FrankGrimes
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Posts posted by FrankGrimes
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Terrific! I'm sure you will enjoy the ride. And I shall look forward to your thoughts.
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Good evening to you, Sick Movieman -- *I watched "Men In War" again tonight. (Being sick provides certain allowances.)*
Silver linings! With me, it's silver bullets.
*In answer to you and MissG's comments I'll clarify that Montana was called "son" by the colonel. At one point he mentions to him that he missed hearing while the colonel is suffering his injury. It's not directly addressed. I think it is just a close working relationship between two at an age to be father and son.*
Yes, this is true. And the Colonel does call him "son" later on. I feel there is something deeper to the entire Montana/Colonel dynamic.
*Several things jumped out at me through the film. Rank doesn't always equal experience.*
That's for sure. That goes for life.
*One's humanity has a limit under the worst of circumstances.*
Very true. When it comes to survival...
*There is a fine line between being heroic and doing something stupid.*
Completely. And sometimes being stupid is how you end up being heroic.
*War is where you find yourself. It is as big or as small as the group you are in and no less dangerous in either situation.*
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Life and death.
*"God help us if it takes the likes of to win this war" Benson said to Montana. Benson thinks Montana has lost his sense of humanity after killing the three imposters even though he may not have been sure if they were and no matter how right he was. Kill or be killed is Montana's response.He's been around long enough that he isn't getting killed making sure.*
Montana has clearly seen more action than Benson. His distrust level is through the roof and his feeling ends up being warranted. Benson is in charge, but he's not in charge. He only thinks he is. Kind of like a man with a woman.
*It is here that I become annoyed at his platoon. When Benson is hit two get up and leave their guns as they go to his aid. Not surprisingly they don't get far. Same for the machine gun duo. How stupid and worthless.*
Their reaction is human. They care for their leader and they feel the need to save him. Montana does the same for the Colonel, his "father." If someone you loved and cared for was harmed in front of you and is seen struggling out in the open, it places you in a real spot. It's easy to play strategy and tactics when feelings are devoid. When feelings exist, all bets are off.
*When Benson and Montana are resigned to their expected fate then there true nature comes through. They are brave and now unified. They don't take unnecessary chances though this would be the perfect time. (Unlike the rest of the group.)*
They are the wise ones of the "platoon." They understand their situation.
*There must have been some influence on the later TV series "Combat." A small group fighting their war. Living or dying at the mercy of a mostly unseen enemy and at the care of so few in number.*
If Combat is like *Men in War*, it must be a great show.
*"Island In The Sky" was the last major Wayne movie I saw to complete his catalog. It is a pretty good picture full of tension and suspense on the rescue.*
Your last one? Was that because of availability? I heard it was out of circulation for a while.
*You mentioned Devine. I think this is my favorite role of his. (It's right up there with Disney's "Robin Hood.) The great thing about it is he is real. He is not the befuddled, whining annoying man he played so well in "Stagecoach" and "Liberty Valance." He had a real family life and an important job. People who only know him by his Ford roles need to see this one.*
It's definitely my favorite character of his. He's the exact opposite of his "cowardly lion." I loved his coolness.
*Great location and flying scenes too.*
All of that plays a huge role in lifting *Island in the Sky* to a high level for me. I love the entire feel of the film.
At least I come out well in the film...
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*I was so touched by that, especially coming from Aldo Ray. He can be so abrasive yet he's good at showing a soft human side.* *Beside him sometimes Ryan's character could seem machine-like.*
That's right. I thought Montana (Aldo Ray) was the heart of the film, but he was also quite selfish. It's a fascinating mix for a character. Benson (Robert Ryan) was hellbent on completing his goal. At what price? Interestingly, what they did cost lives but also saved some.
*I'm more than usually out of my depth with war movies! Maybe movieman can suggest something!*
I think it's more than a war movie thing.
*I don't like her hair in those caps.*
She's wearing a veil!
*He was also in Doctor X.*
I do remember him from that. He's very good in that film.
*Give me his number, quick! Oh, right. No phone line to the grave.*
That depends upon what you believe!
*There must be something wrong with the universe.*
With me? Always! When am I ever right? You know for darn sure with that!
*Oh, yes, I do remember how good he was here. He seldom got a chance to play a character like that which had some depth. I'll try to re-watch it tomorrow evening.*
I was floored by how big a role he got and how terrific he did with it. I just loved how the film splits into two parts (the lost and the searchers). And both get about equal time. It thought it was really well done.
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*But you just said he did respect him.*
He did. But his level of respect never matches "son." Montana liked being called "son" by the Colonel.
*I remember having a theory about it but I forgot!*
What good does that do us now?!
*They're playing Spaniards?!*
Yes! It takes place during a Spanish carnival, so there's a lot of von Sternberg decadence.
*The really hammy actor always declaiming whenever he had the floor. He was even hammier than Jack.*
Oh! Yeah, I remember him. I'd probably think he was funnier after seeing him in *The Devil Is a Woman*.
*The German one is said to be much better. Exercises in **** don't interest me, and this is the mother of all of them.*
Yeah, I'd probably love it. *The Devil Is a Woman* features the **** you hate. Don Pasqual (Lionel Atwill) pretty much gives away everything to be with Concha (Marlene). So he's your kind of guy in that he just tosses money around like nobody's business. It's just Concha doesn't care about him.
*It's a mark of how good an actress she really is. She can be quiet or sparkle. How many actresses can do that so flawlessly?*
Not too many. Most are one or the other.
*So you liked another John Wayne movie?*
Yes! I really liked it!
*I wonder if rohanaka has seen Island in the Sky.*
I'm not sure. I think she'd like it. The supporting cast is tremendous. Andy Devine is wonderful.
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*Were the Colonel and Benson all that different?*
Yes, I believe so. The Colonel called Montana "son." Benson never treated him with such respect. He didn't value him.
*I'd have to watch it again, but I thought the Colonel's silence very affecting. Why Anthony Mann chose to show him so, I don't know.*
There seems to be something behind the silence of the Colonel, but I can't put my finger on it.
*Is it a comedy?*
No, not really. It's just Marlene's "Concha" is acting very childish. She stamps her feet a lot. But there's absolutely nothing funny about how "Pasqualito" (Lionel Atwill) is reacting and feeling.
*I like Lionel Atwill more and more. He was terrific in To Be or Not to Be.*
I'm ashamed to say, I can't remember him. Who did he play?
*I can't believe you haven't seen The Blue Angel...that's amazing. I thought I'd read how you loved it. It's your kind of movie. I can't watch it.*
Maybe I'll watch it coming up. I only have the English version. Why can't you watch it?
*Jean did a couple of them, but I didn't care for them like this one. She was mostly "straight" in the others, here she is a classic screwball and she does it so deftly I would swear she had always played such characters.*
I've only seen her in "straight" roles until this one. I couldn't believe how different she was.
*I maintain comedy is almost impossible if you don't have the right personality, and she always seems rather serious in her other roles.*
I certainly agree with that.
*She seemed to lose all her inhibitions with "Mrs. Dorrance". "Eeew."*
That was funny! Ahhhhhh, floozies.
*Quite amusing to see her Angel Face co-star drive off with her.
* Wow! Very good! I didn't think of that. I kept thinking about how Mitchum didn't have any problem bedding Deborah in this film and how ironic Cary and Deborah were involved in an affair.
*She brightens everything up. A real mad cap.*
Nothing but fun. She wasn't just words.
*Yes, the dialogue was very clever. The British are so good at being reasonable when everything is crashing apart.*
It's all a chess match.
*I particularly liked his point about how this man (Mitchum) would never think of stealing his silver but calmly endeavors to steal his wife.*
Ain't that the truth? -
Hiya, FXReyman -- *So during my summers I looked forward to seeing my aunt and uncle. By this time my mother and father were separated, and my uncle became my surrogate father. I looked forward to my summers twenty miles away. My Uncle Wilson was this big man, not too tall just really wide who was the consumate outdoorsman. He fished, he hunted, and just really enjoyed having me with him at all times. We would spend as much time together as we could. He had this 1964 Chrysler New Yorker that he would drive to town in and an old forties era Jeep. The Jeep might have been a WWII surplus Jeep for all I know. It had it's spare tire mounted on the front hood like a land rover. Inside on the dash he had hooks installed to hold fishing rods and guns.*
That sounds great! My one grandpa was a serious hunter and my other was a fisherman. Me? Neither. I'm into sports.
*I don't want to appear to be getting all gushy here, but with all of my family except for my brother deceased, he along with my mother I miss the most.*
I can see how your uncle would come to mean so much to you. I think that's wonderful. It's great that he and your aunt took you all in for the summers. That says a lot about them.
*This was the breakout decade for British films. Nothing wrong with that. And to a somewhat greater degree the decade was really more of a British music decade. There was an explosion of world cinema in the sixties. And because with the removal of the Hays Code, all forms of cinema began to expand with and explore different ways of filming.*
I'm pretty sure the French is where my interests may be found in the 60s.
*Well again, this is an epic film. The restored version runs 184 minutes and except for a couple of slow scenes the film is a wonderfully told story about a Roman slave rebellion led by Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) and ultimately defeated by Marcus Crassus (Laurence Olivier). The visuals are still stunning as is the vast music score by the great Alex North. The films' other stand out performances are Jean Simmons and Charles Laughton and in an Oscar-winning turn, Peter Ustinov. You should really block out some time for this one.*
Maybe in time. I'm certainly not rushing towards epics.
*The end of the war is just a backdrop. In fact the very beginning of the film just after the opening credits, you see one of the final images ever shown about the destruction of the symbol of Nazism. Then it is on to the ruins of Nuremberg. That's pretty much it as far as the war is concerned. There is no fighting, no killing, just human misery and suffering. And then the military tribunal (not trial) itself.*
I meant that the tribunal is about war atrocities. That's not as appealing to me as other crimes.
*If you are going to say that you think you might like Poitier in Heat of the Night, then you should check out A Raisin in the Sun. Try and read the book first. It is a wonderful story. In many ways better than Heat, but also much different as well. In Raisin you get to see him nearer the beginning of his career than as he was in Heat six years later.*
Me read? That's unpossible! I'm far from a reader.
*Although, not in the same vein as Saving private Ryan. Actually more taut action, especially with trains than bloody battle scenes. but there is shooting and killing here, so be prepared. A much more thinking persons film than your standard shoot 'em up war film.*
I'm a big fan of "thinking" films. I also like Burt.
*Now this is a war film; a straight, cliché-crowded melodrama of naval action in the first few months of the Pacific conflict of WWII. Another war film but this time with a slight twist. The interactions of the leading men and their female relationships are explored.*
I'd probably enjoy the relationship stuff the most. These films are forever long!
*Well, not for the first time. In the past few years I have added more 30's and 40's films to my collection. I have been watching these films for over twenty years. Its just that I have not seen them all yet. But I do own in my collection over 240 films from the thirties and forties. I have not seen them all, but eventually I will.*
What I meant was that you were watching a particular film from the 30s for the very first time. That's where I am. A lot of people on the board talk about their favorites but I often wonder if they look to find new favorites by watching films they've never seen. For example, you've been talking about all the films you've seen from the 60s, but are you going to seek new ones to watch? I hope you do.
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Hola, Lively Gal -- *That's an interesting dynamic: The physical, the personality, the film type. All those things do come into account in different measures when we're attracted to film stars.*
That's been my experience. It's hard for me to fall for an actress if the kind of films she appears in really aren't my speed. Then there's Liz Scott, who seems to fit perfectly in the world of film noir. I recently saw her in the western *Silver Lode* and she felt all wrong. It was a very weak character for her.
*Yes. Marilyn. She is a towering icon of old Hollywood...the glamour... the sex symbol. I see her humor. I see her fear. Sometimes it's a fear that cannot be acted. The actresses of the 30's and 40's go down easier for me. Marilyn is complicated. And incredibly sexy. I like her in "Niagara" and in her short turn in "All About Eve." She had good comic timing and I thought she stood toe-to-toe with her screen partner, George Sanders.*
I like that you call Marilyn "complicated." That's good. I can see that with her. I pretty much enjoy Marilyn in everything, although the films she stars in aren't always to my liking.
*Oh good. I will really look forward to your thoughts on it. There was a more recent discussion of "The Constant Nymph" here on the Board.*
In "Rambles"?
*Ha! I'm still in little league! All I do is strike out!*
*Yeah right. Sell me another one, why don'cha...*
I speak nothing but the truth.
*That's good. Because talking really is the basis and understanding of another person.*
It's also a major turn-on with me. If I know I can't talk with a girl, I go cold.
*If you have time, the inclination...would you list the next ten blonde actresses you like; just as you did below. I, for one, would be very curious as to who they are. And your "why."*
The "whys" for my next ten blondes won't be that interesting because I'm just not as familiar with them as my very favorites. My lack of knowledge shows.
21. *Mary Beth Hughes*
Favorite film: The Ox-Bow Incident
Best performance: The Great Flamarion
Favorite character: "Connie Wallace" in The Great Flamarion
I like her "been around" dame. I love how she plays both sides of the burn.
22. *Tippi Hedren*
Favorite film: The Birds
Best performance: Marnie
Favorite character: "Melanie Daniels" in The Birds
I've only seen her in the Hitch flicks. What I like about her is her iciness and her looks.
23. *Lana Turner*
Favorite film: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Best performance: The Postman Always Rings Twice
Favorite character: "Elizabeth Cotton" in **** Tonk
I'm drawn to her cute and sexy. I like her eyes and her overall look. I can't say I'm into her personality and acting, at this point. I'm wanting some substance with Lana. I did love seeing her play baseball in *Cass Timberlane*, though.
24. *Angela Lansbury*
Favorite film: The Manchurian Candidate
Best performance: The Manchurian Candidate
Favorite character: "Mrs. Iselin" in The Manchurian Candidate
She's such a pro. I liked her first in *Gaslight*. And then to see her as "Mrs. Iselin," wow!
25. *Brigitte Bardot*
Favorite film: The Night Heaven Fell
Best performance: The Night Heaven Fell
Favorite character: "Ursula" in The Night Heaven Fell
I've only seen Brigitte in one film and I liked what I saw. She sure ain't shy!
26. *Sue Lyon*
Favorite film: The Night of the Iguana
Best performance: Lolita
Favorite character: "Charlotte Goodall" in The Night of the Iguana
There's nothing deep about this one: she's pretty.
27. *Jean Harlow*
Favorite film: Scarface
Best performance: Bombshell
Favorite character: "Lola Burns" in Bombshell
I love her energy the very most. She's always running high. Sometimes she annoys me and sometimes I find her cute.
28. *Ann Sothern*
Favorite film: Lady in a Cage
Best performance: A Letter to Three Wives
Favorite character: "Jean Livingstone" in Trade Winds
She's so much fun. I like her "sassy."
29. *Gloria Stuart*
Favorite film: The Invisible Man
Best performance: The Old Dark House
Favorite character: "Margaret Waverton" in The Old Dark House
Her acting was very "30s," but I thought she was quite fetching.
30. *Helen Walker*
Favorite film: Nightmare Alley
Best performance: Nightmare Alley
Favorite character: "Lilith Ritter" in Nightmare Alley
An ice queen in film noir? Yeah, I like her.
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*He seemed to hate him at first but didn't he end up changing toward him? I don't remember the end too well.*
I don't think so. I don't believe Montana ever wanted to do what Benson wanted him to do. He was all about the Colonel (Robert Keith). Now I do believe Benson definitely respected Montana.
*Yes, I imagine that might have been true quite often. The soldiers who had no illusions, were not "professional soldiers" but just guys who wanted out.*
That's right. I'm very curious as to why the Colonel was to remain voiceless. I thought that was a brilliant decision. The Colonel didn't agree with Montana, but he did view him as a son. It was all so fascinating to me.
*I thought Mann made use of varying terrains, all of them potentially hazardous. The woods, the rocky mountains, the tall grasses...and you hardly ever saw the "enemy".*
I agree. It's a terrific looking film. I also loved how Mann showed the North Koreans dying with photos of their loved ones. Boy, did that ever hit home.
*Really? I guess that's why we have that title.
* But Marlene is quite charming. She throws little tantrums during the film that are pretty funny. She's not shown in a hateful light.*I didn't even know who the main actor was.*
Lionel Atwill is superb in the film. He's mostly a "stone face." He's almost exactly like Erich von Stroheim.
*It sounds a bit like The Blue Angel.*
I've yet to see that one. It could very well be the same.
*It was too British.*
Precisely. That just doesn't wear well with me.
*I'm glad you liked Jean.*
I adored her!
*It was a revelation for me when I started watching all her other movies and realized that she wasn't a comedienne.*
I don't believe I've ever seen her in a comedy until now. It was great to see such range from her. She keeps rising up my list. She's good. I'm drawn to her.
*This is the first of her films I remember seeing and knowing who she was. "Pink, please and burn the Angostura". I've always wanted to order that cocktail.*
That's because you're a tart like her, Hattie!
*I even like the silly routine with her shoes and the glass.*
I liked that, as well. When she showed up, the entire film "woke up," to me. I started to like Cary when she was with him.
*I don't like what she does. Cary is too nice.*
All of it seemed too strange to me. But I thought Cary's logic was correct. He needed her to make the call, not him. I liked how he said he didn't want to be married to a "housekeeper" for the rest of his life.
*I also like all the English vs. American swipes.*
That didn't interest me that much.
*It's less restrained.
*It is! Ingrid is very outward and Cary is so playful.
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*I was impressed with the way the two actors played off each other. There was a lot of antagonism between Ryan and Ray but it seemed to give way to respect, and not in a corny way.*
I agree. I definitely loved the battle between Lieutenant Benson (Robert Ryan) and Montana (Aldo Ray). I just loved Ray's performance and his character. Do you think Montana respected Benson?
*I also loved Ray's devotion to his C.O.*
I found that to be absolutely fascinating. I'm trying to make sense of it all. It seemed like Montana didn't want to fight for cause or country, but he would do so for his "father."
*The constant wariness of being attacked or ambushed was also really well done because I was worn out by the end.*
That was one of the biggest reasons why I really liked the film. The entire mood of the film was dark. I just ate that up.
*I wish I had it to watch. It's Von Sternberg, right?*
Uh-huh, it's von Sternberg. I don't believe you'd like it. Marlene uses and abuses Lionel Atwill throughout. There's nothing romantic about the film.
*Goodness, you come up with the wildest movie comparisons.*
It seemed like a marital cat and mouse film with the other "couple" being caught up in it all.
*I assume you were bored by all the talkiness.*
No, I wouldn't say I was bored. I'm usually okay with talky if what is going on interests me.
*I like it because I find Cary extremely funny, especially with his Butler, "Sellars", and I think Jean is great as a screwball type. She makes me laugh. I wish she and Cary had paired off.*
Jean is what I liked the very most with the film. She's a blast! I thought Cary to be mostly funny, although I wasn't into his character or the setting.
*She's much more fun than Deborah. She's also smarter about men.*
She's you, Champoozy! I thought Deborah was spot on, as usual. It's just her character didn't interest me.
*Keep in mind, I love talky comedies. This movie, Indiscreet, the Mankiewicz films...*
I really like *Indiscreet*, mainly because of how angry Ingrid gets and how oblivious Cary is.
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*I was wrong on all of them for goodness sake.*
But you were close with most of them!
*Chris will be delighted you put Men in War at number one.*
You seem to like it, too. What do you like about it?
*If I did, it was so long ago I don't remember it.*
I believe *The Great Flamarion* was inspired by it. It felt like the reverse of *Morocco*.
*It's one of my favorite comedies from the period. Though Deborah's character annoys me at times and Mitchum looks often quite bored.
* It felt like a polite version of *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?*. So why do you love it? -
You were pretty close with every title but a couple. You do a nice job in guessing my tastes.
1. Men in War (2/4)
2. Island in the Sky (6/7)
3. The Black Swan (4/6)
4. They Gave Him a Gun (3/2)
5. Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (10/9)
6. The Devil Is a Woman (7)
7. Sherlock Holmes in Washington (9/8)
8. The Grass Is Greener (1/1)
9. The Call of the Wild (5/3)
10. Count the Hours (8/5)
*I haven't seen The Devil is a Woman,*
Really? That surprises me.
I didn't know you liked *The Grass Is Greener* that much.
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A lovely afternoon to you, Fordy Guns -- I hope we can find some discussion in the next group of films I have watched. I'd love to know how you like the films and for you to guess how I liked them. That goes for anyone else, as well.
*The Black Swan*
*The Call of the Wild*
*Count the Hours*
*The Devil is a Woman*
*The Grass is Greener*
*Island in the Sky*
*Men in War*
*Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon*
*Sherlock Holmes in Washington*
*They Gave Him a Gun*
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Bonsoir, CinemAva -- *So, your favorite blonde is Gloria Grahame.*
Well, second favorite.
*Well who could blame you. She is a pip. Men love her. She looks like she caters to her man...like she loves 'em up.*
She pretty much attacks a guy with her thoughts. I love that about Gloria.
*Now I am surprised NOT to see Harlow on your list. Most men like her. Actually I shouldn’t be surprised. I seem to recall you saying you’re not that crazy about her. Would she make your top fifty, at least?*
I'm not attracted to Jean in a physical sense, but I'm still in the process of learning her personality. There are times when I like her and then there are times she doesn't interest me.
She would be in the next five or ten blondes for me, along with Lana Turner. I'm drawn to Lana in the physical but her personality isn't doing much for me. The kind of films she's in doesn't help, either.
( *12* ) Carole Lombard ( *3* )
( *17* ) Claire Trevor ( *7* )
( *1* ) Doris Day ( *15* )
( *11* ) Ginger Rogers ( *14* )
( *3* ) Gloria Grahame ( *1* )
( *13* ) Grace Kelly ( *2* )
( *4* ) Kim Novak ( *4* )
( *2* ) Lizabeth Scott ( *20* )
( *7* ) Marilyn Monroe ( *8* )
I'd say the biggest upset to me is you liking Marilyn that much. I never knew.
*We pass each other like ships in the night only intersecting coordinates at Kim Novak.*
Hey, I like that! I could intersect with Kim.
*I think of all the blondes on your list, the surprise to me is the quiet Joan Fontaine. I didn't think she'd be dynamic enough for you. She's very unassuming. But I see your comment below her name. (You like listening to her).*
Well, you're mostly right. Joan isn't dynamic enough for me to love her. But I do enjoy her. She's a mousey girl I pull for.
*I hope you get to see her in "The Constant Nymph."*
I will add the film to the next group that I watch. I remember Konway (Hitch fan) talking about it a couple years ago.
*Looking over your list I see you're drawn to the actresses who are playful, sex kittens, who can laugh at themselves. They have poise and are romantic, but can hang on the playground. She'll give as good as she gets and her quietness makes you listen. The sexiness ranges from cutesy to lady-like to full-blown woman.*
I'm definitely drawn to playful and sexy. I can't think of a better combination.
*You have very broad tastes which should stand you in good stead for having a wide variety of "experiences" in your real life.*
Ha! I'm still in little league! All I do is strike out!
*But I know...I know...what we like in movies may NOT be what we like in real life.*
I'm certainly that way. I prefer a cute, playful girl in reality. I don't like the overly serious women who are above being silly. Proper women bore me. But I do like a lass with smarts. I like a girl I can talk to.
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My favorite blonde is Snippy. But after her...
1. *Gloria Grahame*
Favorite film: In a Lonely Place
Best performance: In a Lonely Place
Favorite character: "Mary Wells" in Roughshod
I love her sexuality. I like how she looks at a man. I like her "Betty Rubble" voice. I love her kind of troublemaking.
2. *Grace Kelly*
Favorite film: Rear Window
Best performance: Rear Window
Favorite character: "Francie Stevens" in To Catch a Thief
She's the most beautiful actress of all, to me. I love when she's playful. I love when she pouts. I love how she talks.
3. *Carole Lombard*
Favorite film: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Best performance: Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Favorite character: "Mrs. Smith" in Mr. and Mrs. Smith
She's the funniest actress, to me. I don't believe anyone plays petulant any better. I just love her childishness. I love her anger. I love her facial expressions. I love that she doesn't mind looking like a fool.
4. *Kim Novak*
Favorite film: Vertigo
Best performance: Strangers When We Meet
Favorite character: "Gillian Holroyd" in Bell, Book and Candle
The sexiest actress, to me. Kim could just stand still and move me. She's highly sensual. I like her whispering voice. I like when she cries.
5. *Jean Arthur*
Favorite film: Only Angels Have Wings
Best performance: Only Angels Have Wings
Favorite character: "Constance Milligan" in The More the Merrier
The best "gal pal," to me. It's Jean's humor, sweetness, and devotion that really appeals to me. I don't know if anyone portrayed a "regular girl" any better. I have often lowered Jean on my favorite rankings only to watch a new movie of hers and jump her right back up the list. Gee willickers, she's terrific!
6. *Madeleine Carroll*
Favorite film: The 39 Steps
Best performance: The 39 Steps
Favorite character: "Pamela" in The 39 Steps
My first classic film crush. She's so darn lovely. She's a near-perfect blonde, with me.
7. *Claire Trevor*
Favorite film: Raw Deal
Best performance: Raw Deal
Favorite character: "Helen Grayle" in Murder, My Sweet
So very underrated, so very good. Any film noir fan most likely adores Claire on some level. You can definitely count me as one. I love her fight.
8. *Marilyn Monroe*
Favorite film: Clash by Night
Best performance: Don't Bother to Knock
Favorite character: "The Girl" in The Seven Year Itch
I love the innocence of Marilyn. She's a little girl in a woman's body. She places this man in a spot. I'm turned on by her physically but I want to protect her innocence, all the same. I can't think of any other actress who elicits such a feeling from me.
9. *Marlene Dietrich*
Favorite film: Destry Rides Again
Best performance: Morocco
Favorite character: "Amy Jolly" in Morocco
One of the most romantic of all actresses. She almost always wins me over by film's end. I love her sensuality, her "quiet."
10. *Vera Miles*
Favorite film: Psycho
Best performance: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Favorite character: "Laurie Jorgensen" in The Searchers
Ahhhhh, Hitchcock and his lovely blondes. What I've always liked about Vera is her tomboy qualities. I like that she'll mix it up but then also show vulnerability. She's a good "playground" girl.
11. *Constance Towers*
Favorite film: The Naked Kiss
Best performance: The Naked Kiss
Favorite character: "Kelly" in The Naked Kiss
The Ford/Fuller girl has been one of the most pleasant of discoveries for me. She's sweet and sexy. I just love that mix. A "southern belle stripper"? Hmmmmmmmmmm...
12. *Veronica Lake*
Favorite film: This Gun for Hire
Best performance: This Gun for Hire
Favorite character: "Ellen Graham" in This Gun for Hire
I find Veronica to be bewitching. I love her tone. I always get the feeling she's hiding so much from me. I wish I could see more of her work.
13. *Janet Leigh*
Favorite film: Psycho
Best performance: The Manchurian Candidate
Favorite character: "Eugenie Rose Chaney" in The Manchurian Candidate
Can you tell I'm a Hitchcock guy who shares Hitch's tastes? Janet doesn't have the most inviting of personalities but she certainly is beautiful and quite sexy. I like her as a housewife. She was a brunette then.
14. *Ginger Rogers*
Favorite film: Stage Door
Best performance: Top Hat
Favorite character: "Jean Maitland" in Stage Door
She's a lot of fun. I like her snap and spunk. A wonderful sparring partner.
15. *Doris Day*
Favorite film: Teacher's Pet
Best performance: Teacher's Pet
Favorite character: "Erica Stone" in Teacher's Pet
I'm starting to enjoy her version of sweet and sexy. She has a very engaging personality that is mostly outward; she's not shy.
16. *Carroll Baker*
Favorite film: Baby Doll
Best performance: Baby Doll
Favorite character: "Baby Doll Meighan" in Baby Doll
An alluring actress who sometimes reminds me of Grace Kelly. I think she's underrated. I have liked how she has portrayed contrasting women.
17. *Miriam Hopkins*
Favorite film: The Smiling Lieutenant
Best performance: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Favorite character: "Princess Anna" in The Smiling Lieutenant
Miriam is an actress I'm just beginning to know. I have liked her in the small amount of times I've seen her. I've liked her young and in the lead and older in support. I really like her smile.
18. *Joan Fontaine*
Favorite film: Suspicion
Best performance: Rebecca
Favorite character: "Lisa Berndle" in Letter from an Unknown Woman
I always associate Joan with quietness. I don't know of too many actresses who deliver more quiet performances. I like "listening" to her. She really sneaks up on you.
19. *Barbara Bel Geddes*
Favorite film: Vertigo
Best performance: Caught
Favorite character: "Amy Lufton" in Blood on the Moon
Barbara is a little similar to Joan Fontaine but she usually reminds me of Shelley Winters. She has the "other" girl feel to her. She's on the cute side.
20. *Lizabeth Scott*
Favorite film: The Strange Love of Martha Ivers
Best performance: Too Late for Tears
Favorite character: "Jane Palmer" in Too Late for Tears
Liz can run hot and cold with me. I'm not that crazy about her looks or her voice, but I like her as an actress, especially in film noir. I like her presence.
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*Oh, now I remember. The guy who was her boyfriend was a real creep...I mean he was so nasty to her. Was it Steve Cochran? I don't even remember the chasers.*
Her husband was shacking up with her sister while she was away.
I didn't know of any of the male leads:
Matt, the husband - Charles Korvin
Ben, the doctor - William Bishop
Johnson, the feds - Barry Kelley
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*What was silly about it? I don't remember it too well.*
Sheila (Evelyn Keyes) helps her crooked husband smuggle in jewels but she is (unknowingly) affected with the small pox. So now she's a carrier who ends up leaving a trail of victims behind her. The cops want her for the jewels and the crisis folks want her for the small pox. All of that sounds good, but how it plays out just didn't do much for me. The male chasers are rather boring. They sure ain't Richard Widmark and Paul Douglas.
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*So why did you not like* *The Killer that Stalked New York very much? I only saw it once, but I liked it.*
I thought it was mostly silly. Maybe the topic matter isn't to my liking. I like *Panic in the Streets*, though. I thought that one was rather captivating.
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What a spectacular list of blonde favorites, CinemAva! Beautifully done. I love that you selected your favorite film and performance for each. I'm going to try and put together my twenty favorite blondes, too. I struggle with knowing if an actress is blonde or not.
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*She starts to feel "unseemly" emotions.*
That's a good word for it. She knows it's all wrong.
*I guess it makes us understand her thinking but it also undercuts reacting emotionally...and that may be the point. People should think before they act in such situations, but they seldom do and movies even seldomer show people thinking!*
Boy, ain't that the truth. I do think people fall into those two groups. I'm definitely a "thinker." I feel, but I will not follow my feelings. I will always stop myself.
*I completely agree. Kim Novak isn't your typical middle-aged housewife who feels stuck. Celia's portrayal feels much more real.*
*Absolutely more real, more relatable.*
Absolutely. Particularly for a woman.
*Well, he (Kim's husband) moved away every time his wife wanted to be intimate so there was something wrong with him in that area. Unless he was behaving that way because he knew about her previous affair(s).*
Oh, that's right. I forgot about that. He was definitely one who felt uncomfortable with sex and this pushed Maggie (Kim Novak) away. It's interesting how the two women are shown in each film. We see Maggie's willingness to try and be with her husband but he does push her away. This makes her feel rejected and lonely. With Laura, she's mostly feeling stuck in the routine of marriage (life). She's one of the parts of the routine. She shops every Thursday. That's just how it tends to be.
*You really have to look out or a movie can make you end up thinking almost anything is justifiable! They can be sneaky. And sad to say, it's amazing how much infidelity there is in classic movies. I mean, it seems like they're all about cheating! If not married couples, then someone always ends up leaving someone they're engaged to.*
I think it's because marriage is seen as unexciting. There's something more exciting about love at first blush and there is something more dangerous about affairs. Television seems to be a place where marriages are accepted more because television is about routine. It's about episode after episode, such as life. Movies are events.
*I figured it was something like that. It was kind of standard war fare, not my thing.*
I suppose it was standard fare. I haven't seen much of the genre to know. I liked the differing viewpoints at the start, but then they come together, more or less.
*Did you watch Men in War yet? That's a non-standard one I like.*
No I haven't. If you like it, that's saying something.
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Wow! That was sensational, Jackie! I think you explained your feelings quite well. And I thought you did an exceptional job of explaining the impact of the film and the feelings of Laura (Celia Johnson).
I think my never having been in love or in a relationship hurts me in feeling what Laura feels.
I can definitely see how you could get far more out of this film than me. I think that's fantastic.
I do have a question. If the focus was on Alec and not Laura, do you think you'd feel the same way about the film? The film is unique in that we only see one side of the affair when Alec also has a wife and children at home.
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Howdy, Denver -- *Just to put it to rest, I am not sure that the dad had ever tried something with young Elsa , to me it seemed like an undercurrent that lent an even creepier side to his control of her. For him, man's natural sex drive was tied up in some extremely twisted things in his own nature. I got the distinct feeling that his obsessing on the evil way men were with women was just a projection of his own confused and rather lurid, nasty feelings which he wanted to obliterate. Whether those feelings were about his own daughter is left maddeningly unclear, but the suggestion is there for me and that's enough.*
That's very astute of you. I agree with your supposition. There are definitely times when a person turns to strictness as a way to supress their own dark desires. They end up taking things out on others when it's themselves they are really trying to keep in line. I also believe many of these people seek salavation in control. Distrust is at the root of it all. The distrust of self, which leads to others.
*I am actually glad it is not addressed more fully. I like these kind of subtexts, but I like them to remain as such.... they add depth, but in the end they aren't too important to the main plotline, only in motivation of the characters.*
I feel the same as you. The story isn't about Joshua Knudsen, but you get the feeling Peckinpah is still saying something about him and his type in context with the overall story.
*I did think he was a hypocrite - especially if his own sexual feelings were the reason he kept such strict reign on Elsa. For him, sex and love were totally separate entities, in fact, they were mutually exclusive.....like parallel lines, they could not meet each other and combine within his strict religious convictions. A very sad thing, and almost the opposite of what I think the bible says.*
I'm far from qualified to speak about the Bible and what it says, but I do find there are quite a few who do wish to separate the two. Fear is often used to "scare straight." I don't think that's healthy.
*I got the idea that over time, his convictions became more and more strict, as he became more bitter and hateful, and as his daughter grew to womanhood. He didn't want to think about what the right thing was, he let fear of himself /or of her inner workings guide his actions, not his reason. He let his feelings lead him into the very evil he despises.*
The overprotective father to the extreme! Joshua saw the worst in everyone and every situation. As you say, fear is what's behind his actions.
*We all know what it is to stray, and we all know what it is to see a friend stray. It's beautiful the way this movie works it all out. In the end, it's the friendship of these two old men that provides the gold.*
That was nicely said. I agree.
*I like that McCrea isn't all high and mighty at the end. There is no greater thing than to show a friend that you respect them, to let them know that YOU knew all along that they were worth something.*
But he was tough on him! He jumped all over him! And it's because he expected more from him.
*Forgiveness is left out of the last scene, there is no need for it. Look at that last shot, McCrea is down low - he puts Scott up high in his esteem..... his estimation of his friend is where it should be...Scott is riding the High Country now.*
That's good! He is. He's once again riding along with his friend.
*The gunfight itself is very old fashioned - like we are told in history books how battles were fought, eye to eye, standing tall. The way Peckinpah shows us the two friends, dropped where one was wounded, the camera at eye level, making their last small talk. Then it moves up with Scott as he stands....he looms high in the sky for a moment.*
*As he turns to walk away, he says, "I'll see you later.", Scott's laconic tone is pitch perfect, it's a quiet double entendre, he's showing the kids there is nothing wrong, and at the same time he means he'll be going too, sometime soon. As Scott walks away in long shot, we return to McCrea, who turns his head and we follow his gaze. It's not a bad place to die, quite beautiful, in fact, with the mountains in the distance and the trees showing a crisp autumn coloring.... it looks clean and clear and good.*
And watching all of that made me realize Sergio Leone took a lot from *Ride the High Country*, particularly with *Once Upon a Time in the West*.
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Could you explain why you feel that way about *Brief Encounter*, Jackie? I know that can sometimes be difficult for you.
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*No, I don't wish them to be together. Mostly it's Celia's tone. I don't think she smiles in the entire movie. I find her a super serious woman, not really sad because she has nothing to be sad about. She's sensitive, but not terribly emotional. She reasons out her feelings, which I admire, but I can't relate. My brain goes on fire if I meet a man that interests me. Of course, it hasn't happened in years so maybe my pilot light is out.
* I'm pretty sure that's what I'm reacting to, as well. She's very guarded, and I completely understand why she is. The entire story is about Alec bringing Laura out of her shell, making her feel alive again and loved in a different way.
So I guess it's the entire restraint of it all that keeps me away, even though all of that restaint makes it a lovely tale.
*If I were to analyze why I like it more, I'd have to start with the fact that in SWWM, there is much more that is visceral (okay, superficial) going on.*
I'm with ya. I do prefer the visceral, too. We're shallow! I think your previous observation that Laura reasons out her emotions does make the feeling much less visceral with *Brief Encounter*.
*Kirk Douglas is about as far as you can get from British repression, except maybe Anthony Franciosa.
*And restraint!
*Plus, we can react to Kim as to a beautiful, sensual woman. A dream.*
Yes, I'm afraid her sexuality plays a big role with me. Maybe my masculinity is coming to the fore with affairs. *Brief Encounter* feels more like a feminine affair whereas *Strangers When We Meet* feels like more of a masculine affair. Or maybe it's the diffierence between British and American.
*Celia Johnson is a more down to earth, realistic example of a suburban housewife, especially at that time and place.*
I completely agree. Kim Novak isn't your typical middle-aged housewife who feels stuck. Celia's portrayal feels much more real.
*But I can't relate to Celia and I can relate to Kim even if I'm not remotely pretty like Kim. Kim had a crazy relationship with her mother, I can relate to that. She married what she thought was a real "catch", any woman can relate to that. She meets a dynamic guy who makes her feel attractive, that's a dream. This movie takes the same subject, but gives it an admittedly "Hollywood" treatment. The deck is stacked because no one really believes that two super stars are going to resist each other to the end. That's cheap. So the ultimate reason I like SWWM more is I have cheap tastes.
*I'm just as horribly cheap! I admit, I'm reacting to the tone and the characters.
*I'm so easy to manipulate. I hate adultery and anything that tries to make it "okay" and this movie does on some level. It demonizes the mates and that's the part I don't like about SWWM. Though Barbara Rush comes off okay, Kim's husband is basically screwed up sexually and that's all we ever know about him. We never get his point of view of anything like we do Barbara's.*
I thought Kim's husband and Fred Jesson were similar in that each trusted their wife and each was kind of caught up in what they were doing. Complete trust can sometimes be taken as uncaring.
*And you know the reason you like SWWM more is Kim Novak!*
She's a big reason! I was actually moved by the ending in that one, too. It's funny how movies can make you support adultery. Manipulative is right.
*Well, he probably felt it was his "duty". Does the movie question the rightness of that act or suggest that we should question it? I can't remember.*
Griff started off the film questioning the tactics of Kirby (John Wayne). Then he finds himself in Kirby's shoes and he starts to understand why Kirby did what he did and follows suit. There's no questioning of it, it's an agreement. The machine is greater than its people parts is the answer.
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*It's restrained and somewhat depressive in tone (to me). I prefer the tone of* *The Happy Friends, though I'm not a fan of Ann Todd.*
Why do you find it depressive? Do you wish them to be together? I do agree, I do find the tone to be mostly depressing. I'm reacting to her, mostly.
So why do I like *Strangers When We Meet* more?
*It's remarkable how all that is captured, mostly visually. We follow Celia's mind and how it works.*
She turns in a beautiful performance. There's nothing flashy about her performance yet it's quite spectacular.
*I don't remember the end.*
FLYING LEATHERNECKS SPOILED
Griff (Robert Ryan) basically commands his brother-in-law to his death.
The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread
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*I completely understand the platoon's reaction to Benson being hit. Who wouldn't want to go resuce but I was surprised at how careless they were. Go but take your guns.*
Good point. I don't see how you can just drop your gun.