The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

[rohanaka]

What's the good word, Ma Stone

 

 

 

Howdy there Jabez.. hmm.. the good word is.. hmm.. BLANKETS ha. (OH me.. I have been cold for 4 days. ha.) It was a bit warmer today.. but I think I still had to thaw out from YESTERDAY.. so I am still hearing my teeth chatter... ha. Maybe next week will be a bit less brutal for our temps.. I hope.

 

 

 

I will have to respond to your latest post (wtih the comments you made about the films on your list) another time.. I am a bit done in tonight.. it's been a busy week.. so will want to read through all that more thoroughly when I can appreciate it more.

 

 

 

But I just wanted to pop in here for a moment and mention something about THIS:

 

 

 

I believe differently. I feel Nicholson was exactly wrong about most everything. His building the perfect bridge is aiding and abetting the enemy. What he should have been doing is looking to sabotage the efforts. The bridge was in the exact right spot to start with. It would have been a major disaster for the Japanese. Instead, Nicholson has them move the bridge and pushes his officers and the sick to finish the bridge. And what was his grand stand at the outset all about? Why did he sit in that sweat box for all those days? Because the Geneva Convention stated his officers could not be forced to work. Amazing

 

 

 

Oh I think you might have misunderstood my meaning when I said I thought he was "right" because I TOTALLY agree that he should have been looking for a chance to sabatoge it. I only meant that he was right to want to keep the men organzied and occupied.. and to stand his ground w/ Saito. (though I do confess almost to the point of lunacy) I think keeping his men from being demoralized and from going "stir crazy" and from being misused by the Japanese and "blamed" for not building the bridge would have been much better than letting them get dragged down by feelings of defeat and despair. It was not wrong for him to put then to work.

 

 

 

Where we agree is (about what he did that WAS wrong.) is that he SHOULD have done whatI believe many of his men THOUGHT he was doing and led them in a plan to TRICK the Japanese into believeing he was cooperating. And then secretly work against the success of the bridge all in plain sight. (as in "psstt. the old man say, only hammer every third nail boys,pass it on) He could even make it LOOK like he was improving things.. go ahead and move the bridge.. go ahead and organize the workers better, etc.. but still create the "perfect" bridge with built in weaknesses.. and the whammo.. just let that train come across and go crashing straight down.. etc, etc.

 

 

 

THey could be working along (whistling while they work) and just looking innocent meanwhile they could have been doing something completly NOT innocent. (sort of like the bit in The Great Escape.. where they were all busy digging away.. and emptying out the dirt from the bottom of their pant legs right under the guards noses.)

 

 

 

Nicholson just went .. ha.. a "bridge too far" in FORGETTING somewhere along the line what his real "duty" was.. and he used his men to help him do it.. even if they did not KNOW that they had been used that way. (because I think most of them really DID think he was going to do SOMETHING against the Japanese..and they were just waiting for him to do it.. but he never did.)

 

 

 

At the very end, I was hoping they'd shoot Nicholson and blow up the bridge. That's what I was hoping for. I was far more upset by seeing Shears get killed, a guy who escaped that very prison camp only to be asked to lead an expedition back to blow up a bridge. A bridge? It's not even about saving the prisoners, it's about the bridge. And unlike Nicholson and Warden (Jack Hawkins), he didn't give a darn about the glory. He rather be at the beach with a lovely nurse. That's Shears. Still, he does what he's asked and risks it all for something that doesn't mean anything to him. Madness, indeed

 

 

 

Oh I don't know. I think the ending was tragic.. but perfect all at the same time (right down to moment w/ Shears and beyond) I really liked the "madness" angle. It made the whole thing come together (at least for me) by the end of it all.

 

 

 

I will try to get back with you sometime soon and blab some more on your other comments.. I am looking forward to reading your whole list soon.

 

 

 

OH.. and PS: what film you're referring to

 

 

 

I need to go back and look at the titles.. but if I am remembering right.. it was the detective story w/ Barry Fitzgerald.. that is the one I remember you recommending to me..

[rohanaka]

HELLO again, Grey Dude.. just popping back in here again to answer some more of your earlier posts..

 

 

 

I'm planning on watching *Wings *fairly soon

 

 

 

I'll look forward to hearing your what you think of that one. I really found it to be a very unexpected sort of war film.. not your typical telling of that sort of story.

 

 

 

And you did guess my Christmas present correctly. It's *So Proudly We Hail*. This better not be a "chick flick

 

 

 

 

HA.. well you go watch it and then come back and tell ME if you think it is a chick flick or not. (and ps.. if it IS.. It is not like any sort of USUAL chick flick I have seen lately ha. I am hoping to get a copy of this sometime soon so I can watch it too.. I have not seen it in AGES and would love to watch it again before I blab with you about it all...I'll see what I can work out. Meanwhile I'll be on the edge of my seat to find out how BADLY I ruined your Christmas or not.. HA! ;D

 

 

I really enjoyed all the comments on your latest list. It is fun to read your thoughts and get an idea for how you based some of your rankings (meaning why you liked some more than others, etc) And THANKS for the links too (JUBAL.. woo hoo.. I was hoping I could watch this one again soon.. its been a good long time since I saw it and I was hoping to watch so I could blab a bit w/ you about it.. I will try to check it out again soon.. it really is a very good film for Ford and Borgnine both.

 

 

 

 

1. *Detective Story *-- I was very surprised by this film. I was not expecting to find a "*12 Angry Men*" kind of cop flick. I thought it was engrossing. The big twist in the film is a huge one. It really takes the film to another level. It turns it on its head. Right starts to become wrong

 

 

 

I am going to try and get to this one too.. I am not sure WHAT I am going to think of it.. given some of the subject matter.. but I do want to see how it all plays out.. ha. You've got me curious for sure.

 

 

 

5. *The African Queen *-- A great relationship film. Lots of sharing and sacrifice. I like how Charlie (Humphrey Bogart) and Rose (Katharine Hepburn) are so very different, but they love each other and care about one another. That's all that matters. A relationship is very much like the journey of the "African Queen." The ending is beautiful

 

 

 

BAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha.. I have to say I have AVOIDED this movie like the PLAGUE. ha. But I DO confess I have struggled with A) HB for YEARS (and only RECENTLY have come to appreciate him and his acting) and I am no huge fan of "older" Kate films either. She tends to rub me the wrong way as she gets older.. not always.. there ARE some I like.. but ha.. this one has NOT stood out for me, ever. Tell me something about it that will make me change my mind and want to watch it.. go on.. I DARE you.

 

 

 

9. *The Adventures of Robin Hood *-- I wasn't expecting to like this one that much, but I was wrong. Errol Flynn grabs you right from the start. He's magnetic. The opening scenes with him are great fun. Love his swagger. The overall story wasn't as interesting to me, but Flynn easily makes up for this

 

 

 

I remember thinking that WAS a surprise when I saw how high you rated it on your list. I have always enjoyed this one.. it is a lot of fun. I am glad to hear you liked it. Have you ever seen The Three Musketeers?? (Gene Kelly, Van Heflin, Lana Turner, June Allyson, Vincent Price, et al, ha) It is a family favorite.. the kidling LOVES it (she even asked for it for her BIRTHDAY this year.. ha. so we let her buy it with some of her B-day money) now admittedly.. she IS a bit "nutso" for Gene Kelly.. but ha.. JUST to put your mind at ease.. this is NO musical..and he really is a LOT of fun in this one.. and I have to say.. I think the story is a VERY nice mix of dark (with the light) that you may even find something to like in it. (OH that Lana... OH ME is she EVER evil.. to the CORE!! In fact.. she MAY be one of the most evil female villians I have ever enjoyed watching.. maybe not my most favorite EVER.. but again.. among the most EVIL ever for sure.) OH.. ha.. and Keenan Wynn is a hoot.. ha. I would be interested in your take on it.. if you are looking for something new to watch sometime.

 

 

 

22. *Brannigan *-- The ending to this film is really bad. The rest of the film is actually enjoyable. It's rather funny. John Wayne has some great lines and reactions. Richard Attenborough is also funny. The bar room brawl is definitely a tip of the cap to the Ford brawls of the past

 

 

 

OH me.. now as much as I DO love my Duke..I have to confess his films of this nature have NEVER stood out to interest me.. ha. but I might have to give it a try.. based on your comments here.. maybe.. perhaps.. if I can make myself.. ha.. this might have to be one of those "convince me" movies.. ha. Maybe I'll give it a try right after you convince me to watch The African Queen. ha.

 

 

 

26. *Ten Wanted Men *-- Randolph Scott vs. Richard Boone is usually a treat and there's just enough of that in this film to make it solid. Boone's character was the most interesting to me

 

 

 

I am still hoping to get to this one sometime soon.. if only so I can comment on the stuff you and others said over in Westerns.. I hope.

 

 

 

28. *Move Over, Darling *-- I didn't realize this was a remake of *My Favorite Wife *until I started watching it. I didn't like it nearly as much. They really shortened the scenes with "the island man" in this version. That was no good. I also found Polly Bergen to be annoying. Her shrieks are deadly. And with me, James Garner just doesn't compare to Cary Grant. The scenes in front of the judge are funny in both films

 

 

 

Well I have to say I am not too suprise that you like the Grant Dunne version better.. but I do like this one a lot too. ha. I enjoy Garner and Day.. almost all the way through.. and I really like your sweet Thelma too. She's so droll.. with her one liners.. and how she ends up keeping things together for Doris Day while things are falling apart for James Garner. ha. I am glad you got to see it.. if only so you compare the two, I guess.

 

 

 

Oh, and then there's this

 

 

 

Ha.. um.. uh.. well now.. that was SOMETHING wasn't it?? ha. But HEY.. when they got to the part about Harrisburg I was so surprised.. who KNEW you folks out east were so "midwestern" with all those tractors. Here in KC we like to soup them UP a bit and make them PULL weights for competition... yeah baby.. ha. I have not been to a good ole' boy style tractor pull in AGES.. but ha.. they can be a whole lot of fun (if you have ear plugs)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Feb 3, 2013 10:57 PM

[MissGoddess]

It's been a while since I've seen *The Tall Target* but I remember being surprised at how good it was, too. A different sort of setting for a mystery...you even get a train. Powell is wonderful in such roles, I agree.

 

And I think the movie Ro was referring to with "Adolphe" is *We're No Angels*.

[rohanaka]

 

the movie Ro was referring to with "Adolphe

 

 

OH!! Yes it is, little darlin'. You are exactly right.. I thought he was saying he did not know what movie from his previous list that I was referrring to (about not having been able to watch it yet) That was the Barry F. ,movie I THINK that you all were discussing several weeks ago.)

 

 

But ha.. you might be right.. maybe THAT was what the Grey Dude meant.. ha.. maybe he was in denial of the full "power" of my arsenal and forgot about dear Adolphe. ha.

 

 

Either way.. thanks for bringing him up.. ha. I like that you threw Adolphe back in the limelight for me.. ha. He needs a good "romp" out of his box now and then.

 

 

[MissGoddess]

My pleasure! I also wanted to "nudge" him to maybe watch *We're No Angels*. It has his Joan Bennett in the cast so she can take the "sting" out of watching. ha ha.

[FrankGrimes]

*It's been a while since I've seen The Tall Target but I remember being surprised at how good it was, too. A different sort of setting for a mystery...you even get a train.*

 

I don't know if Quiet Gal has seen this one, but I believe she'd really enjoy it. The concept of a "historical" mystery is great fun. I liked the different twists. The train really adds to the tension. I can see why Hitchcock loved such a setting. I certainly like films set on trains.

 

*Powell is wonderful in such roles, I agree.*

 

I just love his style of detective. He's seemingly always getting knocked out, too.

 

*And I think the movie Ro was referring to with "Adolphe" is We're No Angels. *

 

Oh, Silly Goose. I actually do know that reference because I read a bit of what was written about the film in "Rambles." Quiet Gal was right, I didn't know the film from my last list that she said she wanted to see. It's *The Naked City*.

 

As luck would have it, *We're No Angels* went from OOP to being available for six bucks. I did order it and I should get it tomorrow. I'll watch it in the next group.

[rohanaka]

 

I don't know if Quiet Gal has seen this one, but I believe she'd really enjoy it. The concept of a "historical" mystery is great fun. I liked the different twists. The train really adds to the tension. I can see why Hitchcock loved such a setting. I certainly like films set on trains

 

 

Bah!! ha. I got ahead of myself when I was working on my last post to you (my computer locked up and I had to start all over again.. ) and I MISSED commenting on that one. I have NOT seen it.. but I was going to mention in my last reply to you that I like the way you compare it to TLV (one that I really like) I think if I recall correctly TTT was one that has been on TCM in the not too distant past.. and I remember some were talking about it (and I thought THEN wow... I wish I had caught it) and now reading what you have said.. I will definitely try to find it if I can.. I would like to check it out.

 

 

It's *The Naked City*

 

 

That's IT.. ha. You just saved me from having to go WAAYYYYY on back through the pages to find it. ha. I hoped to find it on youtube.. but I don't think it is there if I recall correctly. I will keep my eye out for it.

 

 

As luck would have it, *We're No Angels* went from OOP to being available for six bucks. I did order it and I should get it tomorrow. I'll watch it in the next group

 

 

Woo hoo.. I hope you like my sweet little Adolphe.. ha. He's the star of the show!!

 

 

[MissGoddess]

> I don't know if Quiet Gal has seen this one, but I believe she'd really enjoy it. The concept of a "historical" mystery is great fun. I liked the different twists. The train really adds to the tension. I can see why Hitchcock loved such a setting. I certainly like films set on trains.

>

 

Trains and movies just seem to go together.

 

> *Powell is wonderful in such roles, I agree.*

>

> I just love his style of detective. He's seemingly always getting knocked out, too.

>

 

 

ha! is that ever the truth. "A black pool opened up under my feet." I think that line is forever linked in my mind with Dick Powell.

 

 

> *And I think the movie Ro was referring to with "Adolphe" is We're No Angels. *

>

> Oh, Silly Goose. I actually do know that reference because I read a bit of what was written about the film in "Rambles." Quiet Gal was right, I didn't know the film from my last list that she said she wanted to see. It's *The Naked City*.

>

> As luck would have it, *We're No Angels* went from OOP to being available for six bucks. I did order it and I should get it tomorrow. I'll watch it in the next group.

 

That's brilliant! And I agree with Ro, little Adolphe steals the show.

[FrankGrimes]

*Trains and movies just seem to go together. *

 

I love the entire idea of it. The sound, the claustrophobia, the mingling of strangers, the hiding of emotions and actions since everyone is on top of each other, the passing countryside...

 

*ha! is that ever the truth. "A black pool opened up under my feet." I think that line is forever linked in my mind with Dick Powell.*

 

That's usually the scene I think of first with Dick Powell.

 

 

 

*That's brilliant! And I agree with Ro, little Adolphe steals the show. *

 

I hope not! There's Joanie and Bogie!

[MissGoddess]

> I love the entire idea of it. The sound, the claustrophobia, the mingling of strangers, the hiding of emotions and actions since everyone is on top of each other, the passing countryside...

>

 

Arrivals and departures. Even class divisions (1st Class, 2nd, 3rd, etc).

 

 

> I hope not! There's Joanie and Bogie!

>

 

And Basil! But I confess little Adolphe is quite a scene stealer for someone you never ssssssee.

[CineMaven]

Whoa Grimesy! Why you are a real lean mean movie-watchin', screen cappin' machine.

 

*23. Marked Woman -- This is one of the more unique films that I watched in this group. It's a woman's gangster flick with a "Stage Door" feel. I can't say that I've ever seen such a film like it. Quite a few big moments done 30s style. The biggest relates to Betty (Jane Bryan), who plays Bette Davis' younger sister in the film. Bette is very "Bette," here. She's quite good. Bogie plays a young district attorney. He's not very "Bogie." Eduardo Ciannelli is the most interesting of performers. He's ruthlessly good.*

 

I like how you laid out your presentation. Some of my favorites didn't fare too well with you but I was happy to read "MARKED WOMAN" made the cut. A woman's gangster flick...

 

 

Yeah. Bette ain't a-scared of no gangster. My girl was right up in Cianelli's face. ( To think, he was so sweet and gentle in *"The Constant Nymph."* )

[FrankGrimes]

*And Basil! But I confess little Adolphe is quite a scene stealer for someone you never ssssssee.*

 

And you are sssssssssssilly. I'm still waiting for you at the summerhouse.

 

So why do you *The Lemon Drop Kid*, *The Ghost Breakers*, and *It Started in Naples* the most?

[MissGoddess]

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}*And Basil! But I confess little Adolphe is quite a scene stealer for someone you never ssssssee.*

>

> And you are sssssssssssilly. I'm still waiting for you at the summerhouse.

>

 

Adolphe is coming instead!

 

> So why do you *The Lemon Drop Kid*, *The Ghost Breakers*, and *It Started in Naples* the most?

 

They get funnier and funnier each time i watch them. I think TLDK is Hope playing his trademark character I like best (also in The Princess and the Pirate). I love the whole schtick when he first gets to Brainy's place...stealing the Dachshund's little sweater, primping in the mirror, picking up his photograph from Brainy's dustbin the minute he walks in her door...stuff like that kills me.

 

And, that supporting cast is about the best he ever had assembled in one picture.

 

Like you, I got a big kick out of Willie Best in *The Ghost Breakers*, He really stole that movie. I like seeing a character like Bob Hope (or Lou Costello) in a spooky movie setting. It's so funny. And this movie is much funnier than *The Cat and the Canary*, which is also with Paulette. I love Hope and Paulette, they're a good couple.

 

I was like you about *It Stated in Naples* the first few times I saw it. I mostly liked it for the scenery. But the last couple of times I really enjoyed the lines and just the whole clash of stuffy, materialistic American culture with laid back (lazy) Italian dolce vita. It's hard to believe Gable as an uptight Philadelphia lawyer, but he's spot on with the sarcastic lines and his reactions, I thought. Even Nando didn't bother me. It's a thin plot but a really funny script. Vittorio De Sica is hilarious as the Neopolitan lawyer and Sophia was wonderfully funny.

 

Edited by: MissGoddess on Feb 8, 2013 11:33 AM

[FrankGrimes]

Good day, Queen of the Furies -- *Howdy there Jabez.. hmm.. the good word is.. hmm.. BLANKETS ha. (OH me.. I have been cold for 4 days. ha.) It was a bit warmer today.. but I think I still had to thaw out from YESTERDAY.. so I am still hearing my teeth chatter... ha. Maybe next week will be a bit less brutal for our temps.. I hope.*

 

And here in the northeast, we are bracing for a blizzard. Although Harrisburg is on the fringe of this. At worst, we may have five inches of snow. That's nothing. Jackie, Lively Gal, and Snippy are near the bullseye. Particularly Jackie.

 

 

Is everyone over the flu in your home?

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Oh I think you might have misunderstood my meaning when I said I thought he was "right" because I TOTALLY agree that he should have been looking for a chance to sabatoge it. I only meant that he was right to want to keep the men organzied and occupied.. and to stand his ground w/ Saito. (though I do confess almost to the point of lunacy) I think keeping his men from being demoralized and from going "stir crazy" and from being misused by the Japanese and "blamed" for not building the bridge would have been much better than letting them get dragged down by feelings of defeat and despair. It was not wrong for him to put then to work.*

 

Oh, I see what you mean. I was definitely on Nicholson's side at the outset, but the way the film unfolded, I started to reflect back on his stand and started to realize there is more ego involved in his stance for rights more than anything. But his willingness to go in the "hot box" for his men, as we are led to believe early on, is admirable and noble and it definitely united the men and placed them squarely behind him. I was behind him, at that point, too. Then as I got to know Nicholson, I started to realize it was more about him than anything else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Where we agree is (about what he did that WAS wrong.) is that he SHOULD have done whatI believe many of his men THOUGHT he was doing and led them in a plan to TRICK the Japanese into believeing he was cooperating. And then secretly work against the success of the bridge all in plain sight. (as in "psstt. the old man say, only hammer every third nail boys,pass it on) He could even make it LOOK like he was improving things.. go ahead and move the bridge.. go ahead and organize the workers better, etc.. but still create the "perfect" bridge with built in weaknesses.. and the whammo.. just let that train come across and go crashing straight down.. etc, etc.*

 

 

Precisely. Although, that could have led to them all being slaughtered. But there were no guarantees that wouldn't happen after they built the perfect bridge (as they did), too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Nicholson just went .. ha.. a "bridge too far" in FORGETTING somewhere along the line what his real "duty" was.. and he used his men to help him do it.. even if they did not KNOW that they had been used that way. (because I think most of them really DID think he was going to do SOMETHING against the Japanese..and they were just waiting for him to do it.. but he never did.)*

 

I do agree with that. After his stance for the men, they were on his side. The doctor questioned him, but only because he was close to Nicholson and was privy to Nicholson's personal opinions and the meetings with Saito. David Lean does a great job of slowly revealing Nicholson to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Oh I don't know. I think the ending was tragic.. but perfect all at the same time (right down to moment w/ Shears and beyond) I really liked the "madness" angle. It made the whole thing come together (at least for me) by the end of it all.*

 

It's a great ending. You know it's a great ending when differing emotions for the same character emerge. Jackie is crying over Nicholson and I want him dead!

 

 

 

 

 

*HA.. well you go watch it and then come back and tell ME if you think it is a chick flick or not. (and ps.. if it IS.. It is not like any sort of USUAL chick flick I have seen lately ha. I am hoping to get a copy of this sometime soon so I can watch it too.. I have not seen it in AGES and would love to watch it again before I blab with you about it all...I'll see what I can work out. Meanwhile I'll be on the edge of my seat to find out how BADLY I ruined your Christmas or not.. HA! ;D*

 

But *The Bridge on the River Kwai* is very good! And even if *So Proudly We Hail* is a "chick flick," that's all right. I didn't ask you for films you thought I'd like. I asked for some of your favorites.

 

*I really enjoyed all the comments on your latest list. It is fun to read your thoughts and get an idea for how you based some of your rankings (meaning why you liked some more than others, etc)*

 

 

Thank you. It actually took me six hours to do all of that. But it wasn't like I was busting my tail to finish it in two hours.

 

 

*And THANKS for the links too (JUBAL.. woo hoo.. I was hoping I could watch this one again soon.. its been a good long time since I saw it and I was hoping to watch so I could blab a bit w/ you about it.. I will try to check it out again soon.. it really is a very good film for Ford and Borgnine both.*

 

 

I wanted to try and provide others with a chance to watch any of the films, so I checked YouTube. *Jubal* feels like a "Shakespearean" western. It's quite good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*I am going to try and get to this one too.. I am not sure WHAT I am going to think of it.. given some of the subject matter.. but I do want to see how it all plays out.. ha. You've got me curious for sure.*

 

 

I believe *Detective Story* will interest you and you'll find it thought-provoking, at the least.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*BAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha.. I have to say I have AVOIDED this movie like the PLAGUE. ha. But I DO confess I have struggled with A) HB for YEARS (and only RECENTLY have come to appreciate him and his acting) and I am no huge fan of "older" Kate films either. She tends to rub me the wrong way as she gets older.. not always.. there ARE some I like.. but ha.. this one has NOT stood out for me, ever. Tell me something about it that will make me change my mind and want to watch it.. go on.. I DARE you. *

 

It's completely your kind of film because it's about an older couple who works for the other, thus making them the perfect couple. It's really a film about marriage. Of the "Ramblers," I'd say you'd appreciate the subject the very most. The reality of marriage isn't a pretty thing and this shows that to be true. Marriage is only a pretty thing when you love each other that much. *The African Queen* shows all of this. It's the perfect companion film for *The Quiet Man*, which is arguably the best film about courtship.

 

 

I can tell you that if I was on the "African Queen" with Snippy, I would be constantly getting an earful on how horrible I was.

 

 

*Have you ever seen The Three Musketeers?? (Gene Kelly, Van Heflin, Lana Turner, June Allyson, Vincent Price, et al, ha)*

 

No, when you asked. But I've since watched it for you.

 

*It is a family favorite.. the kidling LOVES it (she even asked for it for her BIRTHDAY this year.. ha. so we let her buy it with some of her B-day money) now admittedly.. she IS a bit "nutso" for Gene Kelly.. but ha.. JUST to put your mind at ease.. this is NO musical..and he really is a LOT of fun in this one.. and I have to say.. I think the story is a VERY nice mix of dark (with the light) that you may even find something to like in it. (OH that Lana... OH ME is she EVER evil.. to the CORE!! In fact.. she MAY be one of the most evil female villians I have ever enjoyed watching.. maybe not my most favorite EVER.. but again.. among the most EVIL ever for sure.) OH.. ha.. and Keenan Wynn is a hoot.. ha. I would be interested in your take on it.. if you are looking for something new to watch sometime.*

 

I can't believe your daughter would like such a film! I'm amazed! I'm always thrilled to hear when kids like classic film. And to ask to own them? Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed. I wish I had been that open-minded and smart when I was her age. It took me until my late-20s to get to where she is now.

 

 

 

 

 

*OH me.. now as much as I DO love my Duke..I have to confess his films of this nature have NEVER stood out to interest me.. ha. but I might have to give it a try.. based on your comments here.. maybe.. perhaps.. if I can make myself.. ha.. this might have to be one of those "convince me" movies.. ha. Maybe I'll give it a try right after you convince me to watch The African Queen. ha. *

 

*Brannigan* is tougher to recommend, unless you just want to watch it for the humor. There's a decent amount of humor in the film with John Wayne being the stirrer of that pot. The actual police/criminal story falls real flat. And the climax to the film is silly as can be. Conversely, *McQ* is actually a good police/crime story with a terrific climax. Before I watched McQ, I was expecting lots of "cheese." I thought I'd also feel disoriented seeing John Wayne as "Dirty Harry." I was more than okay with him as a cop. I think it fits him well.

 

 

 

 

 

*Well I have to say I am not too suprise that you like the Grant Dunne version better.. but I do like this one a lot too. ha. I enjoy Garner and Day.. almost all the way through.. and I really like your sweet Thelma too. She's so droll.. with her one liners.. and how she ends up keeping things together for Doris Day while things are falling apart for James Garner. ha. I am glad you got to see it.. if only so you compare the two, I guess.*

 

I thought *My Favorite Wife* told the story better, particularly the "other man" side of the story. Randolph Scott is more involved compared to Chuck Connors. James Garner is okay with me, it's just he's nothing close to Cary Grant. I'm talking about my own personal feelings about each. I also prefer Irene Dunne to Doris Day in this film. I do like Doris, but Irene works so well with Cary. What I don't like about *My Favorite Wife* is the very end. It's a little similar to *The Awful Truth*, in that regard. I've grown to like the ending of the latter, but when I first saw it, I wasn't too enthused by it.

 

 

 

 

 

*Ha.. um.. uh.. well now.. that was SOMETHING wasn't it?? ha. But HEY.. when they got to the part about Harrisburg I was so surprised.. who KNEW you folks out east were so "midwestern" with all those tractors. Here in KC we like to soup them UP a bit and make them PULL weights for competition... yeah baby.. ha. I have not been to a good ole' boy style tractor pull in AGES.. but ha.. they can be a whole lot of fun (if you have ear plugs) *

 

Most of Pennsylvania is rather "midwestern." Lots of pick-up trucks and hunters. I've grown up around such guys.

 

I went to a monster truck/tractor-pull when I was a wee one. Talk about going deaf! I liked seeing the competition when I was a kid. It was a different kind of spectacle, that's for sure.

 

*Bah!! ha. I got ahead of myself when I was working on my last post to you (my computer locked up and I had to start all over again.. ) and I MISSED commenting on that one. I have NOT seen it.. but I was going to mention in my last reply to you that I like the way you compare it to TLV (one that I really like) I think if I recall correctly TTT was one that has been on TCM in the not too distant past.. and I remember some were talking about it (and I thought THEN wow... I wish I had caught it) and now reading what you have said.. I will definitely try to find it if I can.. I would like to check it out.*

 

 

I'm pretty sure *The Tall Target* would be a film you'd like. It's not as charming as *The Lady Vanishes*, but it features some similarities and good twists.

 

*Woo hoo.. I hope you like my sweet little Adolphe.. ha. He's the star of the show!! *

 

You're no angel!

[FrankGrimes]

*Adolphe is coming instead!*

 

But it's nice and warm here in the summerhouse.

 

*They get funnier and funnier each time i watch them. I think TLDK is Hope playing his trademark character I like best (also in The Princess and the Pirate). I love the whole schtick when he first gets to Brainy's place...stealing the Dachshund's little sweater, primping in the mirror, picking up his photograph from Brainy's dustbin the minute he walks in her door...stuff like that kills me.*

 

So you like seeing him vain? I like when he's that way, too. I love his cowardice, the most.

 

*And, that supporting cast is about the best he ever had assembled in one picture.*

 

They are really enjoyable in *The Lemon Drop Kid*. I just loved the "mug" Santas. I love the mix of comedy and sweetness.

 

*Like you, I got a big kick out of Willie Best in The Ghost Breakers, He really stole that movie.*

 

I completely agree. He is where the majority of the comedy comes from. He had me laughing the most. I like Willie Best.

 

*I like seeing a character like Bob Hope (or Lou Costello) in a spooky movie setting. It's so funny.*

 

And I'd say Bob was more like "Bud Abbott" in this one, although he was still on the scared side. Willie was playing "Lou Costello."

 

I do love these kind of films because they remind me of Scooby Doo, one of my all-time favorite shows.

 

*And this movie is much funnier than The Cat and the Canary, which is also with Paulette. I love Hope and Paulette, they're a good couple.*

 

That will be the next "Bob Hope" film I'll watch. I mostly like Paulette. I still like her best in *North West Mounted Police*.

 

*I was like you about It Stated in Naples the first few times I saw it. I mostly liked it for the scenery. But the last couple of times I really enjoyed the lines and just the whole clash of stuffy, materialistic American culture with laid back (lazy) Italian dolce vita. It's hard to believe Gable as an uptight Philadelphia lawyer, but he's spot on with the sarcastic lines and his reactions, I thought. Even Nando didn't bother me. It's a thin plot but a really funny script. Vittorio De Sica is hilarious as the Neopolitan lawyer and Sophia was wonderfully funny.*

 

This is a film where I felt the stars were right on point and wonderful but the story just didn't do much for me. I like the romantic ending, but the romance in the film doesn't connect with me. I think the backdrop of it being a legalistic matter made it a less-interesting film.

[FrankGrimes]

Hola, Lively Gal -- *Whoa Grimesy! Why you are a real lean mean movie-watchin', screen cappin' machine.*

 

But I need to get to talking about them!

 

*I like how you laid out your presentation. Some of my favorites didn't fare too well with you but I was happy to read "MARKED WOMAN" made the cut. A woman's gangster flick...*

 

 

 

 

*Yeah. Bette ain't a-scared of no gangster. My girl was right up in Cianelli's face. ( To think, he was so sweet and gentle in "The Constant Nymph." )*

 

 

I don't even remember him from *The Constant Nymph* ! He was fantastic in *Marked Woman*. I liked the battle between he and Bette.

[rohanaka]

And here in the northeast, we are bracing for a blizzard. Although Harrisburg is on the fringe of this. At worst, we may have five inches of snow. That's nothing. Jackie, Lively Gal, and Snippy are near the bullseye. Particularly Jackie

 

 

 

I know!! Last week was brutal around here with the extreme (I do mean extreme) cold weather and some light snow. But wowsa.. you Easteners really know how to do winter. ha. I am glad your area is not as bad.. but do hope the rest are not going to be as bad off as they say. Will be praying you all weather the storm a-ok.

 

 

 

Is everyone over the flu in your home

 

 

 

Um... that is a sore subject with me right now. ha The kidling and the QT both seem to be finally over it all. (thankfully) I STILL have some "stuff" and I am not sure why. Mostly it is just this annyong cough and a bit of "goo" Otherwise I feel pretty much ok. But UGH.. the hacky cough just won't let me be.. and it has been over 3 wks now. So I am about to give up and go to the doc.. but what is he gonna tell me. ha. Hey.. you have a hacky cough. ha. So we'll see what happens, blah, blah.

 

 

 

Oh, I see what you mean. I was definitely on Nicholson's side at the outset, but the way the film unfolded, I started to reflect back on his stand and started to realize there is more ego involved in his stance for rights more than anything

 

 

 

Then as I got to know Nicholson, I started to realize it was more about him than anything else

 

 

 

OH absolutely. That is a perfect way to describe him. I think he would be the kinda guy who would spend a week and a a half arguing whether a teacup is ivory.. or ecru. ha. (and never back down) But by then the tea would have about evaporated out of the cup!

 

 

 

But did you notice how easily he gave up on his principle when the deadline was fast aproaching and they had not finished.. all of a sudden the officers COULD work right along side the men.. hmm... So he had a level of pride that must have exceeded his need to be "right" about a fine point.

 

 

 

The doctor questioned him, but only because he was close to Nicholson and was privy to Nicholson's personal opinions and the meetings with Saito. David Lean does a great job of slowly revealing Nicholson to us

 

 

 

It is almost a thing of beauty the way he is more or less gradually "unrolled" for us.. ha. Like his bridge schematics.. a little at first.. and then FLING the whole "plan" of what he is really like is laying there for us to see. That first bridge planning meeting they have with Saito really IS a thing of beauty. ha. First they start out w/ Saito at the helm.. but then Nicholson sort of automatically takes charge and they are no longer prison keeper and prisoner. More like client and contractor. "I say... could we have a spot of tea brought in" ha. And then a bit later.. "Do you suppose we could bring in a meal.. " and then by the end he is telling Saito.. "You'll have to have your men working.. " etc etc.. and WHAMMO Saito is this little "underling" now.. and all he can do is sit there and spout, "I have already given the orders" through his gritted teeth. ha. A thing of beauty indeed. And it NEVER changes from there on out.

 

 

 

You know it's a great ending when differing emotions for the same character emerge. Jackie is crying over Nicholson and I want him dead

 

 

 

Ha.. yes.. and I am somewhere caught in the middle. HA. I think it HAD to end with Nicholson dying.. I even thought it was so poetic the WAY He died.. and I DO have some sympathy for him in that way.. so I guess I am a mix between the two of you. ha.

 

 

 

But *The Bridge on the River Kwai* is very good! And even if *So Proudly We Hail* is a "chick flick," that's all right. I didn't ask you for films you thought I'd like. I asked for some of your favorites

 

 

 

Well.. I am just so please that you LIKED TBOTRK. That really made my day to hear it. ha. (after me giving you so much grief for it for so long) I do hope you like SPWH. (and I also REALLY hope I get to see it before you finish off your latest batch.. ha.. though the way you watch movies.. you likely have already, you movie watching machine, you.

 

 

 

It actually took me six hours to do all of that

 

 

 

I can believe it. Its a lot of work to put that screencaps and the writing and the youtubes all together. It made for a fun read though.. thanks for taking all that time.

 

 

 

I wanted to try and provide others with a chance to watch any of the films, so I checked YouTube. *Jubal *feels like a "Shakespearean" western. It's quite good

 

 

 

I think that is a great comparison. I am HOPING to get to re-watch that one again this weekend (thanks again for the youtube link) I think "Shakesperarean" is a GREAT way to describe it. (ha. Does this mean we are going to end up going round and round and ROUND over this one like we did with The Furies.. ha. because I think THAT one could be described that way too.. In fact I think someone brought that UP during our long long LONG rumble, I mean ramble. ha.)

 

 

 

It's completely your kind of film because it's about an older couple who works for the other, thus making them the perfect couple. It's really a film about marriage. Of the "Ramblers," I'd say you'd appreciate the subject the very most. The reality of marriage isn't a pretty thing and this shows that to be true. Marriage is only a pretty thing when you love each other that much. *The African Queen *shows all of this. It's the perfect companion film for *The Quiet Man*, which is arguably the best film about courtship

 

 

 

WHAT? They're MARRIED in this one?? Now why did I never know that.. ha. I always thought she was a passenger.. or something.. and.. oh I don't even KNOW what I am talking about.. ha. because DUH.. did I never mention that I have never been able to make myself WATCH this one???? Ha. Ok.. Ok.. since you invoked my beloved TQM now I guess I have to MAKE myself at least TRY to watch it. OH for pity's sake. What IS the world coming to when the Grey Dude has me watching a LOVE story (of all things) ha.. even if it IS between two bickering old married people. OH me.. this will never do that YOU should watch sucha movie and I haven't.

 

 

 

But I've since watched it for you

 

 

 

And how badly did you hate it??????????????

 

 

 

I can't believe your daughter would like such a film! I'm amazed! I'm always thrilled to hear when kids like classic film. And to ask to own them? Wow! I'm thoroughly impressed. I wish I had been that open-minded and smart when I was her age. It took me until my late-20s to get to where she is now

 

 

 

Well.. ha.. in your defense I bet you did not have a mother who watched old movies and TCM all the time.. ha. It HAS sort of influenced her movie watching tastes to be exposed to them so often as a younger kid. But now I DO pick and choose for her.. I think she is still too young for some themes in some movies (even if they may not BE as violent as the many movies that get made today) Still.. it is refreshing that she enjoys a lot of my old "favorites" and she is a big fan of the DUKE too. (though she only knows him from some of his less "gritty" westerns.

 

 

 

As for Gene Kelly.. a couple of years ago TCM had him on I think during Summer Under the Stars and we spent a good part of that time watching him dance and sing around all over the place. ha. One of the last ones they showed for him was The Three Musketeers. So since it was a no school day, I let her stay up and we watched that one too.. and I remember her asking, "Mama is Gene Kelly in this movie too? And I said something like, "Yes.. it is is Gene Kelly day" or something.. ha. And she said.. "Is he going to sing or dance in this one?" and I said.. "Nope, its not a musical" And then ha.. this shy little voice (which is rare for her) pipes up and says.. "I really like Gene Kelly" and I said.. "What do you like most about him?" (expecting her to say something like "his singing or dancing") but ha.. imagine my surprise when she said 'HIS HEAD" and I said "WHAT??" And she said "He has nice hair!" Ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her first crush.. and it was GENE KELLY! TOO cute.. Justin Beiber eat your heart out.

 

 

 

And that was like almost two years ago and she STILL seems to be a "Gene-o-phile" ha. She loves to find movies for him at the library (she also likes The Pirate) and she REALLY enjoyed getting to go the BIG theater this summer when TCM had that special showing of Singing in The Rain. (which she got a copy of that movie for Christmas) So I guess it was only natural that when she got her B-day money (in the form of a Wal mart Gift Card) we had to go online and see if they had The Three Musketeers. ha. That is the one she asked for.. and thankfully they had it. (so HEY.. I have learned I can shop online.. even without using a debit card.. ha.. my technophobia is intact and the kidling got a favorite movie for her b-day)

 

 

 

Now lest you think she is a TOTAL classic movie junkie..ha.. you'll be relieve to know that she ALSO has a huge "thing" right now for The Avengers and How to Train Your Dragon. (you once agreed with me that I must have the movie-watching tastest of a 12 yr old boy sometimes.. ha.. she must be inheriting THAT from me too.. poor kid)

 

 

 

James Garner is okay with me, it's just he's nothing close to Cary Grant

 

 

 

Well see.. I do concede your point despite the fact that I love them both.. but I don't know why.. I just think Gardner does a better job of showing his exasperation for the whole situation in the way he sort of falls apart.. ha. But I confess it has been a long time since I saw Cary's version..and I have only seen it maybe once.. whereas I have seen the Gardner Day version at least a half a gazillion times growing up (so that might be why I prefer it too)

 

 

 

I'm pretty sure *The Tall Target *would be a film you'd like. It's not as charming as *The Lady Vanishes*, but it features some similarities and good twists

 

 

 

I am eager to look for it. I am planning to go the library this weekend so I will see if it is t here. I hope to get a chance to see it sometime.

 

 

 

Most of Pennsylvania is rather "midwestern." Lots of pick-up trucks and hunters I've grown up around such guys

 

 

 

Ha.. Well I did not grow up around them (truck driving hunter guys, that is) but all three of my younger brothers did turn INTO them after I was grown up. ha.

 

 

 

I went to a monster truck/tractor-pull when I was a wee one. Talk about going deaf! I liked seeing the competition when I was a kid. It was a different kind of spectacle, that's for sure

 

 

 

Well.. ha.. it IS an acquired taste, I imagine. I can't say I am any big fan. It has been AGES since I went to one (decades maybe??) But I can say that some of it can be fun.. I like the horsepulls too.. at least they aren't as loud. ha. But though they are hard to watch sometimes.. those horses seem to really snort and pull and strain to pull those sleds. But they do seem to enjoy the challenge too. you can tell they are rarin' to go the minute they are turned loose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personally though... ha.. my favorite part of a tractor pull has always been THIS sort of event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're no angel

 

 

 

HA!!!!!!!!!!! Well I gotta confess.. ha.. you are right about that. That's one thing I believe I can safely say has NEVER been said about ME.

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Feb 8, 2013 9:13 PM

[MissGoddess]

> So you like seeing him vain? I like when he's that way, too. I love his cowardice, the most.

>

 

Vain, smug and cowardly. Such terrible qualities yet men like Hope (and in a different way, Jack Benny) can make them SO funny and not at all hateful.

 

He's just such a happy guy who never stays down for long.

 

> They are really enjoyable in *The Lemon Drop Kid*. I just loved the "mug" Santas. I love the mix of comedy and sweetness.

>

 

One of the biggest laughs for me is "Fred Mertz" and his cranky Santa. He already was "Fred", down to the ground.

 

> And I'd say Bob was more like "Bud Abbott" in this one, although he was still on the scared side. Willie was playing "Lou Costello."

>

 

That's true! You're right, Willie had more of the comic reactions and Hope the straighter lines. I did like Hope's joke when the lightning flashed: "Basil Rathbone must be giving a party."

 

> I do love these kind of films because they remind me of Scooby Doo, one of my all-time favorite shows.

>

 

It's an irresistible combination. One of my favorite episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show ("Ghost of A. Chantz") is a page from that book.

 

 

> This is a film where I felt the stars were right on point and wonderful but the story just didn't do much for me. I like the romantic ending, but the romance in the film doesn't connect with me. I think the backdrop of it being a legalistic matter made it a less-interesting film.

>

 

That may be why I was cool on it at first, too. At this point I don't even pay attention to that except for De Sica's manipulations, which is so Italian.

 

I love Sophia's lazy sloppiness. It's not often you see a beautiful glamor girl play a character like that and she's terribly funny.

 

I get what you mean about Jimmy Garner vs. Grant. When it comes to comedy I do think Grant is king, especially light, romantic comedy. But I have to admit that Garner's reaction when he first saw Doris had me laughing way harder than Grant's. Like Ro said, he's great with exasperation and though Chuck's not as much in the picture, Jim is hilariously bugged by him.

 

I love Thelma, too, but I felt she was underused. She should have had more lines. Polly is annoying, but I think her character is supposed to be noxious.

 

Doris' jealousy at the hotel was very funny, but her Swedish masseuse act fell a little flat to me.

 

Did you know that this is the movie that Marilyn was filming when she got sacked and then died? Dean Martin was cast in Jim's role and Cyd Charisse was the bride.

[rohanaka]

 

Did you know that this is the movie that Marilyn was filming when she got sacked and then died? Dean Martin was cast in Jim's role and Cyd Charisse was the bride

 

 

Wowsa.. Talk about one of those "what if" moments. It would have been a WHOLE other film that way to be sure. Who knew??

 

 

PS.. I agree with you about Thelma.. I loved her wished she could have been there more.. ha.. and OH me.. is Polly EVER annoying. ha. (I DO hope that was an act!! )

 

 

[FrankGrimes]

*Vain, smug and cowardly. Such terrible qualities yet men like Hope (and in a different way, Jack Benny) can make them SO funny and not at all hateful.*

 

And those are my qualities! So that's why I'm taken as hateful!

 

*One of the biggest laughs for me is "Fred Mertz" and his cranky Santa. He already was "Fred", down to the ground.*

 

And that's a show I never really watched, so I'm not that familiar with his style.

 

 

*That's true! You're right, Willie had more of the comic reactions and Hope the straighter lines. I did like Hope's joke when the lightning flashed: "Basil Rathbone must be giving a party." *

 

I didn't get that joke.

 

 

*It's an irresistible combination. One of my favorite episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show ("Ghost of A. Chantz") is a page from that book.*

 

It's been a while since you've watched that show, right?

 

 

 

 

 

*That may be why I was cool on it at first, too. At this point I don't even pay attention to that except for De Sica's manipulations, which is so Italian.*

 

He's all right in the film. He does bring a strong Italian presence to the picture.

 

 

*I love Sophia's lazy sloppiness. It's not often you see a beautiful glamor girl play a character like that and she's terribly funny.*

 

I found all of that to be adorable.

 

 

*I get what you mean about Jimmy Garner vs. Grant. When it comes to comedy I do think Grant is king, especially light, romantic comedy. But I have to admit that Garner's reaction when he first saw Doris had me laughing way harder than Grant's. Like Ro said, he's great with exasperation and though Chuck's not as much in the picture, Jim is hilariously bugged by him.*

 

But what I loved about Cary is that he saw a way to get back at Irene. That's what I loved. All of that is played up much more in *My Favorite Wife*. It barely registers a blip in *Move Over, Darling*.

 

*I love Thelma, too, but I felt she was underused. She should have had more lines.*

 

Thelma is always wonderful to me. But she's definitely underused, here.

 

*Polly is annoying, but I think her character is supposed to be noxious.*

 

Oh, it's not her character that I have a problem with. It's her shrieking. Her smoker-voice drives me up a wall. I greatly prefer Gail Patrick.

 

 

*Doris' jealousy at the hotel was very funny, but her Swedish masseuse act fell a little flat to me.*

 

Doris' exaggerated responses are mostly enjoyable. I was all right with her. But I feel Irene was better, especially with the mother aspect.

 

 

*Did you know that this is the movie that Marilyn was filming when she got sacked and then died? Dean Martin was cast in Jim's role and Cyd Charisse was the bride.*

 

I didn't know that until I watched the extras on the DVD. What a sad situation. It sounded like Dean was very supportive of Marilyn and her problems. I can't see Dean or Marilyn in such a film. Cyd fits.

[MissGoddess]

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

> Did you know that this is the movie that Marilyn was filming when she got sacked and then died? Dean Martin was cast in Jim's role and Cyd Charisse was the bride

>

> Wowsa.. Talk about one of those "what if" moments. It would have been a WHOLE other film that way to be sure. Who knew??

>

 

I can't see it being quite so funny. The energy wouldn't be the same, at least.

 

This is one of the scenes from Something's Got to Give, Marilyn with the kids (it was culled together by Fox from many takes so that you kind of get the feel for what the resulting movie might have been like):

 

 

 

 

>

> PS.. I agree with you about Thelma.. I loved her wished she could have been there more.. ha.. and OH me.. is Polly EVER annoying. ha. (I DO hope that was an act!! )

>

 

ha! Growing up this was all I knew of Polly and I thought she was the most annoying thing. Then I saw CAPE FEAR and had new respect for her.

[MissGoddess]

> And those are my qualities! So that's why I'm taken as hateful!

>

 

And more!

 

> *One of the biggest laughs for me is "Fred Mertz" and his cranky Santa. He already was "Fred", down to the ground.*

>

>

> And that's a show I never really watched, so I'm not that familiar with his style.

>

 

Just what you see there, VERY grumpy.

 

>

> *That's true! You're right, Willie had more of the comic reactions and Hope the straighter lines. I did like Hope's joke when the lightning flashed: "Basil Rathbone must be giving a party." *

>

>

> I didn't get that joke.

>

 

No? I think because of all the Sherlocks and their ambiance of spooky dark houses, etc.

 

>

> It's been a while since you've watched that show, right?

>

 

I watch it almost every night on Me-TV.

 

> He's all right in the film. He does bring a strong Italian presence to the picture.

>

 

I loved that they showed the Italians favoring a woman no matter what the judicial aspects were.

 

> But what I loved about Cary is that he saw a way to get back at Irene. That's what I loved. All of that is played up much more in *My Favorite Wife*. It barely registers a blip in *Move Over, Darling*.

>

 

I forgot about that part. I don't remember what Grant did to get even? I remember mostly Irene's very funny routine.

 

> Oh, it's not her character that I have a problem with. It's her shrieking. Her smoker-voice drives me up a wall. I greatly prefer Gail Patrick.

>

 

ha! She does have a harsh voice and together with the bangle bracelet it's enough to make anyone crazy.

 

> I didn't know that until I watched the extras on the DVD. What a sad situation. It sounded like Dean was very supportive of Marilyn and her problems. I can't see Dean or Marilyn in such a film. Cyd fits.

>

 

It is sad to watch, especially the part with the children because she apparently wanted her own very much. Marilyn's character almost plays it totally straight, and very poignant. But I don't know how funny the whole thing would be. I actually think Cyd is the one odd note. I don't find her funny. Very beautiful though. Poor George (Cukor)!

[FrankGrimes]

*I know!! Last week was brutal around here with the extreme (I do mean extreme) cold weather and some light snow. But wowsa.. you Easteners really know how to do winter. ha. I am glad your area is not as bad.. but do hope the rest are not going to be as bad off as they say. Will be praying you all weather the storm a-ok.*

 

It's actually been another calm winter for us. We've received just over 10 inches of snow. Our average for the winter is about 32 inches. It's been the same for New England... until today.

 

About a week ago, we received two inches of rain. If it would have been colder, we would have been slammed with snow. Our temps have been just warm enough to avoid the tough stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Um... that is a sore subject with me right now. ha The kidling and the QT both seem to be finally over it all. (thankfully) I STILL have some "stuff" and I am not sure why. Mostly it is just this annyong cough and a bit of "goo" Otherwise I feel pretty much ok. But UGH.. the hacky cough just won't let me be.. and it has been over 3 wks now. So I am about to give up and go to the doc.. but what is he gonna tell me. ha. Hey.. you have a hacky cough. ha. So we'll see what happens, blah, blah. *

 

 

Coughs can hang around for three weeks to a month. They just linger and linger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*OH absolutely. That is a perfect way to describe him. I think he would be the kinda guy who would spend a week and a a half arguing whether a teacup is ivory.. or ecru. ha. (and never back down) But by then the tea would have about evaporated out of the cup!*

 

 

And heck if I know what "ecru" is!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*But did you notice how easily he gave up on his principle when the deadline was fast aproaching and they had not finished.. all of a sudden the officers COULD work right along side the men.. hmm... So he had a level of pride that must have exceeded his need to be "right" about a fine point.*

 

 

When he won out over Saito, his ego was assuaged. And with the bridge, he assumed command, so his ego really took off. It was all about his ability to command and lead that mattered the most to him. He needed to see the results he expected under his guidance. That was his driving motivation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*It is almost a thing of beauty the way he is more or less gradually "unrolled" for us.. ha. Like his bridge schematics.. a little at first.. and then FLING the whole "plan" of what he is really like is laying there for us to see. That first bridge planning meeting they have with Saito really IS a thing of beauty. ha. First they start out w/ Saito at the helm.. but then Nicholson sort of automatically takes charge and they are no longer prison keeper and prisoner. More like client and contractor. "I say... could we have a spot of tea brought in" ha. And then a bit later.. "Do you suppose we could bring in a meal.. " and then by the end he is telling Saito.. "You'll have to have your men working.. " etc etc.. and WHAMMO Saito is this little "underling" now.. and all he can do is sit there and spout, "I have already given the orders" through his gritted teeth. ha. A thing of beauty indeed. And it NEVER changes from there on out.*

 

 

There is one false note amongst all of that, to me. It's Saito. The way the entire bridge meeting plays out, it ends up being almost comical. Saito doesn't even say a thing. He's speechless. I can't see him being that way. But Lean was going a long way to show us how far off the deep end Nicholson was with his pride and ego.

 

 

*Ha.. yes.. and I am somewhere caught in the middle. HA. I think it HAD to end with Nicholson dying.. I even thought it was so poetic the WAY He died.. and I DO have some sympathy for him in that way.. so I guess I am a mix between the two of you. ha.*

 

 

Look at you, taking the middle ground! My feelings were with Shears, so I was worried about him dying at the end. And then to see Nicholson being the reason why he may die, I became even more angry with him. So Lean really toyed with my emotions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Well.. I am just so please that you LIKED TBOTRK. That really made my day to hear it. ha. (after me giving you so much grief for it for so long) I do hope you like SPWH. (and I also REALLY hope I get to see it before you finish off your latest batch.. ha.. though the way you watch movies.. you likely have already, you movie watching machine, you. *

 

 

I'm definitely watching it in this next group. And I'm already at 32 films with the next group.

 

 

*I can believe it. Its a lot of work to put that screencaps and the writing and the youtubes all together. It made for a fun read though.. thanks for taking all that time.*

 

 

I make it three times the work with my personality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*I think that is a great comparison. I am HOPING to get to re-watch that one again this weekend (thanks again for the youtube link) I think "Shakesperarean" is a GREAT way to describe it. (ha. Does this mean we are going to end up going round and round and ROUND over this one like we did with The Furies.. ha. because I think THAT one could be described that way too.. In fact I think someone brought that UP during our long long LONG rumble, I mean ramble. ha.)*

 

 

*The Furies* is very "Shakespearean." More so than *Jubal*. But *Jubal* has that feel, too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*WHAT? They're MARRIED in this one?? Now why did I never know that.. ha. I always thought she was a passenger.. or something.. and.. oh I don't even KNOW what I am talking about.. ha. because DUH.. did I never mention that I have never been able to make myself WATCH this one????*

 

 

No, you are right, they are not married. But what they go through together on the "African Queen" is marital. They are not two sweethearts dating or courting.

 

 

*Ha. Ok.. Ok.. since you invoked my beloved TQM now I guess I have to MAKE myself at least TRY to watch it. OH for pity's sake. What IS the world coming to when the Grey Dude has me watching a LOVE story (of all things) ha.. even if it IS between two bickering old married people. OH me.. this will never do that YOU should watch sucha movie and I haven't. *

 

 

Don't tell me I like love stories more than you. Actually, I'm pretty sure that I do.

 

 

*And how badly did you hate it?????????????? *

 

 

I can't say!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Well.. ha.. in your defense I bet you did not have a mother who watched old movies and TCM all the time.. ha. It HAS sort of influenced her movie watching tastes to be exposed to them so often as a younger kid. But now I DO pick and choose for her.. I think she is still too young for some themes in some movies (even if they may not BE as violent as the many movies that get made today) Still.. it is refreshing that she enjoys a lot of my old "favorites" and she is a big fan of the DUKE too. (though she only knows him from some of his less "gritty" westerns.*

 

 

You're right, I was not influenced by my parents. I watched what I wanted to watch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*As for Gene Kelly.. a couple of years ago TCM had him on I think during Summer Under the Stars and we spent a good part of that time watching him dance and sing around all over the place. ha. One of the last ones they showed for him was The Three Musketeers. So since it was a no school day, I let her stay up and we watched that one too.. and I remember her asking, "Mama is Gene Kelly in this movie too? And I said something like, "Yes.. it is is Gene Kelly day" or something.. ha. And she said.. "Is he going to sing or dance in this one?" and I said.. "Nope, its not a musical" And then ha.. this shy little voice (which is rare for her) pipes up and says.. "I really like Gene Kelly" and I said.. "What do you like most about him?" (expecting her to say something like "his singing or dancing") but ha.. imagine my surprise when she said 'HIS HEAD" :Dand I said "WHAT??" And she said "He has nice hair!" Ha ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her first crush.. and it was GENE KELLY! TOO cute.. Justin Beiber eat your heart out. *

 

 

And he wore a toupee! But I'm sure she doesn't know this. No need to crush her with that news. I think it's awesome that she has a crush on a person no longer with us. Remarkable. And he's a Keystoner, to boot.

 

 

I'm someone who does like Gene Kelly. But Molo has ended up being right, I now prefer Fred Astaire to Gene. But I must qualify that by saying I've yet to see Gene in a musical.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*And that was like almost two years ago and she STILL seems to be a "Gene-o-phile" ha. She loves to find movies for him at the library (she also likes The Pirate) and she REALLY enjoyed getting to go the BIG theater this summer when TCM had that special showing of Singing in The Rain. (which she got a copy of that movie for Christmas) So I guess it was only natural that when she got her B-day money (in the form of a Wal mart Gift Card) we had to go online and see if they had The Three Musketeers. ha. That is the one she asked for.. and thankfully they had it. (so HEY.. I have learned I can shop online.. even without using a debit card.. ha.. my technophobia is intact and the kidling got a favorite movie for her b-day) *

 

 

She's adorable!

 

 

And keep her away from my favorite Gene performance: *Inherit the Wind*. She wouldn't find him very cute in that one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Now lest you think she is a TOTAL classic movie junkie..ha.. you'll be relieve to know that she ALSO has a huge "thing" right now for The Avengers and How to Train Your Dragon. (you once agreed with me that I must have the movie-watching tastest of a 12 yr old boy sometimes.. ha.. she must be inheriting THAT from me too.. poor kid) *

 

 

I think she's clearly a "chip off the block." I do think it's somewhat important for a child to take some kind of interest in her generation's entertainment, primarily for social reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Well see.. I do concede your point despite the fact that I love them both.. but I don't know why.. I just think Gardner does a better job of showing his exasperation for the whole situation in the way he sort of falls apart.. ha. But I confess it has been a long time since I saw Cary's version..and I have only seen it maybe once.. whereas I have seen the Gardner Day version at least a half a gazillion times growing up (so that might be why I prefer it too)*

 

 

I agree with you, I do feel Garner plays the role with more exasperation.

 

 

*I am eager to look for it. I am planning to go the library this weekend so I will see if it is t here. I hope to get a chance to see it sometime.*

 

 

It's only available via Warner Archives. Does your library have access to those DVDs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Ha.. Well I did not grow up around them (truck driving hunter guys, that is) but all three of my younger brothers did turn INTO them after I was grown up. ha. *

 

 

It's cultural. I'm too much of a rebel to go with the crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Well.. ha.. it IS an acquired taste, I imagine. I can't say I am any big fan. It has been AGES since I went to one (decades maybe??) But I can say that some of it can be fun.. I like the horsepulls too.. at least they aren't as loud. ha. But though they are hard to watch sometimes.. those horses seem to really snort and pull and strain to pull those sleds. But they do seem to enjoy the challenge too. you can tell they are rarin' to go the minute they are turned loose.*

 

 

I wouldn't enjoy watching horses struggle like that. But at least it would be better on the ears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Personally though... ha.. my favorite part of a tractor pull has always been THIS sort of event. *

 

 

I felt bad for the kid! He was struggling!

 

 

*HA!!!!!!!!!!! Well I gotta confess.. ha.. you are right about that. That's one thing I believe I can safely say has NEVER been said about ME. *

 

 

I think you've got some strong "angel" with you.

[FrankGrimes]

*And more!*

 

And I thought those qualities made me lovable! If I only knew this years ago!

 

*Just what you see there, VERY grumpy. *

 

I like grumpy comedy.

 

*No? I think because of all the Sherlocks and their ambiance of spooky dark houses, etc.*

 

Oh, I had no idea. I wasn't sure if the joke was literal or not. I'm sure your take is what the joke is about.

 

*I watch it almost every night on Me-TV.*

 

I didn't know The Dick Van Dyke Show was being played on the network. Do they play them in order? I still have the final season to watch.

 

*I loved that they showed the Italians favoring a woman no matter what the judicial aspects were. *

 

She wasn't just any woman! But you're right, I was also admiring the **** that passed by at the outdoor cafe.

 

*I forgot about that part. I don't remember what Grant did to get even? I remember mostly Irene's very funny routine.*

 

Cary found out about Randy Scott being her "Tarzan" and he took great pleasure in catching Irene in her lie about him. It's the same in *Move Over, Darling*, it's just the scene in that film is over in a blink. We see much more of this in *My Favorite Wife*. Cary is really enjoying the switch of fortunes.

 

*ha! She does have a harsh voice and together with the bangle bracelet it's enough to make anyone crazy.*

 

Her shrieks are one of the most annoying things I have experienced in classic film.

 

*It is sad to watch, especially the part with the children because she apparently wanted her own very much. Marilyn's character almost plays it totally straight, and very poignant. But I don't know how funny the whole thing would be.*

 

The scenes I saw with Marilyn were far more sexual.

 

*I actually think Cyd is the one odd note. I don't find her funny. Very beautiful though.*

 

But I don't think "Bianca" is to be played for laughs. She's the straightest character in the film. Gail Patrick is super icy. I think Cyd could play that. Polly Bergen plays the character "wacky."

 

*Poor George (Cukor)!*

 

I'll say! The stories about Marilyn and Dean not being around would frustrate and anger any director.

[rohanaka]

It's actually been another calm winter for us. We've received just over 10 inches of snow. Our average for the winter is about 32 inches. It's been the same for New England... until today

 

We've had a bit of a roller coaster ride. It goes way cold.. and then bounces back for a few days and goes WAY to the other end of the spectrum (we even had upper 60's not long ago) and then it does another nose dive. We have had some snow but not as much as usual. And thankfully.. we did get some rain this past week (2-3 inches) so that was VERY welcome. It has been a bit of a weird einter to be sure.

 

Coughs can hang around for three weeks to a month. They just linger and linger

 

So I noticed.. bah! I am sure it will finally disappear eventually.. perhaps... maybe. I think. HA. I know it could be worse, so I shouldn't complain. I guess I am just tired of the coughing and hacking. blah.

 

There is one false note amongst all of that, to me. It's Saito. The way the entire bridge meeting plays out, it ends up being almost comical. Saito doesn't even say a thing. He's speechless. I can't see him being that way. But Lean was going a long way to show us how far off the deep end Nicholson was with his pride and ego

 

I think you are right in that Lean was taking the long way to show us Nicholson... really I think it was BOTH men he was showing. Because the captive surpassed the captor.. and in the end becomes the captor himself. .even if the two men are the only ones who ever know it. The further Nicholson was puffed up.. the smaller Saito became. (at least in their own opinions of one another.) And really.. that is where the rubber met the road for both of them. To the outside world.. everyone MIGHT have thought that it looked like Saito was the one holding all the cards.. he held Nicholsons life in his hands..but really it was the other way around. (Saito had even told him if the bridge was not built on time.. he'd have to kill himself) and the line that Nicholson says at one point (when Saito asks him what would you do if you were me) really was the beginning of the end (as far as Saito's authority over Nicholson)

 

Nicholson says.. "I think I'd have to kill myself" ha.. and he said it in such a proper cool matter of fact "British" sort of way. And that was like a slap in the face. The balance of power had shifted. (even if they were the only two who knew it) Saito WOULD have killed himself out of shame. but only because it was expected by his culture.

 

But by the way Nicholson answers.. you can tell it was as if he was saying to him. "Well.. if I were as big a failure as YOU are.. I'd just have to kill myself" (with no cultural expectations involved) That is a huge difference.

 

Or at least that is how it seemed to me anyway.

 

And I'm already at 32 films with the next group

 

Ha.. did I ever mention you are a movie watching machine!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see the list. I wonder if I have seen more than 2 of them?? ha.

 

No, you are right, they are not married. But what they go through together on the "African Queen" is marital. They are not two sweethearts dating or courting

 

Ha.. good. I feel better now that I was not TOTALLY clueless about this movie. Now I wil l have to watch it for sure.. if only to see how it can have such a "marriage" theme without any "sweetheart" attatched. Hmmmmm....

 

Don't tell me I like love stories more than you. Actually, I'm pretty sure that I do

 

Ha!!!!!!!!!! FAT chance. I have two words for you.. ha... JANE AUSTEN! But having said THAT.. ha. I do confess that I tend to not get too interested in "sappy" or soggy love stories. .ha And I also do not always use the same dictionary to define the "L" word as some.. ha. so I might have a different opinion on some movies that are supposed to be "LOVE stories" but to me. .really are NOT.. but ha.. I freely admit. .others may not agree. So in THAT vein you may be right.. you may like some "love" stories more than I do.. ha. but then again..

 

I can't say

 

HA! Oh great.. now I am going to have to wait to hear how awful you thought poor Gene was leaping and jumping and swordfighting around. ha. What.. do you have another 83 movies to watch first or something.

 

And he wore a toupee! But I'm sure she doesn't know this. No need to crush her with that news

 

Ha.. no need to crush HER... You just crushed ME!! Oh say it isn't SO!! (though I do confess.. ha.. at least in that movie he DOES look a bit "toupee-ish"

 

I'm someone who does like Gene Kelly. But Molo has ended up being right, I now prefer Fred Astaire to Gene. But I must qualify that by saying I've yet to see Gene in a musical

 

OH for pizza sake. His DANCING is what I like MOST about him.. I can take or leave his singing. You really MUST see Singing in the Rain.. it is a total MASTERPIECE of dancing.. not just for him but for Donald and even Debbie too. (really!) Bur hey.. don't take it from me.. the KIDLING gives it two thumbs WAY up. ha.

 

And keep her away from my favorite Gene performance: Inherit the Wind. She wouldn't find him very cute in that one

 

Ha.. no worries there. Oh someday we may watch it.. but NOT for a few years more at least. She only just turned 10. I want her to be old enough to have her own ideas and opinions firmly in place on certain topics (and not just rely on Mama and Daddy) to fill in the details before she tackles a story of that nature for the first time. She is gettint there gradually.. but she is not ready for something like a story of tis nature yet.

 

Meanwhile, I am enjoying the way she has begun to develop her own attitudes and opinions on things.. but we'll give her a few more years to hone her "Peacemaker" skills. ha. She's not ready for any sort of MUD fight quite that deep yet .ha.

 

As for ITW... suffice it to say I am sure you can imagine that you and I likely have differing opinions on this one (but not NECESSARILY for the more "obvious" reasons you might think.. but yes, likely for at least some of those reasons too. ha.)

 

But I think I will have to stay out of that topic ha.

 

I do know though that you are not alone in your fondness for this story.. it tends to be very revered in certain threads I have seen on this site over the years.. (hence another rason I just try to not go down that road.. I don't want to end up with any ROCKS hidden in the mud that is bound to fly should some people disagree with what I may or may not say) HA.

 

I think she's clearly a "chip off the block." I do think it's somewhat important for a child to take some kind of interest in her generation's entertainment, primarily for social reasons

 

Oh I do agree.. and she tends to have some very specific favorites for her "social" circle of girls her age.. ha. Though these are books an dnot movies. she is VERY into Nancy Drew.. (and that is something she stumbled into almost compltely on her own.. ha. because though I do like my "detective" stories.. Mama was no big "nancy" fan as a kid) But some of her friends like Nancy too.. so she is enjoying that.

 

And gettng back to movies. she also likes some of the Disney Pixar movies (Cars and Cars 2 would likely be at the top for those) and.. sigh.. I guess we have sort of given up the "princess" Disney stories. Ha.. its the end of the era on that I guess. ha.

 

Garner

 

Ha.. for goodness sake. I just noticed in my earlier posts I kept calling him GARDNER. Forgive me, my beloved Bret Maverick..wherever you are!

 

I wouldn't enjoy watching horses struggle like that. But at least it would be better on the ears

 

Well it is in one way.. ha.. but not in another.. they do tend to snort and huff and puff.. and again. I have to say that it can be hard to watch.. but I think to them. .if they are well cared for horses.. they seem to like the challenge. (but I confess that may be my innocent naive way of looking at it)

 

I felt bad for the kid! He was struggling

 

Ha. and HE was loving every minute of it. ha Did you see the look on his face!! ha. He didn't just "like the challenge" ha.. He didn't want it to END. .ha. He was ready to pick that tractor up and walk it to keep going. "Struggling" indeed.

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Feb 9, 2013 2:31 AM