Ascotrudgeracer

It would take courage on TCM's part, but Leni Riefenstahl's masterpiece documenting the NSDAP rally of 1934 is stunning and should be seen. Hitler's movement died as he destroyed himself in the bunker underground in Berlin in April, 1945; Nazis are hardly a threat today. The picture is studied in film schools continuously so why can't we see it? Janus Films, I believe, has the best print.

Vivien Leigh was beautiful, but keep an open mind for a moment and imagine Tallu -- a TRUE southern belle -- in that role. Bankhead was a better actress and a stronger woman...she seems more likely to shoot somebody than than frail Brit. Problem is, the world can't think of anybody but Leigh as Scarlett, but Tallu would have been a more interesting choice; much more complex and obviously tougher.

I watched the William Bendix - Dennis Hopper episode when it originally aired in 1956 and for some reason, have thought about it at least once a week since! I never thought I would see it again. You can imagine my sheer delight when, there it was! It was as I remembered it, except I thought Bendix dived into the hole, instead of sort of being swallowed up by it. But the detail of him shooting up and surfacing safely in the Hudson River matched my memory. Thanks again TCM. I make a point of telling the world about TCM each day.

L.B. Mayer hated it (referred to it as "Asphalt Pavement") even though it made $$$ for MGM (but the writing was on the wall; Dore Schary was going to replace him), but the scene where cop Barry Kelley smacks Marc Lawrence around is perfect. Perfect acting and perfect direction. This is John Huston at his finest. Marilyn Monroe never looked more beautiful.

I can't remember where I first read the rumor, but it was in a collection about Paul Newman; that he was so hungry for success and driven, that he would do ANYTHING for this juicy part. But the part that doesn't make sense: did Williams actually have final authority regarding casting? Seems this part of the story would be easy to check...c'mon investigators, this IS the Information Age! Edited by: Ascotrudgeracer on Jan 27, 2011 3:20 PM

It's been making the rounds for many decades; I can't believe it (most days) but it is said Newman went to "extraordinary lengths" to land his role in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Have you heard this...you believe it?

Sometimes it seems like they never made a film without each other. Anyone have any insight regarding their relationship when the cameras weren't rolling? I know somebody on this board knows exactly how many films they made together, first and last. Edited by: Ascotrudgeracer on Jan 26, 2011 11:33 AM

I feel there is a case to be made for this masterpiece to be rated as one of the 10 best films ever. It's so good, you won't mind the subtitles. Magnificent...do not miss it. I have alerted 2,600 people to this movie Feb. 9; that's how strongly I feel.

Who couldn't make movies with unlimited money? Anyone could! But Ed Wood provided entertainment for millions of cinephiles and he had NO money. Imagine what Wood could have accomplished if he had the resources afforded de Mille or John Ford.

Personal attacks are not allowed on this board.

Always wondered how much Whit Bissell was paid per acting job.

Hattie McDaniel owned an impressive manse on Exposition Blvd. Next to the University of Southern California; she did well for herself. Re: NY Yankees...I recall a clip wherein Mickey Mantle said he was digging around his garage one day and found an old uniform; long story short, he sold it for more money than he made in his first 4 seasons of playing 162 games per season. Edited by: Ascotrudgeracer on Jan 25, 2011 5:26 PM

If I asked Mamie Van Doren for a date I would be afraid she would call 911.

Douglass Dumbrille rented a one bedroom apartment from my aunt in the 1960's for himself and his wife, Patricia Mowbray (daughter of Alan Mowbray). Location: 1544 N. Fuller Ave., Hollywood. I always wondered if he could have afforded more (my aunt charged them only $250 per month) or if the location (between Hollywood Blvd. And Sunset Blvd.) was easy. Anyway, they both were really nice, but when talking about his career, he was more or less like, "just another day at the office; no big deal."

"I Wake Up Screaming!" "Girl Without a Room" ...and yours?

I think you are right on those salaries. Mickey Rooney was getting $5K per week at MGM when he blew up due to lack of future projects on his plate and walked out of Culver City. Said it was a huge mistake on his part. Rooney: 85 years in the business...incredible!

I interviewed him for a health & fitness magazine back in the 80's; Jack said he did movie jobs early on and specifically said he had a part in "Dante's Inferno."

I always wondered, how much money did people like, say, Rags Ragland make? Could he have afforded Beverly Hills? How much house could Regis Toomey or Eve Arden buy? Anyone know these salaries of all those great studio contract players who supported the stars?

Your points regarding post-traumatic stress disorder are well made. Also, the film captures a short "window" in American history: the Japanese in suburban Southern California are victims of racism.

A sadistic doctor successfully manipulated me into prescription narcotic addiction seven years ago...you cannot imagine the absolute hell I suffered; try experiencing every cell in your body shreiking for opiates, and the legal system forbidding you to ever have any, under threat of prison. I beat the addiction, but without my classic movies (with no commercials) I don't think I could have survived. Not trying to be a drama queen, but this really happened. I will forever be grateful to TCM and consider it the best thing in television history. Edited by: Ascotrudgeracer on Jan 24, 2011 11:17 AM

Nobody has wanted to date Lana Turner, so far. We must be afraid of...sharp knives!

1. Mickey Rooney celebrates his 85th year in show business. 2. Every film John Cazale worked in was nominated for Best Picture, Academy Awards. 3. Cher wins an Oscar for Best Actress. HUH?!?

Oh, YES! How could I omit Gloria Grahame, even with all that tissue paper she would stuff under her upper lip (you know THAT story). And I must add: Autumn Russell, the girl who could "sing and dance a little" when not nightclubbing with the U.S. Senator in "Sweet Smell of Success" (1958).

1. CYD CHARISSE ! 2. Joan Fontaine 3. Paulette Goddard 4. Ava Gardner 5. Lena Horne 6. Mamie Van Doren 7. Kaye Francis 8. Ann Savage 9. Carole Lombard 10. Janet Leigh YOURS ?

I always thought of Tony Randall as kind of a silly sap, but I'm here to say he was ROBBED of an Oscar for his portrayal of a suburban failure in this most unusual masterpiece. Don't know if TCM will ever fit it into another rotation, but if it is aired, if you call yourself a film lover, do not miss it; unforgetable.