FrankGrimes

I've liked your comedic poster turn of late, Kyle. I really enjoyed the poster for College.

Hiya, PKTrekkieGirl -- You know, for a gal who doesn't have good taste in men, you're pretty darn sharp with the ladies. My Personal Favorites 1. Grace Kelly 2. Gene Tierney 3. Gloria Grahame 4. Ava Gardner 5. Lana Turner 6. Rita Hayworth 7. Linda Darnell 8. Claudia Cardinale 9. Ingrid Bergman 10. Madeleine Carroll Welcome to the board, Ava!

Hey, Arkadin -- I enjoyed reading your wonderful write-up. It's nice to see someone singing the praises of For a Few Dollars More. A Fistful of Dollars and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly generally garner more attention. For a Few Dollars More is my favorite of Sergio Leone's "Dollars" trilogy. For me, it's the most entertaining of the three because of the dark chemistry between Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef. I'm really drawn to each. I also like the film because it's really Van Cleef's story and I find this to be fascinating. And those chimes always suck me in. I can never get enough of the chimes.

Hi, Chris! -- Thank you for the kind words. You added wonderfully to my statement. I look forward to reading your commentary on "High Noon." You're welcome and thank you. except where I said "would would" instead of "why would." (darn.) So you're a perfectionist, too? No need to worry. You are easily one of the most eloquent of board members. I greatly respect your thoughts and opinions. I also admire your kind and considerate approach to all things. My respect level for you really went through the roof when I saw how you handled the political talk at SSO a few months ago. Very classy. A calm voice is heard and I always hear you. Anybody "seen" MissGoddess? I didn't do it! Honest!

Hi, Chris! -- What you said about marriage is quite right. As someone who has been married for almost 24 years it is about compromise and sacrifice. A marriage based on trading services is a marriage (if you can call it that) that cannot last. It is something to be worked on and not taken for granted. I love my wife and have enjoyed being married. If it was just about sex would would anyone bother. Beautifully said. I'm an idealistic fool who believes marriage should have love at its heart. A marriage centered around sex (lust) and money (greed) are bound to burn out. I believe one's mate must be able to make you feel everything, not just some things. They should be someone who builds you up, makes you feel stronger, not tears you down, makes you feel weaker. They are your reason for being and you are theirs. By the way, your words are actually at the heart of my High Noon triangle thoughts. I hope to post those this weekend.

_*Favorite*_ 1. Barbara Stanwyck 2. James Stewart 3. Cary Grant 4. Gene Tierney 5. Robert Ryan _*Least Favorite*_ 1. Gary Cooper 2. Greer Garson 3. Clark Gable 4. Vivien Leigh 5. Frank Sinatra You asked for it, ButterscotchGrace.

Howdy, Mrs. Gable -- I seem to be drawing a blank! **Points the gun directly at Frankie and hears a click** Oh, wait, nevermind, the safety was on; heehee, ...my bad! Your bad?! More like, YOU are bad! You seem to want me dead. A lot dead. I like you. Hurts, don't it? Hmmm, I have a feeling this list is being recorded; I'll make it short... Ronald Colman Chico Marx Charlie Chaplin George Raft Eddy G. Robinson That is such an interesting collection of actors that I cannot rip you, even though I wish that I could. It's too bad liking Gary Cooper eliminates you from having any taste at all. But I've grown used to that with you and some others around here. I still don't see why y'all gals like a girl, I mean, guy who wears lipstick and eyeliner so much. Maybe you can relate to him that way. I just don't know. For the record, only two are obsessions. For the record, it used to be one but now it's two. Tomorrow three and next week ten. I ain't gonna beat around the bush no more. You're a hussy! There, I said it. Hiya, ButterscotchGrace -- you mean you had the safety on when you shot the gun?! kim, kim!! oh darn, what ever will we do with frankie now? shall we drown him in the river? heehee! Et tu?! I'd expect such behavior from the hussy, but not you. And here I brought you gardenias. Well, go ahead and drown me and get it over with. If the sweetest girl wants to put an end to me, what's there to live for? Hola, Easter Bunny! -- My top 5: 1. Gary Cooper 2. Clark Gable 3. William Powell 4. Errol Flynn 5. Ronald Colman Runner's up: Tyrone Power, Rudolph Valentino, Dana Andrews, Charlie Chaplin, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, James Cagney, Gregory Peck, Franchot Tone. I cannot believe Rudy doesn't make the top five. This is a sad, sad day. You cannot like Ronald Colman more than Valentino. That's impossible. And poor ol' Bogie. You've tossed your first love aside... and for much lesser men. Are you truly this shallow? At least you know who the best actress around is. I'll give you that one.

What's up, Game -- How can we overlook Dan the Man Duryea. Duryea is easy to overlook since he rarely played the lead. He livens up any film for me, ala Thelma Ritter. I like Robert Ryan in some movies, just that he wasnt the most attractive man on the screen I'm a huge Ryan fan. I have been listing Stewart and Grant as my top two actors since I've been on this board, but, deep down, I believe Ryan is my favorite actor. Of all the portrayals I have seen of his, every one of them has possessed great emotional depth. They each had something inside and Ryan knew how to carefully bring this to the surface. His performances were often very complex. I also greatly admire that Ryan would play villains with such great nuance. His brand of evil was actually quite sympathetic and, at times, very likable, which is something I find so very intriguing. Robert Mitchum - I am going to watch the Yazuka and Home From the Hill I liked Macao but not to own... He reminds me of a sleepy eyed Joel Hodgson from MST3K!! Mitch as Joel Hodgson? Now that's a new one. I like Macao for its breeziness. Sleepy Mitch works with me, especially with Jane. Plus, I get to play games with Gloria Grahame. I have the Mitchum box but I haven't watched The Yakuza or Home from the Hill yet. I've got to get into the mood for both of them. Hi, CineBabe -- FrankieG., how are ya. So-so. You're helping me out, though. Yes, Gable is among one of my favorite actors. Just a real man's man. Great films, Lombard. I love watching him. (Maybe not so much later in the 1950's,but definitely for the bulk of his career 30's-40's). I know you like the man's man-types, but I was surprised to see Gable as your very favorite. I wasn't sure if you liked his kind of films. No one was more dashing than he in "Gone With the Wind." I'm with you on that one. I have many more favorite actors, but I thought I'd better adhere to the rules of the posted question before my words got twisted up on me. Good reading you and again, thanxx for your contributions re: "Out of the Past." The screen caps were great. You're welcome, girl. I know I was being a little "naughty" & a bit salacious but hopefully not lewd. I just thought you were being yourself, Lively Gal.

Hiya, CineBaby! -- I didn't know Clark Gable was your favorite actor. That comes as a surprise to me. I also didn't realize you were a Kirk Douglas fan. Here's who's in my five right now: 1. Jimmy Stewart 2. Cary Grant 3. Robert Ryan 4. Robert Mitchum 5. Humphrey Bogart I also like Henry Fonda, Edward G. Robinson, Boris Karloff, and Dan Duryea a great deal.

Day of the Outlaw would also be my next choice after the two Coop films. I'm a big Robert Ryan fan, Tina Louise is a beautiful woman, and Andre de Toth is an underrated director. The two Robert Mitchum films would be next for me, but I don't see me buying them any time soon.

Hi, Dan -- You're right, those are sensational! Very eye-catching.

Yes, he sets off that apron mighty fine. But he's a NON-EFFEMINATE man in an apron.

lol, when I saw the name "Harvey" I thought at first you were talking about Jimmy Stewart's "pookah". So you were impressed by his broad shoulders? Poor Will. You just aren't happy no matter what a man does. Here's a guy who "takes responsibility" for that vicious little hamlet, Hadleyville, and still you aren't sastisfied. Tsk, tsk. I'm very critical of men. Except Ranse. Now that's a REAL MAN.

I think you should stop RIGHT THERE because you gained back a few points and I have a feeling anything you add afterward is only going to take back those points again and make me mad. You were going so well yourself until you threw in at the end, "make me mad." Now that's something I strive to do. Just wait until I take apart Will Kane and his using of women in High Noon. Talk about a heartless man. You'd think he'd care about women, but nope. He could have learned a lesson or two from that young, up-and-comin' Harvey. Now there's a REAL MAN for ya.

Howdy, Cactus Rose! -- Hi, guys -- wow, what juicy discussion! I haven't caught up reading it but I will. Pack a lunch... and a dinner... and some breakfast... and a change of clothes. Scott, thanks so much for inquiring after my mother. She had the surgery this morning and came through fine and is home, and now has to endure 45 minutes head down in special chair, then 15 minutes walking around head up being normal -- an annoying recovery period for this type of macular surgery, and this has to be done all day. I'm taking her for a post-op check up tomorrow which is necessary the day after, and hopefully the doctor will cut the chair routine down to one week instead of two or three. I'm very glad your mom is doing as well as possible under the circumstances. That's wonderful news. You said she's a hopeful woman, so I'm sure her spirits are up now that she's past the surgery. I hope tomorrow's follow-up bears good news. I'm sure that it will. (I was watching THE PARADINE CASE at her house and telling her the plot as she was head down in the chair -- she'd never seen it, and said, "Is that the movie with Lee Remick?" I told her that was another courtroom drama) I'd love to see this episode of Love that Bronxgirl!. The Paradine Case isn't a bad film to actually listen to since it's very dialogue driven. Although, seeing Alida Valli is quite enjoyable. I miss all of you, too. To tell you the truth, I really needed a break from you, so I haven't missed you all that much. Miss me? Welcome back, Barb! And don't you be shy with your words to me. I can take it. I actually dipped some of my words in fire in order to get a certain lady or two going. I just wanted to see how hard they could swing a silver-knobbed whip. The Manhattan cowgirl with claws knows how to use a whip, but she needs to be provoked sometimes.

Howdy, Mrs. Doniphon! -- Ha ha! You need to go back to dancing school, Pilgrim. Maybe Mischa can show you a move or two. Poor, poor Frank. I didn't think anything could lower my estimation of Ranse even more but I'm afraid your reply did. Now how could I lower your estimation of Ranse? It was already very low. If anything, I raised your estimation of Doniphon. You got be careful when you're around me. I can be pretty darn sneaky. It showed how people who don't know the kind of people that the west bred can completely misunderstand and condescend to them. Please elaborate. Don't hide in the shadows. Step on out in the light. You've got a quicker trigger finger than I do. I don't have anything further to say because I know the truth about Tom's character at least is what I feel and I already explained it as best I can; I guess I cannot put in it words. You've done a magnificent job of explaining your feelings! I'm just sticking pins in you (and Lynn) to get that engine of yours revvin'. I'm actually being just as selfish as Tom. I like it when your engine is revvin'. Should I talk to you as Tom would. "You sure are pretty when you're wrong, Goddess." :p What you have probably expressed perfectly is how a 21st century American views these situations presented in the play. But about Ford's intentions and what he actually presented us with on the screen? I beleive you are entirely wrong, at least about Tom. Ford doesn't hide the flaws in his heros and Tom's are inescapable,"out there"---his brashness for one thing and arrogance---but Ford never would bother to place at the heart of his movie a man like you condescendingly described. Yes, condescendingly! You really sound just like Ranse! And that's---from a present day point of view, probably a compliment. Very good! You caught on to my theme. So am I being "condescending" or am I just "out there" with my brashness and arrogance? One point of accuracy---Ransom moved up politically, the territory incorporated into the Union and subsequently the law came, yes all due to Ranse. But it also meant his leaving Shinbone soon enough so he was never in danger of having the desperadoes come after him as they would Tom. You are correct. Tom would have remained a sitting duck in Shinbone. However, there was no guarantee that Ranse was going to be a successful politician. Plus, Ranse would have had to deal with Valance's two goons no matter what. Sorry if I stepped on your toes but you were entirely out of step with the music. My toes are awfully sore but that's the norm when we dance. I'm fond of such soreness. I will share my feelings about Tom when I get some time here tonight. I was definitely laying it on thick about his "irresponsibility." Tom is definitely the hero of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance and he is for many reasons. However, he most definitely has his failings and he may very well have more than Ranse. That makes him all the more human to me, though. And, like I said, Tom is the one with the biggest heart in the film. He's also the one who is put through hell the most. Tom GRACIOUSLY carries a beaten Ranse into Shinbone and he would help Ranse throughout his stay in Shinbone from then on, but Ranse never repays his "room and board" to Tom.

Howdy, Mrs. Doniphon! -- Are you ready to dance? I'll try to get in as much ammunition as I can now and will be back later as I have time. How many bullets does that pop gun of yours hold? I have a question for you (or others). When do you think Hallie started to have feelings for Ranse? Was it immediately? She seemed very interested in Ranse while she was nursing (mothering) him. She was very struck by Ranse defending a woman against Valance and his gang. It seems like she was interested in him from the start. He was "different". I imagine that she must have idealized him from the moment she heard about how and why he got hurt. That's pretty much how I feel about it. Maybe Hallie likes it when a man risks his own life for the protection of others, especially women. It's quite a brave and noble act. I wonder if Tom did this before Ranse showed up. Hmmmmm. While I'm not ruling out selfishness or even to stretch a point, "laziness" (or laissez-faire-ness) on Tom's part preventing him from stepping in, I still personally feel 1) it was not his place because the fact is he was not the town's duly elected sheriff and the town got the sheriff it deserved because it chose Appleyard; A man can make it his place if he wants to. And he can do it in a way that's not intrusive or cold-blooded. If someone is terrorizing a group of people, ala what Valance did to the stagecoach, a man can step up and do something about it... if he chooses to. And I'm not buyin' this "duly elected sheriff" mess. Why? Because Tom was duly elected to be a delegate and he TURNED IT DOWN. I'm betting the scared people of Shinbone duly elected Tom as sheriff but he turned it down, refusing to accept the responsibility, like he always does. Yet, Tom seems to enjoy ALL the perks of a sheriff in Shinbone. He gets his way and is treated as "the law." In otherwords, he'll TAKE the benefits of the position but refuse to GIVE the real responsibility attached to the star. To me, this is a FAILING. and 2), what about the consequences? A man as skillful with a gun as Tom Doniphon risks starting a reputation for himself at any moment that can really get him killed quick enough without stepping in an fixing other people's problems. If he calls out Liberty, pretty soon all of Liberty's cronies are after him and he has to kill them and then every two-bit glory seeker in the whole territory comes gunning for "the man who shot LV". Basically he'd have to surrender all hopes and plans for a life of his own on a ranch and with a woman and kids. So once again, someone is expecting him to sacrifice everything for nothing. Poor Tom, by being competent at staying alive in tough times everyone feels they have a right to parasite on him. You have a point here. With the badge comes a heavy burden. But here's where we find some hypocrisy. Tom isn't expected to stand up to Valance but Ranse is. Ranse cannot be a MAN unless he does yet Tom can be a MAN by not doing it. Poor Tom could get killed if he does something but Ranse needs to step up. You would think it would be the other way around. Ranse "gunned down" Valance in the streets of Shinbone. Well, using your logic, Ranse is now a wanted man for every two-bit gunslinger looking to find a rep. He's a target. That didn't stop him, and it turns out he wasn't a target after all. Ranse stood up for something and his stance ended up being the difference for Shinbone. He risked his life for the better of the community. He was willing to sacrifice it all for what's right. He didn't fall for the, "you'll never change it, pilgrim" stuff. Tom was wrong. Ranse was right. It just took one act of courage to keep the hopes and dreams of Shinbone alive. Ranse was the MAN who did this. It could and should have been Tom. By the way, I think Tom really is the one who is condescending. He's the one who goes around telling everyone how things are. He's the one who does the thinking for others. And if anyone chooses to disagree with him, he thinks of them as fools. Ranse BRAVELY stands up to Tom. Nobody else does this to Tom. NOBODY. Tom's word goes in Shinbone. You are correct, once Liberty calls out Ranse, it's out of Doniphon's hands. But Tom surely had his chances to call out Liberty before that time. He probably had many chances. He chose not to. He deferred. You merely assume that! He didn't defer at Pete's! He couldn't have deferred "many" times as you say because then word would have gotten round he was afraid and nobody thought that for a second. I don't think Liberty crossed his path directly if he could avoid it---though it is inevitable that one day they would have a showdown. Are you casting apsersions on Tom's courage? That's absurd, if you are. There's no question; he wasn't afraid of Liberty. Such nonsense. You can't have it both ways, Mr Attorney-at-Law. On the one hand you say Tom is "**** of the walk" and the "real sheriff" and on the other you say he's yellow and avoids any responsiblity. Tom DID defer at Pete's Place. He let Liberty go free once again. Tom could have told him that he's to never show his face in town again. Instead, it was business as usual. The townspeople remain afraid of Liberty because he remains free. Matt Dillon wouldn't let Valance's BS fly in Dodge, I'll tell you that right now. Miss Kitty's "The Long Branch" ain't gonna get shot to hell without repercussion. Tom just keeps on kickin' the ol' can down the dusty road. His tomorrows never come. Tom is very brave... up to a point. He's scared to take the final step. This is his greatest weakness. He fears change because change may effect his comfy life. The reason I know this is because I'm just like Doniphon. Yes, I know Doniphon. Ranse is who pushes Tom to do things he wouldn't normally do because Tom fears Ranse is winning his girl's heart. You have it backward---Tom is sticking to the same plans he always had and nothing is going to change them. But he does push Ranse to do what he's so ready to give up on, that Mr Fine Ideals Stoddard. Tom's plans have changed drastically because Hallie has chosen Ranse. This is why Doniphon pushes Ranse to go on. He wants to see Hallie happy. The irony of it all is that he helps Ranse take his final step. It's the step Doniphon always struggled to do for himself. It's a true sacrifice on Tom's part. However, Tom initially didn't do this for Ranse and Hallie, though. He told Ranse to run away from Valance; to high-tail-it out of town. As to the classroom scenes, I don't disagree with you there. There you see the conflict between Hallie and Tom---he is high and mighty with her and she justly resents it but I don't think you should forget his state of mind. He'd just gotten bushwacked and KILLED several men. He was no doubt very concerned about Hallie's safety in light of the trouble coming and was P.O.'d to come back and see her cozied up with the ladies man. In any other circumstances, I think he would have been just as condescending but far more tolerant and humorous. He's mad and jealous and showing his nasty temper. I think it's Ranse he'd like to really throttle but as is typical, he takes it out on the two people he loves most, Hallie and Pompey. That was beautifully said and you make a fantastic point with the "bushwacked" incident that Tom has just returned from. He's seen the violence firsthand and fears the worst for Hallie and Shinbone. And I think Tom would be wrong to throttle Ranse. Ranse isn't trying to take Hallie away from him, she's deciding for herself. Tom doesn't like that Shinbone is changing and moving away from HIS way. He's being neutered right before his eyes and he don't like it one bit. Tom said "I don't want you going to school in no shootin' gallery". I think that's even more evidence that what he want to do is just what Ranse said---to protect her. I agree with that. But I also believe he's petrified of losing Hallie. He's trying desperately to hold onto his comfortable world. I think he takes pride in saying "he's right." "Didn't I tell you this pilgrim doesn't know what he's talkin' 'bout, Hallie?" Tom needs to be right ALL THE TIME. He's feeling VERY insecure with Ranse around. That's why he mocks him. His usage of the word "pilgrim" is by choice. Valance uses "dude" as his word to demean Ranse and Tom's word is "pilgrim." It's very condescending at times. I don't agree with you about the "you're awful pretty when you get mad" line, though. I mean, rather, so what if he is being condescending there? I think still think it's nothing to get het up about. I loathe people who get angry over trivialities, especially when you don't really know what the other person meant. We only assume he means that line condescendingly. He may actually be sincere. And as far as I am concerned, as long as someone cloathes their nastiness in nice words I won't jump down their throat----but if he'd said something overtly nasty to her I would have found it hard to take. There are, after all, some kinds of hypocracies between people that are necessary for smooth relations. Or so someone TOLD me once. The problem with Tom's reply to Hallie is that it's uncaring. She is seriously angry with him and Tom just smirks at her, brushing her anger aside. He's attempting to deflect her anger since it's aimed at him. Why does Tom do this? Because he's worried. He's losing Hallie and he knows it. Tom is a very perceptive fella for a tough-talkin' cowboy. He quickly senses Hallie's attraction to Ranse. I also believe Tom is a very insecure fella underneath the bluster, hence his hesitation to follow through. He can live with his insecurities in Shinbone because he's surrounded by sycophants and there is no other man Hallie is drawn to. Ranse ain't a sycophant and Hallie is drawn to him. Verdict: Ranse is still a bit of a wienie. Just "a bit"? Uh-oh. I think I'm swaying you, Judge. Ranse is definitely a weenie. Henry Fonda could play Ranse. Is that fair to assume that Tom was the "real Sheriff"? I dont' think I would go that far. He was the fastest gun, that's all. And he happened to be a decent guy. Those are the only two qualities that recommend him for the job but I don't think every nice guy good with a gun has to automatically be conscripted into law enforcement out west. Lots of cowboys and ranchers were so and never chose to become the town sheriffs. I just think there isn't really any reason to suppose he SHOULD have been the one to deal with Liberty any earlier when in all probability he was going to sooner or later. After all, remember he was ready to do so in Pete's place, it was only Ranse stepping in that stopped it. He doesn't have to be any kind of sheriff, strong or otherwise. I think he was smart. If that's being blind---and I don't mind admitting I may be---then so be it. If I were Hallie or anyone who cared about him I wouldn't want him to be Sheriff. It's like saying you want him dead. But Ranse needs to stand up to Valance, even though he's nowhere near equipped to do so. He's basically killing himself to be a man. Tom would win a duel with Valance and that's why Valance never takes him up. Tom could have put an end to Valance in Shinbone if he would have told him where to go. Valance was scared to death of Tom. But Tom never stood up. He just let Valance carry on. I don't think Tom really needed to be a full-time sheriff. He just needed to take the next step for Shinbone's sake. He let another man do his job. Although, in the end, he was the one who did the job... from the shadows. He could have been in the light. He should have been. Now oddly enough I didn't take that line that way. I can't believe Ranse was feeling anything but honest emotions at this point so I am not sure that he would be condescending at that moment. When you say something like "pork chop money" it comes off as if it means nothing to you. It's a cold gesture. It places Ranse on a platform way above Pompey. While this was the truth, I find it bad form to say it. He could have said many other warm things to Pompey other than, "don't worry, it's nothing but pork chop money to me. Here's your handout." He should have told him that he appreciated all that he did for him. But, then again, money really is an impersonal gesture. Helping Pompey to learn how to read and write is a personal gesture. That was the warm Ranse of the past. The cold, condescending Ranse of the present hands out money. He's condescending when he's "on" and the minute he entered the room with Tom, I think all the B.S. fell off of him. I just never felt Ranse was all that condescending in Shinbone. He was passionate and he didn't take "that's how it is and how it's always gonna be" as law. That wasn't good enough for him. He set out to do something; to change things for the "better." What that line did call to my mind was Jimmy Stewart's amusingly self-deprecating story of how during filming one of these scenes with Woody Strode, Pappy finally threw the star "into the barrell". And it was on a point of racism. I have the feeling that while it was no doubt prompted by his usual habit of needling, Ford was also perceived something true about Stewart. Not necessarily that he was racist, but that he was a man who could be a bit...I'm not sure of the word, perhaps a bit condescending. He was a wonderful man but there is something there---kind of an unwillingness to listen to others---and no actor reaches his level of stardom without some kind of self-protective behavior. I can't help but wonder if Ford had the "pork chop money" line added as a final, parthian shaft. I haven't read the original story to see if it's already in there. That's a fascinating tale! I didn't know this of Jimmy. I wouldn't put it past Ford to do this, either. He seemingly loved to knock performers down many pegs. Howdy, Lynn Doniphon -- I see you've taken the silver-knobbed whip from Mrs. Doniphon. Let me have it, girl. The toughest thing for me in regards to figuring out Hallie and her love for Ranse and/or Tom is that she never kisses either of them on the lips. Ford never shows us such affection, and I find this to be a brilliant touch. We, the audience, are never permitted to see Hallie truly linked with love. We are left to guess her feelings. There is a wonderful moment when Tom brings Ranse to Pete's Place after finding him on the road. As Hallie is nursing him, in the background, on the shadow of the wall, between the two of them is the shadow of Tom's hat. I've always taken that to mean that Tom was always there between them. That's very observant of you, Lynn. I never caught that. I believe Ranse was frustrated by the others' "who cares" attitude towards Liberty Valance and his violence against innocent people. He couldn't understand why nobody wanted to throw him in jail. Everyone in Shinbone just let Valance get away with murder. I think Ranse was right. Why doesn't someone stand up to Valance for the the community's sake? For the same reason that people don't stand up for what they believe in at any time. They're afraid to make waves, they think that sooner or later it will pass and if it can happen without anyone they know personally getting killed all the better. Remember, until Ranse comes along, Valance never hurts the townspeople. He does all his killing outside of town so they have no personal investment in stopping Valance. Yeah, the guy comes into town, gets drunk and shoots up the place but no one gets hurt. That changes with Ranse. Now Valance has someone who didn't die or run for the hills. Had Ranse not been brought to Shinbone to recover, Valance would have gone on with his usual routine. But, the fact that Ranse lived, is a reminder to Valance that he can't let go of. The escalation of violence in Shinbone is because of the actions put into play by Tom bringing Ranse to Pete's. I understand. It's best to turn the other way because you risk less people getting hurt that way. But, sometimes a man's gotta be a man. You need to stand up and fight for something. Ranse does this right away. He did it during the stagecoach attack and he keeps on doing it. As you said, he doesn't "run to the hills." He's standing up to Valance. That's what draws Valance back. He feels as it he can take Ranse. Actually, he knows so and so does Tom. But that doesn't stop Ranse from being a man. He's gonna keep on fighting for what he believes in. Tom didn't believe in much other than his selfish wants. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. Did Ranse put Shinbone at risk with his stubborn "selfish" want to change things for the better? You better believe it. How could Tom deal with Liberty? Take charge. He was the real sheriff of Shinbone. Everyone in town knew it AND Liberty knew it. Tom could have told Liberty to never show his face in town ever again unless he wanted to die. That's what a strong sheriff would do. But, again, Tom wasn't the elected Sheriff. That was Linc. Tom was smart enough to know that at best he could help keep the peace and keep violence out of Shinbone. Had Tom become sheriff, he would have been putting a big old bullseye on his back inviting every hired gun in the territory to come and take a try at him. The town would have been much more violent in that scenario. While I do believe Tom was very content in his world of the gun because it gave him the most power and standing in Shinbone, I will say there is something very true and important to me about Tom. I believe it's the best argument one can make against my words. A dead Tom would mean Shinbone would go to pot. Only Ranse and Pompey show any kind of (male) backbone in town. Ranse doesn't have the skills to be a sheriff in what would evolve into a tough town and Pompey is a black man in a world unaccepting to him in power. I believe it was foolish of Tom to leave the town for three weeks. I actually believe he was recklessly attempting to prove a point to Hallie and others that he's needed in Shinbone; he's more important than Ranse. The truth is, he's right. He's the muscle. He's the BADGE. However, if Shinbone can become more civilized, Tom will not be needed. That's what happens. But when Valance is roaming the streets, Tom is needed. Plus, this way, Tom is able to go about his business and plan his life. Had he been sheriff he never could have married Hallie because she would be sitting around waiting for the day someone outdrew him. Hallie marries the "man who shot Liberty Valance." Doesn't she fear the day Ranse gets gunned down? What's the difference? Even after suffering a severe beating, Ranse chooses to stand up and defend himself and a community he doesn't even belong to. Opportunistic or noble? Check out the reaction of two of the most important ladies of Shinbone: Just the mention of Liberty Valance's name sends chills through Hallie and Nora. It's quite clear that Valance scares them. He's a threat to them and Shinbone. Tom TELLS Ranse what he needs to do. He needs to pack a HANDGUN. The handgun is the tool needed to rid towns of baddies like Valance. Without baddies, the handgun ain't needed. Ranse rejects the notion of using violence to defeat violence. This is him being very naive, although there is truth in what he says, too. Hallie and Nora's reaction is of surprise. How could any man reject a gun in this world? Tom once again TELLS Ranse how the world works. He's got all the right answers. Ranse actually says the word "no" to Tom. He stands up to him. He then goes on to tell Tom that he and Valance think alike. They both believe the gun is the way. Well, they are both right... in a lawless world. And, oddly enough, Tom needs someone like Valance to keep his standing in a place like Shinbone since he's "the law." Ranse questions the complacency of Shinbone. He cannot comprehend how folks can actually let a murderous thug like Valance just walk around free. Don't they care? I also want you to take note of the staging in the following caps. We see Tom in a very confident stance, standing tall above the battered and weak Ranse. Tom is the man in a position of power. Ranse doesn't appreciate the advice he is given. He's basically been told, there's nobody willing to stand up for the town, to represent them. It's up to each person to fend for themself. That's irresponsible. Ranse decides to stand to his feet and stand up to Tom. He's gonna look him in the eye just as he did Valance. He's not afraid of Tom like everyone else is. Hallie and Nora react to Ranse standing up to Tom. Hallie is looking at Tom. I'm sure she's wondering how Tom is gonna react to being stood up to. They are witnessing something they rarely ever see happen, if ever. How does Tom react? Violently. He grabs Ranse. This is how Tom settles problems. The thing is, why the heck doesn't he grab Valance like this? He certainly can if he wants to. Hallie's reaction to Tom's violent reaction is that of concern for Ranse and disgust for Tom. She believes Ranse is right. She doesn't like Valance terrorizing the area. She's scared of Valance. What I like about this cap is that Tom actually backs off because Hallie wishes for him to do so. Tom does care about Hallie and this proves there are times he will listen to her. Enter Link. Tom pokes fun of Link's arrival. He's laughing at how cowardly the law is in Shinbone. It's all a joke to him. When will Tom take things seriously? "Dragging" is the key word. Nobody cares about law and order in Shinbone. They have to be dragged into in it. The following two caps show Tom at his condescending best. He's making fun of Ranse's "wild ideas" of a civilized Shinbone; a place where the handgun isn't necessary. I love his "you better listen." "Ooohh, you better listen to the law guy or he will throw a book at you." He's really laying it on thick. Nora doesn't find any of this to be amusing. She's sick and tired of the Valance BS. Nora explodes on Link but we all know who she's really exploding on. She just doesn't have the gumption to do it. Tom smirks away. It's all one big joke to him. Is it "steak" or "stake"? What is Tom's stake? Does he have any stake in Shinbone or is it all about himself? That's MY stake. Valance and his gang ride off... free again. Of course, they have to cause a little damage before doing so. They shoot up Pete's Place and others. Only two men are standing in Pete's Place: Tom and Ranse. These are the two men who can stand up to Valance. What's the first thing Tom does after the smoke has cleared? He chooses to belittle Ranse. He wants to rub Ranse's face in his being right. It's a very selfish, shallow move. Why doesn't Tom give a damn about Pete's Place getting shot up? Why doesn't he start figuring out a way to make sure this won't happen again? I know much has been said of Ranse saying, "nobody fights my battles," but the truth is, no one did. Ranse did fight his own battle. Tom knew Ranse would be killed doing so, too. So it's to Tom's great credit that he did what he did. Here's Tom telling Ranse to leave town. I'm someone who believes Tom is really thinking selfishly at this point. He knows that if Ranse is gone, his entire world will return to the way he wishes it to be. Would I also be selfish in such situation? Damn straight. I wouldn't want a girl like Hallie to leave my side, that's for sure. Are Ranse's "thanks" sincere? Does he understand what Tom is really getting at with him leaving town? I'm thinking he does.

I'm currently applying my beauty goop. A guy's gotta look lovely, ya know. Oh good grief. Theresa, Kim, Angie: He's not gonna lay off Coop's lipstick 'till the cows come home. " 'till the cows come home." Dreamin' of Texas? By the way, I thought OBSESSING over Coop was the thing to do. I'm just trying to fit in. "Bat out of hell" is about what you could expect from a Transylvannian. It actually sounds like a Manrattan song. Or is that "Cat Out of Hell"?

That's a shame you cannot sing "Bat out of Hell." I guess you will have to try and sing a Broadway tune. Do you know any? FRANKIE!! such a song to even mention. tsk, tsk, tsk. heehee! i dont even know that song. thats probably a good thing. I bet your momma knows the song. do i know any broadway tunes? is this a trick question? heehee! thats like asking, "do you know any greer movies?" My favorite Greer film is Out of the Past. You should definitely do it. What song would you sing? i dont know, i have been wondering what i would sing.....april can you give me a couple suggestions? obviously you dont know any frankie. "Put the Blame on Mame"! That's a lovely Broadway tune.

Now that I have your attention, guess what's airing at 10:00am Friday morning??? You always have my attention, T. The truth is, I actually watched The Letter the night you asked me to and I have read your wonderful write-up on the film. I just need to get my tail over to your thread and make some comments.

Howdy, Mrs. Doniphon -- I know! That's what I meant by the 'sons of guns' lining up. And she made even more sense than I did! You made A LOT of sense in your multiple posts. I will get to it later on. I'm currently applying my beauty goop. A guy's gotta look lovely, ya know. Hi, Princess Belle! -- in early March. they want me to sing a broadway song or a song from the show/movie, but it cant be a capella or a rock song or anything like that......like i'd sing a rock song for my audition. goodness! That's a shame you cannot sing "Bat out of Hell." I guess you will have to try and sing a Broadway tune. Do you know any? You should definitely do it. What song would you sing?

Hiya, Princess Belle! -- You sure are short. You also roll your eyes and sigh a lot. Such drama yes! im the teenage drama queen/princess belle, didnt you know? heehee! I know! oh speaking of princess belle....guess what i found today. i found a poster for an audition to play princess belle in the plya Beauty and the Beast in Austin. i dont know if i should try out or not. i really want to try it though. Go for it, Theresa! When's the audition? Howdy, Fordy Guns -- I never said I do! You're the one. Now let's see you do it. My husband and I are still waiting. So you want me to dance, huh? A wallflower I must remain because Lynn just posted on that thread, so I'm gonna need a little time to "compose my thoughts."

Bonjour, Mademoiselle Sorci?re -- It's too bad you don't know what the heck you are talking about when it comes to characters in film and their motivations. So why don't you prove how wrong I am? I've seen little evidence of it so far Mr Attorney-at-Law. You can't see what you don't want to see, Mrs. Doniphon. He's not that tall, either. It's mostly hot air---just stick one of Bronxie's pins in him and you'll cut him down to a manageable size. Now it's Bronxie. When will you fight your own battles, Ranse? And I'm not that small, either. Howdy, ButtersweetGreer -- I wouldn't push you aside. Shove? Yes. But not push. even "shove" is underrated for what i've been through with you. heehee! Now did you really think a psycho would be gentle? what do i have to do to get you to believe me frankie? get down on my knees? heehee! wait dont answer that question. i fear i might know the answer. I'm too much of a gentlemen and you're far too sweet of a girl for such behavior. You can do me a favor, though. Could you run to the beauty shop, I'm fresh out of lipstick. My shade is mean passion. april, im trying to push him, but he is still standing completely still. man im short! heehee! You sure are short. You also roll your eyes and sigh a lot. Such drama.

Ciao, Bad Witch -- That's right. Don't fight it, just go with it... So do you think I'm resisting? I often have the look Jimmy has on his face in that photo whenever I read your words. Hi there, Sweet Meanie -- I don't believe you! Kim would never be as mean as you. That girl has no mean bones in her body and you're nothing but a skeleton full of meanness. i just choked on my grape when i read that. how hateful can you get with one sentence frankie? goodness me!! well i'd parle vous right back to you, but i dont know any hateful words. heehee! It's not your words that I fear, it's your hi-yahs! kim doesnt have a mean bone in her body, she's too much of a sweetheart though! "I vote we kill him. All in favor?" Oh, yes, she's a sweetheart, all right. No mean bones to be found. Did the Bad Witch turn you into a puppy dog again? I told you to avoid her. yes.....arf, arf, arf. heehee! but she turned me back again immediately. it was only an experiment, a fun one!! i'd like to turn into a beautiful swan so i can find my true prince charming. You better be careful. The Bad Witch may not turn you back the next time. That's why she's a "bad" witch. Wait a minute. Why would you run to her to save you when she's the one who is messing with your mind? nu-uh, she's perfectly sweet to me, its your brain WE are trying to take over.....MUWAAAAHHHAAAAAA! heehee! You're doing a pretty good job because I'm actually watching sappy chick flicks like Random Harvest and Gone with the Wind and films by the "effeminate" Gary Cooper. Ohh, don't worry, Coop is NOT effeminate as other lipstick-wearin' guys. Ohh, I like that suggestion. How about "Put the Blame on Mame"? I wonder if any other girls can sing that tune. i dont think you can pick for me frankie, or is he allowed april? please say no, please say no!!! if i sing, "put the blame on mame", april is singing it with me. it just wouldnt be the same if we both didnt do a duet of it. heehee! I could go for a "Put the Blame on Mame" duet. It's too bad the other girl carries a sour tune at all times. But that may work well with your sweet voice, T. Why, does it look as if Paula is being motherly in that shot? no, but thats what you said, and then naturally you posrted a pic that sorta kinda looked like that was what youwould be talking about. heehee! Paula is mothering Smithy! There's nothing wrong with that, either. Not bad for someone who hasn't even watched the film, eh? lovery try franki8e, but im not falling for that one......you did watch it didnt you? I sure did. I fast-forwarded through all of it. I've heard this is the best way to watch films. Now you don't think a guy would really take notice of such a thing, do you? no, never, is that why you posted those screen caps? heehee! i thought so! I wanted to "notice" that again.

Patiently now, impatiently soon. That was good! You're at least funny sometimes. It's too bad you don't know what the heck you are talking about when it comes to characters in film and their motivations.