therealfuster

many of my favorite directors have already been mentioned, so might I suggest anything by Sergei Eisenstein? TCM shows his wonderful "Ivan the Terrible" often, in both Parts 1 and 2, so you should look for that. There is an amazing color sequence and the music is wonderful and by Prokofiev. Not even having to read subtitles, might be the draw of any films by the J. Arthur Rank or Ealing Studios etc., in England, with wonderful films starring Alec Guinness, or movies by directors like Michael Powell, who did "The Red Shoes" or David Lean, who besides epics like "Lawrence of Arabia" did such great adaptions of works by Dickens, the definitive versions actually. For some different laughs, you might enjoy the antics of Jacques Tati, who in "Playtime" and as Monsieur Hulot, does prove that some Frenchmen are funny. Enjoy!

Seems to me I also remember seeing Flynn speak once about the rape trial. Flynn seemed to think, that he was the scapegoat used to cover other stars' less than sterling escapades. I recall that Bing Crosby's name and a few others who were always seen as above board, like Bob Hope et cetera, were mentioned, and that Flynn felt like the papers and magazines always wanted to have someone to brand as a louse, and that he would take the heat and the system would not defend him, being that he already had the reputation, while someone like Crosby, would be portrayed as a saintly homebody, all the while his more licentious behaviour outside work, was totally hushed up. This referred to womanizing and party antics, including drunken melees and driving type infractions and Flynn seemed to feel he was often offered up as the sacrificial victim, to hide other stars misbehaviour. Interesting concept, and probably is much truth in it, just like that story about Confidential Magazine getting scoops on Rock Hudson, yet some other less important actor was outed instead and paid off.

I do the same thing...print out the schedule, and highlight things to see, with big arrows going from three days back if it is something really special and must not be forgotten. I realize I could just set up my vcr, but I like to play it by ear sometimes. Like last nite, I did not mean to watch the Great Profile as Dr. Jekyll, as I own the movie...but seeing him looking so Hamletlike, just made me watch a bit of it. Tonight I'm already planning my evening around taping "The Devil and Miss Jones" which is so much happier at the end, than the copycat x-flick, as it has Spring Byington in it, and no one is more likable than she, unless it is Fay Bainter. I also am planning to watch "The Ex-Mrs. Bradford" later and tomorrow is all day Errol, and though I've seen them all, I've not seen "The Sisters" for many moons, so I must catch that. Have you heard of the new treadmills, which hook up to your tv, and the picture starts going off, if you let up on the prescribed time you have chosen to exercise? I thought it was a joke, but then saw one on tv.

I don't know your cartoon answer either, but I just got a catalog from Movies Unlimited, and they have a large section of closeout VHS tapes, that you could probably access online, if you have not already ordered from them. I've also ordered VHS movies through Borders, right at the store for my aunt, who still has only a vcr. Just thought you might like to know... I enjoy your trivia questions!

..it's because I can't get anything done at home! Like this past weekend, I stayed up all night watching TCM films. Was planning to go to bed around 10am, because all that was coming on was some routine oatser, called "Badman's Territory". Then I made the mistake of reading the cast....Randolph Scott is great, but I could pass on him, uh oh...George "Gabby" Hayes, is in it! One always has to watch a few seconds of Gabby, as tarnation, the offscreen sartorially splendid and erudite George, is always a shabby mess on screen, and fun to watch and listen to. Oh, the film also had Mercury Theatre alumnus, Ray Collins which promises class acting, and then I see that omnipresent screen character actor, Andrew Tombes was in it too, in addition to screen heavy and bad boy, Lawrence Tierney and for good measure, erstwhile sideman, the great Steve Brodie, and multiethnic, Nestor Paiva. Then I notice that Isabel Jewell is in it....and it's a western How often does one get to see the finest horsewoman in Hollywood, on horseback? I had to watch, at least for a bit....but the story was quite interesting. Badman's Territory was an area, above Texas which was by mistake, not governed by the law. This is the movie premise and though a bit ridiculous, what with both the James Gang and the whole Dalton tribe roundabout town, one could only wonder why they had not put Tierney's bro, Scott Brady in it as Frank James. Finally...Isabel rode in with assured aplomb as Belle Starr, looking fully regal and in charge of her steed, and I just could not seem to stop watching the film. Consequently...I had to go to bed at noon, and it is all TCM's fault. So my question to you is...how does TCM impact your life in such horrible ways, that you watch all the marvelous film gems, and don't do what that you need to daily?

the implication that the term "Rosebud" referred to a certain part of the anatomy of Marion Davies, which was why Hearst was so incensed at the taking of liberties in using the name. I believe as the story goes, Mankiewicz had been a guest at certain soirees at the mansion, and had heard interplay of some such pet term. I cannot verify the veracity of such a nickname, but this is one tale I've heard about the origins of the name "Rosebud" as used on the sled, and on the dying Kane's lips.

Louella Parsons and everybody, but particularly Hedda Hopper. But then anyone can understand why people would hate gossip columnists, who are sycophantic. Bette and Flynn, and Bogart and William Holden.

dead horse" to continue the discussion, it seems a bit disingenuous to me, to talk all around "scandals" regarding a star, but then be surprised when specifics of the "scandals" come up from the mouths of others. And using the term "rumor" concerning something, makes it sound like such allegations are unwarranted and unverified. To me, the problem in choosing to delve into a performer's personal life, means that either one must take what comes, and deal with it or decide not to delve into their personal life, and remain let it remain sacrosanct and unexplored. Personally I don't care for tell-alls about a performer's life and foibles, but would prefer to just appreciate their life onscreen. On the other hand, to allude to peregrinations, of a famous personage, on the wild side...but then to reprimand any person with further inquiries, seems to be playing both sides against the middle. I love Tom Neal and appreciate his appearances in films, but if I mentioned his involvement with Barbara Payton, and was asked what happened...I would not say it is improper to talk of his outside peccadilloes. If I don't want Tom's criminal record asked about, then I should not have brought the topic up in the first place. That's my credo. For me, Lucille Lesieur is one of the great movie stars, and made it to the top on sheer grit and will power, which is exceptionally commendable. On top of that, I am a major fan and will watch anything with her in it. If one does not want anything but her films to be commented on, then they should only talk about her films and not other aspects of her life, which they may find sordid. Sordid though...is in the eye of the beholder.

"The Pearl of Death" with Rondo Hatton as the Creeper! That is one of my favorites. "The Scarlet Claw" is sublime too. I keep looking for "House of Horrors" with Rondo and with that nasty little Martin Kosleck, who always played Nazi sympathizers, but in truth was totally anti-Nazi in real life. The only Rathbone/Bruce feature I can't get into too much, is the one set in Washington. What the heck was with that spit curl on the side of his head, that Rathbone was sporting in one of the series? Thanks!

and the blue movies legend, what about some of the photos that have been published of her from a pre-flapper time frame, that appear to be for some rather licentious publications, engaged in non-heterosexual encounters? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but they seem to be authentic and lend credence to some of the tales out of school. It seems I've seen a few photos of Joan engaged in compromising positions, that would have made Will Hays faint. Thanks for any response!

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Doctor Watson fans! TCM will be showing two marvelous films this weekend, based on the tales by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. On Sunday, April 24th at 8:00pm, they will show: "The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes" directed by genius Billy Wilder, which stars Robert Stephens and a most illustrious British cast including Christopher Lee, and concerns a mysterious woman [what else!] and even Nessie. Stephens makes an inspired Holmes, and one can only wonder if Moriarity would have been best man at his wedding to Maggie Smith. At 10:15pm, TCM follows this up with an iconoclastically Holmes' inspired film called "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution" starring Nicol Williamson as the deerstalker attired sleuth, with help from Vanessa Redgrave and with Alan Arkin doing a dead-on Sigmund Freud impersonation. This film got some flack when it came out, for messing with the legend, but it is all there in the books, with lines like "Watson, the needle" or whatever and Freud's dabbling is well known. If you've been reading "The Interpretation of Dreams" lately, you will enjoy this flick. Now I also love the Rathbone/Bruce series, and my favorite one, though I've seen them all...is with Gale Sondergaard as the Spider Woman. I never cared that they messed with the legend, as every one of the films is totally enjoyable. Okay, they did make Watson a bit bumbling, but one can always forgive Nigel as he is so winning on-screen. What is your favorite film based on or extrapolated from a Conan Doyle story, about the Baker Street detective?

O Henryish moments on film. [spoilers ahead for Joseph Losey's "Monsieur Klein] So I particularly remember the scene in "Monsieur Klein" with Alain Delon where he has been searching for his doppelganger all through the film, and is herded onto a concentration like train at the end, and voila...there is someone behind him in the shadows that he does not see ironically. On a different front, I remember the scene in "Harold and Maude" where Ruth is showing Bud Cort her smell gadget, and he realizes he can smell snow. There are so many movies which have scenes that stick out in one's memory, it is hard to stop. Gee, Old Yeller dying of hydrophobia, Valentino dancing in "TFHOTA", Laughton reciting in "Ruggles of Red Gap", Lorre being surrounded by the criminals in "M", Mr. Laurence killing the same man he saved in "LOA", Jack Lemmon asking Curtis if he thinks Osgood is too old for him after getting the diamond bracelet in "Some Like It Hot"...I don't know where to end this.

the greatest piece of Grand Guignol, ever translated to film. Bette is just beyond disturbed in this film. Joan gives a fine, restrained performance. Great flick and I hope it is on dvd, as I'd like to own it.

I know "W.C. Fields: Straight-Up" has been on video, as I own it, after having taped it years ago from television. This is the documentary instituted by the grandson of Fields, right? I think his name may have been Ronald, but it's been awhile since I've rewatched it. He gave some interesting perspectives and I much enjoyed the documentary. Too bad there is not much footage extant of his father, who for my money was the best Fields impersonator of all time. I think he did a few bits in the 1960's on commercials on tv, for various products. I have seen "Straight Up" on sale over the years, but I don't think I've seen it on dvd, yet.

kind of a flop. Coming out in those depressing post war years, and with the usual jolly Stewart being definitely morose, probably did cause this effect of less box office. I do think it is one of his finest roles. He is so shocking to see, in the part where he abuses the kids in the parlor, throws things around, and is very un-Jimmy Stewartish. Great movie and I watch it every Christmas, even if I am a curmudgeon. I like the part where the lady says "I was saving this money for a divorce...iffen I ever got me a husband." Great choice!

well versed in the art of photography, would appreciate the atmospheric style of black and white films, even as late as liking glamour shots by the likes of Hurrell...I can only ascribe this perversion to wanting all color all the time, as the symptom of an either childish, unartistic, unsophisticated or unworldly mind. But then I love black and white movies, so I can be pretty cruel to people who act so silly! If someone says to me that they don't like b&w films, I almost immediately cross them off my list of film friends, that I would ever watch a movie with. I mean...why waste my time defending the merits of "Sunset Boulevard" to someone who likes "Dude, Where's My Car". I once knew someone like this....and she said to me, that perhaps we should not go see the Altman's film we had planned on... "'Short Cuts", because she had read it was a bit dark and depressing, and I probably did not know that. I had to tell her that I did know that, and it was exactly why I wanted to see it. So sue me!

If Flynn was a womanizer, he could womanize me any time! Sorry, but I just had to say it. His daughter Deidre's comments about the Geisler defense, were interesting as to Flynn not having to push himself on anyone. Errol does seem a bit like Casanova, who did say in his autobiography, that he really did like the company of women. It seems to me I've read some tale, of a rather bookish, unattractive woman who met Flynn at a party once, and was thrilled that he paid just as much attention to her as he did to the glamorous women there. He seemed like a lot of fun, but also seemed to have some feelings of inferiority, which is so interesting in view of the effect he seemed to have, with other men envying him his prowess on screen and off. But for me...any friend of John Barrymore's is a friend of mine.

immensely reading about your experiences at the show! Seeing Mink Stole must have been a hoot, especially if you enjoyed seeing her in things like "Pink Flamingos" or "Polyester" where she was just iconic and mind boggling! I am a fan of everyone you mentioned, have always loved Carol Lynley, who was probably one of the first young actresses who modelled and then was hounded by Hollywood to slim down. She used to be seen in many ads in magazines like Good Housekeeping in the 1950's, and was a top teen model, and a very likable actress in my opinion. I just bought "Bunny Lake is Missing" and enjoyed seeing it again on dvd. You were so lucky to meet folks like Patricia Morison, Marjorie Lord, Tommy Bond, Kookie from "77 Sunset Strip", Delmar Watson and others...that I do envy you. I adore Sybil Jason, and she has quite the fan following from what I've read in some of those "Whatever Happened To..." books. I would gladly trade you ten autographs of Tom Cruise and four of John Travolta, for one autograph of the darling Sybil Jason. Thanks for sharing!

this has already been mentioned, but I love when Gloria Grahame [as Debbie in The Big Heat] walks into Glenn Ford's room, surveys it and says "Hey, I like this...early nothing." That's a line which can be said properly only by someone with a voice like Gloria's. I am always inspired by it, as her comments ring so true, as to what she is seeing in front of her.

I had not known that was a flop when it came out. Obviously it is not one of the most well known Fred films, but I can see that musical number in my head, and remember being quite taken with it, as Fred makes the song his and a certifiable classic. Excellent choice!

that you are not related to Tim Holt, because if you were then that would mean you are also related to his father, Jack Holt of silent screen fame, and I would have asked you if he liked having a comic strip character, namely Dick Tracy modelled after his famous profile. Okay, maybe not as famous as the Great Profile, but pretty famous. Tim Holt was wonderful as Curtin, but he bore little resemblance to his pater familias.

Miss Hussey to be a truly unique presence on the screen, who lent credibility to any film in which she appeared. Her class, intelligence, sophistication and humanity always shone through in any of her roles. My favorite would probably be in the film, "The Uninvited" but it is hard to choose amongst so many fine characterizations on film that she portrayed. Thank you for posting about your mother, Ruth Hussey...and she is greatly missed!

flop, when it came out? For me, it might be Gene Kelly's "Invitation to the Dance". Regardless of what others find to criticize in it, I enjoy it immensely every time I see it. Luckily this is one TCM shows occasionally, and hopefully many have enjoyed it there. Being a bit of a pastiche, of various dancing styles, it is constantly entertaining, and has bits by the talented Carol Haney, and even has Tommy Rall, who was so good in "Kiss Me Kate". With artistic assistance from Cedric Gibbons, it is deliciously sophisticated and to me this is a film that Arthur Freed should be proud of, even if it did not do so well at the box office. Oh, and besides all that...it has Belita! So...what is your favorite flop or flops?

you have come to the right place! I have seen almost every Flynn film in existence, and shall give you my favorites. I have even seen Cuban Rebel Girls, which is atrocious and a bit depressing, but at one time I was trying to see every Flynn film, after buying a book on all his films, and I have some definite favorites which I think showcase his amazing talents. A local station in my town, must have had the entire Warner Brothers film catalog, as they constantly showed Flynn films, even the more obscure ones so I was lucky. I'll start from the beginning...obviously to see the really young Flynn, nothing is better than the Rafael Sabatini story of Captain Blood. Next I'd go with The Charge of the Light Brigade, and The Prince and the Pauper. One cannot miss him as Robin Hood with the Merry Men, but one film not often mentioned is The Sisters, and Flynn is very understated in this very unheroic part and I did enjoy his performance as a bit of an ineffectual male. Elizabeth and Essex is a real winner in beautiful color, as is Dodge City. One of the best of the swashbucklers is The Sea Hawk, followed by They Died With Their Boots On, and a few more of the westerns. One of Errol's best performances comes in That Forsythe Woman, in which he totally discards the winning Flynn charm and charisma, to just play it straight. I also think Flynn is wonderful in the Rudyard Kipling story of Kim. I kind of like Against All Flags, but his swashing is running a bit out of steam in this one, but I did enjoy The Master of Ballantrae. In later years, Errol was used to good effect in the Hemingway tale, The Sun Also Rises...and as his good friend, Barrymore [whose corpse I think Flynn helped steal with John Decker, which would make for a good movie in itself!] in Too Much, Too Soon. Barrymore's daughter Diana, famous mostly for being the first woman to go out in public with a tan, was a bit melodramatic, but Flynn is quite understated and believable as the doomed Barrymore. Enjoy, Holly!