misswonderly3

Miss Huston also appeared in a number of other noirs, most notably as the "nice" girl from the small mountain town - think her name was "Anne".

That's hilarious !

Make Me do Anything You Want When this tune first came out (1972), my friends and I speculated, based upon the song title, that it was a love paean to a dominatrix. How did adolescent girls even know what a "dominatrix" was? Now that's worrying. (good tune; makes me nostalgic for my early teen years every time I hear it. which isn't often.)

Oh yes. And he's still performing...maybe at a slower pace than before, but he's still around, and still worth listening to. He was a talented and inventive song-writer. Many of his compositions have a slightly jazzy feel to them - the chord changes in the melodies - like the one you posted, "Softly". In a recent interview, he said he "never expected" his songs to be hits....except this one. Although just about all his tunes are good-to-great, you can see why this one would be so popular. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGp9Fde4vro

Too bad about Greg Lake - and of course, Keith Emerson (earlier this year.) Yup, a lot of these old rockers are falling thick and fast. Sorry if that sounds disrespectful, I don't mean to be. I've been saddened quite a few times this year by the passing of legendary musicians. 2016 was a bad year for them. Moving on...more Xmas music. Like almost everyone, I love the soundtrack to "A Charlie Brown Christmas". So jazzy, so hummable, so perfect for that kids' show about the sad little Christmas tree (among other things.) This is one of my favourite tracks from the Vince Guaraldi score. Some prefer the more well-known "Linus and Lucy" - the other tune where the kids are all dancing. But "Christmas is Coming" is what does it for me. I can never get enough of that cymbal, the low piano notes, and those snappy pauses. Go, Linus, Pig Pen, et al.

Ok, it's December 3rd, so I feel it's now acceptable to post Christmas songs. Here be the first on this thread for Xmas 2016 (I think.) Actually, it's more about winter than it is about Christmas, but maybe that's a good thing. I think this tune has a "friendly" sound to it - maybe it's the upbeat melody, maybe it's the clarinet.

I give thanks for musicians like Sam and Dave, and Sly and the Family Stone. Dance to the music all night long.

Here's a silly, fun, pop song that shirley brings a smile to everyone who hears it. I was inspired to post it after hearing about some post-Trump victor complaining about the students who were protesting his win. Some rumour about one college bringing in ponies to comfort them? (What is this, an early Seinfeld episode? Ponies? ) Anyway, apparently the Trump supporter, unsympathetic to the students' distress, told them to "Suck it up,Buttercup." That's right, boys and girls, we're talkin' that irresistible Foundations hit, "Build Me Up, Buttercup". Somehow I suspect the guys in the Foundations would not be amused. What-evah. Get up and dance. (Oh, yeah, and let's not forget the very effective use of this same song in "There's Something About Mary". ) not sure why it's out of sync. sorry about that.

Oh....I thought this was a thread about "Leave It to Beaver". Now, that could use some updates.

Yes, that's cool that you noticed the use of reflections and shadows in the film. Thanks for pointing that out, I'm not sure I was as aware of that as you were. As for the last sentence in your post,(which I've bolded), I don't know if you read my comments about Brief Encounter, a few posts back. I think it's unseemly to quote one's own post, but I'll do it because it so completely addresses your question about the husband. This is what I said about that: "We also need to consider that Laura did feel something for her husband. I'm not sure I agree that he's nothing but an emblem of a stodgy boring constrained life that Laura finds herself trapped in. Although her husband has only a few minutes of screen time, I think it's communicated, very subtly, that he does care about his wife as a person, not just as a "proper wife" and mother of his children. I don't think his desire to do a crossword puzzle indicates he's indifferent to Laura; I see it as more a sign that the two of them are a settled married couple who've been together long enough to feel comfortable with a simple evening together, spending time pursuing different, albeit somewhat unexciting activities like crosswords and knitting, but together in the same room and quietly enjoying each other's company. Of course, had Laura and Alec gotten together, we imagine them having a more interesting life than that ! (like the things Laura imagines them doing in her fantasy on the train.) But still, we should give credit to Fred ( even his name is stodgy !) for picking up on what's going on with his wife more than we realize. At the very end of the film, he tells her, "Yes, dear, you've been a long way away......Thank you for coming back to me." " Again, sorry to quote myself like that, but I've always thought nobody gives poor Fred (Laura's husband) any credit. I think we're supposed to think he does have some inkling of what was going on with his wife. Also, at the very beginning, Laura starts talking to Fred (in her head of course, not out loud), and she says something like "In a way, Fred, I think you could understand, because you're so good at understanding me, and we're so close..." I might have the exact words wrong, but I remember she says something like that, something that indicates she and her husband are not just going through the motions of marriage. If she did not have affection and respect for her husband ( although, admittedly, not the passionate love she feels for Alec), she would not feel so conflicted when she meets Alec. It's not just the judgement of society, and the mores of the day regarding extra-marital affairs, that make her reluctant to sleep with her new love; it's also her genuine loyalty to and caring for her husband that stops her.

MultiEye, about The Third Man: One of my favourite movies. The trailer for the restored version you posted reminded me of what a beautiful film it is, of how evocative and atmospheric black and white cinematography can be. Annoyingly, and for reasons that I don't understand, when TCM airs The Third Man, it's blocked in Canada. I don't get to see it. I've also tried ordering it, but haven't gotten anywhere with that either. This "rights" business is arcane and infuriating. I know some people say they find that "Third Man Theme" irritating, but I don't agree with them. I think it's a perfect fit for this unusual film.

db, I'd never heard of Kate Nash. I like that song. I also like the album cover image. It reminded me of a picture my daughter was always drawing when she was a little girl, of a house like the one in the Kate Nash cover, with flowers and a winding path leading up to it. (But the topiary is a little spooky, a little reminiscent of "The Shining"...) I also like the way you can so hear that English accent. I enjoy hearing accents in singing. It's funny how sometimes you can really discern these accents, and other times, not at all. Guess it depends on the singer. Or maybe the production, I don't know. Anyway, nice little tune.

Oh, MultiEye, MultiEye....another case of an embarrassment of riches. All these guys are great. Who doesn't like Johnny Cash, Jack White, or Son House? (kudos on that last, takes a real blues enthusiast to know about him...) But the musical feast is too much, the plate's too full, and we don't get a digital doggie bag to take the excess away with us. I'd rather concentrate on ONE of those inventive, authentic, talented musicians you posted here, one at a time. Maybe it's some kind of limitation on my brain or my ears or just how long I'm willing to spend on this thread, but I just can't help thinking that ten tunes in a row is too rich an offering for my single-minded aural attention. I think maybe there are other websites where you can and do post a long selection like this, so you're used to it. Now having blathered on about this for a few paragraphs, I should say that of course there are no rules on this site or this thread about how many music selections you can post. And it would be obnoxious and officious of me to say there are, or even that there should be. It's not about "rules" - rules like that would take away the fun of sharing our music favourites here. Nobody wants that. It's more about, maybe, a little restraint. I don't come to this thread to listen to 10 or 20 different tunes all in a row, I come here to hear one or two tunes that other people here like or have been thinking about or for whatever reason want to share. If I wanted to listen to over half an hour's worth of music all in one go, I'd just throw on a CD. When I come here, I just want a little bit of someone else's music love. A taste, not a feast. Sorry if this does sound obnoxious and / or officious. I'm not telling you what to do, I'm just giving you my take on the posting of so many tunes all at once. All that said, all the tunes you shared here were good ones.

I'm so glad you've started a thread about Brief Encounter, speedy, because I feel it's a movie that deserves a lot of discussion. I love this movie. I've seen it several times, and am moved and engaged by it with each subsequent viewing. Noel Coward's beautifully understated tale of two ordinary married people who fall in love and do not act upon it is one of the best stories about this timeless situation I've ever seen. Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson are so good at conveying the complicated and ambivalent feelings these two characters experience as their gentle ( and genteel !) love affair develops. (And by love "affair", obviously I'm using the word "affair" in the old fashioned sense...in the sense of a romance. Of course, now we associate that word with the sexual aspect of romance, but it had a different connotation back then.) What makes Brief Encounter so poignant and so memorable is that these characters do not consummate their romance (ie, go to bed with each other.) They almost do, as you point out in your insightful write-up; but when Alec's friend walks unexpectedly into the flat, the shame, embarrassment, and regret he and Laura feel is almost palpable. You'd never get a movie like this now; the kind of delicacy around the idea of extra-marital affairs, the sense of loyalty to one's spouse and family, and the idea that if one did cross that extra-marital line, one would be doing something terrible and irrevocable, is all a thing of the past now. We also need to consider that Laura did feel something for her husband. I'm not sure I agree that he's nothing but an emblem of a stodgy boring constrained life that Laura finds herself trapped in. Although her husband has only a few minutes of screen time, I think it's communicated, very subtly, that he does care about his wife as a person, not just as a "proper wife" and mother of his children. I don't think his desire to do a crossword puzzle indicates he's indifferent to Laura; I see it as more a sign that the two of them are a settled married couple who've been together long enough to feel comfortable with a simple evening together, spending time pursuing different, albeit somewhat unexciting activities like crosswords and knitting, but together in the same room and quietly enjoying each other's company. Of course, had Laura and Alec gotten together, we imagine them having a more interesting life than that ! (like the things Laura imagines them doing in her fantasy on the train.) But still, we should give credit to Fred ( even his name is stodgy !) for picking up on what's going on with his wife more than we realize. At the very end of the film, he tells her, "Yes, dear, you've been a long way away......Thank you for coming back to me." Other delights of Brief Encounter: All the train station tea room scenes, rendered vivid and funny by two master British character actors, Stanley Holloway and Joyce Carey. Carey's a hoot with her "refined" accent and the fussy prissy act she puts on. The voice-over narrative; it's easy to forget that in a way, Johnson had a lot more to do in this movie than Howard did, as it's her voice that tells the sad story throughout. It's one of those films where voice-over narration really works and adds to the connection the audience feels for the character. The "Britishness" of it all. I love the "stiff upper lip" attitude they all have, the London scenes, even the tea cakes ( that sometimes appear stale) in the station. The whole thing is so very English, and English from a particular time. Noel Coward and David Lean really capture this place and time. The beautiful black and white cinematography ( as someone here has noted.) Brief Encounter is a great example of how sometimes black and white serves the story and mood of a film better than colour. Again, thank you for posting a thread about this movie. I've always loved it.

Interesting that when other music legends died earlier this year, the obit thread about them went on for some time. But it seems there's not much reaction to the news of Leonard Cohen's death. Maybe everyone's too stunned from the events of last week to think about much else at this time. And speaking of last week's events, we all know that Mr. Trump's primary residence is in New York City. So maybe this is an appropriate selection to celebrate Cohen's masterly marriage of music and lyrics:

So many legends in music have died this year, and now Leonard Cohen is added to the list. This was a truly great poet and songwriter. I'm really saddened by this news. He'd just released a new album a few weeks ago - "You Want It Darker". I wonder if he had some sense that he had little time left. Respect and honour to this wonderful artist. We won't forget him.

I was very sad to hear that Leonard Cohen had died...especially in a week where I was already feeling sad (surely no reason to say why...) Two of my favourites by this master of song and poetry: (Anyone familiar with the Robert Altman film McCabe and Mrs.Miller will recognize this. What a beautiful song.) Tower of Song. The lyrics to this are so witty and interesting. One of Mr. Cohen's coolest tunes:

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. And yesterday, Leonard Cohen died. * Thought it seemed appropriate to post this: * Actually, I have since found out that Leonard Cohen died on Monday (November7th.) I'm thinking maybe his family did not want to announce his passing until after the American election ?

Do you mean "complement" ?

Yes, I've been to the Boston Public Gardens and seen the duck family bronze statues. If I were a little kid, I'd want to sit on one of those ducks. (Bet this has happened loads of times.) Boston has a lot of interesting bronze figures, including a number of their historic political leaders, a turtle or two, and even, at some busy intersection (can't remember which one), bronze groceries, including a lettuce and other vegetables, embedded in the road ! A fun city, for sure.

Thank you, slayton, for drawing attention to this undeservedly obscure "horror" film. I put "horror" in quotation marks, because I'm not sure I'd describe it as such, yet can't think of another genre or word to categorize just what kind of movie it is. Doesn't matter. I agree with everything you said about it. Carnival of Souls is one of the creepiest movies I've ever seen. SPOILER What I find especially interesting and compelling about the film is the realization that this girl is neither dead nor alive, but caught in some macbre twilight area in between the two states of being. I've always figured, she should have died with her friends, when they went over the bridge, but for some reason, something went wrong, she died but then life somehow reached out to her and hauled her back. So both Life wants her, and Death wants her. To which world does she belong? This strange in-between place her soul's struggling in is manifested eerily and oddly effectively in such scenes as the dress shop, where she suddenly ceases to hear any sounds at all. It's clear it's nothing as mundance as a hearing problem...it's more as if the for a few moments Death is pulling her away from the world, and all the ordinary things of the earth are removed from her perception. But then she's back, Life tugs her soul back to the world, and she can hear again. Yet she's not a zombie, she's not one of the "undead"; it's more obscure than that, more ambiguous. That's one of the fascinating things about Carnival of Souls. My favourite scene, for sheer chilling other-worldliness, is the scene where the girl goes to the pier, where there seems to be some kind of party going on. ...a party of the dead. I love the truly eerie atmosphere this scene so successfully conveys. And that MC, or host, or Leader of the Dead, or whoever and whatever he is, has to be amongst the creepiest strangest ghost figures I've ever seen. I'd recommend Carnival of Souls for anyone with a taste for strange and eerie tales, the kind that leave a lot up to the viewer to figure out, rather than the more obvious kind of horror movie that puts it all out there. No mystery to them, and I like mystery.

It doesn't ? (creep you out.) Don't tell me you're one of those people who only enjoy the obvious kind of scary movie. Give it another shot.

This reminds me of a lovely children's story about a bird crossing in a city. It isn't a movie, it's a picture book: Make Way for Ducklings, by that wonderful author and illustrator of children's books from the 1950s, Robert McCloskey. He wrote and illustrated some of the most charming and engaging children's picture books ever. When I was in Boston a few years ago, I made a point of purchasing a copy of this sweet little storybook (sweet, but never cloyingly so.) Anyway, anyone who's a fan of ducks, Boston, or picture books will love it.

Here's a very brief but very funny parrot scene from the end of a James Bond film. (For Your Eyes Only) I love the way Margaret Thatcher slaps away her husband's hand from some food she's been preparing (but I can't tell what it is !), and especially, the way the parrot says "Give us a kiss, give us a kiss". I hope it was really the parrot talking, and not some dub-over.

This is a note to the moderator : How is it that someone who is so obviously a "troll" is allowed to navigate this site so freely? I rarely complain about fellow posters on these forums, but I do not regard "RipMurdock" as a "fellow poster"; fellowship has nothing to do with his M.O. Nor, for that matter, does posting, since I would hardly call his inane, unhelpful, and often insulting comments to others here "posts".