flickerknickers
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Posts posted by flickerknickers
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Has anyone mentioned Joan Leslie, that versatile, all-American star of Warner-Brothers during the 40s? On my DVD of "Yankee Doodle Dandy," Joan is shown in a very recent interview and she is one sheer delight. She's still attractive, warm, and a rarity on these DVD's--she's articulate. She describes working with director Michael Curtiz, the Cagney siblings, and how the movie was received by America during those days of World War II.
Also, how about Sabu, the native of India who made a big splash in the Maria Montez movies.
Turhan Bey could also tell some juicy stories about working with Maria Montez.
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Mongo, I am nominating you to the board of directors of Turner Classic Movies! What a fabulous job you did not only for us movie addicts but for anyone scrolling through these message boards. I'm amazed at the amount of work you put into this. I've printed out your lists and put them on my bulletin board. I think we're all curious, though: who are YOUR candidates for the greatest roles? I really think TCM should find a spot for you--maybe as an alternate host or one who writes those tantalizing little synopses for movies. Bravo!
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Roldfilm and all others: I was simply amazed to read your newest message, Roldfilm, because I watched enthralled last night the first four chapters of the beautifully restored, "King of the Canadian Mounties! I got it through Netflix, which also sent me Special Agent (1938)and Zorro's Fighting Legion (1939). The black and white photography for "Candian Mounties" was stunning. The location photography was beautifully done and I loved the way VCI introduced the viewer to the serial--you travel along a theater entrance, into the theater, etc. I also enjoyed the nifty bio's of William Witney and JOhn English and also the previews of other Republic Serials that are finally appearing on DVD. I wish the femme lead had more to do--like that feisty Constance Worth in "G-Men Vs. the Black Dragon." "Adventures of Captain Marvel" was a real joy to see again on disc. Now, if only Artisan, who seems to be releasing these serials, would work on "G-Men vs. the Black Dragon" and "Spy Smasher." Wouldn't it be like having an early Christmas?
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Slappy, I love the way you always come up with a juicy, thought-provoking topic. Charles Chaplin is certainly one and we could spend days discussing this fascinating artist. Like you, I've never met a real movie buff who punished a film legend for their private life. They can appreciate them separately. I can watch Joan Crawford with friends in something fabulous like "Humoresque" while these same buddies were dishing her like crazy just an hour before the movie. You're right about Chaplin being the first major movie legend to diss the country that made him wealthy and gave him his legacy. Why he did this during the twenties through much of his life would take volumes to discuss. I believe the fact that he was always regarded as a true "genius/artist" may have inspired the shallow, embarassing hijinks of our current crop of profound "artists" whose only knowledge of politics and world affairs comes from watching CNN.
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Maybe I missed it, but has anyone mentioned Shirley Temple? It would be so very fabulous if both Shirley and Jennifer Jones would be interviewed for a dreamed of DVD edition of "Since You Went Away." The stories they could tell, especially about working with Claudette Colbert as their glamorous mom. As for poor Fay Wray, that gal is lucky to be alive these days. Imagine what she had to go through in her movie career. She was chased all over that horrible island by a German madman in "The Most Dangerous Game." "Doctor X" nearly snuffed out her life with his 'synthetic flesh' mode of murder. A hideously deformed sculptor almost cremated her in boiling wax. And that damned little monkey carried her all over the isle of Manhattan while she sreamed her lungs out. Whew! I'd a been long gone and buried after all that.
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I wish and wish Fay Wray would be interviewed extensively. This time, have her discuss some other great horror/chiller movies she made back in the 30s. The first one would be "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932). I understand she and co-star, Joel McCrae, got banged up a lot during those extensive running scenes in the jungle. I would definitely love to hear about her experiences in making those two early Technicolor horror fests, "Doctor X" and "Mystery of the Wax Museum." In the first one, Lionel Atwill played her father. In the second, he played her looney loverboy. I'd like to hear if Fay found Mr. Atwill to have busy hands like some actresses complained of. He did love the gals! And how did she like working for the demonic director, Michael Curtiz?
Also, it'd be fun to hear from Cammie King--the gal who played little Bonnie Blue Butler in GWTW. She told one interviewer she had found Vivien Leigh very high strung but didn't elaborate. I'd like to find out once and for all if Cammie's voice was dubbed by another child? I've heard that David Selznick didn't like Cammie's real voice. So, a l4-year-old voice double was called in. Or so the legend goes.
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Does anyone remember that part of "The Making of a Legend: Gone With the Wind" documentary, that shows both Hattie McDaniel and Vivien Leigh accepting their Oscars? These two classy dames had their act together. When they received their honor, they spoke eloquently, emotionally and they were off the stage within 2 minutes! They had prepared themselves ahead of time and we were all the better for it. I kept remembering those twin legends as I suffered through all those bumbling, long-winded gas bags who pulled out their sheets of paper Sunday night and started thanking everyone from Aunt Fannie, the family dog, the boys in the backroom, their army of agents and publicists and probably aliens from outer space (i hit the "mute" button on my TV when they opened their mouths.) None of it meant anything to anyone watching. As for egomaniacal actors who choose Oscar night who feel compelled to bore the rest of us with their petty little political ideas, give it a rest! That's not why we watch this annual event. Take out an ad in the HOllywood Reporter and bore the readers, not the viewers. And you know what the big news in Tinsletown is re Oscar night? Sean Penn didn't knock out one reporter or run down any photographer in his car.
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What a horrible, boring mess last night's Academy Awards turned out to be! Emcee Billy Crystal should be permanently retired. New blood is definitely needed to jazz up this once fun, exciting ritual into something to stay up for. I literally screamed when some of those recipients pulled out those little sheets of paper and began reeling off what seemed thousands of names that no one watching could connect to. The retrospectives were terribly done. No one said or did anything that wasn't planned ahead in detail. These presentations of old were so much more exciting and suspenseful with stars wearing their own choice of clothes--and not these immaculately turned out sirens dressed by a stylist and designer and wearing borrowed jewels. Everyone seemed bored, nervous, scared and of course the documentary winner had to drag in President Bush and Iraq. Does anyone have ideas as to how this 3 hour long bore fest can be improved?
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Mongo, what a great topic! Here goes my list:
Bette Davis for her portrayal as Rosa Moline in 1949's "Beyond the Forest", in addition to Stanley Timberlake in l942's "In this Our life.
Ida Lupino for her role as Lana Carlson in l940's "They Drive by Night." Ida, by the way, was so sensational in her breakdown scene in the courtroom that Warner Brother's gave her a 7-year contract!
Fay Helm as Margaret Ingston in Universal's great fantasy film of l941, "Night Monster." Fay and her cohort, Doris Lloyd, as the evil housekeeper, are both beyond fabulous.
Anita Page as "Queenie" in l929's "Broadway Melody." Anita is so shimmering and warm and electrifying that she wipes everyone off the screen.
Fannie Ward as "Edith Hardy" in l915's "The Cheat." You've gotta see this gal out-act co-star Sessue Hayakawa in Cecil B. DeMille's electrifying little study of the smart set in NYC. dig that branding scene where Sessue brands Ward on the shoulder.
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I always liked Deanna Durbin much better than Judy. Deanna's movies were much more simpler, minus the big production numbers that MGM created around Judy. In Deanna's greatest movies--like "His Butler's Sister," and "Nice Girl?"--the black and white photography and lighting were second to none in the film world. Universal surrounded their singing golden girl with the absolute best character actors. Judy's movies were usually a lot more complex with co-stars like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, with Judy always the misunderstood girl or the one who misunderstood others with all the obstacles the MGM writers could create before she found happiness. Deanna's vehicles always showed the star as spunky, charming, earnest, feisty. Deanna left Hollywood completely in l949 and never looked back. Judy often said how much she envied Deanna for quitting at the top with tens of millions of dollars stashed away thanks to the savvy financial investestment and management by her father.
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"Hot Shots: Part Deux" is one hot, scalding, sexy movie--thanks to that sensuous sex pot, Charlie Sheen. I watched this movie last night and was knocked out by the very buff Sheen, who plays a quiet, rugged and smoldering caricature of Rambo. His hair is worn dark and long, his face is quiet and strong and the way he moves in those fight scenes! I could easily see him knocking everyone out of their seats in "Dirty Dancing"--a role he desperatley wanted but it went instead to the bland Patrick Swayze. Sadly, Mr. Sheen is now just another trim, bland figure who has given up his wild boy partying and settled down. That is so boring! Charlie, wake up and smell the coffee! We want more "Hot Shots"!
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My nominee for next year's Honorary Award Recipient: Deanna Durbin! She's now in her eighties and lives very privately in a small village in France. Yet, she was Hollywood's number one star for several years and her simple, black and white musicals hold up wondrously today! Deanna was always THE star of her films for Universal. The studio surrounded her with fantastic supporting actors while the spotlight always stayed on this young genius. Come to think of it, has Shirley Temple ever received the award? She, too, is alive and her movie legacy far surpasses that of Blake Edwards and some of the other recipients.Just imagine all the juicy stories that la Temple could regale us with--stories that she only hinted at in her memoirs a few years ago.
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Path, you are absolutely amazing! I've printed out your post here and will definitely be consulting it many, many times in the next few weeks.Your posts are ones I always check out. You've always got something important to say. Do you teach film in college or somethin'? You really know your stuff, my fellow movie buff!
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MovieJoe, I was just going to mention the March "Vanity Fair" issue myself until I saw your note! Yes, it is definitely a must read and my favorite was that fascinating article on "The Best of Everything," one of my all-time faves. I saw the restored version when it played in the Village here and was knocked out: that glistening, creamy Color by Deluxe, Johnny Mathis crooning the theme song, the clothes, those performances, etc.I like Vanity Fair's penchant for doing well-written articles on past film favorites, like the one on "The VIPs"--another favoite, that appeared a few months ago.
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I fell in love again last night with the ultimate Sex Star of them all: cowboy macho hero Johnny Mack Brown! I've written much too much already about my fixation on this handsome, Southern born Adonis but I caught him in the Abbott and Costello comedy from l942, "Ride'Em Cowboy." When Johnny Mack Brown appeared on the screen, in full cowboy regalia, I nearly fainted. The last time I'd seen that ravishing face and body and smile was when he charmed both Anita Page and Joan Crawford in "Our Dancing Daughters" in l928. And now, here he was once more, a cowboy, looking a million times better! He was much more powerful, rugged and that musical, Southern voice was perfect. To Johnny Mack Brown--may you someday receive your due as Hollywood's Ultimate Male Sex Symbol!Runner-ups would have to be that slugging, macho Apollo, Tom Neal, and serial Pin-Up Boy, Ray "Crash" Corrigan (i.e., "Undersea Kingdom").
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same here, movie joe. love ya notes.
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stellabluegrl, I've got "Love Me Tonight" coming in today or tomorrow from Netflix. Isn't this a great DVD service? I'm getting all the old ones to see how they look on DVD before I decide to buy them for my library. You should definitely give 'The Man Who Laughs' a try (silent, 1928)and the double-feature DVD, "Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde" that has both the l932 version with Frederick March (by far the best) and the l943 version with Spencer Tracy. A real joy was watching "The Affairs of Anatol" with the glorious Gloria Swanson (1923!
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Wow, roldfilm, I wondered if you just might be my good horror/serial buddy Kenneth! I, too, have changed my name to Patypancake--this new website setup wouldn't take Jeryson anymore. I'm dying to get your opinion on all these fab DVD releases of SOME Republic serials, Universal's release of their Abbott and Costello comedies, etc. Just wanted you to know I got the new DVD, "Adventures of Captain Marvel" and it looks great. "Drums of Fu Manchu" is even better and "Jungle Girl" is terrific. I'm now planning to get "King of the Royal Mounted (1941)that's now available on DVD. Universal is also putting out in April a whole slew of Universal Monster Legacy series: all the Frankenstein movies will be on just two discs; Dracula and the Wolf Man the same thing. Let's stay in touch!
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wow, feito, loved your rave about the DVD edition of one of my all-time faves, "Love Me Tonight." Your enthusiasm was so high that I'm gonna run out and buy (better still, order) my copy as of right now. I taped it off PBS years ago and my tape is now nearly kaput. Movie Joe, I've nearly finished watching all the Abbott and Costello goodies and am simply thrilled at the knock-out job Universal did in restoring these black and white beauties. I'm halfway through "Ride'em Cowboy", one of the few I never saw. By the way, "Best of Abbott and Costello--Volume II" will be out in April. The rest of the 40s hits will be on this one. Fans of Ma and Pa Kettle should also rejoice. All these laf riots are available in the same format. Eight movies on two discs. Also--Universal is putting an identical package together for all its classic monsters. All the Frankenstein's will be in one package, all the Draculas in another, etc. Prices will be the same as the A&C: $21 to $23. At last, we movie nuts are being treated with respect by both Universal and Warner Brothers. Kino has a Douglas Fairbanks DVD set out now, too: his silent extravaganzas, like "Thief of Bagdad" and "Robin Hood." Now, gotta order my copy of "Love me Tonight."
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path, you're a treasure! thanks for letting us know about the forthcoming movie treats! Especially "Smiling Lieutenant" which I've got to definitely tape! If you hadn't alerted us, i'm sure many would have missed these golden antiques!
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Yeaaaa, Movie Joe, I'm with you about getting those great Ginger Rogers/Astaire musicals on DVD. I've mentioned this a million times but I'm still waiting for the first Betty Grable musical to appear on the disc. And--don't forget, Deanna Durbin's wonderfully produced musicals. By the way, I received my "Best of Abbott & Costello" DVD--that has a staggering EIGHT movies on one disc! I'm gonna curl up this wintry, cold weekend here in NYC and watch'em all! Especially, "Hold that Ghost," "Buck Privates" and "Keep'em Flying" with the great Martha Raye belting out "Pig Foot Pete"!
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hey, feaito,muchos gracias for all that great info on those great classics! you've really done your homework and given all of us film nuts the nitty gritty on these titles!
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Give me the early Abbott and Costello laff-riots and the early Marx Brothers--especially "Duck Soup"--and I'm in laff heaven.
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I think "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is one of the sexiest musicals ever made. On my DVD, there's a "Making of..." and they interview some of the dancers as they are today. The cutest one, by far, was tall, gorgeous, Tommy Rall. He does the log-dancing number. Howard Keel was another cutie-pie at his peak. He not only looked great but had a great voice. For once, Jane Powell looked like she was really enjoying herself and oh, boy, could this gal hit the high notes!
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DOA from l949/50 was heralded at the time for being a movie about "one day in the life of a doomed man". Actually,it followed a day in the life of Edmund O'Brien whose poisoned and he spends the rest of the movie trying to find the antidote. It's pretty well done, although a little hard to believe in places--especially in the sequence when O'Brien hops a plane towards the end and flies from LA to San Francisco and then tracks down his killer--in one hour. I eagerly watched ROPE on DVD last month but couldn't get beyond the first thirty minutes. It was so stagy and gimmicky and the performances were god-awful.