movieman1957

One of the things I really like that TCM does are the "themes." Most of the movie channels don't do that and the one or two that do have only done it, it seems, in TCM's footsteps. I know some think they have been overdone but usually they are well thought out and clever. The connections between movies can be pretty illuminating. The prospect of seeing multiple movies by an artist are pretty unique to TCM. The documentaries and even their short tributes can help, for me, add a lot of perspective.

Cable channels seem to run from their original setup. A&E isn't Arts and Entertainment anymore than TLC is still The Learning Channel. AMC doesn't even refer to themselves as American Movie Classics anymore do they? Heck, it took a lawsuit to bring them back to some semblance of what they were. Comparatively TCM is closer to its original setup than a lot of other stations. We seem to be increasingly niche. I guess we have a level of expectation that the rest of the viewing public doesn't. Even though we are the minority we are the better for it.

In addition to those named - Gregory Peck, Jean Arthur, Richard Kiley.(A good actor who made a career from narrating Nat'l Geographic specials.) Message was edited by: Me

Garbomaniac: In the scene Cagney has stuffed somebody into the trunk of his car. He forgets about him and as Cagney walks by the guy in the trunk complains that it is hard to breathe in there. Wishing to accommodate the man he promptly shoots two holes into the trunk. Cagney walks away to go on about his business. In a way it's almost funny. It is a good scene to show how ruthless his character is.

Hi inglis. It was Van Williams.

stoneyburke: I don't often agree with you on this topic but I do here. "Caddyshack" to me is not even funny much less a classic. Though posters may have different opinions on scheduling we all share a love of classic movies. That's what makes this site so interesting. I too have doubts about this poster. I can't imagine that TCM would let anyone other than "tcmprogrammer" speak on their behalf. lzcutter: Your posts are, as always, eloquently and calmly put.

I went back and have read quite a bit of the thread "The End Is Near." I can understand how some left as that one got a bit rough. Someone mentioned in that they thought we'd have another discussion by July and here we are still working on the "TCM-RIP" thread. Jack's comment about the one leaving since we keep rehashing the same arguments makes since especially for that topic. I don't really look at other boards as this one is so good and has so many good people. Thanks to all who make it so much fun.

In case anyone doesn't know Mel said she threatend to sue him over the name. Which explains the joke in the governor's office after Harvey corrects Mel after he says "Hedy". Mel says something like "then you can sue her." Message was edited by: ME

Mongo: I see where you might give up your birthday thread next year. It's a wonderful piece of information and loved by all. I understand it's a mighty effort and probably draining on your schedule so it may be more of a surprise you have kept it going as long as you have. I certainly appreciate your efforts. A response to your news brings me to the question. Why have so many left? I don't presume you will stop contributing to other things. I know some left during the "upgrade" and the problems that created. You, being the Premier as Larry put it, might have an idea. Do you think it got boring? Did it get mean spirited? Neither of which I think has happened. New people are still coming on but it's tough losing people with whom you've built a relationship. If you'll allow, I'd like others to respond as well. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do.

Thank You. It is so nice to finally meet someone who has even seen it much less enjoy like you do. I've always thought it was one of the best comedies. (I was lucky enough to buy a VHS of it.) Jean is one of my favorites. It's a funny situation. My family gets a kick from the scene where she takes Ray on a tour of her place. The "inwisibles" that are the glass doors is a regular term for us. I also enjoy them laying on the sofa with their heads nest to each other. I think it's quite romantic. It's almost a crime no one is playing this movie. This crowd will love it. Message was edited by: Me

Somebody beat me to Donald Crisp in "How Green Was My Valley." He ran his house with a firm but loving hand. Required respect from his children but gave it as well. One that comes to mind is Glenn Ford in "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." I liked that he didn't treat his son as a kid. Tried to balance his own wishes with what was best for his son. He cared. Odd name is John Wayne in "Hondo." I know he wasn't the boy's father but he certainly helped fill those shoes. Taught the boy things that his own father didn't take the time to do.

The only reason I mentioned "Space Balls" is if you could show one of the others you mentioned, why not. I don't think it's a very funny movie, although my kids love it. It just doesn't seem to fit. I do think "High Anxiety" is a better fit since it spoofs Hitchcock. Overall, I like Mel. I like the idea of TCM programming the Cavett show. Thanks for your comments. I always look forward to your "two cents."

Larry: You're too much. You and Hedy wiping each other's chins, laughing. Cut to dream sequence of you and Hedy running through the meadow/beach, in slow motion, having a wonderful time. Then, as suddenly, jarred awake with the knowledge that it could never be. So sad. So nice. What a memory. Chris

Chipper: I don't see where movies made from 1955 through the mid 60s is out of TCM's scope. That's still a period when a lot of the actors we like to watch were still making movies. I don't think you throw out a movie from 1969 just because it's from 1969. I agree that some of the newer movies have been played to death on other channels and don't really need to be here. Some others don't seem to fit TCM style, like the much reviled "Good Times" and the puzzling "Space Balls", but I'll take the occasional documentary or Cavett show if it will help my knowledge for movies. As you say, there is still much that make this channel worth watching. Maybe a little of the newer films will help broaden the audience they need and thus broaden the fans of the classics of the period you mentioned.

The TCM programmer noted on another thread they licensed Hal Roach films for 40 years. That could mean a new run of L & H shorts. I know they did a bunch of features over the last six months or so, so maybe we'll get our wish and a chance to make new tapes.

The phone number being a 555 exchange was actually set aside by the phone company to be used specifically in movies and TV. That way no real people would get calls.

It happened, I belive after Turner set up "TNT". It used to have movies and cartoons but it had commercials. I don't remember where buying the MGM catalog came in but it may have been that transaction that gave someone the idea to showcase the library. Message was edited by: Me

And what good would it do you if you found it?

A lot of familiar titles and some that could use a new showing. A quick look also seemed to show that showing newer movies is not exactly a recent thing. Not many, but a few. We could do with another good dose of Cagney.

"A Hard Day's Night" is a really good movie especially if you catch all the British humor. jdb1 is right about "Help", very 60s but still fun. "Magical Mystery Tour" is pretty much of a mess. "Yellow Submarine" is a visually lovely movie with some cool "music videos" interrupted by some, at times, bad dialogue. Would love to see "Let It Be" again. I saw it when it was first released but 35 years can give you a whole new perspective.

Women in general seem to be accused of not liking some comedy teams. A recent thread unleashed a torrent of comments after Molly Haskell in an intro to "Duck Soup" mentioned she didn't think women liked the Marx Bros. This thread proves that there are women who like the Stooges. I already know there are women who like Laurel and Hardy (you in particular), Abbott & Costello and Martin & Lewis. To lump all women together is not only unfair but shortsighted.

Thank you for the note. Every day is not a picnic but in spite of what I see as my shortcomings I know there are those worse off than me. I've had days where I want let go like when George knocks around the living room but I don't. One of the scenes that get me in the movie is at the end when George has come home and his kids are jumping all over him and he kisses Mary as if he hasn't seen her for a year. There are days when my family greets me in a similar fashion (and I have teenagers) and everything goes away, for awhile at least. Yeah, in some ways I'm pretty lucky. Message was edited by: Me

Welcome to you both. I hope you have a long and happy life on the boards. My movie wasn't so much about a path as it was about me. "It's A Wonderful Life" (as sappy as it sounds) made me feel better about myself at a time when I wasn't feeling better about myself. (read - late teen years.) I saw myself as a sort of George Bailey. I was born old. While I don't have the impact of what "George" did I find I have an impact in the lives of my family, and my friends. I may not be the richest guy in town but I must be ok in that I do have friends and a family that has decided to keep me.

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana. G. Marx

Jean Arthur...(sigh) "Easy Living" and "You Can't Take It WithYou" primarily but she's such a treat in everything. She's lovely, funny, self confident without being too conceited. One the best romantic/screwball comedy actors.