The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

[SansFin]

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

> How many films on my list have you seen?

 

I have not watched:

Abbott and Costello Go to Mars

Four Around a Woman

Love Happy

Monte Carlo

Phone Call from a Stranger

 

I found some on your list to be very good movies but I did not carry away any great feelings about them. There are some for which I had to check the list of movies in our collection for who starred and who directed to aid remembering them.

[rohanaka]

 

Well hello there, Mr. Movie Watching Machine.

 

 

the next tenant had a fun room or a quick paint job to do

 

 

Ha.. well at least if we DO end up going purple.. its our house.. so until we sell it someday I guess we can live with it or change it at our own convenience. ha. Will see what the summer brings. Who knows.. we might end up painting in there and it could be a whole new "trend" for our boring walls and before we're done.. the whole HOUSE could end up that way.. Purple may be the new "cream" ha. (nah.. alas, I do NOT see THAT in our future.. Old Mom and Dad are TOO set in their boring ways, afterall. ha. But I bet the KIDLING would love it. ha)

 

 

the love you speak of has its passion, too. So just because we see passion on the screen, it doesn't mean it's not true love

 

 

I do agree with you on that.. but I am just saying that a lot of movies that DO get paraded around as "love stories" to me just are glorified "make out sessions" ha.. or make "love" out to be all about, dare I use the word you have used.. "selfishness". (as in I won't or can't be happy until I get to be with the one I desire.. no matter who gets hurt if I do) But I do admit that yes.. passion is a very real part of marital love as well.. or it should be. But even that can mean something different for each person.. especially as the years go by.

 

 

What?! Your dad is more similar to me

 

 

I would say you two are similar in some areas.. but maybe not in others. I just mean that he has his own ideas about the subject. But to be honest.. my mother (and probably all 3 of my brothers too) lean differently from me (with regard to this topic) as well And please know that I am not in any way saying my faith is"better" than theirs.. they all just tend to be less "convicted" about certain ideals that I take very literally and seriously. We just have different beliefs about some things.

 

 

I guess what it boils down to is that generally speaking I am much more conservative and perhaps (though it is not a popular word) more "fundamental" in the way that I believe on this topic. But I freely confess that whether or not you believe that is a good or bad thing would most likley just be a personal opinion. (ha. so yeah.. going back to the conversation we had earlier.. you can call ME the "rebel"in my family)

 

 

Selfishness is what's really destroying families. I feel it's the greatest disease of all

 

 

I absolutely agree with you and have often said (though again.. this word will not be popular) that it is really the root cause of just about any "sin" you can think of. Every act that purposefully destroys or hurts another will usually have "selfishness" somewhere in the mix of it.

 

 

that it can be love/hate for a few years. Since your daughter is an only child, is terribly close to you, and is very similar to you, it's only natural. Ohhhhh, I can't wait until she has a boyfriend

 

 

OH no worries.. ha. by then I will have ended up like I told Miss G.. with me pulling out all my hair and running around screaming in the street.. on my one way ticket to the loony bin. ha.

 

 

It's becoming impossible today because the parents have zero idea about self-control. It's all about "do what you like," today

 

 

Well we could talk for days on END on that topic. ha. OH brother.. do NOT get me started on my soapbox routine. ha. We will be here all NIGHT.

 

 

feel more empowered by knowledge, hence my thinking that broader is better. And I say this being an unadventurous person. If we're to live in a sheltered life for the rest of our life, then narrow can work. But if you are to spend your life with others on the "outside," you're going to be exposed to different things and be confronted with opposing thoughts and ways of life. If we are to be narrow, we will quickly "damn" those who are not like us, thus closing many doors on not just them, but ourselves

 

 

And I think I can say I agree with you at least in PART but I think it depends on what we are being "broad" and "narrow" about. I believe that some paths ARE broad (like when it comes to meeting and learning from different cultures and races of people.. even certain social topics) And I even believe that many personal choices that might be good for some but bad for others.. such as what type of music.. or movies.. or books do you like.. or what sort of job do feel is good for you.. or how you like to dress (within reason) These are all very broad topics and can be viewed a very good thing to be as open minded as possible to allow for a "free exchange of ideas" with others who may view some customs and ways of thinking differently than I do. It is good to learn from others that way.

 

 

But I also believe that if we are talking about those "critical thinking" topics.. issues of personal morality and how we ethically treat ourselves, each other.. and even our Creator.. that many if not MOST of these topics fall into the "black and white" realm (the narrow path) and that it doesn't really matter what I "think" or "believe" because there has to be a guiding principle that applies to all of us on SOME certain subjects.

 

 

And I know.. this is not an easy topic to discuss.. especially in this sort of setting.. so I would not want to get much deeper than this on here.. but I will just say that I think many times people want to believe they are free to pick and choose for themselves what goes on the "narrow" list.. if you are making a list of what is and is not "broad" or "narrow" that is. But just beause you THINK a topic is a "broad one" does not mean it isn't really "narrow" (and yes.. I freely confess.. for some that the reverse COULD be true) but again.. some things are universally true (or not true) despite what we think or feel about them so it can be a slippery slope when we start saying "open the door" and think "broadly" on some topics. But I freely admit others may disagree with me on this.

 

 

for some, being right is everything

 

 

And I agree...and would say that is a sad way to go through life. But I think to me it is not really about being "right" so much as about who gets to decide what is right.. and I am saying that there are some things that are right no matter what you or I (or anyone else) think or feel.

 

 

But rather than go on and on (and on) back down this well travelled (and muddy, muddy, MUDDY road.. ha) I will only add that I also believe (very literally) that the truth should be spoken in love.. and not crammed down someone's throat. Yes.. sometimes it must be spoken firmly.. and sometimes it must be spoken very deliberately.. but very few arguments (on EITHER side of the whole "broad/narrow-black/white" fence) are ever won by the loudest "shouter". Going back to what you said the other day.. I believe very much as you do.. that "respect" is a wonderful thing.

 

 

Here's the most recent group of films I have watched

 

 

Woo HOO what a list.. good golly boy... I am still trying to get to the ones from some of your OTHER lists. ha. (I hope to watch Jubal again this weekend.... and I am expecingt SPWH in the mail any day now.. so will look forward to watching THAT one again soon too) OH.. and I am hoping to get to African Queen too.. just so you can yell at me about that one. ha.

 

 

Meanwhile.. Of the ones on your new list.. here are the few I can comment on:

 

 

 

Doctor Zhivago

 

 

I have only seen bits and pieces of this movie.. but based only one the little bit I have seen (and on what Miss G mentioned in her post) I am thinking it might be a good long while before I do see it all the way through. ha.

 

The Great Escape

 

 

I MAY have seen this film years ago.. but to be honest I don't remember ever seeing it all the way through. I HAVE seen a good portion of it in the more recent past.. but really I can't say a WHOLE lot about it (except for a few select moments) I have never been huge on McQueen (ha.. unless you are talking LIGHTNING MCQUEEN But I confess since I don't know too much other than just a few basics on it... it might be better than I think.

 

 

High Society

 

 

I can take it or leave it.. Cary, Katherine and Jimmy are better.

 

 

How the West Was Won

 

 

I really like a LOT of this movie (a lot) ha... but it IS very long and there are huge gaps here and there where I COULD just take a nap.. ha. Really.. the early portions to me are the best.. and then when the parts w/ Jimmy Stewart are over.. it is pretty much hit and miss for me after that. But having said that.. I do think I likely am more fond of it that Miss G..and probably others too. I do like it a lot.. I just confess it is pretty long and "dragged out"

 

 

 

King Solomon's Mines

 

 

Its a fun film.. but I confess it has been a while since I saw it. I recall it as a nice little adventure" ... perhaps a good "predecessor" to the Indiana Jones type movies.. though I am not saying the plots are the same.. just the "mood" of a lot of it could be compared.. if I am remembering it right.

 

 

 

Sabrina

 

 

Always loved this story.. even if it WAS a "Bogie" ha. I have only learned to appreciate him just in the last few years.. but to be honest.. I likely like the story better than I necessarily like HIM in this movie.

 

 

 

So Proudly We Hail

 

 

I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I hope you at least found SOMETHING to like about this story.. it is to me a very interesting telling of the war, from a bit of a different perspective.

 

 

 

The Three Musketeers

 

 

Well.. ha.. I have already TOLD you what a family favorite THIS one is.. I can't say that I expect you will LOVE this movie.. but I do hope you enjoyed at least some of it. I think it is mostly "for fun" but there are some moments that I find very "intense" for otherwise seems like a "lighter" telling of this particular story.

 

 

 

We're No Angels

 

 

Ha.. I am with Miss G.. "ADOLPHE!!! " ha. It is a fun "dark" comedy.. and to be honest I am not usally "IN" to dark comedy.. so for me to like a story of this nature is not a usual thing.. ha. But it is just so "fun" and the characters are so well done. (even the ones that DON'T slither, ha) I like how the "angels" are watching from the rooftop.. and get a glimpse of everything off and on.. and I love how they talk out all the plans meanwhile they are DOING something else. ha. It was a pleasant little suprise for me.

 

 

Wings

 

 

I will look forward to your thoughts on this one too.. It too is a bit of a different "telling" of war and how it affects your life.. and the lives of others you love. And as was already mentioned.. some of the filming (arial scenes) are SPECTACULAR.

 

 

Witness to Murder

 

 

I have not seen this one, but after looking it up.. I will be interested to hear what you and others have to say.. it sounds intriguing.

 

 

[MissGoddess]

If you or anyone else is interested in seeing Hawks' version of *The Dawn Patrol*, it's here at YouTube (for the moment):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJqMiDhU2hY

[movieman1957]

*The Adventures of Marco Polo -* okay film but a little hard for me to buy Cooper as Italian explorer.

 

*The Barbarian and The Geisha* - I'm with MissG on this one. It's an odd picture and for the talent involved they should have done something else. Strictly a curiousity.

 

*The Bridges at Toko Ri* - I like this one. Great aerial footage. Good cast. It gets a little slow in some parts outside the war but I think it's good. Good climax.

 

*The Great Escape -* At times exciting war film with exceptional cast. It probably suffers from its length a little but good film. (A must for watching "Chicken Run" like another poster said.)

 

*How The West Was Won* - frankly would have been better without the Civil War section but it's big and broad. Not to everyone's taste but would love to see it on the big screen.

 

*I Shot Jesse James* - it has a noir feel for me. Ireland was good. Okay but not that memorable.

 

*King Solomon's Mines* - once you get past Kerr's new hair style in the jungle it is a pretty good film. Granger and Kerr are terrific in their parts.

 

*Love Happy* - Late in their career they usually made a movie because Chico needed money. They phoned this one in.

 

*Run Silent, Run Deep -* without Gable or Lancaster you have don't have that good a film.

 

I saw some others but will save more for later if it comes up.

[FrankGrimes]

Here is how I liked the last group of films that I watched:

 

1. Lonely Are the Brave

2. The Sheepman

3. Diary of a Chambermaid (1964)

4. The Great Escape

5. Run Silent, Run Deep

6. Wings

7. Without Love

8. The Cat and the Canary (1939)

9. Doctor Zhivago

10. Berlin Express

11. Monte Carlo

12. Love Happy

13. We're No Angels

14. Lone Star (1952)

15. So Proudly We Hail!

16. Day-Time Wife

17. Northern Pursuit

18. On the Riviera

19. Elena and Her Men

20. Sabrina

21. The Three Musketeers (1948)

22. The Bridges at Toko-Ri

23. I Shot Jesse James

24. High Society

25. Witness to Murder

26. How the West Was Won

27. Abbott and Costello Go to Mars

28. Rogue Cop

29. Phone Call from a Stranger

30. Suzy

31. A Lady Without Passport

32. Alias Jesse James

33. The Damned Don't Cry

34. What a Way to Go!

35. The Adventures of Marco Polo

36. Four Around a Woman

37. The Cheat (1931)

38. King Solomon's Mines (1950)

39. Evelyn Prentice

40. The Barbarian and the Geisha

[FrankGrimes]

*The Adventures of Robin Hood - if you liked Flynn as RH then you seem to be okay with him. Love Basil AND Claude Raines as the villains. Doesn't get much better.*

 

I like Errol Flynn in the films I have recently watched. I thought he was the most fun in *The Adventures of Robin Hood*. He's exuding confidence in this one. Basil Rathbone was able to show off his skills, too. Claude didn't connect with me as much. The actual story wasn't all that strong. Not much emotion to be found.

 

*The Fly - I love this sci-fi movie, and i rarely "love" anything in this genre though I do find it fun. This movie is very serious in its message, I feel, though it's kind of over-the-top at times. It's interesting seeing Vincent Price in the "neutral" role for a change. Two scenes bother me: The cat scene and the one where Helene has to do what she has to do; it is one of the most harrowing things from a classic movie. I know I could never do such a thing. But I like how it kind of reinforces the seriousness of the consequences of recklessness in experimenting with living creatures.*

 

What do you mean you could never do such a thing?! I know you'd squash the heck out of me! You already do with your skillet! I thought the beginning of the film was excellent. It was dark and suspenseful. But once the film went into the flashback sequences with Andre (David Hedison), it started to lose me. I thought it was rather boring. Probably because I thought Andre was a snore. The film is actually Patricia Owens' film, really. As you say, Vincent Price is neutral and often on the outside.

 

*The Dawn Patrol (1938) - all these heavy war films, i didn't realize you saw so many in a row. This is one of the best and I favor this version for some reason, over Hawks' original (the remake includes some aerial footage from the earlier film, I believe). Everyone is great.*

 

Yeah, this is the most war films I have watched in my life. They have all been pretty good. *The Dawn Patrol* is very "Hawksian." You've got a brotherhood and a little "family" in a male world. I can see where *Only Angels Have Wings* spawned.

 

*The Bottom of the Bottle - I admit I like the "look" of the film more than anything. The colors, setting, etc. I do think Van Johnson was good in certain dramatic roles. He gives his screen partners something solid to play off of, and sincere emotions.*

 

 

The setting is very interesting. You do feel secluded, marooned with strangers who are not like you. At least not like me. Joseph Cotten did well playing these "Charles Bickford" characters. I liked Van's desperation.

 

 

*Footsteps in the Fog - I like and don't like this movie. I think what I don't like is Jean's character. That is what makes it unique, of course. It slightly reminds me in tone of Under Capricorn.*

 

 

That's a very good tonal comparison. There's a great deal of "uneasy" with the setting and Stephen (Stewart Granger). I like Jean in most anything. She's the serious version of Vivien Leigh, to me. I loved the entire idea of ownership in the film. Who owns who in a relationship, in love? Do we even own our own feelings?

 

 

*Jubal - I do see some "Othello" with this movie myself.*

 

 

 

I'm not familiar with that play, so I'm not sure how it goes. It's just the entire set-up with the characters felt very "Shakespearean." The great jealousy/paranoia of a patriarchal figure is another aspect that I associate with Shakespeare. Then you've got a side figure who initiates a plan to create a conflict between the patriarch and an "interloper."

 

 

[MissGoddess]

> I like Errol Flynn in the films I have recently watched. I thought he was the most fun in *The Adventures of Robin Hood*. He's exuding confidence in this one. Basil Rathbone was able to show off his skills, too. Claude didn't connect with me as much. The actual story wasn't all that strong. Not much emotion to be found.

>

 

The music is great, too.

 

> I thought the beginning of the film was excellent. It was dark and suspenseful. But once the film went into the flashback sequences with Andre (David Hedison), it started to lose me. I thought it was rather boring. Probably because I thought Andre was a snore. The film is actually Patricia Owens' film, really. As you say, Vincent Price is neutral and often on the outside.

>

 

David Hedison is bland but I love the flashback part since it's the entire story!

 

>

> Yeah, this is the most war films I have watched in my life. They have all been pretty good. *The Dawn Patrol* is very "Hawksian." You've got a brotherhood and a little "family" in a male world. I can see where *Only Angels Have Wings* spawned.

>

 

It's very similar to The Road to Glory and Ceiling Zero (and Air Mail, et al).

 

 

> That's a very good tonal comparison. There's a great deal of "uneasy" with the setting and Stephen (Stewart Granger). I like Jean in most anything. She's the serious version of Vivien Leigh, to me. I loved the entire idea of ownership in the film. Who owns who in a relationship, in love? Do we even own our own feelings?

>

 

I didn't get anything deep from it at all. I just thought it was two greedy people.

 

> I'm not familiar with that play, so I'm not sure how it goes. It's just the entire set-up with the characters felt very "Shakespearean." The great jealousy/paranoia of a patriarchal figure is another aspect that I associate with Shakespeare. Then you've got a side figure who initiates a plan to create a conflict between the patriarch and an "interloper."

 

you just described the play, Othello!

 

by the way, I highly recommend Orson Welles' version of that play. It's my favorite Shakespeare movie.

[FrankGrimes]

*this is a list of what forty different people watched, not one person!*

 

That's you and everyone else's fault!

 

*The Adventures of Marco Polo - i guess you can add that to both your coop and ford lists...ford directed the sand dune sequence*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've now reached 50 films with Coop. I may post my list on the "Coop" thread and ask for some guidance. I know which film you'd say I still need to see the most.

 

 

And I did want to watch it because I knew John Ford worked on it. He also did the same with *Pinky*, a film I still need to watch.

 

 

*Alias Jesse James - not Bob's funniest western spoof, but it's loaded with great cameos.*

 

 

I watched this because it was on Coop's list. I thought it was a below-average effort for Bob until the final third of the film. The wagon sequence and then the final shootout with the great cameos were very good. I liked seeing Ward Bond.

 

 

*The Barbarian and the Geisha - oy! the less said, the better. although to be honest, i saw it only once and a very, very long time ago.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I saw John Huston directed it I thought, "it cannot be nearly as bad as everyone says it is." Well, I thought it was pretty bad. I kept waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen, for some sort of emotions to stir, anything. But the film just sat there. It's a nice-looking pic, but the value stops there.

 

 

*Berlin Express - this movie disappointed inexpressibly. i had such high hopes since i love ryan and merle. i found it rather dull and i still don't know how that is possible.*

 

 

Inexpressibly? I think the story is average but I liked the mystery and suspense of it all. I loved the set-up. You've got all these characters from different nations looking to help one another out. Or are they? I wish they didn't reveal the big twist until the very end. The film would have been even better, then. Instead, Jacques Tourneur decides to go Hitchcock's route and let's us know there is a "bomb ticking under table."

 

 

*The Bridges at Toko-Ri - not a favorite of mine, though i like holden and kelly together. very handsome, 'blonde' couple.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ending is spectacular and heart-wrenching. The rest of the film is less interesting.

 

 

*The Cat and the Canary (1939) - not as funny as the ghost breakers; bob is so young.*

 

 

I loved it! You're right, it's not as funny of a film, but it plays very well as a horror flick. I thought it was very enjoyable. After watching it, I was craving to see another film like it.

 

 

*The Cheat - Is this the DeMille movie? I have never seen it, and I feel...cheated. *

 

 

No, this is a "Tallulah Bankhead" film. It's a strange one. Definitely fits the bill as "pre-code."

 

 

*The Damned Don't Cry - I really enjoyed this one. Very "Joan" of the late forties, early fifties period.*

 

 

I wanted to like it but I found it to be mostly uninspiring. It was like another take on *Mildred Pierce*. "What if Mildred just left her family and went after what she wanted?"

 

 

*Day-Time Wife - isn't this the movie linda darnell lied about her age to get the contract with Fox? She's jail bait!*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes! And she puts on a show! I thought the first half of the film was mostly dull, but once Linda takes a job as a secretary and she goes on a double date with her boss (Warren William) and her husband (Tyrone Power) and his secretary (Wendy Barrie) make up the other couple, it's hilarious. Linda really sticks it to Ty! It's one of my favorite Linda performances. I can't believe she was 15!

 

 

*Doctor Zhivago - :xi am not happy with the story (adultery glorified) but the execution of it and the performances...and yes, the music...always sweep me up. plus, this movie and gone with the wind were must-see events in my childhood when they came on tv once a year.*

 

 

I'm very surprised you like this film. David Lean continues to work his magic with me, though. Great endings!

 

 

*Evelyn Prentice - interesting drama, but staid. i had higher hopes for it and was rather disappointed.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This one made *Manhattan Melodrama* seem thrilling! The best thing about the film is Myrna Loy. It was great to see her in trouble. But all of the courtroom stuff at the end of the film is quite ludicrous. Poor William Powell!

 

 

*Four Around a Woman - i've never heard of this one.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's one of Fritz Lang's silent films. It's part of the recent DVD collection that Kino released late last year.

 

 

*The Great Escape - Love to know what you thought of it. A real adventure classic.*

 

 

I thought it was very good. All of it plays so well. From the immediate plotting to the undertaking to the actual escape to the conclusions for all the main characters. I was happy to see some emotional depth in the film.

 

 

*High Society - I always wanted to LOVE this movie and instead, I find it irritating. Frank, Bing and Satchmo are the only things I can stand about it. I don't like any of the other cast members in their roles, and I like most of them so much...elsewhere. Even Grace annoys me, she comes of amateurish to me. I blame it all on the director, who made it extremely stage bound. Having seen The Philadelphia Story first also poisons my opinion.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's not *The Philadelphia Story*, that's for sure. But what truly elevated the film for me was the songs and seeing Frank, Bing, and Satchmo together. I found all of that to be quite powerful. Grace Kelly was trying too hard to be like Katharine Hepburn. That was her downfall.

 

 

*On the plus side, Frank's song "Mind If I Make Love to You" with Grace is very erotic...Grace looks STUNNING and luminous...and it's marvelous to see such great musical personalities working together.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Precisely!

 

 

*How the West Was Won - I honestly find it too long to watch ever again. Some scenes are okay, many are dull or annoying.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can't say that I disagree with your quick assessment. James Stewart was good in the film, so I was into the opening. I also liked Gregory Peck. But from then on, the film drifts downward. George Peppard just cannot carry a film like this, for me. John Wayne is completely wasted. It was funny to see Henry Fonda as he was. I wasn't into the Richard Widmark segment.

 

 

*I Shot Jesse James - i had to look up which "jesse james" movie this was (you seemed to be fascinated this round with jesse). it's the Fuller entry. Very provocative.*

 

 

I'm trying to reach "ten films watched" with Samuel Fuller. I have Criterion's "Eclipse" series of his films to watch. This is one of them. It's mostly a character study. It fell flat with me. Preston Foster is pretty interesting in the film, though.

 

 

*King Solomon's Mines (1950) - along with The Great Escape, a true adventure classic. I really enjoy the "Bickersons" routine between Deborah and Stewart. She is such a pain through half of Africa. *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was bored to death with this one! Nothing seemed to be happening. I know they encountered some trials and tribulations during the journey but none of them captured me with the exception of the animal stampede. The ending is rather odd, too.

 

 

*A Lady Without Passport - I like this "B" movie. Hedy decidedly seems to be slumming, but I thought she was rather good. I like the scenario, the desperate people trying to get to America any way they can and the leeches that prey on them. The ending, in fact the last third of the movie, is anticlimactic, but it's enjoyable while they are in Cuba (and many scenes are actually shot in Havana). It doesn't hurt that I also like John Hodiak.*

 

 

I was into the film at the outset. I liked how mysterious everything was. I liked the setting. I liked seeing the distrust. But once they started to head back to the States, the film does become very anticlimactic. It could have been much better. Joseph H. Lewis loves to end up in the marshes!

 

 

*Lonely Are the Brave - my favorite Kirk Douglas movie. a very elegiac film in the style of The Misfits and The Lusty Men. Gene Rowlands is good, but the real star is the absolutely stunning Palomino. If you choose to look at it that way, it's the best "horse movie" ever made.*

 

 

It's the best "horse movie" I ever saw, that's for sure. This was easily the most touching film in this group. It's full of great emotion. I just loved seeing how the new world kills the old world and how ironic it all is. Lots of allegory. This is my first exposure to Gena Rowlands. She was a doll.

 

 

*Lone Star (1952) - i was so disappointed at this film when i saw it ages ago. Clark and Ava---how could it be bad? Thank goodness they had a better one coming around the corner.*

 

 

My reaction was the other way. I enjoyed this little film. Clark Gable is playing my kind of guy. Ava Gardner is playing my kind of girl. Their scenes together are full of emotion and passion. You can just feel it.

 

 

*Love Happy - is this the Marx brothers movie with Marilyn? Very routine.*

 

 

Yes it is. You know what happened to me? I had been missing the Marx Brothers, so this film really hit me at the right time. It's very much Harpo's film... which I love. It's certainly not one of their best efforts, namely because Groucho is an afterthought, but since I've grown to really love Harpo, I found the film to be charming.

 

 

*Monte Carlo - A pleasant Lubitsch romp, similar to his other Ruritanian musicals. It's difficult for me to separate them sometimes.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's amazing how Ernst Lubitsch makes me fall for Jeanette MacDonald. I thought the film was a lesser-version of *Love Me Tonight*. Jack Buchanan isn't Maurice Chevalier, but he's still pretty good.

 

 

*Northern Pursuit - I enjoyed this movie with Errol Flynn a trifle more than some of his other wartime adventures films. Helmut Dantine is so convincing as a Nazi.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You're very right about Helmut. He makes the film, without a doubt. I think it's a pretty good film with some great tension and some surprising violence. I also love the setting. Errol Flynn is once again spot on. He was made to play these heroic roles.

 

 

*On the Riviera - the scenery---Gene---is gorgeous but I am not overly fond of Danny Kaye. I do think he was brilliant, though.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was very impressed by Danny Kaye's versatility. He has quite a bit of range. I hated the songs and the set pieces that came with them, but the actual story is pretty funny. I loved the raunchy ending between Danny and Gene Tierney. Woohoo!

 

 

*Phone Call from a Stranger - I like the Shelley Winters segment best.*

 

 

I definitely like the idea of the film, but the actual execution fell a bit short for me. I liked when the strangers are together in the first part of the film the most. After that, it's very hit or miss. Bette Davis' segment is the best. That was beautiful.

 

 

*Rogue Cop - One of my very favorite Robert Taylor movies. I dont' even think of it as an RT movie. They could have cast someone else and I'd probably like it the same.*

 

 

There's something about Robert Taylor that usually holds me back. It seems like I find him less interesting when he's serious. This is a very serious role for him. I did like Janet Leigh and Anne Francis.

 

 

*Run Silent, Run Deep - serious Gable and super serious Burt. i have to sit and watch it all the way through again but i do remember it's one of Gable's finer hours, drama wise. And Wise-wise. He didn't work often enough with truly great actors' directors, I feel. Whenever he did...whenever...he was unbeatable.*

 

 

I agree. This was the best performance I have seen from Gable. He couldn't just rely on his smile and eyes in this one. I wasn't sure how Gable and Lancaster would mix, but they are exceptional together. I loved the tension in the film. Once again, Robert Wise shows he knows how to make a really tight, thrilling film.

 

 

*This movie makes me think of The Enemy Below, which I like a little better for the story. I recommend it highly. One of Mitchum's best. How wonderful if Gable and Mitchum could have done a movie together.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That's in the Mitchum collection I'm looking to get this year. I'm trying to get it for $20. I keep hoping Costco gets it. They had it last year.

 

 

*Sabrina - How dearly I adored this movie once upon a time. It came close to Charade and Breakfast at Tiffany's for the number of times I watched it. I even bought a copy of the movie script, and the original play. I couldn't believe Margaret Sullavan originated the part, it seemed positive made for Audrey. And though many thought Bogart miscast, I think he's perfect. However, I can see that he and Audrey don't have much chemistry on screen. Nevertheless, it's my favorite Billy Wilder comedy along with Love in the Afternoon. Audrey softened his cynicism and brought out his romanticism.*

 

 

This one fell surprisingly short with me. I was expecting to really like it, but it just never pulled me in. The big issues for me were Bogie and William Holden. Bogie's character and his age got in the way. Holden can be hit or miss with me and romance. I prefer him in action. Audrey was darling. She fit perfectly. But there must be more to it. I am perfectly fine with *Love in the Afternoon*. In fact, I loved that film. Is it because Coop is better playing such roles than Bogie? Was it because I believed Coop to be such a man but not Bogie?

 

 

*The Sheepman - This movie confuses me sometimes as to whether it's a comedy, spoof or serious western, but it's still fun. Shirley and Glenn are very cute in the beginning. I like Glenn's character. He reminds me of "Harry O", lol. He's just not going to go along with the crowd. It's an off-beat western. Leslie Neilsen makes me want to laugh, I can't take his character seriously enough.*

 

 

I think the film is all of the above. George Marshall made another *Destry Rides Again*. Fantastic! He sure knew how to mix up the genres in an entertaining way. I love Glenn Ford. He's so darn good. Most of the time, he is quiet but confident. Here, he's a tornado of confidence and he's not quiet at all. Shirley MacLaine reminds me of Gloria Grahame. It almost feels like she took up the mantle for Gloria.

 

 

*So Proudly We Hail! - I do like the actresses and especially Veronica's character.*

 

 

Paulette Goddard is adorable in the film. And Claudette Colbert almost always wins me over, even though I often enter her films with the feeling, "oh no, Claudette." Veronica Lake is surely outside of her comfort zone for characters!

 

 

*Suzy - I was disappointed by this movie. I thought Grant and Jean would be good together but as Frenchies? I didn't buy it.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems like a lesser version of *Test Pilot*. When does Cary Grant play the unlikeable guy? He does here. Jean Harlow is sweet in the film and Franchot Tone is the noble one. I've been running into Franchot a lot in the past few months.

 

 

*The Three Musketeers (1948) - Lovely Lana! And Angela looks gorgeous, too. A very handsome production. Though I have to agree with Sansfin, I've yet to see a Dumas movie I really enjoyed through and through. But I've never finished any of his books, either! I just like the stories, I think. *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's mostly a fun film. Not much depth to it. The fighting scenes are very good, though. I thought Gene Kelly was pretty solid. I liked Vincent Price. Lana Turner was all right. I don't like June Allyson's look.

 

 

*We're No Angels - Adolphe!*

 

 

I can see why Quiet Gal liked the film. It's very much like *Arsenic and Old Lace* mixed with *A Christmas Carol*.

 

 

*What a Way to Go! - This movie has some of the funniest (to me) moments. Two Shirley movies for you this time. My favorite parts: The first scene with Margaret Dumont and Shirley narrating. The bits at home with the "mottoes" on the wall and her father shrinking into the chair are sooooooo funny to me! Seeing Dean's face superimposed by a snake; I don't find Paul Newman a funny guy like I do Dick Van Dyke or Dean, but I like the satire of pretentious modern artists; Shirley's ridiculous costumes; Robert Mitchum and his bull. :DThe whole "theme" about money and how it changes people is pretty funny.*

 

 

This proved to be too much for me. Was it you or Jackie who said Fox loved doing these "segmented" films? I really liked Dick Van Dyke's segment. That actually stole from his show. I did not like Paul Newman and Gene Kelly's segments. They wore me out. Robert Mitchum's was all right. Shirley was pretty good.

 

 

*Wings - the aerial stunts and Gary's exit are the stand out moments for me.*

 

 

I thought it was really good. It's one of the most powerful "friend" films that I have seen. The final third of the film is terrific. Fantastic aerial scenes.

 

 

*Without Love - Kind of dull Tracy and Hepburn movie. At least there's Lucy.*

 

 

I really liked it! I loved the relationship between Pat (Spence) and Jamie (Kate). Spence is hilarious during the film. His wisecracks kill me.

 

 

*Witness to Murder - I liked this Barbara Stanwyck thriller. It's nothing special, but Gary Merrill is attractive, George is his dependably evil and superior self and Barbara is always a pro.*

 

 

I agree with your description of the performers. I liked all three of them. What bothered me was the story. We spend a lot of time listening to Lawrence (Gary Merrill) rebuke all of Cheryl's (Barbara Stanwyck) claims. The time in the asylum was really bad. George Sanders is where I found my most enjoyment.

[FrankGrimes]

*The music is great, too.*

 

There is music in *The Adventures of Robin Hood* ?

 

*David Hedison is bland but I love the flashback part since it's the entire story!*

 

And that was the problem!

 

*It's very similar to The Road to Glory and Ceiling Zero (and Air Mail, et al).*

 

I haven't seen *Ceiling Zero* and *Air Mail*. I like your comparison to *The Road to Glory*. That's right on target.

 

 

 

 

 

*I didn't get anything deep from it at all. I just thought it was two greedy people.*

 

I thought Lily (Jean Simmons) loved Stephen (Stewart Granger). Stephen did not like that she "owned" him. This made the ending quite interesting.

 

 

*you just described the play, Othello! *

 

Heck if I knew that!

 

 

*by the way, I highly recommend Orson Welles' version of that play. It's my favorite Shakespeare movie.*

 

Once I start to get into Shakespeare, I'll definitely check it out.

[FrankGrimes]

*I do agree with you on that.. but I am just saying that a lot of movies that DO get paraded around as "love stories" to me just are glorified "make out sessions" ha.. or make "love" out to be all about, dare I use the word you have used.. "selfishness". (as in I won't or can't be happy until I get to be with the one I desire.. no matter who gets hurt if I do) But I do admit that yes.. passion is a very real part of marital love as well.. or it should be. But even that can mean something different for each person.. especially as the years go by.*

 

I find the love and romance of movies to be about the initial stage of meeting and all the emotions that go along with that. If one is to find marital love, they have to turn to television. Television allows a couple to be seen in a "daily routine." What are the best films for marital love?

 

*I would say you two are similar in some areas.. but maybe not in others. I just mean that he has his own ideas about the subject. But to be honest.. my mother (and probably all 3 of my brothers too) lean differently from me (with regard to this topic) as well And please know that I am not in any way saying my faith is"better" than theirs.. they all just tend to be less "convicted" about certain ideals that I take very literally and seriously. We just have different beliefs about some things.*

 

 

I like hearing there are differences within the family. In my family, my aunt converted to Catholicism, so she ended up being the "Super Catholic" to prove herself within her new family. She would be the strict one in my family. Her family is the most committed. The rest of my family is relaxed Methodist. Not much church attending.

 

 

*I guess what it boils down to is that generally speaking I am much more conservative and perhaps (though it is not a popular word) more "fundamental" in the way that I believe on this topic. But I freely confess that whether or not you believe that is a good or bad thing would most likley just be a personal opinion. (ha. so yeah.. going back to the conversation we had earlier.. you can call ME the "rebel"in my family) *

 

 

You are! You're also a black sheep!

 

 

*I absolutely agree with you and have often said (though again.. this word will not be popular) that it is really the root cause of just about any "sin" you can think of. Every act that purposefully destroys or hurts another will usually have "selfishness" somewhere in the mix of it.*

 

 

It's not just purposeful, either. Some well-meaning people can hurt others with their selfishness. Control is a form of selfishness. A person is choosing self.

 

 

*But I also believe that if we are talking about those "critical thinking" topics.. issues of personal morality and how we ethically treat ourselves, each other.. and even our Creator.. that many if not MOST of these topics fall into the "black and white" realm (the narrow path) and that it doesn't really matter what I "think" or "believe" because there has to be a guiding principle that applies to all of us on SOME certain subjects.*

 

 

For me, broad still applies in this area. My belief is not the only one that matters. But I know for some, it's narrow, for there is just one way. Still, I feel it's best to introduce people to multiple beliefs and let them decide which is best for them. Again, we are speaking of personal choices. And, like so many things in life, we end up choosing "self." Whatever we choose, that is of course "right." Or, in other words, the "truth."

 

 

*And I know.. this is not an easy topic to discuss.. especially in this sort of setting.. so I would not want to get much deeper than this on here.. but I will just say that I think many times people want to believe they are free to pick and choose for themselves what goes on the "narrow" list.. if you are making a list of what is and is not "broad" or "narrow" that is. But just beause you THINK a topic is a "broad one" does not mean it isn't really "narrow" (and yes.. I freely confess.. for some that the reverse COULD be true) but again.. some things are universally true (or not true) despite what we think or feel about them so it can be a slippery slope when we start saying "open the door" and think "broadly" on some topics. But I freely admit others may disagree with me on this.*

 

 

That depends on one's belief system. The one each person chooses or was introduced to by their family and community. But, to me, the key is understanding that there are many different belief systems out there. Is there a right one? I don't know. I'm not that smart. And, yes, there are the select in this world who know. They are the ones who are "right." I'm all right with them all being right. Like I said, I don't need to be right. Broad vs. narrow. My child could choose to believe in whatever they wished to. I would only worry about such things if they were in danger or their belief was placing others in danger. How many parents would be all right with that? If my belief has to be everyone's... where are we?

 

 

*Woo HOO what a list.. good golly boy... I am still trying to get to the ones from some of your OTHER lists. ha. (I hope to watch Jubal again this weekend.... and I am expecingt SPWH in the mail any day now.. so will look forward to watching THAT one again soon too) OH.. and I am hoping to get to African Queen too.. just so you can yell at me about that one. ha. *

 

 

I'm really looking forward to your watching *The African Queen*. *Jubal* is a good one.

 

 

*Doctor Zhivago*

 

 

*I have only seen bits and pieces of this movie.. but based only one the little bit I have seen (and on what Miss G mentioned in her post) I am thinking it might be a good long while before I do see it all the way through. ha.*

 

 

This one is the anti-Quiet Gal flick. I think the only thing you'd like in the film, other than its look, would be the statement against Communism. The love story would have you strangling your television.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* The Great Escape*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*I MAY have seen this film years ago.. but to be honest I don't remember ever seeing it all the way through. I HAVE seen a good portion of it in the more recent past.. but really I can't say a WHOLE lot about it (except for a few select moments) I have never been huge on McQueen (ha.. unless you are talking LIGHTNING MCQUEEN :DBut I confess since I don't know too much other than just a few basics on it... it might be better than I think.*

 

 

What's interesting about the film is that Steve McQueen really isn't that big in the film, actually. That completely fooled me. There's a moment where he does become relevant, though. The final third of the film really pulls on you. It's very good.

 

 

*High Society*

 

 

 

< <strong>I can take it or leave it.. Cary, Katherine and Jimmy are better.*

 

 

Without question.

 

 

*How the West Was Won*

 

 

 

*I really like a LOT of this movie (a lot) ha... but it IS very long and there are huge gaps here and there where I COULD just take a nap.. ha. Really.. the early portions to me are the best.. and then when the parts w/ Jimmy Stewart are over.. it is pretty much hit and miss for me after that. But having said that.. I do think I likely am more fond of it that Miss G..and probably others too. I do like it a lot.. I just confess it is pretty long and "dragged out"*

 

 

 

I also liked the beginning of the film the very best. I was very drawn to James Stewart and Gregory Peck. After that, it was more miss than hit. I feel it's a wonderful-looking film, though. And as an overall picture, it's quite solid.

 

 

*King Solomon's Mines*

 

 

*Its a fun film.. but I confess it has been a while since I saw it. I recall it as a nice little adventure" ... perhaps a good "predecessor" to the Indiana Jones type movies.. though I am not saying the plots are the same.. just the "mood" of a lot of it could be compared.. if I am remembering it right.*

 

 

 

I'm in the minority with this one. I found the film to be quite boring. But you are right, it's definitely a predessor to Indiana Jones, particularly *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*.

 

 

*Sabrina*

 

 

 

*Always loved this story.. even if it WAS a "Bogie" ha. I have only learned to appreciate him just in the last few years.. but to be honest.. I likely like the story better than I necessarily like HIM in this movie.*

 

 

 

What?! You?! Now this is an upset! I would have never guessed you'd like this one. What do you like about it?

 

 

*So Proudly We Hail*

 

 

 

*I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I hope you at least found SOMETHING to like about this story.. it is to me a very interesting telling of the war, from a bit of a different perspective.*

 

 

 

For a film that really waves the flag, I liked it. I loved the two relationships in the film. Both were excellent. Paulette Goddard is a doll. She's the biggest draw in the film for me. I thought she was terrific. I also liked Claudette Colbert. She's excellent as the "glue." I also thought George Reeves and Sonny Tufts played good men. And those bombings! They were done exceptionally well. They had me frightened.

 

 

*The Three Musketeers*

 

 

 

*Well.. ha.. I have already TOLD you what a family favorite THIS one is.. I can't say that I expect you will LOVE this movie.. but I do hope you enjoyed at least some of it. I think it is mostly "for fun" but there are some moments that I find very "intense" for otherwise seems like a "lighter" telling of this particular story.*

 

 

 

It's exactly how you described it to be. It's a fun little film. I really liked the swordplay. Love Gene's athleticism. I can see why your daughter loves it. It's completely Gene's film.

 

 

*We're No Angels*

 

 

 

*Ha.. I am with Miss G.. "ADOLPHE!!! " ha. It is a fun "dark" comedy.. and to be honest I am not usally "IN" to dark comedy.. so for me to like a story of this nature is not a usual thing.. ha. But it is just so "fun" and the characters are so well done. (even the ones that DON'T slither, ha) I like how the "angels" are watching from the rooftop.. and get a glimpse of everything off and on.. and I love how they talk out all the plans meanwhile they are DOING something else. ha. It was a pleasant little suprise for me.*

 

 

While watching the film, I was thinking, "this screams 'Quiet Gal.' " It's a combination of *Arsenic and Old Lace* and *A Christmas Carol*. And the ending is very redemptive. I thought it was a very enjoyable film. It was wonderful to see Bogie in such a role. Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray are also perfect. They make an interesting "Three Stooges." Joan Bennett was lovely.

 

 

*Wings*

 

 

 

*I will look forward to your thoughts on this one too.. It too is a bit of a different "telling" of war and how it affects your life.. and the lives of others you love. And as was already mentioned.. some of the filming (arial scenes) are SPECTACULAR.*

 

 

You're right, the aerial scenes are amazing. They added a lot of value to the film. It's one of the better films I have seen in regards to friendship.

 

 

*Witness to Murder*

 

 

*I have not seen this one, but after looking it up.. I will be interested to hear what you and others have to say.. it sounds intriguing.*

 

 

I think you'll be all right with it, but you won't love it. George Sanders is on top of his game.

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnkhXuBLRpk

[FrankGrimes]

Hey there, Movieman -- *The Adventures of Marco Polo - okay film but a little hard for me to buy Cooper as Italian explorer.*

 

I was expecting to like this one more than I did. It's another adventure film that seems to be bogged down indoors. The best aspect of the film is easily Basil Rathbone. Now this is a villain of his that I really liked. He was pretty sadistic. It's just the rest of the film that surrounds him is rather silly.

 

*The Barbarian and The Geisha - I'm with MissG on this one. It's an odd picture and for the talent involved they should have done something else. Strictly a curiousity.*

 

All very true. I can't believe how badly John Huston misfired with this one.

 

*The Bridges at Toko Ri - I like this one. Great aerial footage. Good cast. It gets a little slow in some parts outside the war but I think it's good. Good climax.*

 

We're in agreement with this one. The end of the film is so good that it really saves the film for me. Without that, there really isn't much there.

 

*The Great Escape - At times exciting war film with exceptional cast. It probably suffers from its length a little but good film. (A must for watching "Chicken Run" like another poster said.)*

 

I never felt the length with this one. I was captivated by the film from start to finish. I couldn't believe how quickly we jump into the film. It's immediate.

 

*How The West Was Won - frankly would have been better without the Civil War section but it's big and broad. Not to everyone's taste but would love to see it on the big screen.*

 

You're right, it would be quite a different experience to see it in the theater, especially Cinerama. I was really surprised to see how uninteresting John Wayne's time on screen was.

 

*I Shot Jesse James - it has a noir feel for me. Ireland was good. Okay but not that memorable.*

 

I did like John Ireland in this one. I liked Preston Foster even more. I do agree with your comment of the film being not that memorable.

 

*King Solomon's Mines - once you get past Kerr's new hair style in the jungle it is a pretty good film. Granger and Kerr are terrific in their parts.*

 

I don't remember her hair!

 

*Love Happy - Late in their career they usually made a movie because Chico needed money. They phoned this one in.*

 

I was missing them! I thought it was pretty solid.

 

*Run Silent, Run Deep - without Gable or Lancaster you have don't have that good a film.*

 

They are the show, that's for sure. But I liked all of the submarine stuff. There was some good tension.

 

[rohanaka]

I find the love and romance of movies to be about the initial stage of meeting and all the emotions that go along with that

 

 

 

I think you are right. That is where most romances tend to start (or lead to) in most movies. But I guess where I am coming from is that I think the way some of those "romances" play out.. (is it going to lead to something greater later on.. or is it resting on a shaky foundation from the get go and not really able to grow those "long lasting" roots) is what I look at for as to whether it is a real or "made up" love story. ha. But I concede.. we all have our own definitions.. I just am using a bit more 'fundamental" one, I guess.

 

 

 

What are the best films for marital love

 

 

 

Ha!! What are you asking ME for.. you are supposed to be the "mushy love story" lover.

 

 

 

I don't know if "marital" love is the right word that I meant to use (at least for purposes of this chat, anyway) although I did use it in my post.

 

 

 

If we are sticking strictly with "marital" definition, one of the first movies that pops in my head is that one that Miss G told us about a while back (about the old man and old woman who are facing the prospect of being separated due to their rotten children.) I can't remember the title.. but that was a LOVELY story about a LONG and lasting "marital" love sort of relationship. I know there are more movies I could name.. but I would have to think on it. (as you know I am a horrid list maker)

 

 

 

But I guess if you are asking me (generally) what movies I think are good examples of a "romance" movie.... that one is easier for me to answer.

 

 

 

Some favorites in no real order whatsover (except the obvious first one) of romance movies I like.. OR.. movies that might be a good example of romance IN a movie (but may not exactly be a "romance" movie) would be:

 

 

 

The Quiet Man

 

 

 

The Shop Around the Corner

 

 

 

Its a Wonderful Life

 

 

 

Sunrise (for the repentance angle maybe more than the "romance", I admit)

 

 

 

It Happened One Night

 

 

 

Sense and Sensibility(the Emma Thompson version)

 

 

 

Emma (the Qwyneth version)

 

 

 

Pride and Prejudice (ha... I know.. your FAVORITE) my actual fave version for this one is not the Greer one though.. shhh.. don't tell Baby T)

 

 

 

Knight Without Armor (way better I bet than Dr Z)

 

 

 

Friendly Persuasion

 

 

 

Hondo (you know my favorite moment, ha)

 

 

 

The Proud Rebel (I liked watching their relationship as it grows.. very quietly.. and in no big "whirlwind" sort of way)

 

 

 

They Were Expendable (when Duke is dancing w/ Donna.)

 

 

 

High Noon (when your Lambie comes back... what a PERFECT moment)

 

 

 

Rachel and the Stranger (just recently re-watched this after a long time and I remembered how much I love when the lights suddenly come on for William Holden.. another "perfect" moment.)

 

 

 

My Fair Lady (though this could NOT be listed as being among my most fave movies.. it is another "great moment" sort of movie..when Henry Higgins figures it out)

 

 

 

Jane Eyre (No apologies.. I love the happy ending.. ha.. but I confess.. it is a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride to get to it)

 

 

 

And again.. there are more.. many more I am sure I could name (if I sat here all night I could think of some of them.. ha.) But these are just all that I can think of off the top of my head.

 

 

 

It's not just purposeful, either

 

 

 

Oh, I agree.. I just think that most times, it is a conscious act to be selfish.

 

 

 

For me, broad still applies in this area. My belief is not the only one that matters

 

 

 

Well again, I will just say that some things don't rely on whether we "believe" or not.. they are still true (or not true) no matter what we think or feel. And those are the things that to me would be "narrow". I know it is not a popular thing to say this.. but there are things that are "absolutely" true, morally speaking, no matter what we think about them. And it doesn't really matter what we believe because it won't change whether or not they are true. (because real "truth" is not open to my own interpretation) I may feel very strongly about something.. even with what I believe to be a sincere motive.. but it may not change the fact that what I believe is false. (and that is why I say that some things ARE broad and we can do whatever we feel is best based on what we think about them.. but there IS a list of "narrow" choices too)

 

 

 

I think where most people tend to get caught up is in thinking "do I want to submit myself to the narrow list or not" And how you answer that will sort of define whether you think "broad" or "narrow' is the way to go. And I freely admit.. we all can have our own opinions about this. (because it is everyone's "right" to choose what they want to think or believe) But our opinions and our choices won't change what is true.

 

 

 

Now admittedly.. sometimes people may SAY "this" or "that" is a black and white" issue.. or sometimes they may say "this or that is on the GREY list" and it may well BE that the thing they are discussing is NOT an "absolute" thing.. so sometimes others WILL try to impose their own preferences on others (selfishly.. or even with a sincere motive of concern) But again.. that does not mean that EVERYTHING is a matter of opinion.. and thankfully, no one person is in charge of what is and is not on the "broad/narrow" list.. ha (there is only one "list maker" for what is or is not 'narrow or broad" and thankfully HE is in charge of the list, ha)

 

 

 

And I think that is about all I can say about it, ha (because anything much deeper and we'll have to show that clip from Hell's Hinges where the girl is clinging to her faith as they show the "image" of her getting tossed on the rocks with ocean waves beating all around her.. ha.

 

 

 

(OH me, the drama!!) ha. And since I don't want to "preach" a sermon here.. I will have to leave it all at that.

 

 

 

Except to say.. thank you for letting me blab on all this with you.. we have gone done this long and bumpy road to the mud pit before, many times.. and every time I have to say, you have always been kind and respectful to let me "blab" on and on. I appreciate you for that. It is good to find someone who can discuss completely opposite points of view (of this nature) and remain respectful and polite. I enjoy getting to hear your thoughts on this topic.. and I thank you and others here for your patience as we travel knee deep (or hip. or neck... ha) down into the mud now and then. ha.

 

 

 

the anti-Quiet Gal flick

 

 

 

hahahahaha.. I bet you are right, based on what little I know of it. I may try to "endure" it someday..ha.. just to say I've seen it. (but not anytime soon.. maybe I'll save that for when I am old(er) and worn out(er) and too tired to get u up and "strangle" my tv. ha. (that way I won't have to buy a new one when I am done)

 

 

 

What's interesting about the film is that Steve McQueen really isn't that big in the film, actually. That completely fooled me. There's a moment where he does become relevant, though. The final third of the film really pulls on you. It's very good

 

 

 

The part I like is the one I mentioned a while back when we were discussing BOTRK where they empty out all the dirt from the tunnel as they are digging.. ha. It never OCCURRED to me you would have to figure out something like that.. ha. but DUH.. it does make sense. And I have seen msot of the ending too.. but can't recall enough of it to say too much about it. I have no memory for ever seeing the beginning of the movie, though.

 

 

 

I feel it's a wonderful-looking film, though. And as an overall picture, it's quite solid

 

 

 

OH, its a gorgeous movie, for sure. I love the color.. and I love the scenery and how it is used as a part of the story sometimes. Its a masterpiece in some respects, I guess. (but ha.. it IS long. oh yeah.. very long) I like themusic too. We played the theme from this movie in High School marching band one year. I remember saying when we first got the sheet music.. "Hey. I like that movie" and that none of my friends had ever even HEARD of it.. ha (they were too busy going to see John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, alas) See.. I was a rebel THAT way too, sometimes. HA.

 

 

 

What?! You?! Now this is an upset! I would have never guessed you'd like this one. What do you like about it

 

 

 

Why would you think I would not like this movie?? ha. I even like the Harrison Ford REMAKE of this movie. I thinhk I like it most for its "sweetness" despite some of the "harsh reality" of how she has to have her eyes opened too. I think it is a great "awakening' for Linus.. I really like how he comes to dislike himself.. its a great story.

 

 

 

For a film that really waves the flag, I liked it. I loved the two relationships in the film. Both were excellent. Paulette Goddard is a doll. She's the biggest draw in the film for me. I thought she was terrific. I also liked Claudette Colbert. She's excellent as the "glue." I also thought George Reeves and Sonny Tufts played good men

 

 

 

I am so glad you enjoyed it. So what is your "chick flick" verdict NOW?? ha. It does admittedly have some "feminine" moments.. but it is a lot more, isn't it.

 

 

 

And those bombings! They were done exceptionally well. They had me frightened

 

 

 

It was scary in parts, wasn't it?? There were some truly HAUNTING moments too. I am really looking forward to watching it again this weekend.. I will be interested to hear what the QT thinks..he has never seen it before.

 

 

 

It's exactly how you described it to be. It's a fun little film. I really liked the swordplay. Love Gene's athleticism. I can see why your daughter loves it. It's completely Gene's film

 

 

 

It is.. absolutely. He is really fun in this one. (the kidling LOVES the part where he is looking through that hole down at June Allyson.. and he is so love struck he does a "happy dance" right there. ha. She also likes the sword fight "appointments" how he ends up with all three of them at the same time (and how that all ends) The parts w/ Lana is prison is hard for her to watch. She got confused the first time she watched it because she did not understand how she could be lying (about wanting to pray, etc) and why June would bring her a knife.. etc.. to me that is one of the darkest aspects of the story.. it really takes a turn in this portion.. almost becomes a whole different movie at that point.. and OH how evil that Lana is in this part of the story. She goes from being just a "coniving" sort of bad girl.. to well just evil. In fact.. "evil"l is not even a dark enough word for how evil she is, ha.

 

 

 

While watching the film, I was thinking, "this screams 'Quiet Gal.' " It's a combination of *Arsenic and Old Lace *and *A Christmas Carol*. And the ending is very redemptive. I thought it was a very enjoyable film. It was wonderful to see Bogie in such a role. Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray are also perfect. They make an interesting "Three Stooges." Joan Bennett was lovely

 

 

 

Well now I can TOTALLY see "A and OL" but how do you get "A Christmas Carol" out of this one. ha. (and by the way.. I think you are spot on w/ why I might like it.. ha. I do agree.. that even though "dark" is not usually my fave comedy style.. I like the "dark humor" of A and OL.. and these two do have that sort of feel... at least somewhat. But how does Ebenezer Scrooge" fit in?? ha.

 

 

 

And as for th ending.. that to me is the least part of the movie. ha. It was almost like, "Well, what shall we do next boys.. I know.. lets go back to prison" It just did not "fly" with me. Ha. (because I really did not see as much "repentance" except maybe in the fact that they chose not to hurt the family they first thought to take advantage of.. but that was more because they got caught up in their story.. not really because they had suddenly turned over some new leaf.

 

 

 

You're right, the aerial scenes are amazing. They added a lot of value to the film. It's one of the better films I have seen in regards to friendship

 

 

 

I am glad you enjoyed this one too. (ha.. you really ARE on a war movie kina roll. ha. Whod'a thunk it?? ha) I remember really just being sort of "blown away" by some of this movie when I first saw it. But it has been a couple of years now. I hope to get a chance to see it again soon.

 

 

 

I think you'll be all right with it, but you won't love it. George Sanders is on top of his game

 

 

 

Hey.. thanks for the youtube. I will try to check it out sometime soon. I will hope to find something to like in it.. I do like "Georgie" when he's being bad.

 

 

 

So are you going to list your thoughts on each movie (and tell us what made the top ones come in at "the top" for you? Inquiring minds wanna know.

[JackFavell]

If you and Frank want a really good marital movie, there is one called *Vacation from a Marriage* aka *Perfect Strangers* (1945) starring Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr as two mousy people who are married, but then go through WWII, mostly separated by their different roles in the war. They have to get to know one another all over again after their experiences. It's excellent, and I know you both like the actors. It was a hidden gem for me. The hard part is finding it. Don't be put off by the title, Ro. The original British one, *Perfect Strangers* is a MUCH better title for it. I think you'd each like it in your own way.

 

As for *The Three Musketeers*, the parts I love best are Lana's evilness, and her scenes with Vincent Price, Gene's jumping around (some of the footage was used in Singing in the Rain for the silent movie part), and Van Heflin. It's all very tongue in cheek, which I always like. You can see where the seventies version came from (which I love) watching this one.

 

Frank -

 

Speaking of tongue in cheek, *Robin Hood!* Oh I adore this movie. It's so perfect. It's one of those films that makes me cry at the end, it's SO well done. I think it may just be Michael Curtiz best film (sorry Casablanca fans). I love every minute of it, from the opening pages of the book, to the bookend ending, to Una O'Connor to Herbert Mundin, to the bravado of the men, to the three or four very different villains, to the look of it , the color, and the sound of it. It has a musical score that I can recognize faster than any other film ever made, and The casting is PERFECTION. Another huge plus is Errol and Olivia, they are so .... ahhhhh together. Just a brilliant piece of filmmaking, a perfect fairy tale. I AM surprised you said there was very little emotion in it, for me, it's one of the most emotional movies I can watch, but maybe that's inside me, rather than inside the movie. When the men put down their swords at the end, I cry EVERY TIME. There will never be as great an adventure film.

 

If you like Errol, I can recommend *They Died With Their Boots On* (pay no attention to the ridiculous history lesson, just enjoy it for what it is), *Gentleman Jim*, and a couple of other oddball Walsh films, *Uncertain Glory* and *Desperate Journey.* Uncertain Glory is a really REALLY weird movie, but I ended up liking it.

 

I am very happy you liked *The Great Escape* so much. It's almost as great a favorite for me as Robin Hood. It's an exceptional war film, and I think it's one of the few all star cast films to really work. I love every bloomin' actor in it - it plays to their strengths, whether it's James Garner, or Richard Attenborough, or the unsung Gordon Jackson and James Donald, or my favorite little man, Angus Lennie. There is great humor in it, and great drama. Again, the story is gripping, and the actors are cast to perfection. I like the liquor scene, the way James Garner works his magic stealing every possible item he can, and how moving Charles Bronson is. You really do never feel the length, it's that absorbing a story. Love the music! Especially Steve McQueen's cooler theme. Steve is awesome here, I'll always love him for this movie and *Love with the Proper Stranger.* He's so iconic on that bike. When the music comes up at the end, you know he's just going to try again.

 

 

*I Shot Jesse James* - have you seen *The Baron of Arizona* yet? I like that one a lot.

 

I just recently watched *How the West Was Won* for the first time, I'd always avoided it. I ended up liking it,surprisingly enough - though you are right, the first generation is the most interesting. It's funny, you liked Jimmy and Greg, where I concentrated on Debbie and Caroll. Boy, the way they used cinemascope was AMAZING. I loved those long wide deep shots, incredibly interesting. Makes me wonder who did the bulk of the shooting of those backgrounds, because they were able to encompass so many planes of view - that really worked for me.

 

*Run Silent Run Deep* - I just loved Gable here. Two strong male personalities, and there is no question who the King of film is. I can't think of anyone else who could make you take your eyes off of Burt.

 

I really like *Berlin Express,* for that ambience and the lighting it has, and for some of the twists. It's got a good cast, Paul Lukas can never go wrong in my book.

 

The Cat and the Canary (1939) - not as funny as the ghost breakers; bob is so young.

 

I loved it! You're right, it's not as funny of a film, but it plays very well as a horror flick. I thought it was very enjoyable. After watching it, I was craving to see another film like it.

 

How about *The Cat and the Canary* (1927)?

 

Oh yeah.... If you think Ro would hate *Dr. Zhivago,* I absolutely loathe it! It's the only Lean film I can't get into. I want badly to like it, but for me, it's got the two most boring people in it as the leads, and plus, I really can't get over the "love means you can do anything you like" kind of story. I out-Ro, Ro herself on this one. Call me a prude, but I can't get into it because of that. They do look gorgeous together, and I can't fault Leans' movie making ability here.

 

*Witness to Murder* - just OK, but with a good cast. I love it when George goes all subtly Nazi. You are right about the mundane story. It kind of ticked me off when no one believed Babs because she was a woman.

 

I love *Sabrina,* but one has to forgive many things in it.

 

I remember being shocked at *SPWH,* How scary it was. There is also *Three Came Home,* another war movie with Colbert.

 

Oh and I always liked *What a Way to Go!* I have no idea why. Probably my fascination with episodic tales. Is this the one with Robert Cummings as the psychiatrist? I like the DIck Van Dyke episode, and I find the Paul Newman episode very funny, though I don't like him at all as a companion. Robert Mitchum's the best, and I can't really remember the Gene Kelly or the Dean Martin episodes. Can someone just write a brief sentence on each of their sections, so it will pop back into my head?

 

Edited by: JackFavell on Feb 16, 2013 10:54 AM

 

Edited by: JackFavell on Feb 16, 2013 11:01 AM

[Capuchin]

I can't list my own favorite romances because I see it in all kinds of movies. Some of my choices would take a lot of explaining.

 

A long time ago, SansFin made a list of romance movies she wanted me to watch.

 

All About Marriage (1958)

Bell, Book and Candle (1958)

The Borrowed Castle (1937)

Camelot (1967)

The Divorce of Lady X (1938)

Funny Face (1957)

Girl Without an Address (1957)

Happy Flight (1949)

I Love You Again (1940)

I Loved You Wednesday (1933)

I Married a Witch (1942)

Indiscreet (1958)

Jewel Robbery (1932)

The Lady and the Beard (1931)

The Lady Eve (1941)

Love in the Afternoon (1957)

The Mad Miss Manton (1938)

Midnight (1939)

On Wings of Love (1957)

Romantic Comedy (1983)

 

Fortunately, most of these were already some of my favorites.

[FrankGrimes]

Hey there, Spunky! -- *If you and Frank want a really good marital movie, there is one called Vacation from a Marriage aka Perfect Strangers (1945) starring Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr as two mousy people who are married, but then go through WWII, mostly separated by their different roles in the war. They have to get to know one another all over again after their experiences. It's excellent, and I know you both like the actors. It was a hidden gem for me. The hard part is finding it. Don't be put off by the title, Ro. The original British one, Perfect Strangers is a MUCH better title for it. I think you'd each like it in your own way.*

 

That sounds good to me! I'll watch it in the next group.

 

*Speaking of tongue in cheek, Robin Hood! Oh I adore this movie. It's so perfect. It's one of those films that makes me cry at the end, it's SO well done.*

 

 

Really?! You always surprise me with your cries.

 

 

*I think it may just be Michael Curtiz best film (sorry Casablanca fans).*

 

 

Blasphemy! I'm not that big on Michael Curtiz. He's very middling to me.

 

 

What I've seen of Curtiz:

 

 

1. Casablanca (30 overall)

2. The Breaking Point (259 overall)

3. The Kennel Murder Case (428 overall)

4. The Adventures of Robin Hood (436 overall)

5. The Proud Rebel

6. We're No Angels

7. Mildred Pierce

8. The Comancheros

9. Captain Blood

10. Angels with Dirty Faces

11. Doctor X

 

 

*I love every minute of it, from the opening pages of the book, to the bookend ending, to Una O'Connor to Herbert Mundin, to the bravado of the men, to the three or four very different villains, to the look of it , the color, and the sound of it. It has a musical score that I can recognize faster than any other film ever made, and The casting is PERFECTION.*

 

 

I was most taken by the opening of the film. "Bravado" is the perfect word. How Errol Flynn plays that opening scene really grabbed me. Such swagger. From then on, I was mostly entertained but not to the level of the beginning. My least favorite part of the film is the archery competition.

 

 

*Another huge plus is Errol and Olivia, they are so .... ahhhhh together.*

 

 

They had some nice scenes but they never won me over completely. It's probably Olivia de Havilland. I don't always fall for her.

 

 

*Just a brilliant piece of filmmaking, a perfect fairy tale. I AM surprised you said there was very little emotion in it, for me, it's one of the most emotional movies I can watch, but maybe that's inside me, rather than inside the movie. When the men put down their swords at the end, I cry EVERY TIME.*

 

 

I don't even remember the sword moment you speak of! How embarrassing! I just didn't find any emotional moments in the film. I saw it as more of a straightforward adventure tale.

 

 

*There will never be as great an adventure film.*

 

 

I prefer the films from my childhood, such as *Raiders of the Lost Ark*. From the classic world, I prefer *Gunga Din* or *The Lives of a Bengal Lancer*.

 

 

*If you like Errol, I can recommend They Died With Their Boots On (pay no attention to the ridiculous history lesson, just enjoy it for what it is), Gentleman Jim, and a couple of other oddball Walsh films, Uncertain Glory and Desperate Journey. Uncertain Glory is a really REALLY weird movie, but I ended up liking it.*

 

 

Very good! I've yet to watch any of those and have all of them on DVD.

 

 

What I've seen of his, to date:

 

 

1. The Dawn Patrol

2. The Adventures of Robin Hood

3. Cry Wolf

4. Northern Pursuit

5. Captain Blood

6. The Sun Also Rises

 

 

*I am very happy you liked The Great Escape so much. It's almost as great a favorite for me as Robin Hood. It's an exceptional war film, and I think it's one of the few all star cast films to really work. I love every bloomin' actor in it - it plays to their strengths, whether it's James Garner, or Richard Attenborough, or the unsung Gordon Jackson and James Donald, or my favorite little man, Angus Lennie.* *There is great humor in it, and great drama. Again, the story is gripping, and the actors are cast to perfection.*

 

 

I agree, the cast is sensational. It's an interesting mix of American and British. Donald Pleasence is the one I was most surprised by. I really liked James Garner and Charles Bronson. Richard Attenborough is someone I usually like a lot.

 

 

*I like the liquor scene, the way James Garner works his magic stealing every possible item he can, and how moving Charles Bronson is.*

 

 

I wasn't into the "moonshine" scene. Seeing Charles Bronson fall apart was stunning. I wasn't expecting that.

 

 

*You really do never feel the length, it's that absorbing a story.*

 

 

I never felt it. I was captivated by everything. And I usually don't enjoy "prison" films. But I will say, the last few I have watched have been very entertaining.

 

 

*Love the music! Especially Steve McQueen's cooler theme.*

 

 

It's a really good score; very catchy.

 

 

*Steve is awesome here, I'll always love him for this movie and Love with the Proper Stranger. He's so iconic on that bike. When the music comes up at the end, you know he's just going to try again.*

 

 

I did like Steve in the film. He's the know-it-all rebel but with a heart. It's a great role for him. But I was amazed to find out that it's not his film. I thought everything would center around him. It's quite the opposite.

 

 

*I Shot Jesse James - have you seen The Baron of Arizona yet? I like that one a lot.*

 

 

Not yet. That's planned for the next bunch. I'm trying to reach 10 films for Samuel Fuller. I have three to go.

 

 

*I just recently watched How the West Was Won for the first time, I'd always avoided it. I ended up liking it,surprisingly enough - though you are right, the first generation is the most interesting. It's funny, you liked Jimmy and Greg, where I concentrated on Debbie and Caroll.*

 

 

Oh, I also liked Carroll and Debbie. It's just Jimmy and Gregory played my kind of men. I could relate to both of them, in a way. And of course I'm going to like the women who fall for such men.

 

 

*Boy, the way they used cinemascope was AMAZING. I loved those long wide deep shots, incredibly interesting. Makes me wonder who did the bulk of the shooting of those backgrounds, because they were able to encompass so many planes of view - that really worked for me.*

 

 

You're exactly right. I think it's a wonderful-looking film. Love the scenery.

 

 

*Run Silent Run Deep - I just loved Gable here. Two strong male personalities, and there is no question who the King of film is. I can't think of anyone else who could make you take your eyes off of Burt.*

 

 

I also loved Gable. Both he and Burt are so commanding and to see them work through everything is remarkable. The ending is magnificent. I loved the tension with the sub attacks. For me, this is a far better film than *The Mutiny on the Bounty*.

 

 

*I really like Berlin Express, for that ambience and the lighting it has, and for some of the twists. It's got a good cast, Paul Lukas can never go wrong in my book.*

 

 

I'm glad to hear you like it. The feel is rather Hitchcockian; 30s Hitchcock. The tossing together of different personalities also reminded me a little of *A Canterbury Tale*. The stories are far different, though. I enjoyed seeing these people from different countries looking to work together. The locations Jacques Tourneur chose really added to the film, too.

 

 

*How about The Cat and the Canary (1927)? *

 

 

I actually watched that about six or seven years ago. It was one of the first silents I ever watched. I liked it. But I do prefer the 1939 picture.

 

 

*Oh yeah.... If you think Ro would hate Dr. Zhivago, I absolutely loathe it! It's the only Lean film I can't get into.*

 

 

Wow! Now I did know that you didn't like it, but I didn't know you loathed it.

 

 

*I want badly to like it, but for me, it's got the two most boring people in it as the leads, and plus, I really can't get over the "love means you can do anything you like" kind of story. I out-Ro, Ro herself on this one. Call me a prude, but I can't get into it because of that. They do look gorgeous together, and I can't fault Leans' movie making ability here.*

 

 

I would be surprised many women would like this film, actually. Yet, I suppose that's who really likes it! When Yuri (Omar Sharif) is bouncing back and forth between the two towns while his wife is... I figured that would have most women spitting venom.

 

 

So what makes the love story of *Doctor Zhivago* different than *Brief Encounter* ? They seem similar.

 

 

*Witness to Murder - just OK, but with a good cast. I love it when George goes all subtly Nazi. You are right about the mundane story. It kind of ticked me off when no one believed Babs because she was a woman.*

 

 

As much as I like Lawrence (Gary Merrill) in the film, he's maddening with all of his rebukes and how he does treat Cheryl (Barbara Stanwyck). I blame the script with that. It gets to be too repetitive. But I loved all the of logical explanations Richter (George Sanders) gives for everything. That was a treat. And does anyone deliver such lies any better than George?

 

 

*I love Sabrina, but one has to forgive many things in it.*

 

 

I feel that you are right. I think it's the power of Audrey that ultimately wins people over.

 

 

 

 

*I remember being shocked at SPWH, How scary it was. There is also Three Came Home, another war movie with Colbert.*

 

 

Now that's one that I don't have. I never heard of it.

 

 

*Oh and I always liked What a Way to Go! I have no idea why. Probably my fascination with episodic tales. Is this the one with Robert Cummings as the psychiatrist? I like the DIck Van Dyke episode, and I find the Paul Newman episode very funny, though I don't like him at all as a companion. Robert Mitchum's the best, and I can't really remember the Gene Kelly or the Dean Martin episodes. Can someone just write a brief sentence on each of their sections, so it will pop back into my head?*

 

 

Yes, that's the film. Dean doesn't have a segment. Dick Van Dyke is the small store owner in town and he's happy with that. Then he feels like he's not treating his wife well enough and works extra hard to make money so that they don't live poorly. Paul Newman is the artist who doesn't care about money who eventually sells out. Robert Mitchum is the millionaire who decides to leave the business world to return to his farming youth. Gene Kelly is a local lounge singer clown who goes on to hit the bigtime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[FrankGrimes]

Hi, Capuchin -- *A long time ago, SansFin made a list of romance movies she wanted me to watch.*

 

*All About Marriage (1958)*

*Bell, Book and Candle (1958)*

*The Borrowed Castle (1937)*

*Camelot (1967)*

*The Divorce of Lady X (1938)*

*Funny Face (1957)*

*Girl Without an Address (1957)*

*Happy Flight (1949)*

*I Love You Again (1940)*

*I Loved You Wednesday (1933)*

*I Married a Witch (1942)*

*Indiscreet (1958)*

*Jewel Robbery (1932)*

*The Lady and the Beard (1931)*

*The Lady Eve (1941)*

*Love in the Afternoon (1957)*

*The Mad Miss Manton (1938)*

*Midnight (1939)*

*On Wings of Love (1957)*

*Romantic Comedy (1983)*

 

Wow! And you still have that list. Very cool.

 

I've seen eight of those films. I would be in trouble with her!

[JackFavell]

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}Hey there, Spunky! --

 

Hey there!

 

> Yes, that's the film. Dean doesn't have a segment. Dick Van Dyke is the small store owner in town and he's happy with that. Then he feels like he's not treating his wife well enough and works extra hard to make money so that they don't live poorly. Paul Newman is the artist who doesn't care about money who eventually sells out. Robert Mitchum is the millionaire who decides to leave the business world to return to his farming youth. Gene Kelly is a local lounge singer clown who goes on to hit the bigtime.

 

Oh that's right, Dean is Dick's rival! I remember now. I still don't remember the Gene Kelly part, I must not have liked it. I wonder if he's rather unpleasant in this section? I probably blocked it out. Sometimes I love Gene and then other times he seems.... not so nice, bitter and egotistical.

 

>If you and Frank want a really good marital movie, there is one called Vacation from a Marriage aka Perfect Strangers (1945) starring Robert Donat and Deborah Kerr as two mousy people who are married, but then go through WWII, mostly separated by their different roles in the war. They have to get to know one another all over again after their experiences. It's excellent, and I know you both like the actors. It was a hidden gem for me. The hard part is finding it. Don't be put off by the title, Ro. The original British one, Perfect Strangers is a MUCH better title for it. I think you'd each like it in your own way.

>

> *That sounds good to me! I'll watch it in the next group.*

 

Do you already have it? How did you do that????!!!

 

> Really?! You always surprise me with your cries.

 

This is one of my cries at how well done a movie is, not the story per se. I just love the way this movie goes so fast, and the directing and acting is just lovely. That fight scene is the best ever, except for maybe Prisoner of Zenda. No, even better than Zenda.

 

> Blasphemy! I'm not that big on Michael Curtiz. He's very middling to me.

 

He may grow on you later. He's one of those who many folks overlook.

 

> What I've seen of Curtiz:

>

>

> 1. Casablanca (30 overall)

> 2. The Breaking Point (259 overall)

> 3. The Kennel Murder Case (428 overall)

> 4. The Adventures of Robin Hood (436 overall)

> 5. The Proud Rebel

> 6. We're No Angels

> 7. Mildred Pierce

> 8. The Comancheros

> 9. Captain Blood

> 10. Angels with Dirty Faces

> 11. Doctor X

 

Well, I think you probably won't find anything that will change your mind, but if you watch

 

*Black Fury*

*The Walking Dead*

*The Sea Wolf*

*Dive Bomber*

*The Unsuspected*

and

*Flamingo Road*

 

then maybe you will like him better, or maybe not. Those are some of his darker films. I won't make you watch *Yankee Doodle Dandy* or *Elizabeth and Essex,* but he was a VERY versatile director and one of my favorites.

 

> I was most taken by the opening of the film. "Bravado" is the perfect word. How Errol Flynn plays that opening scene really grabbed me. Such swagger. From then on, I was mostly entertained but not to the level of the beginning. My least favorite part of the film is the archery competition.

 

Errol is the only Robin Hood. It seems amazing to me that no one thought he was a good actor. He's sublimely perfect as Robin. There was never anyone who could touch him for this type of role, the hero with a touch of the devil. And he's so funny, you can't help but love him. It's so effective here.

 

> They had some nice scenes but they never won me over completely. It's probably Olivia de Havilland. I don't always fall for her.

 

Errol was in love with her in real life. I think you can see a difference between their scenes together and any other woman he ever worked with. You can see he really loves her in every look, every gesture. I think because she was a real lady, and he respected her. I think she might have loved him too, but knew he was not the marrying kind. It's rather sad, their story.

 

> I don't even remember the sword moment you speak of! How embarrassing! I just didn't find any emotional moments in the film. I saw it as more of a straightforward adventure tale.

 

At the very end, King Richard comes home and they all fight against John's men. There's the big fight between Robin and Sir Guy (Basil Rathbone) who goes over the steps. Robin goes to rescue Maid Marian, and the band of merry men start to win against John. Robin lets Marian out of the dungeon cell, and they embrace. The next shot opens with swords being thrown down as the scene opens outward to reveal Richard standing there, and Robin's men dropping their weapons in front of him and kneeling before him. I don't know why I find the throwing down of swords moving.

 

> I prefer the films from my childhood, such as *Raiders of the Lost Ark*. From the classic world, I prefer *Gunga Din* or *The Lives of a Bengal Lancer*.

 

Is it the costumes? Gunga Din is just as good. I can't really remember Bengal Lancer but I did like it when I was young. Robin Hood is the one from my childhood. I love best the joshing banter of the merry men, and the way they meet, and fight each other before joining the gang. I always liked the scene with Friar Tuck, when they make fun of him being rotund, but then he dunks Robin in the creek. Ditto Little John's scene on the log across the river.

 

 

> Very good! I've yet to watch any of those and have all of them on DVD.

 

Great! I have a feeling I know what you will say about Desperate Journey.

 

 

> What I've seen of his, to date:

>

>

> 1. The Dawn Patrol

> 2. The Adventures of Robin Hood

> 3. Cry Wolf

> 4. Northern Pursuit

> 5. Captain Blood

> 6. The Sun Also Rises

 

Those are all good ones. I am very fond of Errol, he's underrated, and always knew it. It bothered him that people only saw him as this guy in tights. I wish he hadn't been so willing to destroy himself.

 

> I agree, the cast is sensational. It's an interesting mix of American and British. Donald Pleasence is the one I was most surprised by. I really liked James Garner and Charles Bronson. Richard Attenborough is someone I usually like a lot.

 

Donald Pleasence is a far cry from his roles in Will Penny and the horror films. He's spectacularly, quietly good. He's so underplayed it makes me ache for him. I do cry here too, for him and for little Angus Lennie. And for the fifty. It's a true story.

 

> I wasn't into the "moonshine" scene. Seeing Charles Bronson fall apart was stunning. I wasn't expecting that.

 

I think the moonshine moment is to set up the drama of what happens right after it, the finding of the tunnels. It's full of unexpected moments. That's what makes it great. I swear the first time I saw it, I sat there stunned at the fifty scene. I couldn't believe that they got that far only to have that happen. And Charles Bronson, shaking, unable to even breathe with fear? Wow. It's my favorite of his performances. I had a crush on him when I first saw this one. He's so vulnerable.

 

You were captivated - well, it's one of those movies that everyone says, " I don't like war movies, but I like The Great Escape." It's The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance of war movies.

 

> It's a really good score; very catchy.

 

I always turn it up when the little march comes on. It's humorous and sets the jaunty, almost rebellious tone of the film.

 

 

> I did like Steve in the film. He's the know-it-all rebel but with a heart. It's a great role for him. But I was amazed to find out that it's not his film. I thought everything would center around him. It's quite the opposite.

 

Nope, he's only one of many. It works so well, to set him off from the others. He's seen to very good advantage here. But they all play off each other exceptionally well, each story hinges on the main one. I like Garner here tremendously too, but he's very different from McQueen the other American. I love his scenes with the German guard. I love the Germans here too. None of them is really evil, except for the scene towards the end with the fifty.

 

> Not yet. That's planned for the next bunch. I'm trying to reach 10 films for Samuel Fuller. I have three to go.

 

Awesome! The student becomes the master, Grasshopper.

 

> Oh, I also liked Carroll and Debbie. It's just Jimmy and Gregory played my kind of men. I could relate to both of them, in a way. And of course I'm going to like the women who fall for such men.

 

I almost thought I wasn't going to like Jimmy. He pulled it off for me, but I was mad at his reticence, though I understood it. I kind of wished it had been played by someone else.

 

> You're exactly right. I think it's a wonderful-looking film. Love the scenery.

 

And the way they set up certain scenes, with deep deep background. Someone would be framed by the landscape, or the river, for instance, in that scene where the little group was attacked by the merchant's henchmen. You could see for miles, and the set ups for Jimmy sneaking up on them were beautiful. Man really was dwarfed by nature. I wish that it had had one vision, though, the film was a bit choppy, and would have been better had they stuck with that original viewpoint. One director I guess.

 

> I also loved Gable. Both he and Burt are so commanding and to see them work through everything is remarkable. The ending is magnificent. I loved the tension with the sub attacks. For me, this is a far better film than *The Mutiny on the Bounty*.

 

Oh I don't know, I really am liking *Mutiny on the Bounty* lately. Wait do you mean the 1935 one? I can't even get through the other. It's definitely more compact a film than Bounty. Very tight, and I'm not talking about just the living quarters. The film is kind of spare. Right to the point. But of course that's Wise all the way. I think Frank Lloyd, the director of Bounty was a little longwinded, but it works for me in Bounty. He tended to do specialized work in costume pictures, but I like the manliness in Bounty. It doesn't pull any punches and it's not frilly or anything. It's just a little bit long. But the shots of the ships and the rigging, are tremendously beautiful, and the wrecking of the boats is exciting.

 

> I'm glad to hear you like it. The feel is rather Hitchcockian; 30s Hitchcock. The tossing together of different personalities also reminded me a little of *A Canterbury Tale*. The stories are far different, though. I enjoyed seeing these people from different countries looking to work together. The locations Jacques Tourneur chose really added to the film, too.

 

I can see that Canterbury Tale feeling totally. All those different people with different backgrounds working to do something good. I think it's the Tourneur-ism of the movie that I like, the feel.

 

> Wow! Now I did know that you didn't like it, but I didn't know you loathed it.

> I would be surprised many women would like this film, actually. Yet, I suppose that's who really likes it! When Yuri (Omar Sharif) is bouncing back and forth between the two towns while his wife is... I figured that would have most women spitting venom.

 

It does me anyway. And I like Julie Christie. And Omar actually too. It's just they are soooo bland. I also can't stand Rita Tushingham. Everyone else is so much more interesting than Yuri and Lara. The film just doesn't work for me. I like Ralph Richardson, and Geraldine Chaplin. She's the one I go to for Geraldine Page quirkiness, I don't like Page but I do like Chaplin.

 

> So what makes the love story of *Doctor Zhivago* different than *Brief Encounter* ? They seem similar.

 

In *Brief Encounter* they never succumb. They really are kept apart, by their own sense of nobility and goodness. they know they will absolutely destroy everyones lives. The voice over is just fantastic, and Celia Johnson is an overwhelmingly great actress. Plus there is this incredibly beautiful and TRUE script, which describes love and heartache so well.

 

I find none of this in Dr. Zhivago. I don't find any real passion between Sharif and Christie, and the script is not something I can relate to. There are no truisms in it that I can latch onto. I don't care. I don't even really care about Chaplin much either, and I find her more sympathetic. They all are awful in their own way. I find all the characters unpleasant. Sorry, MissG!

 

> As much as I like Lawrence (Gary Merrill) in the film, he's maddening with all of his rebukes and how he does treat Cheryl (Barbara Stanwyck). I blame the script with that. It gets to be too repetitive. But I loved all the of logical explanations Richter (George Sanders) gives for everything. That was a treat. And does anyone deliver such lies any better than George?

 

No. I agree with you pretty much on this film. I do almost always like Gary Merrill, but he was the agent of the whole rebuking part, which was a flaw in the script to me.

 

> I feel that you are right. I think it's the power of Audrey that ultimately wins people over.

 

Most definitely. And she's so gamine, so loving, so longing here. Here's a film that is filled with the truth of longing for someone completely unsuited for you. An image you made up in your mind of someone. I prefer Maurice Chevalier to John what's his name as the dad, but he's very good too. And Billy Wilder is just marvelous at getting that sort of upper class/lower class thing, and the European ambience of the film, the fashion of it. I do like Bogie, but he's a bit spotty here, one time too cold, one time too harsh... as in the olive scene with his dad, which is funny, but the one scene I cringe at, he seems too mean there. But he's such a pro, I do end up believing him in the end with Audrey.

[movieman1957]

Other Flynn film I enjoyed include:

 

The Charge of The Light Brigade.

The Sea Hawk

Objective Burma

 

He makes a pretty good western hero too.

 

I think "Three Came Home" is one of Colbert's finest performances. Another good Colbert performance is "Since You Went Away." Well, that is in keeping with out WWII theme.

[JackFavell]

Yes, I forgot Charge of the Light Brigade excellent!

 

I am not as fond of The Sea Hawk, but it's a very good film. I'm not crazy about Brenda Marshall.

 

I have never seen Objective Burma, but it's got a very good reputation - being one of Flynn's best if you overlook the WWII propaganda parts.

 

I NEVER miss Since You Went Away when it's on. What a great movie! Another of Colbert's best, not to mention everyone else in it.

[FrankGrimes]

*I think you are right. That is where most romances tend to start (or lead to) in most movies. But I guess where I am coming from is that I think the way some of those "romances" play out.. (is it going to lead to something greater later on.. or is it resting on a shaky foundation from the get go and not really able to grow those "long lasting" roots) is what I look at for as to whether it is a real or "made up" love story. ha. But I concede.. we all have our own definitions.. I just am using a bit more 'fundamental" one, I guess. *

 

I think your just making a judgment call on what you feel is a lasting love. And we all do have our definitions and our feel for what we think is a lasting love and what isn't. It's all about our gut feelings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Ha!! What are you asking ME for.. you are supposed to be the "mushy love story" lover. *

 

I was just curious to know if you knew of any. It seems like most love stories on film are rarely about married couples.

 

 

 

 

 

*If we are sticking strictly with "marital" definition, one of the first movies that pops in my head is that one that Miss G told us about a while back (about the old man and old woman who are facing the prospect of being separated due to their rotten children.) I can't remember the title.. but that was a LOVELY story about a LONG and lasting "marital" love sort of relationship. I know there are more movies I could name.. but I would have to think on it. (as you know I am a horrid list maker)*

 

That's *Make Way for Tomorrow*. That's usually the film I first think of with maritial love.

 

*Some favorites in no real order whatsover (except the obvious first one) of romance movies I like.. OR.. movies that might be a good example of romance IN a movie (but may not exactly be a "romance" movie) would be:*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The Quiet Man*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The Shop Around the Corner*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Its a Wonderful Life*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Sunrise (for the repentance angle maybe more than the "romance", I admit)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*It Happened One Night*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Sense and Sensibility(the Emma Thompson version)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Emma (the Qwyneth version)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Pride and Prejudice (ha... I know.. your FAVORITE) my actual fave version for this one is not the Greer one though.. shhh.. don't tell Baby T) *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Knight Without Armor (way better I bet than Dr Z) *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Friendly Persuasion*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Hondo (you know my favorite moment, ha)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The Proud Rebel (I liked watching their relationship as it grows.. very quietly.. and in no big "whirlwind" sort of way)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*They Were Expendable (when Duke is dancing w/ Donna.)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*High Noon (when your Lambie comes back... what a PERFECT moment) *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Rachel and the Stranger (just recently re-watched this after a long time and I remembered how much I love when the lights suddenly come on for William Holden.. another "perfect" moment.)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*My Fair Lady (though this could NOT be listed as being among my most fave movies.. it is another "great moment" sort of movie..when Henry Higgins figures it out)*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Jane Eyre (No apologies.. I love the happy ending.. ha.. but I confess.. it is a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride to get to it)*

 

 

Way to go! That's putting some real thought into it! Too much Jane Austen for my tastes, though. Ugh! But there are some good marital films on your list. *Hondo* isn't one, though!

 

I'm not sure what my favorite love would be on your list. There is some learning needed in a couple of my favorites. *The Shop Around the Corner* is stronger with the man than the woman. The woman has her ideas and struggles a little with the reality. *High Noon* also sees the woman needing to understand love. The man is the secure one. *The Quiet Man* sees learning on both sides. Once again, the woman is the stubborn one. I think I'm seeing why you like these.

 

*Sunrise* is the classic tale of sex and excitement versus love and routine.

 

I like a variety of romance. I love the playful romance of *To Catch a Thief* to the passionate romance of *Morocco* to the unrequited of *The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance* to the youthful of *They Live by Night* to the mature of *Make Way for Tomorrow*. I'm all over the place.

 

My view of love is very old-fashioned, but you somehow make me seem modern!

 

*Oh, I agree.. I just think that most times, it is a conscious act to be selfish.*

 

The conscious acts are the worst since you usually have greater control over those. But the unconscious acts can have longer effects because they tend to shape personalities.

 

 

 

 

 

*hahahahaha.. I bet you are right, based on what little I know of it. I may try to "endure" it someday..ha.. just to say I've seen it. (but not anytime soon.. maybe I'll save that for when I am old(er) and worn out(er) and too tired to get u up and "strangle" my tv. ha. (that way I won't have to buy a new one when I am done) *

 

Something tells me you won't be getting to *Doctor Zhivago*. The time alone is a major drawback. And to watch a long film that, at its core, has a messy love you won't go for seems pointless.

 

 

 

 

 

*OH, its a gorgeous movie, for sure. I love the color.. and I love the scenery and how it is used as a part of the story sometimes. Its a masterpiece in some respects, I guess. (but ha.. it IS long. oh yeah.. very long) I like themusic too. We played the theme from this movie in High School marching band one year. I remember saying when we first got the sheet music.. "Hey. I like that movie" and that none of my friends had ever even HEARD of it.. ha (they were too busy going to see John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever, alas) :DSee.. I was a rebel THAT way too, sometimes. HA. *

 

That is being a rebel! I can't see you going for disco. That would be more my speed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Why would you think I would not like this movie?? ha. I even like the Harrison Ford REMAKE of this movie. < <img class="jive-emoticon" src="http://forums.tcm.com/images/emoticons/grin.gif" border="0" alt=":D"/>I thinhk I like it most for its "sweetness" despite some of the "harsh reality" of how she has to have her eyes opened too. I think it is a great "awakening' for Linus.. I really like how he comes to dislike himself.. its a great story.*

 

I thought it would be too "girlish" for you. I don't see you going for Audrey. But I've been proven wrong, since there is another "Audrey" film on your favorite romances.

 

 

 

 

 

*I am so glad you enjoyed it. So what is your "chick flick" verdict NOW?? ha. It does admittedly have some "feminine" moments.. but it is a lot more, isn't it.*

 

It's a woman's picture because the women are clearly the focus, but I wouldn't necessarily call it a "chick flick."

 

 

 

 

 

 

*It was scary in parts, wasn't it?? There were some truly HAUNTING moments too. I am really looking forward to watching it again this weekend.. I will be interested to hear what the QT thinks..he has never seen it before.*

 

Is he all right with some "soap"? If he can handle that, he should be fine with it. I know he'll like the message.

 

 

 

 

 

*It is.. absolutely. He is really fun in this one. (the kidling LOVES the part where he is looking through that hole down at June Allyson.. and he is so love struck he does a "happy dance" right there. ha.*

 

That's a racy scene!

 

*She also likes the sword fight "appointments" how he ends up with all three of them at the same time (and how that all ends)*

 

Yeah, that was pretty funny. Gene's reactions to that are on the cute side.

 

*The parts w/ Lana is prison is hard for her to watch. She got confused the first time she watched it because she did not understand how she could be lying (about wanting to pray, etc) and why June would bring her a knife.. etc.. to me that is one of the darkest aspects of the story.. it really takes a turn in this portion.. almost becomes a whole different movie at that point.. and OH how evil that Lana is in this part of the story. She goes from being just a "coniving" sort of bad girl.. to well just evil. In fact.. "evil"l is not even a dark enough word for how evil she is, ha.*

 

I was very surprised to see how dark the end of the film was. I would have never guessed tragedy would be a part of the film. I figured it would be a "crowd pleaser" from start to finish.

 

 

 

 

 

*Well now I can TOTALLY see "A and OL" but how do you get "A Christmas Carol" out of this one. ha. (and by the way.. I think you are spot on w/ why I might like it.. ha. I do agree.. that even though "dark" is not usually my fave comedy style.. I like the "dark humor" of A and OL.. and these two do have that sort of feel... at least somewhat. But how does Ebenezer Scrooge" fit in?? ha.*

 

The family are the "Cratchits" while Basil Rathbone is playing the role of "Scrooge." He's the cruel, unfeeling figure that threatens the family and its future well-being. And what's his drive? Money. "Scrooge" is then visited in the night.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*And as for th ending.. that to me is the least part of the movie. ha. It was almost like, "Well, what shall we do next boys.. I know.. lets go back to prison" It just did not "fly" with me. Ha. (because I really did not see as much "repentance" except maybe in the fact that they chose not to hurt the family they first thought to take advantage of.. but that was more because they got caught up in their story.. not really because they had suddenly turned over some new leaf.*

 

 

But they do say prison wasn't so bad. However, they toss in the caveat that they can always break out next year.

 

*So are you going to list your thoughts on each movie (and tell us what made the top ones come in at "the top" for you? Inquiring minds wanna know. *

 

I'll try to do that. I did write about a lot of the films in my reply to Miss G.

[FrankGrimes]

I'm soon headed out for a family game night. It's something I often do on Saturday nights. I also get to see my niece, Scarlett. Yeah, I live quite the bachelor life.

 

But I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed all of your answers. They were excellent. I'll try to reply to them tomorrow.

 

Have a good night!

 

 

[Capuchin]

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

> Wow! And you still have that list. Very cool.

 

Credit my dad. "The talk" consisted of telling me to save every letter from any woman, immediately write it down every time a woman mentioned liking or hating something, and flower shops would take standing orders for arrangements on birthdays and anniversaries and would ring you up a few days early to see if you wanted to spring for something special that year.

 

It's easy to seem romantic if you get it down to a system.

 

> I've seen eight of those films. I would be in trouble with her!

 

She'd view it as a challenge to get you to watch the rest.

 

Except the foreign ones, which I hadn't seen, they were all movies I already liked. I eventually saw the rest, and they're all good.

 

The Borrowed Castle is Hungarian. We watched it with Russian subtitles. Since Cyrillic isn't my forte, she read it to me. It's the most paused, rewound, and replayed movie I've ever watched because she often broke down laughing and couldn't keep up.

[Capuchin]

> {quote:title=movieman1957 wrote:}{quote}

> Other Flynn film I enjoyed include:

> The Charge of The Light Brigade.

> The Sea Hawk

> Objective Burma

 

I liked him in *Footsteps in the Dark* (1941). His comedic timing isn't perfect, but he does carry the movie.

[JackFavell]

> {quote:title=FrankGrimes wrote:}{quote}I'm soon headed out for a family game night. It's something I often do on Saturday nights. I also get to see my niece, Scarlett. Yeah, I live quite the bachelor life.

>

> But I wanted to let you know that I enjoyed all of your answers. They were excellent. I'll try to reply to them tomorrow.

>

> Have a good night!

 

OK, no problems! Life always seems to catch up to me when I want to write back to you too. I'll see you tomorrow, if you can.

 

 

[rohanaka]

I'm soon headed out for a family game night. It's something I often do on Saturday nights. I also get to see my niece, Scarlett. Yeah, I live quite the bachelor life

 

 

 

I think that sounds like a GREAT way to spend a Saturday night.. bachelor or not. I bet it was fun to get to see your niece too.. good for you. I hope you had a good time. What sorts of games do you and the Grey Fam like? (We're big on Yahtzee around here.. ha. And also like Clue.. but lately the Wii is where all the action is at. I tend to be just a spectator on all THAT though, ha. As I am no "electronic wizard" but I WILL sometimes do the bowling on Wii sports.. and I also like to play Wheel of Fortune on the Wii too. ha. That is about the limit of my electronic game genious. (ha.. I just have NEVER been the same sinceny glory days way back in the 80's. ha.. at one time.. ha.. I was a wiz at Ms. Pac Man. Alas.. those days are likely at an end for me. My hand/eye coordination has.. well.. more or less bit the dust. (did I mentino alas??? )

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eieOoUUl9RY (ha.. and yes I know that is just "pacman" and not MS.. but I could not find a youtube for her making that noise. )

 

 

 

That's *Make Way for Tomorrow*. That's usually the film I first think of with maritial love

 

 

 

That's it! I really was moved by that story. It is quite a heartwrenching sort of film. I am very interested in the one Jackie mentioned. I think I have actaully seen a portion of it.. (maybe) but it has been a good long while and I might be remembering the wrong movie.

 

 

 

Too much Jane Austen for my tastes

 

 

 

Ha.. well I DID say the other day that I like her stories.

 

 

 

I think I'm seeing why you like these

 

 

 

Ha.. I have NO idea what you are talking about.. (oh who am I kidding?? Of COURSE I do. ha) It's true.. I do like a level of "conflict". But sometimes I confess it can be too much for some "love stories" If it is just fight, fight, fight all the time it can wear me down. (unless it is done well.. some movies handle the "fight" better than others... so it really just depends on a lot of things why I might or might not enjoy a "fiestier" romantic story sometimes)

 

 

 

*Sunrise *is the classic tale of sex and excitement versus love and routine

 

 

 

I suppose that is one way to look at it. I also thjnk it is an excellent example of the redemptive power a loving heart can have on someone else. And how to love someone even when they are being "un-loveble". It is a conscious choice... the wife remaining true.. despite the failures of her husband. And it shows how her love for him effects HIS heart.. and the way it brings him back to his "right mind" so to speak. He'd become a different person for a time.. but she was able to win him.. by her willingness to love him, even though he clearly deserved to lose her. It really is an amazing and beautiful story.

 

 

 

there are some good marital films on your list. *Hondo *isn't one, though

 

 

 

No.. Hondo is not necessarily a good "marriage' story.. but it does have a really good "romance factor" though I confess.. I struggle with it sometimes because I think (at the time of that one scene) her husband is still alive. I can't deny it has its "issues"but I think if things had NOT played out the way they did in the end.. that "moment" is as far as their relationship would ever have gone. In fact, I am sure of it. But because it DOES end up the way it does.. it makes me appreciate the earlier moment in the story a bit more, I guess.

 

 

 

Another good western that might be a BETTER example of "marital"love would of course be Shane. The dad in that movie absolutely loved his wife.. and I think she loved him too. Yes.. Shane may well have been attracted to her..in fact I feel certain he was.. and it could be argued (and I think was argued by some a few years ago.. ha) that she has affections for him too that went beyond just caring what happened to him. I don't know if I would fall into that camp or not. I would really (really) have to think about it some more. But again.. I feel certain the "marriage" in that family was a loving one..and maybe a good example of how hard times might test a relationship.. but can be risen above, eventually.. if two people really do care for one another.

 

 

 

That is being a rebel! I can't see you going for disco. That would be more my speed

 

 

 

Ha.. well.. it is true, I NEVER have seen the movie.. but I DID (true confession time) used to own the soundtrack album. ha. (didn't everyone back in the 70's???) I actually still could say that I like some of the music.. but OH me.. leave the disco ball at home. ha. I have no use for it.

 

 

 

I thought it would be too "girlish" for you. I don't see you going for Audrey. But I've been proven wrong, since there is another "Audrey" film on your favorite romances

 

 

 

well I confess, generally speaking I am no huge "Audrey" fan. I would say listing those two would be me listing about my two most favorite movies for her. (though I am sure I could also list one or two more.. these two would be the most favorite) And I have NO idea why I even included My Fair Lady on a list of favorite "romances' ha. There is hardly a "romantic" moment in the whole movie. ha. But I do just like the way Henry Higgins finally realizes he DOES love her after all.. it is a "quiet" moment.. but I like how she comes back to him at the end too. No bells and whistles.. just affection. It is worth sitting all the way through the whole LONNNNGGG drawn out story just to get to that bit of "happiness" in the end of it all.

 

 

 

Is he all right with some "soap"? If he can handle that, he should be fine with it. I know he'll like the message

 

 

 

He really enjoyed watching it with me. I have to say the beginning WAS much "soapier" than I remembered. ha. Almost BORDERING on "chick flick" but it DID finally pick up speed and turn the corner.. not too long after Veronica shows up, actually. By the time it was over, I was remembering WHY I was so fond of it. It is very riveting in places. Those bombings really are quite startling. And ha.. I have to confess, a couple of times I just wanted to look away (and it reallly wasn't all that graphic.. just very intense)

 

 

 

I also got a mental image of how great it would be to have watched They Were Expendable BEFORE you watch this one.. and watch them together. (because it could almost be like the "to be continued" version of Donna Reed's character from TWE. ha. She COULD have been one of those nurses and all those trials MIGHT have been what she was going through as the Duke and Robert Montgomery were leaving and he was just left to wonder what happens to her. And then (mini spoiler alert) to NOT know for sure what is going to happen to Claudette Colbert's husband at the end. Left me with a similar feeling for the romance between the Duke and Donna Reed too. ) Next time I decide to see either of these movies, I think I will try to remember to watch them both together and see if I still feel this way, but that is how it all played out for me this afternoon.

 

That's a racy scene

 

 

It is.. but she is young enough to not really view it as anything racier than say.. a loony toon character w/ his eys bulging out and a huge heart beating out of his chest. ha.( wish I knew which on to google.. but y ou know the sort of moment I mean) ha. So I hope her "racy-o-meter" is still in tact for the moment (thanfully) ha.. because at least the scene is not "graphic" in its raciness. She sees it more as a "love at first sight turning him into a total nutcase" kinda moment" ha.. like i described from the cartoons.. So for her.. it comes off more 'funny" than racy. (thankfully)

 

The family are the "Cratchits

 

 

 

Ok.. I can totally see that part. But..

 

 

 

Basll Rathbone is playing the role of "Scrooge

 

 

 

Now THAT one is a bit of a stretch for me. ha.

 

 

 

He's the cruel, unfeeling figure that threatens the family and its future well-being. And what's his drive? Money. "Scrooge" is then visited in the night

 

 

 

Ha.. yes.. only the Ghosts of Christmas Past/ Present/Future are a bit nicer than his visitor is. I somehow think Adolphe is not very interested in helping him see the error of his ways. He's just there for a quick snack while he is "out and about" slithering by.

 

 

 

I did write about a lot of the films in my reply to Miss G

 

 

 

I confess I had not had time to read through everything when I asked that. I'll go back in soon and take a closer look

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Feb 17, 2013 12:27 AM