CaveGirl
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Posts posted by CaveGirl
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FORBIDDEN GAMES is one of my favorite films. Brigitte Fossey probably gives the best performance by a child in the history of movies.
Perhaps it's the child actors: another unique film, never shown on TCM, is WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, where some children believe that the escaped convict hiding in their barn is Jesus.
There's also INNOCENT SINNERS, where a little girl, more or less abandoned by her mother, tries to plant some flowers in a patch of ground that has been devastated by the Blitz.
WDTW is that Hayley Mills film, right? I think her mother might have written the book maybe? Was Alan Bates in it? I've seen it once many years ago.
I don't know your second choice, King but I'm going to check it out now on IMDB.
Thanks for the response!
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Okay, TB I am finally seeing the trend here.
Will your next post be on Shirley Booth, Shirley Knight, or Shirley Anne Field?
Don't tell me that Shirley Chisholm was an actress too!
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what next? car 54, where are you? with bimbos?
You are a genius, Nip!
Of course "Car 54" would be a hit.
But of course only if they could revive Joe E. Ross as Gunther Tootie [sp?].
Ooh, ooh!
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Thanks for the film update, TB!
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1958
_________
The film industry was still losing money in 1958. A slogan that had been developed to lure audiences back into theaters was ‘Get More Out of Life—Go to a Movie.’ But unfortunately, the public thought they could get more out of life staying home and watching television. As a result, several major Hollywood studios were on the verge of bankruptcy.
United Artists was in the process of restructuring its business model. The UA management team decided to buy out Mary Pickford. She was the last of the original partners, and with her exit, the company went public. It quickly diversified into television and the music field. This strategy kept UA solvent and from shutting down. But other companies were not so lucky. Herbert Yates was stepping down over at Republic, and his studio which had been in existence since 1935 was ceasing all operations.
Meanwhile, RKO Teleradio turned out some new films that were remakes of old titles. But soon the practice discontinued–the RKO lot closed, and everything was put up for sale again. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who first met at RKO in 1940 while they were making TOO MANY GIRLS, used the profits from Desilu to purchase the studio’s facilities which would now be used for television production. There were a few unreleased RKO movies that were handed over to Universal for distribution.
But Universal was having problems of its own. It was a million dollars in the hole by the end of July 1958 and facing bankruptcy. Universal would be given a reprieve; it was bailed out by the Management Corporation of America (MCA). Until now, MCA was known as an organization that brokered deals for independent producers and stars. MCA was in a financial position to take over Universal, where many of its deals had occurred in the 1950s. MCA’s increasing power proved production was passing from old-time moguls into the hands of agents and individual artists who could package lucrative deals.
As for the old-time moguls, 1958 was the year Columbia’s Harry Cohn passed away. His death occurred in the middle of production on BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE. This film reunited one of the studio’s top actresses, Kim Novak, with her recent costar from VERTIGO, Jimmy Stewart. Most of Novak’s films made money at this time, but Columbia did experience a slight downturn in the wake of Cohn’s death. One thing that helped the company stay afloat was its investment in the British production THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, which became one of the year’s most successful motion pictures.
Fascinating retrospective of the time period, TB.
I bet that Harry Cohn funeral was packed cuz people come when you give them what they want!
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Though I like American-made blue collar films, I've always really enjoyed the British take on such things, Speedracer.
A film I admire is "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning" from the early 1960's by Karel Reisz and starring Albert Finney.
It is nice to see the British "angry young man" as they were then known, of the time period featured in films.
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Now I'm sure your brother-in-law or neighbor may be one of a kind and you are welcome to submit their names in this thread, but what I am really looking for are movies of that ilk.
Let's face it, most movie themes have either been copied, stolen or remade over and over again. How many times have we seen the Cinderella story in a modern setting, or a crime drama where the crooks turn on each other after the master plan goes awry.
My favorite film that I truly think is one of a kind, is Rene Clement's masterful "Jeux Interdits" [aka "Forbidden Games"] from 1952, starring child actress Brigitte Fossey.
In this film the story about what motivates the children and the somewhat morbid games they play is heartbreaking and unprecedented, and reflects on the rituals that children might innocently assimilate during war.
I can recommend it to all, except those who need a superhero in the film to keep their interest up.
I could only wish that TCM might put it on their playlist so more people would be able to see it in the future.Do you have a film that is "one of a kind" that you would kindly share with your fellow film addicts?
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Then I guess he must have found Virginia Gregg here a very quick study, eh CG?!...
(...'cause she seemed to be in just about every third or fourth episode of Webb's program, in various guises)
I love that lady! She seemed to also be in numerous Perry Mason and the like type shows.
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One, actually TWO of my favorite voice-over narration scenes in all of film...Jean Shepherd and these two particular recollections of his childhood...
...immediately followed by...
Very funny narration which really improves the movie's comedic takes on life as a kid in Cleveland!
Jean Shepherd said once that he thought the best thing in life was going to K-mart in a limousine which waited for you as you went in to buy a roll of Scotch tape!
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Worked to perfection for 'Goodfellas'. Maybe the most effective narration ever.
Nice touch of it for Eastwood's 'Million Dollar Baby' as well - I think they use Morgan Freeman for narration as often as possible.
David Thewliss did some at the beginning and ending of 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' - a nice touch that lent the movie some much-needed dignity.
Right on for the first two, and I shall have to listen to the narration on TIODM next time. Thanks!
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When it comes to narrations from the great beyond, it's hard to beat the voiceovers of Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham in "American Beauty" (1999).
I remember at the time I saw it that his takes on the voiceovers really added to the film. Thanks!
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Celeste Holm in "A Letter To Three Wives."
Lydecker
Great movie AND great narration!
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I use floor tile instead. Much more durable than paper.
Use it on Maltin to dissuade him from spewing forth any more nescient movie reviews?
Good idea!
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Ahhhh...and THEN there's Dan Aykroyd's spot on Jack Webb-esque narration in the 1987 movie DRAGNET here...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcMSiqo3g7k
(...only the names were changed to protect the innocent...dum dee DUM dum)
Ya know, Dargo they say that Jack Webb would work incidental actors on the set, over and over again in reading their lines because he wanted no intonation or expressive feeling in their line takes.
I kinda dig that very unexpressive style too. So much better than overacting for sure. My favorite episode is the one with Michael Burns as I think, the Blue Boy? Thanks for your as always astute observations.
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Linda Manz, who plays Richard Gere's little sister in Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven" (1978), was an interesting -- and unforgettable -- choice to provide the movie's narration.
Ya know, interesting you say that, Jakeem because I once had an argument with someone was was totally disgusted with Manz and her readings but I liked her and the sound of her voice. She truly sounded like a kid who had no schooling and was a bit itinerant which is what the movie calls for, which made sense that she was pronouncing some words oddly.
Of course, I like all Malick films and that one is my favorite. Thanks!
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Can't argue against any listed so far.
Can only add:
MORGAN FREEMAN (narration of "March Of The Penguins")
DAVID McCOLLOUGH( narration of "Seabiscuit"--2003)
PETER BULL (narration of A CHRISTMAS CAROL--1951)
There's some slight narration JIMMY STEWART does in his movie "Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacaction" that he handles very well. as does SPENCER TRACY in "Father Of The Bride".
The ones I mentioned up there I think offer narration in other movies I can't think of right now. But one thing is CLEAR----
The WORST and MOST BORING narration done by ANY actor in ANY movie is KEVIN COSTNER narrating ANYTHING!
He comes off like the dumbest kid in class reading an assignment out loud. Why, a DEAD LEAF shows more emotion!
Sepiatone
Hey, Sepia you just taught me something.
I love ACC from 1951 but I guess am usually so engrossed in the story that I never paid attention to the narration. Thanks for the reminder of who it was, and I can hear now in my head the ending bit, where the narrator says something about that Scrooge was afterwards noted for something like "how well he kept Christmas" or whatever.
Next time I shall pay attention to Bull.
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James Mason in the animated short "The Tell-Tale Heart" (1953).
Vincent Price narrating the AIP E. A. Poe films (any of them).
Orson Welles narrating "Rikki Tikki Tavi" (1974, animated).
Wow, three of the best voices to hear on film. Thanks, FL!
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The stentorian voice of Reed Hadley in those Fox docudramas of the late 1940s.
I LOVE Reed Hadley and you are so right about the voice, and the word "stentorian" really captures his sound.
Thanks, Fedya!
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Yea, and don't forget about the underage gals! Olivia was wise to avoid having a romantic relationship with someone like Flynn.
I think she was totally dying to, but was chicken!
All signs point to her the one being obsessed with him, rather than vice versa, James doncha think.
I may just have to get out my dvd of "You Bet Your Life" with Groucho's interview with Beverly Aadland. Wasn't she about fifteen when she met up with the dear Errol? I'm surprised he was not dating Tuesday Weld at the time.
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Whenever there is a magician in a film, or the movie has magic as a side or main topic, I watch.
One of my favorite films with this theme as a sideline, is "Judex" from the early 1960's.
Directed by Georges Franju, it stars Edith Scob from his immortal classic, "Les Jeux Sans Visage" but also is aided by the expert work of real life magician, Channing ****.
Name your fave film that has magic moments, but it does not have to have a theme song as sung by Dean Martin, if you wondered.
The four stars represent the name: P o l l o c k.
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You're right about Flynn's failure to be constant with anybody, undoubtedly including Olivia if they had had a serious relationship. However, about a year before his death he did write in his autobiography that he had been in love with her, knowing fully well, of course, that Olivia would read those words years after they had stopped interacting with one another. I can't think of anyone else of which he wrote that, outside of his wives, of course.
A few years ago, when interviewed in her Paris townhouse, there was a heavily perused copy of Flynn's book, with lines and passages in it heavily underlined by Olivia, still trying, after all these years, to come to a fuller understanding of a very complex, at times, contradictory, man. He still seems to be casting a bit of a spell on the lady.
Oh, you are totally right, Tom about Flynn stating quite emphatically that he was in "love" with Olivia.
My point is though, that most philanderers do "love" the woman that is the most elusive, until of course she becomes theirs and then it all goes downhill.
Plus Flynn was noted for being very romantic towards all women. I remember reading a story about him, that was about a very plain Jane woman who worked for the studio I think, who never got any attention from men, who became totally elated that Flynn made a pass at her at a party. To be the object of his attention must have been heady, and he seems to have enchanted many women in Hollywood. I'm just saying that if Olivia had succumbed, my guess is that the "love" might have been shortlived, like it was with Lili Damita, Patrice Wymore et cetera.
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1942 - Errol Flynn Thoughts
Hi, in looking at my list of choices for my unique categories, , for some odd reason I forgot to mention my favourite Errol Flynn performance.
I could pretend that because Speedracer5 loves Flynn that the reason I did not was because I knew she would represent them well.
But really, it was the first year and week that I did not do that.
Therefore;
My favourite Errol Flynn performance from 1942 is:
Gentleman Jim.
Hey, CF I have something that you will really want and I will only charge you like a few hundred bucks for it.
If you are asking, of course it is worth it!
I have a calling card with the original pic of James Corbett on it, which was used for advertising back in the day. I also have one of John L. Sullivan and ya know, both guys really look like the actors who played them in the movie.
Corbett was quite the looker just like Flynn. Being that you are such a nice person, I will take a hundred off the price...haha!
I think my great grandpa was quite the boxing fan which is why we have these in our family. Sorry , no Jack Johnson stuff but I do have a signed picture of Rocky Marciano if you like Paul Newman too.
Oops! I meant Rocky Graziano.
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Princess, Tom is a Canadian from Ontario.
I have family from both United Stares and Canada and therefore I may talk about both countries like I know them both.
Walter Huston who is in Yankee Doodle Dandy and who is Tom's avatar was Canadian.
Just because a film is good does not mean that one cannot criticize it for any of its components, if a criticism is tangential. And using pejorative words like "unpatriotic" if for example one found it amusing that John Wayne was in many war movies yet never actually served in the military, is an infringement of free speech.
I like James Cagney and I like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" as an entertainment, but that does not mean that the fact that Cohan was idealized to an amazing degree in the film is not apparent. The movie is definitely a flag waver which was usual to unite the forces during desperate times, but at later dates one can look more dispassionately upon such vehicles and judge them more fairly. And as an American who actually has a birth certificate from an actual state, I support anyone who might not find a film I like, in expressing those ideas.
Cohan was great in many ways, but you notice the film does not mention his earlier marriage, his children from whom he was estranged, his anti-union stance toward actors since he would profit more by uniting with the producing side of the profits from shows, or his own personal dislike to the then president, Franklin Roosevelt.
Is it unpatriotic to voice a dislike for the ruling president? If so, that would make George M. Cohan himself unpatriotic. But if we give him the chance to not be maligned for an opinion, then we owe that same stance to others who do, without branding them with pejorative labels.
Hence, ColumboFan in my world, you are allowed to not only criticize the US, Canada, George M. Cohan and the rest of the planets and the Lesser Antilles, but you can even criticize me if you like!
Forgot to mention that my favorite film from that year is "The Palm Beach Story", followed by "Cat People", "Arabian Nights", "The Talk of the Town", and "The Magnificent Ambersons".
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Wow! Now THIS is weird!
Ya see, just this morning I read my horoscope and it said...
"Pisces: This is a good day to learn more about why Olivia de Havilland and her sister were always at each other's throats."
(...like I said...weird, HUH?!!!)
Lucky you, Dargo!
My horoscope said this was a good day for me to learn more about the relationship between Jeanette MacDonald and her sister, Blossom Rock who played Grandmama on "The Addams Family".
Speaking of Olivia, and let me start by saying that I have always thought she was beautiful and one of the best actresses of all time, but her remarks about Errol Flynn have always amused me a bit. Anyone who has followed his attachments to females, would possibly think Olivia might be a bit overestimating her appeal to him. The man who liked almost all women, might not have been as smitten as she thinks plus if they'd actually been together as a couple, I'll be he would have tossed her over for some hat check girl at the Trocadera or dumped her later for a Beverly Aadland teenage-nymphet!
Between Olivia and Joan though, I'll go with Olivia since most people who met or worked with Joan Fontaine truly found her repugnant and a pain in the you know what.
Magic Moments
in General Discussions
Posted
I saw that episode not long ago. Cassidy was the perfect kind of protagonist for Columbo!