FrankGrimes

*So you didn't seem to like* *The Thing from ANother World* I liked it, it's just I wanted it to be better. It's a very leisurely film. The relationships kind of bored me, but I did find Scotty (Douglas Spencer) to be funny. And I did like the Doc (Robert Cornthwaite). *or Murders in the Zoo as much as I do. I think they're both fun pictures.* Now that film was quite weird. That fund-raiser at the zoo was surreal. I seemingly always struggle when comedy is mixed with serious horror and this film contains this with Jerry (Charlie Ruggles). He annoyed the heck out of me. It's the same issue I have with *Doctor X*. Lionel Atwill's craziness is the best part of *Murders in the Zoo*. Lionel is so darn steely. *What about The Mark of Zorro didn't you like?* I enjoyed the film, for the most part. I definitely like Tyrone Power when he's breezy. He's superb playing these kind of characters. He's a fun watch. Linda Darnell was a sweetie, of course. I'm learning that I love Basil Rathbone in most anything. He's so good. What holds the film back for me is the idiocy of Don Luis (J. Edward Bromberg). I prefer competent villains like George Sanders in *The Black Swan*. Still, it's a fun, light film. *ANd I agree that Christobel is annoying. I didn't care for Born to be Bad.* As much as I love Nick Ray, he sure does throw out some clunkers. Zachary Scott ain't much fun. Robert Ryan is, thankfully. And Joan Leslie was cute in the film. I warm up to Mel Ferrer as films progress. He reminds me of Franchot Tone. But I thought the script was poor. Everything happens in a blink. There's no building of tension and drama. it seemed like Curtis (Zachary Scott) and Donna (Joan Leslie) split up almost immediately.

*Did you agree with Jane's final decision? Or do you think it would have somehow, in an alternate world of fantasy, worked out, even though, they both knew it wouldn't end on a happy note if she had stayed with him?* Even though I think Jane needs a man with a personality like Renato (Rossano Brazzi), I can't see the two of them lasting too long. They seem to have much different worldviews. It can be tough when a woman longs for romance yet is practical. The practical man will struggle to meet the romanticism that she sometimes craves, but his practicality will ultimately make her feel at home.

*Because YOU asked me for heaven's sake!* And you said they are not your favorites! Don't you back-pedal in those stilettos! *Someone should shovel out the stalls. * That sounds like too much work!

*I also don't hold as fast to categories. I like "drama" best of all, and that grabs onto many different "genres".* Such nonsense! You just talked about gangster and war films! *Maybe butterscotch will have some after you watch a Greer movie for her.* Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! You're right, I'm not needed on the Ark! *And reveal your bad taste.* That revelation came a long time ago!

Is it the morally-right thing to do? No. But sometimes these events can help free a person from whatever shackles them. And sometimes what frees you creates another prison. Many times, we have to decide where (who, what) we wish to be captive. Not everyone has the same prospects for love. A lot of it has to do with looks, some of it has to do with standing, and some of it is our personality. You get the feeling Jane's personality is the issue in *Summertime*. She's waiting for something right. She's been waiting a while. How much longer can she wait for this "right"? For some, it really does get to the point of, it's now or never. Charlotte (Bette in *Now, Voyager* ) has even greater issues at hand. She is sorely lacking in so many areas, and all of them stem from her lack of self-confidence/self-worth. Having an affair with a married man is certainly not the ideal, but what he does for her may not have ever happened without him. I think both women are unique cases, and I do believe every person's situation is different. I can tell you that I know a woman at a diner I frequent who is 60 years old. She's had six kids, I believe, but she's now alone. She's very fond of a customer and she considers him her "boyfriend," even though he has a girlfriend and the two of them never meet outside of the diner. How this guy makes her feel helps her feel better. Now anyone can tell her, "don't be a fool and fall for such an illusion. You're only going to hurt yourself." But when you're lonely, sometimes you need those illusions.

*I just don't think that her choices will give her the happiness that she was looking for.. later on down the road.* You just never know. That could be all she wrote for Jane or it could lead to her changing a little who she is, thus helping her find a love, or she could revert back to herself and hate her moment of "weakness." You just never know. As Jackie said, it's similar to *Now, Voyager*. For some people, love and letting go just ain't that easy. I'm exhibit "A."

*Not the only one! I like many of them, though I'm not a noirista. It's just that it's your favorite.* Now that's a fair statement. I know you really don't care for horror, sci-fi, musicals, war, and gangsters. Film noir definitely comes in ahead of them for you. *I'm not allowed on the Ark!* *Thank goodness.* Where's my pity?! No one will have me! *I really enjoy that comedy.* It's that bad? *Then don't ask for suggestions!* I try to appease! I need to know what films you like so I can tear them to shreds. *You should do a comedy act.* That would actually be doing something!

I think it always works both ways. There are the times when you reflect with fondness and others when you feel loss. And that goes for everyone. Once you lose something, there is the good and there is the bad. You can smile and cry... at the same time.

*Ha.. let me 'splain" my Dickensian challenged friend.. ha. Ebenezer Scrooge turned from his path and had a change of heart.. I don't think I will be so likely to have a change of heart (about why I did not feel as much sympathy as I wanted to for Jane.. big fat meanie that I am.. ha)* You are! It was possibly now or never for Jane. Sometimes people wait and wait and wait and it never happens for them. Others can feel sorry for them when they are dead and pity them, but that doesn't help the person who lived that life.

*Rubbish!* It's true! I'm the one who truly likes film noir. *It's a very "Sylvia" role for her. You'll like her.* I think I've only seen her playing "Sylvia" roles. *It's humiliating. It was like she was the only single animal on Noah's Ark.* I'm not allowed on the Ark! *No, she's the frightened tramp! I can't believe you don't remember her from the very first scene and the climactic party...in both scenes she's badly humiliated by Warren Stevens. I felt terrible for her.* My focus was on Ava! I have no idea who is this lass is! You would think I'd notice you! *She's the only type that would talk to you! * That's because she talks to every man! *Are you saying you liked a kid in a movie...because he was cute? Who is this person?!* I thought he was going to end up being annoying, but I liked him. *You should see It Started in Naples, then, featuring an almost identical Italian street urchin.* See, now you're firing some titles at me. *We should all plan to watch, since Ro said it's a favorite. I think Jackie likes it, too.* No! Sweet T wants me to watch Greer. *I've never seen him play a sophisticate in anything else. He's actually believable. * Not a sophisticate! *I wouldn't call her sweet. An "Emma Bovary" is a difficult character to really like unless you are won over by the actress. I wasn't, much. She's a good actress, though, I'll give her that. I think Julie Christie would have been more interesting.* So she didn't capture you?

*No.. because he was "reformable". Meanwhile.. I, on the other hand.... :-)* Like usual, I'm lost!

*I've seen as many if not more than you have! You act like you're the only one who likes it around here.* It's because I am! *I have that one recorded. It's OOP on DVD. I see Sylvia Sidney is in it.* *Yes.* Oooohhh, I like Sylvia. *Oh yes! "You just ask too much. There are two of you, Cookie. Two is the most wonderful number there is."* * * I don't believe "Cookie" thinks so at that moment. But it was rather heartbreaking to see the couples go off and do things and Jane was there alone. *Remember the blonde from another movie? "I'm just a frightened tramp."* *No!* *The Barefoot Contessa.* Who is she? Does she play the wife of one of the rich men at the table? *Yes, you'll never meet Isa Miranda in Harrisburg.* I don't want to meet her! She's not my type. *No, it wasn't that one. He played Laurence Olivier's son in The Prince and the Showgirl.* Oh! He was good in that film. I liked him. *I liked the little boy, Mauro (Gaetano Autiero). The relationship between he and Jane was just as touching, maybe even more so.* *He was a rascal.* And super cute. *One day I'll finish it if only to stop being embarrassed because I haven't! Do you have it?* I do have it recorded. *It's also one of the few times I actually enjoyed a Rod Steiger performance. He is brilliant. I love his line readings. He really bites with cynical truth. So many points of view are shown in this movie. Most films depict one or two, but though everything is seen through Yuri's (Omar Sharif) poetic eyes, we still get the point of view of all these very different people from wildly different backgrounds and motives. That fascinates me, too.* You actually like Steiger in something? That's amazing. He can be a tough watch. *Very funny. I admit the one thing I don't care for is Sara Myles. She's not my kind of actress.* Why, because she's sweet?

*i think anyone who's been really lonely can empathize with Jane Hudson* *I have to agree entirely.. at least speaking strictly from an "emotionall level" But to be honest.. I just don't feel as sorry for her as I WISH I could, because.. well.. you know me... (hard hearted gal that I am)* *:-)* *PS: Mr Grey I'd say anything with the gardenia* *Bah!* * (no really.. I mean it!!) * You really are Scrooge!

*I like it fine with film noir, or almost anything.* Film noir?! Ha! *I guess Dead End is another gangster film I do like, one that is quite "stagey" but that is part of its appeal to me. It puts the focus on the people. If you don't have it, I wouldn't be surprised if it airs on TCM soon. Bogart is still climbing and it's interesting to see him at odds with someone as decent as McCrea. :DPlus you can see him with Claire Trevor long before* *Key Largo.* I have that one recorded. It's OOP on DVD. I see Sylvia Sidney is in it. *i did too. It really stung when she wanted to go along with the blonde and Darren McGavin and McGavin brushed her off.* I liked when Jane and Phyl (Mari Aldon) are both upset and disappointed at the counter. *Remember the blonde from another movie? "I'm just a frightened tramp."* No! *i think anyone who's been really lonely can empathize with Jane Hudson.* Oh, definitely. Especially someone like me! I'm like a mirror image of her. But I'd never go on such a vacation. I'm doomed! *Do you also recollect the actor who played the son of Rossano Brazzi? You recently saw him in a comedy with another blonde.* I guess you are referring to *How to Marry a Millionaire*. But I don't remember who he played. I liked the little boy, Mauro (Gaetano Autiero). The relationship between he and Jane was just as touching, maybe even more so. *I think so. I loved her easy confidence. Very Italian.* She really was confident. Maybe that's why she reminded me some of Ava. *I fall for the sappiest of them, I admit. I even admit to liking Love Story. * I take it back, we're not the same. *It was funny the other night Kwai was on, maybe it was last night? Anyway, I had it on and I kept hesitating whether to just sit and watch or to put in a DVD. Every time it comes on, I see a few scenes, I'm completely impressed, yet I dread the idea of watching the whole thing. I probably need to see it in a theater with an audience.* That would definitely be the best for you. *I was watching these mysteries I like with Tom Selleck, and his character is a big fan of that movie. He tells people about it and they have no idea what he's talking about. * I can believe that! *I actually think you'd probably like it. It's definitely +not< what I'd call a "war movie". It's purely a psychological battle of wills between Sessue Hayakawa and Obi Wan Kanobi. Holden is on hand in a key part doing what he does best, playing cynical.* I'm pretty darn sure I'd like it, so I do agree with you. It's the kind of war film I like. *Many dislike it, it's considered "over blown" and then the music has been played at so many weddings and put in so many music boxes, people got sick of it. But I grew up with it, coming on television once a year like Gone with the Wind,* *The Wizard of Oz and* *The Sound of Music.* *I think though it is certainly an epic, Lean never loses his focus on the main characters. They are all so human, so three dimensional and their stories never feel "symbolic" which sometimes characters in epics can seem. They don't represent anyone but themselves, that's the point of the original novel, though Lean certainly plays up the romance. Fine with me.* It sounds like a good test for me. Epics are worrisome, but Lean's kind of romance may work for me. *You should just record it next time it airs on TCM. It's a retelling of Madame Bovary.* It's your story?! I didn't know that.

*Yes, that's all pretty apt. After all westerns were set in the past (traditional) and gangster films were usually "ripped from the headlines".* That's another distinction between the two. I can't see you going for the urban environment. *It's a great scene. I like Isa Miranda as Signora Fiorini. I laughed when she said all Americans eat "pills". Ha!!!* Boy, ain't that the truth. I also liked the two different kinds of couples. It helped to show that alongside Jane's loneliness. *I recently learned Miranda was the heroine of Ophuls La signora di tutti, a movie I'm dying to see.* Oh, yeah? She was very good in *Summertime*. She was rather sexy. *That's an interesting thing to say about him because it's probably the reason I'm drawn to his romantic films.* Believe it or not, I think we actually like similar romance films. *The only two I have yet to see start to finish are the two that lack any romantic story, Lawrence of Arabia and* *The Bridge Over the River Kwai. I have seen most of Lawrence, though, practically all of it. I prefer his focus on men and women.* That shocks me, actually. It seems like you've seen everything! At least films as big as those. But I do know you're not a fan of war films. *Doctor Zhivago is magnificent* I know it's a great favorite of yours and I believe Jackie doesn't like it much. I'm curious to know the reasons. I may have to get it. *and Ryan's Daughter is quite fascinating. Mitchum was never...more different. He's somewhat like he was in* *Two For the Sea Saw. You'd really, really like his character.* I actually don't have that one. I always considered getting the DVD but it's always expensive when I look. *I recommend The Passionate Friends, one of his least appreciated but most interesting. It doesn't hurt that Claude Raines is superb in it, and Ann Todd plays the sort of ice princess you seem to like.* I like seeing Lean films, so I'll watch that this weekend.

*I think it's because I'm not really into stories about guys who seek to head up a "pack" or a "gang", I prefer individuals.* That makes sense. I was thinking of how similar and how different the gangster genre and westerns are. They are mostly masculine films that take place in one kind of environment with women playing complementary roles. Where they are vastly different is the focus. The gangster film is about the outlaw who seeks power. The western is usually about stopping such men. *So what was your favorite scene in Summertime?* I'd say anything with the gardenia. All of those moments are wonderful. I loved the scene where Jane (Katharine Hepburn) returns to the shop just to see him. *Do you like Lean's work so far?* I have only seen three of his films, but I have definitely loved his ability to convey a longing for love. That's right in my hot zone. So I'm really liking Lean.

I'd say *Decision at Sundown* is the most fascinating of the Boetticher/Scott films I have seen in that it's truly messed up. To see the hero being shown in a crazy state of mind is utterly fascinating to me. It's also a great twist on the revenge angle, ala *The Bravados*. What happens when the person who is seeking deadly revenge is wrong? Boetticher turns the tables on himself with that one. Very interesting. Having said that, here's how I personally like the Boetticher/Scott films with two to watch: 1. Seven Men from Now 2. The Tall T 3. Buchanan Rides Alone 4. Decision at Sundown 5. Ride Lonesome

How do, Cowboy Chris -- *Scott plays a man (naturally) coming back from Mexico to west Texas and gets caught up in the trouble going on in a small town run by a set of brothers.* It kind of reminded me of *A Fistful of Dollars*. *Scott plays a kind of happy-go-lucky character which is quite different from his other Boetticher/Scott characters.* And I absolutely loved seeing him that way. He was relaxed and truly funny. I really loved his entire demeanor in the film. I think Jackie would enjoy seeing him this way. *He's going home and he's just stopping off in town on his way. The town is run by two brothers. (They have a third brother but he spends his time playing tattle tale and chief weinie.)* "Chief Weinie"! That's funny! He's the "Andy Devine" of the cast, to be sure. *Trouble starts early on when one of the brother's idiot son gets killed by a man for, presumably, **** a woman in the family. He's come from Mexico to get his revenge. Scott, not knowing what has happened jumps in to help the Mexican and they both wind up in jail with an appointment with a hanging.* Those opening scenes happen really fast. I really enjoyed the mix of the silly and serious. It was great to see. *The rest of the film is taken with payoffs and escapes and greed and brotherly hostility that would make anyone ashamed to be in that family.* At first, I thought the entire family stuff was too comical, but then the Judge (Tol Avery) was played so seriously that I started to like the craziness of it all. *This film is different not only in character, as I mentioned, but also in feeling. There is little of the deep tension and a different type of villain than in the other films. There is no wounded past for Scott. There is no pain to protect. There is however, a dedication to his friend and to correcting the wrong done him by the brothers. It would have been too easy to get up and leave but that passes his chance to recover some money and his retribution on those who wronged him.* Just when you start to think the film is goofy and comical, it turns serious. Boetticher really does mess with you in this one. It's such a refreshing change of pace. He really showed me something with this one. I think it makes the rest of his films even better after seeing how he could fool around in this one. *The two villainous brothers are more pathetically greedy than they are evil. It's obvious early on that they really don't like each other and that carries the plot as much as anything else going on. Money **** a great many things and here it is justice and a family.* Absolutely. The Judge is looking to become a senator, so he has to avoid controversy while also gaining funds. It's rather modern. The Sheriff (Barry Kelley) is mostly out for the money, but he also wants to outdo his brother. He's sick and tired of being under his thumb. *A nice and more humored performance for Scott. Joined for a short time by a young and exhuberant L Q Jones the film has good performances by the three brothers (they look like they really could be) and an odd role by Craig Stevens round out the bad guys. He's supposed to be the strong arm guy but doesn't really come across that way.* L.Q. Jones is really good in the film. He plays a critical role, especially when it comes to tone. I liked Craig Stevens. He did seem to be the competent one, but he still was a lackey. I also really liked Esteban Gomez (Joe De Santis) in his small role. *It's a straight forward western. No showing off and no deep meanings. This is the kind of western Saturdays at the theater were made for. Enjoy.* I completely agree. The other Boetticher/Scott films are more psychological and much heavier. This one plays fast and loose. *Another line I thought was funny was when Scott is in the saloon early on and he's says "This sure is a $10 town." He's looking right at the saloon girl when he says it. It's like he's wondering if that is her rate.* Ha! That moment killed me! I also laughed out loud at this:

*Well i didn't say anything else! He isn't paranoid. He really didn't care, but he gave me this sly sort of smile. I hate it when he does that! Heehee!* That's good! Guys need to have that one down. *she did not konk him on the head! What is this killing spree you always refer to? noone was murdered! This isn't a film-noir!* I was murdered watching it! And they are on the run from the law! They killed an innocent fella! Me! *That was just cold-hearted!! No "Pax" for you!* Just so long as the kids don't sing! *Dorian is so difficult to see through, though. Every time i look into his eyes, I get the feeling he is hiding many secrets that aren't being told in the movie. it's very creepy.* That's because he only cares about himself. *Greer isn't poison! She is pure exquisite sweetness!* To you! That's because you're Poison Ivy! *yes she does! One of her favorite movies is Out of the Past! That's a film noir the last time i checked!* That's one! Ask her what else she likes. *when are you ever not worried?!* You have a point there. *I just told you, silly. It's Shall We Dance. That's a super cute one with a lot of funny parts! I like their romance in it. It's one of those movies based on a total mix-up or rumors. Really goofy WONDERFUL stuff!* I should watch that one instead of the Castles. Then I can rip it! *ooooh! why didn't you just say so?! heehee! why do you think he is annoyed?* Because Christabel (Joan Fontaine) kept messing with his head! Robert wanted to strangle that lass but he couldn't because he loved her. Why must you girls be so difficult?!

*I like* *The Public Enemy, of course* *High Sierra is my favorite and maybe* *Out of the Fog could be considered a borederline gangster movie though it focuses more on the targets than the perpetrator. I'd say it's just not a genre that interests me all that much unless it really focuses on an individual and shows some humanity.* So what is it about gangster films that makes them less interesting to you. *I think I resent that! Cagney's a very good screen actor.* You resent everything I say! There are some performers who have a cartoon quality to them. Cagney is one, for me. Chevalier is one. I think it's because they lack subltety when they are really going. *Do you mean his mutton chops?* Yes! I laughed right away when I saw Coburn in such a look. *That's cute!* I'd love to see a girl wearing that outfit. Adorable!

*"The rags of his pants are beating him to death." That has got to be one of the all-time coldest lines I've ever "seen". And I don't think I ever caught it before, so thank you for posting that.* *I can't wait to watch The Roaring Twenties again, it's one of the very few gangster movies I really like.* I didn't know you liked it. What others do you like? *I doubt that. But then he was always playing a "mug" of some sort even in the non-gangster movies of the thirties. A street guy. But fun, and funny (to me). He had a great sense of humor, I thought.* I even laugh when he's deadly serious! He's almost a caricature. *Seeing Maurice with all that lipstick on it was tough to spot it, but you're right. I think Lubitsch, like Hitchcock, dreamed through his leading men. He'd like to have been those carefree playboys.* Maurice is another who comes off as a caricature. And I definitely agree with you about Lubitsch's leads being his personal fantasy of himself. *French cheese, bien sur. He was ideal, for sure. Very continental, very light touch and wolfish.* Very Lubitsch! *Yes, I admit I found it dull too, which pains me to say about Lubitsch. I've read some brilliant things about it, I just haven't responded to it. I usually blame the stuffiness of that world Van Cleve lives in. It's too much.* *However, I absolutely adored Charles Coburn in this. He is priceless, just priceless.* He's the best thing about the film, actually. He's on top of his game. Not to mention: *Only Greta can get away with wearing it. :DIf this were a hat wearing time, I prefer hats like the funny ones Gene wears in* *Laura.* You're not a shy one! This outfit caught my eye:

Howdy, Denver -- *Oh rats! I haven't seen it. Isn't that one of the Gary films that Frank actually likes? Another reason to see it. I'm going to go look.* I do like that film. I think you'd enjoy it, too. It's a rather serious film that has a light packaging. It fools you. *I completely agree! I'm so impressed you made it to the end. It's a long movie,* Long? Are you kidding? I survived *Gone with the Wind*. I worry when I see a film is over two hours. Then I start to dread it. *and all those musical numbers! But Walsh is actually quite a genius by intercutting the action of the movie into those numbers to keep the pace up. No one paces a film like Walsh, when he's on his game. I LOVE HIM.* The musical numbers had me worried, I'll say that. But I knew it wasn't a musical, so I felt safe. *I think Cagney is genius in this movie - look at how dark he gets. He really commits in pushing Eddie to the bottom of the barrel. I totally believe him as a bum who couldn't care less what happens to himself, a man who has lost the will to live because his emotions are so deeply felt that he can never recover his footing.* This was the "Doniphon" moment that really got me. It's also what separates it from *High Sierra*. Eddie was willing to help his love and her husband at the price of his heart and, ultimately, his... And Panama mirrors Eddie. She's constantly killing herself for Eddie. *This one combines two of Walsh's favorite motifs - The nostalgic period piece, and the lost soul who hasn't really discovered that he is an anachronism yet. They fit together perfectly here, hand in glove.* That's a fantastic observation. You really do have a grasp of Walsh. *Eddie, like most of Walsh's really great anti-heroes, is a man out of time. Walsh's heroes are men who are too big for their britches, and have to be taken down a peg by life, but end up sliding further than we would want them to. They end up paying for the crime of foolishly believing in themselves. It's actually the process of aging that we see on the screen. I love that Walsh shows us that process in his men and also in his settings. As the country ages so does the man. And there is no place in a mature country for Eddie Bartlett, or for Roy Earle, or even for George Armstrong Custer. They don't belong once they've lost their joie de vivre,or maybe because of it. And they slowly, very slowly come to realize it. And we grieve for these lost men, and their innocence and their grace and their joyous bluster. I think Walsh grieved for an innocent, raucous America that was slowly sliding away from him, leaving a cynical, business oriented place in it's stead. This is what is timeless in his films.* That was stunning, Jackie. It's one of the greatest things you've written, and you have a thick volume of great writing on this board. I especially loved your comment about aging, both with the man and the country. That is so dead on. Eddie is a man who is living for today. He thinks today is forever, when it is not. And when his time ends, it really ends. There is no adapting, growing, maturing. He's to be a footnote. *Gladys George matches Cagney for intensity, she's perfect for him, if only he could see beyond Jean. Panama, too is out of time, but women are somehow stronger than men. They survive, even when all hope is lost. They are the ones who keep slogging through. In some ways, Panama is more representative of the Depression than Eddie. "Remember my Forgotten Man...."* That was lovely. I do agree, I think women are stronger than men when it comes to life's disappointments. Panama just keeps rolling with the punches. She finds a way. Eddie falls apart. And I do say this is representative of man and woman. The best thing for Panama was Eddie falling apart, though. That put him closer to her. That's what she really wanted above else. And Walsh also shows Panama as a woman who is now "off-key." *I love that George underestimates Eddie. I always like a good revenge, and because we know what George doesn't about Eddie, it makes the suspense even more satisfying, waiting to see what Eddie will do. It's one of my favorite of all scenes in movies, and one of the first for Bogart to showcase his enormous talent, outside of The Petrified Forest. Once Eddie realizes he has nothing left, he is supremely dangerous. If I have to go, I'm gonna take you and your whole show with me. It's great and heartbreaking at the same time, because when Eddie pulls the trigger, he's really pulling it on himself. Gulp! I'm gonna cry now, thinking of it! Oh man!* But it's also very triumphant. I loved it when he gunned down all the guys who were laughing at him and his demise just moments before. How satisifying! *I like Colorado Territory. But I agree it isn't on the level of the others. With Walsh, you can see him working through his demons and ghosts in each of his pictures, and why he revisited the story so often. I think people are more forgiving of Walsh somehow. With Ford or Hawks, at first glance it's easy to discredit or discount their reworking of older stories. I wonder why?* I'm not sure. As you say, all the greats remake their own films in some shape or form. *I do see that, yes, it's the only ending possible, but I wish they had done it more delicately. It's just trite and sort of feels like a sledgehammer came down on the whole thing, which had been set up so beautifully.* I always think of religion as being a sledgehammer. There's not to be any grey or subtlety. It's one way and that way only. *Harpo Speaks is as good an autobiography as there is. I think it's the very best - so entertaining, so funny, and the people he knew! Goodness gracious, he knew everybody! And yet, he's never condescending or anything but gracious about his good fortune in life. What a WONDERFUL human being Harpo was. If you want to laugh for weeks, read* *Harpo Speaks. And beautifully written by a man who never graduated from second grade!* If I ever learn to read, I'll seek it out. *Garbo in silents is a different creature entirely. Still great, but different. I think you'll like her both ways.* The greatest tests are coming for me. I speak of the films where she completely dominates the screen. Those could be too much of a "woman's picture" for me. *I'm very curious to read what you think of her, in Ninotchka first and then in silents. I wish you would elaborate on your feelings about* *Ninotchka. I have just started appreciating it again, after a hiatus, it's such an entry level classic film for me, like* *The Roaring Twenties.* I really don't know what to say. I'm someone who needs to be grilled. I was mostly drawn to the kind of woman Ninotchka is and then how she starts to change. I also enjoyed the playfulness of Leon. *I was pretty sure you were going to fall hook line and sinker for Jane Hudson. It's such a personal film, full of the foibles of human nature and especially of the shy and sensitive. It's so perfect a description of what it feels like, deeply.* I agree with you. I thought it was quite amazing that Kate could play such a woman at this point of her career. I was very into her unsuredness, her loneliness, her longing. *I think it was never done better, though companion pieces for me are Now Voyager and Alice Adams. The three together are simply the best depictions of what it is to want to come out of yourself but to be too afraid.* And interestingly, it's also a little similar to *Ninotchka*. Even though Ninotchka is a confident woman with her duty, she's less so away from this world. She makes a brave decision to abandon who she is. That's extremely difficult for such a proud woman. *I LOVE Marilyn in HTMAM.* So do I. I've never seen her cuter. *The scene where she comes to the apartment and is trying to read the numbers on the doors, then excuses herself to a coat rack never fails to make me giggle.* I love how she looks in those glasses. *I guess I have to agree about Marilyn and William Powell, they are absolutely why I watch the movie. I also like seeing Alexander D"Arcy. Next favorite would be Lauren Bacall's story, then Betty Grable's. But I do like the scene where Fred Clark gets caught out for all to see on the bridge. Another revenge. * I was okay with Lauren and Betty. Lauren is playing a woman that I'm not that drawn to, yet she really is my kind of woman (burger and onions). Betty is rather sweet in the film. *Oh, and I love David Wayne!* I've yet to like him. Maybe the "Mad Hatter." I don't hate him, but he usually bothers me some. *I knew you would hate In Name Only. It seems on first glance to have no redeeming qualities, it's a soap first and foremost. I never liked it much till the last couple of years. Now it's climbing up my list. I find I like the performances better and better. There's a place in the world for melodrama....in small doses.* I usually like melodrama, but I didn't find this one to be a good melodrama. I thought Carole was lovely, but the story was so flat to me. And that ending! Ugh!

*Don't I know it. Bet I could make Freud jump out the window.* Quite possibly! *Not only me! Lots of folks here like Cagney's 'thirties movies, especially the ones with Blondell. They're fun.* But over his gangster films? *That's what I need: a house that does it's own housework!* I bet a lot of women would want that! My grandma wouldn't, though. That's how she keeps busy. *Lubitsch did those scene beautifully and really quite sensitively. He's the best.* He really is. I like the masculinity that is found in his romantic comedies. *I see. I love it when Leon says if that the dress just had to meet Ninotchka. And when he sent her the goats milk in the bouquet of flowers. His note made me laugh.* What did his note say? I forget. *I love his butler. "It's not that I mind your not paying me the last four months, but that I should have to share half my income with you!" hahahaaa! Leon really is a gigolo. * That was a funny line! *He's very much like the Chevalier characters, and of course, like Van Cleve (Don Ameche) in Heaven Can Wait. The playboy.* I liked Melvyn, but Maurice is still the best. But I'm one who loves Maurice's ham and cheese. *You didn't like that one as much? It's not my favorite, either.* I found it to be very boring. I liked the end the best. I also enjoyed Gene. I liked the kind of woman she played. *And it really is an absurd looking hat. * I thought you were wearing it this season, non?

*Ha! That one's pretty good. I need a shrink like Fred Astaire!* Oh, there's no helping you, Blondle. :p *I love what Jackie wrote about how Eddie and Roy Earle as well as other Walsh men. I never fully appreciated how many of his heroes are out of step with the times, that they are outliving their time.* Yes, what she wrote was superb. She really captured the essence of the Walsh men that I have seen. *So many of the directors of that era touched on this, when you think about it. Is anyone doing that now? Eastwood, maybe? I don't know.* I'm not sure. I'm not familiar with today's directors other than a select few. *He does concentrate all his power onto one idea, making his characters explosive. He's a ticking bomb. He does self-destructive rather well. But I also like his breezier movies, like Blonde Crazy and* *Taxi.* Only you! *And us boring ugly guys are really out of luck! You just liked that he kept saying he was your servant!* *I don't even remember that.* *That makes no sense...Sybil was the one who died!* I was talking about the Beast! *I agree with Movieman, he's the most childlike of the three, the innocent "fool".* He's crazy, and a lot of fun. *We want to know more!* I don't know what else to say! I just liked seeing her lose herself over Leon (Melvyn Douglas). I thought it was wonderful to see her coming to life. *I'm glad you liked her, that surprises me. I thought her character might seem too cold for you.* But I love the women with "hairpins" who slowly remove them. *Those screencaps are from a lovely moment. Greta was exceptional at such scenes, introspective moments.* It's the scene I liked the very most in the film; her curiosity over this hat. How she viewed it as something wrong yet she was so drawn to being wrong, being free of her chains. *Did you catch the reference to her classic line, "I want to be alone?", which people always imitated (she had said it in Grand Hotel)? The boys ask her if she wants to be alone and she's "No." I love how Lubitsch gets in references like that.* No, I didn't catch that at all. I'm much too new to her to fully grasp such things.

Hiya, Little Red Buick -- *I am so overwhelmed that The Roaring Twenties came in first on your list, Frank! I thought that you would not like it as much because of Cagney, and the music, and that it was like High Sierra.* It's those final 30 minutes that really bring the entire film together for me. To see how both Eddie and Panama finish up is beautiful. What a tragic couple. Love the sacrifice both make. *It's actually one of those movies for me like MissG said, it was so high up my list and I loved it so much as a young woman that I actually have had to stop watching it for a number of years, to get back to the point where I can see it with fresh eyes.* Wow. That's impressive. It's a very good film. *That last scene where Cagney goes to Bogart all forlorn and weak looking and Bogart thinks he's just this bum, well, it doesn't get any better from then on in.* It was wonderfully done. George (Bogie) completely underestimated Eddie. Since he suckered him before, he felt he'd always be able to do so. *The ending makes me cry for an hour! This one would have been at the top of my list a few years ago, and made me a lifelong Raoul Walsh and Cagney fan. It ain't often that a director can make two so perfect pictures of the same basic story. Though I guess all three giants did it.* He actually made it three times with *Colorado Territory*, which isn't a bad film, it just isn't on the level of *High Sierra* and *The Roaring Twenties*. *They must have just hacked the end to death, I think, and superimposed one of those MGM moralistic endings on it. I guess we should be glad they didn't kill them.* I thought the ending was the ending it had to be. Once you believe, you give yourself up. There's no more resistance..