FrankGrimes

*I keep rigging pits, booby-traps, avalanches, coconut bombs...but "Luvvie" just won't make my Thurston a convenient widower.* *Seriously, I used to watch "Gilligan's Island" just for Ginger and her gowns. I LOVED her wardrobe and her Marilynesque style. * I'm sure of all that! You're definitely a "Ginger."

*I also got a* *Mogambo vibe, for obvious reasons.* Mostly because of Ava/Elsa's motherly way with the animals, their attraction to the lead lion, and the setting/occupation. *You didn't care for Elsa?* She was okay. She seemed to be a little in the background except for the elephants. *At least now you know where the stampeding elephants are coming from that me and butterscotch send to you.* But I still don't understand it! *Am I right that this is the one JW comic performance you liked? This movie plays more like a comedy than anything else to me.* Yes, I'd say this is my favorite Wayne "comedy." *The Quiet Man* is often called a comedy but I like the romance in that and not the comedy. I like the comedy in *Tall in the Saddle*.

*No, when YOU start asking.. it gets messy. ha. (kidding!!!!!!!!) :DSeriously though.. you are always asking questions like this and then sooner or later I get dragged down in a mud pit and have to break out the hat pin!!!!!! * You can't resist! You like to mud wrestle! What kind of gal are you?! *All kidding aside.. you are right about not making the criteria TOO complicated (but honestly.. that would be the only way I could likely get the answer.. if I really were to choose that movie as the one I were to use.)* We need to teach you shorthand! *I like the other aspect of this conversation (that came out w/ what April said) movie characters would be an easier way to maybe get the best insight into someone.. as far as how they feel about certain subjects or certain themes in a story. Movies might be too general of a subject.. unless you put it within the context of certain "genres".. but what the wide world do I know about it.. ha. (I am the LAST person who would go around asking those sorts of questions.. ha. I have a hard enough time keeping track of my OWN opinions anyway.. ha. But YOU sir, are really good at "conversation starting" w/ some of the questions YOU ask (Mr. trouble maker, ha)* I can't trick Ma Stone! Where's Jabez? I've got a wallflower who needs a dance partner. You can go within a genre to learn about people. Such as, which do you prefer, *Once Upon a Time in the West* or *The Searchers* ? That's always a "quickie." *That goes back (sort of) to what I was saying the other day about liking to be a "spectator" with my movies (instead of seeing myself in a story or character) But I don't mean "casual" spectator (usually) because even though I am a watching from "the third person", the best movies (for me) are the ones that I will end up taking "personally" sometimes and are usually the ones that I find fun to think on a while, or consider, or even ruminate (ha) about as I watch.* I think we watch movies in a similar way, actually. If I connect with a story or character, the chances of me liking a film go up. But I usually just watch from afar. *And you are right.. Life IS that way too. It is very easy to pass by people (we may even know or see on a regular basis) and just "skim the surface" of who they really are as people.. but to get to know someone.. and really come to appreciate them for who they are (of at least understand, if not appreciate) it takes time.. a bit of careful thought, and consideration.. usually.* That's exactly it, Quiet Gal. It takes real effort, thoughtfulness, and unselfishness to dig deeper. Most people today don't care to go too deep unless there are selfish desires attached. *Are you saying YOU like Mary Ann??* Yes. Although I tend to physically prefer Ginger. *Or that I am Mary Ann?? ha. (Because I haven't been 'her" in YEARS.. ha. I have NEVER been "Ginger" but my Mary Ann days have LONG since past me by.. ha. First of all.. she's way too nice.. and she wears cut off shorts.. ha. (Ok.. "years" is not long enough..ha. I haven't been her in decades maybe.. ha.) Now really.. don't you think I am more "Mrs Howell"?????????????????????) So very NOT!! < <img class="jive-emoticon" src="images/emoticons/grin.gif" border="0" alt=":D"/>But she is the only lady on the show over 40 so I would have to go w/ her.. ha.* Women! Y'all focus on appearances! You're still Mary Ann. I'm talking the kind of gal she is. *But if I were Mrs Howell.. . I would be like Mrs Howell.. after a pyschotic break maybe.. HA!* I can't see you ever being a Mrs. Howell. < <strong>OH me.. I could never be married to Thurston.. (He'd get on my nerves so fast, I'd have to bean him w/ his golf clubs and then break his Karate pinkie afte about 20 seconds) ha.* I know somebody around here who would like to be Mrs. Howell! *Then I'd go find the Professor and set HIM straight too. :DHONESTLY.. all those gadgets he invented and STILL he could not come up w/ a way to get off that island.. REALLY??????? * He's doing his best! *(Um.. . did I ever mention how I don't usually see myself as any of the characters in the movies and shows that I watch?? ha) * Ma Stone!

I'd say I was "lukewarm." It felt like the fluffy version of *Only Angels Have Wings*. It was definitely Hawksian, though. Once again, I enjoyed John Wayne. He's pretty good with "breezy." I thought Michele Girardon was very pretty, but I didn't like the twist of her "loving" Pockets (Red Buttons). I liked seeing the wild life and the actual hunt for the animals. The rest of the story didn't do much for me. I didn't like the ending. It was too goofy.

*That is the beauty of this group. It requires me to watch things more closely. If I don't I can't keep up and I like the challenge and the company.* I think that's terrific, Movieman. *Life can as well and it is hard to find the deeper aspects. Too often we are just getting through the day. Sometimes it takes an event. Finding a old friend can give you a different perspective on things and your past. That friend and I recently lost a mutual friend. It has brought us closer and it certainly gives a deeper meaning when you bury another.* I'm sorry to hear you lost a friend, Chris. Memories are the most cherished of possessions, at least to me.

*She is ultra high class, and I think she had a little of Grace's well, grace... when she walks across a room it's like a breeze is blowing, her head is held high, her gown trailing behind. I guess that's what they call good deportment.* You said it. Zsa Zsa's "carriage" is similar to Grace. *I like her suspicions and then the way Sanders knows how to play her anyway, despite her suspicions, to get what he wants. He's shameless.* I also liked the "cat and mouse" between Clementi and Mrs. Ryan. She was a smart, cautious woman but Clementi earned her trust and her affection. *I haven't seen Cris Cross. It's probably one I need to watch soon. I thought her good in McLintock! but she didn't get much screen time.* It's not a deep character, but she plays a very good femme fatale. She's very alluring.

*Aha!! (this is one of those "Ginger" or "Marianne" things isn't it?? ha)* You've got it. Certain films (characters) strike certain chords. *Then I think I would go beyond even TMWSLV and choose The Searchers (but it would only be an effective "test" if a person could tell me WHY they like that movie.. the stories, the characters, etc)* When you start asking for answers that require sentences, it gets messy. *Because of all the Ford films (especially Duke/Ford films) that one to me seems to be among the most complex.. . and most people will SAY they like it..(just because they like John Wayne, or westerns in general and they know they are supposed to like it)* I do agree, on both counts. I also believe *The Searchers* is the most complex of the Ford/Wayne films and most people do struggle to explain why they like something other than saying "it's cool." *But not many of those folks ever really say WHY they like it.. (again, except for that whole "John Wayne was in it and it was just really good") and ps.. I would have USED to have to number myself among those who never really "got" that movie.. but just said I "liked" it.. until recent years of hanging out w/ folks on here.. and really mulling over(and "blabbing over, ha) and examining the major and minor themes of the story the way we have done time and time again.* Not too many people care to examine movies or many things. It's too much to ask. *Over time, I have come to see that particular film in a much deeper light than I ever used to and the details of the story.. the motivations for ALL of the characters (and why they are doing what they end up doing) are way more "intricate" than most people (including me) ever really realize (unless they have really watch that movie more closely. and go beyond the surface with it all)* That was well said. A film does become richer when you look deeper. Actually, I think life does, as well. *(How am I doing here?? was that the answer you were looking for?? ha) * Mary Ann

*Oooh, I don't remember the credits in The Big Heat.* It starts with a P.O.V. suicide. It's shocking. *Zsa Zsa reminded you of lamby?? How so?* Her look and speech. "Mrs. Ryan" isn't a Lamby character, though. Still, I thought she was very entertaining. *I thought Yvonne was great in this movie. I haven't always felt comfortable with her in the other movies I've seen her in... it's not her, I just get the feeling that directors had no idea what to do with her. In this one she really brought it home, I felt she was perfect for the part, a good bad girl. Loyal. I really liked her.* I've only seen her in *Criss Cross* and *McLintock!*, and I thought she was terrific in both. But in *Death of a Scoundrel*, she's especially good since she's the conscience of the film. That's a highly important role for Yvonne. She's wonderful, too. And she's the one character in the film that evolves. Like I said, I felt some "Ava" with Yvonne, and that's high praise from me.

Oh, yes! Yeah, I did like that. It's a great way to start a film. It's kind of similar to *The Big Heat*.

*Good evening, Everard.* Ha! Don't make me mouth off in court about you! *That's very true, Gypo is a victim in* *The Informer. Clementi is no victim, except of his own brilliance. One can relish his skill though, at finding people's foolish weaknesses.* That's an excellent point. Clementi is a lying crook but look at who he is taking. They are nearly as bad as he. All they see is making money . *It seems eerily familiar today, with all the pyramid schemes and bank swindles.* Just the entire idea of money and sticking it to your fellow man, even a family member, to get it. *I just love the women in this movie - it's actually broken into sections - one for each woman, I think! To me it's fascinating to see George and Zsa Zsa in a movie together. It's actually two years after they divorced.* I liked Zsa Zsa. She reminded me of Grace Kelly. Yvonne De Carlo was wonderful. She was playing an "Ava Gardner" character. And I'm a Coleen Gray fan. I liked her scenes. Nancy Gates was very cute. *The actual credits! The first time I saw it, I laughed out loud.* I don't remember them! What were they?

*GREY DUDE.. can you "splain" it to the OLD gal (as to exactly what we are supposed to be choosing??) just a bit better.. if you please????* Litmus test films that somehow apply to you that you can use to help find out about others, be it their tastes and personality. We all have films (characters) that we value for one reason or another. It's basically like a personality test that matches people up. You're basically asking, are you a dog or cat person? Which do you prefer, Marilyn Monroe or Bette Davis? The Duke or Bogie?

*She's good in* *Caged as well. Sympathetic.* Her? Wow!

*I don't know, too many things.* You better not make a habit with agreeing with me or everything will be wrong! *No, I wanted it to end otherwise, though I really do like Alec's character. I mean the parting scene made me cry. The renouncement.* It was tough to see her just accept her fate. She's gonna learn to love Prince Albert (Alec Guinness). *She's too funny when she said she'd never forgive the professor. She can't stand the sight of him! Ha!* She sounds like you! She was basically playing an "Angelica Bullock" (Alice Brady). *Me too. As you say, it's a great cast. Aggie made a delightful Aunt who was both intimidating and a realist. How she handled Jessie was so funny. She knew her so well.* I didn't realize it was Agnes until I looked over the cast after the film. She has one scene and she's exceptional with it.

*I have to agree with you.* What's wrong with you tonight?! *It's just about my favorite Grace performance, the one in which she's the most vulnerable.* I still enjoy her the most with Hitch, but I thought she was wonderful as *The Swan* . I liked her fencing. So cute. *The ending makes me cry, too.* Oh, really? It didn't do that for me. I think it's because I was mostly taken by surprise. It felt like a "feel good" ending kind of film. *Jessie Royce Landis is a scream, as always.* I'd say! I thought it was funny seeing her play a different kind of mother to Grace than in *To Catch a Thief* . *I like Brian Aherne, too, as the voice of reason.* I thought he was fantastic. I laughed when he ran out with leggings on and he said, "Now you know." That was hilarious! Alec Guinness is superb, as well. I also liked Louis Jordan and Agnes Moorehead.

*Okay...what did you think of your lady in* *The Swan, set in another of your favorite "milieux"?* I thought she was darling. She was at her "pouty" best. I thought the cast was dazzling, actually. It even had a *Roman Holiday* -like ending. I didn't expect that at all.

*Someone's getting out her long, black gloves!* Invisible! *I think the classic ones are going to play differently to you. I also think that of the ones I've seen, they seem to be more like metaphors for the world outside. It's like they are contained microcosms. Sometimes this makes the dramatic situation stand out more. I don't worry about your dislking either of these movies because their viewpoint and messages are to your liking. Also the performers in Brute Force are all favorites of yours. If it helps to ease your worries, the women in Brute Force are important, not just marginal. One of the best lines is an exchange between Lancaster and Ann Blyth. She has cancer: "I wish I wasn't sick so that I could help you." Lancaster: "There's all kinds of sickness in the world. Maybe we can help each other."* *Brute Force* is on my list of Criterion DVDs to get. I just haven't been in a rush to get it. I do like the cast and the dialogue you posted is wonderful. *Neither of these movies will bore you, I can assure you of that.* I guess I'm gonna have to watch *Caged* tonight. But I'm not gonna talk about it until we talk about all of these other films that I watched!

*No comparison!* Yeah, you're right. The ending to *Pride and Prejudice* is much more horrifying. They don't make horror films like that, anymore. *Which ones have you seen?* A couple contemporary ones. *You'd like both of these because they are indictments, socially conscious and simply darn well done and acted. just about every single film noir character actor is in the supporting cast of Brute Force so you ought to watch it for that alone. It's fun spotting them all. Both these films focus on the human cost.* *I hate the idea of prison films just as I hate the idea of war films, but I can get sucked into them if they're well done and comfortable with my own ideas.* I'm not fond of the setting. It's on the boring side, for me. *Yes, she's very sweet in this, actually! That's not typical Jan, to me. I love her pigtails.* Pigtails? Ooooohhh, I'll like her. *Don't forget you saw her also in an "Alfred Hitchcock Presents".* Oh, yeah! I didn't know who she was when I watched it.

*The very premise makes my skin crawl!* Like the ending to *Pride and Prejudice* ? *It's certainly not my speed, either, but I wouldn't recommend it if it weren't so good. It's the female Brute Force.* I've yet to see *Brute Force*. I'm not that big on prison films. *She's completely different in this and carries the film really well, though there are many stand out performances. I like Jan Sterling the best, next, and then the little old Irish lady.* I've only seen Jan in *Johnny Belinda*, *Mystery Street*, and *The Mating Season*. Her name is "Smoochie"? *What's really bizarre is there were moments when I actually thought Eleanor never looked more beautiful! I usually like seeing a woman fixed up, but she was one of the few that really didn't need any make-up to look stunning.* Are you feeling all right? You're all backwards! If you and Spunky say it's worth watching, I'll have to do so.

*But is one deeper than another?* That's a good question. I'm not sure. I'd say *The Woman in the Window* is for the mind and *Scarlet Street* is visceral. *Yes, I do like movies that paint society as the ultimate "enemy" and corruptor, ha. I watched Caged the other night, and I hate prison pictures or movies that focus too much on females, but that one always gets me. To see how prisons create criminals, and to see the female type of sadism at work, is really rivetting. You should take a look at it one day. I'm always amazed by Eleanor Parker in this. It's like nothing else she did, I'm sure. There are none of the actressy mannerisms she often employed (that's not a knock, I enjoy them and I like her a lot). To see such a pretty young woman go from where she starts to where she ends is harrowing. you'll love the ending, too.* I would have never guessed you'd like a female prison film. Now that's an upset! I can't say a female prison film is my speed. But if the social message is good, I may end up liking it. I've only seen Eleanor in *The Man with the Golden Arm* and *Home from the Hill*. I liked her in both.

*I can see that now. Before, I think I responded to the surfaces...WITW has an intellectual bent...it's a mystery, a mind puzzle in how it's presented. SS seems more like a sordid tale at first.* As you know, I view *The Woman in the Window* as a mental (even moral) exercise. There is an intellectual bent, as you say. *Scarlet Street* is certainly the more sordid of the two films, and this is one of the reasons why some choose the one film over the other. That's part of the "litmus." *I also like The Blue Gardenia and that one to me is really "glossy" for Lang.* Definitely. That's another "female" Lang flick. The lead is a woman. *But I also rank Fury and* *You Only Live Once above WITW and SS, so what does THAT say?* Sex is at the heart of *Scarlet Street* and *The Woman in the Window* and you're rarely gonna choose those kind of films as favorites. *Fury* and *You Only Live Once* feature men being pushed to the brink by Society. That seems to be a theme you like more, especially when it's done "30s" style.

*oh, I see what you mean. you're not asking what movie we think we see ourselves in, but what movie others name as a favorite and what that says about them...is that right?* Kind of. More like a fishing expedition. *i'd fall out of my chair if anyone said their favorite Ford film was* *the sun shines bright but* *the man who shot liberty valance is the one that's the most resonant with me, and seems to never touch bottom. Also, it's not a "shoot 'em up" and there are none of the majestic, outdoor visuals for the view to hang his admiration, so they must be involved in the story, the characters and what it all means.* A litmus test for you would be "Doniphon or Ranse" or "Rhett or Ashley"? You have a definite answer with those that speaks to who you are. *You're obviously more into SS.* Definitely. But it's not about me. *Scarlet Street* is the tougher, harder film with a particular ending. *The Woman in the Window* is the opposite. You can tell a little about a person by which one they favor. *I always leaned toward TWITW, though SS is more entertaining and probably going to surpass WITW after a few more viewings. I tended to think WITW was more "serious" before, and SS more superficial. But the discussions here on the board made me realize my mistake.* I think the opposite with the "serious" part. Well, at least in terms of finish and tone. And I would have had you pegged for *The Woman in the Window*. *So what does it say about me that* *Clash by Night is my favorite Lang?* You like melodrama! I think *Clash by Night* is the most soapy of Lang's flicks and it's easily one of his most "female." It makes sense it would be your favorite.

*I don't want to interrupt your conversation (though I already did because I couldn't resist being a smartmouth) but I'm going to do it again* You're included, Silly Goose! I even replied to a previous post on *Death of a Scoundrel* ! *because I can't resist answering this new question:* *Between SS and WITW:* *Secret Beyond the Door* *(but I havent seen WITW yet.)* ** And you scored high with me with *Secret Beyond the Door...* Of those on the board who would like that film, I would have definitely thought you. Why? You're not a literal film watcher. The literal watcher will not like *Secret Beyond the Door...* So, I guess that does make it a "litmus test" flick with me. I'd love to hear what you think of *The Woman in the Window*. Get on that!

*So what does a pick like Madame Bovary represent? No, never mind....I don't want to know. I'm proud of my level of shallowness. * The moon and the stars, Dreamy!

*So how is* *Vertigo "you" more than the others? Is that the one film of all, or just by Hitch that matches you?* A Hitchcock film like *Rear Window* is very accessible to most any movie watcher. But *Vertigo*, that's a different story. If I hear someone likes *Vertigo*, I start to believe that person has some depth to them. And with me, I like depth. So *Vertigo* represents a level of depth. *What about Lang or your other favorites?* Just a person knowing who Fritz Lang is is a big step! One of my biggest Lang Litmus Tests is, which do you prefer more, *Scarlet Street* or *The Woman in the Window* ? That will usually tell me something about a person. *And this coversation itself...like most of the "rambles"...is exactly what turns the majority on the board off, just like those who watch movies and say "It's just a movie, there's no sub-text, just stop getting off on the sight and sound of your own words."* I'm sure of that. But with me, it's not my words that interest me but the words of others.