gypsybangles

Brackenhe, Your last post made chuckle. It occurred to me that 'The Nun's Story' came out in 1959 and by the beginning of the school year I was enrolled in Catholic school after badgering my parents relentlessly. Obviously I was much influenced by the film as well, and for a while I too thought I had a "vocation". But this was also the same year I discovered boys (and they me), so there went that. Maybe Peter Finch was in the back of my mind all along. By the following spring I'd donned my pink bikini, skipped school, and planted my self on the beach here in my hometown to appear in the crowd scenes for a movie filmed locally. I'll give you a hint: Connie Francis sang the title song.

Hi brackenhe, I too sensed some chemistry with both Peter Finch and Albert Finney (in the latter case apparently some little buzz off-screen as well), and thanks for reminding me about these two hunky co-stars. It's no doubt been mentioned many times by others, but so appropriate she played an angel in her last film. She's irreplaceable.

Audrey Hepburn is the person I most love watching on screen. Her looks, the quality of her voice and pronunciation (especially), her style, her grace, her manner, her humor, and goodness all come across so beautifully. She's so unbelievably captivating and photogenic, it's almost as if the camera were invented just so we could have pictures of her. (An overstatement perhaps, but fans will know what I mean). I would place her in the "very good" actress category, but she had such an illusive quality, as if her parts taken separately might not be much, but added as a whole gave us a picture of pure perfection. I wish so much that she was still with us, and can't think of anyone I miss more. I also often wish she had done more films with leading men nearer her own age. I don't think she was miscast, but I think some of her leading men were, (Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart and Fred Astaire to name three), just too old. Gregory Peck, James Garner, George Peppard, Peter O'Toole, and Cary Grant (even though he was older) were perfect for her. I'm still trying to decide about Anthony Perkins. Although TCM has been showing many of her movies, there is one that I haven't seen in quite some time and would like to: "The Unforgiven" with Burt Lancaster and Lillian Gish. Any chance of this Mr. TCM Programmer?

Hi Mongo, Thank you for keeping in touch regarding my illusive "clock" movie. Based on replies you've made to others on this board regarding the obscure, my confidence is well placed. I posted a reply with reference to this film to "danthemoviefan" on May 24, which may, or may not have some info that could assist you. I do appreciate your continuing interest and help. Dianne

Audrey Hepburn Paulette Goddard Myrna Loy Rosalind Russell Vivian Leigh In addition to their acting ability and brunette great looks, their voices each had a very distinctive quality that was very appealing, especially Hepburn and Goddard.

"in this regard"...sorry, redundant.

A National Holiday for John Wayne? Spare me! I'd much rather an honor like this go to someone like James Stewart (among many others) who not only also portrayed heroes onscreen, albeit with much more humility than the swaggering Wayne, but actually had the guts to enlist in the Air Force during WWII, (flying bomber missions in Europe I think). The saying "put your money where your mouth is" would be I think most appropos regarding Mr. Wayne in this regard, who was all for sending young men to war, but not willing to go himself. Reminds me of that old commercial..."I'm not a real doctor, but I play one on TV". By all means let us embrace our "heroes", but let not our love of cinema stars blur the reality of who is and who is not a hero.

I totally understand what you're all trying to say, and I agree the times were more casual, but there is such a thing as casual elegance. His attire didn't come close. Instead it screamed "refugee from a bowling alley" in movie after movie (I'm sure I'll take some hits for that remark). I also think he was trying to play much younger than he was, and frankly although he was obviously athletic and in great shape he looked his age (just shy of 40, but portraying 20 something in 'An American in Paris'). I really think if he had chosen clothing more appropriate to his actual age, given the fact that he was so athletic, he would have appeared younger. But when he stuffed himself into a teenager's attire, he looked the forty year old he was, and unfortunately a little ridiculous.

Just so there's no misunderstanding, allow me to preface my remarks by saying I consider Gene Kelly to be one of the absolute best dancers ever. The fluidity with which he uses his body is pure poetry, his interpretation of theme is honestly and inventively demonstrated, and his love of expression using his body as instrument is a joy to watch. Having said that, I would also say that his wardrobe was so annoying that for me it actually detracted from his dancing. His too tight shirts, his too short pants, his white socks, and his loafers just make me want to grit my teeth. Maybe he was trying to play against Fred Astaire's image of tails and tux, but I think he went too far in the other direction. I'm aware it might be considered nitpicking at a beloved stars image, and to reiterate, it's not his talent I'm talking about here, but something which was distractive of that talent. I welcome your thoughts.

World War Eleven? I am out of touch! I think I've been watching too many old movies on TCM, and not enough news! I'm so sorry, it was a really cheap shot, but it struck me as funny and I just couldn't resist. The worst thing is I can't even help you with your movie search, but I hope someone can. Mea culpa.

Hi Therealfuster, Quoting you, ("I swear...when I first saw the movie, I did not realize that Michael McKean was playing David St. Hubbins, and thought it was some British actor, he was that convincing with the accent and appearance") and it's so funny you should mention it, but the first time I saw the film, I'd been watching for awhile before I said "OMG, it's Lenny, no it's Squiggy!" (I never could keep those guys straight), and had the same reaction as you. The accent was totally convincing, and it was just a laugh riot to see him with all that hair! In my previous posting to Brakenhe I was trying rather ineptly I'm afraid to describe a common theme in the films of Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Rob Reiner, finding them somewhat Capraesque, but left out the most obvious; "rooting for the underdog". I'm aware it's rather a cliche', but we've always loved "underdogs" in this country. They were our forefathers. P.S. Thanks for your kind thoughts for my Aunt Barb.

P.S. Brakenhe, You signed off with the phrase "Good times", to which I want to respond "...noodle salad", but that would take us to Jack Nicholson films, and completely off the topic.

Hi Brakenhe, You mentioned the "Guest Trilogy", and I have seen, and by the way laughed till it hurt, at the first two of these, but have not seen 'The Mighty Wind'. Could you brief me regarding the story? It occurs to me (as I'm sure it has to others) that there is a single theme running through all these films starting with 'Spinal Tap', and also Rob Reiner's 'Stand By Me". One could perhaps call it "celebrating mediocrity", or "ignorance is bliss", or "total belief in oneself in the face of all adversity". I applaud McKean/Guest/Reiner for giving a sweet, compassionate voice to "the also rans" of our society, embracing them without quite mocking them, (well maybe just a little, but certainly not in a malicious way). I sense the influence of Frank Capra, whose films, sentimental as they might have been sometimes, always spoke to the best instincts in ourselves. Let's hope they do many more.

Thanks Joe, I'll try it. I did find the thread initially, but it just wouldn't open up.

P.S. I also have shown this movie to friends, with the same result. They just don't get it. Go figure!

No apology necessary, and thanks for responding. I was able to get to Larry's posting, but not Mongo's. If you have more info, tell on.

Hi therealfuster, I am not a fan of "rockumentaries" but I LOVE this movie. I especially like the fact that no one was playing for laughs, they took it all so seriously, but that's what made it so completely hysterical. Rob Reiner was brilliant in his "interviews" and direction. The cast writing their own songs? Absolutely inspired! "Talk about mud flaps, my girl's got 'em". Just too, too funny. Stuffing zucchini in their pants? I'm laughing so hard thinking about it, I may wet mine. Blithely ignoring all the "wake up and smell the coffee" indications that things aren't quite right with their "tour", their portrayal of a rock group on their way back up, totally unaware they're riding a very steep, very slippery slope to musical oblivion is classic pathos. Shakespeare could have written this! I cringe for them when they meet the other rock star in the hotel lobby, but I found myself cringing at almost every scene that portrayed their sweet, goofy, ignorant optimism that they would be "rock stars" forever, and treated as such, (Nigel and his "little" bread is especially poignant). There are so many scenes I like in this movie, but I must confess my favorite is Nigel explaining about the amplifier that goes to "11". Now for a really strange twist of fate, I just found out that my favorite Aunt Barb was hospitalized yesterday as a result of, you guessed it "a bizarre gardening accident". I am not making this up! (Broken arm and leg, but she will be OK, T.G.) But isn't that just too weird?

Every time someone poses the question "Whatever happened to...?", I tell them they died in a bizarre gardening accident. It's so wrong but I just can't help myself.

Hi Dan, We only had a couple of channels in those days, but I don't remember any specific call letters. Not knowing anything really about broadcasting, I thought everything came out of New York on either NBC or CBS, (ABC I think came later) I lived about thirty miles east of Pittsburgh, PA. Most likely it was a Saturday or Sunday, being days we'd go and visit. I don't think we had yet gotten our first set at home, so naturally I was fascinated. We did get a set shortly after this and in between test patterns I remember seeing 'Howdy Doody' (I think it came on in the afternoon, but can't be sure), 'The Big Top' a circus show sponsored by Sealtest Icecream(I think this was on Saturday mornings), and a creepy show with a scary announcer and a screeeeeeching door called 'The Inner Sanctum' (this came on maybe around 8 or 9PM, but I don't remember which night of the week) . My uncles used to come over and watch "the fights" with my Dad (maybe called either 'The Wednesday Night Fights' or 'The Saturday Night Fights', sponsored by beer,(Hey Mabel, Black Label, and I think Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Miller High Life). I know that 'The Ed Sullivan Show' was on, and I think Jackie Gleason. I'm not too good at remembering time frames so the following may have come a little later: 'Captain Video and his Video Rangers', 'Meet Millie' (with Elena Verdugo, who later became 'Marcus Welby's nurse), 'My Little Margie'(with Gale Storm (I just love that name)), 'The Life of Riley' (with William Bendix and Joan Blondell), 'Our Miss Brooks (with Eve Arden and Richard Crenna). In August of 1954 we moved to Ft. Lauderdale after I had just turned six the month before, so I know it was definitely prior to this. My memory for some things goes back quite a way, but I don't think I could have been less than four when I saw the film so that would take it back to 1952 at the earliest I think. The thing I most definitely remember was the boys name being Roger. That was my Dad's name, and I knew the film was British as the girl pronounced it "Rajjuh". I've been trying to remember the girls name and I just can't, although I have a vague feeling it could actually have been Diana (a dirivative of my own name, and you'd think I could remember that), or perhaps Pamela or Daphne, but this could be due to all the English mysteries I've read over the years. I so appreciate the trouble to which you're going trying to locate this film. I know the above is rather vague, but hope something there will assist you in the quest. For all the trouble, I hope the film doesn't turn out to be some "stinker" nobody in their right mind would want to see. Thanks again for your help. Dianne

Thank you Larry and Mongo, I'll check both. Dianne

I remember seeing Tyrone Power's daughter Taryn in a few TV appearances during I think the early '80's (maybe Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys Mysteries?). Cute girl, she inherited his dark eyebrows. Ann Sothern has a daughter (I think her name is Tisha Sterling) who also made TV appearances (for some reason I think one might have been on 'The Streets of San Francisco', but if not, generally in that era).

Olivia De Havilland/Joan Fontaine Hi Mongo, Would you share what you know about these two actresses? I know they're sisters, but have never heard anything other than that regarding their inter-personal relationship. Is there a good story here? Have they ever appeared in a film together? Thank you, Dianne P.S. Sorry, I did it again and hit new topic to post this to you so it ended up in "information please" as well.

Hi Mongo, Would you share what you know about these two actresses? I know they're sisters, but have never heard anything other than that regarding their inter-personal relationship. Is there a good story here? Have they ever appeared in a film together? Thank you, Dianne

My reply was not directed to any particular participant in the discussion, it just happened to follow yours Keith, and far from righteous indignation, I was registering more boredom than anything else. To swear or not to swear (occasionally on TCM), that is the question. My point was that it's a no win discussion. Frankly I find it rather a moot and silly point to try and protect our young from the infrequent use "inappropriate" language on TCM. Just walk through any public place where kids gather, schools, malls, McD's, and the foulest language you hear is coming out of their mouths. It makes me wonder whether those with "virgin" ears ever get out much, and how they react when they do. As far as the also infrequent times one may see the occasional breast on TCM; any child who was breast fed in this country knows what they look like, and those that weren't will have to find out sometime. To those adults who find either of these things offensive, they can cover their ears, cover their eyes, or simply turn to their companion and say "Oh my gosh, wasn't that simply awful? I'm so offended, I just don't know what that TCM is coming to." But to angst about it ad nauseam seems like overkill, and completely unrealistic given the times.

After finally taking the time to read this entire thread, I'm reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln when he said: "You can please some of the people all of the time, or all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." or to paraphrase, everybody gets miffed sometimes. Grow up and get over it!