JackFavell

I am really enjoying catching up on all these conversations. I am with kingrat about *Between Two Worlds*, I just love any movie like this that has a ghostly feel to it... it need not make any sense for me to enjoy it. I especially like the ones that were made right after WWII, but I'll take any in that sub genre of romantic ghost stories, right through from the silent era on. James, I really love that Leslie Howard is your favorite actor...I never would have dreamed that it would be so, but I absolutely love him so I am happy to find someone who lists him as THE favorite. His wistfulness can make me weep, and yet, I think there was no one funnier as a pompous **** than he. I do prefer *Between Two Worlds* to *Outward Bound* , simply because of the rest of the cast in the later film, though I love both movies a lot. It works very well having Garfield as a tough, oddly enough. I like that they went a different direction with the second film than the original. I adore Sara Allgood, she and Garfield are incredibly moving. George Tobias breaks my heart every time. Edmund Gwenn is really an amazing, terrific actor! He's in both BTW and OHB. Someday, watch him in, oh... say... *Lassie Come Home* , where he is the sweetest man ever, and then get yourself a copy of *South Riding* or *Friday the Thirteenth*. You'll find his range is huge! He can play the most despicable characters ever born, then turn around and play Santa and make you believe he IS the only Santa there ever was, even off screen. Think about it. If that character did not work, if WE didn't _believe_ with every fiber of our being that he really was Santa Claus, would we still watch the movie every year like clockwork? Glad to see love for E. Parker here, she continues to amaze me since I first saw *CAGED* . She never fails in a part. Just think, Buttertea, that audience wouldn't have booed her if she hadn't done a perfect job being that cold calculating femme in *The Sound of Music* ! My favorites of hers are *CAGED* , *The Woman in White, Of Human Bondage* and *The Man With the Golden Arm* , but I like her in everything I've seen her in. Her near perfect beauty is matched equally by her incredible acting talent. I think she and Henreid had a terrific rapport in both movies they made together, you can see them working out the magnetic repel/attract thing in *Of Human Bondage*, just by certain looks they give one another. They took the time to work off of one another slowly to get some of the nuance of the dynamic from the book. (Although I love Howard and Davis too). *"Thin tropes are where my suspended disbeliefs go to live."* - this may just be the best single sentence I've ever read on the message boards! I live on your block too. Finally, Ro... I saw *Madame X* the other day, and I have to say Gladys George was just magnificent. She poured her heart out here, and gave a tremendous performance. She was so REAL. There was nothing phoney, no playacting. She was down in the depths. I was impressed with the movie, even from those beginning scenes with the husband, at how Gladys was just so realistic, I wish I could find a better word for it, she was almost like a method actress before there was such a thing, it felt so TRUE. TRUE is the word I'm looking for - reality is not quite what I meant. With her character here, after you get into the heart of her downfall, it just feels like, she's seen it all, done it all, and she's at the point where she doesn't care about ANYTHING anymore. Ro, you said that there was "No hiding behind a false sense of pride or bravado of any sort.. she was just there.. swollen eyes.. defeated demeanor.. completely hopeless." No hiding, not even an attempt. Most actresses (and most people) are vain creatures, and when an actress can get to the point of not caring what she LOOKS like, that's when the real acting begins. The way she let Henry Daniell into her room, she was beyond caring about what happened to her, beyond worry for herself... she was numb, and I think wanted to die. For an actress to find that truth, despite looks, despite anything else, well that's acting of the finest order. There aren't too many who ever achieve this, and Gladys George is one of the very few. It's when you see her on the screen and you say to yourself, "I've been EXACTLY that low." that the magic works. The recognition of that emotion is what bonds us to our classic film stars. She captured despair fully. If I were to try to describe it to someone, I would show them Gladys George in *Madame X.* Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 31, 2013 6:07 PM Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 31, 2013 6:12 PM

I agree with Eugenia and Sue Sue. Adding this thread would be a fitting thing to show how those at the TCM boards remember Kyle.

Thanks so much for looking it up, Ro, I knew someone would know how to find it. It's actually kind of wonderful that we have these threads that he painstakingly put together for so long. I looked through many of the posters last night and it made me feel like he was here, watching over. Some of them were uncanny, as if he knew he wanted to leave something of value for us at just such an occasion.

I don't know how to search back further than a year, but wasn't there a Veteran's Day or Memorial Day thread? I know you just said that posting a title wouldn't help, but....

I don't know how many people really know it, but I feel like this website owes a lot to Kyle. He made this place my first stop in the mornings for so many years. He pleased SO many people with his posters, which were always interesting and he always presented them in an inventive and fun way. His humor was contagious. He was always willing to help someone who was new to the website. He was a voice of reason during uncomfortable confrontations, always trying to help us step back and look at what we were accomplishing with our silly differences. During some of the darker days of this message board, he worked very hard behind the scenes to try and combat the trolling that was making the place unbearable. And for that I will always thank him. I would like to second scsu's suggestion that some of KYLE'S OLDER POSTER THREADS be BROUGHT FORWARD or archived so that they can be viewed by new members, and re-viewed by those of us who were lucky to have seen the AMAZING posters he shared with us on the first go round. It feels a little as if the heart of this website is missing today. Wendy

I can try to get to it today, but definitely by tomorrow. I will do anything for Lee. Well, almost anything.

Thanks for the link! I've been meaning to watch this ever since ChiO wrote up a review of it some years ago. Now that MissG has gone ahead and made the plunge, and actually liked it, sort of, it makes it easier. Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 17, 2013 10:20 AM

> Tease you about it?! More like anger you! Well. yeah. And BTW, Ford uses that shot twice for a reason! To point up the new beginning. and that even the youngest made it through to start a new life. You should give it another try someday. Ford's movies cry out to be seen multiple times, and you might find something to it on further viewing. I'm even willing to hear you berate it again, if you'll only try it one more time. > She finally showed! But we need our tidbits on *Upstream* ! Did she even watch it yet?! It's so light, it's almost musical comedy. I imagine it's a tough watch for her, like The Black Watch was for you. I can't see her liking Callahan and Callahan! And there's not much Ford to it. > That made me laugh! I never heard of the film, but it sounds cute. It's hilarious. I never realized they all hark back to The Ladykillers. None of these movies are as good as The Ladykillers, but I always like that story. I find it funny when people shoot themselves in their own foot. Literally. They have no one to blame but themselves. Like Wile E. Coyote. > I did like it when she started to catch wind of the what was going on and how the guys tried to push her in other directions. It's so funny, you can see her shock and dismay, and then she gives them a proper scolding! In some ways, they are not only convincing her because of the money, but also out of a terrific sense of guilt. She makes them feel like children. > Are you telling me that what a German woman says, goes? Really? I have no idea what you're talking about. I hate to tell you, but I am also German, at least on my mom's side. > Wow! I would have got along quite well with her. I know! I've always liked her. > Of course not! But it's Billy Wilder and Kim Novak, so that's going to appeal to me. Dean Martin can be very hit or miss with me, though. I'd like to try it again, I always try. Sometimes it's worth it. Two of my favorites happened because I just kept trying. I fell asleep a couple of times trying to watch both *Comfort and Joy* by Bill Forsythe, and *Simple Men* by Hal Hartley (which you would love). I think I rented them both twice before I could get into them. They start out really slow, but are so worth it when you get past the first half hour. Both are classic to me even though they are modern and might not appeal to the classic film fan. They have that same kind of comedy that is in the Ladykillers and other Alexander MacKendrick films... ridiculous, almost surreal things happen, but seem completely plausible within the structure of the movie. > For certain kinds of men, that's for sure. Their ego is attached to their ability to "capture" a beautiful/sexy woman. It's about them, not her. One of the toughest things to understand in life is why we are attracted to someone and if that attraction has any meaningful depth. That's true. > It could have been that. But she seemed to be trying to draw him in and he kept leaving her and slamming the door as he left. He was appalled by her "sleeping around," particularly with his pals. What man wants the woman he's attracted to to be doing that?! I definitely liked the misconceptions. It's all very "Three's Company." very much so. I think Garner wants the beautiful, sexy girl, but then fights that want because now he's invested in actually knowing her and caring for her. if that makes sense. > No, I haven't seen *The Freshman*. The only Harold Lloyd film I have seen is the short film *Haunted Spooks*. I loved the ending of *The Sin of Harold Diddlebock*. It's a terrific send-off for Harold. And Jimmy Conlin is terrific as "Wormy." It's a sweet, madcap valentine. Now I have to watch again, like today! I remember parts of it, and the overall 'valentine' feel of it, but not the actual happenings. This one has a horrible reputation, but I've always adored it. It's got a very interesting background - Sturges and Lloyd saw the film two different ways, so Sturges let Lloyd have a final cut, and he also had a final cut. The Sturges final cut is *The Sin of Harold Diddlebock*, and the Lloyd final cut is called *Mad Wednesday*. Sturges has the edge with me, because well... he gives it edge. I believe in the Harold Lloyd version, there is no spin, whereas in the Sturges comedy, Harold wins out only in spite of himself. I'll have to take a look again of course to be sure. I know this seesm like a non-sequitur, but have you seen *Hallelujah, I'm a Bum*? It's another really odd movie with a terrible reputation that I just love. It also has a comedian (in a secondary role), who was past his prime. > Now this is rather strange. I'm usually fawning over Marlene in her films. She's always drawing me in. But in *A Foreign Affair*, I wasn't taken by her. Maybe it's the kind of character she is playing. It's the kind of character that is going to stand out more for you. She doesn't get the guy here, when she almost always does in her other films. I think I loved Jean more because she is clearly overmatched and in way over head against Marlene. Marlene is quite harsh here and she is set up as the bad guy. But what a delicious bad guy! I love her. Not so fond of Crystal, but I do like her exit lines. All these movies have heroines who are overmatched. I like the heroines and the bad girls equally though. > And I love your "catting around." That's a perfect description of Marlene. She does play the "stray cat" quite often. She's gone way up in my estimation over the last few years, and I always liked her. She can't do very much wrong with me. But then, neither can Jean Arthur. > And Crystal Allen? Yuck! But I'm probably the only person who likes Mary Haines (Norma Shearer) the most in *The Women*. That could very well be a guy/gal thing. Crystal is just plain awful. But you've got to hand it to her, she knows the score, her exit is almost a sort of sportsmanlike loss. Do everything to win, even cheat, but know when it's over. > Jean seems to be an actress people really love or find annoying. I'm definitely in the "love her" camp. Interestingly, she was one of the very first classic actresses that I fell for. She's the definition of a "sweetheart." She's a funny mouse. I've always been in the LOVE camp. But this movie took me awhile to warm up to. I think it's flawed, but that doesn't mean I can't love it. > William Holden would have been perfect. He can play the male "user" quite well. I like when Ty goes against type in comedies, playing more of a jerk. It's not often, though. John Lund was rather vanilla, but I did see him as a jerk. Yes, Holden has that great cynicism, mixed with boyish charm. It's a killer combination. He's just great, because no matter who he is, Pike, Sefton, Joe Gillis, Shears - he can have really AWFUL traits - greed, cynicism, cowardice, laziness, unpatriotic, misanthropic, antisocial - you still LIKE him, and see WHY he is the way he is. Lund just doesn't have any of that, he plays one note. Not to say he isn't good, he does a fine job, but wow, if Holden were in it, this movie would make a lot more sense. > *I think your order would be:* > > > *Port of Shadows* > *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang* > *The one with Dan Duryea* > *Shack Out On 101* > *The one with John Payne* > *The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse* > *Humoresque (This is a long shot, not sure, you might just hate it, but it might just grab you. I'll be bold and say you liked it)* > *All Through the Night* > *The Louisiana Bayou one* > > > You did quite well! You got five of them right. You nailed the top one. Woo-hoo! FINALLY. Of course, Port of Shadows was a no brainer. It's so good. > No! Not at all! I wasn't familiar with Cole Porter's music, and I ended up loving the songs. I think he captures the feeling of love so very well. The actual story in the film isn't the best, though. That's great! You actually liked the music best! Is this a breakthrough? > *Here's the order I like them in:* > I watched that one because it's a title you suggested to me. You suggested another good one. You're doing good with that! *Hide-Out* certainly took from the film. Both have Mickey Rooney! I liked *The Life of Jimmy Dolan* more. Ironically, the film also reminded me of *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang*. Aline MacMahon was tremendous. That's funny, I like Hide-Out more. But this one does have Aline, and STYMIE. And the Duke, who is REALLY interesting, I like seeing him in a role that isn't just a big tough guy. It's weird but very effective. I never thought about it being similar to *I Am a Fugitive* but I can see it now. What made you like it MORE than *Hide-Out*? > You hit on everything. Nicely done! The film is awesome. I don't think it's a "Miss G" flick so much as it's my kind of flick. It's film noir before film noir, without a doubt. Jean Gabin is such a brilliant actor. I'm learning he's one of the all-time best. He's a tragic Spencer Tracy. That makes him phenomenal. Such a great ending to the film. I think she'll love it's romanticism, and the tragic aspects. The French seem to have hit on film noir about 1938 which always amazes me. Perhaps its the clouds over Europe that made them start to see things a little darker earlier? I was on the edge of my seat in this one right through to the end - I wanted it to work out OK. > I love the message of the film, no doubt about it. The film itself can be on the dry side, but it's so doggone powerful. It feels a bit like *The Grapes of Wrath*. I guess you like dark, but not documentary style dark. More stylized. It's so tough. The ending just chokes you up. I think it kind of plays you a little, lets him off the hook and you think it's all going to work out OK, then ... that ending. Among the best ever. > You can add me to you and Miss G's loving the scene with the letter. It's the best moment in the film, to me. I did enjoy this film quite a bit. The stars all sparkle and the supporting cast is wonderful. The entire set-up actually reminded me some of *My Man Godfrey*. Great ending. There's definitely a lesson to be learned here, and the 'family' has to learn it the hard way. It's really an under-appreciated movie. I like the way the movie is set up, with Joan as the pivot around which everything turns. She's also quite elegant here, which many of her movies didn't really show off. You can see her as a poised lady, but also as a criminal. It's pretty near perfect casting, all the way through the movie, from the leads to the bit parts. And it's just plain fun, lots of suspense and wit. > This was a great surprise to me. The film is really good. Who would have thought Bogie, Eddie G, and Claire would end up together in *Key Largo* ? Probably John Huston! Since he co-wrote the screenplay. Love how the mugs all love the "professor." I think Quiet Gal would go for this film. It actually reminded me some of *The Woman in the Window*, another Eddie G flick. I still have to see W in the W! I put it off, because it's the last of the really good Lang noirs I have to see. I also didn't want to watch it too close to Scarlet Street. I definitely think Ro would like this one! It's got the morality she likes, and it's light enough to be very entertaining. The ending is a shocker, at least to me. Clair Trevor really does a great job here, her heart is written on her sleeve. I love my mugs too, I always like it when Allen Jenkins or little Edward Brophy or Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom shows up. I have a little crush on Slapsie. He can be so sweet. > I'm with Miss G with this one. I loved Robert Williams and his lines, but the film itself didn't do anything for me. Jean Harlow is too stuffy for me. Yeah I guess if you can't see Harlow as a rich girl, it just doesn't work. > It really is a sweet film, but it ended up being too sweet for me. Gloria Grahame is awesome, though! Of course. I love Frankie and Jimmy. I forgot Kathryn Grayson was in it! I like Anchors Aweigh too. You might just get into that one, though it has Kathryn too. She's at least pretty, even if she does sing opera. > This was another huge surprise for me. I loved the film! What a cast! It's one of the best I have ever seen. Bogie is absolutely hilarious. I'm starting to realize he's one of the funniest actors to me. I think this is another film where Quiet Gal would like her tomato. These are the movies I dream of - the little ones that have so much charm and that you never hear about. Bogie really is funny isn't he? A gift not so much tapped into. And that supporting cast makes me drool! William Demarest, aww man, he's a gem. And Jackie Gleason looks so young with that wavy black hair! Amazing. Have you seen *It All Came True*? Another good Bogie film, not so well known. > I just couldn't get into this film. It just sat there for me. Myrna Loy was on the annoying side, which is saying a lot. The journey didn't do much for me. I liked some of the Expressionistic battle scenes, though. The film is actually rather Fordian, though. The opening and closing scenes with the traditional music is very Foridan. And those scenes didn't play well with me, either. I enjoyed the Fordieness of it. I really thought Vic was phenomenal, I liked his situation, that he couldn't tell even his brother, he just had to take it. I think that's such a Ford theme, the good and the bad of the service. Taking one for the team, with no hope that anyone would ever know your real intentions. And it was beautifully directed, quite a gorgeous film. > This is another film I couldn't get into. It reminded me of *The Rains Came*, which is not a film I like. George Brent is in both films, but I greatly prefer him in *The Rains Came*. His character in that film is sensational. Here, he's a blockhead. I liked Richard Cromwell the best. Bette? A bit too much. You should have been paying attention to STYMIE. I am totally with MissG here. He's really wonderful, so ambiguous, a bad man but a loyal bad man with breeding and honor when he chooses to use it. I find him totally intriguing here and I think he's one of the high points of the film.It's disappointing that he has to go so soon. For me, it's all about Fay Bainter. I really think she's interesting as a southern belle just a little past her prime - you can see she sympathizes with Bette, that she once was maybe in the same spot, but she settled down. I find her to be an under-rated actress. And the movie looks so good. > I thought this one was pretty decent. Garbo was still silent acting, but it kind of worked. Charles Bickford, George F. Marion, and Marie Dressler are all quite good. It's very "30s female." It's not bad. I remember liking the German version better. I should go back and watch both sometime.... like that will happen. > This one reminded me of *A Star Is Born*. I liked it more, though. I thought John Garfield and Joan Crawford were both good. Oscar Levant is excellent. I liked the dark side of the film. It IS a sort of reversal on A Star is Born! I never would have thought of that. This one's more your genre. Not so much women's picture, and a little more noir. What John Garfield films have you seen so far? Or was this more for Joanie? You guys were right to mention Odets dialogue. It's a beautifully shot film, about two people who really shouldn't be together, but who can't stay apart. I like how shocking and brash Garfield seems up against Joan Crawford. It's lush. > Yet another big surprise for me. This one packs an emotional punch and James Cagney is just great when he's taking on a role like this. It's one of the better films about eternal love that I have seen. The ending is beautiful. I'm finding out that I like Cagney when he's not playing a gangster. He's great in comedy, and he was great here. an emotional punch... That last scene is just so wonderful. I actually end up watching right through the symphony, because it's edited so well.Usually that's the part where I tune out in movies. I don't want it to get to me, but it always does. Sheesh. I'm almost a puddle of tears thinking about it. I find the other amazing scene in the movie is the one where Anthony Quinn attacks Ann Sheridan. It's very daring and dark, quite surprising for that time period. Annie's just terrific in this movie, even though they give her almost too much back and forth angst. When actors and actresses can play meldrama like this and still come off well, they can do anything. You realize just how great they really are. > There isn't much to this film. It's rather vanilla for a Duke flick. I liked Ducky Louie (Maximo Cuenca) the most. I don't really remember. It's not my kind of movie. Some of the stuff is OK, I remember the school house scenes kind of got to me, on a propangandistic level, and yet were also kind of icky. Am I even thinking of the right war movie? > I've never seen Jane more playful! She was cute. Cary was out of his element. Yes. > As you and Miss G discussed, it's great to see Viv and Maureen. They are both cute in the film. Viv is already tramping it up! Oh now really.. I have to watch *The Whole Truth* now, after what you and MissG said about George. And also *San Antonio* again, since I'm a huge fan of multiple villain movies. The others that caught my eye were Dark Waters and the Dan Duryea. I always have the best intentions to watch your list films, but it rarely happens. > Thank you for going to trouble of ranking how you liked the films. That was excellent! I like your enthusiasm. You are reaching now for something nice to say.... Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 16, 2013 1:00 PM

> {quote:title=MissGoddess wrote:}{quote}Jackie/Denver---i watched *wagon master* when it was on, too! i have to stay with it to the end so i can see the little colt. it always makes me cry. I was foolish and missed most of the movie, but caught the last half hour, and sat there crying myself over the little baby horse coming up out of the water and up over the hill. It's such a beautiful image, and so perfect for the end of this film and the beginning of their new life. > *All Through the Night* - I enjoyed it---thought everyone was excellent. Fun seeing such a young Jackie Gleason as the diner owner. > > *Anna Christie* (1930) - did you see both the american and german versions? i don't care much for it, it was simply important in garbo's career. > > *The Black Watch* - i enjoyed this one, too, though you can see the STARK difference between the stilted "dialogue" scene which were directed by a special "dialogue director" that studios' fearfully employed at this time. interesting you watched two important movie in the transition from silent to sound. Vic is just splendid, and i thought the beginning shot of the men leaving for the war was touching. Ahh, I didn't know that about the dialogue director! Thanks for clarifying that point, it explains a lot. > *City for Conquest* - my feelings are very much like Wendy's---Cagney's moments at the little stand are moving and the best thing about it. > > *The Crooked Way* - Fast paced and suspenseful. John Payne on the road to future knock-about noirs. He's great. I felt awful for Percy's cat. > > *Dark Waters* - it lacks something yet it also has something due to the unusual setting and i really like Merle so seeing her in a rather different milieu is what draws me to it. > > *House of Cards* - i really like this movie, it took me completely by surprise. i even liked george peppard, which is saying a lot. it felt like a hodge-podge of many other caper movies but it stands pretty well on its own. i just wish the old lady and orson had a little more screen time. > > *Humoresque* - i admit to liking the movie though i don't particularly like either joan or john's characters. maybe oscar levant is the reason, and the great dialogue (Odettes, right?) and it has one of my all time favorite closing lines. Oh I love Oscar in this film. He's just super. I think this one is his best. > *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang* - brilliant movie, but so hard to watch. really wrenching. i'm sure it took a lot of audiences by surprise. > > *It Happened in Brooklyn* - though i'm not so crazy about peter and the soprano, i ADORE frank and Jimmy's scenes together, along with the tremendously fabulous songs. I can tell Frank is enjoying himself because he's really relaxed and delighted every time he shares a scene with Jimmy. who wouldn't be? I would rather have the movie about Gloria and Frank, though. > > *Jezebel* - I LOVE George Brent in this. > > *The Last of Mrs. Cheyney* (1937) - One of my 1930s favorites. I can't decide which I would choose, Powell or Bobby. and yes, like Wendy, i enjoy the letter scene as well as the old lady who seems so cool at first until she is "outed" and then she turns hypocritical, which surprises me. i think Montgomery is terribly sexy in this one, which is why I'd probably have chosen him. I would agree, RM is terrifically sexy here. But then I can never quite get over how noble WP is. It's quite the perfect balance. Each has the perfect role for his particular gifts. It's so rare when a movie has this 'rival' format to have such evenly matched actors. > *The Life of Jimmy Dolan* - I haven't seen it in a while so I don't have much to say except I remember it pleasantly. > > *Lizzie* - I really like it---i thought it was more moving than *3 Faces of Eve* which is like a twin movie to it. > > *Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation* - I think some scenes --- especially those with John McGiver, are hilarious. other scenes annoy me to death. John McGiver deserves an entire day on TCM. I adore him, he's so funny. I can think of at least 3 films just off the top of my head in which he's pivotal to the plot and hilarious in every one. > *Night and Day* - i don't like it but Jane is sweet and funny and it LOOKS very beautiful. Who thought Cole Porter could be a bore? > > *Platinum Blonde* - Not a favorite. I like Loretta best. > > *San Antonio* - Fun - Errol, like the others. > > *The Whole Truth* - I enjoyed it for the most part---as always, George Sanders carries the day with his inimitable style. "Donna Stone" (Reed) acts like a sleepwalker and intensely out of her element on the Riviera. > > *A Yank at Oxford* - the only thing i like about it is seeing maureen and viv together (school mates in switzerland!) and viv's character is adorable. it is the first movie before GWTW that i feel shows her charm. she steals the film. I forgot Maureen was in this one. I liked them both very much. Viv really does carry the picture, and you are right, this is the first film where she is positively magnetic. I always wonder about this - do you think that something happened to her during her films of the thirties? I see this happen with other actors, like Spencer Tracy for instance in the second half of *Riffraff*, and then *Fury* and *San Francisco*, suddenly, he's GOT it, the technique of film acting, down to a T. You can't look away from him. I wonder what it is that suddenly turned on a switch in Vivian. You, more than anyone, would be the one who would know. > *Black Friday* - I can't remember if I've seen this one. So many of Boris' movies blend together. > > *World for Ransom* - never seen. > > *Guilty Bystander* - I'm pretty sure I have never seen it. > > *Confirm or Deny* and *Shack Out on 101* are both on my list to watch. > > *The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie* - Never seen. > > *Colonel Effingham's Raid* - Never seen. > > *The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse* - incredibly, i dont' think i've ever seen it but i hope it's on youtube or i may even have a copy of my own. i think i always confused it with the one where bogie played a mad scientist with a bunny rabbit. > > *Back to Bataan* - never seen > > *Port of Shadows* - i must see this especially after what Jackie wrote. I think you, of all the ramblers, would absolutely LOVE this film. It's a beautiful one.

Chris, I love Hands Across the Table and Ruggles. If You Could Only Cook is my favorite of Jean's lesser known comedies, from that time right before or as she got super famous.

>All Through the Night >The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse >Anna Christie (1930) >Back to Bataan >Black Friday >The Black Watch >City for Conquest >Colonel Effingham's Raid >Confirm or Deny >The Crooked Way >Dark Waters >The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie >Guilty Bystander >House of Cards >Humoresque >I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang >It Happened in Brooklyn >Jezebel >The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937) >The Life of Jimmy Dolan >Lizzie >Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation >Night and Day >Platinum Blonde >Port of Shadows >San Antonio >Shack Out on 101 >The Whole Truth >World for Ransom >A Yank at Oxford >Any of those films stand out to you (or anyone)? How do you like them? How do you think I like them? I think your order would be: *Port of Shadows* *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang* The one with *Dan Duryea* *Shack Out On 101* The one with *John Payne* *The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse* *Humoresque* (This is a long shot, not sure, you might just hate it, but it might just grab you. I'll be bold and say you liked it) *All Through the Night* The *Louisiana Bayou* one I think you _hated_ *Night and Day* Any of the others, I really have no idea! Here's the order I like them in: 1. *The Life of Jimmy Dolan* - Aline MacMahon, redemption, STYMIE, a really fine performance by Doug Jr. and an even finer one by Guy Kibbee make this one an absolute favorite for me. This is one of those movies that shows why I like the 1930's. It would make a swell double bill with *Hide-Out*, another great favorite. 2. *Port of Shadows* - I just saw this recently and it was a big surprise. I was so impressed with it, I'm embarrassed to say I don't quite remember why. It was lovely. I just liked the way it all worked out, the trust and the relationship, slowly and methodically, as Gabin found love. Pre-noir, very very sad. Poetic realism is a great name for what this is. This one, *Geuele d'Amour* and *Le Jour se Leve* have made me finally get what it is about Gabin that is great. That fatalistic thing. 3. *I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang* - Brilliant BRILLIANT movie. I suspect it's high on your list. The ending...just ....kills..... 4. *The Last of Mrs. Cheyney (1937)* - one of my very favorite Joan Crawford movies and movies in general, thanks to supporting cast and especially the wonderful Montgomery and Powell. A girl should enjoy such a choice. I love the whole letter reading section, where everyone's faults and secrets are laid out for everyone to see. 5. *The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse* - Great story! Great acting. I am always amazed at how everything ends up, how sympathetic Eddie is, even doing what he did. 6. *Platinum Blonde* - I alternate between liking this movie A LOT and thinking it's too loud. I do the same thing with Bringing Up Baby, just can't make up my mind whether it's genius or the worst thing ever made. I'm falling toward the "genius' side right now. Jean is super and Robert Williams should have had a longer career. So sad that he died soon after the film was made. 7. *It Happened in Brooklyn* - This is just a sweet sweet movie. I adore it, almost all of Frank's early movies are equally good to me. 8. *All Through the Night* - This is a pretty great entertaining film. I enjoyed seeing Bogie like this, and the supporting cast, well it's great. Harrowing scene with the little merchant getting dumped down the stairs, one of the creepiest scenes I can remember from that time. 9. *The Black Watch* - I just loved this movie, in spite of Myrna's high pitched vocal characterization. One of the only times I thought she mis-stepped in a movie. I think Vic is great, and I like the storyline very much, how Vic is disgraced even in the service of his country. But mostly it's just GORGEOUSLY filmed. Love to look at it. Roy D'Arcy should have gotten an academy award for portraying so many awful villains in the late twenties. 10. *Jezebel* - This really isn't one of my favorite Wyler films, and I usually like him. It's got great atmosphere and design though, so I sometimes watch it for the look of the film. I think Bette's great, but really, Fay Bainter is AMAZING. STYMIE is in it! I heart Stymie. 11. *Anna Christie* - I think I need to give this one another viewing. I haven't seen it in years, but caught just a bit one day this year and it looked better than I remember. I always thought it was pretty dull, but maybe I could appreciate it for more than just the first time Garbo talked. 12. *Humoresque* - cheesy, and yet I really love Garfield here, and Crawford gets the job done. 13. *City for Conquest* - wow, Jimmy and classical music, not a combination I care for. blecch. And yet, I love Annie, Jimmy, and Anthony Quinn so much that I will put up with Arthur Kennedy and his silly symphony just to see Jimmy so that last scene at the end, in his newspaper shack.... and then I cry, every time. Go figure. 14. *Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation* - I like it, even with screechy! Its funny, I actually like the young people better than Jimmy. 15. *Back to Bataan* - it's OK, I've never liked this one, but I've come to understand it more recently. Too propagandistic even for me, who appreciates a good propagandistic movie. 16. *Night and Day* - wow, this is the only movie ever where Cary looks uncomfortable. There are good musical moments, and I actually really like Jane Wyman here and wish she had more to do. 17. *A Yank at Oxford* - gosh, there are a couple of these movies, one with Tyrone Power and one with Robert Taylor. I like the one with Robert Taylor marginally better, thanks to a really good supporting cast, but neither movie really sends me. Can't remember *San Antonio*, I can never keep these Errol movies from the forties apart... I'm sure I liked it, though it's taken me until recently to really enjoy Alexis Smith. I like *Reginald Denny*, I know he was in one of the films you watched, but I've never seen it. Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 13, 2013 8:54 PM Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 13, 2013 8:55 PM

Hey there! I am glad you missed the bad weather. We have not really seen the sun very much here on the coast of CT. I am starting to get cranky (don't say it!) and the humidity is wearing. >How do Denver? I see the real Denver was on TCM yesterday. Gosh I love that movie. You should watch it again! Then you can tease me about it again! > I believe you're right about it being a "programmer." But that's purely a guess. I wonder if Fordy Guns has any info on it. I don't know, but I'd love to hear anything she's got on the film. I've been missing her discussion. >Heck if I caught that! Those two drove me nuts. Yeah, they were a little much. >I didn't even think of her daughter liking it. I think you're right! It's a cute film, but with good, black humor. It's along the lines of Home Alone. It really is! Man, that kind of plot always works as a film. *Mouse Hunt* is one of my favorite modern films, and it's the same thing but with a mouse! I laughed so hard in the movie theater I embarrassed myself. > And she took on the guy at the train station, too! No kidding. She had a steely reserve and a strong sense of what was right and what was wrong. DON'T mess with the OLD LADY. She'll take you OUT. >That's hiliarious! My country grandma has lost the strength in her hands, for the most part. She doesn't bake that much anymore, either. Her daughters won't stand for it. I don't think she has the "want" to do it anymore, too. I don't blame her. Yeah, Omi isn't as strong as she used to be, but she can sure boss us around. What she says goes, no matter what. German, you know. >What?! Really?! I was wrong. She wasn't a nun, but she was completely outside the Hollywood norm, never wearing makeup or going to parties. She was very much a thinker, and decided to leave Hollywood because she called it "destructive". I like her enormously, and wish she'd done more, but not at the cost of her sanity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Varsi >The Chase is now a public domain film, so the image isn't the best. But I did like the look of the film, and I really loved the psychology of it. I remember liking it too, just have to find time to watch again. I am watching about a movie a week, not the greatest track record! Summertime is too busy. Sometimes I watch TCM when nothing else is going on, but mostly we're doing family things. >I did know that you were a fan of Laraine. She does have a warmth to her. She also seems very "regular gal." I can imagine women can picture themselves being Laraine. That's how I feel. >I've never seen Kiss Me Stupid, but I do have it. I'll look to watch it. Oh no! Does that mean I have to try it again? Not my cuppa. >That's funny! We men do jump to our conclusions about the "bombshell." It's all about our own fantasies, then. But if we actually fall in love with such a woman, then we don't want her to be a "bombshell." Isn't it the truth. And then eventually, when your woman becomes exactly what you want, a complete homebody, you get bored and go looking for the bombshell again! >Precisely! He doesn't want to love a tramp. I'm trying to remember why she was upset at him. Was it because he kept pushing her away? I can't recall. I can't remember either, it's been a while since Ive seen it last. Maybe because he thought the worst of her? >Just let me know if you do watch any of them and wish to talk about them. I thought The Sin of Harold Diddlebock would be a film you'd really appreciate. I thought it was a lovely "valentine." I LOVE it. It's really my first Sturges, it used to be on all the time on this TV channel in Chicago, when I was growing up. WFLD. They only had the most obscure classic films (with bad prints), but that's how I learned about movies. I love the fact that it starts with The Freshman, and takes it from there, this guy's future life, 20 years down the road. It's hilarious. Hey, have you seen The Freshman? Marlene is astounding in A FOREIGN AFFAIR. She blows everyone off the screen. I love that kind of character - Crystal Allen from THE WOMEN is the same type, and when women get to have that catting around kind of lifestyle in movies I just love it. They may fight like a jungle cat to keep their man, but they're philosophical when the end of the relationship finally comes, they may be wounded, but they take it all in stride. I like the way they tip their hat to the 'good' ladies who win in the end. Angela Lansbiury in THE HARVEY GIRLS is another. This doesn't mean I don't like Jean Arthur- I do, very much so now. But there was some time when her character grated on me, didn't seem even believable. I like her very much more now, and think she did a heck of a job with a role that was quite difficult. It's never easy to play nice. Plus her hairstyle bugged me. She and Marlene are playing archetypes, and it's kind of funny to see those turned on their ear by Wilder. My biggest problem is with John Lund. He's OK, but once I heard that William Holden was supposed to play it, I got upset, because I could literally hear his voice speaking those lines, using that charm he has to soften the seedier aspects of the character. He would have been wonderful. Lund has no real innate charm and this is too bad. Tyrone Power would have been another who could pull off the role. Getting by on that little something extra that people like about him. Edited by: JackFavell on Jul 13, 2013 7:23 PM

I'll respond tonight to your list and reply, but Frank, I wanted to say I hope you all missed the flooding! I was worried about you!

Jim Hutton as Ellery Queen was just marvelous! I got the box set of the series a couple of years ago for Christmas. I love Ellery's absent minded ways! I never could solve the crimes at the end, when they gave you until the commercials were over to figure it out. The supporting cast is super, including David Wayne as his irascible father, and John Hillerman as the radio detective Ellery always foils.

Hahahaha! It's true, they are all clones of one another, kind of like my Hugh Marlowe, Efrem Zimbalist situation!

Name of the Game was after Mannix, by one year. It was a detective show, but the lead detective changed each week between 3 different actors - The aforementioned (yuk) Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry, and Robert Stack. Needless to say, my favorite was always Gene Barry, but then I was like 5 years old so what did I know? I'd like to revisit it sometime, just to see what it was really like. I never really liked Mike Connors much myself, but I have a curiosity about the show. I remember I just loved his secretary, I don't even know what the actress' name was!

The western was an episode of Kraft Suspense theatre, I looked it up. Brod was pretty evil, I think, but then Jack lord was no angel either. I've wanted to go back and check out Mannix and The Name of the Game for a while now. They are two of the first grown up shows I can remember, courtesy of my sister's infatuation with Mike Connors and dare I say it, Anthony Frnaciosa.

I never liked that turn on the show, I was not happy when he left. I found the episode if anyone cares to watch it.

I don't think they acknowledge social problems unless they are of the teen sex kind nowadays. The Good Times eps I watched recently were so funny, but also had that serious undertone. JJ got shot by a guy trying to press him into a street gang. When the father went to court, he was ready to pound the gang member into a pulp. Florida told him that violence never solved anything in their family, making him remember stories of their past problems. When an angry James got to court, the kid's mom tried to get him to behave and say he was sorry, and the kid let out this venomous monologue about how he didn't have a dad around, and who cared what he did? James realized that the kid had a terrible life already (not to mention the mom) so he left him alone, and went back to the family, grateful to have them. JJ played up his gunshot wound for special treatment. It was a great series. I'd forgotten how good it was. John Amos was a spectacularly good actor, but they all had such rapport.

> {quote:title=MissGoddess wrote:}{quote}i've been completely negligent about everything lately, most of all movie watching and posting anything online, even my website. what's worse, what i DO watch is so unrelated to anything under discussion it's ridiculous! i even viewed *the black watch* on YouTube (again) instead of finishing *upstream*. so silly. i guess i just had to see mclaglen in uniform (young). I don't blame you! I'm going there now to see young Vic! I've been very negligent too, I've had some movies here for a month and haven't even tried to watch them, even though you guys were discussing them way back when. I either watch TCM, or I've been watching old tv shows. I thought of you last night, I was up late and watched Kojak! It was sad though, a guy who had been a heroin addict was helping other addicts get off drugs, but he got killed by the bad guys trying to save his young teen charge. I watched a few episodes of Good Times the other afternoon, it was always a favorite show of mine as a young girl, I have no idea why - I think I had a crush on little Ralph Carter. It was excellent! I had good taste back then...

That's too funny! You are the reason I watched it in the first place! I felt like it took me forever to watch it. Sometimes with stuff on youtube, I just don't get around to movies like I would if it were on TCM. It's better since we got the smartTV, and I can watch youtube comfortably rather than hunched over my computer.

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}Hola, Little Red Buick -- *I suspect I liked Upstream the best of all of us, except for maybe Miss G. I really enjoyed the little comedy, I thought it was high spirited and funny, but then I've known guys like that from back in my theatre days. There's always one, no matter what production you are doing.* > > I bet you're right about you liking it the most. It's definitely more of a "Jackie" flick because of its setting, it's a comedy, and the supporting cast is the heart of the picture. And if there is anything that makes the film very "Fordian," it's the communal/family feeling. Yes, the scene at the dining table at the beginning was about the only thing I saw that had Ford's mark on it. > *The Whole Town's Talking* is a Ford film I really like. It's a sweet, lovely little picture... just as *Upstream* is. I think The Whole Town's Talking was better, it had a little meat on it's bones. Upstream looks almost like a programmer... I bet Ford thought of it as just a job of work. But it's wickedly funny to me coming from that milieu. > I think the film does capture the unique and odd qualities of the performance world and how many of those people struggle to survive. I loved how they all thought the impresario was there for them. And the only one who was clueless was Brasing-HAM, the least talented of the bunch. I also liked the Callahan and Callahan who were so obviously from different ethnicities. It reminded me of Mr. Rafferty in *The Miracle of Morgan's Creek*, who is an old Jewish man. > *I just loved the older actor, his coach, and felt so sorry for him when the scales dropped from his eyes...expecting some credit for coaching him but not getting any.* > > That was my favorite aspect of the film. Those scenes spoke volumes. He really was the heart of the film. What a good actor Emile Chautard was! Apparently he was a stage actor in France, became a film director, then came here and directed many films, giving it up in 1924 for acting exclusively. He's splendid. I wouldn't have liked the film nearly so much without him. > Hiya, Little Red Buick -- So there you are! I'm back! Sorry. I think Ro would really get a kick out of The Ladykillers - and the kidling too. >It's actually also a hilarious commentary on how we view old age. >This really hit home for me. I could see both of my grandma's in this film. They're wanting to be helpful but they end up getting in the way of things you're attempting to accomplish. The naivete of thinking people still behave as they did when they were in their teens and twenties. How they see life revolving around them and their minor needs. It's so true! But I also loved how absolutely tough the old lady turned out to be - that's why I love the first scene so much, when she goes to her home and whangs on the pipes to get the water for tea. We have all we need to know right there! She's so strong - in her body and her convictions. She won't be gotten rid of, or swayed. My mother in law is like this - she's always telling us how she is just a weak and foolish woman, but get her baking in her kitchen and you see how strong she really is. She has this lemon grater that is about 50 years old, there isn't a sharp edge on it, and she will literally shove a lemon through that thing harder than I can! The force of her will can move mountains. >I really love Peyton Place. It's my guilty pleasure, so I'm surprised at how much you liked it. >Oh, really?! I thought you didn't like it! What a nice surprise. >I love Diane Varsi and Hope Lange. >I thought they were both lovely. Good actresses both. I think Varsi quit Hollywood to become a nun. She was a very spiritual person. It's too bad for us, she was a marvelous newcomer. >I wasn't sure what the heck happened in the film. The twist is that confusing. I found it all to be so fascinating. It's a little similar to The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry, in that way. And you're correct, the look is quite good. I need to watch again, I can barely remember it, but oh, it's scrumptious looking! All those deep black and white contrasty, foreboding scenes! >You pretty much hit the nail on the head with Tycoon. There isn't much meat on the bone but the romance, action, and drama all add up to some good fun. I never saw Laraine more beautiful. I didn't even recognize her. And the film is in Technicolor. I'll post a cap or two from it when I write my capsules. I'll try to work on that tonight. I love Laraine, she's just got something I love about her. I can't put my finger on it, but I'd like to have her class and warmth. >Really?! I wasn't sure if you liked the 60s sex comedies or not. I don't really as a genre. I like some of them. But I'm far more picky in that era than in the forties or thirties. A 60's sex comedy has to bring more for me - a star that I like (I like both Kim and Jim), or some wit and sparkle (like the Doris Day Rock Hudson films), or maybe a large supporting cast (Boy's Night Out has that format I like, lots of individual stories). It's not my favorite genre. I've tried watching Kiss Me Stupid a couple of times, and even Ray Walston can't get me through it. I should try again. I just don't get that one, is it really only one joke? The sex part? I don't understand that movie. I like that she's playing a smart woman, but how easily all that is tossed aside when the boys get a look at her. They immediately assume she is a bombshell. And then it makes James Garner mad later on that she is, even though she isn't. >Yes, they are all "scoring." And not much has changed from then to now with us guys. I'll say! >I liked the little fights (door slams) between Cathy (Kim Novak) and Fred (James Garner). That's funny, I almost always hear doors slamming with Snippy. Yes, those fights were funny because we know that it comes from growing love. The images they have of each other and themselves don't match up. I really wanted to chat about *A Foreign Affair* and about *The Sin of Harold Diddlebock* and about *The Sea Wolf*, but I still haven't re-watched them yet.

I love Garbage.

It TOTALLY felt like Stage Door! That line about speaking a foreign language... it literally made me laugh out loud! I just loved the older actor, his coach, and felt so sorry for him when the scales dropped from his eyes...expecting some credit for coaching him but not getting any. And I liked the girl with the dark hair, she was a bubbly flapper type, the daughter in the 'sister act'. What I really loved were the look of the Hamlet scenes, towards the middle of the film. They were beautifully shot.

HAHAHAHAHAHA! You are too hilarious, Ro! Oh my gosh, heaven help the phoney ham who crosses you! I suspect I liked *Upstream* the best of all of us, except for maybe Miss G. I really enjoyed the little comedy, I thought it was high spirited and funny, but then I've known guys like that from back in my theatre days. There's always one, no matter what production you are doing. It's certainly not on the calibre of THE SEARCHERS or anything, but for what it was, it was darn good. I think I'd put it a little lower than THE WHOLE TOWN'S TALKING, as far as Ford films are concerned. It got the job done, made me laugh. I thought Earl Foxe was just great, his transformation into a first class jerk was totally believable. I liked how we saw him start to believe his own press in his mind, he was very expressive, in a blank kind of way if you know what I mean. Shallow, but still able to get across his own growing egotism, swept away by his own romanticism. It's so funny to see him conducting his love affair with himself! Clueless! It was strange to see Grant Withers as a leading man, I kept trying to look at him for familiar characteristics. Nancy Nash was very likable. I liked her much better than June Collyer from Hangman's House, thought the two are like comparing apples and oranges. I loved all the side characters - there wasn't any of that kind of weird comedy you get from other late twenties, early thirties, vitaphone short type films, or untranslatable-to-our-time strangeness thank goodness. And you know I like movies full of side characters, so this one really tickled me. I thought it was just plain good.