film lover 293

"The Student of Prague" (1913)--Based on Poe's story "William Wilson", this is considered the first feature-length horror film made. It's about a deal with the Devil. Some scenes are considered Lost, but running times differ. I saw a 41 minute version, with the titles in English. Film is intermittently effective, although some actors overact, even for silents. Film does have some good moments, and one surprise that supposedly had some 1913 filmgoers screaming. Rating not applicable, IMHO, as film was an successful (for 1913) development of an important film genre. Film is available on YouTube in multiple prints. Edit: Version I saw had NO soundtrack, was literally silent.

Thurs. March 31st/Fri. April 1st : All times E.S.T.: A musical ahead of its' time, and "Condemned" movies: 3:45 p.m. "Athena" (1954)--Songs are pretty, and occasionally witty. Everyone can sing, or is dubbed; script would have to be poisonous to ruin film. Several songs and promo short are on YT. 1:45 a.m. "Strange Cargo" (1940)--I want to hear Sister Rose and her take on the film. 3:45 a.m. "Rififi" (1954)--Jules Dassin directed "caper" film I haven't seen. A "Maybe": 8:00 p.m.--"The Moon Is Blue" (1953)--The version that was on television in the 1970's (when I saw it) was almost antiseptic, except for using the word "virgin" and discussing whether one should remain one or not.

Debra Johnson--See all the films named so far, plus these: "The Light That Failed" (1939)--It stars Ronald Colman, but Lupino is in a Choice supporting role. It made her studio sit up and Take Notice of her; film is reminiscent of 1934's "Of Human Bondage". "The Sea Wolf" (1941)--Jack Londons' tale is made a sea-going noir. Stars John Garfield, Ida Lupino, and Edward G. Robinson. "Lust For Gold" (1949)--Set in Arizona's Superstition Mountains, about cursed gold. "On Dangerous Ground" (1951)--Noir being shown in early April.

Paul F.--"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" will continue to be part of history. It won the Academy Award for Best Song of 1947. Because of that song and its' Oscar win, "Song of the South" (1947) will be around. And be argued over endlessly. "Birth of a Nation" (1915)--Is too much a part of film history to make unavailable. Too many silent films were allowed to deteriorate past the point of restoring them. Yes, it's hateful--but show director D.W. Griffiths' filmic apology for it "Intolerance" (1916) immediately after BoaN; and Before BoaN, show 1950's anti-Klan noir "Storm Warning". Have never seen "Check And Double Check", so can't comment.

Pioneering is another appropriate word. These films, two silent, one not, fit this threads theme: "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1919)--This German Expressionism horror classic is the granddaddy of the horror film genre. Earlier films, like 1910's "Frankenstein", starring future director James Cruze (1923's "The Covered Wagon", and many others) made attempts. TCoDC succeeded in proving that film could explore the unconscious mind--which opened a world of possibilities. Is scheduled to be shown in April. The print I saw in Sept. 2015 was made of parts of Seven different prints. "The Lost World" (1925)--In this predecessor of "Jurassic Park" (1993), Willis O'Briens' work with stop-motion animation made future blockbusters like "King Kong" (1933), "Mighty Joe Young" (1949), and Many others possible. "Don Juan" (1926)--This John Barrymore film was the first to use synchronized music and sound effects on Vitaphone disc with a movie; this is the film that paved the way for sound on film--It's scheduled to be shown in early April.

R.I.P. Patty Duke. Another poster mentioned game shows. I first became aware of Ms. Duke because she was often on The Pyramid shows in all their incarnations (10,000, 15,000, 20,000, 25,000, 100,000). She was one of the smartest guest stars who appeared on the show. The lady will be missed.

I just talked about that film (1956's "The Undead") in the "I Just Watched..." Thread. Give it twenty minutes, and it will take off. A good film, with unexpected touches of humour. The Gravediggers' versions of nursery rhymes are worth watching the film for. Allison Hayes (of 50 Foot Woman fame) and Billy Barty help the film along and keep it funny. The film plays like a spoof. It IS on YouTube. "Hickory Dickory Dourse My guest is dead of course" One of the Gravediggers' rhymes.

I am against banning films, books, whatever. Period.

GregoryPeckfan--"Masque of the Red Death" (1964) is So worth seeing. I think it's definitely the best of Cormans' E.A. Poe films, and one of the best horror films of the 60's. Corman even took time shooting this film; that took five weeks, instead of five days (or less).

The one film where Roger Corman Spent money--"The Masque of the Red Death" (1964). Has one of Vincent Price's finest performances, and is one of the few horror films I know of that is beautiful to look at. There was a good copy of it on YT a few months ago: I don't know if it's still there or not.

"The Last Woman On Earth" (1960)--Roger Corman produced and directed film about the End of the World--possibly. The three stars (one was scriptwriter Robert Towne, billed in the cast as "Edward Wain") go scuba diving: when they surface, they find everyone else is dead. Film brings up the possibility of a chemical bomb, or Super-germ. Actors are all at least competent, and the script has some good lines, but actors seem to be improvising too often: Film looks rushed. Still, not bad for a no-budget film. 5.8/10 stars.

ClassicMovieRankings--Questions on three films: 1.) I'd call 1950's "So Long at the Fair" a historical noir. Did it just not make enough sources to be called a noir? 2.) Are silents included? If they aren't, OK. If they Are, I thought Hitchcock's silent "The Lodger" (1926) was better than the 1944 version--that's JMO, though. 3.) Are early talkies included? If yes, take a look at Hitchcock's "Blackmail" (1929). Heck of a good job compiling data aside from these questions.

misswonderly3--'So Long at the Fair" (1950) is Scheduled to air June 11th, at 12:00, E.S.T. Mark your calendar. BTW--I'm looking forward to that one also.

The Heroine always trips and falls because of her high heeled shoes--she never has the brains to take them off and use them as weapons against the pursuing Villain. When the Hero/Heroine is about to be Hanged, s Secondary Good Guy/Gal will cause a ruckus and the Heroine will jump on the back of a white horse (to match her execution outfit) and escape the Bad Guys. In musicals, when the film audience is invited to sing along with a New song, they know every word, note (the basses always sing harmony, even though the melody has been sung once, and the basses hit every note perfectly) and Every audience member can sing--no voices to make animals Howl.

Hibi--in TCM's "User Reviews", "The Damned" was reviewed in 2008 and 2012--start checking the upcoming schedules--last time it was reviewed was in July, 2012 (if I saw correctly).

GregoryPeckfan--"Rififi" (1954), which is a jewel theft film--why this one got the Legion of Decency so upset, I don't know.

Marjorie Rambeau--She went from playing a Countess-type in her silents, to playing an old bag in "The Primrose Path" (1940) to playing Joan Crawford's mother (and stealing her scenes with Crawford) in "Torch Song" (1953), while garnering two Best Supporting Actress nominations for the two films in the process.

DownGoesFrazier--"The Macomber Affair" (1947) & "Spellbound" (1945) & "The Paradine Case" (1947).

Otto Preminger's "Advise and Consent" (1962). "All The King's Men" (1949) is especially timely, with its' faux portrait of Huey Long.

Hibi--on the Online schedules for the U.S., TCM is scheduled to show "Rififi" (1954), a film about stealing diamonds. Edit: "Key To The City" (1950) IS a Canadian substitution. Don't know why.

I've usually tended to swim against the tide of popular opinion. I've been a compulsive reader and been interested in classic (e.g. 1960's and older films) most of my life. When I was younger, I would go see what my friends did (1985's "The Breakfast Club", "Year of the Dragon", 1984's "Blame It On Rio", "Purple Rain"), but after that quartet of films (TBC was fun, but not the rest, IMHO), I started going to see films I thought wouldn't do enough business to last a week ("Gothic" 1986) and ( The Lair of the White Worm" 1988). "When I saw "Death Becomes Her" in 1992, there were three people in the theater with me. With re-releases of classics, I had the place to myself (the 2001 re-release of "Some Like It Hot" (1959), or with minimal attendance (the 1991(?) "A Streetcar Named Desire" or 1993's re-release of "Rear Window"). The only fully attended re-release I've ever seen was for "Gone With the Wind". IMHO, critics opinions are best used as Guides what to see, like a tour guide. They aren't the absolute Know Everything--you can strike out on your own and find something worthwhile in most films. Using your own knowledge and opinions is the best way to go. I like to discover my own classics, like "Shadow of the Vampire" (2001), which lasted three days in local theaters; or a well known, Low Budget producer-directors' not-well-enough known classic "The Undead" (1956). I've rambled on too long, LOL; next poster. Edit: Sometimes All the critics can roast a film on its' original release, and it's rather good, seen 40 or more years later. I'm thinking of 1968's "Boom!" and 1945's "Yolanda and the Thief", to name two films.

sapphiere--TCM has scheduled the 3 hour disaster "Pepe" (1960) for April 30th, 6:00 a.m., E.S.T., where Garland only sings the introductory song, "The Faraway Side of Town". To confirm this , go to TCM's webpage on "Pepe", go to the "Article", and read the credits at the end of it; those specify Garland's voice ONLY was used, not the general 'credits" Overview. Maltin doesn't even give This one a "BOMB" rating--just 0 out of 4 stars. Quote; "This one's only if you're desperate". One of the few times I agree with him. After Garland's song that opens the film, "The Faraway Side of Town", it's all downhill--and Garland's song is her only participation in the film, if I remember correctly.

"The Undead" (1957)--Roger Corman produced and directed little gem that starts out as a rip-off of the 50's fascination with Bridey Murphy/reincarnation. Starts sloow, but once it's back in the 1200's, the fun begins. Then it turns into a witchcraft/rip-off of "The Seventh Seal"/outright parody of all horror films/ movie. Allison Hayes (1958's "Attack of the 50-Foot Woman") and Billy Barty (1978's "Foul Play") are notable. Listen for the Gravediggers' take on Nursery rhymes; there are eight scattered through the film. A pomposity deflating delight. 8/10 stars. "Hickory Dickory Dourse: My Guest Is Dead, of Course"

Brando, Jocelyn

Lilith (1964)