CineMaven

"Not to worry, krueger69, I'll get to the bottom of that if I have to knock up every programmer at the TCM front office! Don't you worry about that!" - << ( babydiapers ) >> < Spit-Take!> Well...uhmmm...wear some 'protection'.

Wandering. Weaving and wending my way through my personal e-mail, FaceBook, Morlocks and Rupert Alistair's wonderful movie blog...I find myself here: http://www.yumasun.com/articles/edna-56961-hitchcock-corner.html ...And reading an interview of seventy-eight year old mother of three, grandmother of two, great-grand-mother of three Edna May Wolcott (Green) who played Teresa Wright's younger sister in Hitchcock's "Shadow Of A Doubt." It's worth a read and look-see. "Ann" seems to have grown up to be a very very lovely woman. I' happy my wanderings took me there.

I read this in this week's New York VILLAGE VOICE: "CLOCK WATCHERS Time's running out to see The Clock. "Watching the seconds go by sounds like the least enjoyable exercise we can imagine. But Christian Marclay, a pioneer of turntablism, has turned the passing of time into a thrilling 24-hour film called The Clock that galleries around the world are clamoring to show. Now in its last weekend at the Paula Cooper Gallery, the film splices together scenes from thousands of movies that show every minute of the day in real-time. So, for instance, when your watch says it's 5, you'll see clips of workers calling it quits for the day. Films and television shows included are Gone With the Wind, The Office, The Simpson, High Noon, and, of course, the many ticking devices in James Bond films. Starts at 10a.m., through February 19, Paula Cooper Gallery, 534 West 23rd Street, 212-255-1105." Dang it. I was away for the weekend and didn't see this...but it sounds interesting.

http://forums.tcm.com/jive/tcm/thread.jspa?messageID=8495413#8495413

http://forums.tcm.com/jive/tcm/thread.jspa?threadID=158321&tstart=0

ARE THERE ANY NOIRISTAS IN THE HOUSE???? Here are a few things that (hopefully) might interest you. http://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/sentinel-article/Liz-Scott.pdf http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/opinion/16wed4.html?_r=3&src=twrhp http://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/sentinel-article/Richard-Conte.pdf http://www.filmnoirfoundation.org/video.html

!! !! !! Well...right off the top of my pointed little noirista noggin' , what comes to my mind is Doris Day as the eponymous "Calamity Jane." Whip crack-away!!!! Good thread, Miss. G.

A DAY OF ?SUNSHINE? 'Ello there, Grimesy me boy: She does seem like an agreeable girl. I guess she just doesn't have one quality to hang her hat on other than she's an everyday kind of American girl. And that's pretty good to me. That's what I'm thinking; something that stands out. But there really were so many like that back then. But these are lovely qualities to have as a woman. Movie stars kind of need more pop and zing whether it's va-va-va-voom...or vulnerability. Uh-oh...there?s Teresa Wright, Cathy O?Donnell, Gail Russell...but you know what I mean. STAR QUALITY. In reality, I believe I'd get along with Laraine Day far more than I would Gloria Grahame or Kim Novak. It's just in film, I'm gonna be drawn more to Gloria and Kim. I like Laraine's "sunshine." Yeah...Kim and Glo-lo are not girls for mere mortal men, I?m afraid. Awwww, that's very sweet. So what happened to you? You must not have taken after your mom. Happy Birthday! Yeeeeeikes!! Oooh boy. Just the right compliment to have you cruisin? for a bruisin? with the fairer sex of this Board. Good luck. Jaxxxxxxxon, wassup??: Warm and playful is exactly how I see her, and I really like that...she seems like a heck of a lot of fun to be around, relaxed and charming with the least bit trying to be. And I think she's "pretty"... She seems very nice. Hell...now I want to go out with her. But I'd better stick to watching her films. She is very sunny, I think I like her because she reminds me of my mom, who was a very attractive woman and thought nothing of it.. She was a "people person" who made everyone around her comfortable and happy. Wow! Your mother sounds lovely Jackaaaaaaaay. Goddess, the Cats? Meow: While Laraine isn't a huge favorite, I always liked her so much more when I learned she married a guy like Leo Durocher. How come? He?s seemed like such a rough and tumble guy for this little lady. This is a little bit of a drive-by post 'cuz I'm on my way out the door to see Joan Rivers. But when I come back later tonite...I'll imdb the lovely Miss Day (and maybe the dashing Mr. Grant) and just look over their filmography. Maybe I've missed something. Take care guys.

(Breathe in...breathe out. Breathe deep). A-hem....okay Jacks. Let me know.

Okay, fair enough, Jackaaaaaaay. I'm easy. I'm no Cine-Ogre. Now see I just learned something. I didn't know Laraine (like Lulu Louise) did a foreign film. I'm surprised M-G-M loaned her out to a foreign studio. Bon. So I should look for "MONSIEUR DE LA CHANCE" then? Whose the male star ...Jean-Pierre Aumont, Jean Gabin, Boyer? Yves Mon....... WAIT A COTTON FRIGGIN' PICKIN' MINUTE????!!!! THAT'S "MR. LUCKY"?????!!!!HEY!!!!!! Aaarrgh! And "*@!" to boot. Okay. I'm a woman of my ( < grits teeth > ) word. Where do I find "Mr. Lucky"? (Well...it could be worse. It could be "None But the Lonely Heart." I wasn't crazy about Cary Grant in a certain period).

Saaay, I didn't know you felt that way. (My sister has the same name but spelled Lorraine). Easy breezy...no affectation...non-actress-y...those are my kind of qualities that attract my attention many times. I've seen her in the Dr. Kildare series. I've seen her in Hitchcock's "Foreign Corres- pondent." Maybe I never ever did give a real fair shot 'cuz she never stood apart from any of the others of the time in a real distinct way. But hey, as a Maven, I must keep an open mind. So tell me Jackaaaaaaaay, which one of Laraine's films which you recommend I see to get a real sense of her? I'll watch it. I'll give it a shot. (You won't say "Mr. Lucky" will ya? Oh Lord, it's gonna be "Mr. Lucky" isn't it?) Maybe Gifford would have been a better choice for that one, she has a more mysterious demeanor and a more glamorous unknowable persona. Might I add I wouldn't necessarily cast Frances Gifford in that part. The role in "The Locket" needs someone else...something else. But I like what you wrote about her and would watch it just for her. Edited by: CineMaven on Feb 15, 2011 9:18 AM

"I stick my neck out for nobody." - <<< Rick Blaine >>> I also will never understand how Bogart could send Ingrid Bergman away in "CASABLANCA" after she looks at him with those eyes... "...I wish they could just have put everything aside for their love, but Bogie knew best. He did what was best for her, because he loved her..." - <<< butterscotchgreer >>> "Ah, Maven...In other words, he saw the big picture..." - <<< lzcutter >>> Yes. Well of course, yes. Yes Lynn, you and Baby T. are absolutely right. He did what was best and he saw the bigger picture. And he didn't do it lightly; Ilsa didn't walk to that plane easily. It is sometimes hard to do what's right. His sacrifice helps makes this the classic that it's become. I don't know if I could make the sacrifice. Could you??

Grimesy...hey, that's Ramsay Ames on the slab there. lz...may I have what Bronxie's having? (Rod on the half-shell. Yummy. My mouth's watering). Thank you for the "honey" of a thought for Valentine's Day. And how did you and Mr. Cutter celebrate???

I've never wanted to even see "Mr. Lucky." Perhaps I oughta give it a chance. Naaaaah, I know I'll never see it. "Guest In The House" was great!!! I also will never understand how Bogart could send Ingrid Bergman away in "CASABLANCA" after she looks at him with those eyes. << SIGH! >> Consolation prize is Claude Rains' friendship. << SIGH! >>

OH for pity's sake.. WHAT was up with THAT. ha. If I had any REAL major criticisms with this movie.. that would be one of them, for sure. The double flashback didn't bother me as much Mrs. Leo Durocher. I never "got" Laraine Day. Oh she was pretty enough, but she always seemed bland to me...no spark. (keep those cards & letters coming folks). And why Laraine and not Frances Gifford? Now I ask you...where's the justice? "The Locket" was okay.

Why do I feel like those are the words you say to me before you force me off the bridge and walk off into the sunset with Burt? Or is it this?! I love the screencap of Bette (and at the end...she still loved the man she killed). But you wrong me. You wound me. You cut me to the quick, Grimesy. It was not I with the skillet. (Tulla is my 'tall in the saddle' witness and besides, I don't know HOW to cook). Nor is it I with that revolver. I fear your fate will be similar to Eddie G.'s in "SCARLET STREET" clothes tattered, smelling of alcohol and paint, babbling incoherently. I can make out a few words. Speak up. Something about... "Snippy...Snippy. I want to paint your masterpieces. I have 10Ks...come back Snip-----" You fall to the pavement with an ugly thud. Glo-lo kicks you while you're down and skips away. But keep those post-a-comin'!!!

Grimesy me boy...congratulations on reaching the big 10K. You've been a great film enthusiast! Many more.

Ahhhhh Bronxie Bronxie. "The Shrike"??? What manner of love IS this? I feel the pang...of thorns. Have a great "V" Day y'all. Fellas, treat your ladies right today. You can be your regular selves tomorrow. ;-)

"THE LOCKET." A flashback within a flashback...within a flashback. The psychology was pretty simplistic ( "No I didn't steal the necklace." ) But it was a good flick nonetheless. I never could get a handle on Laraine Day's career.

Aaaaaaaaaaah, that's a clarion call if ever I read one. I'll pass the torch before I'm burned. But you're right about that walk into the sunset. Noirish-lite. But what can I say, I liked the female-centered drama. And I love Lizabeth Scott.

You're in. YOU'RE IN!!!! HOWDY DO, there Miss Maven, ma'am. Glad you got to watch Tall in the Saddle, youngun'. And PS: I think it is "the bee's knees' (ha) seeing you hanging out around the western side of town lately, little lady. I come in peace, Peacemaker! Hopin' I don't get my head blowed off when the westerners see me perpetratin'. I like to call films like this one "popcorn" movies.. because I get a mental picture of a young kid (in the 30's or 40's) just sitting there in the front row munching away on a big bag of popcorn, eyes glued to the movie screen as he is watching the cowboys ropin' and ridin' and shooting up the bad guys. But that is NOT to say that is a bad thing.. ha, because I think "popcorn movies" are fun to watch (and to quote Dr. Seuss: "Fun is good") ha. My dad was that young kid. And I'm that girl many times with 50's sci-fi films. *** This is the sexiest I?ve ever seen John Wayne. I know...I know. I have not even seen HALF of John Wayne?s movies so I realize I?m making this declaration without any full fair knowledge of his entire oeuvre of films OH girlie.. you need to see HONDO. (really) Really? For real? Hmmmm.. I did not get a "feminine" feeling... more of a quiet self assurance. (I LOVED him baking bread in the cabin w/ Gabby.. ha.. wearing his little "towel" apron.. TOO cute.. and yet very natural looking) I noticed that too Ro. I always watch the piece of business the director gives the actor to do or what the actor chooses to do. When I saw him grease the pan I wondered..."is he really cooking on the set?" And he was delivering plot points too. He did not really have much concern for whether the ladies were melting into their shoes all around him or not.. and yet.. there they were.. melting away, ha. And OH me.. speaking of "self assured... I mentioned this the other day... the purposeful way he just walked straight up to that drunk guy in the street (and warned him to back off or else) THAT was something. (and very "UN-westerny.. most movies.. he'd have put the guy down in the ground) I LIKED the way he did not go all "macho"and yet.. he was VERY manly. I loved that scene too. I had seen the movie before, but I didn't remember anything about the Clews boys. THAT was almost way more powerful than outgunning the son-of-a-gun. But I don't know if the Clanton boys of "My Darling Clementine" would have passed up the chance to take a pot shot at him. **** I thought Ella Raines was channeling the self-assurance of Lauren Bacall. And yet she had a vulnerable side too.. I really liked it. (and I got the Barbara Stanwyck" feel from her too.. sort of a la The Furies). But THANKS for giving me the "thing" I have trying to figure out about Ella ever since the other day.. she IS a bit "Lauren Bacall-ish. I really am not all the familiar with her as an actress and that is what I have been trying to pin down about her. Vulnerability. Yes. When she was introduced to Clara and her mean ol' biddy of an aunt, her greeting was very quiet and humble. When she got attitude from the aunt, she stiffened up. But her vulnerability showed in how much she hated wanting Rocklin. I hope you see Ella in some other movies. I don't know that she's ever so animated again...but I find there's lots to like about her. **** Have pity on me Ro! Uhmmmm...by the way, do you know how to bake Devil?s Food Cake? All for you little darlin'. I am doomed! And I thought you were a pal!

Definitely the sets and some of the moments. My least favorite part of the film is when Paula (Lizabeth Scott) is in her room, thinking of Eddie while a storm is going on outside. Then we go to Eddie, pining for her. Sigh. Haaaaahaaaa. I'm laughing 'cuz for some reason...I knew that'd be the part. And see, this is the part where I'm looking at the fashion. (A commercial break from the plot). I was lovin' Lizabeth's clothes and the color scheme and her big picture window. Johnny was very into Eddie. I also thought the mother-daughter relationship was twisted. Mary Astor was playing "Big Mommy." Her crazy pianist in "The Great Lie" foreshadows this performance. Ha! Yeah. But this was soooo early in his career. It was. But his first two films had him playing more interesting guys. It was a disappointment for me to see Burt like this. I understand. Nothing to pin your hat on, watching him standing around moping and pining for a spoiled brat and Chicawa Falls Awwww let him stand there and let me ogle. No! Whew! You're tough. Did you notice the other blonde...from "Too Late for Tears"?? No. Who did she play? Did she play Miss G? You know, the snobby girl with her mom. Uh-oh....welll, Yes and No: Yes, Kristine Miller, Lizabeth's 'sister-in-law' in "...Tears." No, I don't know how Miss G is with her Mother.

It depends if you like soap opera or not. I used to watch soap operas, so I like my share of soap. This one didn't do much for me. There's a lot of artificiality with Desert Fury. Whachu talkin' 'bout Willis? Artificiality...the sets...the emotion? There was some darkness in "Desert Fury" for me. Such as... Okay, let me say...twisted. I don't have a problem with it being viewed as a film noir. It has some twisted elements. Yeah, the Mother & Daughter liking the same man; the man liking the daughter who reminded him of another woman; and how close were Johnny and Eddie? And that's about all he was. Burt is usually more compelling. But he was playing the "good girl" in this one. Ha! Yeah. But this was soooo early in his career. Awwww let him stand there and let me ogle. Interesting dynamic between Wendell Corey and John Hodiak. Definitely. That was the best part of the film, for me. Johnny's (Wendell Corey) shrinking of Eddie (John Hodiak) was my favorite moment. I didn't like what happened after that. I hear ya. Soap op'ry. ...I thought it was interesting to see Mary playing such a character. Quite a change from what I'm used to with her. She was rather unnerving." Hmmmm, 'round the time she played Marmee in "Little Women." Yeah...she was a harridan. "Turn that wheel!!!!" Pure soap! Yeah, who'm I kidding. But a deeply twisted soap. Did you notice the other blonde...from "Too Late for Tears"?? Icy. Sorry you didn't like it more. I hate for folks to feel like they're wasting their time.

Oooh, I hate the word soap opera sometimes. Makes me feel somethin's made diminutive. There was some darkness in "Desert Fury" for me. Perhaps not a true noir, even though it's been touted as a color noir. Burt Lancaster was lovely window dressing. Interesting dynamic between Wendell Corey and John Hodiak. Astor as Fritzie barking out orders I guess is my cup o' tea. Lizabeth played with fire and nearly got burned. But yes, she did have more edge in "Too Late For Tears." She went off the deep end. Literally. "Turn that wheel!!!!"

Oh...well, if you like her in it...then that's a ringing endorsement. No? I like her pouty and petulant.