jarhfive
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Posts posted by jarhfive
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RTRiley,
Ah...another heartwarming message. By the way, what happened with your chimps? I want more monkey tales.
Talking about notorious Hollywood a**holes, I nominate Bruce Cabot.
Oh, and Lily Damita and anybody else who screwed over Errol Flynn.
Rusty
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benwhowell,
When I looked up the title yesterday, I did notice Don Knotts was featured in the episode "Seein' Double". I don't remember how Don Knotts fit into the episode. I could find out...Seein' Double is available on the YouTube website. I could find out now, except my crappy computer (work computer) locks up when I start a YouTube video. I will try the video at home.
sandy...funny description. I laugh. I miss Newhart, Mary Tyler Moore, Taxi, Rhoda and similar fare. Oh, Green Acres...of course.
Rusty
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Fedya,
The past four years, I've watched your list of ten films. I pick Errol Flynn..."The Adventures Of Robin Hood". Though, "Grand Illusion" is one of the best films I have ever seen. Hmmm...I just watched "Pygmalion" with Leslie Howard...pretty good movie. Must pick Errol and company..."The Adventures Of Robin Hood".
Thank you for asking.
Rusty
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Robert,
I pretty much agree with your mention of "You Can't Take It With You". Not so much the movie is a lame piece of crap, but the time context of the "You Can't Take It With You" best picture award. I mean, 1938...right? One year earlier than the best year for Hollywood pictures. I understand 1939 is considered some sort of peak year for quality Hollywood product. So, 1938 must be somewhere in the top ten (year-wise) for quality motion pictures. Considering the competition, "You Can't Take It With You" gets the academy award as best picture? Bah...
I think this is an example of, at the time, Frank Capra was loved by academy award voters. The other side of the coin, so to speak, of the incredible snubbing of Edward G. Robinson by academy award voters...for fifty fu***** years!
Rusty
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I just read mrsl message and my rant is trivial compared to what she is talking about, but here I go anyway...
"old school"
I have watched most of the American Chopper episodes, so my lifetime requirement for hearing, or reading, the term "old school" has been met. Now, I just logged on to Amazon.com and what do I see (featured items page)? "Old school video games". I did not get past "old school...", but I imagine they are advertising pacman and asteroids and such. Enough "old school"...okay?
I will amend my rant regarding "old school". If the two words are used in a conversation about Oxford, or Cambridge, or Harvard, or some other old school...than it is okay to say "old school".
Rusty
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sandy,
Do you remember the "Newhart" episode featuring Stephanie in a "Patty Duke Show" rip-off? Stephanie plays twins in a half-a** sitcom written by Micheal?
Wait. I just found the episode title..."Seein' Double". Very funny stuff. I laugh...
Rusty
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More Walter Huston...
Here is a link to a 1931 Walter Huston interview, a TCM.com multimedia short subject:
http://www.tcm.com/multimedia/movieclips.jsp?cid=130&scid=w&start=0&end=30
Rusty
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pktrekgirl,
Quote:
"Somehow they have to SEE some of these films...almost by force. Once they SEE that they are not all lame and boring, they might watch."
I laughed when I read your message. Here is one way to "see some of these films...almost by force". Last year, we took a trip to visit my son and his wife and stayed several days at their home. Son and wife are in their mid-twenties. They had recently purchased a huge projection television. I don't know their television viewing habits (what channels they watch) because I took command of their big screen television. Early one morning, I tuned to an old film on the Fox Movie Channel (something to do with Egypt). When my son and his wife woke up and came into their living room they saw on their projection television a grainy, blurry, black and white, bad contrast picture and...me, sitting three feet in front of the screen and totally concentrating on the big picture. Now, I may have been concentrating on the television screen, but I shifted attention and noticed they looked at the picture on the screen...looked at me...looked back at the television screen...then looked at each other. I could tell what they were thinking, "I don't understand why he is watching that thing, but don't say anything...just humor the old guy".
Your statement regarding the use of force is probably correct. I might add, "even if it takes sturdy chairs, some rope and some knot tying know-how".
Rusty
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Here is my short take of the disk sleeve synopsis for the movie "Tormented" (1960)...
Richard Carlson has ample opportunity to help, but does nothing except watch... as his girlfriend drops from the top of a lighthouse and into the ocean. Later, Carlson hears ex-girlfriend's voice mixed with the sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore. Carlson gets on with his life, meets a new girl and plans to get married. Ex-girlfriend interferes with Carlson's plans. "Tormented" is a Bert I. Gordon cheapie, but is a lot of fun. Some of the special effects are a hoot.
After watching "Tormented", I looked at my box of DVDs and found another Richard Carlson movie..."The Amazing Mr. X" (1948).
Here is my short take of the disk sleeve synopsis of "The Amazing Mr. X"...
Rich widow (Lynn Bari) hears the voice of her late husband mixed with the sound of ocean waves crashing against the shore. Rich widow meets a mysterious man (Turhan Bey) on the beach and the rich widow and mystery man are soon entangled in a web of deceit and danger.
Hmm...the plot of "The Amazing Mr. X" reads exactly like "Tormented", except the haunted character is a woman. Well, I was wrong. "The Amazing Mr. X" is a far better movie than "Tormented". "The Amazing Mr. X" is a ghost story and a mystery story and a suspense thriller. I will note here...the title, "The Amazing Mr. X", has nothing to do with the plot. How did the title, "The Amazing Mr. X", become attached to "The Amazing Mr. X"? Beats me. The alternate title for "The Amazing Mr. X" is "The Spiritualist"...a much more suitable title. Why? Well, Turhan Bey is a spiritualist who helps Lynn Bari with her hearing problem.
Is Lynn Bari really haunted by a ghost? Is Turhan Bey honestly helping Lynn Bari with her notions? For answers to my questions (and more)...you will have to find the movie and watch. No problem finding "The Amazing Mr. X"...it is a public domain title and available at a million different vendors.
By the way, Richard Carlson? He is the stalwart suitor of Lynn Bari and is a fairly minor character. Of course, Richard Carlson is the performer highlighted on the disk sleeve. Turhan Bey stars (I can count the number of Turhan Bey starring movies I have seen on zero fingers). Turhan Bey in this movie is something like a cross between the sauve Charles Boyer in the movie "Gaslight" and the sly Klaus Maria Brandauer in the movie "Mephisto". Turhan Bey is really good in the movie.
Lynn Bari is a commanding presence in all of her scenes.
One more thing. The cinematographer for "The Amazing Mr. X" is a fellow named John Alton. From what I read, John Alton wrote the book when it comes to the sort of cinematography displayed in "The Amazing Mr. X". The sort of cinematography associated with film noir. I mean, John Alton literally wrote the book..."Painting With Light". According to Amazon.com: "Painting With Light" was the first book on cinematography written by a major Hollywood cameraman.
Rusty
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Anne Baxter in "The Razor's Edge" (1946).
Oops. Sorry. I don't think Anne did any singing in the movie.
How about Gladys George as Panama Smith in "The Roaring Twenties" (1939).
Rusty
Message was edited by:
jarhfive
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mrsl,
I think it is great you have strong feelings regarding the characters and plot in a 70 year old movie. If classic movies did not have an effect on people, this forum would be dominated by message subjects like, "Robert O's ties...love them or hate them???"...or, "Ben M's moustache...sexy or not sexy???". Just check out any of the Sci-Fi channel forums to get more examples of such informative postings.
Plus. My experience is...male, or female, pretty much everyone goes through a midlife crisis. Sam Dodsworth's crisis is indicated by selling his business and getting the heck out of town. Fran Dodsworth's midlife thing is indicated by getting the heck out of town and getting the heck out of her marriage. Both characters are past the midpoint of their lives, both characters sense their time on Earth is running out and both characters act "out of character" because, well...sensing mortality does influence disposition. Believe me, I know. Sorry, my last paragraph was sort of depressing.
While I am here. One more tiny film moment. A great example of Buster Keaton and Company's unsurpassed inventiveness. "Our Hospitality"...the "going south" train track. The track built without regard for geographical obstacles, including built up and over the trunk of a fallen tree. A bumpy ride.
Rusty
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Jon,
"Spiders" sounds sinister...I will check Netflix for the movie.
I recently rented Fritz Lang's "House By The River" (1950). Have you watched the movie? Included with the DVD is an interview with one of the people involved with restoring the movie for DVD release. The interviewee quotes Fritz Lang as saying "House By The River" was a low budget (e.g. small paycheck) affair. So, he (Lang) did not put much effort into directing the thing. In fact, the interviewee says Fritz Lang only remembered the first couple of scenes from "House By The River". Well, I disagree with Fritz Lang..."House By The River" has a lot of moody and unconventional "Fritz Lang" moments. Pretty good movie.
"Rancho Notorious" is one of my favorite "chuck-a-luck" movies.
Rusty
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skimpole,
I love your "Love And Death", "Wheat!..." quote. A couple of months ago, my wife and I watched some Russian movie (I forget the name of the thing) featuring many, many scenes of wheat and wheat fields. The moment wheat appeared on the television screen we yelled, "wheat!...wheat!". We yelled ourselves hoarse. Of course, all the bellowing was in honor of the Woody Allen joke. Uhm...one way to make watching a Russian movie fun.
Rusty
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moirafinnie6,
The scene you picked from "Dodsworth" is one of my favorite moments from any movie I have watched. The perfect ending to the best movie of the 1930s. I fell in love with Mary Astor the first time I watched the ending of "Dodsworth"...and remain enchanted with Mary...to this day.
A couple of favorites.
"Raiders Of The Lost Ark". East meets West and West wins when Indiana Jones has the encounter with the twirling sword fellow. I understand the scene was not scripted as presented, but Harrison Ford was ill the day of the shoot and he was near to passing out. Instead of another big fight sequence, Ford suggested the bullet versus sword scene. I applaud Stephen Spielberg for filming Ford's suggestion and putting it in the movie. Turns out to be the best scene of a movie filled with great moments.
"Amelie". Amelie and the audience discovers the WHO of the mystery man and WHY of his torn photos. A perfectly logical solution to the mystery. And while watching the scene, I said aloud, "yes, of course...what a great solution". I won't spoil the movie moment by writing details.
"Spartacus". The look of defiance on Spartacus' (Kirk Douglas) face after Crassus (Laurence Olivier) loses his temper and smacks Spartacus forcefully. Poor Crassus, never could get Spartacus to submit to Roman authority...ah well, next the cross.
Rusty
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Dolores,
Oh yeah...I forgot one "little".
Little John--legendary character, friend of Robin Hood. Played by Alan Hale in the movie "The Adventures Of Robin Hood". So, "Little" John (Hollywood version) was actually a big man, thus an ironic nickname. Hah...hah.
Rusty
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I like this topic.
I agree with paty's opinion of the stage sets in the movie "The Black Cat". The art deco look of the movie is "out of this world". If I remember correctly, the movie was chosen for a TCM salute to art deco.
A couple of other fabulous deco movies:
Skyscraper Souls--interior sets...heck, the skyscraper exterior is a pretty wonderful example of art deco architecture.
Topper--the hotel nightclub in this movie has really great art deco furnishings. In fact, the nightclub scene with the white on white and the "so smooth" sounds of the on stage vocal group and the whole high style club atmosphere...well, I would love to be transported back to that time and place. That is, if there ever really was such a time and place (outside of a Hollywood sound stage).
Arrowsmith--I watched the movie last night. The interiors of the "McGurk" building are great examples of art deco style...even the research labs.
Joan Crawford's clothing in "When Ladies Meet" (1941). I am not sure, but I think my movie reference is correct. "When Ladies Meet" shows Joan wearing a lot of huge and geometric and totally impractical clothes and accessories. Her gardening outfit (scenes with Robert Taylor) must be seen to be believed.
Rusty
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Dolores,
I don't know...I like the word "little". Off the top of my head...
Little People--Leprechauns, according to Darby O'Gill.
Little Lady--Affectionate expression, usually said with a John Wayne drawl.
Chicken Little--"The sky is falling"...I say this today because my yard (and house) is covered with several inches of ice...and ice still dropping out of the sky.
"Tight Little Island"--Great little movie, also known as "Whisky Galore!". Sort of describes my response to several inches of ice on everything outside my house, "Whisky...More!"
"Little House On The Prairie"--Actually, "Little House In Southern California". I mean, did you ever see snow in any "Little House" episode?
Little Feat--Popular music group from the 1970s, released some good songs, especially songs penned by the late Lowell George...
I've been from Tuscon to Tucumcari
Tehachapi to Tonapah
Driven every kind of rig that's ever been made
Driven the back roads so I wouldn't get weighed
And if you give me: weed, whites, and wine
and you show me a sign
I'll be willin', to be movin'
That is all...
Rusty
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Talking about Lyle Talbot...
I watched a Ginger Rogers and Lyle Talbot DVD last night--"A Shriek In The Night".
Ginger Rogers and Lyle Talbot are newshounds/sleuths/dear friends and/or lovers. And when Rogers and Talbot appear together...they are a hoot. "A Shriek In The Night" is a public domain title, unlikely to be broadcast on TCM, but would be one of my choices for a TCM showing.
Talking about Sam Fuller...
I would like TCM to broadcast the Sam Fuller movie, "The Baron Of Arizona". Vincent Price stars. The movie is on OOP VHS, not on DVD. Please...TCM programmer...consider scheduling "The Baron Of Arizona".
A more recent movie and one of the best "feel good" movies I've seen...
"Local Hero" from 1983. On VHS and DVD, but what the heck...the movie is great and deserves a commercial free and original presentation television showing. Note, I don't subscribe to pay channels. And here is a classic movie connection...stars Burt Lancaster.
One more movie and a good movie for all age groups...
"The Secret Of Roan Inish". No classic movie connection, but I consider the "The Secret Of Roan Inish" a classic. A good film for viewers never exposed to the work of John Sayles (the director).
I know the topic is "show enough" and I have chosen four films TCM has never broadcast, but every film TCM schedules has to have a premiere.
Rusty
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Now, I am confused...
Are we talking about the TCM advertisement with the balloons?
Man, I thought the music was "The Crusaders", or somebody similar. You know, the soul-full sounds of some seventies (nineteen) pop music band. No?
Rusty
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The one feature of a digital video recorder (mine is made by Toshiba) I have discovered is very useful is the "timeslip" function. The "timeslip" allows recording a program to disk drive AND viewing the recorded program almost at the same time (a minimum ten second lag). This means watching the program at any point (time-wise) I choose. The function is, of course, useful for skipping through commercials (give the recorder a thirty minute head start), pausing to take the half dozen bathroom breaks per two hour program (something I require), starting the recording and looking at other things (or, nothing in particular) and picking up the broadcast at the beginning of the show. The useful "timeslip" things I have mentioned...well, everybody know about those things. Here is one really useful use for the "timeslip" function. Okay, you see somebody in the movie and you think, "I know that actor...damn it...what's the name?!" With "timeslip" you can scoot back to the beginning of the movie, look at the cast list and decide who is who and figure out the name of the mystery person. And it is great! After the satisfaction of immediately solving a mystery, I can spend the next ten minutes trying to re-acquire the "return to program" moment.
Rusty
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Ayres,
Your "Sideways" squirm? I am interested vis-a-vis your choice of "squirm movie".
Do you think one, or more, "Sideways" moments squirm-able? For instance, the scene starring running, angry, hairy and too much naked guy? Or, the scene featuring snooty wino-phile? Specifically, the scene having wine guy pour a large amount of sub-standard wine product over his face in public...reveals himself to be merely another boozer? Maybe, the movie (as a whole) is a bore?
Rusty
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Star of the month, the month I post this message, is Lucille Ball. All I knew about Lucille Ball was "The Long, Long Trailer" and "Lucy, Ricky, Little Ricky, Fred and Ethel". This month, I have had a very enjoyable Lucille Ball education. No, I won't write, "...have had a ball watching Ball".
A coincidence, but I just viewed a DVD of the film "The Dark Corner" (1946). The movie cast includes Lucille Ball, Mark Stevens, William Bendix and Clifton Webb. Boy, "The Dark Corner" has got all the required items (noir-wise). Lucy is tough, yet tender. Mark Stevens is just plain tough. William Bendix is just plain mean. Clifton Webb is (as always) a nonpareil scene stealer. If you have not already watched, I recommend "The Dark Corner" as a most worthy addition to your Lucy list...and, of course, your essential noir list.
Rusty
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benwhowell...I mentioned earlier in this thread renting Altman's movie "Three Women"...recommended by a forum contributor. I just looked up the post having the "Three Women" recommendation...thank you for mentioning the movie. I read some reviews of "Three Women" and it sounds like a good way to spend a couple of hours.
Larry...regarding "Cookie's Fortune"? I didn't know Robert Altman directed that movie. Oh man, what a great movie. Patricia Neal is soo good as Jewel May Orcutt.
Robert Altman...he made some most memorable movies.
Rusty
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Talking about television mini-series...
Right now, I have the four DVD BBC mini-series "Fall Of Eagles" in my Netflix queue. I plan on placing the four DVD BBC mini-series "Brideshead Revisited" in the queue. "Brideshead Revisited", I missed during the original television broadcast. I would like to put the late 1967, or is it 1969?, version of "The Forsyte Saga" in the queue. I never watched the thing on television, but it is seven DVDs. At four DVDs per month rental, "The Forsyte Sage" would be almost two months worth of Netflix stuff and...well, I cannot think of a good reason NOT to rent the DVD set. So, into the queue it goes.
Hmmm...."Upstairs, Downstairs"? Oh boy, that series is a LOT of DVDs...
Rusty
"Today we Live" and "Shining Hour"
in General Discussions
Posted
***Spoilers ahead***
RobertEmmett writes, "Ah, the wonderful world of classic film."
"Wonderful world", indeed...I just finished watching a recording of "The Shining Hour" and this melodrama is missing a final few minutes. I mean, released in 1938 and "the code" was in effect for Hollywood productions. I paraphrase here, but the code requires...you do the crime, you do the time. Correct? Well, at the end of "The Shining Hour", Hannah (Fay Bainter) may change her mind regarding Olivia's (Joan Crawford) suitability as her sister-in-law, but Hannah is still guilty of burning down Olivia's house. At the end of the movie, the audience sees Hannah yelling to her brother, "for the love of God, go after her (Olivia)" and...that is a wrap. Hannah is okay, Olivia is okay, everybody is okay. Tsk...tsk. The last scene should show Hannah in handcuffs, boxed in by two burly cops as she passes through the iron gate of the big house.
A couple of other things. Joan Crawford may have been having a difficult time off screen during the making of this movie, but she is beautiful and engaging in this melodrama. One more thing. "The Shining Hour" is another example (MGM did this a lot) of wrapping the plot around a bunch of swells...yet, showing the upper crust to be a bunch of boobs. Yes, the rich may have servants and big houses and lots of liquor and big cars and more servants and beautiful clothes and trips around the world...but they have the emotional maturity of a seven year old (and I don't mean to demean seven year olds) and are very, very unhappy.
Rusty