lzcutter
-
Posts
12,344 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
9
Posts posted by lzcutter
-
-
The trailers are often easier to get because they don't necessarily come from the studios (Path, Mark and JonParker can probably address the why of this better than I) and, if original trailers, are often shown in their original aspect ratio.
The films, however, more often than not, are leased/rented from the producing studio and so, TCM is at the mercy of the leasing/renting studio and the print that they provide.
-
It's Obsession with Cliff Robertson and Genieve Bujold, also starring John Lithgow in one of his first roles. Directed by Brian DePalma with a beautiful score by Bernard Hermann.
-
Ace in the Hole ( Why no DVD ? ). >>
Ken,
Check the schedule, Ace in the Hole is coming to TCM either this month or January and it's coming to DVD about the same time.
-
Anne,
Again, I was not singling you out, that was why I used the universal we. I think we all contribute to the problem.
<>
I actually think this a problem that is not defined by the age of the poster. I think many of the drive bys we get probably span the three generations we have on this board.
Some people just like to post, create a ruckus and move on. They aren't necessarily young, just someone with too much time on their hands.
I was referring more to the young people that we have had on this board that post their love of classic films and actors and know the films and stars. They don't hang around much anymore. Are our generalizations of their generation part of that reason? I don't know.
And what of the young fan who doesn't know classic films or actors but sits down and watches "Grand Hotel" for the first time and falls in love with the film. They won't know Joan Crawford, Lionel B, Jack B and all the other stars by name. Describing the scene may be the only way they know to talk about the characters. But, we all too often, take them for drivebys, respond to them harshly because they don't know as much as we think they should. After that, is it any reason they don't come back. We certainly don't make it inviting to come here regardless of age if you don't have a knowledge of classic films.
And then we wonder why more people, young, middle aged and old, don't post here.
Could it be that we (again the universal we) and the way we choose to post are part of that of that problem
-
Kyle,
Works for me. I like "working" with you and JackB. I have already posted on the Tech Forum asking for a couple of stickies that I think are very much needed these days.
-
My favorite rant is trying to get customer service from anyone between the ages of 18-30.>>
That's a bit of an over generalization and one of the things about this board lately that really is too bad.
We (the universal we) have taken a shine these last six months to really bashing today's younger generation. From calling them slackards to worse, we happily berate all their perceived shortcomings and lack of taste almost as sport.
Then, we (again the universal we) turn around and bemoan the lack of young posters on this board.
We can't have it both ways. As long as we keep insulting them, why should they post here?
Imagine a post that was aimed at the over 40 crowd that talked about our lack of taste, lack of education, lack of work skills, lack of ambition and our lack of taste in movies.
We would crucify the poster for insulting the majority of us with their generalized, largely unfounded and rude remarks.
Yet, we post that way about those under 30 on a regular basis.
Why is that okay?
-
TCMWebAdmin,
I know you you and the webstaff are very busy and this is probably way down on the list of things that need to be done. I hate to be a pain about this but a couple of stickies, at least in the General Forum, would be very helpful to all who post here or come here looking for info:
Some that come to mind immediately:
1) February is the "31 Days of Oscar" explaining why the Feb schedule is the way it is and that TCM is not going to the dogs.
2) An updated version of coffeedan's wonderful post concerning who owns what studio film library and the realities of leasing films.
3) Why TCM can't show every film ever made- not trying to sound egotistical or anything as it is my post but it is filled with information about rights, lost films, film preservation and restoration.
I think a couple of us would be glad to help provide the written material for you!
Anyone else got any ideas?
Any chance this could become a reality soon?
Message was edited by:
lzcutter because I can't form a good sentence
-
Long-time viewers of TCM and long time posters of this board, all know that February is TCM's "31 Days of Oscar" salute.
So there is no giant conspiracy, corporate take over nor are they turning into Always More Commercials.
It's the Oscar salute. It's been with us from the beginning. Happens every year. In early March we will return to the regular programming format of TCM: all films from the 1920s-1980s.
This really needs a stickie each year.
-
I guess I don't have to say it again (since it's probably been posted hundreds of times here) but, for a lot of film lovers, movies not available on video (or DVD) are always going to be more appealing than anything that's easy to rent on DVD.>>
I'm all for obscure films from the studio era being run but one thing we have to keep in mind about all this is that many films that are not available on video or dvd are that way because of rights issues. Rights issues keep some films locked up in the vaults. Other rights issues make it okay for studios to release the films to Europe and Asia but not America. Rights issues can keep a film from seeing the light of restoration for years.
Many, many studio era films that are not on DVD have yet to be mastered to a digital format which makes them unavailable for TCM to run.
There are many reasons for this:
Some in Home Video have little knowledge of what classic films their studio owns. Studios make more money selling box sets of vintage and modern television shows than they do from selling classic films.
Paramount feels it got burned in the market place when DVD sales of some of their classic films did not sell as well as expected. They use that as an excuse to not restore and remaster their classic library.
Universal, having bought some of Paramount's pre-1949 non silent titles, is much more interested in putting its Paramount acquired films on digital rather than their own. Being owned by General Electric does not help.
Sony and Fox are getting better. Sony has made some big strides this year in increasing the number of films it has restored and remastered.
WBros, as always, is the top of the pyramid. However, the sheer size of their studio library (all Warner Bros, all RKO, all MGM to 1986) means that it will be a few years at least before the bulk of the library is restored and remastered.
-
Otter,
I actually think filmlover's book analogy is quite apt. Not all book collectors are interested in first editions or autographed copies.
I didn't start out a book collector but, like many here I have amassed quite a collection of books that are now out of print because I bought them when they were first printed. I grew up in a household where reading was important and books have been a part of my life from when I was small. I love books almost as much as I love movies and I will buy hardbacks and paperbacks of authors and non-fiction subjects that interest me.
I like knowing the books are there if I need to look up something or if I want to reread them.
My collection is likely only really valuable to me but that's okay. We have two large bookcases filled and another two dozen boxes of books waiting for the day we can afford and have the room for more book shelves.
I have a hard time getting rid of books but on those rare occasions they go to the local library for their yearly fundraising sales.
I guess it is different strokes for different folks. Given a choice between spending extra money on a good book or good classic film DVD and doing something else of the same value, I'm likely to choose the book or DVD.
-
Forbidden Hollywood is a Warner Bros/TCM box set. I know Fox is showing a number of their pre-codes at the Film Forum in NYC this winter so the writer of the NY Post article may have gotten his wires crossed.
-
Often when they lease films from other sources, the contract specifies how many time times the film can be broadcast. Sometimes, it is for once only. Other times it may be for, as an example, three times over two years.
If TCM can air it multiple times over two years they may rerun the Dix or Ball films later down the line.
In the end, it all depends on what the rental contract says.
-
The Pantages Theater:
Wonderful Art Deco theater built by Alexander Pantages. Scandel surrounds it and him. Hosted many movie premieres and an Oscar ceremony or two. Now, is a concert/Broadway style theatre. Located on Hollywood Blvd near Vine.
The Frolic Room:
Seen in LA Confidential as one of Jack Vincennes favorite places to drink. Wonderful neon signage on the front. Been there since god was a child. Next door to the Pantages.
The Janes House:
All that is left to remind us of when Hollywood Blvd had houses on it. This Victorian home sits back from the Blvd and has been restored. Surrounded by shops and lots of foot traffic.
Musso and Franks:
Oldest restaurant in Hollywood, dating back to the teens. The bar is great. Be sure Manny the bartender is serving when you go.
The Vogue:
Now shuttered but at one time, one of the numerous movie houses on the Blvd.
The Warner/Pacific:
Wonderful two story movie palace built by the brothers Warner with plagues on the wall commerating the brothers. On Hollywood Blvd, near the wonderful neon watch repair and clock sign. Originally a one theatre movie palace with a balcony, the balcony was destroyed in the late 1970s and turned into a multiplex.
Now perhaps owned by the Los Angeles Film School, they have digital presentations of modern and classic films that are open to the public from time to time. Beautiful chandelier in the entry way.
Boardners:
Wonderful throwback to the 1940s bar when I first arrived in 1977. Lots of red leather and banquettes. The men who stood around the bar were often there on a nightly basis. Had a small living quarters above the bar. Also had a small kitchen that served food. The story goes that when Bob Mitchum got busted for possession of pot, it was the owner of the bar, Steve Boardner he called for help. Located just off the Blvd on Cherokee.
Max Factor Building:
Located on Highland Ave, just south of the Blvd now a museum. For years this art deco palace was the place for stars to go to try different Max Factor cosmetics. Had at one time (and may still) displays in various rooms of the various machinery used to keep the stars looking like stars.
-
Now, back to waiting for more wonderful posts from people who know LA>>
Bill,
You got me thinking. Always a dangerous thing. I invite all Angelenos and film buffs to contribute to this thread and the one above with any updates or corrections or additions to Hollywood Landmarks that aren't there anymore:
The Garden Court: This was a wonderful old Hollywood Apartment building that was on Hollywood Blvd just west of the Chinese theatre. By the time I arrived in LA, almost 30 years ago, it was abandoned but still standing. An aging dowager but if you looked close enough you could find traces of her beauty. It became an overnight refuge for the homeless and runaways that populated the Boulevard back in 1977. It fell victim to one of those fires of suspicious origins (started by the homeless who started a fire in the middle of one of the rooms to keep warm, as I remember) and burned.
Today, the Galaxy Theatre complex is built on that site.
CC Browns:
A wonderful ice cream parlor next door to the Chinese Theatre. Brown's had been there almost as long as the Chinese. Renowned around town and the country for its hot fudge sundaes, you could sit in the window and watch passerbys. Or sit at one of the tables and pretend you were Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney.
The Garden of Allah:
A wonderful apartment complex that was at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Laurel Canyon. Was said to have a delightful pool. Many British exiles and Hollywood starlets called the Allah home. Many an affair was conducted there. Torn down before I got to Los Angeles in 1977. A McDonalds and a strip mall now stand on the property. There was once a model of the Garden of Allah on display in the strip mall. That model is now rumored to be in storage in the vault of the 'Washington Mutual bank that is also on the property.
The Pharmacy/Drugstore:
On Hollywood Blvd near the El Capitian (before it was restored) and the Mason's Temple. This delightful store had a minature of Hollywood Blvd from the 1940s in the store window. Went out of business (I think for one of those endless electronic stores) and I have always wondered what happened to that minature.
Collectors Bookstore:
A wonderful bookstore owned and operated by two gentlemen who knew their film history. You could buy scripts, books, photographs, one sheets and a treasure trove of movie memorabilia. Located on Hollywood Blvd with an iron filligre front as I recall.
Pickwick Books:
A great independent bookstore in an era of great bookstores. Located on Hollywood Blvd, across the street from Larry Edmunds (or near by) with a great pylon sign out front. Wonderful selection. Was sold and became a Waldenbooks, then a Crown Discount Books and now gone.
The Gates of Babylon:
Built for DW Griffith's "Intolerance", these massive gates were near where Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd intersect, just east of Vermont. Story is they stood there until the mid-1960s when they were torn down to build a Safeway.
Not on the Blvd but on Sunset Blvd:
Schwab's Pharmacy:
Where Lana Turner wasn't discovered (she was actually discovered at another nearby soda fountain but Schwab's had the name everyone recognized.) Seen in Double Indemnity. Wonderful script neon signage on the front. The owners had a running tab for many who went on to become Hollywood stars. Pharmacy and Soda Fountain located near Hollywood High.
-
The African Queen isn't on dvd?? Wow, that is a huge oversight. >>
MG,
It's not an oversight issue but a rights issue that keeps 'Queen' from coming to DVD.
-
Just curious why you'd want to limit your Netflix rentals exclusively for newer releases.... especially when you like classic movies so much!>>
CS,
I do rent classic films from Netflicks but the majority of our rentals are for the films we either missed seeing at the Arclight or our other favorite theater.
Mr Cutter is not a big classic film fan though he does indulge my love from time to time. I watch TCM on a very regular basis but on weekend nights when Mr Cutter is relaxing, unless it is a classic film he loves, he prefers to see the movies we missed this year.
-
Mongo,
Thank you for remembering the wonderful Mother Cutter (no relation, alas), Verna Fields.
Without her, Jaws would just be a film about a big fish.
-
There is no such thing as a simple little movie anymore. >>
Anne,
You might try Capote, Good Night and Good Luck, The Matador, Almost Famous, Nearly Famous, Cider House Rules, Hidalgo and October Sky. I found them all to be wonderful, simple little films with wonderful performances and good storytelling.
Hollywood has always made blockbusters even in the days of the studio era and Hollywood will always make blockbusters because they make money.
I agree that it is more difficult these days to find the smaller, quality films because they tend to get lost in the spotlight of the latest and greatest but they are being made.
-
Even if those of us who love the big tent approach that TCM takes (all films from the 1920s-1990s) love to see the post-1960 films uncut, uncensored and in their original aspect ratio. 99% of the time, that means watching them on TCM. As has been pointed out, the basic channels such as TNT, TBS, USA, etc will cut them for length, censor the dialogue and often show pan and scan versions.
Watching the post-1960s films on a pay channel such as The Movie Channel, Encore, HBO, Starz, Showtime and the others is no guarantee that you are going to see a film in its original aspect ratio because the letter boxed movies that play on the pay channels are not always letterboxed.
I don't have a local video store, not a mom and pop video store or a chain. I have Netflicks but that is mainly for today's films that Mr Cutter and I missed seeing in the theatre.
We own our fair share of classic films and modern films on DVD but our library is far from complete. We tend to stay away from the bargain bins because I like my classic DVDs with all the extras they have to offer. Also, until they get this format war worked out and come out with a player that will play both Blu-Ray and HD DVD as well as our current collection, we are holding off making big purchases of discs.
Our 80 gig Tivo is currently filled almost to the brim with documentaries that TCM has shown this year that I have not had time to burn to disc (along with the American Masters on Walter Cronkite, John Ford and John Wayne and Eyes on the Prize).
So, if TCM is showing Chinatown, The Right Stuff, Once Upon a Time in the West, Once Upon a Time in America, Reds, The Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Hearts of the West, Nickelodeon, Last Picture Show, What's Up Doc, Scarecrow, Last Stop Greenwich Village, An Unmarried Woman, The Wild Bunch, Pat Garret and Billy the Kid, Ballad of Cable Hogue, The Shootist, Streets of Fire, The Godfather and Godfather 2, American Graffiti, Finian's Rainbow (mainly for Fred Astaire), Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe, Anne of a Thousand Days, The Best Man, Two Rode Together, Liberty Valance, Cheyenne Autumn, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Manchurian Candidate, O Brother Where Art Thou, Cool Hand Luke, Airport, and more movies than I can list here,
I'll be watching because TCM is the one place that I can get my classic film and post-1960 film fix the way the director (and everyone else working on the film) intended the film to be shown.
I'm liable to learn something I didn't know from Robert O's intro or wrap-up as well.
I am a film lover, just like everyone else who watches TCM. TCM is the place for me to see all the films I love. We have just had three wonderful days of classic film heaven for all us classic film fans. Tomorrow, those that like their films with a modern twist will have their day to watch.
At the end of the day, I guess what I really have a hard time understanding is why the two camps of this board can't respect each camp's feelings and be alot more magnamious in our differences.
If this blend of big tent programming wasn't working for TCM they would certainly change it. After over six years of arguing this subject on this board you would think we would be argued out.
-
Sandy,
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that one of these days LarryV can join us for drinks as well. We came close this spring with the Pola Negri documentary but unfortunately, no cigar. This time.
But I remain hopeful because a drink at Musso and Frank's with Larry would make my day. (and probably Kyle's and Filmlover's too) If we make plans we'll keep you posted, maybe you can join us too!
-
The scene in The Searchers when Martha realizes it is Ethan riding up the road and the look on Miss Jean Louis' face when she sees Mr Arthur Radley for the first time.
-
He has a band, called the Johnny Crawford Orchestra or Johnny Crawford and his Orchestra. They play 1920s and 1930s music.
They often appear at the Atlas Bar that is now (or at least it was two years ago) in that beautiful Art Deco Skyscraper on the Sunset Strip that Werner Klemperer (sp??- Col Klink on Hogans Heroes) used to live in.
They have also played the Knitting Factory and Cinegrill in the Hollywood Roosevelt.
They tour the country as well.
-
bhf1940,
I don't want to start a cultural war (nor hijack this thread) but I did think it worth noting in our conversations about pre-codes, Hugh Hefner has donated thousands and thousands of dollars for the preservation and restoration of pre-code films.
-
I'm sure ALL the Cavette interviews are available for viewing however, >>
Leo,
Actually, no they aren't. There was an article last summer about the boxed sets of the Cavette being released and the upcoming shows on TCM.
There are still many interviews that need to be preserved, restored and transferred.
Some are tied up in rights issues.
So, maybe someday they will all be available but not right now.
What films do you think TCM does not show enough?
in General Discussions
Posted
I own most of them. I'm asking because there are a lot of newcomers to classic film thanks to TCM and they're not getting to see what Fox had to offer, not only Tyrone, but their noir films, their social issue films like Gentlemen's Agreement, classics like All About Eve, and their fun musicals. Even TCM's books eliminate the 20th Century Fox stars.
>>
That's because they are owned by Fox. Like TCM, 20th Century Fox has their own coffee table book of photos from their Archives (I have a copy).
TCM coffee table books tend to highlight the films, actors and actresses and filmmakers of the films that belong to the Warner Bros film library (which includes the TCM library).
It's often about rights issues and the ability to produce a book based upon your holdings. The studios, even in this day and age, are often reluctant to share. They will allow you to use their material but at a price and that price is often much more than the book can be expected to make.