FrankGrimes

From what I've read, both men worried a bit about security in a very fickle business, so they played it safe. Cary often was quoted that his favorite movies were only those that made a lot of money and Gable would say he always figured each picture was his last and that soon "they" would catch on to him and give him the gate. I have learned of Gable's insecurity through you, but I was unaware of Grant's insecurity. I've only heard of Grant always requesting to play the "hero." Most leading men did play "heroes," though. I'm actually someone who doesn't get caught up in all the "they should have won the Oscar" stuff. I do pay attention to who wins and loses, it's just that I don't get too upset over it. There are many in GWTW, but two scenes that break my heart and they have done since I first saw it, are when Bonnie tells her father she wants to go home and when Scarlett freezes him on the terrace with her "when did we have a life together?" He looks so hurt I could just smack her (Scarlett, not Bonnie). Scarlett could use quite a few smacks. I just love her. She's precious. Gone with the Wind didn't make me tear up. What I like the most about the film is Scarlett. Vivien Leigh puts on an emotionally irrational show. I could watch Scarlett bounce off the walls all day long.

Those stars also made it all look so "easy". I wonder. Is it easier than, say, getting to sink your teeth into a colorful, against-type character? I guess that depends on the individual. I do believe it is easier to play a role you've always played than to take on a newer "persona." However, I also believe it's the individual performances that need to be judged above all else. So what if Gable is playing "Gable" or Grant is playing "Grant," those performances still may be the best of the lot. That's definitely my contention with Grant. Gable's "Rhett" would certainly qualify as such a performance. But I do believe many critics believe Gable and Grant basically rolled out of bed and read their lines. Maybe that was the case in some circumstances, too. I'm not sure. I never noticed the similarities in those two scenes---Scarlett was groping through the mist of her nightmare and Roslyn through the "dark" around her. And it was Clark Gable who was there for both of them. Cool!

Are you saying I'm no gentleman? That's for damn sure, All G.

Hi, Gery! -- Wonderful photos! I really enjoyed the one for White Woman. I really like Carole's look in that pic, especially her hair AND disgust! Hola, Miss Board Piggy -- You guys are also right about the perception of "playing himself" working against him a bit; though the irony is these "selves" actors like Gable, Grant, Wayne and others played were really not who they were, at least not entirely; they were just personas that were adopted because the public responded so well to them. I think that's pretty good acting on their part,if you ask me. Stanislavsky said the most difficult challenge for any actor is to play himself. If only they really were more like their characters..."sigh". You said the key word, "perception." Clark Gable was perceived to be playing himself on the big screen and, as you also stated, the audience responded to such a man and EXPECTED such a man. I'm sure the studio also expected Gable to be Gable and anything short of that would be too risky. I really don't know Gable's film career well enough to know if he stepped outside of his own shoes or not. But I do know the Academy rarely rewards actors for "staying in character." It's viewed as easy and not trying. I don't agree with such a thought, though. Cary Grant may have "stayed in character" the vast majority of the time but he still turned in performances no one else could have in such roles. I'm sure Gable was the same.

Congrats on 9,000 posts, Gone with the Long-Wind Goddess. As for Gone with the Wind being named all-time favorite... fiddle-dee-dee!

Hi, Lynn -- Thanks for the thread link. I did catch that link when it was "live" again in the Fall. You (and your husband) made some excellent points on that thread and I also enjoyed reading Moira (always) and FXReyman's words. Miss Non-Objective didn't speak ad nauseum, as she suggests. I think she's hiding in Monument Valley, fearing a psychotic gunslinger may take aim at her spurred slippers. Hey, Jackie -- Isn't it interesting that Ford made Man Who Shot Liberty Valance in 1962? The supremacy of the Western was waning, as was Ford's heydey as a director. I find the timing very relevant.... Most definitely. The sun was setting on the traditional Hollywood western. I was going to say last night (and my opinion is reinforced by reading that thread) that I hear over and over the phrase "I don't like westerns, but I love this movie". I think women love this movie because it is a memory, not a western. Because women make choices like Hallie's all the time, and sometimes we do regret or at least think about "what might have been". We also think about what our future might be like if..... Women (at least until the last few decades) have relied on others to change our futures and our lives. We are so relationship oriented that we neglect steering our own ship, so to speak. And then to find someone who fulfills every need is pretty near impossible. We quietly go about our business and all the while we are dreaming about breaking free. The partner may never know this. Even in a happy marriage or relationship, there is something the other doesn't understand about us. And we desperately want someone to understand us. This movie has a Ford heroine who is continually overlooked, even neglected. We really relate to her. Her life is moving along in one direction and will continue on that path unless something or someone deflects it from it's trajectory. Ranse changes the path of Hallie's life, but it is still his life Hallie is leading, not her own. whew. Talk about a blowhard.... that's me! That was brilliant! I think there is a heckuva lot of truth in what you wonderfully wrote. I do believe many women can relate to Hallie and her situation. Doniphon represents the tough, reckless guy that many women (especially young) are often attracted to and Ranse represents the intelligent kind of guy many women look to marry because he offers them greater stability. A mix of the two is the ideal, but those kind of guys are few and far between. Doniphon also represented staying in Shinbone; more of the same. Ranse represented leaving Shinbone; a brand new world to explore. I believe Hallie became a better woman thanks to Ranse but she will always remember what Doniphon did for them and her, and this truly will haunt her to her last breath. She didn't value and respect what Doniphon did for her nearly enough. I think this is something the majority of us can relate to on some sort of level. We don't tell those around us how much we value them or how much we care about them. By the way, as you wisely pointed out in a previous post, Doniphon also took Hallie for granted, too. Hiya, Sweet Texas T -- Now where did you put those handcuffs of yours? oh cant you see them? you must be far sighted, and have short term momory loss. heehee! I'm short-sighted, SHRIMPY. Is that an arrestable offense? Oooh, I like it when folks predict if I'm gonna like a film or not. Some are pretty good at it and others are horrible. I won't name names. alright alright! so ill never sugest another movie i think youll like, ever again. Who says your name is not to be named, Tex? Actually, I really do enjoy it when people attempt to predict if I'm going to like a film or not. It's good and great. Maureen O'Hara makes Rio Grande for me. The second she shows up, the film really takes bloom. I adore "Kathleen." yes i figured you would only watch the movie for the purpose of seeing "kathleen". While Maureen is dazzling looking in Rio Grande, it's her personality that really turns me on. I'll take a "Kathleen" at all times. she was a spunky character and wouldnt put up with anything she didnt feel comfortable with. she always fought back, but she understood everything going on. i did like Maureen in this role and thought she did a wonderful job! her and the Duke definitely hit another high note. heehee! it just has such a touching ending. Spunky. You said it! I like spunky lasses. i need another pair of handcuffs.. heehee!....im not heartless am i? oh no! i cant be heartless? You're not heartless. You're nowhere near heartless. i love those Man Who Shot Liberty Valence screen caps! i have always loved this mvoie. i found it so great that they paired up John Wayne with Jimmy Stewart. they did such an amazing job. thats actually one of my favorite scenes in the kitchen. jimmy is so cute in that apron! And I love Vera Miles! I actually like Laurie Jorgensen more than Hallie, but I do like Hallie a lot. this movie puts such a different perspective on western movies.......gunslingers if you will. well at least it gave me a different perspective. i havent ever liked westerns too much especially ones that wave guns around at each other, but this one i do love. its a masterpiece of learning to trust other people....helping each other with dignity. Have you ever seen The Wild Bunch? You'd love it. It's very romantic and there's not much violence in it, either. From what I have seen to date, John Ford's westerns should appeal to women because there is a strong emotional current to be found within.

What's the score, Miss Gun for Hire? -- You know I like your... lists. I also love those photos you posted, especially The Third Man pics. I guess you do have some taste. I've only seen seven Bogie films to date: 1. Casablanca 2. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre 3. The Maltese Falcon 4. Key Largo 5. The Big Sleep 6. The Petrified Forest 7. The Two Mrs. Carrolls I love or strongly like all of those films with the exception of The Two Mrs. Carrolls. Bogie is pretty good in that film, but Missy ain't Missy. I have the following films on DVD but I haven't watched them yet: The Return of Doctor X They Drive by Night High Sierra To Have and Have Not Dark Passage In a Lonely Place Sabrina On VHS: The Barefoot Contessa The Desperate Hours

Howdy, Mets Cowgal -- I didn't know you could ride. You posted some of my faves. Gene and Hank in Lang's The Return of Frank James, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and Winchester '73. Very nice! Howdy, Bronx Blossom -- Miss G., lz, Frank -- Well I've seen what I think is Ford's masterpiece, his best western and one of the greatest American films, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE. You're doing good so far. I'll be back on the boards this evening and give my best shot (so to speak!) in defining my views on this important work. Great! Your thoughts are always fascinating and highly entertaining. Fire away! Howdy, Fordy Guns -- I won't be adding any more of my own opinions on it, they have been clearly stated ad nauseum and it's a movie I can't seem to get too "objective" about anyway. Speaking of pop guns. I hope you are not worried about rubbing some folks' fur the wrong way. I've heard they actually like such pettings, Miss Subjective.

Hey there, Coopsy's Clara -- I hate to admit it, but that was a terrific Coop pictorial. I liked seeing photos from that many different films. Howdy, Kowgirl Kim -- I'm behaving. I have not clicked on any of the videos. Hola, Miss Bad Influence -- Don't let him bother you, T, and remember crazy people always think others are crazy. That's crazy talk. Remember they had to put him away once already about his Mother fixation back at that Motel. I don't seem to remember this. I must have slipped in the shower and banged my head. Hiya, Sneaky T -- See what happens when you get with bad "A" girls. I hope you have learned your lesson. Now it's up to Sweet T to follow your lead. what do you mean by that frankie? im not with any bad girls. goodness! the "A" girls as you so neatly put it, arent bad! Okay, you're right. The "A" girls are not bad. They are EXTREMELY bad! Stick with K. april! now he's saying im crazy! i have a tear...... Now I wonder where you learned how to fake cry. Hmmmm. yeah i guess my puppy dog eyes and my badge dont go very well together. They actually go together very well. You first lure a sucker in with the puppy dog eyes and then you slap the cuffs on 'em. You should have arrested him. im not going to arrest sweet Kurtis! That's your loss. thats right april!! well now that he's rid of his mother fixation...or is he completely rid of that? he's now posing as a butler to get into our tea parties so he can spike our coveted tea and drug elizabeth and mr. darcy, along with us....and steal the strawberry shortcake! I'm not posing as a butler! You're the one trying to force that monkey suit on me. I'm gonna really try to post some Coop content in the next day or two. I figured I haven't made any empty promises of late, so I was due.

Judith Anderson as "Mrs. Danvers" in Rebecca Thelma Ritter as "Sadie Dugan" in A Letter to Three Wives William Powell as "Godfrey" in My Man Godfrey Jean Dixon as "Molly" in My Man Godfrey Hattie McDaniel as "Mammy" in Gone with the Wind And my favorite: Alan Napier as "Alfred" in Batman

Hiya, Liveliest (Craziest) Gal in Town -- Instead of preparing my financial statements for an interview I have tomorrow with a mortgage broker...I am here on-line perusing the TCM Message Board. Crazy, huh? I was wondering why you were hangin' out this late. Don't push it, Girl. I have never seen "Goodbye Mr. Chips" and am probably not being fair by not seeing every single Best Actor performance to be able to judge. But hey...who can be objective where movies are concerned. Goodbye Mr. Chips is a film in my very near future, so I will be able to judge for myself if I prefer Donat's performance or Gable's. You're right...it is conventional wisdom that Gable didn't win becuz he basically played himself. And I guess the Academy is always been impressed with buttons and bows and bells and whistles and fake noses and weight gain and such. At least he won for "It Happened One Night" (but for the life of me I can't figure out why though...) but he gave the performance of his life in "Gone With the Wind." I've only seen three Gable films to date: Gone with the Wind ( ), Mogambo, and The Misfits, and he basically plays similar characters in each, although each has different strengths and weaknesses. I like him in all three films and I like each film, too. I believe actors who do not step outside of their world rarely get rewarded with Oscars. Academy voters prefer to see actors take on challenges, show some courage, versus "play their role." Now I say this while also liking many actors who "played their role." Cary Grant is my second favorite actor of all time and I do believe he never received the critical acclaim he rightfully deserved because he rarely left his "comfort zone." I also believe Gable is the kind of actor male critics didn't appreciate nearly as much as the masses, especially the female segment of the popular audience.

Hi, CineBabe! -- Looking at the picture of Scarlett and Rhett on the bridge in "GWTW" just reminds me of how robbed Gable was of an Academy Award. He was sweet & tender here, cried at the death of his daughter, been a ladies' man... I've never seen Goodbye Mr. Chips, Wuthering Heights, or Babes in Arms, so I can't really comment on Clark getting robbed or not. I have seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and I like Gable's performance a little more than Jimmy's, and I'm a Stewart fan. Do you believe Gable was robbed because some believed he was basically playing himself?

Hi, ForeverGarland! -- What a scrumptious display of beautiful ladies! You included some of my personal faves. I love the pic of Veronica reading the book in that chair. Her outfit is just as cute as she. I really like the Joan Bennett photo because she's rarely posted on this board and I love that gal. Bonjour, Missy 9G! -- Now you got a laugh out of me! They say everyone remembers their first time, so I'll cherish this moment. And when you talk about it...and you will...be kind. I don't kiss and tell. You, on the other hand, are a serious blabbermouth.

Now you got a laugh out of me! They say everyone remembers their first time, so I'll cherish this moment.

Now that's a couple! I'm speaking of the kittens. There's a blonde sweetie in that photo, but I don't recognize the fella. Is that Charles Laughton?

I love the outfit she's wearing in that scene. She looks like a cat. She's a cat, all right. And you would know. I enjoy the way she teases Irene about her "acting".

Oh, I love that scene. Gail Patrick was perfection as the spiteful sister who's seen all of Irene's moods. She has some of the best lines in the movie, too. I love Gail Patrick's "Cornelia." She's icy cool. Gail is very beautiful. Love her voice. My favorite line:

Are you trying to say I'm overly dramatic? Life is but an empty bubble.

Lol!! That was the first laugh I've had all day, thanks.

Theresa's right! You are a meanie!

Don't go getting my hopes up---don't go telling me you watched Godfrey! Godfrey! Godfrey! ???? Get your hopes up? I'd never want to do such a thing. Lovely photos of Claudia.

You are bad, Miss Subjective. Very bad.

Hi, Miss Betty Idol! -- Thanks, Frank for cluing me in. I had no idea that Rex made those comments about Linda's acting talent. I was very disappointed to learn of this, but it surely did not come as a surprise. While it's true that the movie's weight lay on his shoulders, Linda is just the missing ingredient. Without her the film wouldn't have been half as delightful. I certainly agree. I thought Linda was wonderful because she was the one who had to change emotional gears the most in the picture since she was playing Rex's imagined version of her. I thought she was terrific throughout. And, yes, I'm very much a Linda fan. She's my third favorite actress, behind Barbara Stanwyck and Gene Tierney. I simply love Rex' impetuous, over the top performance. Me, too. Since the film is a dark, fantastical comedy, Rex's over-the-top performance snugly fits. He's got everything figured out yet he knows nothing. Perfect. You hit the nail on the head. For a change Linda gives life to an upfront, charming girl with no hidden agenda on the side. Nicely put. Although, did she have a hidden agenda or didn't she? Paranoia. And the pics you posted....a match made in heaven. Linda looks DIVINE. I love Linda's sexuality as "Stella" in Fallen Angel but, surprisingly, I actually do prefer her as the adorable "Daphne" in Unfaithfully Yours. Hey, Super Sweet Sheriff T -- so it was rex who was a bad influence on you frankie!!.....taking hearts away from innocent ladies! heehee! Now you know I would never take the heart of an innocent lady... only a very guilty one.

Hola, Butterscotch! -- oh,"evening dress becomes you mr.chips". heehee! honestly frankie. That particular evening dress certainly becomes me. No sleeves! Hey, MetsGirl -- The wolf in him is talking. lol Going back to the dress, I would just fix the plunging neckline to a respectable height. I think it's quite respectable as is. Take the plunge! When I get some time, I'll post some of my favorite maids and butlers. I do have a big favorite, too.