The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

[Bronxgirl48]

Okay, Mr. Complexity, what was up with that sado-masochistic pas de deux between Alan Ladd and William Bendix in THE GLASS KEY?

 

Is Fear of Robert Taylor a clinical term? I personally find his "emptiness" quite appealing. You know I'm drawn towards the Dudley Do-Right types. In fact, this may come as a great shock to you, but if I were Roz Russell in HIS GIRL FRIDAY, I actually would have turned my back on Cary and married Ralph Bellamy.

 

I haven't seen THE SET-UP but am not in any rush. The main reason I don't care for CHAMPION is the pacifist screenplay. Carl Foreman just bugs me. Kirk's last scene is very powerful, however.

 

Obviously you're not a nature lover. I might have to get Bambi and Thumper to give you a good going-over.

 

Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48

[Bronxgirl48]

No, I'm heartsick over not seeing THE GIANT CLAW. That crap is like mother's milk to me!

[FrankGrimes]

Good late evening, Little Mermaid -- Okay, Mr. Complexity, what was up with that sado-masochistic pas de deux between Alan Ladd and William Bendix in THE GLASS KEY?

 

You should know by now that I don't watch movies. I merely tape them. I'm glad TCM aired The Glass Key for me to tape.

 

I like ambiguity on screen, but give me Nelson Eddy, Robert Taylor, John Wayne every time for uncomplicated good-guyness.

 

I'm the opposite. I like complex characters, male and female.

 

I hate to admit it, but if I were Roz Russell I would have married Ralph Bellamy in HIS GIRL FRIDAY. Don't smirk.

 

I'm smirking and smirking some more. But I like a gal who ain't conventional.

 

I think you'd grow tired of Bellamy quicker than you think. Why? He wouldn't give you the kind of response you'd want. Your lively personality would zig and zag all around him. He's too blank for you.

 

I haven't seen THE SET-UP but am not in any rush.

 

It's not your kind of flick but you'd like Robert Ryan's performance.

 

The main reason I don't care for CHAMPION is the pacifist screenplay. Carl

Foreman just bugs me. Kirk's last scene is very powerful, however.

 

I like pacifism because I consider it a sign of great strength. And, of course, everything depends on the situation. And this won't shock you any, I like me some violence and vengeance, too.

 

Obviously you're not a nature lover. I might have to get Bambi and Thumper to give you a good going-over.

 

I like nature but I'm not one to be in nature for very long.

[Bronxgirl48]

(yawn) It's getting late. I didn't enjoy THE GLASS KEY as much as I thought I would. Not enough interaction with Ladd and Lake, and I thought her performance was a bit off. Bendix was terrific. (as usual)

I got tired of Alan's weird half-smile awfully fast.

 

Are you drawn to emotionally screwed up people IRL or just on-screen?

(this is a serious question)

 

No, see, I'd grow tired of Cary's driven character; I'd want the stability and worship that only a bland good-guy like Ralph could give me. I'd still keep my hand in as a reporter, only not working for Walter Burns, and be able to come home to a beautiful house amid the waiting arms of my adoring husband, who thinks I can do no wrong, and is eager to please me in every way possible. I would liven HIM up, but he wouldn't put a damper on my personality at all; he'd let me blossom!

 

I like Robert Ryan in anything so, yes, I'd no doubt enjoy him in THE SET-UP. Yes, pacifism is strength (after all, that's what Joel McCrea in STARS IN MY CROWN and Gregory Peck in THE BIG COUNTRY

were all about, and these are new favorite characters and performances with me) but I was actually referring to the preachy, ultra-liberal, holier-than-thou pretentious moral superiority that Foreman always represents to me.

 

Let's face it, violence and vengeance are part of human nature, and are here to stay. Any well-meaning behavioral attempts to "eradicate" them seem like Orwellian totalitarianism to moi.

 

But enough sociology and psychology, I'm sleepy now.

 

Good night, my pistol packin' pennsylvanian.

 

Mrs. Bellamy

 

Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote}

>

> Let's face it, violence and vengeance are part of human nature, and are here to stay. Any well-meaning behavioral attempts to "eradicate" them seem like Orwellian totalitarianism to moi.

>

 

"We all have heaven and hell inside of us, and carry them with us wherever we go" - I'm just paraphrasing, of course, and I want to see who is the first person who can identify the movie I'm referring to.

[FrankGrimes]

(yawn) It's getting late.

 

That's the response I get no matter the time of day.

 

I didn't enjoy THE GLASS KEY as much as I thought I would. Not enough

interaction with Ladd and Lake, and I thought her performance was a bit off.

 

Have you see This Gun for Hire yet? Ladd and Lake are terrific in that one.

 

Bendix was terrific. (as usual)

 

You're right from what I've seen of Bendix's peformances. I've liked him each time.

 

I got tired of Alan's weird half-smile awfully fast.

 

Now I really need to see it.

 

Are you drawn to emotionally screwed up people IRL or just on-screen?

(this is a serious question)

 

Emotionally screwed up? No. Complex? Yes. I really like emotional girls. Girls who

lack emotion worry me. I like a girl who flips mood switches, but she must have a loving

heart. If she's cold and cruel inside, I don't want any part of her moods.

 

No, see, I'd grow tired of Cary's driven character; I'd want the stability and worship

that only a bland good-guy like Ralph could give me. I'd still keep my hand in as a

reporter, only not working for Walter Burns, and be able to come home to a beautiful

house amid the waiting arms of my adoring husband, who thinks I can do no wrong,

and is eager to please me in every way possible.

 

I figured your choosing of Bellamy over Grant was for some of the reasons you mentioned, primarily adoration. I thought you and Burnsy would clash since he would wish to be more

"on" than you.

 

I would liven HIM up, but he wouldn't put a damper on my personality at all; he'd let

me blossom!

 

Maybe so. I thought you'd fire a hundred zingers at him and he'd miss them all. You'd

get no reaction and this would leave you feeling empty. I always think you need

someone who is going to react to your lively personality. Someone who is going to

catch many of your "Barbs." But you say Bellamy's constant adoration would interest

you more. Hmmmm, I wonder...

 

I like Robert Ryan in anything so, yes, I'd no doubt enjoy him in THE SET-UP.

 

Like most boxing movies, the ring and fight mean much more than what they are. The

"fight" is elsewhere.

 

Yes, pacifism is strength (after all, that's what Joel McCrea in STARS IN MY CROWN

and Gregory Peck in THE BIG COUNTRY were all about, and these are new favorite

characters and performances with me)

 

For me, pacifism has a place when those who confront you are not worthy of your time

and energy. There's no dignity to be found in mud. Now if what you face is a true threat,

then you need to stand up. Important... unimportant. You'll never be tall to the tall when

you're small with the small.

 

but I was actually referring to the preachy, ultra-liberal, holier-than-thou pretentious

moral superiority that Foreman always represents to me.

 

Now you're talking my language!

 

Let's face it, violence and vengeance are part of human nature, and are here to stay.

Any well-meaning behaviorial attempt to "eradicate" them seems like Orwellian

totalitarianism to moi.

 

You are correct. Elimination is impossible. Strive for limitation.

 

Good night, my pistol packin' pennsylvanian.

 

All hat, no cattle.

 

Good night, Lady B(ellamy).

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}

> Have you see This Gun for Hire yet? Ladd and Lake are terrific in that one.

>

 

Were they ever anything but, when working together?

[JackFavell]

I really love William Bendix, he's always great. But for me, *The Glass Key* was all Brian Donlevy... he was amazing! For someone who played a rat, or sadistic characters so well, TGK was a revelation. What a doll he was! He made Ladd and Lake disappear for me. I loved his mixture of good and bad... Now I would take Donlevy any time over Bellamy, Grant or Ladd....

[Film_Fatale]

Good point. What did you think of *The Great McGinty* ?

[Bronxgirl48]

Hey, Goddess! Well, half of Kay was better than none (I only saw the first three -- I wrote you about them under "Kay Francis" in Favorites here)

Unfortunately despite the gallons of coffee I drank, I fell asleep after these.

 

Yes, where can a gal find the Josiah Grays and Atticus Fitches of this world? At this point in my life, (while waiting for -- ha! Mr. Right -- I might feel like Missy in THE LADY EVE, and settle for a short fat guy with lots of money, lol) Or even a hand-holding otter. (love those cute critters and the lizards of course)

[Bronxgirl48]

Good Sunday afternoon, crablet. I've seen THIS GUN FOR HIRE and Ladd and Lake are spectacularly cool as our first noir couple. Both short, blonde, taciturn, they're made for each other. But in THE GLASS KEY, I felt their relationship was perfunctory and undeveloped.

 

Hmmm, I don't want a Walter Burns guy in my life. Too hectic, too much work reigning him in. Sure, he's dynamic and creative, but he's also manipulative and selfish. And no, I don't want to compete with his personality. I want a romantic partner who is a bit in the background, cheering me on and giving me unconditional love and support, who will "get" my humor; otherwise I wouldn't be attracted to him in the first place. And Bellamy would definitely adore me, but not smother me with possessiveness or insecurity. He could stand up to me when necessary, and tell me the truth always. I don't want a doormat.

 

The boxing ring is a metaphor for life? No, really????????

 

I haven't seen HIGH NOON all the way through. Wonder if it has anything to do with Carl Foreman....

 

Hey! You've got quite a head on your shoulders.

That is, when you're not hurling it towards Ichabod Crane

 

Watched THE MALTESE FALCON last night for the upteenth time.

The best detective movie, period. Bogie brilliant, ditto supporting cast and Huston's expertly compact direction.

 

Same with CASABLANCA (caught it on public television today) Gets better every time I see it, Love it to death.

 

Are you one of the usual suspects?

 

 

Hildy

 

Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48

[Bronxgirl48]

That heaven-and-hell phrase is on the tip of my tongue, but I can't get any farther. It's probably too obvious a (wrong) answer to say it's from either the '32 or '41 DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE.

 

Maybe Robert Mitchum from NIGHT OF THE HUNTER?

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote}

> Watched THE MALTESE FALCON last night for the upteenth time.

> The best detective movie, period. Bogie brilliant, ditto supporting cast and Huston's expertly compact direction.

>

> Same with CASABLANCA (caught in on public television today) Gets better every time I see it, Love it to death.

>

 

You'll get no argument from me there.

[Bronxgirl48]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-_FIp4gI28&feature=related

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote}

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-_FIp4gI28&feature=related

 

Awwwwwwwww!!! How adorable! :x

[MissGoddess]

I haven't seen HIGH NOON all the way through. Wonder if it has anything to do with Carl Foreman....

 

Hi Bronxling!

 

I don't blame you. I MEAN ABOUT FOREMAN, ha ha ha. But I do hope one day you

can watch High Noon all the way through...maybe if you turn the sound off, believe

it or not Gary is so good in it you don't need to hear anything. And the movie, to me,

stands on its own without any consideration to any "message" or political mumbo jumbo

that people see in it.

 

Foreman made me angry with a statement he made once, which to me marked

him as somewhat hypocritical. I also understand he alienated Kramer for several

reasons, not even political, and I think he just may have been a not very pleasant person.

 

Foreman + Kirk Douglas = a necessity for pacifism and tolerance on the part of the

audience.

[MissGoddess]

I haven't seen HIGH NOON all the way through. Wonder if it has anything to do with Carl Foreman....

 

Hi Bronxling!

 

I don't blame you. I MEAN ABOUT FOREMAN, ha ha ha. But I do hope one day you

can watch High Noon all the way through...maybe if you turn the sound off, believe

it or not Gary is so good in it you don't need to hear anything. And the movie, to me,

stands on its own without any consideration to any "message" or political mumbo jumbo

that people see in it.

 

Foreman made me angry with a statement he made once, which to me marked

him as somewhat hypocritical. I also understand he alienated Kramer for several

reasons, not even political, and I think he just may have been a not very pleasant person.

 

Foreman + Kirk Douglas = a necessity for pacifism and tolerance on the part of the

audience.

[MissGoddess]

> {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote}

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-_FIp4gI28&feature=related

 

Oooooooh, you must know Penguins are my favorite bird. Because they're the best dressed.

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=MissGoddess wrote:}{quote}

> Oooooooh, you must know Penguins are my favorite bird. Because they're the best dressed.

 

It ain't easy but they do their best

[FrankGrimes]

Hiya, Hildy! -- I've seen THIS GUN FOR HIRE and Ladd and Lake are

spectacularly cool as our first noir couple. Both short, blonde, taciturn, they're

made for each other.

 

Ahhh, but theirs is a "mother-son" relationship.

 

But in THE GLASS KEY, I felt their relationship was perfunctory and undeveloped.

 

I'm more curious to see the film now than before.

 

Hmmm, I don't want a Walter Burns guy in my life. Too hectic, too much work reigning

him in. Sure, he's dynamic and creative, but he's also manipulative and selfish.

 

You are correct. "Burnsy" is nothing but manipulative and selfish; that's what drives him

with everything. It's about him.

 

And no, I don't want to compete with his personality. I want a romantic partner who is

a bit in the background, cheering me on and giving me unconditional love and support,

who will "get" my humor; otherwise I wouldn't be attracted to him in the first place.

 

Poor "Brucie" wouldn't "get" your humor. But that wouldn't stop him from adoring

you. You'd get half your wish.

 

And Bellamy would definitely adore me, but not smother me with possessiveness

or insecurity. He could stand up to me when necessary, and tell me the truth always.

I don't want a doormat.

 

You think Brucie baby would stand up to you? I guess if you steam him enough. I

hope you like mothers-in-law.

 

The boxing ring is a metaphor life? No, really????????

 

 

I haven't seen HIGH NOON all the way through. Wonder if it has anything to do

with Carl Foreman....

 

It has to be Coop. His films are always tough to watch.

 

Hey! You've got quite a head on your shoulders. That is, when you're not hurling it

towards Ichabod Crane

 

You must have me confused with someone else. And those are not galloping hooves

that you hear.

 

Watched THE MALTESE FALCON last night for the upteenth time. The best

detective movie, period. Bogie brilliant, ditto supporting cast and Huston's expertly

compact direction.

 

Believe it or not, I've only seen The Maltese Falcon once.

 

Same with CASABLANCA (caught in on public television today) Gets better every

time I see it, Love it to death.

 

I've seen Casablanca twice. I'll have to watch them back to back to see which I

prefer more now.

 

Are you one of the usual suspects?

 

No. I'm one of the unusual ones.

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}

> Believe it or not, I've only seen The Maltese Falcon once.

>

 

I don't believe it

[FrankGrimes]

Hola, Captain Cavewoman -- Who needs a red dress when you can have Nick Cave... two nights in a row?

 

Indeed. His onstage movements have left me a drooling idiot for the second night. So many impure thoughts.

 

The trashy dame is back!

 

So where are these tunes? Do I have to go find them, Easter Bunny?

 

Okeydokeyartichokey-of the stuff that he played, I will direct you to:

Red Right Hand-You may be familiar with this tune.

Hard On For Love-Go ahead and laugh-it's funny. A wonderfully filthy song phrased in Old Testament verbiage. You may be only able to find this live on youtube.

Love Letter-Sweet and romantic

Your Funeral My Trial-One of my all time favorite Nick tunes. I think there's a video.

Stagger Lee-Off his Murder Ballads album. When you hear it you'll know why. Watch the video and see the entire band dance like they're ****. Fun!

Loverman-It's just as well he didn't play this live-I'm uncertain what my reaction would have been.

 

Okeydokeyartichokey? Somebody was in a good mood. That's Butterscotchy good mood levels, too.

 

When I get some time this evening, I'll do some searchin' for those songs. You had to

leave it up to me to find them, didn't you? I've only heard "Red Right Hand" before and

that's my favorite Cave song to date. It has a classic sound to it.

 

While none of these has beats exactly, I think they might will appeal to your noirish

nature.

 

I like that he's a balladeer. Also, his (their) music isn't hard and heavy or sad and

depressing. That stuff doesn't fly with me.

[FrankGrimes]

Howdy, Suga B! -- OOOOOOOH, that screencap of Gary ready to fight has made my day!!! It?s on my desktop as we speak. I swear I?m really a pretty mellow person but I love it when Gary either hits people or shoots at ?em and he does both of those in lots of his movies . That man gets me all kinds of worked up (as if y?all didn?t know that already ).

 

You're a mellow person? Really? Can a Texan be mellow? I don't know, Clarita. I think you're a ball of fire.

 

Home runs anywhere would be fine and dandy, but I'm with you on preference. But it's all speculative to me since I'm a slap-hitter.

 

Okay, that made me laugh out loud at work!

 

There were two girls who I thought would get that line. You were one of the two.

 

Some girls might be into the slap hitter kind.

 

The desperate ones.

 

I totally embarrassed Theresa one day talking about how dirty so many baseball

terms sound; especially stuff like high, hard one and back door slider.

 

You did what?! I just knew it. I tried and tried to convince Sweet T that an indecorous

girl like you was nothing but trouble. How could you do this to her? Now I'm going to

have to spend even more time correcting your corruption with her.

 

Dirty baseball jokes, is there anything better?

 

I never thought of those terms in that way. I'm forever ruined!

 

On a sad baseball note, my favorite (active) player, Brad Ausmus or as I like to

call him Sugarbritches, is about to hang ?em up. He?s played for 15 years

(10 with the Astros) and this will be his last year with the ?stros. His kids are still

young and they live in San Diego so he wants to be closer to home. He said he?d

play one more year if one of the teams out there wants him and if not he?ll retire. He?s

39 (old for a ball player) and has been a catcher his whole career and never once went

on the disabled list which for any position is impressive, but for a catcher, it?s nearly

unheard of. To me, he?s like the Gary Cooper of the team; he?s strong and silent but

when he does speak it means something (he?s a Dartmouth grad) and people listen.

He?s even tempered but will get riled up when it?s called for. He?s also incredibly good

looking and very sweet. I?ve had the good fortune to meet him three times during fan

events and at spring training and he?s always very gracious to the fans and like Gary,

never acted like a big star above anyone else. His defensive play (he was never

a very good hitter ) and leadership will truly be missed.

 

Now we both know Coop hit for a higher average than Sugarbritches. Brad was a

"character actor." So who is the Brad Aumsus of classic film?

 

[FrankGrimes]

Bonjour, Le Snippy Snob! -- I love those screencaps from McGinty! Last night

was only the second time I've seen the movie and I liked it even better. Terrific script

for a heck of a subject. I love the "frame" for the story, the whole thing in Central or

South America, or wherever they were. Running a bar, no less! Perfect.

 

The Great McGinty has gotten better me for me with each viewing. I thought it

was merely "okay" after my first viewing. I still prefer other Sturges films more.

[Film_Fatale]

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}

> The Great McGinty has gotten better me for me with each viewing. I thought it

> was merely "okay" after my first viewing. I still prefer other Sturges films more.

 

Have you by any chance seen *The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend* ?