speedracer5
-
Posts
11,245 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
22
Posts posted by speedracer5
-
-
Based on various talks at the Film Festivals and published interviews with the TCM staff over the years, as I understand it, the co-host and Robert O initially choose the films and then they work with the programming staff on the final list for the season based on existing film contracts, budget and what can be worked out.
That makes sense. I figured that with the film contracts and budget and all, their Essentials choices might be limited. I was curious because it seems that there are films chosen in which Robert O doesn't believe they should be labeled "essential." It's interesting to hear the the co-host have to defend their selection against Robert. I don't think I've ever seen a segment where the co-host disagreed with Robert O. I think this is an interesting perspective to show as it shows how "Essential" is subjective.
-
Over the summer, Robert O announced at an event in Austin that the next co-host of the Essentials would be an Oscar winning actor/actress.
Let the speculation start!
LzCutter,
Do you know how the films for The Essentials are chosen? Are they chosen by Robert Osborne? By the host? Is it a 50/50 split between the two? Do the programmers choose the films?
-
Great post LP!
I've stated this many times in various threads across the boards, there are A LOT of films I haven't seen, many of which are considered bona fide classics-- Gone With the Wind, It's a Wonderful Life, Doctor Zhviago, Lawrence of Arabia, the list goes on. I don't need TCM to introduce me to these films though, I know about them and could obtain them if I wished.
What I do need TCM for is to introduce me to the lesser known classics or even the classics that aren't as revered and well known as GWTW. An example of this would be The Thin Man series. I know that the first film is a classic, but I feel that it's really only considered a classic among the classic film lover community. I don't think the film is as well known as other films from The Golden Age. For years, I had heard of The Thin Man and for some reason, I thought it was a series of Westerns. I really don't know why I thought that, but I did. "The Thin Man" just sounded like the name of a cowboy to me. My dad (who also likes old films) for whatever reason, thought that "The Thin Man" was a sci-fi movie. It was on TCM when I finally watched The Thin Man and was entranced. I suddenly loved William Powell, Myrna Loy and Asta. I loved the relationship between Powell and Loy, loved how the story unfolded, loved Loy's costumes, just loved the whole film. From then on, I tried to catch the other films in the series. I am proud to say that because of TCM, I now have all six films in my movie collection.
There are tons of films I found about about thanks to TCM that I've added to my film collection: Picnic, Miss Grant Takes Richmond, Four's a Crowd, Gilda, The Clock, Captain Blood, The Sea Hawk, Auntie Mame, the list goes on and on.
There were many of my favorite actors whom I'd seen a few of their films, but thanks to TCM, I was able to see more of their films: Errol Flynn, Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Katharine Hepburn, William Holden, Lucille Ball, Cary Gant, Humphrey Bogart, Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, etc.
There are other actors whom I'd heard of (but hadn't seen in action) or learned about for the first time thanks to TCM and people here at this forum: Ida Lupino, Ann Sheridan, Jean Harlow, Fred MacMurray, Claudette Colbert, Barbara Stanwyck, Jean Arthur, Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney, and the list goes on.
I agree with Andy when he stated that TCM is an invaluable resource for classic movie fans and I'm happy to have access to it and to these boards where I can discuss films with like-minded people. I've learned about a ton of great films here and really appreciate the conversations and information that I've been provided with other the last year or so.
-
1
-
-
I guess to answer the question with any sureness would require understanding what all the laws, traditions, rules, regulations and cultures are in the land of Oz - which is, I believe, kinda what you told me in a different thread earlier today.
One things for certain though - I sure as hell ain't gonna put any stock in what those creepy munchkins have to say!
lol. Those Munchkins were creepy! Are any of them still alive? I thought I'd heard that the lollipop guild guy (the one who hands Dorothy the lollipop) was still around? But he might have died by now.
I've always wanted to read The Wizard of Oz book series. I suspect that the books may answer some of our questions, or perhaps create new ones? I bet there are a lot of character back-stories that aren't filled in in the movie.
-
Every 60's spy movie.
James Bond, In like Flint, Matt Helm etc... the whole lot. All of these guy supposedly fought in WWII and afterwards went on all these exciting missions they only hint at in the movies. Now they are these middle aged, experienced, know it alls with all the gadgets, can solve every problem and win every time.
I would have loved to see a film (at this point probably better as a series) that shows them at the beginning. See how they learned to be suave, how they leaned how to do all they things they make look easy on screen. And how they worked their way up the line to become the "best man for the job".
Re: James Bond. I would have loved to have seen him prior to being 007. Has he always been so sophisticated? Did he always prefer martinis, shaken not stirred? (maybe he used to be a boilermaker type guy!) How did Q and M get started at MI6?
Perhaps James Bond underwent some type of Pygmalion make over and went from "geek to chic" ?
-
1
-
-
Another ROBIN HOOD would have been amazing!
There is one sequel I would love but first let me qualify it. I think we can all agree that there are basically two types of sequels-- one is a continuation of the same story, like the previously mentioned "Father's Little Dividend". The other is redoing the same formula with the same cast playing similar characters, but it's not necessarily connected, like the Road movies or "Support Your Local Sheriff".
That being said, I always wanted another WHITE CHRISTMAS--- not necessarily a real story sequel (the first kind), but a sequel of the second variety I mentioned. Basically I would love to have seen more clowning between Bing and Danny Kaye (what a great team they were!) and more lovely duets with Bing and Rosemary Clooney. Doesn't have to be a Christmas movie or even an Irving Berlin score, just another musical with those three together. That would make me so happy.
I like the idea of another film in the vein of White Christmas. Maybe it could center around another holiday or season. Or maybe Bing and Danny go on tour with The Sisters-- since presumably they're coupled off and married (?) now. If they've got the good songs and dancing routines like in White Christmas then they can't go wrong! Perhaps we could merge Holiday Inn with White Christmas and take ideas from both films somehow and make some super musical!
-
1
-
-
I have a hunch that the new co-host on 'The Essentials' will be Cher. She is an Oscar-winning actress,
she has great chemistry with Robert Osborne, and she possesses a good knowledge of the history of movies.
Cher would be good. She's been having some health problems recently which are probably taking a toll on her ability to tour extensively. Hosting The Essentials would definitely be a more low-key job.
-
Yes, I may do that. If you want to help, you are most welcome to and we can share the labor. Let me know.
And thank you for reviving the thread and bringing it to my attention.
No. I will not be helping you out-- nobody cares.
-
1
-
-
If, for many, the main fault of Christmas movies is the "sappy" quotient, I suggest they check out
The Ref.
A 1994 film directed by Ted Demme, The Ref presents a perverse take on Christmas cheer, beginning with a couple on the verge of divorce.
The plot details don't matter. I'll just say it stars Kevin Spacey, Judy Davis, and Denis Leary, three actors known for their ability to make sarcasm and cynicism fun to watch. Sap is out the window with this one.
Actually, I'll go so far as to say it's hilarious. The scene with Judy Davis wearing some kind of candle wreath on her head ("a traditional Lithuanian Christmas headgear" or something) is deliciously ridiculous. Especially when you combine the "Lithuanian candle wreath" with the expression on Davis' face.
I suspect even hard-core Christmas movie detractors will be entertained by The Ref.
Thank you for the recommendation MissWonderly. It looks like The Ref is being added to the Netflix Instant Queue on New Years Day. I'll check it out!
Kevin Spacey is always excellent even if the film he's in isn't. I'm also all about dark humor type films.
-
Marie Osmond’s Easy Lemon Cheesecake w/Blueberry Topping IngredientsI wish someone would post some of Donny and Marie's favorite recipes.
- 8oz Cream Cheese – Soften by bringing to room temperature
- 14oz can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ½ cup “Real Lemon” brand Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Ready made Graham Cracker Crust
- Using a mixer, whip softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add Sweetened condensed milk and continue to whip.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla.
- When all ingredients are mixed well, pour into a ready-made graham cracker crust (or you can make your own).
- Place in refrigerator for a few hours to chill.
- After chilled, serve with your favorite fruit topping (Fresh, frozen or canned), or enjoy plain.
I do question her choice of using bottled lemon juice instead of juice from a real lemon. If lemon is such an integral ingredient, hence "Marie Osmond's Easy Lemon Cheesecake..." I don't know why you wouldn't use something fresh.
-
1
-
The slippers possess some sort of power right? Otherwise, I don't think the Wicked Witch of the West would want them so badly. I don't think she cared about the slippers just because they belonged to her deceased sister and the Wicked Witch of the West was feeling sentimental. She definitely didn't seem like she even cared that her sister was dead. My guess is that the Wicked Witch of the East somehow came into possession of the slippers, and the Wicked Witch of the West was upset and forever was trying to get them back. By crushing the Wicked Witch of the East with her house, Dorothy did the Wicked Witch of the West's dirty work for her and upon finding out her sister was dead, the Wicked Witch of the West came back to collect what she'd been trying to get for years. I would suspect that perhaps by possessing the slippers, the Wicked Witch of the East was the most powerful person in Oz. By giving the ruby slippers to Dorothy, I believe that Glinda was acting in the best interest of the Munchkins and all the other inhabitants of Oz. Glinda sees the good in Dorothy and feels she will take care of the slippers. What happened to the slippers after Dorothy clicked her heels and went home?
My favorite lines in the whole film come courtesy of the gatekeeper at Emerald City.
"Well bust my buttons!"
-and-
"Who rang that bell?"
Good poll Holden!
-
Wow, what a interesting thing to write....
Well then here is some advice I have received recently from a very dear friend. I think ALL OF US who have become engaged with the constant back and forth with TopBilled should appreciate and heed the following words of advice....
Regarding TopBilled, the answer to his threads may just be for everyone to stop viewing his threads and responding to his posts.
He seems to thrive on being the center of attention and right now, everyone is making him that by talking about him in so many threads.
Cut off his oxygen and he may just take his wagon and go somewhere else where he can dominate the conversation.
Now these words of advice are from a close and dear friend of mine who shall remain secret. To write about who gave me this advice would be counter-productive. So I will just leave this advice for all of you to read and take for what it is. I AM, starting right now.
We leave well enough alone and he just might go someplace else. And if he does not, we just continue to ignore him. That would seem easy enough to do don't you all think?
LIKE.
(I apparently used up my other "likes" liking the other posts expressing as much contempt for this thread as I did)
-
I think it would help future visitors to the website (especially those interested in the Essentials programming), if this thread was moved to the TCM Programs / Essentials sub-forum. Just a thought...
I just revived an old thread that was already posted a month or so ago.
Are you going to go through all the old threads and have them re-categorized?
-
So my thread is worthy of a "nomination" but I myself am not? Curious, since it's my profile whose ideas you emulated. Granted, listing favorite movies and actors isn't a unique idea at all, but since it was made clear to me that you were using my ideas because you liked my profile, I am somewhat annoyed that I was not included in the list of people worthy of being gifted this "prestigious" honor.
Since "Gilligan's Island" references seem to be ubiquitous on other threads right now, I'd just like to say that myself and others not on the list of "nominees" are not "the rest" or "other" as it's known on this thread.
This thread is probably one of the meanest things I've seen written on this board. I normally don't participate in any of the disagreements on the board, because most of the time, I'm not involved, so I stay out of it. I've bit my tongue (or fingers in this case) many times not wanting to get sucked into some ridiculous fight, but I'm sorry, I have to take offense to this.
Why don't you just do us a favor and award the "Thready" to yourself. That's what you want anyway, right? Some way to validate your delusions that you're somehow the most important and valuable member on this board?
I think everyone here are valuable and worthwhile contributors. I enjoy reading everyone's posts and reading new ideas they're contributing and most importantly, discussing film and getting film recommendations. To somehow declare one poster more favored over another is mean and undermines the whole point of this forum, which is to discuss classic film, TCM, actors and related topics in between.
If I get a warning point because of this, then so be it. I'll wear it with pride.
-
4
-
-
I've somehow caught the last two weeks' worth of The Essentials, last week was Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and tonight was My Fair Lady. I hadn't seen the former, but have seen the latter multiple times. Next week is apparently The Thin Man, which I've also seen multiple times, but it never gets old, so I will probably watch it if I happen to not be busy at 5pm when it comes on.
I know that The Essentials is derided on this board and I can understand why. While my intent isn't to start the Drew Barrymore bashing session again, I have to agree that she isn't the best choice for hosting. I have to think the "Barrymore" name played a large role in Barrymore's selection for co-host. There have to be other people with "names" that could also serve as good hosts. I missed TCM when Ileana Douglas was co-host, I wouldn't mind if she came back. Anjelica Huston I think would also be a good choice. I know Alec Baldwin is somewhat controversial, but when I've seen him with Osborne, I've liked their rapport. Listening to Barrymore defend My Fair Lady as an Essential, her justification didn't seem very organized or convincing. I felt like she was just throwing random metaphors and statements out that sounded like she knew what she was talking about.
The point in my resurrecting this thread was I was curious how The Essentials are chosen. Does Drew Barrymore have free reign in choosing a set amount of films to discuss and then is tasked with defending her selections against Robert Osborne? Do Osborne and Barrymore collaborate on which films to choose? Or are the selections 50/50? Does Osborne choose half and Barrymore chooses the other half?
I was curious because I've seen a couple segments of The Essentials now where Osborne has disagreed with a specific film being declared "essential." I think this is an interesting point of view to display as it shows how subjective the term "essential" is and I think it can open up a dialogue between people who want to defend (or deny) a film's right to be declared "Essential." I do like Lorna's suggestion that films be chosen as Essentials based on other criteria like cinematography, film score, etc. I think there can be a wider array of films selected. Although I think there need to be some parameters that are followed. If every film is declared "essential" are any films "essential" ?
These are the "Essentials" that are slated for 2015 so far...
1/3/15 Bus Stop
1/10/15 Metropolis
1/17/15 Foreign Correspondent
1/24/15 Coal Miner's Daughter
1/31/15 Twentieth Century
3/7/15 Roman Holiday
3/14/15 A Tale of Two Cities
3/21/15 Now Voyager
3/28/15 The Prisoner of Zenda
I've seen a few of these before, but ended up missing Foreign Correspondent even after having it recorded for months on the DVR. We just switched boxes, so I lost everything I hadn't watched. I am looking forward to this one.
I look forward to seeing "essentials" that aren't always the usual suspects. Although, it baffles me why Double Indemnity hasn't been featured and something like Bus Stop is featured again. In my opinion, Double Indemnity is pretty much the film noir to end all film noirs featuring Barbara Stanwyck as the femme fatale to end all femme fatales.
-
I took your advice Fedya, and googled this. Surprised to find there was such a developed plot line and apparently at the time was a rather ambitious project (as far as adult films in the 1970s go). I find it hilarious that the lead actress was working under the pseudonym "Merrie Holiday" when she made this film.
In the film, she was Carol Scrooge, Editor in chief of a Playgirl type magazine. She's working her poor employees to the bone (no pun intended, or was it?), including Bob Crachitt whom is forced to work on Christmas Eve on layouts for the upcoming issue. From reading the plot, it sounds like it stays faithful to Dickens' novel.
-
1
-
-
Uh, I'd prefer to keep my clothes on, thank you very much.
A bit more seriously, regarding nudity and Christmas movies, there was actually a porn version of Dicken's Christmas Carol made in the mid-1970s called The Passions of Carol. Google it to find more information.
For some reason I find the idea of a pornographic A Christmas Carol hilarious. Each of the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future will have their way with Ebenezer and get "Scrooged." There is much storyline potential here.
-
The movie "White Noise" (2005) needs a sequel...."Pink Noise".
After all they both go together.
I know what "white noise" is. What is pink noise?
-
You haven't seen It's A Wonderful Life and you haven't seen the one, the only Christmas Carol, the best ever, the 1951 one with Sim?
I envy you. YOU are in a for a treat. Take the phone off the hook - ugh, rather, shut down your cellphone, bring the dog out for a walk, dim the lights, stock up on some treats, and rack up the tapes - DVDs, whatever, and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.
Thanks Primos! I thought I had seen a lot of movies until I became more active on this board and learned that there are TONS of movies I haven't seen that I'd like to. I appreciate that people here are nice and willing to offer recommendations on their favorite films. From all the recommendations I've taken people up on, I haven't been disappointed. I just found the 1951 'Christmas Carol' on Netflix and added it to my queue. I also just realized how dense I am on literature apparently, I did not realize that A Christmas Carol was a Charles Dickens novel. Wow. Go me. Lol. In addition to watching more movies, I apparently also need to read more. Unfortunately for me, these two activities do not go hand in hand.
-
It comes as news to me that these two were ever romantically involved.
I have been trying to find out the scoop on what happened with their relationship and why they ultimately didn't marry, but I haven't found anything yet. Crawford's mother, Helen Broderick, appeared in Top Hat with Lucy and fixed her up with her son. I did find it interesting to learn that they both died on the same day-- April 26. Crawford died in 1986, and Ball in 1989.
-
Liked your scenario here Speedy, and to continue on with it, I'm envisioning that Frenchy ends up dying while performing some uncharacteristically(as James would put it...wink, wink) selfless heroic act, and with Victor ultimate doing his "Wendell Corey Act" and walking away from his relationship with Ilsa because he realizes Rick is her one true love in life.
(...and of course with Rick and Ilsa after the War getting married and then moving to Encino California where he opens up a new cafe along Ventura Blvd...and with Ilsa becoming a bored housewife in the 1970's who begins shopping way too much at the Sherman Oaks Mall...sorry, couldn't resist this last part here)
Lol. I like "Frenchy" dying while doing something selfless. I'm shocked! Shocked that I'm dying! I like the Rick and Ilsa ending up together angle. I also like them moving to "the Valley." Lol. While being a housewife in the 1970s, Ilsa tires of the monotony and leads a resistance of women against the traditional gender roles. She later becomes a leader of the ERA movement.
-
1
-
-
What an absolutely wonderful idea.
Too bad the movie studios weren't even more greedy than they already were, or they would have seen the money to be made in prequels and sequels.
Asta as a puppy...........O.......M.........G.
Nick and Nora rocking it single. Wow.
Pre-code, that stuff would have been flammable.I like it! Because you know that Nick and Nora were totally engaged in pre-marital shenanigans.
-
Well I see Louis regaining his senses and turning Rick over to the Nazis for a big reward. Rick is killed while trying to escape (but the CIA knows what really happened to him). Louis retains his job in Casablanca but gets a venereal disease from the daughter of a man Louis is taking a bribe from for exit visas. Louis ends up blind and has to retire.
Years later Louis meets up with Fanny Skeffington.
Lol. This is a much bleaker version than I had envisioned, however I do find the idea of him turning Rick in to the Nazis very interesting. After all, Rick did kill one of their own, Major Strausser. This would be an interesting twist. While I don't know about the Louis' VD aspect, I do like the idea of this sequel leading to a spin-off film, Mr. Skeffington (which would also explain how Mr. Skeffington ended up blind. VD is an appropriate explanation),That would be interesting and bizarre, but I like it!
-
You must see the 1951 version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, brilliant, wonderful film. Alistair Sim's performance as Scrooge is priceless. I don't find the 1938 boring at all, and I think it's a good film, most here know the 1951 version so the 1938 version in comparison is what most are talking about when they write they are disappointed that the '38 version was chosen instead to be aired this month.
I haven't seen the '51 version. I'll try to keep an eye out for it. There are so many versions of that film and the general story is so well known, it is interesting to see different directors/actors/etc. interpretations of it. Thank you for the recommendation!
Pre-code, that stuff would have been flammable.
Thanks, TCM, for introducing me to.....
in General Discussions
Posted
LIKE ! (I went "like" amuck on a different thread earlier today and ran out of likes)
I absolutely love film noir. I had probably only seen two film noir films prior to TCM-- The Maltese Falcon and Double Indemnity. Thanks to TCM I have seen so many more that I loved: Gilda, the Lake/Ladd collaborations, Conflict... Not TCM persay, but thanks to a recommendation by Dargo on the board this summer, I saw I Wake Up Screaming and loved it.
I'm also digging all the gangster films that TCM shows. Their pre-code Fridays this past September was awesome. I'm looking forward to the Roadshow Musicals Friday Night Spotlight in March. I know TCM has its critics, but for my money, TCM always provides me with more films than I can keep up with on my DVR-- I can't say the same for most other channels.