movieman1957

Chocolate? Somebody has chocolate?

It's not fair having such fine pictures of Helen Mirren this early. It may not be fair but I appreciate it.

>But, even though he has redeemed a part of his soul in returning Debbie to the Jorgensen's (and Marty to Laurie), he still cannot enter the house. He is to remain, as he entered the picture, an outcast. Can't or won't enter the house? Does he feel that he can't be part of the "family" or that there is no point trying? I've always felt any exclusion is self imposed. The back story may be irrelevant in a large sense but it does hint at things and maybe Ford liked the idea of not having everything so clear cut. Maybe he knew we'd sit around tearing it apart and in the end it didn't matter. Maybe it was his "MacGuffin." Whatever it is it sure is fun talking about it.

Jack: You mention Kate and her fake piano playing. I'm so glad she took the time to learn how to fake it. Too often, for me, a scene is ruined because someone is so obviously faking it that it is distracting. If some would take the time to learn how one might move even shots that don't show their hands would be more believable. As far as Salieri goes I cna somewhat inderstand his attitude about such a twit having all that talent. The other side was thinking he had so much more than he did. Although you can't be a total slouch and serve as a court composer.

It looks like a publicity shot. Stewart did play the accordian but did not play it in the picture. If I remember the picture right Stewart played piano and Fonda the trombone.

"On Our Merry Way" is from about 1948. It's an episodic piece where Burgess Meredith plays a reporter and he searches out different people to answer a question. Stewart and Fonda play club musicians. There part of the movie is kind of fun. Unusual parts for them. I had to get it from Netflix as I've never seen it listed on TV. It's ok if you want to see everything they did together but it is not one for t he ages.

>I watched The Cheyenne Social Club when I was a teen and this was when James Stewart was my favorite actor after Clark Gable and I was appalled. I vowed never to watch it again and I still haven't. Then you would be mortified to know (if you don't) that Gene Kelly directed it. I found it risque but never quite raunchy. Oh well... Now if you get to see "On Our Merry Way" you can say you've seen all their co-starring roles.

No reason to be sorry. "Babe" is a fun film. If you haven't heard of it it's about a pig who thinks he's a sheep dog. The animals talk to each other. Of course the humans don't know this. Some of the fun comes from figuring he's can be a sheep dog and the embarassment of the family. After figuring out that the pig can be a "sheep pig" he is entered into a competition. It's a lot of fun. James Cromwell was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor. Nominated for best director and best picture. (see imdb) It's one of my favorites.

One just hit me that more people may know it but not know what it is is at the end of "Die Hard 2" the end credits are played under Sibelius' "Finlandia." That piece also serves as the basis for the song Farmer Hoggett sings to Babe in "Babe." More to come...

It's funny your poster has the sticker recommending for "adult entertainment." My how that definition has changed. I'm with you. The young blonde sure was spoiled and a pain. I like this better than you. The mid-street funeral was weird. I think Fonda nad Stewart were both quite good. I never know whether Fonda did this or "Once Upon A Time..." first but it's so rare he played the bad guy. The new DVD couples it with "The Cheyenne Social Club" which pairs them as well. I always liked "Social Club" partly because it's funny and partly because it's a comedy with killing ala "Support Your Local Sheriff."

I have a recording of DuPre and Barenboim doing the Beethoven Cello Sonatas. They have an interesting story. Barber's Adagio is a lovely piece. I think it was arranged from a string quartet. John Barry has a purely vocal arrangement on the soundtrack of "The Scarlett Letter." It's pretty interesting. If Mozart had lived longer could you imagine the competition between him and Beethoven? Would they have had an effect on each other?

I love Aaron Copland. Often I like his music more than the movies. There's nothing wrong with the film it's just the music stays with me. "Our Town" is a lovely piece. His suite from "The Red Pony" is also a wonderful piece. Of course, "The Heiress" is a great work. Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto and how it is used in "Brief Encounter." It's a stunning piece of work considering how much criticism he received on some of his earlier works. He very nearly couldn't write again. "Amadeus" is the most stunning showing of music. For all his talent Mozart could be a spoiled pain in th butt. The scene where he is dying and dictating his "Requiem" is very moving now matter how little truth there may be to it literally. I have heard concert pieces by Rozsa and Korngold. I've often thought writing for a film brings certain restrictions that a composer of concert works may struggle with as they must write to a time or mood. I've never seen the movie "Suicide Squadron" but the piece "Warsaw Concerto" has been a favorite since I was a kid.

Lafitte: One movie where the music was a distraction for me was the 1961 version of "Backstreet." It was only that way because I knew the music but couldn't think of it. It hit me part way through the movie it was Brahm's 4th Symphony. I don't recall your trivia question on "The Elephant Man." My attendance of performances go back to the 70s and 80s. I got through a Beethoven cycle with the Baltimore Symphony. Later concerts included a chance to hear Yo Yo Ma play Elgar's Cello Concerto. It was one of the great experiences I've had. I sat close enough to watch him closely. As much as I love Pete's 6th I've never seen a performance. I have seen his 4th & 2nd as well as the Violin Concerto and 1st Piano Concerto. Do you have a collection? Who are some of your favorite composers and artists?

I'll go pull it up. Check the Favorites forum.

lafitte: Thanks for your comments. I don't have many I can discuss the virtues of Tchaikovsky with. You're mentioning the the 3rd movement of the 6th Symphony makes me feel like he is saying that there will always be that time regardless of the exhilaration. It all comes to an end. I'm a long time lover of classical music. Anytime you want to talk about it there's a thread in the Favorites (?) about music. We can dig it up. P.S. Melancholy also drives me to some Copland and Vaughan Williams pieces.

They are wonderful. I appreciate you doing these covers. You have always done a great job. Thanks.

A couple of things jumped out at me. First, an Errol Flynn picture called "The Big Boodle." I have no idea what it's all about but with a title like that and a late Flynn picture it must be worth a look. Secondly, and more happily, Saturday double features of Laurel & Hardy. That's grand. Each week they are followed by a western sometime around noon. (Almost a return of "Lone Star Cinema.") Some new Joel McCrea movies. Looks good,

As long as anyone can carry a conversation they should be welcome here. As to whether a kid can come, I agree that the parent should decide. However, I don't think they need an age restriction. She may have been a bit older than what you have in mind but for a time my, then, 16 year old posted here. Most knew her age and some knew she belonged to me. Maybe that had some bearing on the conversation but she was well treated and I thought had some very nice conversations with others that I had no part in. I think there is a distinction between being kid-friendly and being kid directed. I think it is generally the former wiithout at all being the latter. I do think any kid wouldn't have long to find out that this place is populated by adults though some may not always act like it. I'm not sure a 14 or 15 year old would find much of a connection here but on the chance they do, good for them.

The rules have been in play for nearly a year. On the front page of the board is a New Code of Conduct. It's a pity that more people don't read them. (I'm not pointing in your direction. It's a general comment.)

When I am in this condition the last thing I want is to laugh. (No matter how much I enjoy the Marx Brothers or Laurel and Hardy.) I ususally want a very serious western or war picture. It's like my music. Give me Brahms' Piano Concerto No.1 or Tchaikovsky's 6th Symphony and it expresses my mood. Don't want Mozart then or Vivaldi. They are (frequently) a little too jovial for that mood.

>The Marx Brothers always make me laugh, as do Laurel and Hardy --- How did I manage to miss that important piece of information? We have some catching up to do.

MissT: Thanks for the Helen Mirren shots. Now that my heart is started I can get on with things. Chris

Wayne had several "looks" in the movie. Some of them are in the screen caps. The one that always gets me is the shot of him unsaddling his horse and strats to wipe it down. (It's below.) The look of sadness and resignation to the fate of the family is total. His eyes get that far away look and his whole body sinks. The scene where he tells Brad about Lucy is tough too. "Long as you live don't ever ask me more." That line is delivered in a way that Brad won't ask. It's delivered with such pain and sorrow. Great movie. Next.

Can I come over and play?

I could do with less TV shows and more movies.