molo14
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Are you sure Harvey really exists?
*AREN'T YOU???????
* Yes, of course, I was just testing *YOU*.
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I agree that I would rather remember Harvey as the shadowing figure at the end. Do you remember Veta's reaction to the painting? I would have to go back and check on that. I know she yells out that is not my mother but I forget whether she makes any other comments. We know that she knows what Harvey really looks like.
Kathy your Jimmy Stewart impression was very good!
and April, I agree that the painter probably needed a few drinks after each session, something I'm sure Elwood is happy to oblige.
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Hi Theresa,
Here are my top ten favorites. This list is not in any particular order and is subject to change at any moment. There are many that I haven't seen and some I will probably forget to name.
1. *The Gay Divorcee - 1934* This is my favorite of the Astaire/Rogers films. It also brings up an immediate problem with a list like this. Why do I like the film? Is it for the music or something else? In this case something else. The music is great but the film is just so darn funny. It has one of the greatest supporting casts you could ask for. Edward Everett Horton, Alice Brady, Erik Rhodes, Eric Blore and Betty Grable.
2. *The Gangs All Here - 1943* I didn't see any Fox wartime musicals on anyone's list. What's up with that people??? Busby Berkeley's only Technicolor musical. It's a great trip. Carmen Miranda, Alice Faye, Edward Everett Horton (again), Charlotte Greenwood and I'll even overlook the fact that Eugene Pallette is allowed to sing. This is the ultimate escapism.
3. *Best Foot Forward - 1943* Buckle Down, Winsocki, Buckle Down!!! What a catchy tune! It stays in your head...well...forever! It's always back there somewhere drumming away. Lucy plays herself and makes fun of herself. That Nancy Walker could really jive!
4. *Footlight Parade - 1933* Some great production numbers here. Cagney singing Shanghai Lil. I actually like Keeler in this one. A great Warner's cast. Blondell, McHugh, Kibbee, Herbert, Donnelly, some guy named Powell.
5. *Easter Parade - 1948* - This one has always been tops with me. The only pairing of Astaire and Garland and both are perfect here. Ann Miller and Peter Lawford. Great nostalgic period piece. I love the feel of the title number at the end.
6. *Panama Hattie - 1942* Yes I said Panama Hattie !! Dag gummit!! I know I'm the only one who thinks this is a great movie. Let's see. You got Ann Southern, Skelton and Ragland, Alan Mowbray, Marsha Hunt and Dan Dailey. You have Virginia O'Brien singing (Did I Get Stinkin') At the Savoy and Lena Horne singing two, count 'em two, numbers; Just One of Those Things and, joined by the Berry brothers for The Spring. It's funny, with some great songs. A great way to escape your troubles. A very under appreciated WWII musical.
7. *The Band Wagon - 1953* I'll take this one over *Singin' in the Rain* please. I like them both but there is just something about this one. I love the cast. Oscar Levant is great. This is just a lot of fun. It has one of the most romantic sequences ever in the Astaire/ Charisse Dancing in the Dark number. The Girl Hunt Ballet is mesmerizing. Astaire and Charisse at their best.
8. *Girl Crazy - 1943* I'll pick this one for my essential Rooney/Garland picture. I like the way they work off each other here, though I always like them together. Some great tunes and the story holds together well. At 99 minutes it's a little tighter than some of their other pairings.
9. *Brigadoon - 1954* In the Astaire vs. Kelly debate, I've always backed Astaire, but I'll be the first to give Kelly his due. I wont even say this is his best musical. There is just something about the atmosphere and dreamy quality of this one that captures my fancy. Sometimes I just want to get away from it all and stumble upon Brigadoon.
10. *Cabaret - 1972* I'll end on a decidedly darker tone. Fosse just hits one out of the park here. Returning to the stagebound musical style, he gets a great performance out of Minnelli and she puts a lot of heart into those cabaret numbers. The film captures all the decadence and despair of Weimar Germany. It's funny, chilling and heartbreaking all at the same time.
If you ask me again in an hour you might get a different list. I left a lot of faves off here. I also went a little heavy on the MGM ones. Two musicals I really want to see. *A Star is Born* from 1954 (I'll be getting to it soon Lynn!
) and *Springtime in the Rockies* which, ridiculously, has not had a dvd release yet.Message was edited by: molo14
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Thanks Jackie.
I'm looking forward hearing Jane tell us the one about King Louis' horse.
Please jump in with your own comments as well.
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Hey Laffite,
Thanks for your very kind reply.
*Molo, Not to talk this to death, but just a few comments...*
Ha! Well yes, I could probably talk about this sort of thing until the cows come home...but ...alas...I must acknowledge the sound of "mooing" in the distance.
So I guess we will close the book on Catherine of Aragon, and I will add just a few closing comments on Anne Boleyn.
*It seems that Anne was rather educated, polished in her manners (hmm, I wonder how Dorothy would have portrayed this side of Anne), and even tried to advocate for the poor.*
Yes Anne did advocate for the poor. One of her quarrels with Cromwell was over how all the money flowing in from the dissolution of the monasteries should be used. Anne was of the opinion that a large part go toward establishing institutions for the good of the common people. Cromwell wanted it to go to shoring up the royal treasury.
I did a little research into Anne's charitable work and she was actually quite good in this regard. She sponsored poor clerics in their education, and supported poor artisans. In individual cases regarding her friends she was quite generous. She also quietly gave money to the support of widows and poor households. She gave generous weekly alms to the poor, together with clothing that she and her ladies had sown themselves.
When traveling she would send someone ahead to the next village to see if there were any poor families who were in need of charity. I don't know how this would compare to the charitable works of Catherine or future Queens, but it was certainly something she thought important and she wasn't obvious about it either.
*Her ambition to become Queen entailed the gutsy stratagem of repulsing Henry?s advances in the hope that he wanted her bad enough to make her Queen, and it worked. I admire that.*
Anne was very intelligent and she had seen other mistresses, her own sister included, cast aside. Her strategy was brilliant. In the series, Catherine's most loyal of ladies, Maria de Salinas, who was now the Lady Willoughby, is shown commenting on the court gossip. When told that the King has a new mistress (Anne) and that this one is different in that she will not submit herself to the King's pleasure, she states that the King will soon lose interest. She stops herself before completing the thought though. She realizes this could be a serious development.
*perhaps she feels he would soon lose interest if she...how much longer can she?....does the Queen know about this?*
It was gutsy, as you say, and very smart. Ironically, her fate would lead other women to opt for the relative safety of being the King's mistress rather than his wife. One Lady is said to have rebuffed the King's overtures with the retort that if she had two heads she might risk it, but having only one she dare not.
*Prior to the marriage and while at Court she had two ?high-profile? love affairs, one with this fellow Henry Percy and the other with the then and still famous poet, Sir Thomas Wyatt. And there seems to be a consensus from my cursory reading that while Queen she did nothing untoward because she was smart enough to know the risks involved, that is, assuming that she would have had the inclination in the first place. I know so little but my sense is that she gets a bad rap. Or am I just looking at the bright side.
She is no angel, to be sure. Her role in the death of Sir Thomas More is damning. But how bad was she, overall?* The idea of Protestant reformation was gaining strength in England and Scotland during this period. It would play a huge part in the downfall of Mary Stuart up north some years later. While both Henry and Anne surely saw Reformation as a means to an end, Anne pushed her beliefs and, much more than Henry, she was driven by the intellectual and spiritual ideas of the movement. She read heretical texts and openly supported the idea of Church reform. While she remained a Catholic she truly believed in the reformist cause and was one of it's early champions in England. I respect that.
Also I want to make it clear that my beef with Anne has mostly to do with how she treated Catherine and Mary. It's a personal thing with me as I have always been in Catherine's camp. Yes, there are a few of us who just won't let it go!
Somewhere maybe Catherine is smiling.I have read that while she was in the Tower she expressed regret and sorrow for the way she had treated them, particularly Mary.
She certainly made some less than admirable moves. Her role in the fall of Thomas Moore being one of them. I firmly believe Anne did not act improperly during her marriage to Henry. The charges were baseless. They were a tool for Henry and Cromwell to achieve what they wanted through judicial murder. It was something Henry would do time after time during his reign.
How bad was she overall? I can't judge her but I'm willing to give her a break. Whatever sins she committed she ended up paying a high price for, and yes, in the final analysis, I think that price was too high, given the actions of so many others around her. There were many far more deserving souls who should have met with hard justice. That would include Henry as well, but such talk is treason!
I have miscarried of my savior she is supposed to have said.
*In real life, you mean? Did she mean ?savior? referring the King anointed as Head of the Church?or was she referring to her own her demise because a healthy son would have ?saved? her? I doubt the latter...but it almost fits.*
This is one of the most famous quotes attributed to Anne. I can't speak to it's validity, though I can research it later. The "savior" she is referring to is her dead son. If she had not miscarried this all important child, she would have escaped the King's wrath and no one, not even he, could dare touch her.
Laffite I want to thank you for creating this thread and giving me the opportunity to ramble on about this wonderful series and the history behind it. I really do enjoy talking about this kind of thing and rarely have a chance to actually do it. It has been a pleasure.
I hope we can continue on with the next episode. I promise not to write so much on those two. (I hope) but I would love to discuss them with you and anyone else who has seen the series.
Message was edited by: molo14
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Saturday March 21st 10:30am Pacific - 1:30pm Eastern
*The Fighting Sullivans - 1944* This film pays tribute to the five Sullivan brothers who joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor and all served aboard the USS Juneau. The first part of the film tells the story of their boyhood in a small town in Iowa. The second deals with their war service and its tragic conclusion. Thomas Mitchell and Selena Royle play their parents and Anne Baxter plays their sister. A very moving story that should never be forgotten. Made during the war, it's also a very good film.
Joseph, Francis, Albert, Madison and George Sullivan aboard the USS Juneau.
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A few things.
I really like Aline MacMahon. *Kind Lady* is an interesting little film. I didn't catch it this time but I have a dvd recording. I was surprised too at just how dark it was when I first saw it. It's a favorite of mine. Others that I've seen that I thought really showcased her well are *Five Star Final*, *The Merry Frinks* and *Heat Lightning*.
I see she is in *The Man From Laramie*, another reason I should get to that film.
Elizabeth Montgomery is very beautiful and I've always been quite fond of her. She never really took off on the big screen. The only film I have seen her in is *Johnny Cool* and I didn't care much for that. *Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?* looks like a fun watch. I have always enjoyed Montgomery on television though, not just in *Bewitched* (I have the first five seasons on DVD) but in guest roles and tv movies. She really shined in that medium. Her passing at such a young age was a great loss and saddens me deeply.
Kathy,
I'm glad you liked *John Loves Mary*. I love those light comedies. Patricia Neal's debut and definitely a different kind of role for her. Reagan is pretty good and you can't go wrong with that supporting cast. Particularly my main man Jack Carson. If TCM would ever play it, I highly recommend *Louisa* as a good Reagan comedy. He is perfect as the befuddled father and adept at the slow burn. He shows some real spark. It's another wonderfully cast film with Charles Coburn and Edmund Gwenn fighting over Spring Byington, who plays Reagan's mother. Ruth Hussey plays his wife and Connie Gilchrist is the housekeeper. Also on hand are Piper Laurie, in her debut, as his daughter, Scotty Beckett as her boyfriend and little Jimmy Hunt, who always makes me laugh, as his son. It's one to watch for.
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Hi April,
Well my goodness, I have been so distracted by March madness and pookas that I haven't even had a chance to visit and welcome you back home!!!!
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*I finally took the time to read the entire thread. Some excellent observations were*
*made throughout, especially by you. Konway's comments were terrific, as well. I'll*
*see what I can do to reply to y'all tonight.*
And how are you, Mr. Grimes....
Thanks for stopping by. I look forward to hearing your usual insightful observations on Elwood, Veta, Harvey and the rest of the gang.
*A film that comes to mind with me in relationship to Harvey is...*
Ah, Irena...
Interesting, is that our teaser?
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*Miss Goddess wrote:* *Speaking of disturbing, does anyone besides me notice a slightly unsettling undercurrent throughout Harvey? (I mean besides a certain big, white rabbit only certain people can see, ha!) I can't quite put my finger on it. It pops up here and there. Jimmy*
*Stewart's character, the way he looks and acts when he's listening to the nurse or to Dr.*
*Chumley talk about his favorite fantasy. And the doctor, too, is a little strange. Is that maybe*
*part of the idea behind the story? That we are all a little strange in our own ways?*
*Rohanaka wrote:* *YES... and thank you for finally saying what I NEVER wanted to admit... there are times in that movie where it does almost feels "creepy".... and I NEVER have been able to understand it...*
Okay so you want to delve into the dark side hey? Cynics!
I think the story does have some darker themes. The film (and play) has been analyzed from a variety of perspectives. (See Lynn's original post about post-war conformity and my response to it)
I think it's an interesting avenue of discussion. I will ponder it all before I comment too much. I knew you guys would make me think!
*Rohanaka wrote:* *For me... I think it's the fact that the "mystery" is removed and the rabbit REALLY exists... I don't like it... I wish I never knew for sure...*
Are you sure Harvey really exists?
*"And how are you, Mr. Wilson?" Supposed to be funny... but ALWAYS creeps me out.. just a little bit too.*
Well that's just a Pooka's mischievous nature coming out. That's a big laugh line for Wilson in the play. I wouldn't go so far as to say it creeps me out . We are dealing with mysterious forces here.
*Rohanaka wrote:* *Having him be a REAL character makes me wonder about what he's thinking... because we really only know if Elwood tells us. But at that same time... the effect he has on Elwood.... is almost "hypnotic" rather than pleasant and harmless...*
*Miss Goddess wrote:* *Hahahaaaaa! I have to say, "Harvey" doesn't worry me as much as Dr. Chumley and poor Elwood. I love Elwood, don't get me wrong, but I've always felt sad that he only seems to have one "true" friend and it's...it's...a Pookah!*
Well I said earlier in the thread that Elwood made certain choices before Harvey came along. I think that's one of the reasons Harvey is attracted to Elwood.
Now what do we know about Elwood? We know that for years, he was oh so smart and that he drinks...a lot. We also know that when Elwood first encounters Harvey, he is not too surprised to meet up with a six foot two and half inch rabbit. We know that he lived with his mother in the house until she died, and that his relatives, at least Aunt Ethel, were very fond of him before Harvey came along, maybe even before Elwood changed, but have had little contact with him since. We also know that he gives little thought to the daily responsibilities most of us have to deal with. He tears up his mail and mentions that Veta takes care of that sort of thing.
I don't think Harvey really changes Elwood so much as Harvey was attracted to Elwood because he was already different.
*Rohanaka wrote:* *If I ran into him and his invisible friend at the grocery store... and they wanted to "chat", I'd have to put the cart between us just to make myself feel better... Ha.*
Now Kathy, he's just a harmless little bunny, for goodness sake.
*Rohanaka wrote:* *And yes... I think there is also a commentary going on about how we are all "strange" in different ways.... the only two he dont' seem a bit "whacko" to me.. ok the only three... are the nurse, the young doctor, and the cab driver... EVERYONE else seems to have a few issues...*
*But then again... don't we all?*
*Miss Goddess wrote:* *Or the judge? Oh my goodness, you're right we all have issues and maybe the main thing to remember about this movie is not to judge anyone. I have a feeling Harvey is looking over my shoulder...*
Well I think one of the messages is not to get worked up about the dreary details of life. Not to conform to what society expects of you, but try to seek out and explore the beauty in life that others are to busy or to jaded to notice.
As I wrote earlier:
One of the things I like about the film is that it poses the question as to what is normal, what is real and what is possible.
This film deals with a lot of what lies in our hearts and dreams.
Who knows? Are we all just dealing with flyspecks?
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Hi Miss G,
Josephine Hull's Veta is really something to behold. She is a an absolute riot in this film, but she also wonderfully conveys a lot of nice, humane touches in dealing with both Elwood and Harvey. I agree with CineMaven. She should be recognized as one of film's great character actresses despite her small number of roles.
For years I thought she had only appeared in three movies, *Harvey*, *Arsenic and Old Lace* and *The Lady from Texas*, so I was glad to discover that she did do some work in the early sound era. I would really love to see the Borzage film as well as *Careless Lady*. They both sound really good.
While she was able to recreate two of her greatest stage roles on film, she did miss out on the film version of *You Can't Take It With You*. I also had no idea that she did the role of "Mrs." Laura Partridge in the Broadway production of *The Solid Gold Cadillac* until just a few days ago. I assumed Judy Holliday had created the role. It would have made for quite a different movie with the more matronly Hull.
Here are some pictures of her performance from that play:
; 
; A couple of years ago MedusaMorlock wrote a nice little article on Josephine Hull over at MovieMorlocks. It also has a couple of nice pictures of her receiving her Oscar.
Check it out here:
http://moviemorlocks.com/2007/03/29/whither-the-great-dames-anyway/
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Aww...now I'm blushing...so I'm red and green!
It's a nice thought. I'll keep telling myself that. I doubt it though. The ladies here at work are mean to me.
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*IS EVERYONE WEARING GREEN? its a moral imperative today!*
I'm wearing green but people are still pinching me. Isn't that against the rules?
I cry foul!!
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Oh, so that's it!!
Shirley Jones and Elizabeth Taylor won best supporting actress and best actress in the same year for playing prostitutes. The only time that ever happened.
That was what really stumped me on this one. Glad someone figured it out.
Awaiting confirmation from lavenderblue19 of course.
((Also wanted to let people know I'm still playing, even though I don't always guess))
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I concur!!!
We will wait and see but it sounds hopeful. -
*I hope they have a lovely room with a scenic view ... I feel the need for a rest... So long as I don't get VETA'S check in treatment...*
I'm sure we can find some lovely accommodations for you. It's the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
You might want to stay clear of this guy though.
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*And if see FrankGrimes, tell him I know he has watched this film, so now he should share his thoughts with us!*
You heard the lady, Frank.
I see he's been down in the noir forum. I don't know if he can turn on a dime and tackle *Harvey*.
Hopefully he will at least stop by and throw out a teaser, then we can harass him for the next six months to expand upon it. He likes it when we do that.
Oh, I'm just kidding Frank!
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I remember all to well when TCM showed it. I recorded it on my new dvd recorder but I hadn't gotten the hang of it quite yet. After about an hour of viewing it just stopped. I had messed up the timing!
That's the only time I was ever able to see it and I still have not seen the ending yet!
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Does anyone else feel like checking into Chumley's Rest?
I thought I would bump up this old thread and see if anyone would like to revisit this wonderful film.
*Please feel free to relax and share your thoughts*
*Just don't get carried away.*
*You don't want to end up like Veta!*
I'll be back with some comments later.
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Wow Bronxie, that is scary.
Imagine having someone like that around no matter where you turned!!
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Ha!
I think you are right!
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*All I know is everyone's walking out on me*
Never!!!
*Gloria, I've changed my mind. We're gonna wait this one out!*
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Hi Jackie,
How is it going?
I think we have the proverbial elephant in the room today.
Hey! What's Gloria doing up there?
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*Juno is calling!*
*Hi Juno. I'll be right there*
I don't get it.
Why is everyone talking in code today?
This is hard on us simple neurotic folk!
*Come on Gloria!*
*We're going home!*
* 
Strike Up the Musicals!!
in Your Favorites
Posted
Thank you Patful!
As they say, great minds think alike.