ChristineHoard Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 I think DeHavilland was very, very pretty. Look again at some of her photos. She played down her looks in movies like THE SNAKE PIT and THE HEIRESS (a really great performance). I thought is was funny in the scene where Bette is calling her in Paris and Olivia trashes the script for LADY IN A CAGE, a movie she did end up making (with Ann Sothern, no less, who we talked about in another recent thread). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElCid Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 According to an interview, the other day, the next episode is about Charlotte, #7 is (I assume) going to be about Hollywood giving both Bette and Joan the cold shoulder after a few years, and #8 is going to be about the waning years of the 70s including Crawford's death and ending at the in memorium sequence for Crawford at the 1978 Oscars. Who or what is Charlotte? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosebette Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 I think DeHavilland was very, very pretty. Look again at some of her photos. She played down her looks in movies like THE SNAKE PIT and THE HEIRESS (a really great performance). I thought is was funny in the scene where Bette is calling her in Paris and Olivia trashes the script for LADY IN A CAGE, a movie she did end up making (with Ann Sothern, no less, who we talked about in another recent thread). Olivia was a lovely woman (Zeta Jones' make-up plays up her doe-eyes), but I checked out the footage of the 1963 Oscars. Olivia's dress was more of a princess/modified empire style with a decolletage, not the form-fitting, va-va voom style that Zeta Jones wore, and of course, Jones has that magnificent figure. Yes, in 1963, Olivia was still beautiful, despite the awful bouffant hairstyle. She was a few years younger than Joan and Bette, and took good care of herself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineHoard Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 Who or what is Charlotte? HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE which starred Bette, Olivia, Joseph Cotten and Mary Astor. Joan was going to be in it, but something happened and Olivia got the role. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElCid Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE which starred Bette, Olivia, Joseph Cotten and Mary Astor. Joan was going to be in it, but something happened and Olivia got the role. OK, thanks. Didn't know if we were talking about something to do with Charlotte NC, Princess Charlotte or Queen Charlotte. I saw Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte, but didn't make the connection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dargo Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 Bennett may have had an accent, but I never had any trouble understanding what he was saying--that was part of his charm. From what I understand he was quite brilliant and a Random House editor. I have a wonderful DVD of What's My Line featuring Lucy and Desi and, of course, Bette Davis when she was on Broadway. Yes, I agree with ya here, Princess. Cerf was indeed a charming, intelligent, sophisticated and successful gent, to be sure. And yes again, I too always enjoyed his presence on that old game show, and even though many of HIS jokes and quips that he told on that program over the years were as corny as many of the ones that I offer up around here! However, what I think Cerf's manner of diction would probably be better classified as than any "accent", would be in his case an extreme example of someone with a non-rhotic manner of speech, or in essence the inability to pronounce the letter "r", and even more so than your average person with either a New England or New York or an upper eastern seaboard accent. (...in other words, ol' Bennett always sounded a lot like Elmer Fudd to my ear, and I never ever had any problem understanding HIM either, and during all those cartoons I watched where HE was chasing that "wascally wabbit") Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arturo Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 I haven't watched the whole episode yet, but sometimes when nominees are also presenters, they hang about backstage, if they are nominated. I think Bette presented Best Screenplay awards that year. So if that preceded Best Actress, she might have hung about backstage for her own nomination. Bette Davis did present an award right after Joan's presentation, and right before the Best Actress presentation. According to Inside Oscar, Davis had a hard time pronouncing the three Italian names for one of the nominations, DIVORCE ITALIAN STYLE (I think), who were the winners. She said something like "the winners are the three Italians whose names I couldn't pronounce". On last night's episode of Feud, you can hear part of this in the background as Joan is backstage with David Lean and the other winners. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dargo Posted April 3, 2017 Share Posted April 3, 2017 Re the whole Zeta-Jones as de Havilland conversation going on here... Yep, this has been one of my reservations about this series since it started. I've felt Zeta-Jones has been miscast in this from the get-go, as not only does she not resemble Olivia in the slightest, either in the face or body type, but her voice is nowhere close to her's, either. (...NOT of course that I've minded LOOKING that the absolutely GORGEOUS Miss Zeta-Jones in this thing, mind you) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lydecker Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Re the whole Zeta-Jones as de Havilland conversation going on here... Yep, this has been one of my reservations about this series since it started. I've felt Zeta-Jones has been miscast in this from the get-go, as not only does she not resemble Olivia in the slightest, either in the face or body type, but her voice is nowhere close to her's, either. (...NOT of course that I've minded LOOKING that the absolutely GORGEOUS Miss Zeta-Jones in this thing, mind you) Totally agree. It's as though she isn't a contemporary of Bette or Joan. She looks about 30 years younger . . . I get that they want exposition but this doesn't make sense. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arturo Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Re the whole Zeta-Jones as de Havilland conversation going on here... Yep, this has been one of my reservations about this series since it started. I've felt Zeta-Jones has been miscast in this from the get-go, as not only does she not resemble Olivia in the slightest, either in the face or body type, but her voice is nowhere close to her's, either. (...NOT of course that I've minded LOOKING that the absolutely GORGEOUS Miss Zeta-Jones in this thing, mind you) Another minor quibble with the portrayal by the beautiful Zeta Jones.....she looked no younger in 1963 than she does in 1978. Everything seems the same. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineHoard Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 FYI: In the real world, Joan was born in 1906. Bette was born in 1908 & Olivia in 1916. Susan was born in 1946, Jessica in 1949 and Catherine in 1969. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GGGGerald Posted April 4, 2017 Author Share Posted April 4, 2017 I wish there had been some conversation between the two women about their both choosing to "strike" and refuse roles at Warners' in the 30s and 40s, ultimately resulting in the DeHavilland Act. Apparently, this is one of the reasons these two ladies bonded. Sounds like fodder for another series about old Hollywood. These producers already said they won't go down this road again. I would think after the success of this series, someone might try it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dargo Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Sounds like fodder for another series about old Hollywood. These producers already said they won't go down this road again. I would think after the success of this series, someone might try it again. So, have its ratings been pretty good, Gerald? I haven't been following this aspect of it. I saw Sarandon on the Colbert show last Friday night plugging it, anyway. And, Lang is supposed to be on his show sometime this week, also. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Princess of Tap Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 I really enjoyed the last two episodes of Bette and Joan. Last week, when Stanley Tucci at Jack Warner was an absolute s****, I thought, how can any human being behave worse than that? Then, that actor who played Sinatra was absolutely right on the money with his voice and looks, and wow, if Sinatra behaved that badly, I don't know how anyone would give him a role in a movie. Just goes to show that if a woman behaves badly, she's a witch with a "B" or a hag, but a man is star power. I also enjoyed Mamacita rooting for Pauline's script and felt saddened when it was rejected. I really enjoyed the Oscars. I think Lange was at her best this week as she played Joan begging to accept an Oscar for an actress. However, I felt the actress who played Ann Bancroft was completely miscast. I hope the real Olivia was watching in Paris because Catherine Zeta Jones was an absolute knockout. While deHavilland remained a handsome woman even in her later years, she was never that gorgeous. If someone chooses to depict me in a film, I would choose Zeta Jones any day. I wish there had been some conversation between the two women about their both choosing to "strike" and refuse roles at Warners' in the 30s and 40s, ultimately resulting in the DeHavilland Act. Apparently, this is one of the reasons these two ladies bonded. Yes, Sarandon looked better than Bette did at that age -- the cigarettes and liquor took their toll, plus Bette never cared that much about her appearance. Two men also went on strike against Warner Brothers-- James Cagney and James Garner. it seems as though Warner Brothers may have been more harsh on actors than some of the other studios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosebette Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 So, have its ratings been pretty good, Gerald? I haven't been following this aspect of it. I saw Sarandon on the Colbert show last Friday night plugging it, anyway. And, Lang is supposed to be on his show sometime this week, also. Lange was on Colbert a couple of weeks ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosebette Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Two men also went on strike against Warner Brothers-- James Cagney and James Garner. it seems as though Warner Brothers may have been more harsh on actors than some of the other studios. Two of my favorite guys.... I knew about Cagney, not Garner. Apparently, Warners' treated their contract people like slaves. During The Adventures of Robin Hood, alleged Michael Curtiz goaded Errol Flynn with the fact that Basil Rathbone, who was an independent agent, was making more money than he was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosebette Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 FYI: In the real world, Joan was born in 1906. Bette was born in 1908 & Olivia in 1916. Susan was born in 1946, Jessica in 1949 and Catherine in 1969. Wow, Susan Sarandon is over 70. Get me the number of her plastic surgeon because she looks great (and not as if she's been "done"). Lange is in her late 60s, and deifnitel looks as if she's had some surgery. Where did the time go? Anyway, both these women are older than the women they play, but Sarandon definitely looks younger. Davis was younger than Crawford, but looked older. Olivia was still a "kid" -- only 47 -- she could still be getting great roles if she were that age now, and she is close in age to the actress who plays her, Catherine Zeta Jones. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Princess of Tap Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Two of my favorite guys.... I knew about Cagney, not Garner. Apparently, Warners' treated their contract people like slaves. During The Adventures of Robin Hood, alleged Michael Curtiz goaded Errol Flynn with the fact that Basil Rathbone, who was an independent agent, was making more money than he was. As a little kid in primary school, I was just crazy about Maverick. It was so neat for me to be able to watch him on TV on Sundays and then go to the movie theater on Saturdays and see him in Technicolor stuff like "Up Periscope". I always read the fan mags and I knew he was fighting with Jack Warner - -it seems like he had the same salary for both Maverick and the movies. I could be wrong, but that kind of sounds like Jack Warner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristineHoard Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 As a little kid in primary school, I was just crazy about Maverick. It was so neat for me to be able to watch him on TV on Sundays and then go to the movie theater on Saturdays and see him in Technicolor stuff like "Up Periscope". I always read the fan mags and I knew he was fighting with Jack Warner - -it seems like he had the same salary for both Maverick and the movies. I could be wrong, but that kind of sounds like Jack Warner. We must be close to the same age. I was kid and loved Maverick, too, James Garner was my favorite and I called him the "kissing Maverick" for obvious reasons. What a man! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dargo Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Lange was on Colbert a couple of weeks ago. Yeah rosebette. I just fast-forwarded through my cable guide here, and it looks as if Lang's appearance in Colbert's show this week is a rerun of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swithin Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Just watched it, I was riveted -- great episode! The scenes with Hedda and Joan and the phone calls; the visit to Anne Bancroft; the Oscars. I don't know how much of it is true (apart from what we know is true, e.g. Joan accepting the award). I do know one thing, though. Rip Torn was made to seem too normal! Of all the portrayals, I agree that Zeta-Jones is the weakest link, although one notes an occasional de Havilland-like gesture. But de Havilland is not easy to mimic. She was an excellent actress, but not a caricature-able type. But that Mamacita, what a scene-stealer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dargo Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 Just watched it, I was riveted -- great episode! The scenes with Hedda and Joan and the phone calls; the visit to Anne Bancroft; the Oscars. I don't know how much of it is true (apart from what we know is true, e.g. Joan accepting the award). I do know one thing, though. Rip Torn was made to seem too normal! Of all the portrayals, I agree that Zeta-Jones is the weakest link, although one notes an occasional de Havilland-like gesture. But de Havilland is not easy to mimic. She was an excellent actress, but not a caricature-able type. But that Mamacita, what a scene-stealer! Yep, true Swithin. And, maybe THE best actress of ALL of 'em in this thing at re-creating a person of earlier times. (...I mean, she IS doin' a Lotte Lenya impression here, isn't she?!) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swithin Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 (...I mean, she IS doin' a Lotte Lenya impression here, isn't she?!) They need to grab her for the next production of The Threepenny Opera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dargo Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 They need to grab her for the next production of The Threepenny Opera. Uh-huh, or maybe in a remake of From Russia With Love. (...and btw...we probably should mention the actress' name here...it's Jackie Hoffman) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LornaHansonForbes Posted April 4, 2017 Share Posted April 4, 2017 I do know one thing, though. Rip Torn was made to seem too normal! does anyone else remember when he went on a bender from Hell and robbed a bank? it wasn't that long ago....I think LARRY SANDERS was maybe still airing at the time... (ps- i'm dead serious) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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