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rohanaka

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Posts posted by rohanaka

    The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

    in Your Favorites

    Posted

    Hello Grey Guy...

     

    And I already posted my photo a couple days ago

     

    Yes... but that was taken years ago back in your EARLY career. Eventually you outgrew your swamp (or was it a "lagoon"??) and had to move to Japan... Where you became a beloved star of NUMEROUS sci-fi films... and also... an action figure. (my brothers used to have one of your figurines way back in the 70's... but it's head kept popping off) :P

     

    (PS...This is a scene from one of your most epic "monster" battles ever...) :P:P

     

    godzilla_ghidorah.jpg

    The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

    in Your Favorites

    Posted

    if you like chocolate that much, ill make you all you want

     

    Hello my future personal chef!! Ha. I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a "Chocolate Cheesecake" today!! :D (Just borrowing a line from "Wimpy", there... I loved the old Popeye cartoons... but I think I am likely more "sea hag" than Wimpy.... in truth.. sometimes I am both HA!)

     

    Hope your afternoon has been fine and fabulous, young'un!

    Movie Rambles

    in Films and Filmmakers

    Posted

    Hiya Molo!!

     

    Thanks for the feedback, my friend. I appreciate the way you pulled some of the screencaps from the scenes back into the conversation too. One of the things I like in this film (almost as much as the story and the characters) is the way that it LOOKS. I think others have mentioned it too, but it really is filled with some beautiful imagery. I have little understanding of the whole "filmmaking" process... but to my mind it was very well photographed. Its a pity the issues with sound quality detract from that sometime... I guess that happens in certain older films. But it really does not detract enough to dampen my enthusiasm much. It really is an enjoyable film.

     

    She is like a siren luring Jabez to the rocks. She is bewitching actually.

     

    That is a perfect way to describe her. I think her job as a "destroyer of conscience" was very interesting. And you are right... once Jabez finds what little of his is left... she and Mr. Scratch both get REALLY worried about it. It is the only thing that ever stands in their way in all their shady dealings.. Can't have a little old thing like a "conscience" muddying up their works. It's bad for business.

     

    I always thought that Webster had ongoing dealings with Mr. Scratch. I think Mr. Scratch sees him as a prize catch. Since the story is told in the way of folklore, I felt Webster knew Mr. Scratch better than Jabez did, and that he was fully aware of who he was dealing with.

     

    I think you are right. I imagine Webster was very familiar with old Scratch's tactics too as he was a prime target. If Scratch could not influence him directly... he used the folks around him and the minds and hearts of the voters he was able to sway to do the job for him instead. Scratch had as much interest in trying to influence a "big fish" like Webster (who held sway over many) as he did every other little "small fry" he could find as well. That way he could manage affairs from both ends and all points in between. It is a good tactic in "warfare". And old Scratch was a wily guy... he knew just the right things to say to almost EVERYBODY (I say again...almost... because a few did manage to resist him) But he was very good at his job. Not to use too much of a comparison from scripture with this (because I agree with you and maintain that this is VERY much a folktale) but the devil is described as a roaring lion roaming around seeking whom he may devour... I am sure sometimes that noise can be heard for miles when it is loud enough.. but sometimes he roars with a "purr".

     

    The scene where he is whispering in Webster's ear while he is writing was very well done. Webster stands up to him and tells him in no uncertain terms to BE QUIET... and the old devil took notice and left. There is a bit of "biblical" imagery in this as well, because the scriptures do say to resist the devil and he will flee. And I got to thinking about an old folktale I once heard a pastor tell about Martin Luther waking up one night and finding the devil in his house making noise and rattling the pots and pans... When Martin Luther saw who it was making all that racket, he just looked at him and said..."Oh it's just you" and went back to bed. (Ha). The implication being... that the old "lion" is only scary if you willingly let yourself come under his influence by paying attention when he "roars" at you. The scene where Webster says "oh its you" always reminds me of that. I think you are right that he knew who Scratch was... but Webster wasn't going to willingly let himself be intimidated. (I wonder if S V Benet had heard that Martin Luther folktale too. Ha.)

     

    Sometimes you have to help someone who may not necessarily be worthy or deserving because it is the only way to help those in that person's life who are

     

    That is very nicely said and I agree... this is Webster's motivation in helping Jabez. But I think you are also right that once Jabez really sees things for how they are and pleads for Webster to help his family... then Ole Dan'l sees him as a guy worth helping and his focus on everything widens enough to want to help Jabez as well.

     

    PS...Thanks again for the great use of screencaps, young'un. You always manage to pick the perfect ones to bring out things we are talking about in the conversation. :-)

    Movie Rambles

    in Films and Filmmakers

    Posted

    she discovers that love not only enriches the beloved and the one who loves, but reaches out to embrace all of life

     

    To quote Michaeleen Flynn: " A BEAUTIFUL sentiment!!!"

     

    Barb... this is the second time in two days I find myself saying this in response to one of your posts...

     

    VERY well said. (wish I'd have thought of it! Ha.)

     

    PS... Monsieur Laffite,

     

    A very nice analysis on all these interesting characters...

     

    How would you like to play cards with this gal?

     

    My gosh, my golly!! That was my one of my favorite scenes in this film. Ha. She was so in tune with each and every person at that party and nothing escaped her notice.... even when she was keeping her perfect "poker face" in check. :-)

    The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

    in Your Favorites

    Posted

    Oh my golly... you guys really got pounded! But it sure is pretty to look at! (I LOVE the one w/ the cardinal) Hope you stay safe out there, young'un. Bundle up and drink plenty of cocoa!!! (extra marshmallows!) Ha.

     

    I am calling it a day too!! I now leave you men to chat about Gloria all you like now... I am sure THAT will work as well as cocoa for you! :-)

     

    PS... thanks for the samosas!!! The next batch are on me!!! Here's a little late night snack for you in return... You won't have to share w/ the Grey Guy.... he only eats sawdust.... ha. :P

     

    333076992_fb9d164aee.jpg

     

    Message was edited by: rohanaka

    The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

    in Your Favorites

    Posted

    Comparing Greer to Lassie! Tsk Tsk can you imagine???

     

    HA!! I just saw this way down there under all the new stuff... I CAN imagine... ony because he (and someone who's name rhymes w/.... SOLO... have tried that trick before)... but I won't say WHO that other person is... I am too busy eating my samosas!! Ha.

    The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

    in Your Favorites

    Posted

    You do need to watch your step around this swamp. You never know what may get you or

    what'll you step in.

     

    NOT afraid... I am already prepared!! I have ALWAYS known I needed to wear my hipwaders when I get around YOU... ha. :P

     

    Here is a little "promo video" for your next techno training course:

     

     

    Movie Rambles

    in Films and Filmmakers

    Posted

    Hi Ms Cutter! Very nice ramble on The Rains Came...

     

    I enjoyed this film a lot... both for the story and also because it had some really interesting characters. I LOVED the Maharani. She was a really rich character... no pun intended... She was hilarious, and as you say, compassionate, but also she was one tough old bird as well.... a great combination. I thought the special effects were first rate and very well done. And although the story (at least for me) seemed to lack a little direction at first (I kept waiting to see WHAT the point was behind all the little subplots) it really picked up speed and took off once THE RAINS finally came.

     

    Ransome and Fern are forced to come to grips with themselves and each has to decide if they will take this opportunity to become better people. Fern and Tom rise to the occasion much faster than Lady Esketh. Edwina continues to play cards while those around her rise to the occasion and pitch in to help in disaster relief.

     

    Having lost her husband in the disaster, Edwina sees her chance to get close to Rama by volunteering at the hospital.

     

    This was one of the most interesting parts of the story for me... how all that diversity brought out the best in almost everybody... except for Lord Esketh, perhaps. ( I really was surprised though that after he is dispatched... NOBODY seems to notice. Edwina never says anything like... "I wonder what happened to my husband." I know they more or less only tolerated one another... but still... that seemed a little odd) But I do like how she starts to see a bigger world around her than herself and the picture of her down on her knees cleaning up the floor following a surgery shows how far she'd really come in her mind and her heart toward making a sincere effort to be a part of the doctor's world. But to go even further, she eventually she seems to understand that she is not there just to be near him anymore... and that the lives of those she is helping at the hospital all really matter too. It is a VERY nice portrayal of "redemption".

     

    This film was a surprise for me in more ways than one... I had only heard of it for the first time just a couple of days before it aired... and THEN I thought I had missed it... but now I am really glad to have it on tape as I am sure I will look forward to watching it again sometime.

     

    Thanks again for bringing it up! :-)

    Movie Rambles

    in Films and Filmmakers

    Posted

    Hello there little Bronx gal...

     

    Re:my "ramblings"... you are probably just saying in a nice way that I am a big jabbering blabbermouth. :D (But PS.. thanks for saying it in a nice way!) Ha. Hope you and others have a few more words to say about ole Dan'l.

     

    Re: your multi-toothed, giant green fellow.... YIKES! The only "good" one of those I have ever seen was either on a handbag, a belt, or a pair of shoes! HA! :-)

     

    PSS... Be careful all you Northeastern-ers (and those of you who got the surprise in the south as well.... POOR MOLO!!! Sorry about your cable!) At least this time... we midwest folks managed to get by w/ only about 4 or 5 inches of snow (around these parts anyway)on Saturday before it all headed out to your neck of the woods. Not enough snow to shut down the place... but just enough to make it pretty for a while and give all the kiddies some fun over the weekend.( I have about a dozen or so snow angels in my back yard even as we speak) :-)

     

    Drive and/or Walk safely out there, folks. :-)

    Next Line Please...

    in Games and Trivia

    Posted

    Finishing it off...

     

    Ah yes, I knew your people, Sean. Your grandfather... he died in Australia.... in a penal colony

     

    "And your father.... he was a good man too."

    ____________________________________________________________________________

     

    Anyone else feel free....

    Movie Rambles

    in Films and Filmmakers

    Posted

    Whoo Hoo! Molo! Another fine ramble, my friend. Thanks for bringing this film up for a chat. And again.. very good use of the screencaps to make your points here. :-)

     

    I have been waiting for this ramble since way back before Thanksgiving! I remember you and the Grey Guy bringing this film up sometime... or rather more or less just bringing "Belle' up... ha! And that, combined w/ a vague remembrance of this story from High School (though I really remember very little of the study we did back when) is what led me to check it out from the library way back when... and I was really glad to see it air last week on TCM as well. I made a copy of it and the QT and I watched it the other day... he had never seen it before, so was glad to watch it.

     

    This story has it's basis in "folklore"... WAY more than in "faith"... so leaving a lot of issues of faith out of it, I can say that it is a very entertaining and intriguing... and thought provoking tale.

     

    Major Spoilers Ahead

     

    As soon as the opening credits role, you get the idea that you are in for something a little different.The scrolling of the names of those in front of the camera and those in back of the camera is unconventional. The film opens with a certain Mr. Scratch (Walter Huston) looking over his book. He comes to a listing for Jabez Stone.

     

    Something that I did not catch the first time I watched.. but I noticed it right away this last time was the name of the character "Jabez". In the Bible, (in the book of 1 Chronicles) Jabez asks God to bless his property and increase his wealth and keep him from harm... and I find that an interesting twist here... because the Jabez in THIS story had the same desires... He just chose to go to a different source to get them.

     

    I think all of the characters in this film were very well developed and very well acted as well, and I found them all quite interesting for a variety of reasons... and that is more the focus of my ramble this time.

     

    For all his loud talk and hard work, Jabez really seemed to be a very weak man who focused more on himself than ANYTHING... even from the very beginning. He took all the "hard luck" personally... blaming EVERYONE (including God, most likely) for his situation. And he seemed to think it was his lot in life to suffer and go around in misery. He spends the first part of the movie whining and crying about all his misfortune but rather than pull himself up by his boot straps as he was likely raised, he takes the "easy way" out with very little hesitation when the devil lays his offer on the table.

     

    It really is a mystery to me how he could have been so "self" centered and weak a character, having been raised by someone as strong and determined like his Ma... who was to me, the most interesting character of all. She had a lot of "common" sense... but she also had some really "uncommon" sense as well... She knew the ways of the world, but she was NOT going to let the ways of the world influence her character and the things she thought were right. She had her feet firmly planted in the ground that she worked and her heart firmly planted in her faith. A very good combination when it comes to facing both hardship AND temptation. And she stayed true to herself and to the things she believed in as a result. And I really like how she lets Jabez go his own way... but she refuses to alter HER course. VERY strong willed and yet very "motherly" all at the same time.

     

    And Mary was the perfect "stereotype" of the loving, faithful wife... even when Jabez is at his VERY worst (and lets face it... by the time things all came to a head... Jabez was about as bad as a guy could be) She STILL loved him and believed he could overcome the person he'd become. And she would not let anyone say a bad word against him. But eventually she was driven away for the sake of their child... (more about him in a minute) I like how at one point... as Jabez undergoes a variety of behavior changes and his mind and heart become more and more accustomed to his new way of thinking... he tells his Ma and Mary to forget the things he has said in the past and listen to the things he was saying "now". And that he had "made up his mind". But later... Mary echoes those same words (with a different meaning) and says she TOO had made up HER mind and she decides to stand with her husband on HIS terms in HIS house and I think by doing that...she hoped to be an influence on him for good. Because sometime before that, she is seen praying for him and asks God to "bring Jabez back into thy kingdom" so she seems to understand the REAL battle is for his soul... even if she doesn't know the details.

     

    And Mr. Scratch... well... all I can say is he is VERY well portrayed. And very well written too. A lot of times the devil is shown as a "comical" sort of character in movies like this... but I saw very LITTLE comedy in him. He was more or less portrayed very much (in some respects) like I believe the devil would be if he were to physically appear and seek to stir up trouble. I don't mean to say he'd show up w/ contract in hand and a big pot of gold, but the way he uses discouragement... and encouragement (or should I call it specific sorts of temptation) to lead and mislead people was very well written. In many ways he was like a smooth talking "salesman"... almost like the stereotypical "used car salesman". As in..."But what about the big car payment?" "Oh... don't bother yourself with that... what's a little old car payment to you compared to the prestige you'll have in driving that big shiny car?" (ha). Ok.. all you used car salesmen just sit down... I am NOT calling you the devil... ONLY making a "general" statement, here... NO specific reference intended. (Ha) :-)

     

    Actually, let's forget the movie and just look at Belle

     

    Ah Belle... her name means Beautiful... but other than the OBVIOUS outward beauty... it was such a misnomer. Evil personified and rotten to the core, she was. And almost "scary" in her hypnotic beauty. In fact to me... she was WAY more scary than old Mr. Scratch. VERY well played by Ms. Simone. When she is hovering over the new born baby... Mary instinctively covers the child to protect him.... that was VERY telling of the way she seemed to understand already that this woman could be a threat... but ever the one to think good of others, Mary then goes on to tell Ma later that Belle is such a kind person... Yeah.. "kind" like a RATTLESNAKE! :-)

     

    Another thing that escaped my notice the first time I watched was a little scene where Mary is getting ready to go to church and Ma and she are about to leave... and Mary leaves an open Bible on the table.... perhaps a carefully selected scripture reference just for Jabez... and he sits down and starts to read... and is for a moment drawn away from Belle's "spell". But of course she wastes little time in ridding him of the distraction of ANYTHING that might smack of "conscience stirring material" and he is so weak by his own desires he willingly submits to her temptations.

     

    Now... about the "two" Daniels... BIG Daniel Webster is an interesting character. He has almost two separate natures... He's bigger than life and yet very down to earth. And he seems to have remembered "where he came from". Unlike a lot of bigwig politicians and men of means that surround him. And still... he is not without flaw or without fear of failure.

     

    Throughout the film, Webster will serve as the moral counterpoint to Mr. Scratch. An early scene shows that he has been dealing with him in his own way for quite some time.

     

    I thought a lot about whether he knows who Scratch was when he saw him in town and says "oh it's you" and I think he REALLY does... but he is NOT willing to be intimidated by him. That is an interesting twist.

     

    This sets up the film's great climatic scene. Webster convinces Scratch to submit the case of Jabez Stone's soul to a trial by jury. Confident enough to even throw his own soul in on the bargain if he loses. Webster insists only on an American judge and jury.

     

    I must confess that the big scene in the barn where he has to fight for Jabez's soul sort of left me flat the first time I watched it. Though I thought Arnold did a good job w/ the acting... It really did not impress me all that much and seemed almost half hearted (from a dialogue standpoint) But as I watched again... I listened a little harder and I enjoyed it much more the second time. I liked his "no nonsense" business like approach when dealing w/ the Devil in terms of "lets see what sort of evidence you have' etc... just as he would for any client facing any sort of opponent. And I got a better look at the judge and the jury this second time around and listened more closely to some of the verbal exchanges there (a few of them are hard to make out altogether due to that sound quality issue) Overall it really is a much better scene than I first thought.

     

    And now... what about the younger Daniel??? Because for me... THAT is the REAL hinge that this whole story rests on. I don't think Jabez would have ever "snapped" nearly so hard (in either direction) were it not for his son.... He had signed away his soul.. and his pride would have led him astray...without much help from Belle. But when he realizes he is about to become a father... he gets it in his mind that he is going to leave something for his heir... again as a matter of pride. And I think THIS may have been the real reason for Belle to show up in the first place. NOT to distract Jabez and keep him from his conscience to make things more easy for Jabez...(since the devil already had HIS soul anyway) but rather to distract Jabez and make him (and Belle through him) the greater influence on the boy as he grew up than his mother and grandmother would be. .

     

    Because even if Jabez became resigned to his future fate.... he might still have enough conscience to teach his son to do better... and to let him follow the better path of the two women. But by using Belle to help relieve Jabez from his conscience...the father would then be a different sort of influence more to Scratch's liking. And that way he would get them both. (I hope that all makes sense).

     

    I think that it is clear the hold Belle has over both Jabez AND little Daniel in the exchange in the garden between the Grandma, Mary, and Jabez over Daniel's awful behavior. And Belle more or less takes over with Daniel and leaves Mary to watch as her son is led off all smug and as full of pride as his dad wearing that lovely red coat. And at that point, Ma and Mary are the absolute contrast... working faithfully in the garden, toiling and keeping to the things that are right as Jabez, Belle, and Daniel ride off to partake of the pleasures of idle fancy. It is an interesting turn of events. And when Mary sees that THIS is where the real battle lies... she goes to the one person she thinks can best help her husband... (Daniel Webster) and perhaps by helping him... she can influence him and keep her hand in the battle for her son as well.

     

    But I like how Webster lays it all out for her that he has heard the REAL story about the man her husband has become and that he will do what he can to help HER (but not necessarily help Jabez). And the exchange between Big Daniel and Little Daniel is the first step... That boy had a "britches warming" coming to him that was long overdue... and Big Daniel wastes little time in bringing that about. :-) And of course (as most morality plays would have it) that gives the boy's conscience a whole new outlook.

     

    And the whole dinner party scene was VERY eery. Miser Stevens really was a lesson for Jabez in the cost he was going to be forced to pay soon himself. And then when it is nearly too late, Jabez sees that he really has made the worst of all possible deals... and tries to get away.

     

    This will sound a bit "twisty and turney" but I think Scratch decides to offer Jabez more time in exchange for his son....because he thinks Jabez (by this point) is actually weak enough to take the deal, and THAT is where things really got interesting for me. He was banking on Jabez loving himself more than his son (because he seemed to have had a habit of loving himself more than others throughout the whole ordeal) So even IF Daniel Webster had not shown up to argue the big case, as it were... this would have been a losing "victory" for Scratch had he only gotten Jabez in the end. He did not count on the redeeming power of a woman's faithful love toward her husband, and the overwhelming power of a father's desire to protect his own flesh and blood (which all FINALLY managed to kick in for Jabez in the end... My golly, it sure took him long enough.) :-)

     

    All in all, I enjoyed this film very much. The whole early American folklore aspect was very appealing, but this is also a timeless tale of how the choices we make and the things we value have consequences in life.... And in the end... the measure of a man is NOT in what he has but more in how he lives and loves others.

     

    Thanks for letting me ramble a bit, folks. And thanks, again, Molo. Nice job brining this one up for review!

     

    PS Barb....

     

    its nightmare-while-awake Expressionist cinematography, its "tall-tale" American iconographic folksiness wedded to an indeed timeless morality tale about living A good life, instead of THE good life.

     

    THAT is a perfect way of describing this tale... I like the part about living "A" good life instead of "THE" good life. VERY well said. (wish I'd have thought of it! Ha.) :D

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