be true? --- 80 years. The only break he took was to fight in WWII. Shirley Temple --- undeniably the greatest child star in history --- will never do an interview with Robert Osborne or anyone else about her movies, I suspect. Mickey Rooney --- wake up, everybody, and honor this man while he is alive. IMDB him. The greatest living film legend.

Though I realize Margaret O'Brien's performances may not be to everyone's taste, because she obviously has a "unique" style... In my book, she's second only to Shirley Temple for this era as a child star.

Fred, you and I are always going to disagree on a lot of things -- and I respect your feelings on content, quality, etc., even when I disagree, and I hope you feel the same way in a reciprocal manner. That said: I think you're 100% right on "The Landlord." We don't disagree here. While I love older and classic films that pushed the edge, I agree with you, Fred, this one is just tacky and vulgar. I hope someone can fill both Fred & me in on the value of "The Landlord." Fred & I both love classic films, from very different standpoints, and we both think "The Landlord" is junk. Ah, convince ONE of us it's a good movie. Good luck.

It is inarguable that the horrific "Cat in the Hat" you brought up is the WORST. It is so horrific, it honestly kills discussion. You're right. It's the worst. The WORST. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Thanks for filling us East Coasters (and, I assume, those of us who are Middle-of-the-Country-ers, Pacific Northwesters, et. al., who don't necessarily read the LA papers) in on the LA Times' review of the Val Lewton documentary. The LAT not only got it right in their review, they wrote about it beautifully. I watched the documentary, of course, and I learned a LOT. A terrific documentary --- though who would dare argue with Scorsese on board?

Wow, this is why I love the TCM Boards --- I am learning a lot from the discussion! Fedya -- your reference to "Life Begins" makes me love you all the more. "Life Begins," for those who don't know, is an early-talkies exploitation movie that was pretty explicit, to say the least, and was rereleased under a lot of titles, though not by the likes of MGM, Columbia, or Paramount. Not even by Fox, I admit I don't know that much about the way pregnancy was seen in the classic days. I've obviously seen lots of the classics --- most of that failure is, no doubt, my own lack of paying attention. That said, I don't think anyone has ever pulled together all references to and portrayals of pregnancy in film. Maybe it's up to us! I watched "Miracle in Morgan's Creek" this weekend too, and every time I see it I am amazed that it was a hit back in the day. That (brilliant) movie would be both controversial and successful today.

Waldo -- We clearly feel the same way in terms of art being shown ... even when it's "art" like my beloved "Skidoo!" I'll grab the new Preminger bio ASAP, Aunt Felicia beware. Art or not, I hope everyone TiVo's the next showing of "Skidoo!" One man's idea of junk is the next man's misunderstood idea of art is the next man's outsider art is the next man's, uh, voyeuristic peek at a bra-less Carol Channing. For me, "Skidoo!" is all of the above, and more.

It came out at the very end of '07, but the first one I saw this year is "Juno." A little too hipster for its own good, but the cast is good, and Jennifer Garner is excellent (I know, shocking). I still haven't gotten around to "Sweeney Todd;" that's probably next. "I Am Legend" is a disappointment (sadly, because the whole "last man on earth" genre is one I love), but I am looking forward to "Cloverfield."

Diannerbatz --- I hope you're feeling better. I feel honored that you added "Meet Me in St. Louis" to your "Get Well Soon" list. It might not be your first choice to watch on a given day, but to me it is the Chicken Soup of the Classic Movie Soul. (Or whatever...). Hope you were able to nap through it. Once you're 100% recuperated, you should start a thread -- if not write a book --- about the classic movies that nursed you to health. No matter what, feel better. xxxChip PS: "Do you have this kind of trash on your level, FrankGrimes?" I am still dying from laughter on that screen grab, FG.

SandyKayPax: Agreed that Mickey Rooney IS a fine actor ... let's just not put him in the past tense. Although his glory days have certainly gone by, the man is still working, and an inspiration to us all. In fact, he's the only film star still with us who has worked straight through from the silent movie days to today -- the only break he took from entertaining us was when he served in WWII(!) Mr. Rooney is STILL working, even if most of his newer efforts go straight to DVD. And when he doesn't have movies to do, he hits the road with his wife for a live show. The Mick has spent eight or so decades making us laugh, and still does, so let's celebrate him at the top of our lungs --- while he can still hear it. The Oscars need to recognize him. And SKP: I also love me some Carol Channing! Carol in "Thoroughly Modern Millie?" Razzzzzzberries!

drednm: I'd have to agree that Julia Roberts does the same thing over and over. Spielberg: can't argue with you either that he panders, except that Welles still comes out as most overrated --- SS's movies are generally more enjoyable to watch, at least. twister: Meryl Streep? Take a look at ALL of her movies. Personally, I think she's better as a comic actress --- look at "Postcards from the Edge," in which she is brilliant, and in the smaller roles in "Manhattan" and in "The Seduction of Joe Tynan." She's even good in ROTTEN comedies like "She-Devil" and "Death Becomes Her." And surely, on the dramatic side, you don't really think she is the same in "Silkwood" and in "Sophie's Choice?" She's tossed us quality roles in great films in a variety of genres. I have to side with Accepted Critical Thinking here ... she's the best actress who is still working. And even though she narrates that TCM promo for Bette Davis, I think she's more like Stanwyck --- like Stanwyck, she's done every genre short of sci-fi, and done them well --- she was even good in "The River," an action film. Ingrid Bergman --- I gotta give you this one. Always thought she was way overrated myself. Julia Roberts --- she certainly isn't conventionally pretty, but she has an IMMENSE charisma that is inarguable. Not the greatest actress (see above), but deserves to be a star. Nic Cage --- You are kinder than I would have been. Rotten, hammy, unappealing, you name it. Still stand by my Brando and Welles calls, if only because of the impact they are credited for and the reality of their bodies of work. Genevieve: Arthur Freed? You have got to be kidding. PLEASE tell us why you think so. I, for one, am willing to listen...but I, for one, am ready to argue vehemently. And I know me some Arthur Freed movies....

Good topic for discussion. For actors, I have to agree Brando is at the head of my list. As annoying as Tom Cruise is --- and he IS --- Cruise turned in genuinely good performances in several good movies. Agreed, his public image these days is just ridiculous. On the other hand, other than "The Godfather," I think most of Brando's roles were way over-praised. For directors, no way Hitchcock. He may have had a misstep here and there, but "North by Northwest," "Rope," et. al., guarantee his legacy. My vote here: Orson Welles. Sorry, but I don't think "Citizen Kane" is THAT good, and the rest of his canon --- meh. I don't think those Ambersons were that magnificent.

kenkoc --- interesting note, and thanks for the info. I look forward to reading the book! And whitesheik...I agree with you in opposition to the apparent wishes of the Widow Preminger. We don't throw away the later, or the lesser, works of any of the stars and directors we love. There are many directors and stars who faltered late in their careers: George Cukor, Vincente Minnelli, Joan Crawford, saddest of all Veronica Lake (Veronica's in my mind because TCM showed the terrific "I Married a Witch" tonight. Her final film, "Flesh Feast," is genuinely depressing next to, say, the legendary "Sullivan's Travels") --- but it's actually a tribute to all of them, Veronica included, that we want to see their less-accomplished work --- because we honor their ability and want to see the complete body of their work. That said, whitesheik, a widescreen transfer of "Skidoo!" wouldn't have made it a good movie. And although I agree with you that we want to see films in the manner they were initially intended, you have to realize what a rarity "Skidoo!" is. I literally spent YEARS tracking down a bootleg video of "Skidoo!" (although they're a little easier to find now, thanks to the digital age). TCM Programmer said earlier in the thread they tried to do a widescreen transfer, but it was cost-ineffective. If this was the only choice, I am just thrilled that TCM brought it to light for everyone to easily "enjoy" now. And remember, everyone...when I started this thread, I told you "Skidoo!" was bad. I love the great movies, but I love the really BAD movies too.

And Diana ... feeling better?

FrankGrimes, "Do you have this kind of trash on your level, JoJo?" The funniest screengrab I have seen in ages. I feel fine, and I am digging through my DVDs looking for that movie.

Definitely looking forward to "Sweeney Todd" --- a friend and I keep postponing movie dates to see it. Tim Burton is my favorite contemporary director, and the story is right up his alley --- I look forward to it!

I can see Philip Seymour Hoffman's limited appeal --- until you see "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." An unbelievable performance. For the record, I didn't care for "Capote," Oscar or not, or for "Flawless." When I went to see "Devil," I suddenly remembered "Happiness" and "Magnolia," both terrific movies and both terrific roles by Mr. Hoffman. I'm going to have to stand by PSH. And I hope he wins the Oscar for "Devil" this year.

I warned you, "Skidoo!" is excruciating in many ways. Heehee. Most ways. I LOVE the classic bad movies ("Valley of the Dolls," et.al.), which admittedly many people don't care for. Although I think we can all agree we adore Carol Channing as a Sexy Pirate. What really excited me about TCM showing "Skidoo!," though, is that the network really pulled a genuine rarity out of the box for TCM Underground, as they did previously with "Homicidal." Boy, do I have some suggestions for them: Mickey Rooney in "B.J. Lang Presents," for starters. I hope TCM's next later-Preminger years movie is "Tell Me That You Love Me, Junie Moon" (starring Liza Minnelli) --- it's not as LOL as "Skidoo!," but it's another real rarity.

The USPS is releasing a new Bette Davis stamp --- you can see it at the link below. Looks like they airbrushed a cigarette out of her hand. http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080101/LIFE/801010315/1005/LIFE

You can get single copies at the CNN/Time Warner Store in the Time Warner Building in Manhattan. You could probably call and ask them to ship you a single copy.

I did indeed. Clearly I was having a glass of wine or three with that post, heehee.

D-bat... Sorry you're not feeling well. If I were feeling under the weather, my personal top choice movie would be "Meet Me in St. Louis" --- not just because it's my all-time fave. Why "St. Louis" is a good choice when you feel poorly: even the conflicts in the movie are easy-going. Nothing TOO exciting actually happens. My second choice...probably "Miracle on 34th Street." Like "St. Louis," this movie always makes me feel good. And no one even raises his or her voice, pretty much. When I am not feeling great, I don't want to see movies that are too stimulating --- so no "Bringing Up Baby" with its snappy & witty dialogue, for instance. Certainly no dramas. Just my two cents. Feel better!

Phelps --- I'm not a fan of "Tommy," either. While I can't say I hated "Tommy" with every ounce of my being --- when you throw sex goddesses Ann-Margret and Tina Turner into the mix, as they did in "Tommy," I perk up, and even someone as gay as I am has to seriously reconsider when Ann & Tina hit the screen. But I agree with you, "Tommy" is NOT a movie I care for. "Skidoo!" --- it's definitely not "Tommy." Viewed through today's eyes, it's more "Valley of the Dolls" or "Showgirls." I don't think ANYONE will say they LIKE "Skidoo!" But there has never been another movie like it, and it has been locked away from public view, for the most part, for decades. It is insane. Just watch it -- even if you hate it, this is a genuine rarity, directed by Preminger, with real stars --- TCM should have made a big deal about showing it. No matter what, it definitely isn't like "Tommy." It's not like anything. If it isn't your cup of tea, at least I hope you are as turned on by Sexy Pirate Carol Channing as I was by Acid Queen Tina Turner in "Tommy," the rest of the movie notwithstanding. Happy New Year!

Thanks Gregory1965 -- Nicole Kidman -- I've always felt she was terrifically overrated, and her recent box office takes are abysmal. She had a couple of good roles, but she's basically glamourous, not such a good performer, often downright wooden. Beautiful and once married to someone more famous, so what... Nic Cage -- Hammy to the extreme. It's probably just my taste, people seem to love him; you're right, he would be a better bet to remain known. Sigourney Weaver - I felt the overall gravity of her work, plus the range --- "Working Girl," "Alien" trilogy, "The Ice Storm," decent indies like "The Guys" and "Tadpole" --- were in her favor. Plus she has a dignity overall that will wear well. Mia Farrow -- I think "Rosemary's Baby" + such strong Allen movies as "Hannah" and "Purple Rose of Cairo" ARE enough to guarantee she'll be around in memory for a long time. If she was going to stick to one director during that period, he was the best. Even lesser Allen movies like "Alice" still hold up pretty well. (Sadly, his new movie is going straight to DVD). You're probably right about Hilary Swank. Sissy Spacek too, in the other direction. Debra Winger --- I'm afraid time is already making up its mind on her, and not so favorably. The 2002 documentary "Searching for Debra Winger" had that title for a reason. You're probably right about Jim Carrey --- I can't bear Jerry Lewis either, with few exceptions, but you can't argue his legend.

Fred, what a GREAT clip. Since Fred didn't give any hints in his post, I'll let you all know Fred's link was to a 70's Dinah Shore talk show clip Robert Osborne did alongside Olivia DeHavilland & Shelley Winters. He (Robert, not Fred) was promoting his first Oscar book. It's GREAT ... is this the earliest shot we get seeing Robert O in his future role as TCM host? Thanks, Fred, for sharing this --- I had no idea it was out there, and all us TCM-ers will love seeing it.