rohanaka

I"m sorry I took so long to reply, I've had my time "tooken up" with too much meaningless nonsense lately No worries little darlin'. My time gets "tooken up" a lot lately, these days, ha. guess I like her fiery femininity. She's spirited without ever losing her womanliness and on top of all that, a real beauty Now that is a PERFECT way to describe her.. in pretty much every film I have ever seen her in (except maybe Only the Lonely with John Candy.. ha. She is a MUCH different Maureen in that one.. but even then her "spiritedness" does finally surface.. in the right way (eventually).. oh.. and in that movie.. she has a son too, ha.) They are because they lull unwary ones into a false sense of security I just could not stand his "mocking" attitude. I think that is where I usually draw the line w/ "amiable" bad guys. (or real people for that matter, too, ha) I have very little patience for people who like to make fun of others for sport.. and he was ALL about amusing himself at the expense of someone else. Blech. suppose she relented upon seeing how he was about to throw his whole life away on the act of vengeance he'd been nursing for so long. That could have been her You are so right.. because if ANYONE had a reason to feel vengeful, it was her. (and not just for what had happened to her son, but really with the whole town too) but she overcame it.. and I think THAT is what made the difference for Keith's character as well.. I hate to think what would have happened with HIS situation, if she had not been a voice of reason for him. I wonder how many western women were just that... THE voice of reason to all those rugged "my way or the highway" kinda cowboys... just think of all the lawlessness that could have transpired (even more than there already was, I am sure) had it not been for the women folk talking those men down from their plans to wreak havoc. Ha! (Oh brother.. now I've done it.. ha.. even now.. I am sure some shifty GREY person out there is compiling a list of UNreasonable "havoc-wreaking" western women folk to rebut that statement, ha)

I've been watching Brenda in reruns Have you seen any of the episodes with her parents?????????? Oh my golly.. too funny. (but then I can't think of a single character in that entire show that I do not absolutely L-O-V-E love. I just think it is one of the best written, best character driven shows on right now.. and yet even with all the great characters.. the stories are different and interestig every week.. but enough of my "Closer" loving chatter, ha) I wish I were someone more sophisticated and exotic. I have to think if there is someone else I could be Have you ever seen Julia Roberts in Conspiracy Theory???

I suspect you would make a GREAT law enforcement official or secret agent, Ro Aw.. thanks for the vote of confidence, little gal.. but alas.. ha.. I think you give me too much credit.. and besides.. I don't have the patience to be so sly.. I would want to take out a brick and start knocking a few heads around when the bad guys started stirring up trouble.. and then I'd give myself away. HA. She only looked harmless - the PERFECT secret agent Ha.. she was so "sweet" and tough.. all at the same time. (See... sweet.. that would leave me out.. ha.) Oh.. and speaking of "only looking harmless".. that is why I LOVE The Closer so much. I like to think of her as a "female" Columbo.. from Georgia. ha. She is SO easy to underestimate.. and then she "pounces" (at least verbally, anyway, ha) But I could NEVER be her... I mean.. how can ONE person eat so many cookies and candies.. and stay so tiny.. sheesh!!!!!!! (at least Frances (in Fargo) was eating for TWO!! ha. (and PS.. I can also see me hitting the buffet line as HER too.. ha. but you stole my idea, first, ha)

I'm a big Thelma Ritter fan and I do believe this is her best performance of all Up until now I had always thought I liked her best in The Mating Season. (I think that is the right name of that movie.. it has been a while since I saw it) I LOVED her in that.. but OH me.. this movie makes me take a GOOOOOD long look at that thought.. and now I am torn, ha. The two characters are TOTALLY different (and yet NOT completely so) I also like her in Rear Window.. a lot. And well.. ok, I confess.. just about anything I have ever seen her in, ha. She really was a talented actress.. I think she just truly did a stand out job in this film, for sure. I do love Widmark. And it's films like Pickup on South Street that made me love him. Nobody played "on edge" in film noir better than him. You could say he's the "Cagney" of film noir. And he does it from both sides of the fence I THOUGHT I remembered him being pretty high up on the list for you (as faves go). I don't really know if I can even say for sure what it is that has never really stood out about him for me, but I cannot deny he DOES do a good job in a noir for sure. And I have seen him in a couple of westerns that he did well in as well.. I likely just never gave him a fair enough chance (overall) our hero is a loser criminal And yet he had a clue, that there WAS more to life than just "him". (unlike your other pal, Harry, ha.. but let's don't go THERE again. ) He WAS self-motivated. He did want to get as much as he could out of the commies.. so he did have a way to go.. but I think seeing what became of Moe.. and then seeing what Candy did finally.. sort of MAYBE... opened his eyes to the "bigger" picture. Anyway.. I just found him a LOT more likeable (and understandable) as a person than.. some other noir-ish Widmark-ish guy who will remain nameless.. The 39 Steps to the 39th stoop Ha.. Good one.. and OH me.. ha.. could he have PICKED a more "obvious" hangout?? That place stuck out like a sore thumb.. and good gravy.. it was practically Grand Central Station. ha. But in the end, I guess it was a good thing it was so easy to spot (since the detective that was watching him was able to alibi him for Moe) I'm glad you watched the film, Quiet Gal Me too, Grey Guy.. even if it did cost me a sore "keister" ha. (both from getting kicked in the pants by the Movieman.. and also just having to sit here in my little office chair late last night watching that youtube all the way through in one fell swoop, ha. No pain, no gain.)

I fear I am more of a Frances McDormand from Fargo Ha.. color me.. Margaret Rutherford as Miss Marple.. or maybe Dame May.. as Miss Froy. (alas) Edited by: rohanaka on Mar 17, 2011 12:23 PM

It's about love - sacrificing love, all encompassing - the girl gives up everything for her man Yeah.. that too.. make that #4.

Oh, I gotta hear the reasons behind that 1) You love Thelma. (and she was STELLAR in this movie) 2) I THINK you love Widmark too.. at least I know you love him in NATC.. and he is WAY better in this movie than in THAT one.. ha. (at least in terms of how I view his CHARACTER anyway.. HA) 3)The "hero" is VERY flawed.. and very "Grey" in that he is not a "good guy" but still not THE bad guy.. and in terms of what I recall you saying about things you like in a "noir" character.. that is YOU all over. I completely agree with you, by the way Well... it is rare.. ha.. but it HAS been known to happen.

Oh great.. I see Kansas City Confidential on your list there, Mr Movieman.. OUCH!! Yet another swift kick to my sitter!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Miss G... did I mention this thread was a dangerous place??????? Sigh..)

I had to hit enter too. Me too.. again and again.. and again. But never let it be said that persistance does not pay off, because after a little "wading around in the river"... Miss Maven.. here is the link to the chat we had a couple of years ago on RR. I did not go back and re-read through all of it, but I have to say that after just re-reading my opening posts I guess I had a few more issues w/ the story than I recalled.. but I do still remember that despite all that, I DID like the film a lot and found it to be a really good film. Now I know that time can sometimes alter our perspective when it comes to how fondly (or not too fondly) we remember a movie, so now I want to rewatch it all again if for no other reason than to just jog my memory.. but also to see if I am still of the same mind on everything as I was before (at least about some of the issues I had w/ the Dunson and some of his motivations). At any rate I stand by what I said.. now and then.. it is a very powerful story and there are some REALLY great performances in there... the Duke and Clift just to name two. But also the other supporting cast as well.. Anyway.. here is the link if you are wanting to dip you toesies in that little River chat.. ha. (good luck w/ the comma's.. it does work.. but it is a pain in the... toesies. ha) http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?threadID=133953&start=4980&tstart=0 (and PS: it goes on for pages and pages after this opening post.. if I recall.. so your toesies ARE going to get wet if you read the whole thing.. ha) Edited by: rohanaka on Mar 17, 2011 11:57 AM

Hey Movieman.. thanks for reminding me that I needed to (for a VERY long time now) make time to watch Pick Up on South Street. It is on youtube and I just kept putting it off and forgetting it, etc. etc. etc. (don't tell the Grey Guy.. he'll start calling ME shiftless... oh perish the thought, ha) So thanks my friend, for the kick in the pants! ha. (Golly, Miss G.. this thread of yours is a dangerous place... I keep getting kicked in the sitter around here lately.. ha. First the Grey Guy (and Wee Willie Winkie) and now the Movieman.. ha. But I say as I did before.. I likely needed it anyway, so getting a good swift kick for this movie is as good a reason as any, ha) And oh me.. was I glad to have finally gotten to this one. It is not a GREAT story overall.. but GEE it has some really great characters.. specifically Moe.. and Skip. Oh my golly.. that THELMA! I have always loved her.. but this film makes me SERIOUSLY think about what my fave performance for her is now. And I think I have to say the same about Widmark too. And he is just the opposite from Thelma for me asI have never been a huge fan of his overall. But boy, oh boy.. they both did such a great job in this one. Grey dude.. I totally get why this film is a fave for you. Thanks again, Mr. Movieman, sir for that well deserved swift kick "in the beautiful morning glory" ha. (that is what my dear old mom always calls it, HA) If I had to get kicked, I am glad I was able to put it to good use!

Howdy there, Miss Maven!! Thanks for chiming in on Red River.. it IS a really powerful story. And a terrific film. We had a pretty good chat on it a couple of years ago as I recall but it has been SOME time since then and your comments make me think I want to watch it all again if only to just relive all that "edge of your seat" sort of tension between the "Past" and "Future" (I like the way you put that) If I recall.. my only major criticism of this film was the ending.. I thought it was too simple after all that dramatic build up.. but I likely need to go back and see it all again from a fresh perspective because even if I am remembering that correctly.. it is STILL a really great story and a very fine piece of acting from all the main characters to be sure. Thanks for dropping into the Western side of town, little gal. You are always a welcome sight here.

Hellooooooo there, Little Missy. I think I know which one you mean Thanks goodness for that large rock.. or tree.. or whatever that was.. ha. She never loses her dignity. There are lots of women who can play harsh and hard but do they have the extra quality that signals "quality"? Maureen really does, especially in her maturity as an actress. I think that is one of the reasons I like her so well as an actress.. I like how in this movie she was "down on her luck" but not "down". You are right.. she does "dignity" well. wish we could have seen more "prologue", more of her life in that town, why they were so harsh to her, etc. She wasn't "Helen Ramirez" in terms of business but like Helen, the men liked her privately but were cowards publicly. I liked how Steve Cochran and all three of the renegades, in fact, commented on what a town full of cowards they were Helen is a good contrast to her.. they were very different characters, but similar too at least in the ways you mentioned. (and in the whole "hold you head up no matter what" thing too) As for her "back story" what I would have liked to see more of was her "private side" with her son.. and how they interacted together (sort of an "us against the world" kinda thing) but I guess they could only fit so many moments into the movie. ha. It is especially creepy when you see warm and genial twisted into perverse and dangerous. I don't always like to see my favorite "warm and fuzzies" turn into villains That's it exactly.. VERY disturbing. I liked his amiability mini-spoiler: He was that.. and I kept WISHING he would really BE as likeable as he was TRYING to act.. Early on I wanted him to realize that he was no "cut throat" and move on. (and let the real battle be between Keith and Wills) but in that church/bar scene he pretty much showed himself to be exactly what he was: Pretty much after that he more or less exuded "sleazy" to me.. ha. and the "nice" bad guy (to me) the worst one of all. He got better than he deserved at the end of it all, to be sure. Good catch! I didn't even notice that Just thought it was a pretty cool perspective.. I liked it. I must be one of the few who really didn't notice the music, even this last re-watch. What stood out most was Maureen's little solo piece in the beginning and end, but not so much the rest. Here song was lovely.. I recognized her voice right away.. but I don't know what it was w/ the soundtrack exactly (aside from the constant "hamonica" stuff to bring back the poor little boy's memory) but I guess to me it sort of was too "hokey" sounding maybe for a story w/ such serious themes.. anyway.. it sort of wore on me after a while.. ( ps Chris.. ha.. I am no "pea pod" maybe a brussle sprout. ha) I'm so glad you got to see a side to one of your favorite actresses we don't normally get to. Or to that degree I should say. This is sort of her "Ethan Edwards Ha.. I guess she was the kinder, gentler.. more shapely Ethan. HA. It was fun to get to see a bit more of her "darker side" though. But I liked how she did not let the anger and hate get her. It could have.. very easily. I like that she was stronger than that.

Woohoo.. happy to finally be able to take a moment and do some catching up around here.. Just a quick chime in on TDC.. I liked it over all.. though it did have its weak spots.. I can't say it was the best western I ever watched, but boy oh boy... MAUREEN!!!!!!!! Y Definitely a "chat worthy" role for a "Women of the West Thread" :-) And I remember you mentioning her in this film to me in the past, Miss G. You were right, little lady... it is a very different sort of role for her.. and I liked it a lot (although there was at least ONE shot in there where I was shocked and aghast.. ha.. is that SWEET Maureen???????? ha) But truly.. she has always done well with a character who is full of fight and determination.. especially when she is trying to prove she is right (after being wronged by someone (as Kit was with the townsfolk) but also just in the way she is able to bring out an inner strength of "character" in her characters. Not a typical story line for her in this one for sure.. but a very good one to bring out those qualities in her acting. *Possible DEADLY spoilers:* And OH that Brian Keith.. very well done character by him too. so threatening.. and menacing.. and yet still VERY emotional, especially when his focus starts to shift as he is working out his issues with what he has done to her (even if by accident) and still trying to reconcile what he plans to do to Will's character.. And speaking of Chill Wills... Good gravy, WHAT a LOONEY!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my golly.. I have never seen him that way.. ever. Downright scary.. and crazy as he could be.. very creepy. As for the actor who played Billy.. I can't say that I recall him in any other film but I have read over some of the other comments here about him.. I think he did a good enough job but he did not really stand out so much for me. It might be that he was just so sleazy I can't decide if it was him as an actor.. or just his character that I did not like. (ha) I am NO expert at ALL on Peckinpah.. but I have to say that even though the film had its weak spots... there were some really great camera shots.. I REALLY liked the one where they are following her wagon.. and Keith rides up to talk to her.. and you are looking at the back of the wagon in the distance and the whole shot is framed by the other two men's boots as they are in the stirrups riding on the horse's. (if I get time later I will make a cap of it.. don't know why that stood out for me, but I just thought it was cool, ha) One thing that really did not do much for me at all though was the music ...but I did like the opening theme (with Maureen singing). I just think they sort of overdid that harmonica thing for the most part (though I am sure it was meant to conjure up the memory of the little boy..still it just almost got me to thinking of that Once Upon a Time in the Blah Blah Blah harmonica maybe.. ha. It began to get on my nerves) But ok.. so that is about the worst thing I can say about the movie.. so maybe I am being to picky, ha. Overall.. I am glad to have caught it.. thanks Miss G for bringing up Maureen in this thread.. (great idea for a thread too by the way.. I have SO much catching up to do I will be forever reading through it.. but I am looking forward to a good long read when I do! ) :-)

Me too, little missy.. How in the WORLD did I ever overlook this one.. ha. (duh)

It's extremely Fordian. Anyone who has seen the cavalry trilogy will find so many similarities with Wee Willie Winkie. Amazing Dadgum.... whod'a thunk that YOU (oh great guru of non-sweet, non-mushiness loving GREYNESS) would see this movie before it even showed up as a "blip" on MY radar screen?? ha. What, oh WHAT is the world coming to?? ha. My golly, I am WAY so very way impressed with you, sir. And thanks for bringing this one to my attention. WWW is a film I had not even looked into yet.. I mean, yeah.. I KNEW it was a Fordie.. and I KNEW it was out there somewhere to be watched sometime.. but I just kept overlooking it for other titles. It wasn't one that really stood out for me.. until now.. sigh. And I can tell just from what I have seen here (and a quick youtube link I found) that THAT was a mistake for sure. So now it is off to the library I go (with my fingers crossed for good luck, ha) At the very least this film has now moved decidedly close to the (if not at) the top of my wanna see list for sure. Gee.. Thanks for the kick in the pants, there, Grey Guy. HA! (I am sure I needed it for SOMETHING anyway.. and this was as good a reason as any, ha)

Thanks for the movie tip, Ms Cutter. Truthfully I was not sure what to think about this one (but had not really had time to do much checking into it) A thumbs up from you on it carries a lot of weight.. I will have to see what the QT thinks about our chances of getting to see it.. but most likely will have to wait until it comes out on DVD. But thanks for the review.. it will give me some stuff to think on when I do finally get to see it.

It's been awhile You're posters are ALWAYS first rate, sir. I am just a "slacker" lately, ha. Truth is, I have just had too many irons in the fire lately so it has been hard to get on and post much.. but I do check in here from time to time.. and always enjoy the look. Thanks for bringing so many great images to enjoy. I know it is a lot of work, but you have a knack for finding some really way cool stuff.

I L-O-V-E love the "Night Must Fall" poster, Mr. In Hollywood. ( That movie is my most fave "Bobby" performance, I think) But what a way to describe it.. ha.. "Amazing, different, unique".. OH me.. they left out "Bone-chilling" and "Downright CREEPY!" (but I mean that in a good way, ha)

HAPPY "late" Valentine's Day, my little "twinnie". I loved your long lineup of Valentine's pics!! (and of course.. you put my FAVE at the top.. ha. GODZILLA!.. you know.. nothin' says "I love you" like a giant, firebreathing, radioactive lizard) HA! Hope you had a very happy day, little darlin'!

Hey there, Mr. Movieman!! :-)

Howdy, Grey Dude... *Numerous SPOILERS abound*: That's the facade Nancy (Laraine Day) wished to show everyone. That she was a sweet, darling angel and that she could never harm a single man. I think in her mind she really THOUGHT she was sweet and darling.. but also "entitled". At one point (when Mitchum pins her down finally about taking the first bracelet) she says something like "I saw it and I wanted it for myself" or something like that.. and seemingly TOTALLY oblivious to the fact that it was WRONG. It was like someone had switched off her abilty to "censor" her "covetous" nature and she took whatever she wanted... because she wanted it. (but I really don't believe she did it out of complete malicious evil intent... except for... You could ask Bonner (Ricardo Cortez)... but he's dead THAT is the part that makes it harder for me to believe she did not have more going on in her mind that just "ooohh see the pretty sparkly stuff!!" I wish we could have seen (even if in just a "flashback from her point of veiw) what REALLY happened in that room. It would have given us a lot more to figure her out with. I think primarily she was just "NUTSO" but there was a bit of "hate" going on toward the "haves" for treating her like a "have not" when she was a child as well... even if it was a subconscious thing she did not even KNOW was inside her. (at least I THINK so) was disappointed in the film. I thought it was mostly talk with not enough tension and moments of action. I also thought it lacked any kind of mystery and that the climax was a letdown I am with you in that I wish we could have had MORE "tension" building up to that ending. There was just enough of a hint of mystery for me that I did not totally lose interest.. but eventually (the more she was obviously found lying about her past (if only by "omitting' little things like.. OH by the way.. I was MARRIED to someone else for five years.. etc, etc) it eventually became apparent (at least to me) that she really WAS the one who was either "evil" or psycho KOO. (and I am leaning toward a "mild form" of "Evil Koo-Koo" ha. And I wish they had told the story in "real time" too.. (because I know I already mentioned this but those "multiple flashback within flashbacks were dadgum annoying, ha) There are a lot of other films that handle "psycho" women a lot more effectively.. or at least in a much more entertaining way. One of the things I like SO much about The Bad Seed (for example) is that you get to SEE Rhoda figuring out her evil "plots" in her warped little mind (eventually) And granted.. Rhoda was a little girl and not a "woman" and she was motivated ONLY by her own "amoral" tendencies.. but that is the same thing as the characters in Leave Her to Heaven... and also Guest in the House. And all of these movies sort of start out with a "hint' of mystery.. as in.. are they REALLY that awful.. is there REALLY a problem or is it everyone else around them?? But by the end of the movie.. there is NO doubt about it.. they really ARE that awful. I think the biggest problem I had w/ this movie.. is poor Nancy is just that.. POOR NANCY.. she is way too sympathetic (even if she is suffering from that "mild form" of "Evil KOO-KOO" ha.) I WANTED to hate her guts (and be glad to see her gone" but instead.. I just felt sorry for her. If you want a psycho for a wife You say that like it is a BAD thing.. ha. (ask the QT.. it's NOT the end of the world!) Edited by: rohanaka on Feb 16, 2011 11:15 PM Edited by: rohanaka on Feb 16, 2011 11:19 PM

And we know all about you now HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHA (and HA!) Well now I KNOW I need to see that movie.. if only to find out about the "lurid chapters" that are being written about all my "exploits". HA. (To borrow from my beloved Duke: "That'll be the day.") ha. Wednesday Feb 16, 7:15pm: "KC Confidential" on Rohanaka... suspect just finished eating some fried chicken and mashed potatoes... 7:18 PM: Suspect appears listless and is nearly asleep on the living room couch. 7:20 PM: ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ HA! I know.. how B-O-R-I-N-G! ha... but that is about as "lurid" as it gets around here.

Well, look at you, my DEAR Grey Friend.. 10,000 posts??????????????????? Wowsa.. Now ordinarily an occassion like this calls for CAKE!! But then (alas) I remembered who I was dealing with and I knew that not just ANY cake would do.. Lucky for me I found JUST the right recipe.. http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/images/20080720-cartoonkitchen.jpg (Congrats on the 10K, Grey Dude!! ) Saurkraut cupcake, anyone??????????

OH for pity's sake, he is having the STOOGES make your cake??????? That will never do. ha. Here's some German Chocolate... just for you little darlin'. HAPPY Birthday!!!

A stockpile any rogue nation would envy (and yet.. never enough) NO! I don't remember that! During the flashback where she is a little girl.. and the rich girls mama is pulling on her arm (OH don't even get me started on THAT) ... they knock over a cigarette box (which is also a music box) and it plays that tune.. (and then it happens again at the end of the movie right before she is about to walk down the aisle.. The QT and I just cracked up.. I have NO idea what that song is really called (we usually just call it Rhoda's piano song" ha.) but NOW we are calling it "The Psycho Girl Theme Song" for sure, ha. never cared for what happened to Bob OH my golly, I NEVER saw that coming. (GOOD gravy what a shock) I guess I SHOULD have expected it.. but still.. I confess I watched it twice wanting to like it more than I did but now I think the third time it will be more interesting...with the "Rhoda Factor" figured in Mini-spoiler: Well, I can't say it is the BEST movie I ever saw.. but it was intriguing (I kept TRYING to figure out WHO was the real "looney" ha. But I pretty much narrowed it down to her.. she was just so "calm" everytime a man from her past showed up.. she had a "ready answer" for her new man that only held PART of the truth.. but was just true enough.. oh me.. what gal. ha. But still.. I DID find her far more "sympathetic" than Rhoda.. I mean.. POOR LeRoy for crying out loud.. and don't even get me started on Claude Dagle.. That little girl was EVIL to the bone.. ha. Poor Nancy was just a nutjob. ha. PS: Miss Maven: A flashback within a flashback...within a flashback OH for pity's sake.. WHAT was up with THAT. ha. If I had any REAL major criticisms with this movie.. that would be one of them, for sure. That is the danger you run into when you try to tell such a complex story from a "flashback" point of view.. they should have just gone w/ real time.. or at least let the Dr. start telling the story (when he is meeting with the groom to be) and begin it with when she was a little girl..and moved forward from there.. but what do I know.. ha.. I am NO moviemaker. But THREE flashbacks all in one.. good gravy.