FrankGrimes
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Posts posted by FrankGrimes
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*Meanwhile.. time for me to go test out my new secret weapon..*
The Golden Globes are your new weapon?!
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I've watched 15 more films, Fordy Guns. I'd love to know how you like the films and how you think I liked them. If anyone else would like to share their opinions and guesses, please do.
Armored Car Robbery
Backfire
Black Narcissus
Dinner at Eight
Dressed to Kill
Grand Hotel
Lawman
A Night at the Opera
The Pleasure Garden
The River's Edge
Spawn of the North
Strange Cargo
The Student Prince of Heidelberg
A Tale of Two Cities
Terror by Night
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*Oh, I love The Doll. What a great movie! Boy meets girl, boy gets scared of girl, boy wins girl to his chagrin.... love is always timeless, at least in Lubitsch's hands.*
That's a good way of putting it. There's such a delicate balance with you gals. Y'all want us to be proactive and aggressive but there's a line and we always stomp on it.
Girl: "Tell me you want me!"
Boy: "I want you!"
Girl: Slap!
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Hiya, Grahame's Guy -- *I think you are right. Though I seem to have Jackie back in my court. What was that you were saying about Cat Stevens?
*I'm always in trouble!
*Well Rohanaka wants to take you out too. I don't think she's that picky. She's just anxious for a good hangin'!
*You've got that right! And I'm always innocent!
*So I haven't been watching his better films maybe?*
I'm sure that depends on your tastes. You haven't seen the ones I like the most, I'll say that.
*I saw* *Desire many years ago and I don't remember it well. That's the way with a lot of films on that list.*
I don't even have that one.
*I guess not. Like I said, I don't dislike him. I like Bogart, Cagney, Wayne, Mitchum, Ryan, Gable and of course Jack Carson. I would say Jimmy Stewart is a favorite too, now that I think about it.*
That's a strange mix of stars, that's for sure. Coop is probably too quiet for you.
*It would be the same with me. It's a shame we all don't live near each other. Think of the film parties, the game nights, the arguments...well maybe not.
* It would definitely be an interesting mix of loons.
*Okay I knew Algiers, Hitchcock, Green Hornet and Hedy. I had no idea about the Nelson Eddy one, and I couldn't remember the Dirty Dozen one.*
Very good! You were right with the four you knew. Britt Reid being the Green Hornet is the one I was kicking myself over once I read the answer. The other two answers are *Rose Marie* and Clint Walker.
*Since I suggested it, I decided to give it another look last night. I'm not very good at predicting what you will like. I'm on firmer ground when we are talking noir.*
Anyone who predicts I'll like a musical is one brave soul.
*Alright I watched that video on youtube and it wasn't all that bad. See, I can dig the EPMD, Irving Berlin and Cat Stevens. Broaden those horizons Frank!
*I can't with music! I like uptempo and happy. Anything slow and sad, especially acoustic, drives me crazy.
*I'm a Lorre fan too. You should definitely like Mr. Moto but I hope you like the Chan films as well. Moto is more a man of physical action. He can be disarmingly gentle in his nature but he can also be strikingly ruthless. Hopefully you can watch the films in order.*
I'm guessing I'll eventually get the box sets. I'm curious about both.
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*Sweet Madhat made points with me by liking Harold and Maude. I won't be stringing HIM up very soon.... :DBesides, he likes 1930's films and we just got him back!*
Oh, that'll wear off fast! He's doomed!
*Settings: What African city saw Pepe LeMoko hide out in the Casbah? Algiers*
Correct.
*Titles: What film saw Nelson Eddy announce: "Your dream prince, reporting for duty!"? My first thought was I Married an Angel, but I'm switching my answer definitely to Naughty Marietta.*
Nope. And I had no clue with this one. It's *Rose Marie*.
*Off-Screen: What director, asked what frightened him, replied: "I'm terrified of policemen"? Alfred Hitchcock*
Definitely.
> On-Screen: What was the secret identity of Britt Reid? Don't know this one.
*Production: Who was Charles Boyer's leading lady in Algiers ? Hedley LaMarr.*
Absolutely!
*Portrayals: Who portrayed the big, dumb and doomed Samson Posey in The Dirty Dozen ? A football player, I can't remember the actor's name...Jim Brown maybe?*
I didn't get this one, either. I've only seen small bits and pieces of the film. It's Clint Walker.
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I'm glad you enjoyed it! It can be very difficult to choose what to post as an honor to someone's wonderful presence.
I definitely agree with you about *The Doll*. It's a charming film. I like the sweet commentary of man (boy) and woman (girl).
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You're starting to gain on Jabber Jaws, Big Mouth! Keep runnin'!
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*Since you are talking about Cooper I thought I'd chime in that I have seen 55 Cooper films. Of course, I'm older than you.....*
Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed! That's really seeking out a performer. So what are you ten most favorite Coop films?
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*Yeah I kinda figured. None of the gals will talk to me. I've already taken it on the lam. Nothing in my future but a cold rope!
*They must be plotting your demise. This is the perfect time for me to sneak off without being noticed!
*I'm in enough trouble!
*That was funny!
*I did me some figurin'. These are the Cooper films I've seen:*
*Morocco* *(3)*
*Design for Living (21)*
*Desire*
*Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (26)*
*The Plainsman (24)*
*Bluebeard's Eighth Wife*
*The Cowboy and the Lady (16)*
*Beau Geste (25)*
*Meet John Doe (6)*
*Sergeant York (30)*
*Ball of Fire (17)*
*Along Came Jones (15)*
*Saratoga Trunk (18)*
*The Fountainhead (27)*
*The Hanging Tree (23)*
That's 15 flicks. Not bad. I'm up to 30 Coop films. You have seen two that I haven't: *Desire* and *Bluebeard's Eighth Wife*. I put my personal ranking behind the Coop films you've seen. And of the 13 we've both seen, 10 of them rank in the bottom half of my Coop list.
*These are the Cooper films I have but haven't watched yet!*
*Wings*
*A Farewell to Arms*
*Today We Live*
*One Sunday Afternoon*
*Alice in Wonderland*
*Operator 13*
*Now and Forever*
*The Lives of a Bengal Lancer*
*The Adventures of Marco Polo*
*The Westerner*
*The Pride of the Yankees*
*For Whom the Bell Tolls*
*Good Sam*
*Task Force*
*Bright Leaf*
*Dallas*
*It's a Big Country*
*High Noon*
*Springfield Rifle*
*Garden of Evil*
*Vera Cruz*
*Friendly Persuasion*
*Love in the Afternoon*
*Man of the West*
*They Came to Cordura*
*The Wreck of the Mary Deare*
Wow! That's quite a lot! I've got access to 19 more Coop films that I've yet to see.
*So the obvious question is: Why am I hoarding so many Gary Cooper films? Well I don't know. About half of the ones I have seen were so long ago I would have to watch them again to really remember them.*
*Cooper has never been an actor I've sought out. I don't dislike him but I've never felt drawn to his films. Often when I do seek out a film he's in there is another personality involved, a Dietrich, a Capra, a Stanwyck. I haven't really explored his Westerns to any extent either.*
I can believe that. I don't see Gary Cooper being your kind of actor.
*Many of you have recommended* *Peter Ibbetson so I am working on getting that one as well.*
That's still my favorite of his. I believe you'd like it.
*I have always been a reader who prefers non-fiction. I love history, and biographies and that sort of thing.*
And I've always been a non-reader! I like looking up facts more so than actually reading about them.
*I watch films for a lot of different reasons. When I was younger I would read a lot of film books and that would lead me to different films. For example, I started watching Marion Davies films mainly because I wanted to know for myself what kind of an actress she was. I recently watched a film called Orchestra Wives because I had never seen a film featuring Glenn Miller's band and I ended up enjoying it for a variety of reasons.*
It seems like quite a few people on this board are very similar to you. Lots of reading up on the stars, mostly.
*I haven't played it in ages but I used to love it. I actually talked about it with some friends over the holidays because they wanted to get together occasionally for game nights. Unfortunately my game is from 1980! I will need to update that.
*I have the original game, as well. It's still my favorite of them all. My family has five other editions. My brother got the Silver Screen Edition through e-Bay a few years ago. We don't have anyone to play the game with, though.
Here's an actual card:
Settings: What African city saw Pepe LeMoko hide out in the Casbah?
Titles: What film saw Nelson Eddy announce: "Your dream prince, reporting for duty!"?
Off-Screen: What director, asked what frightened him, replied: "I'm terrified of policemen"?
On-Screen: What was the secret identity of Britt Reid?
Production: Who was Charles Boyer's leading lady in Algiers ?
Portrayals: Who portrayed the big, dumb and doomed Samson Posey in The Dirty Dozen ?
I only got three of them right. I knew the answer to a fourth, but I froze on it.
*I'm not very good with all the more recent pop culture though. A lot of stuff just passes me by these days.*
I struggle with it, too. Most of my family knows today's films far more than I do. And since some have kids, they know all the Disney and kid stuff. I'm lost with that.
*I would recommend Three Wise Girls as an interesting Harlow film as well. Did you watch* *Dinner at Eight ? It's quite a soap opera and like Miss Goddess said, the scenes of her fighting with Beery's character are something else.*
I did watch *Dinner at Eight*. I'll be posting that in the next group of films. That group will also feature a film you suggested to me a couple years ago.
*You also mentioned an interest in seeing Grand Hotel which was Thalberg's big all star film. (As opposed to Selznick, who did* *Dinner at Eight the following year.) I actually got to see both these films as a double feature in a packed old movie palace one evening. They both have their good points. I really like Crawford in* *Grand Hotel but I think I prefer* *Dinner at Eight.*
I'm definitely interested in seeing *Grand Hotel*. I don't have high expectations for it, though.
*I honestly don't think either is your type of film, but with all this branching out you are doing you may surprise me again.
*I wonder...
*Uh oh! :DWell you may want to consult with Movieman or Jackie about those. Ha! You know I have simple tastes. I actually think* *Room Service may be the type of film you save for later but it's your choice. I do like both of those films but not as much as the Paramounts, or* *A Day at the Races.*
I don't see me getting the Paramount films until later in the year, so I'm going to watch the ones I have, first.
*I thought Betty and Horton and the "Let's K-nock K-neeze" number was kind of cute.*
That one wrecked me. I thought it was really silly.
*I'm glad you liked the "Night and Day" number anyway. Maybe you will like the film more when you watch it again some day in the future.*
It's possible. I'm still taking in Fred & Ginger. But I can say these kind of films really are not me.
*Of course Ginger and Fred are introducing "The Continental" dance to the movie going public, so if you ever do watch it again have a partner handy, the dog will do in a pinch, and try dancing along!
*Me, dance? Are you kidding?! I'll need rap or 80s to do that.
*I think Carefree might be another film you would like. It's a bit different in that the focus is a little more on Ginger.*
*Carefree* it is!
*Oh come on Frank, a little folksy Cat Stevens music won't hurt you and it actually works in the context of the film. It sets a mood too. Don't let it scare you off.*
*"Trouble" is a great song and one you should relate to.
*Ohhhh, nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! Dreadful! I won't be able to take music like that. And I write this with EPMD's "You Gots to Chill" playing in the background.
*I think you would like The Whistler films.*
I didn't like the first film in the series but I liked the second one. That's all I've seen.
*I really like Mr. Moto but the films vary in quality and style even though it's such a short series. Mr. Moto's Gamble is obviously a Chan film with the characters switched around because Oland couldn't do the film. He died shortly after it was made. The first two Mr. Moto films are just awesome. I think you will like them.*
I'm a Peter Lorre fan, hence my interest in Mr. Moto. I'm curious to know if I'll like Moto or Chan more.
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Welcome back, Madhat! -- Be warned, there is a posse looking to string you up.
*Well you have been a busy man, and very adventurous in your film choices too! :)Sorry I'm so late to the party but I will try to catch up as best I can.*
I decided to take the plunge and give some of the movies you suggested to me a try. I figured I'd benefit from the journey.
*This was one of the first (and one the few) Gary Cooper films I have seen but it's been a very long time.*
So why haven't you seen many Gary Cooper films? Is it because you have good taste?
*The setting in the research department is one of the things I like most about the film. Most of my years working in academic libraries have been in Reference and it's all very nostalgic for me.*
*People are always calling and asking random questions, and while we usually have to look it up of course, it's always fun to just be able to answer a question off the top of my head too!*
That's great! I love reference, myself. Those are the only books I really like because I'm an info kind of guy. My watching all these different kinds of films is about my quest for knowledge just as much as the quest of being entertained.
*I have a mind filled with trivia! :DThe internet has taken a lot of the fun out of all that. Those of us who have spent a good many years of our working lives at a desk, by a phone, surrounded by shelves of reference books, probably get a little misty eyed watching Bunny Watson.
*So do you play Trivial Pursuit? That's a family favorite in my world. We actually played it last night.
*This is probably the peak of Gable and Harlow's popularity as a screen couple. It's an enjoyable adventure film, and has a great cast. I like Harlow more in this each time I see it, though I still think* *Red Dust is the ultimate Gable/Harlow film. Have you seen* *Hold Your Man ?*
No, I haven't seen *Hold Your Man*. Is it any good?
*I actually like Roz in this. More Mary Astor than Myrna I think. Fairly typical early role for her.*
She's definitely playing a "Mary Astor" character, but her look and cuteness seems to be modeled after Myrna. I have liked seeing Roz this way.
*I like everything Marx brothers! Definitely not my favorite though. I will join in with everyone else about preferring the Paramount films most of all. I really hope you like those. I also like the later films, films like* *Go West and* *Room Service may not be "as good" but I pretty much enjoy them all to varying degrees.*
The next Marx Brothers' films I'll watch will be *Go West* and *Room Service* since you like them.
*You know I've put this one and Shadow of the Thin Man aside and haven't watched them for a few years, so it may be just about time to pull them out again. I like the whole series.*
I'm looking to finish the series in the next month. It's hard to top Bill and Myrna.
*I like the screwball aspect, I think it is a very funny film with a brilliant cast. I love Horton's Egbert and Brady's Hortense. Erik Rhodes' Rodolpho cracks me up, as does Eric Blore's waiter. All of them, together with Fred and Ginger sparring and then coming together as always,and the dancing, and Betty Grable's number too. This film offers up a lot of stuff.*
I liked Hortense (Alice Brady) the most of that supporting cast. She was fun. What drove me nuts was two numbers: "Let's K-nock K-neeze" and "The Continental." I couldn't stand either of them. I also didn't like the actual story. What I did like was "Night and Day" and the energy between Fred and Ginger. I liked their energy the most in this film.
*I do give you credit for watching these though Frank. I will be going back and reading over your previous comments on the other films again and will try to comment on some of the things I've missed in this thread.*
You're a glutton! So what's the next Fred & Ginger I should watch?
*For me it's all about Jean in this one. The softening of her screen persona. She didn't have another role like this and it does give you a glimpse of other directions her career might have taken. I actually haven't seen this one in a good while, so I should probably take another look.*
Jean was sweet, but the characters aren't given much to do in the film. It's too silly to be serious and too straightforward to be funny.
*I agree with all of that. Nora had a lot more game in the earlier films and while she still retains some of it she has to balance it with her concern for little Nicky. Asta's antics are much more fun.*
Nora seemed to be more of an active partner in the first film but she seems to slowly become less and less involved in the next two films. I'll be curious to see how she is used in the final three.
*Interestingly it is in The Thin Man Goes Home where I think the series commits it's greatest blunder. The kid isn't even in that one and, as with all the films, it's still very entertaining but when Nick takes Nora over his knee I want to retch. While Frank may have a point in +that lots of women need a good spanking< </em>(his words folks, his words) :DIt seems out of place in their relationship to me.*
He does what?! Really? That does seem out of character. He usually spanks with his tongue. So does she.
*As the series progressed the milieu adapted somewhat. The cocktail parties of the thirties changed to the jazz clubs of the post war era by the time of Song of the Thin Man. There is a different feel but we still have the basic characters of Nick and Nora as developed by Powell and Loy. That is what keeps it so entertaining.*
I just want to see Gloria!
*On a side note, as good as the series is, the pairing of Loy and Powell was always magic. Did any other screen couple make as many films together as they did? Films like Libeled Lady,* *Love Crazy,* *Double Wedding and* *I Love You Again are all first rate comedies. They made a lot of wonderful films together.*
They are definitely up there for best screen couple. I'm very much taken by them. I'd really like to get their box set but the price of it rarely drops anymore.
*Oh and it also helps if you like early Cat Stevens.
*Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
*I think I am becoming the king of the film series!
*That's a good thing!
*I love most all of them. I've watched most all of the Sherlock Holmes films with Basil. I tend to to like the detective/mystery series most but I watch most all of them that I can.*
I also prefer the detective series'.
*I've watched all of the available Charlie Chan films, all the Blondies, the Andy Hardy series, the Thin Man films, the Tarzan films, the Mr. Moto films.*
*I've caught all of the Saint, the Falcon, the Torchy Blaine, the Crime Doctor, Perry Mason, Boston **** and the Lone Wolf films (which are airing now) that I can.*
I've yet to watch any of those. I'm most curious to see The Whistler, Mr. Moto, Mr. Wong, and Charlie Chan.
*I even have about ten of "The Jones Family" films, which are kind of in the same vein as the Hardy films but completely forgotten today.*
I've never heard of them!
*This post was meant to respond to Frank and Jackie. I don't know how I ended up replying to myself.
*You're out of practice!
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Ciao, Spunky! -- *Everyone has family troubles! Even the most sophisticated. I just felt it was a breath of fresh air when they finally got out to the nightclub and he's toodling on that mini sax/ Then he kisses the wrong woman at midnight. Nora's benign but knowing reaction to his lipstick covered kisser is worth the price of the box set!*
Nora gets him back, although it's always tough to really get Nick back. I like when she tosses his exes back at him. Again, the female jealousy that I love.*You must have loved Adam's Rib.*
I did love the physical affection in the film.*A fancy date doesn't have to be phony. Look at Nick and Nora.*
That's their lifestyle!
*Oh, lordy! You and Garbo. What movies are in it? I give you points for trying anything.*
At least I get a Lubitsch film with it. I'm curious about *Grand Hotel*.
*MissG is as far from Carroll Baker in that movie as can be. I am closer to Carroll.*
Ha! I've heard this a lot! (
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*What sets them apart from any other dancers, in fact sets HER apart from any of Fred's other partners, is that she thinks the whole time she is dancing with him. You can see her change. She is overcome, and lets herself be wooed.*
That's a very good observation, Jackie. I do like how we can see how Ginger is thinking and feeling while she is dancing.
*She sounds like she hadn't found her legs in film yet. I'll try to find it today.*
She's very deferential.
*That's exactly it. I loved her in this, she's the whole show, and she never disappoints. Just like Capra said, "when she turns it on.... "*
And he was right. It's not easy to play a tough dame and then a soft lady.
*Oh, blast! You are the one person I think would really like this one. My next choice would be The Man Who Would Be King, but that's seventies too.*
That one is at least playing on TCM in February. My best friend once mentioned that film to me, thinking I'd like it.
*This is getting harder, you've seen so many! I'm going to make you work!*
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
A Star is Born 1937 - don't have
Mon Oncle - don't have (I'm not sure I'm ready for it)
La Strada - don't have
Flesh and the Devil (if it's in your Garbo set) - it's in the box set
Ninotchka - in the box set
Throne of Blood - don't have
Riffraff 1936 - have on tape
Hold Your Man - have on tape
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - have on tape
Union Depot (1932) - have on tape
The Roaring Twenties - have on DVD
G-Men - have on DVD
Angels with Dirty Faces - have on DVD
Manhattan Melodrama - don't have (I want the box set)
Libeled Lady - seen it and I really like it
I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang ( I am assuming you've seen it) - have on DVD
Pygmalion - don't have (I'm afraid of it, for some reason)
History is Made at Night - don't have
Little Miss Marker - don't have
Tarzan the Ape Man (another good series) - don't have (I watched some as a kid)
*You're sweet.*
Poison is sweet?
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*I liked Joe.
* You're such a pushover! You'd never see me fall like that.
*I love the line when he tosses the very young Paul Fix down the stairs, and Nick coming up the stairs says, "My! What big confetti they're throwing these days."*
I thought all of the in-law stuff was great. It felt very real. And how Nora just rolls with it all is adorable.*You are totally right, each of the series is built completely around our liking of the main characters TOGETHER.*
Right. This is where movies can be similar to television, where you end up spending a lot of time with the same characters, developing a real closeness to them. Television is more like family whereas films are vacations. But Nick & Nora and Holmes & Watson are "family."
*I actually like that one with Gloria a lot, of the later ones. Again, I like the milieu.*
Good! I'm looking forward to seeing her in a "Thin Man."
*I forget Ida.... it says she is an old woman in the credits.... does she toddle through every once in a while? I can't remember.*
*Neva is great, she reminds me so much of Gail Patrick... always so snooty and arrogant and above it all, but then coming apart completely when her baby, epicac(?) is spitting up. She goes crazy. I love it.*
So do you love such a woman going crazy or how she plays it or both?
*You like those whacks! I should have known you'd like this movie.*
I do like those whacks! I love the physical affection.
*I love it when he takes her to lunch. At first, it's like every woman's nightmare of getting all dressed up to go out, then end up on the cheap date. But it actually turns out fun.*
Cheap dates are where you can learn the most! The fancy stuff is full of phoniness. I'd avoid those like the plague.
*That's how I saw them. I watched Room Service and The Big Store, and Go West first. Why I ever went back to watch more, I don't know.*
Oh, really? Was it because you knew what the very best Marx Brothers films were?
*I do find something in each to amuse me. And they must have just hit me right at the time. I was pretty young, and was highly influenced by Groucho, cause I was shy. I wanted to have a comeback for everything like he did. And I fell in love with Harpo. And Chico.*
You wanted to be Groucho and had a crush on Harpo? As a young girl? Yeah, you're definitely crazy.
*We'll see if that is still true when you get through all of them.*
It's going to be an interesting journey. I've got a lot of different little paths I'll be taking. I just got the Garbo box set, so that's going to be another different path for me. I also got the Wellman "Forbidden Hollywood" box set for Christmas.
*Like Carroll Baker in The Big Country.
*She's playing Miss G! That's a big role!
*Yay! Go! Now!*
I'm not that bad of company, am I?!
*I love that one! She's all breathless and then he's so casual at the end!*
This is the kind of dance you spoke of to me before I started watching Fred and Ginger; the love-making. Ginger is who I was really paying attention to during "Night and Day." She's pitch-perfect.
*I have to go dig up Rendezvous, I know I recorded it, but I put it away somewhere.*
It's not that great of a film, but William Powell is still very good. Roz is the bungling woman that I think you'd dislike.
*She kills me when she does song and dance. Really, she could do anything.*
I found her to be very sexy in *Lady of Burlesque*. I like when Barbara flashed both hard and soft like this.
*Harold and Maude.*
That's one I don't have. I primarily have films from the 20s to the 60s.
*I'm sorry. I thought for sure you were going to make it.*
I figured I was going to come up short. I do a lot of family stuff. I'm a single who lives the married life.
*Go! Get going!
*Soon!
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*THat's two shots! You're really setting out the bait for butterscotch. Look out, I'm sure she's polishing her long, black gloves!*
Oh, no, she's not! I already know I'm very safe.
*Truthfully, that was one of the best kisses in all movies, to me. I wasn't expecting it in a movie like that. Hot!*
"Hot"? Is this really Miss G? I don't think I've ever heard you use that before. Besides, I always associate you with this:
*Robert Newton is a devil. I was tremendously impressed with his performance. I'd never seen him so controlled, it was quite mesmerizing. He was like a cobra and that poor Yank like a hypnotized rabbit at times.*
Newton played cold and calculating to a "T." He sure knows how to play evil. He's a fun performer.*Did you like Sally?*
Yes, I liked "Storm." But she kind of disappears for me.
*I sometimes wonder if I wouldn't like it better if the movie were told from Deborah's point of view. It's hard for me to really get into her character.*
Boy, is she ever good. I was stunned to see her playing a promiscuous woman. She eventually becomes the "Deborah" that I know. She's such a wonderful watch.
*Jean's a real sport, she's so feminine (sexy) but she really rolls with the boys. She's a man's woman, that's for sure, and I really like her and Gable together. He had a lot of fun with her and it shows.*
That's all very true. She seems like one of the first "gal pals." I liked when she jumped in his bed, staking her claim on him. It reminded me of Suzie Wong (Nancy Kwan).
*Because it's so quintessentially 1930s. I adore Barrymore but it's a painful character to watch. He's playing a washed out "ham", one of so many that caricatured the man. It's almost an exercise in ****. I'm very fond of Madge Evans but she's doesn't have much to do here; Billie Burke and Marie Dressler are perfect and Lionel, though he has no scenes with his brother, is wonderful as always but the real fun is the "Bickersons" rough-housing between Jean and Beery. She's about as brass as you can get without cursing. She makes it seem like she's turning the air blue with curses! Really cute kid. I roll whenever she refers to Beery's flat-chested "ex". hahaha!*
You just love it when a woman bad-mouths another woman! I do love female jealousy and insecurity when a man is at the center of it all. I loved Jean's jealousy and insecurity in *China Seas*.
*I hope you get it. A Night at the Opera does have a classic scene in the ship's cabin. I felt that way when they were repairing my tiny bathroom a month ago.*
That's funny! I could have sworn you had the Three Stooges over.
*Every girl needs a Candy at least once in her life.*
Yes! Lots of you women need a good spanking!
*Sure is a shame he and Clark didn't have one scene together. Well, they'd have been more interesting together when Jimmy was older anyway.*
Clark would have towered over Jimmy with those characters.
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*I must have missed your comments on* *After the Thin Man. It starts off slow with all that family stuff of Myrna's, then there's the stupid dance number with brunette Penny Singleton. After that it gets good, and my man Joe Calleia is great!*
Oddly enough, it's the very beginning of the film that I loved. I thought it was hilarious seeing Nick with Nora's in-laws. Lots of funny moments.
*I think The Thin Man series is quite good all the way through, it and the* *Sherlock Holmes series are my favorite series ever made, as a whole. They hold up well, and if you can get it out of your head that anything will ever come close to the original Thin Man, you will enjoy the rest of the series.*
I can see how the two are similar, in that you watch for the two leads and their relationship more than anything else. At least I've got Gloria Grahame showing up in the "Thin Man"!
*I'm so glad you liked Desk Set. I never thought about the old research system as being ludicrous, but I guess it is to those of us now.*
It's ludicrous when you think you call someone and they tell you random facts off the top of their head, right away. I understand research as a department, though.
*There is something so charming about it, maybe because it's a slice out of a time that no longer exists, portrayed as all very modern.*
"Charming" is a good word for it. I usually find all of the new inventions of the past to be that way.
*I love Neva Patterson in this one as Miss Warriner.*
Really? I would not have guessed that. What did you like about her? I would have thought Ida Moore was your favorite. I thought she was fun.
*And Joan is still a knockout - she and Kate have such a great relationship! You'd never think the two would work so well together.*
I completely agree. I like when Kate gives her a good whack.
*And I love Spence in this one.*
So do I. I love his watchful quiet.
*Pat and Mike is one of my other favorites. I hope you like it. Some of it is patently unbelievable, but Aldo Ray is priceless, and I love watching Kate do sports. There's a golf scene that always thrills me. I really love Spence in this one, he's so far off from his usual roles. And Charles Bronson is in it too.*
Aldo and Chuck? Now that's some casting! I'm going to try and watch it very soon. I do like Spence and Kate together, even if their films don't always hold up for me. I liked *Desk Set* from start to finish, though. But it doesn't feature the high notes of *Woman of the Year* and *Adam's Rib*.
*My favorite Marx Bros. movies are the early ones. I am assuming you have all the MGM ones.*
That is correct. I have the lesser of the two box sets, but that may end up being a good way to see the boys.
*There is something to like in every picture they made, but the later ones lose the spark a little. For me, the more plot there is, the less I like it. I even like the Cocoanuts, their first, because it has such verve and crackle - the bros. are literally all over the place. Fast forward through the incredibly annoying Mary Eaton and Oscar Shaw.*
I'm learning I need some kind of a story unless I really enjoy the comedy routines. For example, I don't need a story with the Three Stooges. It's all about their physical comedy and interactions.
*Speaking of annoying, Jimmy Stewart in Wife vs. Secretary is as close to a terrible performance as I've ever seen Jimmy do. Ack!*
Poor Jimmy! He was definitely stuck with a hapless role.
*Ooh, I am most excited that you liked Jean! China Seas is a good adventure.*
I thought Jean put on a wonderful show.
*Tell me, have you seen Dinner at Eight yet? She and Wallace Beery again - I think Jean is hilarious in it, probably her finest work comedy wise. I'd love for you to watch it if you haven't.*
I'm going to try and watch it tonight.
*The dance you liked in Gay Divorcee, was it Night and Day?*
Very good!
*I don't like Roz in her early films - they tried to make her British and dull. Except for Night Must Fall in which she's British, but great. They didn't know what to do with her, she had presence, so they immediately thought "upper class". She works much better as Hildy.*
She's definitely at her best as "Hildy." This is why I was surprised to see her in *China Seas* and *Rendezvous* playing a much different woman. I found her cute and sweet.
*I'm glad you liked Lady of Burlesque. It's nothing special, just fun. I like the milieu, but really it's all Barbara's show, and I love the fact that she does these provocative numbers! I had the same feeling about what's his name, the comic. Pinky Lee and Iris Adrian were the best of the supporting cast.*
I think it's a very fun film and the milieu is a big part of the allure. It's a good watch. I just love how Barbara can seamlessly change gears with her characters and films.
*Are you taking any suggestions for future films?*
Yes! I love watching suggestions. It really helps me become a richer person. So go ahead and fire away.
*I also wanted to know if you made your quota at the end of the year - did you sneak in 8 more movies?*
Nope, I'm afraid not. I was overwhelmed with family stuff. I fell 7 films short. So I'm trying to watch those films this month. I need to watch 27-28 films this month. I've watched 10, thus far.
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*I really didn't like WvsS, but I love Dinner at Eight. It's a drama though.*
I like dramas!
*I agree with MissG, I pretend Little Nicky doesn't exist. I prefer Asta's family troubles.*
You're just as bad as her?! Poor, sweet Alice! What the baby does is make Nora less interesting and less involved.
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*No, it's not the way I like him but I did like this movie more than I figured I would. It's cute and different, quirky. He sure does give Loretta one heck of a kiss!*
And then wipes the venom off!
*That's how tired I am. The title didn't sound familiar, I kept thinking of the Italian movie. Yes, that was a nice surprise, I really liked it a lot. What did you like about it?*
I like that it's rather demented. It takes a cruel person to do what Dr. Riordan (Robert Newton) does. The entire cat and mouse is tortorous. It's like showing someone Gary Cooper movies.
*No, Van is alright. It's just the unremitting seriousness, I think. There's not a moment of lightness that I remember, though again, I have never watched it all the way.*
You're definitely right about the seriousness of the film. It's a film where an event causes one to examine their life. It's interesting.
*Yes, it is nice. I like Joan and her "Mexican Avenue bus". I think she also had the best line about how a woman knows she's seen her day when she's walking along and a man in a car circling the block is only looking for a parking place.*
I loved how playful Kate and Joan were. Joan is a ton of fun.*That's interesting. To me she's the same Jean she is in so many other movies and I can't see anything different from the others. I like her in all of them but you only liked her here.*
And I can't disagree with you about that. But for some reason, I found Jean to be alluring in *China Seas*, even though it's basically a take-off of *Red Dust*.
*As Jackie does, I really find her terribly funny in Dinner at Eight but I think you might loathe that movie, even more than* *Wife vs. Secretary.*
Loathe? That sounds like a great challenge! I'll watch it next.
*Yes, they were a unique bunch, I'm glad you liked them and the humor. You will be in for a treat when you see Duck Soup,* *Horsefeathers, etc. They're totally out of control in those and it's such a fun ride. They upset every snob, politician, businessman, doyenne that crosses their path. Their anarchic humor strikes at the root of people taking themselves pompously and over-seriously. They aren't tough guys so they don't hit back with guns or fists, but with outrageous humor.*
And all of that really appeals to me. I usually don't like those who take social presentation so seriously. I'm hoping to get the other box set this year. I need to get it at the right price, though.
*I think the worst possibly catastrophe for Nick and Nora was having a kid. Yuck!! However, I still enjoy all of the series and I just pretend "little Nick" doesn't exist.*
That sounds like you, Mama Gator!
*Again I agree with Jackie, she wasn't as interesting to me when she played "proper" types in those early days.*
Her characters are certainly not as interesting, but I find her cute.
*Yes! They straight-jacketed him, it's awful. They made a "heel-lot" out of him, as Walter Brennan would say. Give me Candy Johnson any day.*
You need a "Candy Johnson"!*He plays the same exact character in Small Town Girl and* *Ziegfeld Girl.*
I liked how much Dave (Jimmy) loved Whitey (Jean Harlow). But it's hard to match Van's (Clark Gable) personality and position.
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Hey there, Movieman -- *I love the Marx Brothers. I'm glad you liked it. MissG is right in that while "A Day At The Races" is very funny it is not considered above their Paramount pictures, save for* *"The Cocoanuts," but has many wonderful moments. This is one of the films where the music at times really slows the picture down. You should try* *"A Night At The Opera." Looking forward to hearing more on them from you.*
Okay. The next Marx Brothers film I'll watch is *A Night at the Opera*. I'll look to watch it soon.
*Groucho's holding two phone conversations is a highlight as is the one you chose. I will warn you that their films subsequent to this one suffer in comparison. Irving Thalberg passing away around this time really hurt their later MGM films.*
I do know that I have the "weaker" of the two box sets. It looks like I'll be saving the best for last. But the first film was good to me, so we're off to a nice start.
*"Desk Set" is fun considering how nostalgic the technology is looking back but it is also a sweet pairing of Tracy and Hepburn. It is certainly softer than "Pat and Mike."*
And *Pat and Mike* will be the next one I'll watch of theirs.
I did like the antiquated research system. It was ludicrous. The machine was just as ludicrous.
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*Butterscotch will be delighted.*
We need to get the Invisible Woman talking on the board.
*Did you know this is the only movie Gary produced?*
I didn't even know he produced it! I can't see this one being your kind of Coop film. You don't like when he's playing incompetent for laughs.
*I don't know this movie. Who's in it? When was it made?*
Yes you do, Silly Goose! It's the one with the doggie and the tub. It's also known as "*The Hidden Room*."
*I've never been able to watch it all the way through.*
Why not? Because of Van? I can't see him being your kind of guy. I'd think the story would be to your liking. It's religious.
*That's a surprise. I think it's pretty good, very smart script.*
I found the relationship between Bunny (Kate) and Sumner (Spence) to be wonderful. She thinks the worst of him at most every turn and he's so taken by her.
*What's so different about her here vs other movies?*
I have no idea. She was very alluring to me in *China Seas*. I liked that she called Gaskell (Clark Gable) "toots."
*It's not their funniest (to me) but it has some really classic situations and moments. I guess I always find Groucho and Margaret Dumont hilarious.*
I greatly enjoyed Groucho and Margaret. But I really liked Groucho and Flo (Esther Muir). Groucho's zingers are so good. Such great writing.
*I only saw it once a couple of years ago after reading about it for years and years. I think I expected more from it. I thought it was okay.*
I can't see you liking it much since it lacks your kind of guys.
*I prefer After the Thin Man but this one has its moments.*
You don't like the domesticity, right?
*The story is pretty lame but I like Rosalind "breezy" vs. serious.*
Roz looked like "Myrna" in *China Seas* and I suppose she was acting like Mary Astor. She was good.
*ha! I knew you wouldn't like this one. I used to like it much more, now I'm not too keen on it. I decided I don't like Gable as a "straight arrow" business man. He's better as a slightly shady, con-man type.*
He's so darn boring in this one, which is hard to do with Gable.
*And yes, Jean's the best thing about it.*
I'll say.
*I don't think the movie is really a comedy, in fact it was always mentioned as Jean's possible turning point into a serious actress, if she hadn't died so young.*
It had to have been a drama since there wasn't anything humorous going on.
*Then there's Jimmy playing one of many sincere young fellows who get ditched for the flashier guy.*
Poor Jimmy. Once again, he's stuck playing the hapless sap.
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*As for Along Came Jones. I love this movie*
I would have never guessed that. That's a nice surprise.
*but your are right that Dan Duryea's performance helps the movie from becoming a total farce. The banter between Young and Cooper is nice (cute), but without bad guy Dan the movie would be too much syrup.*
Exactly. And my fear going into my viewing was it was going to be very syrupy. But since Dan Duryea plays it straight, the film has a nice edge to it. It's an enjoyable western. I was surprised.
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*they started thanksgiving day!
* I wish they made a bigger deal out of that! I think Snoopy's "Plymouth Adventure" does more than the film!
*what's next on your list?*
I'll comment on what hasn't been discussed, and if you wish to talk about any of the films, please do.
*9. Along Came Jones*
A lot better than I ever expected it to be. I thought it would only be cute and nothing more to it, but Dan Duryea's presence changed that thinking. I liked the serious nature of the crooks.
*10. Obsession*
It's rather fascinating. The sickness of the story captivated me. It's almost like *Dial M for Murder* in how the spurned husband seeks revenge. And it makes us change sides because of his behavior.
*11. The End of the Affair*
A very interesting film. Deborah Kerr is so darn good. I thought the film captured the feelings of an affair and then presented the morality of dealing with it in a strong way.
*12. Desk Set*
Very enjoyable! I liked it. It's my favorite of the Spence/Kate films that I've watched thus far. I love how quiet Spence is in the film and how paranoid all the girls are. Joan Blondell is wonderful.
*13. China Seas*
This is the film that caused me to fall for Jean Harlow. She's sensational in the film. The story itself is flimsy and darn-near non-existent, but all I wanted to do was watch Jean.
*14. A Day at the Races*
My very first Marx brothers film and I liked it. It took me a little to get used to their style and rhythm, but once I did, I enjoyed it. I even enjoyed the musical number. My favorite scene is the "dinner for two" scene.
*16. Me and My Gal*
Ahhhhhhhhhh, Joan. I can't get enough of Joan. The film was all right. I really like Spence in the 30s.
*19. Lady of Burlesque*
Very fun! It's extremely breezy, but I didn't mind that one bit. Barbara Stanwyck just never disappoints, and I loved seeing her like this. It took me a little while to warm up to Michael O'Shea, but I got there.
*20. Another Thin Man*
Not bad. I liked it more than *After the Thin Man*. It's definitely on the "cute" side, but Myrna is always so cute to me. It's hard to top William Powell. He's really becoming a great favorite of mine. He's brilliant.
*21. Rendezvous*
I don't believe I have ever seen Roz Russell in an earlier role. It seems like the studios were trying to make her out to be like Myrna. It was a little strange for me to see her playing a ditsy lass, but I liked her. I found her to be adorable. Powell is once again sharp. The story isn't the best, though.
*25. The Gay Divorcee*
I'm not really going for the Rogers/Astaire stories, but I do like the two of them. My favorite musical number of theirs to date is in this film, but this is my least favorite film of theirs, so far. I've only seen three, though.
*27. Wife vs. Secretary*
Ugh! This was one of the worst "comedies" I have ever seen. It's a dreadful story. The final ten minutes of the film saves it. Again, it's Jean Harlow who saves the day.
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All right, Jackie, girl! That's fantastic! I'm going to re-watch the film tonight, hopefully. What you wrote about Buck (Chuck Connors) has thrown me for a loop. I have to see if I can see what you saw.
*I hate it when he's right! arrrrggh!
*I thought you may like it because the story is somewhat Shakespearean and the characters are painted quite boldly and played with great zeal. I also felt you'd appreciate the quiet beauty with Jim (Gregory Peck) and Julie (Jean Simmons). I also like how the harsh characters have soft moments, which you referenced. Burl Ives is a master at playing such characters. Charles Bickford, too.
I'd say the film plays a little similar to *The Furies*.
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Hi, SansFin -- I got the Rathbone/Bruce collection in September and I just finished watching all 14 films. I ended up liking them as follows:
1. The Hound of the Baskervilles
2. The Scarlet Claw
3. The House of Fear
4. Sherlock Holmes Faces Death
5. The Woman in Green
6. Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon
7. The Spider Woman
8. The Pearl of Death
9. Sherlock Holmes in Washington
10. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
11. Pursuit to Algiers
12. Terror by Night
13. Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror
14. Dressed to Kill
The only other "Sherlock Holmes" that I've seen is Hammer's *The Hound of the Baskervilles*, which I like, just not as much as Rathbone's.
I did enjoy Rathbone's disguises, which seemed to be used much less by the end of the series with him.
What are your favorites?
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*I know, it's more about the whole story, the event. I just like Spence and Gene.*
The story itself was quite dry. I wanted something to happen.
*I watched it twice last yearl*
That's good! But I wasn't sure if you just watched it or not.
*I think you'd enjoy this version, the best by far:*
I may have to watch that. I like Rene Clair.
*
*
The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread
in Your Favorites
Posted
*Me:*
*14. Armored Car Robbery*
*9. Backfire*
*3. Black Narcissus*
*12. Dinner at Eight*
*8. Dressed to Kill*
*11. Grand Hotel*
*1. Lawman*
*13. A Night at the Opera*
*The Pleasure Garden (never seen)*
*6. The River's Edge*
*2. Spawn of the North*
*10. Strange Cargo*
*4. The Student Prince of Heidelberg*
*5. A Tale of Two Cities*
*7. Terror by Night*
I'm most surprised to see *A Night of the Opera*, *Dinner at Eight*, and *Grand Hotel* rank so lowly for you. Any reasons why? What about poor Flix?!
*Lawman* is at the top? That's a shocker!