rohanaka

Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Miss Applegate!! Hope it is a wonderful day!!

Howdy Grey Dude, Interestingly enough, the two films you pushed me to watch the most were both "prison" films. You seem to like films that place a person in a desperate situation, thus challenging who they are You are right.. I DO like movies where characters are put in those sorts of impossible or "desperate" situations.. but usually if it results in some sort of "progression" for their character.. or even more interesting.. a downward turn followed by a progression. I like inner conflict as well as "outer" conflict in a character too. But I don't want to be put through a ringer for no good reason, and I want to see the end result (of the why) for how a character ends up after going through everything. But to be honest, if i had to classify these two movies, I don't think of either of them as "prison" movies, though I do confess there is an element of "prison" in their story lines. (especially Bridge on the River Kwai.. near the beginning when Saito is trying to "break" Nicholson, especially) But that is pretty much where I start and stop with the whole "prison" line of thought. I don't really know HOW you would classify EOS.. maybe it's a prison story, MAYBE because Jamie was "imprisoned" but it is also a "survival" story (about how he was a survivor in an almost unsurvivable" situation.) And maybe even a bit of a "war" story.. but really.. the war is only the "back drop" So if I had to describe it, I guess I would lean mostly on the whole "survival" aspect, if I had to pin it down (and it just took PLACE in a "prison camp") As for BOTRK to me it is more of a "battle of wills" sort of movie.. and maybe a bit of a war movie.. as much as it is a "prison movie". ha. There is a little of everything going on that way.. but I think I would lean more on "war" story.. or maybe PRISONER of war movie.. ha.. (I know.. I am making up my own "genre's aren't I??) I guess if I had to define what I think of for a PRISON movie it would be more like Cool Hand Luke, (which I hate, by the way) OR The Shawshank Redemption (which I REALLY liked, by the way.. even as graphic as it was to watch in places) Both of those movies are also about how the character is faced with impossible (and maybe even "survival" sorts of problems, but the stories just play out a lot differently.. and the focus is really more on how they either "buck" the system, or work through it (or die trying) while they are in prison. Maybe.. possibly.. perhaps.. I don't know.. REALLY.. can you tell I don't know? ha. (OH good gravy.. HOW did I ever get into this box I am building for myself trying to come up with a definition for "prison movie" ha It feels good to be on the right side of the law for a change Ha.. enjoy it while it lasts. I DO intend to get to this one soon.. very soon. You didn't pack your husband in the shed, did you HA.. no. .but I am sure there are probably MANY times he would like to do that to ME. (now THERE's a prison movie for you)

I would have ranked it 11th Woo Hoo! 11 out of 46 films.. I will call that a win. (at last!) All kidding aside. I am glad you found something to like in it. It is one of those overlooked films that I think most folks WOULD respond to if they gave it a try. Now I'll have to watch Pocketful of Miracles ! I had no idea that Capra remade his own film Ha.. and neither did I because I only know they are Capra since you told me. I hope you like POM.. Bette is sweet and heartbreaking all at the same time. (and I love Peter Falk, as I recall) And what about The African Queen Gulp.. um.. uh.. uh.. (she stammered sheepishly) ha. Well, I did agree to watch that one, didn't I?? (what a world, what a world.. The Grey Dude has one over my head now.. and he has FINALLY watched the one I have been holding over HIS so now I have no leg to stand on.. what a world, what a world.) Ha. OH me, oh my.. we can't have this.. I will have to see what I can do about it.. soon.. um.. yeah.. very soon. I'd like to see When Ladies Meet with Myrna. I'm trying to imagine her with Ann Harding I need to go see what copy I have here.. we did some remodeling in our kitchen and also moved some stuff around in the living room too and all the movies got packed up and taken out to the shed (along with a whole bunch of other stuff) and I haven't gotten it all put back yet.. so will try to get it dug out and take a look.. I would like to see it again myself.. if only to remember which copy I have.. ha) All of what you say is right. The film is highly ironic, ala Twilight Zone or Alfred Hitchcock Presents. The best part of the twist had to do with the will. That was terrific Dead Ringer Spoiler Alert.. (maybe.. ha) I am trying to remember.. because it has been several months.. was that because the husband (her former sweetheart) left her money.. so she would not have lost her business anyway.. had she just waited a bit longer? I THINK that is what I remember.. and if so, That WAS a sad twist. My favorite "twist" was poor sweet Karl Malden. (how often do you get to put THOSE four words together in a sentence?, ha) Dead Ringer Spoiler Alert (for REAL ha) But he was sweet.. almost heartbreakingly so. He really did care for her and he stuck by her even after he thought she was dead. Poor guy.. he never knew her half as well as he thought.. and YET.. maybe he did. Because she does do him the kindness of letting him keep his memory of her by denying who she is in the end. So maybe ultimately, she was more like what he THOUGHT she was like afterall. (though it was too late). Alas.

Well hellooooo there, Difficult Boy Or should I say Mister I Watched a Whole Bunch of Movies but Didn't Rate EMPIRE OF THE SUN On My List So Now Rohanaka Has NO Idea How IT Compares to All the Other Ones I Watched HA!! What a great list!! (other than the aforementioned OVERLOOKED item. ha) It looks like you watched some really interesting titles, this time. Here are the ones on your list that I either a) HAVE seen.. or would like to see, based on what you have written. 1. Nothing But the Truth (1941) -- I was quite taken by this Bob Hope comedy. I don't always find myself laughing out loud with classic comedies, but this is one that had me doing just that I need to check that one out.. ha. I am no HUGE Hope fan, but do like some of his movies, and I could USE a good "laugh out loud" kinda movie lately. Will see if I can find it. 2. Talk About a Stranger (1952) -- This was the biggest surprise of the group for me. It's a rather unique film noir/horror picture. What makes the film different than most is that it's from the point of view of a child It DOES sound like one I would like And so did the other one (The Window, which I have not gotten a chance to check into yet) 6. Lady for a Day (1933) -- This is yet another film that took me by surprise. I now feel this is an under-appreciated Frank Capra film. I'd say this was the sweetest of the films that I watched. I've never seen Warren William playing such a swell guy. And this was definitely his film. May Robson was also quite good as "Apple Annie." And all the mugs and dames in the film really added to the feel of the film I THINK (maybe, but not sure) I have seen this one.. but it has been a REALLY really long time. I KNOW I have seen the Glen Ford one that Jackie mentioned (Pocketful of Miracles) and I l-o-v-e LOVE it.. so will see what I can do to check out Lady for a Day (if only to see if I am right about having watched it) It is a fun story.. very sweet, even despite all those "mugs and dames" 9. The Tattooed Stranger (1950) -- For a cheap little film, this one is really good. It's also rather "modern" in that the focus is on homicide detectives who are looking to figure out a "Jane Doe" murder. They actually use some interesting forensics. I was very surprised to see this You know me well.. this one DOES sound like it would be right up my alley. Would like to try and catch it.. will have to keep an eye out for it. 10. They Won't Forget (1937 This one sounds like it would be very intriguing in a twisty-turney kinda way. (and HEY.. Claude Rains.. what's not to like?) 14. Miracle in the Rain (1956... This is definitely a film Quiet Gal would appreciate You are right. because I DO. ha. Although it HAS been a very long time (I am talking ages, maybe even decades?) since I remember seeing it.. so I can 't get too specific. I just recall watching it the first time when I was like 18 or so (ha.. yeah.. AGES ago for sure) and boo-hooing my eyes out like a baby. It is a very emotional story, if I remember correctly. 15. It All Came True (1940) -- This is Bogie? ...Quiet Gal would actually like this "tomato" picture HA.. my sweet little tomato.. he is actually growing on me now and then To be honest.. all three of the movies you listed (this one, the war one, and the "Anti-American Americans" one) all sound like ones I would like to see..and all three are Bogie, wowsa! (who knew??) 18. The Duel at Silver Creek (1952 I have not seen this one but wanted to add.. This was your first "Audie" Western? Try Night Passage (with Jimmy Stewart) It is pretty good, overall. Not a tippy top fave.. the VERY best thing aobt it is the scenery.. ha. (but I mean that in a good way, because it is GORGEOUS) but if I am remembering it right.. Audie does a good job.. and Dan Duryea is a nutjob. ha. (I think, if I recall correctly) Oh.. but one downside.. Jimmy SINGS ha. (I remember writing on that in Western Rambles.. let's just say it is a stretch believing he is a traveling music, guy. ) 19. Keeper of the Flame (1942) -- I certainly wasn't prepared for this one. I had no idea Kate and Spence made such a dark and mysterious film as this I watched this a while back (not the most recent showing on TCM, but a while ago) and you are right, it is a very "different' sort of Tracy/Hepburn movie. Would have to watch it again to recall it well enough to comment on it. And if I recall correctly, it ends MUCH differently from what you'd expect for one of their stories. Very unusual sort of Tracy/Hepburn story indeed. 21. Ride the Pink Horse (1947) What holds me back from really liking this film is Montgomery. I just don't go for his tough guy Wow. now that is a surprise. I thought it would be one you would like more than this. He IS a "tough guy" in this movie, though, as I recall. I haven't seen it in a while, but I do recall liking it very much. (PS, I will second, third, etc, etc) the Mister X one.. it is a lot of fun, if I remember correctly but it is yet another one I have not seen in a long while, ha) 23. Operation Petticoat (1959) -- A mostly entertaining submarine comedy Ha.. MOSTLY entertaining.. sort of.. ha. I am not a huge fan of this one, but it does bring a smile. This is one of those "grouchy Cary" movies.. sort of like Father Goose. (although I don't think he was QUITE as grouchy in this one as he was in FG.. if I am remembering it right) He does a good grouchy.. but it wears old, after a while. 28. Flying Tigers (1942) -- This is John Wayne's "The Dawn Patrol This is one of those Duke movies that I THINK I have seen.. maybe.. but can't remember enough about it to even be sure I saw it or not.. ha.. but I THINK I have seen it.. maybe.. perhaps... possibly. 29. When Ladies Meet (1941 I have a copy of this movie.. thanks to a friend.. and I have even watched it.. ha.. but (gulp) am embarrassed to admit I can't remember if it is THIS one or the earlier Myrna version.. agggh. (I think the one I have seen is the Myrna one) silly me. 38. Dead Ringer (1964) -- This dramatic thriller with an ironic twist just couldn't win me over I think I liked it better than you did (from what I am reading here) Won't say it is the BEST Bette movie ever, but I really liked the twists in the story.. once she got the life she THOUGHT she wanted.. she found out there was less to like about it than what she left behind. (and I will agree it was hard to find much to like about her in this one, though I thought she did alright overall .. maybe due more (for my part anyway) because she was hard to like as either sister, honestly ha.. they BOTH were pretty unlikeable, more or less.. one was desperate, angry and bitter (enough to kill) the other one just mean and spiteful. blech. But still.. I did like the way it all played out in the end.. very "Twilight Zone-ish" in fact. Great list, Mr. Grey.. something for everyone. You are really covering the whole "movie watching spectrum" these days. Thanks for the fun read.

I am not as "up" on all my Montgomery films as you, Miss G.. but I have to say that of all the "Bobby's" I have seen.. I would share your top three.. but put them with Night Must Fall first (because OH me does he ever do such a great job of being so completely NUTSO in that movie.. ha) and then maybe (ugh..um.. let me think.) I guess I will go with Ride the Pink Horse and a VERY close third with They Were Expendable. (but I confess.. I have only seen RTPH once.. I need to watch again to make sure)

Heelloooooo Mr. Grey, She's really starting to talk a lot. And you know that once a girl starts to talk, they never stop Just wait till she is old enough to read.. then I will send her my "Frozen Rope" correspondence course and we'll teach her the finer POINTS of Hat Pin Archery. That's a terrific characteristic that you have instilled with her Ha.. I am not so sure.. she is VERY black and white.. to the extreme of those two colors I must say.(ha.. she makes ME look like a walk in the park. ha) She needs to learn a little bit lighter touch.. or at least learn that not EVERYTHING is "black and white" and that sometimes (in certain settings) there will be people that will see things differently (even on the "important" issues, and we have to let them have their own opinions.. or at least understand that she can't make someone do "the right thing" just because she thinks they should. Sometimes can handle it ok.. but other times, she gets very (VERY) frustrated with poor behavior (in others) and then we end up with a knock down drag out "Mama/Daughter" drama over why we can't go around telling the whole world what to do. (even if we are right) And then meanwhile.. we end up having to address her OWN poor behavior. ha) What can I say.. she is a work in progress. And kids your daughter's age are more than likely to take everything literally, so the humor doesn't really register. Having said that, Bud really is a bully HA. He IS a bully, isn't he. But you are right.. most kids don't "get" that sort of humor. To be honest.. sometimes I used to feel so sorry for Lou.. he would make me cry. So I guess I am in the same boat with all the current day kids. ha. I'm sure she'd like Lou's being a scaredy cat. I know that's something I personally like a lot. I'm a Scooby Doo fan and that show takes so much from past greats like Abbott & Costello I never thought about it.. but you are right!! Ha.. Scooby Doo and Bud and Lou.. who knew?? What you describe does sound interesting me. I like 70s cop shows and flicks. Although, I'm not sure how that plays with Bond. The same with voodoo I hope I am remembering it right.. all I can really recall is that Yaphet Kotto is some sort of "drug lord" and he and his crew are very "70's" in a Drug Lord/Cop Show kinda way. Meanwhile can I say that this movie made me LOVE seeing Yaphet Kotto in ANYTHING ever since.. ha... even if only so I can just say "Yaphet Kotto" ha. And wasn't his father using coins (money) as a tee Yes.. he was. I guess they couldn't find any quality golf tees in the Orient.. ha. So he just had to use whatever extra coinage he had laying around instead. That's the problem with some parents, especially today. Parents are looking to do everything for their child, thinking that's what a good parent does. But this can become a serious detriment as the child gets older It's the worst sort of "favor' you can show your child to more or less grant them every wish.. or tolerate their bad behavior for the sake of convenience.. or the sake of indulgence. Sometimes (even when it is hard) you have to say "no".. or "stop it".. or (the ever popular) "Even if you don't like it, you still must obey respectfully, because I am your parent". I say one or more of these sorts of things DAILY ha.. sometimes hourly, it feels like. But it is also good to show them what they are doing RIGHT too.. and encourage it. It can be a fine line between allowing a child to "express" himself and tolerating "willful" or disrespectful behavior. Parenting is not for the feint of heart... and it sure aint for the "idle" rich, either.. ha. If the parents in this story are any indicator. (but then again.. that is NOT to say that all people of wealth are poor parents.. just saying that Jamie's mom and dad really set him up for a HUGE let down when he found out that his world really was not all about him. But you are right.. there were a lot of others (besides Basie) teaching him.. so he did learn.. somehow. And yet, I imagine that even if he did have some ability to care for others.. he also learned more or less how to just keep himself alive. What a high price to pay to learn such a lesson. You said it. It's a delicate balance. When should a child "grow up"? It's kind of like telling a child about the "birds and the bees." When are they really ready for such a discussion Small doses.. very small sometimes. I really do think less is more most of the time. Eventually, over time, you can teach them all you can, and it still won't be enough to make them completely ready to face the cold cruel world. But at least you haven't "thrown them to the wolves" either. Wow, that sounds rather powerful It is powerful.. in terms of the emotions that the "boy" goes through.. but I just have a hard time recommending the movie as a whole. In fact, it is almost too harsh in some respects to watch.. and then I am also not a big "future run by robots" kinda gal, either. ha. So there is that too. PS: Rey.. glad you enjoyed "Duke land" ha. Winterset is a "day trip" for us.. (if I recall.. maybe 4hrs?) And we have actually talked about going.. just for the fun of it.. but have not ever taken the plunge.. maybe someday.

Heeelllooooooo Mr. Grey, Hey there, Bond Girl HA!! To borrow from my beloved Duke.. "That'll be the day." Wowsa.. may I just say.. what a little CHARMER your sweet Miss Scarlett is!! I bet she has her Uncle Grey Dude wrapped around her finger!! (and then some) Annoyingly cool Ha.. well.. at least you are reaping the benefits of all those sports addiction.. ha. All kidding aside, I bow to your list making prowess, sir. Well done. I never thought of the "bullying" or meanness of Bud until you mentioned it in regards to your daughter possibly liking or disliking Abbott & Costello. I grew up with the Three Stooges in the 80s and I love slapstick humor, so I never had issues with the slapping. I thought it was hilarious. Today's world is much more sensitive to this kind of behavior, even though today's world is much more crass Honestly.. I think for her it is all about sticking up for the little guy. ha. She is none to delicate when it comes to her sense of "justice" so if she sees someone (in a movie or story.. or in real life, even) that is knocking down someone weaker.. she will go all "peacemaker" ha.. and really speak up about it. I remember us watching a Duke movie.. and I can't even recall which one.. but someone was knocking down someone weaker.. and she says, "Hey buddy.. you better watch out because John Wayne is going to show up soon and knock YOU down to size soon too. THEN you'll be sorry." (gee.. I don't know WHERE she gets such ideas, HA!) She just doesn't like the "little guy" to get picked on. Can't fault her for that. So yeah. Not sure how the whole Bud and Lou thing will work for her.. she MIGHT enjoy the comedy.. once she stops yelling at Bud to knock it off.. ha. Bond and voodoo? Now that interests me Its been so long since I actually saw this movie.. I am not even really sure HOW big a part the voodoo plays in it (if I recall.. it is mostly for show.. to keep the bad guy in charge by scaring everyone into following him.. ha.. but don't quote me on it) I might not be remembering it all as well as I should,.. but is not as typical as some of the other Bonds.. because it sort of reminds me more of a 70's American "cop" show.. with James Bond and a bunch of high tech gadgets thrown in for fun. ha. Anyway.. the song is cool. Probably one of my all time fave Bond themes, in fact. So maybe THAT is why it is standing out for me. OH.. and the "7-Up Un-Cola Guy is in it.. ha. HE was really something) Ha. A View to a Kill is another Bond film I saw when I was younger. I'm not sure I've seen it from start to finish, though. And you actually like a Duran Duran song?! Wow Ha. you know me.. always full of surprises. AVTAK doesn't stand out TOO much for me. I remember that Christopher Walken was in it.. and Grace Jones.. but that is about all I recall. (except the song.. ha) I've had the DVD since August SANDBAGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha. (ok.. who am I to talk.. I have movies that I have had for a couple of YEARS that I still have yet to get to yet.. so no finger pointing.. I guess... I suppose.. (ha.. where's the fun, though if I can't give you a hard time.. ha) that's some work Indiana Jones would be proud of Ha.. don't be too impressed. It was easy because there was a "seldom" used word in the title. ha. ("empire") I just did a user search with my name in that forum for that word (and I think I selected 'all" because I couldn't remember what year it was from) and it popped up pretty easily. If I had to look for something with a more generic word.. might not have been so lucky. ha) I thought it was pretty good. It's very emotional and terribly gut-wrenching. I definitely love the messages of the film, the switching from the "haves" to the "have nots" and the loss of innocence and childhood It has a lot of all of that going on. I think for me it is just such an emotional story. And I wanted to say that I really appreciated you jumping into the EOS pool already (before you even published your next list) I am glad it wasn't a huge let down for you.. ha. (I hoped you'd at least find something to like about the story.. I thought that you would find some of the themes interesting, at least. So am glad to hear you did find some things to like about it) He's the one who took notice of the poor man with the cup outside his walled-off home. So he did have some awareness with him. His parents were the ones who were oblivious, especially his father Well.. you are right there. He observed EVERYthing, they saw only what they wanted to. And you are right too that his PARENTS were worse than he was.. they did need to be spanked. ha. He was definitely a product of their upbringing (or lack of it. ha) I remember mentioning to I think it was Molo somewhere in my original posts something about how Jamie is running with his toy airplane on fire.. and the servant girl was chasing him around trying to put the flame out and all the dad was worried about was Jamie being in his way while he was playing golf. (get off the grass!) Oh good gravy. He was spoiled.. but that doesn't even begin to cover it. They had given him everything except guidance for how to be a decent human being. He had to learn the hard way. (and not sure if he really did). At least Basie taught him how to survive and not rely on servants to do everything for him.. he'd have NEVER learned that from his folks. You must be a mother or something. To be honest, this scene didn't have an emotional effect on me I am not sure why, but it really has always been a tough moment for me. (even before I was a mother..ha.. but yes, I am sure that is a part of why it seems to have stayed with me so much for so long now) I think the ease in which it all happened.. in a split second.. and how she is literally just carried off by a sea of people leaving him there stranded and all he can do is watch he go and scream for her. AGGH.. terrifying and heart wrenching. (for me.. from a child's perspective AND a mother's) The biggest one was his ongoing friendship with the Japanese boy, who represented him on the other side. All of their scenes together struck a chord with me They were certainly a very good mirror for each other. Very emotional the end result for the Japanese boy.. very tragic. I ran hot and cold with Basie (John Malkovich). Sometimes I liked him, sometimes I didn't. It's definitely a different kind of character for Malkovich I thought Malkovich did a great job. I have seen him in a lot of roles and he always seems to do well in pretty much anything.. but I really do think of Basie first when I think of him. He did such a great job of bringing out all the worst (and best) in others all at the same time. It is hard to find anything at all to like about that character. He was almost sinister.. in a way. But he was absolutely the one person who could have taken Jamie all the way through the entire war. You hate him.. and yet you understand him.. he's a survivor in a world where it's all about survival.. And even though Jamie does begin to idolize him, there are at least two huge moments when he realizes Basie is NOT a friend.. but a means to an end (when they are trying to get on the truck to go to the next camp and near the end of the film as well) When Jamie finally does part ways from him.. it is a total departure. He sees Basie for who he is and there is not much pretty to see. We adults tend to ruin it all by introducing the real world to children. It's a necessary evil, sad to say. And Steven Spielberg is all about the dreams of a child. He's very much "Jamie He is.. and I agree with you that it is a hard moment for kids when they first have to see the "real" world in the middle of their ideal "fantasy" life. I think it is good to let kids have both.. in small doses. That way they don't get deluded by wishing for "fairy tales" but still don't have to be crushed by the evils all around us. It is a hard thing to loose your fantasy life all at once. (but it is another tragedy to never even get to have one) so yeah.. it is a balance. And as for Spielberg.. I have seen similar themes in many of his other films too. He really knows how to play on those sorts of emotional ties we all have to wishing for the fantasy we had as a kid. (and yet.. I like how he can sometimes make us examine the real world and all the harsher realities we have to face in life.. from a child's point of view) You can see it repeated in many of his films. Just one that comes to mind is AI Artificial Intelligence.. and I am NO big fan of "AI" (ugh.. to be honest. I more or less have little good to say about most of it) but I have to say.. it really is something how the little "boy" in that story is educated about reality.. all while still holding on to his ONE big dream and desire (to be loved and reunited with his mother) Very emotional. And I must say, what you wrote about Empire of the Sun over two years ago was excellent. For not being able to take caps, your presentation was tremendous. You surely captured the feeling of the film with your words and the images Well thanks for saying that, sir. You know mostly.. ha. I am just a blabbermouth. And so I just like to gab. but this film is one that I was just so glad to talk about. (and was glad that Molo and Jackie, and now you too were able to find some things to talk with me about) As for the screencaps.. I actually got most of the images off of youtube.. or links that I found that talked about the film. I wish I had been able to do it better justice. It really is a beautiful film (in terms of some of the images you see amid the harder moments) Thanks for diving into it with me.

HAPPYYYY Birthday, my Boca Twin!! Here is a little something sweet.. just for you and Mom!! Enjoy!

Hello again, "Difficult Boy" (ha.. that will have to be my NEW name for you) I really enjoyed reading about your latest bout of movie! I still am just so impressed at how well you know your own likes and dislikes that you can list them in order so well and list your reasons along side them too. Way cool. The ones I am most interested in (from what I have read would be: 2. The Mob -- I believe Quiet Gal would like this one You know me well. I do love my crime dramas. ha. (thanks for the youtube too) OH.. and also am interested in checking out the Dan Duryea too (though I am not usually too "into" heist films.. but sometimes I like them, if the story is good). 17. Until They Sail --. I'm pretty sure Quiet Gal would appreciate this one, despite the presence of Paul Newman HA!!! (Oh that Paul.. I DO like him in SOME movies.. loved him as Doc Hudson!!) But all kidding aside.. it does sound like one I would enjoy.. will keep an eye out for it. 25. Lost in Alaska -- I liked this Abbott & Costello film in the first half much more than the second half This is a Bud and Lou I don't think I have ever even heard of before. Would like to check it out.. I am hoping to start introducing the kidling to these guys.. maybe. Still not sure how she'll take Bud.. being so rotten to Lou all the time. She really doesn't handle that sort of humor too well, sometimes. ha. (She may want to rough Bud up a bit before it is all over.) 28. Reunion in France -- John Wayne and Joan Crawford, directed by Jules Dassin? He's a downed RAF pilot in Paris The Duke??? With JOAN? (and he is an RAF pilot????????????????) Oh me.. where do you come up with these movies?? ha. I thought I knew more about his films than this.. ha. But you keep pulling out ones I never even HEARD of before.. now will have to find this one, if only to figure out how my beloved Duke ended up as a Brit! ha. 4. Claire's Knee -- Now here's a "Quiet Gal" film, all the way OH.. and also 23. Une Parisienne -- Quiet Gal would absolutely love it Sure.. ha.. maybe in some sort of whacked out alternate universe where everything is topsy turvy and all nutso or something. ha. But somehow.. just based on the way you described them, I think you may have me confused with someone ELSE. ha (either that.. or I think you are drinking too much elderberry wine lately.. or wait.. ha.. more likely.. you're not drinking ENOUGH of it) So you're not going to be a "Bond Girl SURE I am.. ha... maybe in that same whacked out topsy turvy, nutso alternate universe again.. HA!!!!!!!! I liked Octopussy when I was younger. I don't believe I've seen any of Live and Let Die I haven't seen OP since it came out at the theater.. but if I am remembering right.. that one is HEAVY in the "womanizing" ha. (but I confess, I may not be remembering it very well). As for L and LD.. I am not usually a big "voodoo" fan.. so I really can't say WHY this movie stands out for me as much as it does.. ha. (maybe it is the song) but I did like it pretty well, as I recall. I also liked View to A Kill (oh wait.. no, not really.. but I did like the SONG.. ha) I have also seen Moonraker and For Your Eyes Only.. but to be honest.. it has been SO very long (almost 30 years! good gravy) that I really can't tell you much about any of them.. other than I know for sure I have seen them. (I do remember Moonraker was pretty lame though.. out in space. Ok.. that wasn't nice.. maybe someone out there REALLY liked it.. ha.. so I take back the "lame" remark.. and will just say.. it was.. "way out there" instead. ha) I feel you have to laugh and tease to keep the daily grind fun Yes.. we do rely very heavily on humor. He and I both have a very similar philosophy with that.. we'd MUCH rather laugh at ourselves then make fun of anyone else so we just look for the silliness in our own lives.. and sometimes we use humor to diffuse "stress" too.. and then sometimes we are just really doofy by nature so we have a lot of comedic material to work with.. ha. anyway you look at it. The '59 version also features more of the rebellious teen that we fear today than the '34 version does. Sarah Jane (Susan Kohner) gets really mixed up with the wrong crowd I'll have to check it out again, sometime, because I honestly don't remember much about it other than I know I have seen it before. I may end up liking both for different reasons. (who knows?) Not another chick flick! I'm gonna have to track it down. I don't have it recorded. It's a good suggestion Here it is in parts.. not the BEST way to watch a youtube.. but if you don't mind having to watch it in chunks.. at least you can still get to see it. After all.. SHE is waiting.. for YOU. ha. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duEk5DOA__s OH... and PS: I am editing my post because I forgot to say that after I read your review.. I realized I HAD seen one more of your films than I realized. (The Black Cat) I don't remember a WHOLE lot about it.. but I DO remember that explosive ending. Edited by: rohanaka on Oct 20, 2013 12:28 AM

HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOO there, Grey Dude, I was just looking in here to say that I was going to try and get back with you soon about some of your comments from your latest round of films.. and lo and behold LOOK what I found.. I surrender! I surrender NO way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness me.. the mountain has FINALLY come to Moha.. um.. no not him.. but HEY.. WHAT a shock. So you surrender(ed) hmmm???? So let me guess.. HOW badly did you hate it?????????? But I don't want to disrupt your ongoing stuff w/ all your films on the most recent list, (because I really do mean it when I say I am hoping to come back in here soon and reply back to some of your comments on the other films you have mentioned) and I am sure there is more to discuss on those with others too. So will wait for you to gripe about EOS to me when you are ready. ha. But when you ARE ready.. here is what I had to say.. WAY (so very way) back when I brought that movie up for discussion. (Jackie and Madhat chimed in on it too, as I recall) http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8524208 In the meantime.. I will just add woo hoo!! and Yippeee Skippeeee!! ha. Even if you weren't as fond of it as I hope, I would call this a victory, just for you having seen it. ha. I think I have been trying to get you to watch this movie since 2009!!!!!!! For crying out loud. GOOD Gravy.. man.. it TOOK you long enough. DIFFICULT BOY!!

BEST WISHES FOR A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. MOVIEMAN!! Woo HOO!! This calls for a celebration!! Cupcakes for everybody!!

Howdy there, Grey Dude, You don't like Sean Connery? I don't think I have ever heard anyone say they didn't like Sean as "Bond." What don't you like about him Actually I do like Connery.. I am just not a huge BOND fan.. ha. (mostly due to all the "womanizing, if I have to be honest) But I do like some of the Bonds.. I guess I am more of a "Moore" Bond fan, ha.. because he was "James Bond" when I was finally old enough to really start noticing Bond movies.. so that is who I associate with that role. I did watch most of the Roger Moore ones as a kid/young adult. And liked several of them well enough, I guess. But by the time I started watching them, Connery wasn't playing in them anymore, and I was never that big of a fan of the character/series to want to go back and seek out the older ones. (though I have caught a few of them over the years.. which is why I am sure I have seen From Russia with Love, and I believe I have also seen Thunderball.. maybe?) So that is why I mentioned Live and Let Die.. because it is one of my better liked "Moore" Bonds. ha. But to be honest.. I am likely no good judge of what Bond movies are good or not. (and I have not seen ANY of the newer ones..though I must confess, that the clips I have seen of the most RECENT one, really do look good. So who knows.. maybe I have been missing out, all these years, ha. (wouldn't be the first time.) But it wasn't nearly as funny as Modern Times. That film had me laughing a lot. The Kid is more sweet than funny I think there is a lot of "diversity" that way in Chaplins. (at least the ones I have seen) Most will have element of both comedy and "heart tugging" but some do lean more in one direction or the other. The Gold Rush is one that might compare more to Modern Times in terms of the level of "funny" with "sweet".. maybe. We'll make sure you have a big, fancy funeral Ha.. no thanks. I think I would prefer my funeral to be like most of my b-days.. pretty un-eventful. Ha. No big parades, if you please. I have a joke with the QT that when I go.. he can just go out back and dig me a hole next to the old maple tree.. and once in a while brush the leaves off of me in the Fall, ha. I told HIM I was going to have him stuffed and put in a chair and then put up signs saying "See the guy in the chair" 50 cents.. because you know.. I'll have to make money SOME how to keep up my standard of living. :ha. I thought the later version was much stronger. In the '34 version You may be right.. It has been a very long time since I saw the Lana version so everything you say about it may be true. I think I just stick w/ Claudette because it is a sentimental favorite. And Louise Beavers just tears me up watching her worry and pine for her daughter so. I confess... it may just be my sentimental favorite and not have much to do with which one is the better film. I'm currently at 322. That leaves 80 to go with 82 days left Good gravy, man. You should write a book!!! (Leonard Maltin has NOTHING on you, ha.) Very amazing! You're the difficult one to find films to watch for. You need to throw some titles at me! HA.. you'd just end up hating whatever I choose anyway. Besides.. you have seen WAY more movies than I have.. I am running out of ideas. ha. (not to mention the fact that there is STILL one movie out there I have been suggesting to you for YEARS that you have refused to watch.. even if it IS my among my most favorite movies.. maybe even in my top five movies EVER.. but I digress.. HA) All kidding aside.. I did just watch a new (to me) movie yesterday.. have you ever seen "She" (1935)? Not sure HOW you would like it, but Miss Maven recommended it and I gave it a try.. and I have to say I had never even heard of it until yesterday.. but I really enjoyed it, if only for the "big budget" FX feel it had, despite the fact that it was made all the way back then. Pretty cool. (and the she who played SHE was pretty fabulous too" ha. very subtle in some respects for someone who was so "over the top"

Hey there, Grey Dude, Have only seen just a few: 3. From Russia with Love (I am no huge "Bond" girl. (at least Connery Bond, anyway) but I do like some of them well enough. This one does not stand out too much for me but likely because I have virtually no memory of it. ha. (I know it was a Bond movie.. and some stuff happened, and there were a bunch of slightly clad women and some guys getting banged up and/or killed.. that's about it. ha.. Now ask me about Live and Let DIE and I can tell you MORE!) 5. Eyes in the Night (Loved it!) 14. The Kid (not a huge winner for you, I see. But sounds like you liked it ok. Will be interested to hear your thoughts on some of the other Chaplins you are planning to see.) 15. Abandon Ship (Gut wrenching, aint it?) 30. Imitation of Life (1934) (OH boo hoo hoo.. why I am NOT surprised you were not as impressed with this one. ha. I do prefer it over the Lana version, but maybe not everyone else would agree. I stand alone. ha. ) That's all I can see that I am familiar with on your list this time. Wowsa.. what number are you up to for your movie watching schedule. What does this make.. 50 gazillion this year so far? HA! All kidding aside.. You are a man on a mission to be sure!! Gotta say it is way cool to see you getting to get so many movies under your belt this way. Very fun to read your thoughts on them too.

HELLO there Bronxie.. so glad to hear that mom is getting along well, and enjoying all things Hitch lately. I had a pretty good time this month with that as well. I'm slogging along in the delightful Florida heat and humidity, lol. And living with these blasted power outages is just a fact of life down here like the shrieking mating frogs, slithering alligators that show up at backyard barbeques, mutant lizards who have their own condo near senior citizen beauty parlors, crab-puppies who after that one time NEVER show up (I miss it!), creeping pythons that eat small children and dogs. Just another day in paradise HA.. good gravy, girl. And you make is sound so inviting!! ha. I think this has all just reconfirmed my long held "anti-tropical" sentiments. ha. I may just have to bypass the traditional "old age" ritual of even DREAMING about retiring out there in sunny Florida after reading all this! ha. Despite the fact that I MIGHT make a pretty good "Rose Nylund" (you know.. because of my tendency to babble and tell long ridiculous stories) I think now, based only on what I am reading here, I am still PRETTY sure I would make a lousy "golden girl" HA. ) Guess I'll take my chance on living out my "old age" here in the great Midwestern side of town. PS: Jackie.. It only just occurred to me that these two movies could be compared VERY thought provoking. I have not seen CK in some time, but based only on what you and Bronxie already pointed out, I imagine it would make for an interesting comparison/contrast. PS: SansFin.. thanks for the b-day wishes.. and speaking only for myself (among the latest celebrants) I will just add that it is the kind wish that counts.. so in this case, no worries about posting a photo because a word is worth a thousand pictures.

THANKS my little twinnie, for the b-day wishes.. and thanks to Godzilla too.. for saving me some cake!! (hope those power outages are over soon for you, kid.. what a bummer that must be. Hope you and mom are doing a-ok! PS Ollie.. Curse of the Demon... eeeeeekk! ha. I almost watched that a long while back.. almost!! (found it way too creepy, I must say)

THANKS Ms. Cutter (and Duke and Maureen too!) for the lovely b-day wishes And thanks Mr. Movieman.. no worries about missing it yesterday.. there's plenty of Jackie's cake and Molo's samosas left for everybody!! Just wanted to say too.. that yes. God has been good to bless me with a very dear bunch of TCM family and friends. Hope you all have a good weekend!!

PS Molo.. I meant to ask.. where DID you find that picture of me with my trusty sidearm. HA!! Looks just like me, doesn't it?? ha. (one MORE reason for you to get busy.. you may end up getting both barrels.. before I break out that rope)

THANKS again everyone. It's been a very nice way to end the evening.. getting to enjoy your birthday wishes. Ha.. Miss Maven.. that Pappy.. what a sweetie. I'll take the flowers.. the cake.. and maybe he'll even throw in an autographed DVD collection of all his movies too!! Ha! (gee.. I am getting greedy in my old age) Jackie.. we can be poster-children together.. ha. (as long as we still get to eat the cake) MOLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! So nice to see you around these parts, Madhat!! And I am honored that you came all the way out of hiding to bring me flowers and SAMOSAS!!!!!!!!!!! Now GET busy.. that Grey Dude is passing you up these days watching all those movies. You've got some catching up to do.. (don't MAKE me break out the frozen rope!) And Thanks to wouldbestar and Lavender too.. I appreciate your kindwords and wishes. I enjoy reading everyone's posts too.. it's always nice to check in and see what others have to say. Thanks again all!! Edited by: rohanaka on Sep 26, 2013 10:33 PM

Thanks everybody for the b-day wishes. And yes, Mr. Grey.. it IS the big 5-0! ha (there is way too much gray (I mean grey?) NO.. I mean GRAY hair to testify against me. ha. PS: Jackie.. thanks for the lovely Duke pic and WOO HOO.. thanks for the cake too. Ha.. I think it has the perfect sentiment on it.. because life IS harder if you are stupid.. ha (and alas.. I am the poster child for that, I think If that quote were set to music.. it could be my theme song) HA!! PS: Little T.. thanks for the pic of Duke and sweet Maureen. Now I have to say.. my heart belongs to my beloved QT.. but even so.. all I have to say is (to borrow from our dear Michaleaen.Oge Flynn. ha) what "A BEEAUTIFUL sentiment!" Thanks again for the smiles, folks. Hope you are all having a happy day too.

I see that Roha is claiming not to know about Monty's accident when, for all of my life, I'd thought she had broken his hear Ha! Ollie.. surely you have me confused with someone else.. I am just sitting here finishing up my embroidery, since my beloved Monty.. I mean Maurice.. left me high and dry waiting for that carriage. Is it true that Charles Foster K had actually mouthed "RO HA" in the filming, but it was sound-edited out No way!! ha.. I don't know HOW these rumors get started. Meanwhile..(since this is the Hitchcock thread, ha) I have to chime in and say THANKS, TCM programming gurus, for the fun Sunday shows this month. I have really enjoyed getting to see some new (to me) Hitchcocks this month. I Confess and Lifeboat were both ones I had never seen before, so was glad to catch them.. but have to also say dadgum!! Because I had hoped to catch Sabotage the other night when it was on (as I had not seen it yet, either) and I TOTALLY missed it. (bah!) It is on youtube though.. so will give it a looksee, soon I hope. Edited by: rohanaka on Sep 24, 2013 12:41 PM

Well, Miss Maven beat me to the punch this time.. ha.. but hope it is not too late to join the party and wish you a happy birthday, Miss Applegate!! Best wishes for a sweet day!! Enjoy!

Wowsa.. can I just say that I really am enjoying the exchange between you gals on all things "Hitch". Thanks for the fun read. Meanwhile... Jackie says: . Hitch could have been commenting on our ability to give the benefit of the doubt to people of other races, creeds, etc. even when they are considered our enemies. You know, contrasting our behavior with that of the actual Nazis. or it could be both ideas in one, that our greatest strength is also a weakness. I bet it could be as you say and be a bit of both. And even with my limited knowledge of Hitchcock, it would not surprise me to see him using the irony in that "strength is a weakness" aspect of things for sure, if only to make things more intriguing. Was it logical to trust him to get them through alive, even if he might have been taking them to the supply ship I don't know.. ha. I had DEEP suspicions about him from the very start (ha.. call me John Hodiak) I would have searched him for weapons, identification,.. hey..I'd have even have found that compass.. before I would have let him even stay on the boat. To borrow from Forrest Gump..ha.. "Nazis is as Nazis does" HA. I have NO trust for them at all. But maybe that is just the Peacmaker in me.. or maybe I have just seen *U-571* too many times. (ha.. you'd have to see that movie for that clip to make sense, I confess.. but it illustrates my point about Nazi's being Nazi's) At least they'd be living. Perhaps he was not so far off from Tyrone Power's character, who pretty much did the same thing.... oooh! Now people really will start getting on my back with that comment OH me.. now that one is a mind twister..ha. I don't know if I had rather been taken prisoner on Nazi ship.. OR just have taken my chances at sea.. hmmm. Is there a THIRD option?? PS: Miss G: I've come to regard Lloyd Nolan standing for the character with the coolest head and most common sense Ha... he was decidedly UN-cool in this one, wasn't he??

Hiya Miss G.. The way Hitch places him usually framed alone or separate, is a quiet commentary as was his "Do I get a vote?" His posture and placement remind me of how Ford would often frame Steppin' Fetchit and Woody Strode...aside, apart from the white world I loved his question (about getting a vote) it really hit home the message of how maters of life and death really are the great "equalizers" and whatever issues (real or those created by prejudice) that may stand between us in normal life.. when times get desperate.. we really are all "in the same boat" together, eventually. ha Can we be sure that Lloyd Nolan's advice was based on real application of law or just his desperation and pain I don't know WHAT to think.. ha. I wish someone had aimed a flare gun at HIM by the time it was all over with. ha. I wonder if he had not been such an "instigator" would things have played out the same. Good golly... what a mess.

Hellooo Jackie, I just realized I've missed an entire conversation here, Ro, while tying to squeeze thoughts out of my brain! It takes me so long! I'll have to reply to your wonderful analysis of the two movies later, since I have a kajillion things to do around here today Ha.. no worries.. the same thing happened to me earlier while I was typing too. I totally missed out on the point Miss G was making but have enjoyed reading your comments with her about Hitch and his other films and the characters. You two gals know WAY more about those sorts of details than I do so its been a fun read. I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on how the two movies compare/contrast. BTW, I don't remember if you watched it already, but the movie coming up on TCM in a couple of hours, VACATION FROM MARRIAGE, with Deborah Kerr and Robert Donat is one we talked about with Frank before. It's on at 4pm here, so 1 or 2 there. I just thought I'd let you know Thanks for the tip.. unfortunately, I am about to leave for the afternoon so won't be able to catch it, alas. But before I go.. I wanted to mention: Interesting, isn't it that Tallulah is kind of like England's Neville Chamberlain, when dealing with Slezak? She is the main proponent for treating him as an individual, rather than as part of the Nazi war machine. She chats with him about worldly things, and actually comes across as the most naive about his real intentions. Odd to make that part of her character, when she is also a shrewd journalist, who has traveled all over and seen so much that she has hardened her heart to a mother and baby who died on board the ship. She's makes a big point of showing her open-mindedness, and I think Hitch is kind of making a point about that kind of behavior being a bit dangerous. She is the most trusting, for some reason, only to become the leader of the mob at the end, because her eyes have been opened rather brutally, like those other Hitch heroines Wows.. what a great point. And I think you have her pegged exactly right. She really did seem to be so open minded to Slezak. (despite who he was.. even when she managed to figure out he REALLY was.. meaning, the captain) Sometimes I think that people are willing to see only what they want to about others because they think it is the "enlightened" way to think or act.. and they want to appear open-minded. But really they are letting themselves be easily fooled because they only see what they want to see. Happens in elections all the time.. ha.. on BOTH sides of the political fence, I am sure. Such is the way of the world. (so no.. for those folks who like to argue such things.. I am not trying to start any sort of political war, here, ha.. I am just making an observation.. so everybody just sit back down)

seeing those two movies together left me feeling water-logged Ha.. it really puts you through the wringer, doesn't it. One is enough to wear you out.. but both of them together, really just about did me in. It was an emotional roller coaster. (or maybe I should say tidal wave.. ha) But you are right in that you really do get more of sense of "compassion" and "humanity" from the first movie (Lifeboat) than you do from the second (Abandon Ship) It really starts with how objective Ms Bankhead's character seems.. at the beginning. (she is just looking through her camera lens and seeing it all as a great news story... and by the time it is over with.. it is THEIR story (and she is a part of it along with everyone else) To me it all started when that mother and baby are brought on board.. very emotional.. seeing her sitting there the way Hitchcock films her.. with her hands empty like that.. just focusing on that for a moment.. very tragic. There were other moments too.. but that particular one really reached at and grabbed me very early on. And I absolutely loved Canada Lee's character.. he was very much a "moral compass" for the story... when he picks up the 23rd Psalm and takes over reciting it... oh wow... very moving the emphasis he put on each word and phrase... it was a great moment) Lifeboat definitely had more of a feel of "we're all in this together" than Abandon Ship, that is for sure. (except for maybe Walter's character, ha) At least everyone but him on that boat agreed that they all deserved to live (even if some of them had to fight over whether they thought WALTER deserved it or not) But I NEVER got any where close to the same sense of "humanity" on that OTHER boat. ha. The characters on Abandon Ship were just not anywhere near as well drawn, and even though I did have a lot of sympathy for those poor folks who were put out one by one.. it was more about the fact that they WERE put out.. and the implications behind it, rather than getting to know them as individuals. There were little moments here and there.. but they just did not stand out. The real depth to that story was the downward spiral Tyrone Power takes as he begins to drown in the heavy burden of responsibility that is thrust on him. What a dilemma. He starts out as a "hero" and ends up a tragic commentary on survival of the fittest. UGH.. what a way to go. PS: Jackie.. I thought Moira was w/ the general too, at first, because you are right.. they were sort of filmed that way, all paired up together like that. And I think you are right too, in that she did seem to have a pretty good insight into the "male" mindset. ha. She knew what made the weaker men tick, anyway. I think she was one of those people who had just let herself go down a road that maybe got her all the "comforts of wealth" but it all had come at a price (mostly her self respect) because she had married a man she CLEARLY did not care about.. and had little to no concern about how much HE might be suffering, or even if he was alive.. meanwhile.. she was stuck with her "weakling playboy" (pretty to look at.. but at that moment he was no more use to her.. or anyone else.. than the fancy jewelry around her neck) HA!! I am coming back in to edit my post because I just realized.. Miss G.. you were comparing Hitch.. to HITCH (with regard to how he showed the compassion and humanity in Lifeboat) and then here I am going blah blah blah comparing it to Abandon Ship.. duh. Shoulda read closer before I answered you. Silly me. (Still.. I think they are a good contrast to one another) Edited by: rohanaka on Sep 16, 2013 1:03 PM