Herman Bricks

Kay Francis next: ALICE (1990)

Cyd Charisse next: an actor or actress who you have a crush on

I think Margaret Sullivan resembles a young Ann Dvorak and older Ann Dvorak resembles a young Norma Varden

Louise Brooks next: SPINOUT (1966)

Adele Jergens next: who would you cast to play yourself in a biography?

TopBilled to your original point, one that I would nominate is Wayne Morris.

How about some love for Mae West. Example: teaching school in MY LITTLE CHICKADEE: Student: Teacher, what's subtraction? Mae West: A man has a hundred dollars, you leave him with two. That's subtraction.

My favorite recent TV commercial is Geico Lizard Orders Pie at the Diner: I love this commercial so much, that if it was expanded to a feature film, I would be the first person in line to watch it at a theater on the day of its release. The cinematography and look of it is superb, it's like a scene from GOODFELLAS. I have been fascinated for years wondering about the backstories of: The Lizard. We know that he promotes insurance and usually in the commercials evinces no other motivation, or agenda. But here, he speaks but briefly about GEICO which seems to be a subterfuge for his interest in the diner, its history and operations, and the pie. Why? The Waitress. The actress, Patricia Belcher provides an astounding level of depth in 30 seconds. She portrays first and foremost POWER. Do you like strong female characters? Here is the epitome, though in a small environment. Is her power limited just to the diner? I wonder. She also portrays wisdom, strength, emotional toughness, caring, and practicality with an undertone of love. The Cook. When the waitress orders "PIE!" the cook seems to rise from a kneeling position. What was he doing when she calls out to him? To me there is an implication of some type of violent act that was underway, that the waitress has interrupted. I also wonder about the reasons for the dominance that she exerts so easily. What was the cook doing, what has he done and who else knows? That led me to wonder, has a TV commercial ever been so popular that it spawned a series or movie?

According to author Peter Biskind's account in EASY RIDERS, RAGING BULLS, producer Evans envisioned POPEYE (1980) the movie to capitalize on SUPERMAN's box office success. Director Altman, who was on a run of box office failure and obnoxious, drunken behavior was engaged after a "tubful of turndowns" from more highly-regarded directors. Evans took on the risks and headaches of Altman because he thought Altman would be motivated for a rebound after the flop of QUINTET. Evans' decision-making ability may have been hampered by his own substance abuse. He was using among other things, cocaine, quite heavily at the time and was even charged with felony drug trafficking after attempting to buy a large amount of powder (5 lbs!) in 1980. The well-connected, wealthy Evans and his lawyer Robert Shapiro eventually plead down to a misdemeanor. Also according to the book Paramount president Michael Eisner wanted Gilda Radner to play Olive Oyl. Altman successfully insisted on Shelley Duvall (one of his regulars).

Another one that I use... when someone tells me something that they think is disturbing that I already knew about or suspected.... (me in Claude Rains' voice): "I'm shocked, I'm shocked!"

LA LA LAND (2016) next: a good biker movie

Virginia Christine (Mrs. Olsen) for Folger's (bonus points for naming the other actress!) next: who would you cast to play a bartender?

John Gilbert next: UNDER AGE (1941)

Does anyone else regularly use lines from old movies in everyday conversations? I have a few. One that nobody understands? Whenever I have a chance to comment about orchids, or if someone asks me if I think orchids are pretty I drag out this gem that General Sternwood said in THE BIG SLEEP (1946) (I think Chandler wrote it close to verbatim in the novel): "Their flesh is too much like the flesh of men... their perfume has the rotten sweetness of corruption". Needless to say, I've had occasion to say this line once every few years and nobody understands the derivation. But I persist, and I have even used the line this year (it drew the usual blank response). A line that has worked better? From STATE FAIR (1962) , Bobby Darin invites Pamela Tiffin out on a date by saying, "Let's cut up some steaks and have some laughs". I love to eat and have fun, who doesn't? Much better success rate with this line!

The late, great Christopher Plummer next: CHARLEY VARRICK (1973)

Billy Crystal next: played a lot of wackos

BLOOD FEAST (1963) next: confusing plot, but still a great film

It seems hard to believe now, but there was a moment, actually a year, or more... when Jackie Mason and his one-man Broadway show THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ME (late 1980's) was the biggest thing in NYC. For a brief while this late middle-aged Borscht Belt comic was as big as Springsteen or Madonna. I was his waiter on several occasions in the 80's and early 90's at The Russian Tea Room. Unlike many comics, who are dark and not fun to meet in person, Mr. Mason was pretty much the same in person as his stage/TV persona. Non-stop good-natured shtick and self-deprecation. Money and his hair were the two things that he seemed to fixate on. When customers engaged him, he would always make them laugh, while reminding them, you're getting this for free, come see the show! I recall him coming to the restaurant on one occasion when his hair was very elaborately teased. His hairdo was so large and stiff it was almost knocking over the heavy brass samovars behind his head. He complained (jokingly) to us. One of the waiters suggested to him that he should use a different brand of hair spray., or at least use just one can at a time. "That was good. Can I use that in the show?" RIP Mr. Mason.

THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN OF THE HIMALAYAS (1957) next: a great looking movie

Roger Livesey next: the opposite... someone known as a great comedic performer who excelled in dramas

Eli Wallach next: TEMPEST (1982)

William "Billy" Benedict next: an actress who was lovely in her 40's, 50's, perhaps even later

HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941) next: a classic film that is now considered very progressive

THE PRODUCERS (1967) next: vegetables

Slim Pickens next: THE BOSS' SON (1978)