CineMaven

WoW...Sounds like "Daktari."

Hi there FoxyRey. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many happy returns of the day. Are you 12? (Adam-12)??

Hi Bronxie. My sincere condolences to your family. :-(

"He's like a dark Jimmy Stewart in the body of Robert Mitchum." WHOA!!! That imagery gave me a quick jolt in the morning!! John Payne...who knew?

What?s cookin? good-looking - I'm envious as envious can be! I'm still amazed by how generous New York has been to Fritz Lang. They've had, I believe, three Lang film festivals in the past four years. What can I say? We New Yorkers are a generous people. And we know a good thing when we see it. Now will somebody take all this snow away!!! Oooooh, I like that. I really like that. Gloria seemed to always play characters that were her own doing and undoing. She just cannot resist. I think she is really like a moth to a flame. Or could she be needy? Or unable to stand up on her own two feet? I dunno. But it?s a vicarious thrill I love to watch. Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed to hear the audience was that into the film. That's wonderful. Ohhh I had an altercation with some weirdo who wanted to put his coat & junk on top of my things that was in the empty seat next to me. But the audience was quite respectful to the film. And that made it a great experience. You've got it. I'd say that scene is the most defining in Gloria's career. By the way, there's a thread for you: "Most Defining Scene or Image in a Performer's Career." Or even just your personal favorite scene or image. Capital idea, my good Grimes. I?ll work on that. A very interesting point. The women definitely play a prominent role in The Big Heat. Most of them take major chances. I wonder what will happen to Glenn Ford?s little daughter in "THE BIG HEAT"?...thinking her Mom?s on a trip and hearing the ?poor little kittens who lost their mittens? story for the 1,000th time. Yikes! Did you notice the Glenn?s brother-in-law Army buddies scene? The little girl was in the room when one of the men?s guns was out on the table. I say again...?YIKES!!? The end of "Human Desire" is a little similar to that of "Out of the Past." Vicki is playing "Jeff Bailey." Glenn Ford is playing "Ann Miller." Once again, Gloria Grahame is sacrificial. MINI-SPOILERS - Hmmmmmm...interesting. I gotta tell ya, man...to have Glenn look at those dance tickets while Gloria lies in a heap like a sack of Idaho potatoes, or to see Eddie G. walk down that scarlet street practically babbling to himself or taking that poison...there always seems (well...not always - I?m not a Langian aficionado) to be some kind of point/counter-point. Is that a German thing or what?? That's the most perfect double-feature for me. One is Lang's dream and other is his nightmare. Man, ain?t THAT the truth!! I don?t remember feeling soooo danged hopeless. Whew!! Now I actually did see the movie before. But there's something about seeing it on the big screen. Must you twist the knife?! Talk about cruel! Cruel? Ohhhhhh, so you'll take it from a beautiful brunette like Joanie. Is Pennsylvania so far from NYC. Come on down. The weather... is...uhmmmm...fine. You know, I never heard of Margaret Lindsay until Scarlet Street. She's excellent. She's the "honest" girl with tired dogs. Then there's "Lazy Legs." She was, wasn?t she. She was in many 30's films. Worked with Bette Davis & Paul Muni. But Kitty is so darn irresistible! I've said this a couple times on this board, but one of the reasons ?Scarlet Street? is my favorite classic film of all is that I find it to be hilarious. I laugh at Kitty. I think she's a riot. How she carries on just kills me. I don't know if there is a more fun character in film noir than Kitty. Irresistible?? WoW! I love my lethal ladies. I love them heartless...but that?s when they pick on somebody their own size...a Mitchum, Ryan, Kirk, Burt, MacGraw, Quinn, O?Brien, Dana, Mature. But Eddie G. wore an apron for gosh sakes. Have a heart, Grimesy. Kitty doesn?t.

Sweet Baby T...it's past your bedtime - Frankly I agree with you! Heehee! The girl always looked so mysterious with a spark of evil in her eye. Although I must say that her character in Human Desire isn't as complex as "Debbie" in Heat, for me. I don't see evil. What I see is a mischievous promise for all those brave lucky men. My preference is GLO-LO as Debbie rather than as Vicki. I found "THE BIG HEAT" much more interesting. Watching Broderick Crawford bellow is not quite my idea of a good time...though I do like him in "ALL THE KING'S MEN." That picture you posted below of Gloria is absolutely stunnnnning!!! Now, go to bed!!!

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED: A DOUBLE DOSE OF GLO-LO...WITH A DASH OF BENNETT FOR GOOD MEASURE There?s a Fritz Lang retrospective at NYC?s Film Forum. And even with the very packed house of film enthusiasts, it?s just what the doctor ordered for my winter doldrums as I brave the wea- ther here. Last weekend my two days of movie-going featured watching star turns by glorious Gloria Grahame and languid Joan Bennett. Between the two of them, they raised the collective temperature inside the Film Forum considerably. Icebergs wouldn?t stand a chance. The first double-feature spotlighted our very own GLO-LO in all her kittenish glory in Fritzie?s "HUMAN DESIRE? and "THE BIG HEAT.? Poor Gloria...the girl can?t help it. It?s just the way she?s drawn. There?s no respite for her ( or us ) even when she?s wearing a long-sleeved turtle- neck. As Vicki in "...DESIRE? and Debbie in "...HEAT? Gloria has made pacts with brutish devils and big-time operators. In the hypnotic setting of the packed, darkened movie theatre, where you could hear a pin drop throughout the screening (just the way I like it), Gloria looms larger than life. Whew! She?s a heat-seeking missile. When Lee Marvin (as Vince) destroys her looks in the most dastardly way, it sort of elevates Gloria to iconic heights b?cuz now that one is not distracted by her looks and manner, you can concentrate on her performance which I?m sure you were concentrating on in the first place. (Yeah, right). Almost all the women in ?THE BIG HEAT? were "sisters-under-the-mink" in more ways than one. They were burned, scalded, blown-up, limping and tossed away. They were expendable. Jeanette Nolan (excellent here) plays the Commissioner?s wife. She could hide behind respect- ability. But her hands were not clean. And she, too, paid the piper when Gloria came a-calling. In ?HUMAN DESIRE? Gloria is pimped out by her loutish husband to get his job back and then is hassled by her husband when she does what she needs to do to get his job back. (Robert Stack with Dorothy Malone in "Tarnished Angels"). Now I ask you, is that any way to treat your wife? A girl can't win! Gloria is a woman trapped by circumstances, not quite of her making. How does a girl get herself in these predicaments? Oh, I know. So we have her trapped in a loveless marriage. And trapped by hubby?s murderous actions. Her fate is sealed with her first kiss to Glenn Ford in ?...DESIRE? and she couldn?t get out of its way. Gloria could take it and dish it out (with a pistol or a hot pot o? coffee). But geez she sure did "take it" a lot. Men want to own her and that never works...for her. She was a moth who flew too close to the flame. The next day I went back for more. This time Lang sent JOAN BENNETT to put us through our paces in ?WOMAN IN THE WINDOW? and ?SCARLET STREET.? Now I actually did see the movie before. But there's something about seeing it on the big screen. I didn't quite remember a lot of things as the story unfolded. (I remember one thing... LOVING Margaret Lindsay as Kitty's wise friend. Her appearance was all too brief). There may or may not be a ramble about ?SCARLET STREET? so I won?t jump out there. But let me just say Lang used Bennett to good effect as Kitty. She was beautiful. She was a masochist. And she was a sadist. She?s got Edward G. Robinson by the...heart and us by the throat. Boys, do your- self a favor. If you see Kitty coming your way run...don?t walk to the safety of the nearest girl-next-door.

I'm into pizza. I've never seen that film SueSue. Aaaah, movie nites.

Off the top o' my pointed head...I'd say that these directors wanted to possess her...put their imprint on her instead of letting her be her wild mad mod self. Or perhaps she wanted to be considered a "Serious Actor."

Thanx for the reply.

Oh boy. Do you think any man is even looking at her face in that bikini shot? I saw Julie recently in "AWAY FROM HER." What a sweet sad sad story. She has aged. She has definitely aged...beautifully, I must say. She's one of the actresses whose movies I saw when they were released and she was beautiful. Helmut-haired and all. I'll take her over Justin Bieber. P.S. Guys....GUYS!!! Pam Grier will be on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Thursday! Edited by: CineMaven on Feb 2, 2011 4:32 PM

Ummm...yes... let's leave Virna and more kidlings outta this! Yikes! - << (( JackFavell ))>> HA!!! THAT cracked me up, Jackaaaaaaaaay. No little male Favells to help shovel out during those winter months. < Sigh! > *** That picture you posted of Virna Lisi today Miss Goddess is lovely. My gosh, she's still beautiful. It'd be kind of tough to go from "MEG RAMSEY" to this...but I wish I could be a successful director. There's so many actresses that I would STILL put in movies today at the drop of a hat: Virna, Anouk, Sophia, Angie, Jeanne Moreau, Leslie Caron, and I'd die to work with Catherine Deneuve and Edy Williams. No wait.... Oh well...I can dream, can't I? :-(

Awwwwww...so cute. Uhm....at this point in the....uhmmmm proceedings...let's just leave Virna outta this.

That's a breadwinner and provider for ya! Throw in a Jack LaRue film. Or perhaps...Virna Lisi? Let's see if she can compete with a 1040 Form.

THE MAVEN'S MAVEN Hi there. I have a good good friend who was my college classmate. He knows movies. Let me tell you, he knows Movies. He should really write a book...but that's another story. He is actually MY maven re: classic films. I asked him to give me his thoughts about ELLA RAINES. I told him I thought she needed defending over here on the Message Board and that I was too emotional to put forth cogent intelligent reasons for my liking her; that I was actually kind of lost. So I asked him (good or bad) to tell me what he thought of her. I didn't share the opinions from here. I wanted his independent thoughts. And here they are: <<<< (( ROBERT'S THOUGHTS ON ELLA RAINES )) >>>> "First off here, I don't see that Ella Raines needs defending! She was an attractive woman of demonstrable ability who contributed positively to a number of films, many of which are probably more highly regarded today than when new. I'm thinking here of her Sturges and Siodmak pictures especially and other noirs that were probably the lower half of double bills. Being contracted to Universal, she didn't really have an opportunity to become a star of the first rank; even on loan, she wasn't cast in "major motion pictures" and didn't get the top leading men. Actually, even at a studio with greater resources, I don't think she could have become a major star at that time, for two reasons. One: Her acting, very modern I think, was simple, straightforward, and direct. She did not indulge in the histrionics which still today gain the greatest attention, reviews, and awards. Two: Truth to tell, she was not the prettiest girl on the block. I certainly don't mean she was not good-looking and attractive, but I think her appeal to those of us who love her has less to do with her face and figure and more to do with her presence on screen as a young woman who was independent, smart, resourceful, and loyal. These are the qualities that made her so effective in noirs, westerns, and the few comedies she was in. She was the Girl Next Door, but a new wartime girl, rarely seen at home in an apron, but more likely in the city with a job that she was good at. She didn't "act sexy" in the conventional manner, except in "Phantom Lady" when her character was impersonating a vamp. In her pin-ups, she usually looks bemused, and sometimes even annoyed, as if she were not comfortable putting on an act while still ostensibly being Ella Raines, herself. She was too honest to be a real Movie Star, but that's what made her such a fine actress and made her characters so real and appealing. Well, I see that what I have done is sort of elaborated on her Lost Women of Hollywood entry. Pointed out reasons that her career never really took off, but these are also the reasons for her appeal. She was very much of her time, but so different from the, sometimes more successful, competition. Like the greatest stars, she didn't remind you of anyone else. I hope this helps, but it has been fun putting together some thoughts about her. Bob"

Well...now...what have we here. With your better half home, you guys can watch movies...or something. "Oh baby it's cold outside..." (Esther Williams/Ricardo Montalban)

Quick question for you Movieman...what are your thoughts on Ella Raines? **** > Wonderful responses, as always M'Ava. Thank you ma'am. Loved your retorts, rebuttals and responses as well. You know how to hold your own. I'll call you when I need a lawyer! *** SNOW! SNOW! GO AWAY. COME AGAIN ANOTHER-- NO WAIT! DON?T COME BACK...EVER!! > Yes, never EVER. And for those who need snow every winter, we'll remind them there's alwaysthe train to Saskatchewan. D'OH!! Br-r-r-r-r! *** > I like this idea, too! Because until Maureen came along, I thought Duke worked best off of Gail > and Ella. Two different types, to be sure, but each seemed to bring out something different. Like > Jackie said, he was tops in the reaction department, especially with the dames. Grimesy'll never do it, but it was a thought. I never thought about John Wayne being a Reactor. And isn't that some of what acting is about...RE-acting? *** > Did she work with Anthony Franciosa? HA! Let's make a list. What actors need to get a good ol' fashion tongue-lashing by the Fierce and Fiery SUSAN HAYWARD: 1. Dan Duryea 2. Richard Widmark 3. Anthony Franciosa 4. Henry Daniell 5. Lee Bowman ...for good measure That's a good start. We can throw Agnes Moorhead and Judith Anderson in there to finish 'em off. *** > Sounds like the next good Noir ramble should be on Scarlet Street? All I want to know about that movie is Lang making fun of modern art by using those terrible paintings of Lazy Legs? If not... I think Lang was making a statement about a coupla things in that film. Whew! It was bleak. *** > Yes, that was her husband...an officer I believe, though I'm not sure what branch of the service. I thought I read somewhere that one of the reason for her not having a big career is that she chose to go with him when he was stationed elsewhere. Captain or General Robin Olds I wanna say. (Trusting my trivia knowledge without going the imdb route). AirForce I think...but don't quote me. She picked marriage over a career. *** I love the close-up shot you posted of her with the Duke from ?TALL IN THE SADDLE.? I see chemistry. I feel it. I've got to pull that DVD out from under my pile and give it a more recent looksee. > Me, too, it's been a long time. That would be good for a Western 'ramble'. (But don't forget next Tuesday is The Hanging Tree...The Hanging Tree...The Hanging Tree!!! Oops! Sorry, I got carried away. Uhmmmm...so I'm guessing you're looking forward to...THE...HANGING...TREE. Be careful walking...the streets are slick. And I don't wanna hear: "GODDESS DOWN!!! GODDESS DOWN!!! ;-)

Hey there GRIMESY, VIRNA and MISS 24K...I have had a fantastic time reading your defense and thoughts on Ella Raines. I?m so happy seeing her discussed. (?It?s when they stop mentioning your name, that you should worry...?) Ella Raines is not the first name that comes to mind in the classic film buffs? collective memory. But maybe I can fall on the mercy of the court and entreat MOIRA FINNIE to do a story on her over at Rancho Oasis or at the Movie Morlocks site. JACK FAVELL writes: The problem I think is that Ella remained a B actress - she just doesn't have the canon of work that a Joan Bennett or an Ann Sheridan has. She doesn't have a big studio behind her, plumping her up for a huge next role... Jackaaaaaaay, there?s something in what you say there, boy. She is self assured, and unabashedly smart, she makes it look cool and even fun to be smart. Even if her character is supposed to just sit and wait for her man, she is no shrinking violet, or cooing dove of a girl. She plays the good girl like a bad girl and I really love that straight ahead, no-holds-barred fight in her. She's a tomboy, with real long legs and a smashing smile, but she's not full of herself or sensitive. She's happy. Happy with herself and with her job. I love those vulnerable actresses like Ingrid Bergman and Jennifer Jones whose emotions are at their finger tips and our heart strings...and the kittenish coquettes like GLO-LO or Marilyn. But I do like those straightforward actresses too. I want to watch "Tall in the Saddle" next, but I have about 5 movies I need to watch first. I've been slow watching lately because of Hal Roach, and also because of the bad weather - this is the fifth or sixth snow day we've had and I can't sit and watch movies when the kidling is home! SNOW! SNOW! GO AWAY. COME AGAIN ANOTHER-- NO WAIT! DON?T COME BACK...EVER!! I was just thinking about Dana Andrews in BYOOL and Ox-Bow a little while ago - when Maven mentioned curly haired fellas, and I thought about how vulnerable he is.... even in Laura, he's got his weak spot, as Waldo so nastily points out. whew! He may be the most sensitive tough guy ever. By Jove, I think you?re right. I never thought of him in those terms, but you?ve made me see the light. Poor baby...I?ll wipe his brow when he wakes up with the sweats. I could see him in Milland?s part in ?THE LOST WEEKEND.? Regis Toomey was amazing - I have NEVER seen him so .... creepy! This ain't no Meet John Doe! Haha! He looked pretty goofy to me as one of the cops. Did Regis make more movies than John Ridgely? ***** How do Frankie G. - Duryea is probably my favorite snake of all time. He gets under your skin with his vocal delivery. Again, it's his tone. And he's such a constant blinker. He played the same type in ?THE LITTLE FOXES.? Weasly. Weak.The one actress that I can think of off the top of my head that sent Duryea scurrying, was LIZABETH SCOTT in ?TOO LATE FOR TEARS.? She got too money crazy even for him.There?s very few actors that affect me the way Duryea does. I have a Pavlovic reaction...when I see him I immediately want to slap his face. He might be neck and neck in the Weasly Snake Department with early Richard Widmark. He was the hateful type too. (Re: GAIL RUSSELL): I just love how she makes me feel about her and her characters. I also love that she can smile and show excitement. She played off John Wayne extremely well in "Angel and the Badman." It's a very "warm" performance by her. I just love how Ella makes me feel about her and her characters. But you know Grimesy, it?d be interesting to read a comparative essay from you on the chemistry between John Wayne and Gail Russell and John Wayne and Ella Raines in ?ANGEL AND THE BADMAN? and ?TALL IN THE SADDLE? respectively; including, (besides the chemistry), the actresses? personas in each film...warm/cold...needy/self-sufficient and what they each bring out in The Duke. (Re: SUSAN HAYWARD): Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm not keen on Susan because she's always angry and blowing smoke. I can take that if she'd show another side. When she does, I tend to like her. It's just the majority of the time, she's looking to rip people's heads off. Ha!!! I wish she?d have worked with Dan Duryea. There was a stronger edge to The Killers. It's a cruel film. Lots of messed up people. And I do think our sensibilities come into play with that. I prefer film noir to be dark more so than light. I like ?THE KILLERS? but I admit...I get lost weaving and wending my way through the plot. The glue that holds my attention throughout, is Burt Lancaster and Ava Garner. But the cruelest film has got to be ?SCARLET STREET.? It was unrelenting. Edward G. Robinson?s character was mashed up in the circumstances but good! How can that be the same actor who later appears in ?KEY LARGO?? These are the ten actress you say you wish you could have dated: 10.Madeleine Carroll 9. Linda Darnell 8. Cathy O'Donnell 7. Colleen Gray 6. Constance Towers 5. Gail Russell 4. Myrna Loy 3. Vera Miles 2. Kim Novak 1. Joan Bennett ***** Hey there Miss G. - You like actresses that flirt. I think you might have whittled things down to the psychological kernel of it all for Grimesy, Dr. Freud. I like Ella a lot, and she seems like the kind of girl guys...especially American men...go ga ga for because she's a "pal". She'll go to the ball game, go fishing and hunting with them. Yet she's nice, kind and not witchy at all. I?m inclined to agree with you. And then again some men probably still are not happy. In fact, of the pictures you posted over at the Noir Gallery (which were GREAT), there was one shot of Ella that I thought totally illustrated what you say. (It's my favorite becuz she's so unaware and relaxed). You posted a picture of Ella playing cards with (I assume) her husband. She?s so casually sexy in her shorts...and look at how their legs touch and the general closeness between them; their togetherness. She looks like Moms... wholesomely sexy. (Pssst!! I hear ya Grimesy...you probably say that this does not translate over to her reel life performances very effectively). I love the close-up shot you posted of her with the Duke from ?TALL IN THE SADDLE.? I see chemistry. I feel it. I've got to pull that DVD out from under my pile and give it a more recent looksee. That is certainly true...she looks like Gene Tierney but acts like Debbie Reynolds...by that I mean she doesn't act like her looks suggest. HA!! I like that! P.S. Oh, and may I take a stab at those monocled lovelies you posted with Charles Coburn. From top left-to-right, I?d say: Maureen O?Sullivan, Ann Sheridan, Spring Byington, Charlotte Greenwood, Ann Rutherford (not Margaret Rutherford, Movieman), Jane Wyman, Yvonne DeCarlo, Ella Raines and Alexis Smith. ***** Well, I think I'll go to YouTube and watch Ella in "THE WEB." I've never seen it. Now, I'm not sure if she shows a different side to her...but seeing her behind a desk in a nice tailored outfit...I feel comforted in her girl Friday persona. So few actresses were shown working in an office back then. An exec'd know he can count on her. And she makes it look good too. Miss Goddess, thanx again for spotlighting her over at the Noir Gallery. I'm so happy ELLA RAINES is engendering such discussion here. A SPOTLIGHT ON THIS UNSUNG ACTRESS!!

That color shot of Ava is to die for! Jean Simmons is a dream. I love the football player's hair. I could lost in there for days. Finally, we can solve the Jimmy Hoffa mystery. Bujold's a cutie. Love your thread SueSue.

Top O' The Afternoon To Ya, G-Man - I like Liz as an actress, I'm just not attracted to her. I'm also not drawn to the kind of films she starred in. It's the kind of film that Father of the Bride is that is the deterrent for me, more than anything. But I'll watch anything. Uh-oh...that doesn't bode well...but I hope you find something to enjoy about it. Hey, I know...just concentrate on the great Spencer Tracy. It's his movie really. He loses his only daughter, and his place as The Man in her life. ****** Is it just me or am I being a meanie for wanting Dan Duryea to be beaten within an inch of his life. Ooooh he's so hateful!!!! And cowardly!!! Dang...where's Susan Hayward when you need her!!! He's fantastic! And I'm glad you think so horribly of him. Now that's acting! Alright now...then Danny acted the hell outta that part; actually both parts ("Scarlet Street" "Woman in the Window"). ****** No, no love for Ella, just yet. I need to see her in another role. What would you suggest? Hmmmm...that's a tough one. I can't think of anything you might like her in. No gear shifts? That's disappointing. I keep wanting a playfulness or excitement with her. She's not very natural. She's more on the "cold" side than "warm" side. For example, Gail Russell can be similar, but Gail has a warm smile and can be playful. Grace Kelly is someone who mostly has a flat style to her, and you know that I adore her. But, thanks to Hitch, I've seen her flirty and playful and bewitching. I've yet to see any of this with Ella. She's a straight line. Yes, I felt she handled what was asked of her in Phantom Lady. She met the situations. But I keep looking for something that is "Ella." Something that's not in the script. I haven't found her. You make a good point...and I understand what you're saying about her. But funny, even with all you say, there's something about her that touches me. ******* Ella is like still waters. I want a ripple! I know Bubby...I know. Joan Bennett was languid. I love languidity! Joan knows how to talk. Her tone is excellent. It actually is "languid." It's nice and slow and seductive. Veronica Lake is another who does the same. You know, I think you hit on something. Ella doesn't know how to use her voice. Again, one gear. I remember being lulled by her as I was watching her performances; I felt like I was slowly swinging on a hammock. And, yes, I do believe everything is about "tonal." It's the different kind of tones that we all respond to. I haven't responded to Ella Raines' tone. It's the same with Ann Sheridan. Susan Hayward is another. It's their tones. I hear you about tones. I'm thinking of a vibraphone...something about all the stars we like vibrates within us. Yeah, I probably have that wrong, right? Well, you named three actresses whose tone and (your definition) "flatness" I really like. ****** Louise had a style all her own. She could project so much. And she could do so with just her eyes and mouth (smile, pout). Louise is definitely an actress you feel. And check it out...she did it all without TALKING. Her silent career was better than her talkies. Talk about an IT Girl. ****** Watching "ALIEN" on the IFC channel now. The move is thirty-two years old and Sigourney Weaver and cast and story is still tight and thrilling. Yay RIPLEY!!! I do love that film. And Sigourney. You ought to see how playful and sexy she is in her recent mvoe with Jamie Lee Curtis, "YOU AGAIN."

Oh no Movieman, you didn't... < HA! >

Hola Frankie G - How could four years later Fritz put Bennett in a square coat, cut her hair, wild glasses, made her look boxy and unsexy in RECKLESS MOMENT"? That wasn't Fritz! That's Max Oph?ls. Fritz returned to Joan for Secret Beyond the Door. Ooops! You're right. So sorry. *** And then later she plays a Mom in "FATHER OF THE BRIDE" and takes away ALL her sex appeal??? I've yet to watch that one. I want to see The Macomber Affair. If only TCM would play it. I don't know why but I love the title..."THE MACOMBER AFFAIR." As for "FATHER OF THE BRIDE" correct me if I'm wrong (and I know you will...) you're not an Elizabeth Taylor fan, right? I don't know if you'll like that one...but like I say, all the classics are worth seeing if only to be able to say: "I saw it. Let me check it off my list." *** It's impressive! Ahhhhhhhh, Lazy Legs. Is it just me or am I being a meanie for wanting Dan Duryea to be beaten within an inch of his life. Ooooh he's so hateful!!!! And cowardly!!! Dang...where's Susan Hayward when you need her!!! *** I want to see that one! It's also Siodmak. Then there's The Suspect, which is another Siodmak/ Raines connection that I wish TCM would play. Ella hasn't been getting much love from TCM. Yeah...wrong studio. And Ella's not getting much love from you. I don't see Ella as being "masculine" in either Impact or Phantom Lady. She's definitely feminine. She just doesn't seem to have any kind of personalty. "Flat" is a really good word for her. Or "monotone." As I said, I keep waiting for her to shift gears, but she doesn't. It could be the characters. I need to see Ella playing a different kind of character. I hear ya. She's a brunette Nancy Drew with dogged determination. Gear shifts...I fear you won't see that with her. *** Just now talking to my father, his overall impression of Ann Sheridan is ?she never smiles.? "Huh Daddy? She has a great throaty laugh," I say. ?Nah her face doesn?t move.? Ohhhkay. Funny you mention Ann, because I've just started to watch her and she hasn't done much for me, either. But I will say she does have a personality. She's not flat, like Ella. Ann is fiery like a firecracker...Ella is like still waters. Joan Bennett was languid. ...And I know Ella has her male fans on this board, too. She just hasn't done a thing for me in the two films I've seen her in. Fair enough. Most likely the guys can 'splain her better 'n me. As you mentioned in the other forum, I do like Louise Brooks. She's very expressive. She lights up the screen. Now there's a brunette with flashing coal black eyes who just pops. They didn't know what to do with her. She left many of her contemporaries in the dust! Watching "ALIEN" on the IFC channel now. The move is thirty-two years old and Sigourney Weaver and cast and story is still tight and thrilling. Yay RIPLEY!!!

That's a sweet pix of Susan Hayward you posted. She looks great there. But when she starts talking you know somebody's getting a beat down from her. I think that late forties hairstyles are so spectacularly beautiful. Susan, Jeanne Crain.... they had those thick luxurious curls... Wow. just gorgeous. But then, I like curly hair on men too. I loved the forties hairdoes. Jeanne Crain is one of my favorites. And wasn't Francis Lederer just the cutest thing in "PANDORA'S BOX"? I loved Victor Mature's hair...and Dana Andrews curly locks in "The Oxbow Incident" were mmmmm...he was so scruffy, with the hair and the five o'clock shadow. I never saw him look that relaxed way again in films. Then there's Tyrone Power's jet black straight hair and Don Ameche and don't forget Tony Curtis' 50's pompadour and Johnny Weissmuller's and...oh...just oodles of guys. Miss G. I see you've reached a momentous 24K posts. CONGRATULATIONS on many wonderful insights!

Ollie writes - And putting Ava out there as the most dangerous one of all, knowing she can get men to kill each other off, or that she'd accept whoever lived if she had to... I think Ava has some competition. And as you know, I love Ava!! But man...JOAN BENNETT was absolutely a deadly black widow in the Fritz Lang double feature I saw this weekend at the Film Forum. I was floored!! How could four years later Fritz put Bennett in a square coat, cut her hair, wild glasses, made her look boxy and unsexy in RECKLESS MOMENT"? And then later she plays a Mom in "FATHER OF THE BRIDE" and takes away ALL her sex appeal??? Well..."SCARLET STREET" has the bleakest...blackest...most hopeless ending I have EVER seen...but more about that later. Evening Jackaaaaay - I loved the weirdness of Fay Helm as the "lady" herself - she reminded me a lot of Agnes Moorehead. I didn?t really see Moorehead in Fay, Jackaaaaaaay, but I will say she was a very interesting damaged individual. Remember that Cinemava likes "Phantom Lady" too. Maybe she should be the one to give the go ahead. Nahhhh...go ahead and talk. I'm not the boss of anything. Hello Grimesy - She may not like my one critique. But I did find the film to be an enjoyable watch. Awwww...what critique could you have of that film? It's noir...it's a mystery...it's... Ella was actually one of the biggest problems for me. This was my second "Ella" film, with the other being Impact. The two films and characters are rather similar, so maybe that's the problem. Ella just seems vacant to me. I haven't seen any personality with her. She seems to be playing just a character and I'm looking for her to put her own stamp on things. She's going through the motions. Oh. Oh dear. Vacant??? Oh dear. You probably won?t like her in ?THE STRANGE AFFAIR OF UNCLE HARRY.? She has a rather masculine persona in that film. She?s not one of those loose-y goose-y animated actresses. Her voice is kind of flat as well, I guess, as well as her having a flat affect. I?m not sure you?d care for her opposite John Wayne in (one of my favorite westerns) "TALL IN THE SADDLE.? Just now talking to my father, his overall impression of Ann Sheridan is ?she never smiles.? "Huh Daddy? She has a great throaty laugh. Whaddya mean?" I say. ?Nah her face doesn?t move.? Ohhhkay. Who am I to try and talk anyone out of their thoughts/opinions. Movies are emotional for me. I'll probably never really be able to defend my position 'cuz I get emotionally attached. You don't get anything from Ella. Gee, I get a lot from her. One of Siodmak's strengths is his ability to play to both sexes. ?Criss Cross? and ?The Killers? are more "masculine" films while ?The Spiral Staircase? and ?Phantom Lady? are more "feminine" films. I agree with you there. You know, I still haven't watched "Pandora's Box." That's pathetic of me. I should probably watch it tonight. Have you ever seen it? I?ve never seen it from beginning to end until yesterday. Whew! What a saga Louise went through. She?s got the father, the son and the daughter falling in love with her. She?s got Arab sheiks wanting to buy her. She certainly went through the mill in that film. I?m not sure if you saw it yet or not...so I?ll not say anything to spoil it for you. But you ought to check it out. There are just some movies one must have under their cinematic belt. You make like a film, or may not like a film. But it?s good to have seen it.

I just heard this news on MSNBC and this is truly sad news. His music touched me very much.