ThelmaTodd

I've said this a number of times around here, but I feel that Universal needs to divest itself of those early classic films that it is doing nothing with. Either through sale or donation (for the tax write off). Convey to parties that will be bound to restore and release. I don't care if they sell *Paramount On Parade (1930)* for $5!! That would be $5 more than what they are getting by keeping it in a vault gathering dust and decomposition! Actually, they are in a minus position with these unreleased properties, as they incur storage and insurance costs over time; they are liabilities to their balance sheet. I have no confidence in Universal as an owning organisation as it pertains to these properties. We can't have such a large block of our early historic and film legacy held hostage to their indifference. I urge any reading here who are in the film business, in the video business, to contact them and make an offer for any specific properties of interest. Let's put Universal out of it's misery with these old films. Let's do it soon! These films are physically deteriorating with the passage of time!

Hi Musicalnovelty! A good picture! With the "boys"! Thank you for that very interesting catch! *Ethelreda Leopold* did indeed appear in some Stooge shorts. She was also in the *Wizard Of Oz* (uncredited), as manicurist, and also uncredited in *Great Dictator (1940)* as receptionist to "Adenoid Hynckel"! It seems like Hollywood had so many starlets like her, sufficiently good looking to get into films, but never having caught on to big stardom. It's great that you got to meet her and talk about her film roles! Have you met any other film people?

Pop culture surrealism. *GOLD DIGGERS OF 1937 (1936)* *Warner First National- w/ Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, Glenda Farrell* ** ** *All Is Fair In Love and War* **http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiHMOj_O7lA *12 minute clip* ** *Stage-producer J.J. Horbart, is going to put on a new show, but he doesn't know that his two partners lost the money at the stock market. Insurance salesman Rosmer Peck falls in love with ex chorus-girl Joan Blondell, who's friend Genevieve tries to land on one of J.J Horbat's partners. They come up with the idea to insure J.J. for $1 Million, to get the money back when he dies. Rosmer sells him the policy. After the insurance Company finds out that he's only a hypochondriac, an attempt to kill him accidently fails, and Genevieve falls in love with J.J. But when J.J. is informed that he is putting on a show with no money he has a breakdown. The only possibility to restore his health is putting on the show, in spite of the lack of money*

Hi again gagman- I think I get it: CGI- "Computer Generated Imaging"? I would agree, it's the only way Hollywood today would generate the kind of deliberate "unreality" that is evoked by the 1930's musicals. In the old days they preferred indoor shooting on staged sets (with exceptions). It allowed a director to create a cinematic world and atmosphere of his own.

Hi gagman, I know, I have those sets too. Not all of Berkeley's work is part of those boxed sets, and by going through his filmography, I have uncovered a few more titles for presentation. BTW, what's CGI? What I do is exploratory, as I am exploring the subject in depth and learning as I go along. It is also educational, in the sense of "leading the horse to water". Not everyone is so familiar with Berkeley, and these links and pictures could stimulate an interest that wasn't there before. The filmography thread covers a very wide range of film and subjects besides Berkeley. I consider it a treasure trove! PS: the last few posts of mine are quite a motion gallery! I have to make an extra effort to find them, as not all of them turn up on google search- I have to enter numerous websites to round some of them up! Edited by: ThelmaTodd on Jan 8, 2012 6:47 PM

Here's another addition to this *Busby Berkeley* motion gallery: From *Gold Diggers Of 1935*, which has been posted to the *filmography* thread at: http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?threadID=161844&tstart=0

It's what it was all about! Dick Powell hoofing. ** *GOLD DIGGERS OF 1935* *Warner First National Pictures Dir by Busby Berkeley, w/ Dick Powell, Gloria Stuart, Adoplhe Menjou* *Lullaby Of Broadway* *13 minute segment in twp parts* *The Words Are In My Heart* *This film was entirely directed by Busby Berkeley, as opposed to just a choreographed musical portion. Being one of the most surreal films ever to be made in mainstream Hollywood, it betrays his unique imagination at work. For many decades, a sort of hard realism has pervaded Hollywood filmaking, (except when computer generated special effects are called for.); stage sets are seldom used. I marvel at how comfortable 1930's filmaking was with a popular surrealism, not the kind that would have appealed to snobs, but which had appeal to the masses and which represented a surreal, fabricated visual world.* *In a luxury hotel stage director Nicoleff stages a show to get the money to pay his bills. Mrs. Prentiss, who is backing the show wants her daughter Ann to marry the millionaire T. Mosely Thorpe, but Ann falls in love with Dick Curtis, while Dick's girl friend marries Ann's brother Humbolt. But the hotel secretary Betty knows a way to avoid dificulties with old Mrs. Prentiss.*

Besides commercials, one other thing that has changed is the overall vintage of their movies. Before the "new AMC" years ago, they used to show a lot of early talkies and other 30's films, but not any more. They always did have an obsession with John Wayne films though, something that continued after their format change. AMC's programming commitments are decided by those who obviously don't value classic film, and I in turn as a classic film lover, do not take them seriously. I've long stopped checking to see what's playing over there; I couldn't care less. Being profit maximising realists of the low road, they understand the mass market all too well. The general population is too uncultured and ahistorical to develop any familiarity and liking for films beyond a certain age of vintage. For most, a "very old film" is one that was made ten years ago. If the whole purpose of the channel is to "sell soap", you have to come down to the level of the audience. Old movies are still around on TV, although cut up with commercial breaks or "fundraising" appeals if on PBS. THIS channel shows some good ones, and a local ABC affiliate was showing *Flying Down To Rio (1933)* the other night at 3AM!

Some images of a *Busby Berkeley film, Dames (1934)* which I have added to the *filmography* thread. I have provided there three video clips that have highlights to the film.

The man had a tunnel fetish Just medicine, that happens to be a little stronger than Bacardi 151! *DAMES (1934)* *Warner-Vitaphone w/ Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell* *Musical sequence* *9 minute clip* *"I Only Have Eyes For You"* *6 minute clip* *Laundry Dames* *6 minute clip* *Although I couldn't provide the entire film, the clips above have all the good highlights! This movie is not often shown or seen, which is unfortunate because it does have a lot of imaginative razzle-dazzle. The film replicates and glorifies the image of Ruby Keeler to a degree that smacks of someone's personal fetish and obsession.* *Multi-millionaire Ezra Ounce wants to start a campaign against 'filthy' forms of entertainment, like Broadway-Shows. He comes to his relatives families and makes them members of his morale-boosting campaign. But Jimmy, another relative is producing a show, starring Ezra's niece Barbara. But he had bad luck with his backer, this person has given him an invalid check. Another of his victims, the show-girl Mabel has the idea of blackmailing Horace, Barbara's father, whom she has met before in a slightly compromising situation to get the money.*

Kay Francis, taking a good photo! *WONDER BAR (1934)* *First National Pictures w/ Dolores Del Rio, Kay Francis, Dick Powell, Al Jolson* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3aCJzMh22c *10 minute clip* *Harry and Inez are a dance team at the Wonder Bar. Inez loves Harry, but he is in love with Liane, the wife of a wealthy business man. Al Wonder and the conductor/singer Tommy are in love with Inez. When Inez finds out, that Harry wants to leave Paris and is going to the USA with Liane she kills him.*

Here are some more tumblr images from *Busby Berkeley's* films! *42nd Street (1933)* *Footlight Parade (1933)* *Wonder Bar (1934)* *Gold Diggers of 1935* You gotta love this stuff! Pictures with motion add real pizzazz!

One mother wrote to the studio complaining that she didn't want her daughter to grow up to be a human harp! Bette Davis *FASHIONS OF 1934* *First National Pictures w/ Willaim Powell, Bette Davis* ** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea1UpndCSKs *8 minute clip* ** * * *Warners decided that Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell and Joan Blondell had received their exposure in Berkeley's films, and substituted William for "Dick" and added Bette Davis. This film is well remembered among classic film fans, despite the fact that it is not often seen or shown.* *Sherwood Nash is a swindler who bootlegs Paris fashions for sale at cut-rate prices. His assistant Lynn poses as An American interested in a dress and Snap conceals a camera in his cane. When they try to steal the latest Baroque designs hidden cameras capture them. Threat and counterthreat lead to the suggestion of putting on a legitimate show.*

Lucille Ball Ruth Etting, publicity still *ROMAN SCANDALS (1933)* *Samuel Goldwyn Production w/ Eddie Cantor, Ruth Etting, Gloria Stuart* *Keep Young and Beautiful* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofVpcQdiLBE *10 minute clip* *One of the most notable Berkeley films, although not often shown. Has all the great polish of a Goldwyn film, with very nice set design. The featured song: "Keep Young and Beautiful (If you want to be loved)", is a poignant and cruel reminder to women.* *A kind-hearted young man is thrown out of his corrupt home town of West Rome, Oklahoma. He falls asleep and dreams that he is back in the days of olden Rome, where he gets mixed up with court intrigue and a murder plot against the Emperor.*

From Fooltlight Parade (1933) From Gold Diggers Of 1933 I just love tumblr images! Hi jamesjazzguitar! I'm so glad you like Berkeley's work! I hope you will check out some of the links to his other films that I have provided. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a complete upload to *Footlight Parade (1933).* I will continue the tribute to him with more material. So far, the only film I have omitted to mention in his early filmography is *Girl Crazy (1932),* as I could not find anything, not even a clip from it on the internet. I totally agree with you that there is something compelling about his work. Once seen, it's never forgotten! Probably many others have taken a deeper interest in "Pre-code" thanks to Berkeley's films! I hope you don't mind that I responded on this thread. I like to keep the decks clear on the *filmography thread* for films, which now number *over 200*! *It's an alternate movie channel*!

The NRA Eagle, symbol of the New Deal National Recovery Act The Warners were big supporters of Roosevelt *FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933)* *Warner Brothers w/Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, James Cagney,Joan Blondell* *By A Waterfall* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I3yAeyDsVQ *8 minute clip* *Chester Kent produces Musical Comedies on the stage. With the beginning of the talkies aera he changes to producing short musical proluges for movies. But this is stressing him, because he always needs new units and his rival is always stealing his ideas. So he can get an contract with a producer, if he is able to stage in three days three new proluges. In spite of great problems he does it.*

Hi gagman, I missed the first Marion Davies show today, *Florodora Girl (1930);* didn't get up early enough! Here is the Technicolor portion: Marion projected a lot of fun and humor! About there being two threads, I know it's an unprecedented approach, to have seperate threads for discussion and the other for film links. The seperation has served it's pupose well, when you consider that the filmography thread is up to over *200 film links*, and the discussion thread has seen 250 replies! I didn't want the film links to get buried under comments. For the newbies, the exploitation *filmography thread* is in *Your Favorites*, at: http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?threadID=161844&tstart=0

hi Musicalmovelty! Thanks for the correction. I tried so hard to find some stills from that fan sequence, even some of the names you mentioned, but nothing came up. I wanted very badly to show the readers just what a non-typical Stooge film this was! What would MGM have done with these guys if they had stayed? They would have been very small fry in a big, star-studded studio. At Columbia, they were big fish in a small pond. I encourage you Stooge buffs to take a look at *Nertsery Rhymes*, posted below. PS: *Albertina Rasch* was cute, probably an ex-ballerina herself.

Hi Fred! Happy New Year! When you look past the stylistic charm that comes from old clothes and hairdos, I think old images (and films!) are representational without representing all the warts and imperfections of real life. By doing this, they glamourise the appeal of whatever (or whoever) is being shown. Artists have understood this for centuries. Artistry of photography and film preserves this mystique.

When the end of the world was being discussed, Mark Twain interjected: "When the world comes to an end, I know where I would like to be! In Cincinnati!" He was asked "Why?" "Because Cincinnati is 20 years behind everywhere else!"

From Goldiggers Of 1933 Hi Dan! Happy New Year! I've never been a big *Mary Pickford* fan. Her popularity appeared derived from tastes unique to her time. In many of her films, she was playing roles for which she was over-aged. Sorry you were disappointed in *Kiki (1931).* I was "going down the line" of Berkeley's filmography, offering up everything he did or worked on. His contribution or input varied from one film producer and movie to the next. His pre-Warner films are seldom seen and so I felt they were most worthy of presentation. Some of them are interesting for Berkeley's input, othertimes they are of interest as historical relics and oddities. I've added two of his Warner period classics to the *filmography* thread: *Gold Diggers Of 1933* ***42nd Street* I'm not done presenting him yet. I think the effort worthwhile, as he was so unique.

I wonder if that phone number still works for Grauman's! *GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933* *Warner Brothers w/ Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Joan Blondell* ** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx9UrHD-Nmc *Full movie in 7 parts* *Shadow Waltz* ** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1B3z2ImFH4 *6 minute clip* *Millionaire turned composer Dick Powell rescues unemployed Broadway people with a new play.* *This film draws from the contemporary Depression, inspired in part by the Bonus Marchers of 1932. Features moving "Forgotten Man" number.*

$10 (1933) is the equivalent of $170 today! *42nd STREET (1933)* *Warner Brothers w/ Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Bebe Daniels, Ginger Rogers* *Finale* ** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL5MhCax5m8 *7 minute clip* *I'm Young and Healthy* ** http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/303065/42nd-Street-Movie-Ciip-I-m-Young-And-Healthy.html *4 minute clip*

Hi sandy, This is a tough one to get individually. I would advise "killing all the birds with one stone" by buying a "platinum collection" of all 42 films from: http://www.thevintagetheatre.com/charliechan.html 80 bucks takes it away. I have this set and I love it! With it you could "OD" on Chan, and the series starts with 1929. They have a cheaper 31 film set, but the flick you are asking about isn't part of it. You'll just have to go "Platinum"!

Hi misswonderly, I admit to having enjoyed THIS tv on the New Year weekend far more than TCM. THIS stuck to the traditional, tried and proven "holy trinity" for ushering the New Year with the *Marx Bros., Mae West and WC Fields!* (They even repeated the Marx films!) Their collective film "cannon" encompasses a choice of over 25 films. It's better to usher in the New Year with comedy! It's great to preserve the memory of these films and stars by airing them. My understanding of the Mayan calendar is that it tells of a convergence of long term time cycles come 2012. Our civilisation only counts one 365 day year at a time; unlike the Mayans, we have no concept whatsoever of time proceeding in 5,000 and 26,000 year cycles. Upon what they were basing these unique insights, nobody knows. The living Maya have known about 2012 for a long time. From what I've heard, they aren't saying the world is going to end, but that it will experience a great change due to war and natural catastrophe. We won't all be gone, but I'm reminded of what *Greta Garbo* said in *Ninotchka(1939)* when asked about the "show trials" back in Moscow: "There are fewer, but better Russians!". What a sweetheart. People have always yearned for this world to end. Throughout 2,000 years of Christianity, the Book Of Revelation has received more attention and sensationalism than any other book in the Bible. (Someone no less than Sir Isaac Newton had devoted years to unlocking Bible time code and deducing an entime prediction date.) People get frustrated with their lives and the state of the world and seem to want to be put out of their misery by divine or cosmic intervention. Prophets that have predicted the end of the world have always attracted a following in every generation. The history of film shows a great many features that play on this angst, of a world and civilisation destroyed with only a few survivors. They've enjoyed a certain box office appeal depending on the level of mass anxiety.