rohanaka

3 Mall Men. That movie is on side C of the DVD HA!!!!!! My favorite show!! (But how will I ever figure out which is the C side on a two sided disc??? I took me forever just to find the "B". In truth....the 2 older men were brothers and were always very entertaining ...quite witty in fact...you never quite knew what was going to pop out of their mouths (the third guy was a bit quieter, but he could talk a lot once you got him started) So all in all, they would have made a great "side C". It was 63 degrees here today, which tied our all-time high. Tomorrow? 32 degrees and a wintry mix. There's a chance we may get 3-4 inches of snow. You probably have what we had Saturday...it was in the high 50's then...then yesterday afternoon the wind picked up to a ridiculous pace...and the temps started dropping like a rock....it was about 3 degrees early this morning when I left for work... and I don't think it got about 10 or 11 all day. We are supposed to get snow too late tonight or early tomorrow...but not quite that much in this area...1-3 inches maybe. Later this week we are supposed to get it again... so I guess it is winter time for sure...I like snow and all that....but single digit temps are for the....hmmm...penguins. (those are the only birds I could think of who might enjoy that) BLECH doesn't even begin to cover it. I haven't gotten warm all day...I think my little cast iron space heater is calling my name!!!! I always behave myself. I'm a gentleman Well...

April....very interesting piece on the director. I never knew much about him, but his two most successful films are certainly among my favorites. Very nice photos of Ms. Leigh...my favorite has to be that last one...with the gorgeous dark red gown.

The "stork" most assuredly had a wrong sense of direction when he plopped me in this day and age. See how I can't resist even a mini-rant on this subject? HA!. I have always joked that I was born about a hundred years too late...but then...I go flip on a light switch or turn on the dishwasher...and that thought starts to fade... :-) Trust me, you would come away looking like the nurse and me the patient that's how stubborn and unreasonable I am on my soapbox. HA!! We would make quite the pair. Of course...they would know we were "out of it" just by looking at our matching teeshirts... Most folks on the street likely haven't even heard of that film...Just going off the title and the scruffy-looking guys in the picture...they will think we belong to some strange "evil cowboy" cult. :-)

Would you like me to take your trash out HA!..I had to sit here a while...but think I finally got that...(I don't work at that mall anymore....) But tomorrow is trash day.... (better wear a heavy coat though...it's about 7 degrees outside right now...it has been freezing cold like that all the ding dang day!!! And PS...as I am sure you have figured out...I am about as boring as the day is long... so you have a long way to go still to catch up to that... But I was speaking the truth, I didn't want to interrupt your "Informer" discussion with Miss G. April....should we accept this as an X-cuse or not??? PSS...Grey Guy....your rambles are always worth waiting for...at least...when you behave yourself... :-)

So they loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly...Hills that is...

Well he came out of his cave HEY...you really ARE out there lurking!!! :-)

Just steer any conversation into modern social life and then stand back. Hmmm....there's possibilities w/ that...So April....what are your thoughts on the social aspects of the Informer (the community w/in the community etc...) and how would you compare those to modern day social themes....( HA! :-) Ok...that was a lame attempt...(I am a poor "steerer") :-) And I think we BOTH could be on the same soapbox if we go too far w/ that topic... :-) They might never talk us down... I would never do that here, everyone would really think I was crazy then But then I wouldn't feel so lonely in the world of "crazy" :-) Well he came out of his cave for a minute but only with another load of excuses I am giving him the benefit of the doubt (but only for a little while longer) I am keeping my fingers crossed that he is just typing away preparing to WOW us w/ his post on 3 Bad Men....which reminds me... Movieman??? I wonder if you got to that one as well this weekend...as I recall you were going to chime in too....and we need your wisdom as we are clearly getting a little goofy now as we are sitting here waiting for the Grey Guy...

I'm going blonde here---what happened with Oxbow? I am sure the it was likely forgettable for most folks..(at least my portion of it) but I had a wonderful time w/ the little Ramble Rumble that movie created a couple of months back w/ our friend Mr. Grey. :-) I don't think Gypo's capable of that kind of deviousness---the planning and scheming far ahead kind. Giving in weakly to an opportunity---yes, but I don't think he could handle anything too complicated Of course, you've pegged him perfectly...or is that "perfectly pegged him"....my grammar has gone way down hill over the years... :-) He might even have reasoned to himself Frankie, as his close friend, was the one who got him into all this mess in the first place I can see that potential in him as well..good point. And aren't the actors just all marvelous? I love their faces Totally...I am sure I have discussed this on here before, but Ford had a knack for faces. And as far as the acting...MacLaglen's "lost hours" where he just comes unwound...he did a fabulous job of portraying that aspect of things...he was like a big giant spinning top....just teetering on the brink at any given moment....and then he'd spin off in a different direction....until eventually he "toppled over" when he spun out. FrankGrimes: are you going to watch this movie so you can participate here I'm only repeating that line in an attempt to wear him down and bring him out of hiding...he has a lot of catching up to do on yet another film as well... as I recall.... (I know you are lurking out there somewhere Grey Guy....you can't hide forever!!) :-)

Well the next thing you know...old Jed's a millionaire.

I wonder if that's really what the movie is all about I don't know. I was thinking how unlikely it was that Gypo had any clue what sort of night he was in for when he went out that evening. It's not like he woke up that morning and decided "tonight I will betray a friend and cash in big...then go berserk and get myself shot...etc... But then again...maybe he did. (at least the part about turning in Frankie..I am sure he did not plan "going berserk" or any other unfortunate occurrences) One other thing that is mentioned in the conversation w/ Frankie (besides the failed execution) is that Gypo is the one who made the arrangement w/ Frankie's mother for his visit...she even gave him money for Frankie (which Gypo spent on himself instead, by his own admission) Did he already have a "plan" in his mind? Surely that wasn't the first time he'd seen those wanted posters.(Oh...and w/ regard to the "fate" angle...the Wanted Poster wraps itself around Frankie's pantleg too...a warning??) Maybe Gypo already had the thought at some point before the story started (and his girlfriend's comment about the 20pounds just pushed him over the edge) Maybe this was an idea he'd been nursing a while and if so...then maybe that would explain why he couldn't get it out of his mind when he finally did see Frankie at the pub. Of course....maybe I've also got too over-active an imagination...or maybe I've just been outside in the freezing cold too long today and I have a bad case of brain freeze and am way off base... (wouldn't be the first time.) :-) Is man a free agent? Is he a pawn of "fate"? Whoa...now we are definitely getting into that muddy territory...an age old question to be sure...but the simple answer would have to be "yes". (How's that for "double speak"? ) I don't want to go down any slippery slopes here as I DO tend to ramble sometimes and my soapbox still hasn't recovered from that cold night at the Oxbow...but will only say that it is an interesting concept trying to un-twine that tightly woven thread I mentioned. Because our circumstances really can affect a lot of our decisions...yet sometimes the situations we find ourselves in are a direct result of choices we make based upon our character. So...we are not as much a prisoner of fate as it may seem. I think the the situation could have been different had Gypo been a different man.... (PS...I should have prefaced all my remarks both this time....and previously w/ my infamous..."that's how I saw it anyway...others may have a different opinion". I am nothing if not opinionated.) :-) Jack is right....this is a VERY Gray/Grey story. Oh...I feel mud creeping around by toesies already... but will leave it at that as I don't want to create another "Oxbow" ...we might not have enough rope...or worse yet....we just might. :-)

he could not carry out his "assignment" in executing someone else...and that was the first little ball of snow that set all his troubles to rolling. April...it is not a "big moment" in the film...It's only mentioned in passing... but it does provide a glimpse into the reason behind some of the desperation he is feeling...he says something along the line that the British think he's w/ the Irish and now the Irish don't want him now either... so he is feeling very beaten down by the guilt in not carrying out his orders and by the "outcast" feeling he is now experiencing as a result. All the symbolism in the film---and it's LOADEDwith it---seems to indicate that all these things were fated but I am not sure. I think they can also be said to indicate how powerfully Gypo's environment was practically a minefield[ in which so many people like him could not avoid some kind of pitfall. Oh yeah....there is a definite case for both fate and his own poor circumstances playing on his "weak" will. The "fate" aspect is really almost glaring when you think of that wanted poster that he once tore off the wall and wadded up getting carried back to him by the wind and wrapping itself around his pantleg...and the weak will aspect is seen in the fact that he can't withstand the temptation of it.He keeps picturing it over and over, and it is still tugging at the "pantleg of his heart" long after it has been cast off and carried away again by the wind. The concept of him being locked into his fate...and him being responsible for his own actions as a result of his own weakness is a very tight weave of two seperate yet complementary threads, and it is nearly impossible to unwind the one away from the other.

Deep in December our hearts should remember...And follow....follow...follow... How about a little change of pace?? Come and listen to a story 'bout a man named Jed....

I know I'm way in the minority in this I always tell my daughter....different people like different things. :-) It would be a boring world if we all sat around liking the same movies all for the same reason all the time! Of all the things in this world that people sit around and discuss and debate....films are one of the most subjective. And everyone is certainly entitled to their own take on a film...that's what makes these discussions so interesting. PS...it's probably just as well...with all the boo-hooing going on for me at the end of this one...if EVERYBODY felt like I did...there would be some sort of global crisis going on from using up all those tissues...too many trees getting chopped down to make all that kleenex...the world would go spiraling out of control....watta disaster! (and then we'd end up w/ Bruce Dern floating around in space w/ a bunch of little robots trying to grow more trees....HA!) :-) Don't think of it as not liking the film...think of it as doing your part to save the planet!! :-) ( I am always looking for the positive!) HA!

Way back about a gazillion years ago...(actually it was Halloween weekend).... *Rohanaka wrote*: How about The Informer....because it SOUNDS like a Noir title, but from reading the synopsis, it may not really be one. Just a guess *Then Jack Favell wrote*: (on more than one post...) I like that Ford is so ruthless, showing every detail of Gypo's psyche. And yet he remains non-judgemental... I mean the story doesn't necessarily have to take place in Ireland. It is universal and I think anyone who has ever lied about something can identify with Gypo. The critics need to realize that it is a purely character driven movie, not an agenda driven movie... Again, Ford works best when he deals with individual characters and their emotions and actions, whether they are right or wrong. I think that Gypo's ambiguous nature and his humanity would be very appealing to FrankGrimes, and it is certainly a very grey/gray movie, in every way.... *And Miss Goddess also wrote*: It's pleasant to see someone who likes this movie because it always seems to get knocked around by Ford enthusiasts. I bet FrankGrimes is another who will like it, it's bleaker than most films noir. The Informer was made in 1935 and many noiristas think that's too early to be considered a true-blue (or is it black?) noir. I also think the religious elements, the symbolism, may make some consider it something apart. It's hard to categorize, it's hard for many Ford enthusiasts to "categorize". I say don't try to, just sit back and let the images wash over you and appreciate what a good actor MacLaglen was and how much you can do with a skanky set and a gifted cinematographer, scenarist and director. But don't expect a "good time". It's BLEAK. So is The Long Voyage Home (which I like more because there are more characters to get involved with and some human insight I can empathize with, which is not necessarily the case with Gypo in The Informer). In both films you'll find just about every photographic element that was exploited in post-WWII noirs, including an overwhelming fatalism (ChiO-heaven---or is it the other place?). Well...at the risk of repeating myself...(way back at HalloweenI said the following as well...) I am such a good little guesser. ...because though I am the least likely person in the free world to be considered any sort of "expert" on the subject...this has GOT to be a noir....even if the term wasn't really in use at the time. (It was Noir before Noir was cool, (or hot) so to speak) I can't honestly say that I found this movie "likeable" per se. In fact...most of the characters were among some of the MOST unlikable I have ever come across...except for maybe Frankie's sister....but it was a very powerful story and it was a VERY fine piece of acting on the part of MacLaglen. I am getting a whole new appreciation for him between this film and The Hangman's House....which by the way was an interesting film....not my favorite Ford...but had some good elements in it to be sure) Perhaps a little "spoilage" here folks.... Gypo was one of the most pathetic...though not entirely sympathetic characters I have come across in quite some time. You don't know whether to feel sorry for him, or hit him with a big rock. (at times I wanted to do both) April....BLEAK and FATALISTIC are both excellent ways to describe this one...and Jack....you are right...this story is totally character driven. There is little else to notice in it w/ all the muted gray tones and the bare bones rooms and sets. The QT watched this one w/ me and he said much the same....Gypo is just so "self-destructive". It was like the guilt that was eating away at him led him down the path that ended in his own demise and there was no stopping that snowball once it started rolling downhill and picking up more and more snow...eventually it was bound to come crashing down on him....all in the space of a single night. But I found it interesting that his main troubles started in a moment of weakness...or was it really a sign of character...he could not carry out his "assignment" in executing someone else...and that was the first little ball of snow that set all his troubles to rolling. Was he weak in that moment? That could be a matter of debate. But the "perception" of weakness that he felt was more than he could face and it created the attitude in his heart that made him feel so desperate as to turn in a friend for money....which led him to appear still weaker in his own mind (and thus to behave in a self destructive manner as a form of self punishment) as he struggled with the guilt...kind of an interesting 'circular" twist. I liked that his final thoughts were of absolution...he headed for the one place he knew he needed to go...and I was very glad for Frankies' mother and her reaction...it was the one bright spot in the otherwise dismal and depressing mess....though I am sure some might argue that it was TOO bright...maybe things should have gone the other way....but I am glad for the sake of the story that he found his peace in the end. Somewhere in the midst of the Halloween posting extravaganza.... *Frank Grimes wrote*: The Informer is one of three that intrigues me the most. Grey Guy....this one is definitely right up your alley...at least from the things I have read in your previous posts... But don't get any ideas....you are still holding out on us for the 3 Bad Men.... No vacation in NOIR land till you turn in your ramble on our Beloved Tom et al.... if you please....I would hate to have to INFORM on you...because unlike our friend Gypo....I can live with the guilt!!! :-) Message was edited by: rohanaka

THE SEARCHERS many times over the years, but for some reason it has never "connected" with me Oh for Pete's sake....you ARE made of sterner stuff then me then...I can't make it w/ out crying EVERY time when Duke picks up little Debbie and then brings her back down into his arms again..."Let's go home" And then at the end....EVERY one is going off tocelebrate their new future and the prospect of moving forward after such a long time...and he is left standing there with nothing else to do....his entire purpose for living has just been completed....and now what??? Oh....break out the Kleenex....I am having an emotional flashback!!! :-)

Kathy---I'm nosy now about what movie is next in your "queue". YIKES!! I just remembered...I have to get all these special orders back to the library tomorrow!!! (they don't allow re-check outs on specials....and there is a big ugly red tag on the dvd case that says something like..."You are viewing this special ordered dvd at no charge to you courtesy of the interlibrary exchange....please return it on time so that others may enjoy it too" Or something along that line...don't want to get a "black mark" against my check out privileges, now do I??? SO....(since I have been goofing around in here WAY too much going on and on about our beloved Tom and his cohorts) ...I am going to have to get in ....The Informer and Two Rode Together both today. (Wish me luck! ) I still have Emma...that I never have gotten to watch again yet as well as The Secret Life of Walter Mitty....but I can check those back out again if needed because they weren't special orders.... Hey...what am I doing on here still jabbering?? Lunch is almost ready....then I have to find a distraction for the short person..then I have to make sure there are no hidden "tecnowammies" to get around in THESE two DVD's before I can start watching....oh my oh me....Busy, Busy, Busy!!!!! :-) Talk to you later!!!

Very nice pics, FF. Nice to see the images again even if it's only been a couple of days since watching.

Wow...Ms Cutter...thanks for starting this thread. I have enjoyed watching this film many times. I am a huge fan. It is all you have said...and very much among my favorites. The music alone is just so intense and fits perfectly w/ the story. (and it is at this very moment racing through my brain note for note, even though I am sure it has been well over a year since I last saw this film) And I agree...the scenery is breathtaking. The images are so grand and fit very nicely w/ all the action....the landscape in those final chase scenes matches the intensity level of that part of the story so well...high cliffs...huge trees...giant rocks... And while I have never seen either the Scott film nor read the book...I don't think I could possibly imagine this story any other way than it is told in this version of the film. Very excellent post. Thanks again.

A few spoilers... April...I agree...I would liked to have seen him go on to preach a sermon to those loose ladies....but I was really moved when the wife of his "soon to be former" enemy showed up and kept him from leaving.... I liked what he said to God about how the rain was God christening the church...thought that was very touching. Raymond Burr had me really thinking he was one huge jerk there for a while...and then in the end...he just flattened out. I am not sure how I wanted his character resolved...but it just was too easy the way he sort of gave up at the end. But that bit in front of the church where he tried to intimidate folks by reading off their accounts was really a good way of showing how mean and low he was...and when those guys were trying to interupt the singing by playing their own music outside...I really wanted Heflin to tell Miss Jane to just keep singing...and then encourage everyone else to join in too...at least go down fighting...kind of like Pastor Pyle did in the beginning scene of Sgt. York...at least TRY to stand up to the interuption before all heck broke loose. . And w/ the romance ...it is never even really implied at all on Heflin's part until he is already walking away from the camera headed for the church and then he sort of puts his arm around her....just once it would have been nice for him to start to wonder if maybe there was more to her than just a tomboy...before that final moment. The mother and daughter needed their own story....they could have had their own movie completey apart from this one as I agree...there was a lot of potential there...I had a hard time fitting them into this story though. But I would have really liked for the daughter to have left Raymond Burr high and dry at the end and done a little repentance of her own. FF---there was maybe a few moments of cute for Woodward...in amongst all the grit and grime.

COUNT THREE AND PRAY Hi Barb...I left a little ramble over in the western thread about this one... PS...what are you telling me about the Searchers...you HAVE seen it haven't you?? (I think he even wears his "uniform". :-)

Count Three and Pray Well...I found it to be a nice little story....not necessarily the best western I ever saw...but there were aspects that I found to be to my liking. I always like a story that centers around personal struggles of repentance....I think it is an honest way to look at that theme. So often you see films about that subject where an individual is transformed like night vs day and there is not a "real" display of the very hard work that goes into changing your entire way of looking at life... and then sticking with it. It is always more challenging to stay and bear witness to a change in your life's path...EVERYONE expects you to fail...and a lot of people actualy HOPE you will...there are even plenty of folks who want to HELP you fail...but it takes a lot of determination and faith to stay the course...and when you DO fail...it takes even more determination to get back up and try again. And if there was one thing I felt that really made this story worth watching it would be that aspect of it. I thought there could have been a bit more effort from Heflin's character in the struggle....but all in all...it was a nice telling of the tale. (PS...Barb....I agree....Woodward was annoying....but I think in some ways it was almost an endearing quality for that character...almost.) :-)

I'm hiring some ex-Wall Street big shots to do the pressing and folding. They'll take any job this season. HA! Sad but true no doubt. I am sure you will have plenty of applicants!!! Barb....very nice comments. I am so glad you enjoyed this (but was there ever any doubt?) You never cried watching the Searchers??? You are way tougher than me.... Ladies....German Potato Salad and Chocolate Cake will go nicely w/ my candy...I am thinking we'll also have some chocolate dipped Marshmallows too...very yummy. I will make sure the QT and the short person are out so we won't have any interuptions... ( I am sure they need to go buy my Christmas presents or SOMETHING!) :-) Gotta go watch Count 3 and Pray...what is it w/ the #3??? Good things come in 3's???? Let's go w/ that.

And Mr. "In Hollywood" ...will you be ordering a shirt as well??? PS...thanks for the great pics!!!!

Why can't they ever be alive!!? (and under 60). HA. April...I missed this earlier...too funny. (and somewhat sad but true!!) :-) he may have had his own little fan club and women (like me) writing asking him to be the father of their children HA! Since he was married to his wife for such a long time....you would likely have to be a pretty good runner as I imagine she might have chased all those fans off w/ a big stick! (I bet it would be one of those blessing/curse things to be married to somebody famous AND good looking....glad my QT is NOT a famous guy...I might have to invest in big sticks for sure or at the very least go into my "Peacemaker" mode or something!! HA!) :-)

Enjoy. I am sure by the time we have our first meeting we will have lots of new members joining us.