jarhfive

Hello, Last night, I had the pleasure of watching a recording of "Father Takes A Wife" starring Gloria Swanson and Adolphe Menjou. The movie was released in 1941. Gloria Swanson would not make another big screen appearance until "Sunset Boulevard" in 1950. Gloria Swanson was terrific in "Father Takes A Wife"...her performance made me laugh out loud several times. Of course, Gloria Swanson in "Sunset Boulevard" is one of the finest bits of acting in movies...ever. So, here you have two performances, separated by nine years, and both "classic". I make the assumption she did no films during her 1940's "hiatus" because of her poor box office. I understand "Father Takes A Wife" had no audience. Well, what was wrong with audiences in 1941?! Hmm? Oh sure, people like Buster Crabbe and William Boyd draws the crowd. Okay, I am judging something 65 years later, but...still...how could the 1940's audiences NOT "go for" Gloria Swanson?! By the way...I DO like William Boyd. I watched him in a non-Hopalong role, did not place the face and thought, "man, who is that guy (Boyd)? He's really a good actor". Buster Crabbe? Eh...okay, I guess. Rusty

"Gun Crazy" (aka "Deadly Is The Female") from 1949. Joseph H. Lewis directed this low budget movie with a lot of style and inventivness. One scene in particular captured my attention... Gun crazy Bart Tare (John Dall) and his gun crazy girlfriend, Annie Laurie Starr (Peggy Cummins) are driving into a small town intending to rob a bank. The camera is placed in the car behind the two characters. As they enter the town, the two characters have a conversation that seems very real...the cadence and tone and content of dialogue does not sound rehearsed. Dall and Cummins talk about the busy traffic and how they may not be able to find a parking space and, "how do we go about robbing this bank we want to rob?" The scene was so striking, I replayed it and then decided I would watch the movie again...the second time with the audio commentary "on". Listening to the excellent commentary by Glenn Erickson, I learned the scene (from driving into the small town to John Dall entering the bank) was filmed in one take. The conversation was NOT scripted and John Dall's comment about no parking was no joke...they would not be able to find a parking place (they had to pull in front of the bank). Also, no one in town was notified the bank robbery was a movie bank robbery...a bystander thought a real robbery was in progress and the exclamation, "there's been a bank robbery!" is heard on the soundtrack. The audio commentary for one scene made me cringe... Gun crazed, adolescent Bart Tare (Russ Tamblyn) brings his best friend to class. The teacher tries to take the pistol away from Bart...teacher says, "Bart give me your gun. I will put your pistol in my desk for safekeeping. You will get it back before you go home. We don't like our students walking around school with their guns...". Regarding how children and weapons and school are perceived, Mr. Erickson (on the second audio track) notes the differences between 1949 and today. The young Bart refuses the teacher's request and Bart clutches the pistol to his chest...Erickson notes, "today...the SWAT team would be notified". "Gun Crazy" is post-WWII, gritty crime drama at its best. I knew nothing about the movie before spinning the DVD and was pleasantly surprised. The DVD audio and video (Warner Home Video) is good...no complaints. Once more, the audio commentary is excellent. Note that I almost NEVER listen to the audio commentary...usually too pretentious or simply blah. Recommended. Rusty Message was edited by: jarhfive Message was edited by: jarhfive

Last week, I watched the Sterling Hayden "Top Gun"...here's a bit of trivia. About half-way through the movie, exterior scene, one of the characters (I forget exactly who) is framed by desert terrain and filmed just after sunset. Behind the character is a hill...guess what appears about half-way up the hill? An old west stagecoach(?) outfitted with headlights. I zipped my recording back and replayed the scene...yep, headlights. I will put in another plug for Sterling Hayden as author. His novel, "Voyage: A Novel of 1896" is an excellent and accomplished bit of writing. Rusty

JonParker, Your "warmth and authenticity" quote made me laugh. I can't count the number of times I've read, or heard, similar ideas. Well...I can count the number of times, but it would take me all day. Hmmm...I wonder if 100 dollar per foot rf signal cable is available? By the way, like the picture. You don't have to answer this, but where in Oklahoma? I reside northeast corner of Oklahoma. I thought my time in Oklahoma would be temporary. I thought that 12 years ago. Rusty Message was edited by: jarhfive

EMO is short for emotive...I just looked it up. I understand it is music (and attached culture) similar to the circa 1950's beatniks. Emotive culture is similar to beatnik culture, but without the bongo drums (for the beat), finger snapping (for the clapping) and benzedrine (hard to get a prescription). How do I know about beatniks? I researched before I requested TCM to broadcast "The Subterraneans" (1960)...requested many, many times. By the way, what is "PR"? Rusty

Hmm...the "Television Without Pity" site appears notorious for overbearing moderators. I rarely look at any forum other than TCM.com, but a few weeks ago I watched the Roto-Rooter/ Ghosthunter show about the Stanley hotel in Estes Park. I wanted to learn more about the episode. I went (first) on the Sci-Fi Channel web site. No information about Stanley in that forum. I dropped in on the show's forum. Not much information about Stanley in that forum. What was in both forums? Well...lots of, "don't you think (insert name) is the cutest?" Reply: "No. I love (insert a different name) and he/she is much cuter!!!" And so forth. Also, a lot of whirling, flashing, dropping, zipping, shooting, multi-colored graphics. And the graphics attached to the contributor's "personalities"...you get the "Las Vegas strip" with each message. Even if the message is only, "me too!!!" I thought, "well...probably small content and big whirling because the forum is, essentially, one topic--the television show". Thinking about the subject a bit more, I do remember a lot of Sci-Fi/Ghosthunter moderator messages like, "This post moved from thread xxxx. Reason: not on topic. If you dispute, e-mail administrator at..." Maybe, overbearing moderators reduce forum communication to "me too!!!" messages. Now, my on topic comment. I know nothing about running an internet forum, but I would think malicious contribution might be reduced by forum administrator sending a communication to the internet service provider for the annoying contributor. Include in the communication the word "pornographic"...I bet that word would get the attention of the troll's hosting service. Rusty

This topic reads like three simultaneous threads--"that commercial", "the Zombie stuff" and (of course) the decline of TCM. My message regards Rob Zombie's appearance on TCM. I am of two minds regarding the Zombie fare. On the one hand, I am a fan of horror movies from silents to today. For instance, right now I am awaiting Netflix DVDs of "Matango:Attack Of The Mushroom People" and "Godmonster of Indian Flats". I am looking forward to the movies Mr. Zombie has scheduled, some of which I have never seen and may be pretty good ("Madhouse") and movies I have watched and would like another look-see ("The Conquerer Worm"). I remember many of the scheduled titles as commercial channel broadcasts when I was a youngster. Now, for my "other hand". On the other hand...last week, for a reason that is not relevant to this message, I was browsing a movie database and read some reviews of modern horror that depressed me. Specifically, movies that showcase torture, "inventive killing" and dismemberment of human beings in as realistic a manner as possible. For example, "Audition", "Battle Royale", "Guinea Pig", "Hannibal", etcetera. The member reviews of this fare divide into three groups--this movie will make you throw up (bad), this movie will make you throw up (good) and, "I don't trust reviewers because I saw the movie and it is not nearly as disgusting as they make it out to be..." Now, my question. Why would anyone want to expose themselves to watching a character (or characters) have extraordinary pain inflicted on them. And please, don't tell me about the artful production values of some of these torture movies. I hate having to judge something I have not experienced, but I have made a line that so called "entertainment" should not cross. Torture movies cross my line. I have been a first responder at two bad auto accidents and I would never consider extreme human pain to be entertainment. Those who do consider torture movies entertainment either 1) have never experienced severe pain/injuries in their lives, or 2) have experienced a person in extreme pain and still watch torture movies. I consider my 2) case to be a symptom of mental illness. Anyway, I thought I would mention something that disgusts me. By the way, why was I looking at reviews of movies that disgust me? I don't know...I guess sometimes I fall prey to the, "slow down and take a close look at the head-on collision" curiosity. Rusty Message was edited by: jarhfive

ken123, Your "Laird Cregar" topic is a good example of my number one reason for visiting the TCM forum. Your thread highlights a movie new to me ("I Wake Up Screaming") and a classic movie star I have seen, but never really paid any attention to..."Laird Cregar". I looked for the DVD, found the DVD and placed the DVD of "I Wake Up Screaming" at the top of my Netflix queue. I did a little search for "Laird Cregar" and found a nice tribute (with pictures)...here is a link: http://greenbriarpictureshows.blogspot.com/2006/02/love-that-laird-i-can-drive-up-to-wal.html ken123...again, thanks for the mention of Mr. Cregar. Rusty

I recommend "checking out" the IMDB biography of Robert Mitchum...the "Mitchum's quotes" section. Some quotes attributed to Robert Mitchum are very funny. I wish TCM would schedule a later Mitchum..."The Friends Of Eddie Coyle". I tried to watch that movie on AMC (pre-DVR), but the thing was interrupted too much by commercials for me to make it to the end. I also recommend the Cavett interview of Katherine Hepburn. It is the only Cavett shows (two nights of interview) I clearly remember. Cavett's interview of Hepburn is very good. Rusty

LovesClassics, Quote: "Also, any and all of the Lord of the Rings films. I could stand the books in the 60's and films dragged on and on and on. The last one had five endings!" You are one "up" on me...I counted four endings. I probably missed number five during one of my drooping eye moments... I just read this thread from first post to today and reading "popsicle" and "Lord Of The Rings" reminds me... After watching "Lord Of The Rings Part III" and "King Kong", I would like to see that boring, buffoon of bloat, Peter Jackson, frozen. Not a popsicle, but frozen like milk freezing in the bottle, pushing up the paper cap and forming a little cylinder of frozen white stuff. Or, like the "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" episode. Jackson plummets into the top of the glacier and remains trapped for forty years...returning to the world long after I am dead. Oh, I don't like Peter Jackson. I would like Mr. Jackson to be that guy under the floor boards in "Hellraiser"...except, no one bleeds on my floor. Scarlett's "ANYTHING by Tennessee Williams". Oh yeah, I do agree. I hate any movie made from Tennessee Williams material...mama-sister-woman-niece. On the other hand, I sort of like Tennesse Williams...the person. Specifically, the "Tennessee Williams' drunken grab at Barbara Walters...'Today Show' 1970-something". That tv moment was classic. Note, I like most of the movies James Cameron has directed (including "Titanic"). So, it is not only Jackson's obvious egomania that I dislike. Rusty

Jack, I remember reading Roger Ebert took a trip from Chicago to my former place of higher education (University of Colorado) and used a moviola to study "Citizen Kane" frame-by-frame. I bet Ebert know his "Kane". Obviously, this was before digital video. By the way, what happened to Mr. Ebert? No, not his illness...but the last few times I watched his syndicated film review show he was "thumbs up" for movies I thought, "jeez...that movie MUST be pretty lousy". Okay...Roger Ebert was not the most educated film reviewer, but when he was teamed with Gene Siskel...they made a nice pair. Siskel panned almost everything from Hollywood...moderating Ebert's "Hooray for Hollywood" passion. I kind of trusted Roger Ebert's opinions (movie-wise). Now, with that "new" guy...Ebert seems to like stuff that...simply should not have a dime of hard earned cash wasted on tickets or rentals or disks. Oh well, Mr. Ebert did provide me with his "how to tell who done it in a whodunit". I give thanks for the "solving whodunit" knowledge...although, it has ruined many of my murder mystery movie viewings. The "Harvey Girls" commentary sounds interesting. I think I will check out the DVD. Rusty

JackBurley, You mentioned in another topic (sorry...I have limited time and I can't find the thread), you liked to buy DVDs because of the extras and second audo track(s)? Have you ever encountered an audio commentary by someone calling himself "The DVD Savant"? If you have listened to the guy, what do you think of the "DVD Savant"? Why do I ask? Well, I have listened to, maybe, twenty second audio tracks and the DVD Savant's commentary to "Gun Crazy" stands out as a positive addition to watching the movie. He does not try to impress the audience ("oh...I have VAST knowledge") by blabbing about obvious and irrelevant "facts". He simply adds interesting bits of trivia and historical items as the movie plays. I wonder what other DVDs include the DVD Savant on second audio track? Oh, here it is (I just looked him up)...the fellow's name is Glenn Erickson. Rusty Message was edited by: jarhfive

Fred, Reading your message, I understand you have an interest in oil painting? Here is a link to a recent article in Chemical and Engineering News. The article combines analytical science, fine arts and history in its overview of recent investigations into 16th century Venetian art. The article lacks techno-babble and is pretty interesting: http://pubs.acs.org/cen/science/84/8437sci1.html BTW: Last week, I added "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" to my Netflix queue. I read a Netflix review about the beautiful cinematography and I noticed Scarlett Johansson is the pearl girl. Ohh, I like Scarlett Johansson... Rusty

GarboManiac, I thought I might see you back (actually, I was hoping to see you back) contributing to this forum for Greta's day. Now, to my opinions regarding Greta Garbo. My favorite of her films is "Queen Christina". Robert Taylor is just dandy with Garbo in "Camille". Greta Garbo is one sexy spy in "Mata Hari" (I did watch that movie this morning). The first film I noticed Greta Garbo was "Anna Christie". Starting with my third viewing of "Anna Christie", I started to like the movie. I liked Garbo from the first few minutes of watching her...oh, yeah. The two part documentary, "The Temptress And The Clown" (presented last night on TCM), is a great documentary. In fact, this Swedish documentary should be required viewing by anyone thinking about, or involved in, filming documentaries. Rusty

Wayne, So, what are your rules when Robert Osborne shrugs his shoulders, raises his hands (a sign of bemused resignation) and Mr. Osborne says something like, "...that's Hollywood", "...that's show business", "...that's the story", etcetera. I'll tell you what I do...I put down my scotch and see what's available in my stash. Oh, I'm not serious about "my stash". These days, I get high from the fumes off my digital video recorder... Rusty

hlywdkjk, You asked about the WHY of my programming? Thank you very much for asking... First, the fact that two "guests" chose "The Devil And Daniel Webster" indicates that TCM is required (as soon as possible) to lease and broadcast the movie. I bought the Criterion DVD and a very good digital version is now available. Actually, I wanted to watch "Devil's Cabaret" (I have never seen the film) and "The Devil and Daniel Webster" was a good introduction to my chosen short film. "Turn Back The Clock", because this was not scheduled last Lee Tracy day and is required Lee Tracy viewing. "The Match King", because I watched a few minutes of the movie several years ago (on TCM) and I consider "The Match King" to be the most important missing item in my classic movie education. Why most important? I don't know why...I just need to watch the thing. "Skyscraper Souls", because it stars Warren Williams and seemed a nice fit with "The Match King". "Forbidden Games", because it was the first sub-titled film I noticed and liked (my introduction to European films). I watched the movie in a high school film study class (the teacher stuffed the curriculum with foreign films) and "Forbidden Games", along with "400 Blows", were the two films from the class I remember as...uh, most memorable. For an introduction to foreign films, I would probably have chosen something by Clouzet...but I didn't. Note, I did not write I thought "My Mother The Car" is the worst series ever...merely the opinion of some unnamed group. My opinion (worst tv series)...same time frame as "My Mother The Car"? Well, of course, "Green Acres". I am kidding....I AM KIDDING. Rusty

scarlett, What a great trip. Jeez...I would like to meet Stephen King. I mean, the guy picked my hometown for "The Stand". And he was accurate as to The Stand's geographical details. And he is the master of foreshadowing. And he really knows how to write a slam-bang ending. I love that guy (Mr. King). I don't know much about the other two authors. Oh, I liked "Garp", but thought "The Hotel New Hampshire" was silly. Have not read any of the rest of his novels. J.K. Rowling? Rags to riches...right? scarlett...good to hear from you. Rusty

DavidEnglish, Thank you very much for the reply to my "La Jet?e" question. I WAS scratching my head over the very last scene of the short film. Your explanation of the first few minutes ties the whole film together. Very good...I hope TCM broadcasts a repeat of that thing in the near future. I have watched about half the "Shorts Circuits" programming (I recorded most of the short films)...my four favorites: "The Scarecrow"...no surprise. "La Jet?e"...again, no surprise. Jane Campion's "Passionless Moments"...I now have a real good idea of the dimensions of a tissue box. "Hollywood Hobbies"(?)...specifically, the "let's watch Clark Gable whitewash his barn" segment. Frankly my dear, I love to paint... Rusty

Would someone fill me in on the short film "La Jet?e" (1962). I missed the first five minutes of the film and (naturally) did not set up my recorder. I just read the David English synopsis of "La Jet?e" and it was interesting, but did not go into plot details. Was this experiment done in the present, or the future? A camp is mentioned by the narrator...are they in some sort of prisoner of war camp? Does the narrator explain the WHY of the experiment? Note, I still enjoyed...no, I was mesmerized by my 23 minute view of "La Jet?e". Rusty

Dolores, I hope you recorded Buster Keaton's "The Scarecrow" from 1920. This short film is an EXCELLENT example of Keaton's inventive comedy. My opinion...no one has done physical comedy better than Buster Keaton, Charley Chase and Fatty Arbuckle. Thank God some of their work is not in the "lost" category and may be enjoyed today. Rusty

Matt, Quote: "Rusty, as guest programmer ... tells us what Robert Osborne is really like in person." Matt...I just checked this thread and read your message. Here is something strange--I have a private message from someone calling himself "BenM" asking exactly the same question. BTW: I checked your video link...skaryguy offers "My Mother The Car"?! Wasn't that considered the worst television series...ever? Well, until that "Gotti" thing on A&E channel. Rusty

Matt and allieharding, allieharding...this is too cool. Edgar Selwyn directs eight movies (total) and you pick two of eight and I pick three of eight. I like the choice of George Sanders for Star Of The Month and a night of "Imports". TCM should "pick up" on your idea of programming a block of foreign language films every week. This is the first I've looked at Matt's schedule...I like Ida Lupino as Star Of The Month and the Boston **** serial. I wonder if Boston **** is available on DVD? As guest programmer, I was wondering if seven choices made me "guest who would not go home". Thank you Matt...for the invitation to be your guest programmer. Now, if TCM would schedule my choices everything would be perfect. Rusty

Matt, I sent you a couple of more private messages. You know, this is probably the most public private message mailing...ever. Rusty

MattHelm, A few minutes ago, I sent you a private message regarding this challenge. Please respond via private message, or this thread, at your convenience. Rusty

CharlieT, I like your "take" on what is happening to the TCM forum today. TOOMANYNOTES and all its tag-alongs reminds me of the scene from the "Twilight Zone" movie. You know...Dan Aykroyd says, "you want to see something REALLY scary?" CharlieT...I hope you see my reply. This thread is about to take a trip to another page. Rusty Message was edited by: jarhfive