rohanaka
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Posts posted by rohanaka
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"That one is superb." - JackFavell
Gasp.. yeah.. what she said. Great selection!. (also like.. The White Cliffs of Dover.. beautiful)
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hope ration stamps don't start you sobbing
Ha.. I am trying to keep it together.
Admittedly, most of this year's selections are not quite as emotion packed, but you still have some really great selections. I think I still like all the Rockwell ones and the lady with the letter best, but I also really like the last several too.
The ration one that says "To speed our boys home" and the "Vacation at home" are terrific. And I am also leaning toward the sailor thanking the workers as among my faves now too. Because these all really are what this was all about.. just as your title says... "EVERY man woman and child". They all worked together and I truly believe that is what made us able to succeed as much as anything.. so maybe I am not overcome by waterworks, but the gratitude and admiration are still there, because if you think about it.. you really have to admire the folks who adopted this "everything for our troops" mindset and sacrificed here at home on behalf of our men and women overseas. It wasn't easy for them I am sure.
I wonder if we would see that again, if it came down to it in the here and now. We are often just so selfish as a nation sometimes. Though surely there are some who may not be this way, it is sad to see how we have grown so demanding (for our own wants and wishes) and called it "assertiveness" just to make ourselves feel better about it. We have little concept now days for the sorts of struggles these folks must have made to help our men and women in uniform. I'd like to think we would all be able rise to the occassion again, should the need arise, but boy, I hate to confess, this would be a time I'd have to see it to believe it.
I'm partial to the "Freedom Of Religion" image - mostly for the added line of "Each according to the dictates of his own conscience." because that conditional description is too often disregarded in America today. Religion was a personal and private matter. I wish it was that way again
It is a great poster. I like it a lot too. And you are right that the words expressed in the caption are often disregarded these days. To me it is a valuable right that I hold very dear, which makes it especially important above all else, to show respect to people of other faiths, even when we disagree. And so often that goes out the window (sadly) when a subject like this comes up. I think everyone should be allowed to express their faith... so long as it is done with respect for those who may disagree. But it is that whole "respect for other opinions" thing that most folks have a problem with (again.. quite sadly) and that is when things can get out of hand.
Oh good gravy.. enough of my "soapboxing". (sorry for the "blabbage") Back to the POSTERS!! Because I am just glad to have the chance to view all these images together. You really have a knack for putting this stuff into a very nice package and presenting it all.
Hats off to you, sir. :-)
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Jackie, you are so right. I still recall the very first time I watched it (and that is saying a LOT because it was LOOONG time ago and I am an OLD woman, ha) but I remember just being on the edge of my seat at times wanting to see how it was all going to resolve itself. It is sort of like a roller coaster at times with all the "ups and downs".. SO intense at moments you almost wish you could get off... but by the end of it all you are glad you stayed on for the ride.
One thing I will bring up again is how I always find something new about this film that I did not notice before. I likely have seen this film at least 8 or 9 times over the years (maybe even more like 10 or 11 times) and it took me several viewings over several years time before I ever once noticed the significance of the caskets floating on the water (at the very beginning of the movie, it is the opening scene) and THIS:
(In case you can't make out the detail, it is the little suitcase that held what was left of his entire life as a child... very profound)
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Hello friend Molo, (nice to be gabbing with you again, sir. It's been a while)
*Empire of the Spoilers* ahead:
Remember when he returns home to find his abandoned house being ransacked and the Chinese servant slaps him hard, like she had been wanting to do that for a long time?
I do! It is likely the one time (at least up until the story really progresses) where anyone had ever finally given him what he deserved. And the look on his face was utter shock. It never entered his mind that the servants in that house were even on the planet for any reason other than to serve him (or his parents). And if you think about it.. his folks likely felt that way too.. when Jamie is out by the pool on his bike (with the toy airplane he had set on fire) the poor girl was chasing him around all over the place trying to put out the fire.. and all the dad had to say was "Jamie, get off the grass". Can't interrupt dad's golf practice you know... OH the idle rich. ha.
His obsession with that little toy plane plays a part in him becoming separated from his parents
He is a typical kid.. with his toy. It never enters his mind that at that specific moment (when he drops it as they are fleeing) the ONLY thing that matters is to obey his mother and hang onto her hand. What a horrible lesson to have to learn the hard way.
When they are separated you immediately feel the pain and shock of the mother. It's one of those scenes where you just think to yourself, What if that was my child? What would I do? What could I do?
Oh me, talk about a moment. You can see the utter panic and total fear in both of their faces. I think both you and Jackie mention the words "emotionally draining" in your posts it is moments like this one that make me think that DRAINING is a good word for this movie in some respects. At the very least it is very stressful at times as you go along with all the various moments to see the human emotion on full display in the lives of all these characters.
Bales does a good job with the part, it's a difficult role for a child to play, since he is at the center of the whole epic story
I have to say it is among the finest performances of a child actor I have ever seen. (and PS: YES.. Jackie.. it is really him. Ha. I only found that out myself just a year or so ago from something I read on here. I never thought to look at the credits before.. or at least put two and two together, ha) And I really just can't say enough about how well he is able carry it all off. It would be a challenge for anyone of any age.. and yet he does it beautifully. Not only does he play a role that is filled with all sorts of emotion and changes in the character's situation and circumstance.. but he also ages.. about 4 years right before our eyes. I don't know what his actual age was when he made the film.. but I imagine he is somewhere in the middle (between the 10 or 11 year old and the 15 year old boy he plays) Amazing. I have not seen all of his roles as an adult (in fact I can only think of one or two that I have seen) but it truly is a stand out performance.
I also have to mention Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Victor. She is another important character in Jim's life. A substitute mother, but she has to deal as best she can to get through the ordeal herself. There is both the coldness of a fellow victim and the touch of the human warmth she keeps on hold down inside her
THANK you for bringing her up. I wanted to post more in my opening ramble but it was already so long I just finally narrowed my focus to the main characters.. but really she (and the doctor) both did a fine job as well. (and Joe Pantoliano too.. That is one of the first roles I can ever recall for him... poor Frank)
Mrs. Victor really was a pathetic excuse for a human being for a lot of the story.. so "above" her circumstances.. and wanting her husband to "tell them who we are" so they could get a better situation. She really gets brought down by it all for sure and you are right.... by the end she is the ONLY mother he has for those years in that camp.. and truly he is the only child she has. And I think she really does care for him the best she knows how (but oh that scene where he returns back to their barracks (after his breakdown on the roof) and she helps him put his stuff away.. it is eerie.. and pathetic all at the same time)
You and Jackie both mention how "surreal" things are off and on throughout the film... and that is a great way to describe it. The parts where the opulence is played against the utter despair happen several times.. like on the way to the party where they are all in their costumes and traveling through the streets filled with desperate people who are just one notch away from a riot at any moment. VERY bizarre. And of course the scene you mention where they find all the "loot" out in the open field. There they are... surrounded by MILLIONS of dollars of wealth and excess, and they are all starving to death and wasting away. Surreal is the right word for sure.
I may be a little fuzzy on the details but it one of those films in which some of the images are forever etched in my memory
Well, ha.. even in your fuzziness you still have it all spot on, sir. Thanks for your comments! I am glad to have found at least a couple of folk who have seen this film. For all its "emotional drainage" it truly is a fine story and well worth watching
Edited by: rohanaka on May 29, 2011 2:26 PM
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I hope you will enjoy the choices I've made for 2011.
I DO!!! And I really like the theme this year too! ( I think WWII especially can be considered a time that completely changed the face and the mindset too, of the American workforce forever) What a great idea for a collection.
I like the Crop Corps a lot but I REALLY like the one with the wife holding the letters.. "Longing won't bring him back sooner... " Oh me, very emotional. I also like the Rockwell ones. (especially the mom and dad tucking their kids in bed. Oh.. and read on to find out WHY I like THAT one so much)
It might actually be a "kleenex-free" year for you
NOT... ha.You forget who you are talking to.. the woman who "sniffles" at the drop of a hat.. But truly.. I have to say, though I really enjoy all the pics you have posted so far, I LIKE all the "emotional" images best..so I can live w/ a tear or two. It's a small price to pay indeed)
So having said that, lest you doubt my "cry-ability" with the pics you have started with so far, ha.. go check out Miss G's Movie Rambles thread and see what your Rockwell pic of the mom and dad started for me today.. ha. I have cried at least THREE times since I saw your post... and I blame you. (but I mean that in a good way) :-)
Thanks again for putting this together. I really think it is an excellent way to honor the occassion and I appreciate your hard work.
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Hello, my Ramblin' friends,
I hope you will excuse the interruption, but I am beside myself, and I just need to blab for a moment or two (or ten or twenty, ha)
Miss G, with your permission, I'd like to make some comments on a movie that has always been a personal favorite of mine since I first saw it way back in the late 1980's. And folks I apologize in advance if this gets a bit wordy, but it is NOT all my fault, ha, because Mr "In Hollywood" posted a copy of this print by Norman Rockwell in his Memorial Day thread today
And I have to say that this poster always brings the film I am speaking of to mind for me (as this image is used repeatedly throughout the movie) so if I may, I'd just like to share some thoughts on Empire of The Sun.
I know that this movie may or may not fall under the heading of "classic" depending on what sort of definition one may use to determine such things, but to me, it fits very well. It is certainly not a NEW movie, even though it was filmed in the more modern era (I believe it was released about 1987) by a very prominent modern filmmaker (Steven Spielberg)
Now say what you want about Mr. Spielberg, but I have to admit I enjoy many of his films very much. And no matter what some may think, I imagine most would agree he knows how to spin a yarn VERY well, and this film is NO exception. In fact, I think despite some of his more commercial successes, Empire of the Sun is likely my most favorite film for him.
It will be hard for me to talk about this film without SPOILERS, so read on at your own peril, but may I just say that this film has always been one that truly stands out for me. I find something new about it every time I see it. Not only is the story gripping, not to mention heart (and gut) wrenching with thought provoking and complex characters, but this film is BEAUTIFULLY photographed with some amazing images and the music is very compelling and quite beautiful as well.
(in fact, since I only have a VHS copy of this movie, I was not able to make screen caps the way I would have liked, but I was able to gather some images from some "googling" around to share with you. (so I hope you will forgive if they are not all the same size or exactly as clear as I would like) but I just had to give you some pics to look at as I gab, this film is that beautiful)
(But, PS: don't just take my word for it.. along w/ this ramble, I hope you will also check out the youtube trailer I found.. it not only has some GREAT shots from the film, but you can also hear Suo Gan, the Welsh lullaby song that is the main musical theme used throughout the movie)
The story centers around a young British boy, Jaime Graham (played by a very young Christian Bale) And I must confess, when you first meet Jaime, he is a VERY spoiled, very egocentric, very wealthy, "brat" of privilege and luxury.
He becomes separated from his parents when Japan invades Shanghai at the start of WWII and he is taken to a prison camp where he spends the next several years of his life, until the war is over.
OH my golly is this ever an amazing tale. At first I find myself TOTALLY wanting to spank the little bratty boy he starts out as when the story first begins. But the minute he is pushed into the crowd of people and gets separated from his folks, that pulls out all the stops for me. The whole story and his entire character take on a completely different focus.
Take a look at some of the shots from the crowd scene.. (Look for the little bit of red in the very middle.. that is Jaime and his mom) It is gut wrenching every time I watch as their hands break apart and she is carried away by a sea of people. He climbs up on top of something in the street and is crying and screaming for her as she is carried off. OH good gravy... talk about emotional.
After he is stranded in the middle of a war with NO place to go, he meets up with a character named "Basie" who is played MASTERFULLY by John Malkovich. (this has to be my all time favorite role for Malkovich, by the way)
Basie is a survivor and I won't really tell you whether he is a 'good guy" or a "bad guy". In some ways, I must confess he is likely both, (In fact, Mr. Grey, I think this character would be right up your alley) But in truth, though I lean more toward "he's a bad guy" if I had to truly judge him, the fact of the matter is, he is JUST what Jamie (or "Jim" as Basie begins to call him) needs to survive. And most likely if he had NOT met Basie, Jim would not have lasted the war. He teaches the boy tricks of the trade on how to get things to trade with others and how to act around authority figures to both stay out of trouble but also to get what you want from them as well. He gives Jim a level of confidence and courage (to stay alive) that he likely would not have possessed on his own. But he also uses the boy throughout the story and turns his back on him more than once (even more than a couple of times) the minute he becomes inconvenient or no longer necessary. Again, I will leave him open to interpretation for others to say if he is a 'good or bad" guy.. but he certainly is amazing.
My favorite exchange between Basie and Jim comes toward the end of the film, where Basie asks him something like, "Didn't I teach you anything?" and Jim responds back with "You taught me people will do anything for a potato" That is one of my all time favorite movie lines EVER and the QT and I use it from time to time whenever we see other films or news headlines when people are put in a "disaster situation " and end up behaving poorly. I think basically, it really is true.. when it comes down to survival of the fittest, I think most folks really WILL do anything for a "potato". At any rate.. to me, that is the BEST line in the whole film and a great commentary on human nature.
One thing to keep in mind about Jamie's character is his love of ALL things having to do with "aviation" Very early in the movie, you get a sense that this is his "passion" and he is never far away from some sort of toy airplane or glider. Several times in the story he comments on his respect for the Japanese and their "Zero" airplanes and their mastery of fight in flight.
Even after he is taken to their prison camp, he truly respects them and has NO concept for the fact that these pilots are supposed to be his "enemy" Never having been to Great Britain, his "British" citizenship is some nebulous title that he wears with little thought. He says several times "I'm British" but he has not concept for loyalty to his country or crown.
When it comes to the Japanese, he really isn't cheering for them so much as he just likes airplanes and in his mind, Japan's air force is the best, so he admires them for it. One of my favorite scenes is when he "hugs" the Japanese plane and then turns and salutes the pilots, with little thought or worry for the implication that others may give to his "worship" of the "enmies" flying heroes.) And I have to say that this is about as "honest" a kid reaction to something as you can get. It is a very very well played and is a truly beautiful moment in the story.
Notice how the faces of the pilot (and even really the markings on the plane) are not defined.. he is not aligning himself with the Empire, just giving credit where he feels credit is due.
Later in the film (toward the end of the war) he gets his first glimpse of a NEW hero to worship, as the Americans arrive and he sees his first P-51 jet fly into the camp. It is almost as if he is reborn. He is beside himself with excitement and completely goes off the deep end for moment and loses his entire sense of reason (and safety) as he stays on a rooftop and jumps for joy at the sight of the aircraft as it is flying by, dropping bombs everywhere (not because he is excited about the prospect of being rescued, but just because he is in awe of the aircraft and pilot)
He is rescued by the doctor (who is also among my favorite characters in this film) from the top of the building (as bombs are going off all around him). And as he is brought down to reality, it is a great moment in the story but also truly a sad and pathetic moment for his character as you get a true sense of how confused and completely out of touch with reality the boy's life has been for so many years. He can't remember his parent's faces but he has a mental image of them (from the Norman Rockwell print) He has no allegiance to his own country Great Britain (because he has never even been there) but now has to accept (perhaps for the first time) that Japan really has been his enemy all this time and kept him prisoner in a labor camp. It sends him over the edge and he more or less goes a bit "mad" for a time.
Eventually, after the end of the war and the final scenes at the prison camp are all played out, Jim is taken with a group of children who are all waiting to be reunited with their families. It is an emotional scene with the group of kids on one side of the room and the mothers and fathers all on the other.
Notice how he is like a "ghost" of his former self after four + years in the prison camp. As his mother sees him, he is not really certain it is her. He touches her hand, her lips (to see if they are the right shade of red he remembers) her hair. He smells her.. it IS her.
And then he is at peace...
Oh my goodness me.. as a mother I can tell you that now (even MORE than I did way back in the 80's when I first saw this film) that those images are heartwrenching for me. The song he sang (with his little choir boy voice) is playing softly and there are no words spoken from the minute his mother sees him... just overwhelming emotion.
Now I have to say.. I think that Empire of the Sun may be among the most overlooked films of our time. I know that many times I have mentioned it in passing to people (here online and elsewhere) and few people have ever told me that they had seen it. I hope that if you have NOT seen this film, you will seek it out sometime. It is truly a very compelling and moving story and very worth watching.
THANKS for letting me share all this with you folks, and thanks putting up with this LONG gab session. I am sorry to have been so long winded, but I guess it has just been so long since I was able to get in here and really 'blab" a bit, I let myself get out of control, ha. (but again.. at least a PART of the blame has to go to Mr. In Hollywood as he got me started to thinking on this film today. But for me, I will add a word of THANKS because I am glad he did though.. It has been several years since I last saw this film and it was a VERY good walk down memory lane to take it out and see it all again)
Ok folks.. enough of my blabbage.. now back to... um... what WERE you folks talking about anyway? Yikes.. I gabbed so long, I think plum forgot. (wouldn't be the first time I took a chat off track.. Did I mention "sorry for the interruption" folks?)
Edited by: rohanaka on May 29, 2011 1:39 AM
Edited by: rohanaka on May 29, 2011 2:15 AM
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Updating the Memorial Day Auxiliary Gallery for 2011
A hearty and sincere "WOO HOO" to you, Mr. In Hollywood. :-) This is turning into a favorite annual tradition for me. I can see you are already getting off to a grand start this year. Thank you for all your extra efforts
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Hiya Ms. Cutter.. it is a great spot. I caught it last weekend and truly enjoyed it. What a nice way to spotlight the Duke..... and really, I liked it as much for just getting to hear the personal memories and perspectives from Mr.Carey as I did for all the great pics and stories about the Duke. Thanks for bringing it up here.
And here's hoping that one of these days TCM is able to talk Dobe into sitting down with Robert O as a guest programmer
Wouldn't that be something if they could work that out. From your keyboard to the TCM execs (and Mr. Carey's) eyes, little missy. (hey.. I typed that once about Blood Alley and the TCM programmer's eyes.. ha.. and it WORKED, ha, so I thought it was worth a shot!) :-)
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So what's your favorite Elizabeth Patterson movie?
OH good golly, little missy! I NEVER knew that Hannah was Mrs. Trumbull!! Way cool. (and ps, I LOVE both those characters, by the way) I have only seen one or two of the films you listed here, so now I will have to look her up and find out where ELSE I have seen her and just never realized it before.
Thanks for bringing her up to the spotlight here. What a TOP NOTCH banana for your thread, little gal. :-)
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Hiya Grey Guy!
How come they a great big "howdy"?! I'm the sweet one
OOPSIE! What I REALLY meant to say was:
"A Great Big HOWDY to the Grey Dude" (followed by:
and ) Really? You've surprised me... once again. I thought you would struggle to see past Bean's horrible acts, and rightly so. I think it's because Bean comes off as a "child" whenever Lily Langtry is brought up that I see him as an "innocent." It's quite a strange little trick that Wyler plays on us
It really is easy to hate a "figure" or a "silhouette." Even a person, so long as you don't have to personally confront them or spend any real time with them. But what would we do if we found out we get along and even like those we hate? Or what if we love someone but hate what they do? It complicates things. I think Cole found himself in this spot
I think the difference for this film is that not only does Cooper get to see more of Bean than just this mean, awful, hatefilled monster sort of guy.. but so do we. (at least somewhat.. if I recall) and that is why it could be possible to feel at least the tiniest bit sorry for him personally.. even if I am glad he gets what he deserves at the end. (sort of like seeing Peter Lorre get backed into a corner by the jury of his peers in "M". HOW in the world could I EVER (ever ever) feel sorry for HIM... and yet there was the slightest hint of sadness for him to see him as this "caged beast" sort of guy.
I think there is often a natural tendency to "cheer" when the bad guy gets it.. in the movies AND in society in general. I am not usually a "grave dancer" but I do confess that there are times when I have actually cheered and been HAPPY to see a character go (if they were particularly horrid, for example)I think it is natural to WANT to see a truly evil person get their comeuppance.. we LONG for it (and yes, even CHEER for it) in some movies (and we even pray for it in real world situations sometimes too... although honestly in my lifetime I can only remember praying a prayer of that nature twice) We want to see justice served and we WANT that bad guy stopped.. no if's and's or but's about it.
But in the end.. there are times that some people are just so pathetic when they are faced with the end of their life (even REALLY horrid hateful ones) that I can feel some measure of compassion for their tragic end... even as I breathe a sigh of relief that they are getting their just reward too. (at the very least, perhaps the ones I feel sorry for are the ones I don't cheer quite so much about.. but I am STILL glad they are gone)
Even as a sports fan, I never wished to get autographs or my picture taken with players or anything like that. I have my very favorites, just as I do with directors and performers, but I don't really crush over them
See, I hate to admit it but in that regard, we are very similar in our thinking (eeew, ick, ha) I am not usually a "crusher". The Duke is a PERFECT example of that for me. I truly am a huge fan of him as an actor, and of his films as well. And yet, while I can see a level of "romance" in his movies and even comment on the absolute GORGEOUS-ness of his youth (oh me.. The Big Trail, or Stagecoach, ha) I can't ever say that I was ever truly "crush crazy" over him.
He is my favorite film star.. but I really don't know much about him (beyond just the basic facts and things I have learned about him from others from hanging around here) I appreciate his talent and I really like his films, but I can't say I have any "wall posters" of him. (ha)
Oh wait.. ha.. OK, true confession time. I don't have any DUKE wall posters, but I DO have a wall poster of Indiana Jones, though.. I bought it WAY back in the 1980's at a flea market.. it is an actual movie theater poster of the re-release of Raiders from 1984 or '85 I think. It is a GREAT poster and I have kept it all these years... (Hey, maybe I can send the kidling to college on it someday.. NOT.. ha. I truly doubt it is worth much, but I just like the poster)
It is likely the ONE piece of movie memorablia I own.. but gee.. ha.. I never thought of it as a 'crush" thing. I just liked the movie and I liked the way the poster looks.
ANYWAY... I think it is MORE than ok for those who do have their faves to go out and collect and enjoy and research and honestly, I enjoy riding on the coat tails of some of the folks on here who do that because I am the better for it. Ha. I get the benefit of their hard work because I get to hear their stories and learn more about my fave stars and movies (and make more favorites too).
But for my part, I just am not organized enough to be that person, ha. I am lucky if I can keep track of my dvd's or vhs tapes.. and the sad truth is.. I have probably got one of the smallest collections of anyone.. and I can never find a movie when I want it.. (bah.. but lets not go there!) ha. So I am a lousy excuse for a movie fan, ha.
OH gee. Excuse the "blabbage" folks.. see how long it's been since I posted anything in the RAMBLIN" threads.. ha. HOW did I get this far off track.. oh yeah.. Roy Bean and Lily..
Back to Bean.. he DID have it bad for Lily.. so much so that he WAS like a little kid over her.. and that is what made him seem almost "simple minded" in a way... and to be pitied there at the last. You are right.. BRILLIANT is the perfect word for the way Brennan carried that off.
Edited by: rohanaka on May 22, 2011 7:07 PM
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Hiya little missy.. (and PS: YO MOLO!!!!!!!!!!)
Enjoy the Simone show...
RE: the other stuff... Well, teetotaler that I am I can only advise that you don't party TOO hardy, little gal. You do not want a headache in the morning, ha.
Well.. that is IF there is going to BE a morning, I guess because really, who am I to say?? I am not "in the loop" on that info. :-)
Oh, but PS: I will also say that I am of the opinion that nobody in the news this week has any info on that date either, ha... so I am banking on a much higher authority to take care of those sorts of details (Matthew 24:36 has always been good enough for me) :-)
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What a great surprise
Hiya Mr. Movieman..thanks. It is nice to be here when I can. You know me... eventually I will turn up every now and again just to pester folks, ha. But it is very nice to be chatting w/ you too, sir. :-)
I just can't bring myself to cry for Bean. The man shot a bass violin!!
What?? UNFORGIVABLE! ha. I don't remember that part, but it HAS been a while since I last saw it! ha. (I may just have to rethink that whole "I felt sorry" for him angle, now)
Decision At Sundown
That's not one I have seen. Will likely have to peep in now and then on your ramblin's once you all get going so I can check it out.
Edited by: rohanaka on May 20, 2011 7:14 PM
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so much for the legend
It is rather ironic that someone who is so often portrayed as this "legendary" tough guy could have been so quietly removed from the earth and missed out in his "blaze of glory" moment. I was just being "flippant" when I made the comment way back when (about going in his sleep) ha.. who knew??? (If I recall what I read correctly, when he died, it was also after a bout of heavy drinking.. so the liquor may have been a factor as well) Really, sort of a sad way for anyone to go, but at least not so "messy" as all that gunfighting)
I'm with Frank and you one hundred percent. (GAD!)
Well.. we often find ourselves in agreement (you and I) so I feel pretty GOOD about that.. but as for certain OTHER (grey) parties.. well.. (I think you have it right.. GAD!) ha.
I am glad to see you round these parts, Ro!
Well, bad penny that I am, I am bound to turn up sooner or later. (these days it seems I am always LATER) but I am happy to be here when I can. (And PS: I am very happy to see you TOO, little darlin') :-)
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Hiya Mr Movieman... nice to hear you chime in on The Killers. I am not sure when (exactly) but I recall we had us a good old gab session on this one some (long) time ago. I am glad you caught it and dropped us a line on your thoughts!
KILLER SPOILAGE:
As I remember, I really enjoyed this film. And I can't say Ava bowled me over, but I do think she did a good job in this film. But honestly, for me.. I remember thinking that the ENDING is first rate nearly "poetic" justice (and probably just about my favorite part of the whole thing). I just recall thinking, "Kitty is innocent, Kitty is INNOCENT??? HA.. Kitty is TOAST!"
Could not have asked for a nicer resolution to her character... Of course that may be just my mean side coming out in me, ha. (I worry I could be getting cranky in my old age) :-) -
HOWDY there Grey Dude.... and a GREAT big howdy to all my other western ramblin' friends too!
YEE haw... now THIS was a nice surprise to look in on as I popped in for a view of things. I l-o-v-e LOVE seeing a bit of ramblin' going on down here on the western side of town. (and PS: Mr Movieman.. THANKS for bringing the Westerner up for a chat) I want to go back and read over some of the comments here because I pretty much have only just quickly scanned through most of what has been said (but I have seen some FIRST rate comments here, folks. It looks to be a good chat for sure)
I doubt I will have much more to add than the blabbage I am posting now but will hope I can at least try and dig through all my old homemade tapes maybe this weekend and pop this film in the old vcr for a look see, because now that I see all this talk, it really makes me want to watch it again soon.
And again, I don't have too much I can add (without watching the movie again), but will make just a comment on some stuff I DID catch on my first glimpse through all the posts:
AND NOW.. for some BEAN spoilage:
Grey Dude, though it might be painful, (ha) I gotta say... when you are right you're right. And you have hit the nail on the head for me on this film with THIS:
I thought Bean's (Walter Brennan) obsession one of the oddest things I ever saw in film, especially in a western. But as the film wore on, I just loved it. It humanized him. I ended up crying over Bean by film's end. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.
And THIS:
Bean is really evil. What he does in the film should make me despise him yet I end up crying over him. I think it's this cloud of confusion that often bothers people because life is easier when it's black and white
And OH dadgummit.. THIS too:
He comes to like the horrible Bean despite what he eventually admits to doing to the homesteaders. Why? Because he got to know him, personally. He knew how weak and even innocent he could be. I also think that Cole liked that Bean liked him like a son
Now I have to confess I have only seen this film ONCE and it was at LEAST 4 or 5 years ago when I did.. so MOST of my memory for it is gone to be honest (because, sadly.. I am an OLD woman and well.. the old gray (ha.. not GREY) mare.. she aint what she used to be.. but I digress)
Anyway.. what I mean to say is that despite the fact that I really don't recall ALL the details of the story in this film.. I still have an IMPRESSION made on me (especially for the final moments of Bean's character) and BY golly, sir.. you have more or less laid out the exact way I think of this film and those two characters completely. (sigh.. what IS the world coming to?? ha)
At any rate.. I have to say that I find myself remembering how SORRY I felt for Bean (and how pathetic he seemed to me at the end) He WAS evil (at least as far as I can recall) but OH me.. what a sad, tragic, pathetic litle guy he ended up as there at the last. (and THAT my friends is only ONE in a very long list of reasons why I can say with NO hesitation that Walter Brennan is my ABSOLUTE hands down favorite character actor.. EVER )
And I do think you have it right when you say that at least part of the reason Cooper's character DID have some sympathy for Bean (despite how much he HATED the "hateable" things in him) was that he DID get to know him.
It is really easy to detest someone if they are just your "enemy" but if you go out and really LOOK at people and get to know them for who they are.. it is possible to have some level of compassion for them.. even if you still hate what they do and know they must be stopped.
OH and PS.. as a TOTALLY unrelated SIDE NOTE: ha.. everytime I think of this movie.. I think of a conversation I had with a coworker about it.. after I watched it the first time. I said something like this was the third or so movie I had seen with a characterization of Judge Roy Bean in it and I think he died a different way everytime. and wouldn't it be funny to find out he REALLY died at home in bed in his sleep. And so guess what... I googled him after that.. and.. ha.. that is IT exactly.. I guess it is that whole "print the legend" thing all over again aint it?? ha)
Keep ramblin, my dear western pals... It is always good to see you here. :-)
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OH good gravy..
I only NOW just found this thread.. I am sorry to be late to the party, Tall T. I have been a bit "otherwise occupied" lately but I do still pop in here once in a blue moon. But to my embarrassment.. ha.. my REAL (lame) excuse for not seeing this sooner is.. ha.. I have been trying to find you pretty much everytime I look on here (about once or twice a week) but I have been looking in THE WRONG PLACE (everytime unitl NOW).. ha..
(DUH! Did I ever tell you that I am "Queen of the Doofuses?" Or is it "doof-i" when it's plural??? But I digress, ha)
ANYWAY.. yippeeeeee!! I found you. I am going to HAVE to make some time to catch up on your trip and all the exciting details SOON.
And I am looking forward to a little down time SOMEtime in the hopefully not too distant future.. so eventually I will be catching up on all this FUN stuff for sure. (So don't give up on me just because by now you are likely scratching your head and calling me, "ro"who"naka"... ha)
I will be looking forward to the fun read. I can't wait to hear all the details! (did I mention YIPPEEEE??)
Oh what the hay.. I'll just say it again.. YIPPEEEE!
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Just took a quick spin around this thread (a very quick one at that) but I see I almost missed out on a monumental occasion! :-)
Happy 11K Miss Maven... This calls for a celebration! Parfait anyone??
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Howdy my dear western buddies...
OH me.. how I miss this thread. (and all of you)
GOOD GRAVY it has been too long since I saw a good ole Western. (or ANY other sort of movie for that matter) Lately I am lucky if I can catch the weather report on the news (that is about as long a time as I have had to just sit in front of the TV lately) sigh.....
Miss Maven.. nice to hear you are getting to see another side of sweet Maureen.. TDC is not the best western I have seen, but there are some pretty good moments (with most of the characters) Enjoy, kiddo and be sure to let us know your thoughts as I am sure they will be a fun read.
Don't really have much else to add here (since I have not seen either of the films you brought up, Mr. Movieman) but I will just say instead THANKS folks for blowing the dust off the old homestead for me while I am out on the range.. ha.
I HOPE to be riding back this way again ONE of these days and maybe we can get oursevles tangled up in a good ole fashioned ramble again soon. (if only..)
Take care all.
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> {quote:title=MissGoddess wrote:}{quote}
> I finally watched *Knight Without Armour*, a favorite in these parts. I was quite impressed. You can tell this is clearly not a Hollywood movie. It balances romance with some rather jarring realism. I found the first half hour tedious going, but once the two leads (Robert Donat, Marlene Dietrich) cross paths, the movie takes off. I've always appreciated Marlene, and have to say this must be one of her best movies. I was especially moved by the young Kommissar, the one who made such a sacrifice for Marlene's character.
Wasn't she just BREATHTAKING?? (that scene where she is walking across that lawn to be confronted by all the former workers.. OH my golly).
I am so very glad you got to see this film at last!!!! I thought it might be one you would like.. and you have it right.. the romance and the realism are both so much a part of the story. It is truly LOVELY (and yet so grim in places.. all at the same time).
Wish I had more time to stay and gab about it.. (you know how i DO love to blab.. ha) and it is SUCH a chat-worthy story.I am STILL thanking that Miss Bronxie for bringing it to my attention a couple of years or so ago. But alas, time is short so instead I will just have to say.. "woo hoo for you" kiddo, and chat more some other time.
Glad you got to enjoy such a truly remarkable story.
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> {quote:title=hlywdkjk wrote:}{quote}
> That reminds me. I better start work on the Memorial Day Weekend Gallery.
May I just say.. WOO HOO! (I was HOPING to hear that news.. but did not want to seem greedy enough to ask, ha) :-)
PS: L-O-V-E love the Disney stuff.. way cool.
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Oh, my dear Mr. "In Hollywood", what a treat.. and a nice way to honor the Film Festival too.
Just popped in for a moment to say how much I enjoyed browsing through all your pics. I kept thinking.. "Ok, now THAT one is my favorite", and then I'd see the next one and I would have to change my mind all over again. But truly if I HAD to pick a fave from what you have posted so far (and thank GOODness I don't, ha) I will go w/ The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. VERY fun pics (and a sentimental favorite from my childhood.. you know us old folks, we DO tend to get all "misty" when we reminisce.) :-)
Thanks again for all your hard work collecting and posting these. I don't always get a chance to post a comment, but I do enjoy a chance to look in on your threads now and then.
Edited by: rohanaka on Apr 16, 2011 4:38 PM
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I need to watch Knight Without Armour (finally) tonight
Yeehaw! :-)
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*DORIS* Wow! 11,000 posts and that Jackie Favell is STILL so very young at heart! What is her secret??
*FRANK* I dont' know, but I really admire the way she does it HER way. (hey.. that gives me a great idea for a song... )
Congrats on the 11K, little gal!!
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WHAT? It's Doris' birthday???? Woo Hoo! This calls for CAKE!
But PLEASE, everybody, DON'T eat the DAISIES! ha.. they ARE just plastic, don't you know.. ha.
(ha.. Ok, I confess.. it was lame.. but I had to try, didn't I???) :-)
TCM Honors Memorial Day Adjunct Poster Gallery
in Remembering Kyle in Hollywood
Posted
keep rohanaka from reading up on the USS Dorado
Gulp.. will have to check on that one another time.. I just got finished watching the PBS special on War Letters and am a total mess. So I will have to recover from that first.
PS: Mr. In Hollywood.. these images from today are among the best this year so far! I really like the one that shows the two eras (1778/1943) together. I have seen others like that before (maybe even in this thread, I can't recall for sure) but I don't think it was WWII. I think the one I am remembering most was from the first World War (but my memory may be failing me at my advanced age). At any rate.. it is a truly fine looking poster. Thanks again.