The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread

[FrankGrimes]

*"The Great Moment" is kind of an odd film. It wasn't at all what I expected.That didn't make it bad. There are some fun parts but I was looking for more comedy than drama. Okay picture.*

 

*I saw "Hail The Conquering Hero" years ago and liked it but it has been a long time. I've not watched "Diddlebock" though I love Lloyd but I've read too many things about how bad it is considered. Well, bad as compared to both Sturges's and Lloyd's previous works. I haven't seen any of the rest.*

 

I don't have high expectations for any of the films, but I do wish to see them.

 

*Recenlty I've seen "Five Against The House." Didn't much care for it. I also saw "Thunder Road." Didn't like it at all. "The Pajama Game" had some cringe-worthy moments for me.*

 

I saw your comments on the last two. *Thunder Road* is in a Robert Mitchum collection that I'm looking to get this year.

 

*5 Against the House* is a rather unique film. It mixes comedy with film noir. The mix doesn't always work. It eventually becomes Brian Keith's film.

 

*I saw Randolph Scott in "Fightin Man of The Plains." The title is a little misleading and it is only fair but it does give a bit of a surprise character for Victor Jory. Another western called "Passage West" was only okay as well. Good John Payne part but some stretching on believing the story points was a problem in some of it.*

 

I have the former but not that latter.

 

[FrankGrimes]

Here are the films I have recently watched:

 

The Barkleys of Broadway

Battleground

Boys' Night Out

The Chase

Crime in the Streets

Dodge City

A Foreign Affair

French Cancan

Funny Face

I Was a Male War Bride

Kings Row

The Ladykillers

The Law and Jake Wade

The Little Hut

The Man Who Cheated Himself

The Milky Way (1969)

Operation Pacific

The Outrage

Peyton Place

Saratoga

Scandal Sheet

Search for Beauty

The Sea Wolf

The Shopworn Angel (1938)

The Sin of Harold Diddlebock

So Big (1953)

The Steel Helmet

Torch Song

Tycoon

Upstream

 

Do you (or anyone else) have any opinions on those films? What are you favorites? What do you think my top ten is from that group?

[rohanaka]

Hello Mr. Moviewatching Machine!! Am happy to have seen at least a few on your list this time (though I am shocked.. SHOCKED that YOU watched at least one of them.. ha.. I will be on the edge of my seat to hear your thougts on Peyton Place.. ha.. it has been decades since I saw that one.. but.. um.. well.. I imagine I would not be the best person to comment on it.. but HEY.. that's just me. others may have a different view) In the meantime.. will really look forward to your thoughts on Battleground.. now THAT one is up pretty high on the list for films of that genre for me (that is if I HAD a list..ha) I have also seen I Was a Male Warbride.. always fun for a smile.. can't say it is my most fave.. but do enjoy it. I really remember liking King's Row (but would have to see it again to comment much on it) And I don't remember a WHOLE lot about Tycoon.. but I have seen it.. and remember liking it well enough. Oh.. and I just recently got to see Operation Pacific (liked it ok, overall, I think) and also am almost done watching Upstream (so far am enjoying it too) So I will look forward to your comments on those for sure.But I won't even TRY to guess how you like them all (at least in order) ha.. but I hope you found Battleground to your liking.. if I had to pick a favorite among the ones I have mentioned here.. that would maybe be it. (but that might depend on me seeing Kings Row again.. but I doubt it..ha.. who knows.. me and my confused brain.. beside I am no sort of list "rank-er" ha. But I do look forward to seeing how you and others rank them.

[movieman1957]

Good Morning Sir Francis:

 

I've been awaiting your new list.

 

I've 16 of the group. What I like, for repeat viewings) and what are the best films may be two different things.

 

For me the best of the group are "The Steel Helmet," "Funny Face," "The Sea Wolf." There are a lot of pretty good films. I like "War Bride" and "Dodge City" and "The Shopworn Angel" and "Battleground."

 

Like Ro it has been a long time since I saw "King's Row" so I don't remember a great deal about it. I was disappointed by "The Law and Jake Wade" when I saw it last. I found it a bit dull. "The Barkleys of Broadway" is the least of the Astaire-Rogers films IMO. I love Jean Arthur but "A Foreign Affair" has just never won me over. "Tycoon" is okay but it's too long. It does give Wayne a chance for something else though.

[MissGoddess]

hi,

 

i can't say there are many on your list that are favorites of mine. i haven't finished *Upstream*, can you believe it?

 

i couldn't say with any certainty how you like them, i suspect none are all that much to you.

 

films i haven't seen: *the chase* (if this is the brando/fonda one...i never even heard of it until i looked it up!); *battleground* (i've heard great things about it); *the sin of harold d*... (some sturges comedies just don't appeal to me, and hence i've never wanted to see this one); *the milky way* (i only know the harold lloyd one---is this a remake?); *the ladykillers* (maybe one day); *the search for beauty* (where did that one come from? i never heard of it); and i have only seen about half of *the steel helmet*, it was just too gritty for me, but i can believe it's the real deal.

 

*The Barkleys of Broadway* - the least of them, as chris said. i don't like it. and they should never have been filmed in color!

 

*Boys' Night Out* - it's cute fluff with kim novak getting a rare shot at comedy. what i like is how each actor gets a little "turn". and anything with tony randall is going to be funny as heck.

 

*Crime in the Streets* - this is a prime example of the kind of JD movie i can't stand...james whitmore couldn't even keep me interested, i never finished it. just smack john cassavettes' character, someone, please?

 

 

*Dodge City* - a fun, colorful western. flynn is comfortable in the genre but he has a LOT of support from all his regular cohorts and the feisty little Olivia. These Flynn westerns have a different flavor to any others, maybe not as authentically "western" but entertaining.

 

*A Foreign Affair* - i'm not crazy about any of the characters except Marlene, and she's the bad girl...yet I find her the most likable. I don't like Jean's sanctimonious character and john lund is too dull to fight over. Wilder's acid, worldly dialogue doesn't match with a Jean Arthur or John Lund, and this is probably the real dilemma that keeps it at a distance for me.

 

*French Cancan* - this is the sinatra one, right? not a favorite. it feels lifeless and too over-produced, though there are some superb songs, of course.

 

*Funny Face* - a joyous musical, one of the few i can sit and watch most any time. love all the songs, the story, the setting (of course!) and audrey and fred really do enchant despite the enormous age gap. this is the ultimate girly musical, i can't believe you watched it! you must have been dying!

 

*I Was a Male War Bride* - i've always found this comedy annoying and un-funny.

 

*Kings Row* - it's very dramatic and i don't care for Robert Cummings as just about everyone knows by now, ha, but Charles! Charles Coburn! How COULD he?!

 

*The Law and Jake Wade* - i agree with Chris, i had expected more and it doesn't really deliver.

 

*The Little Hut* - didn't care for it though Ava is perfect casting as a desert island dream girl.

 

*The Man Who Cheated Himself* - it's been a while since I saw it but i remembered thinking it was pretty good. Lee J. Cobb, right?

 

*Operation Pacific* - i must have seen it as a kid but don't remember much. I thikn I preferred *the fighting seabees*, a movie i tend to confuse with it. all i know is Wayne and Pat Neal make a great pair.

 

*The Outrage* - do you have Kurasawa's to compare?

 

*Peyton Place* - a guilty pleasure. i admit i am more interested in the lee phillips-lana turner relationship than anything else. hope lang is sweet and probably gives the best performance, along with lloyd nolan.

 

*Saratoga* - a dull comedy that just seems to be plagued by the lingering sadness of jean's passing.

 

*Scandal Sheet* - i saw this one ages ago, and would like to see it again because i remember liking it. brod and donna make an interesting team.

 

*The Sea Wolf* - i need a refresher but i liked the "intellectual chess game" aspect of it; i recall that eddie's captain seemed dying for some interaction with someone who was his equal intellectually or spiritually. very much the opposite of say, "captain bligh", who feared any challenge. eddie both feared and wanted to be challenged.

 

*The Shopworn Angel* (1938) - a sweet comedy; jimmy is very touching as the naive Texan. this is yet another film which gary cooper had appeared in an earlier version. i would like to see it because i suspect coop would make for a more realistic (less stereotypical) but equally vulnerable character.

 

*So Big* (1953) - i recently re-watched this and was surprised how much i liked it. at least i liked the characters, though the pace of the film is much too draggy. i especially liked jane and nancy olsen as well as the message of the film which is even more applicable to today, though almost no one is advocating jane's point of view anymore even in theory.

 

*Torch Song* - i expect this is the joan crawford one. no comment!

 

*Tycoon* - fun but not spectacular. a bit too long. i loved it as a kid.

[rohanaka]

Hello again, Mr. Grey... I got to "wondering" about King's Row.. so went digging around trying to find where I discussed it on here before and found Jackie's thread. (and after reading.. It pretty much is what I recalled.. because Ronald Reagan was what was standing out the most in my memory.. and likley because he seemed to stand out so well for me in the film too. (but OH yes... Miss G.. ha.. I agree.. Charles Colburn was memorable too.. I agree.. how COULD he??) http://forums.tcm.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8219996� So I guess I will stick with my original statement that of all the ones on your list I have seen.. Battleground would likely be my most favorite.. I think... maybe.. perhaps.. yeah.. I'll go with that. :DAlso wanted to toss in that I forgot to mention Shopworn Angel when I listed ones (from your list) that I have seen. I only recently saw that one myself when TCM aired it not too long ago. I really enjoyed that one a lot. Edited by: rohanaka on Jun 3, 2013 11:05 AMAGGGHH.. this whacky board.. why are all my comments run together in a single paragraph.. that happened to me LAST night too.. I keep leaving spaces between paragraphs.. but when they post.. it is all running together.. (did I meantion agghh???)

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Jun 3, 2013 11:08 AM

[FrankGrimes]

Before I answer everyone, any guess on what my ten favorites from the group are?

 

*The French Cancan* (1954) I watched was directed by Jean Renoir and stars Jean Gabin. *The Chase* (1946) is a film noir starring your man, Robert Cummings.

[MissGoddess]

i have no clue with this batch so i'm only going to guess you like the top five:

 

1. outrage

2. the lady killers

3. scandal sheet

4. five against the house

5. the sea wolf

[FrankGrimes]

*Five Against the House* ? Are you imagining things again?!

[MissGoddess]

no, i just don't think you like the others that much! and for kim you'd sacrifice taste. oh i see, it was on previous list, ha. i don't know then, maybe *battleground* then. but i never saw it so who can say?

 

Edited by: MissGoddess on Jun 3, 2013 2:36 PM

[FrankGrimes]

*no, i just don't think you like the others that much! :Dand for kim you'd sacrifice taste. < oh i see, it was on previous list, ha. i don't know then, maybe battleground then. but i never saw it so who can say?*

 

You figured it out, Blondle. For a half-hearted attempt at guessing, you actually got three right. And they are in my top five! Amazing!

 

 

 

[MissGoddess]

compared to the rest of the list, not that amazing.

[FrankGrimes]

*compared to the rest of the list, not that amazing. *

 

Ha!

 

Here is how I liked them:

 

1. The Ladykillers

2. The Steel Helmet

3. The Chase

4. Scandal Sheet

5. The Outrage

6. Peyton Place

7. The Law and Jake Wade

8. The Sin of Harold Diddlebock

9. Crime in the Streets

10. A Foreign Affair

11. The Sea Wolf

12. The Milky Way (1969)

13. French Cancan

14. Battleground

15. Boys' Night Out

16. The Shopworn Angel (1938)

17. Operation Pacific

18. Saratoga

19. Tycoon

20. The Man Who Cheated Himself

21. I Was a Male War Bride

22. The Barkleys of Broadway

23. Dodge City

24. So Big (1953)

25. Upstream

26. Funny Face

27. The Little Hut

28. Search for Beauty

29. Torch Song

30. Kings Row

[MissGoddess]

the biggest surprise to me is how high you ranked *peyton place*.

[movieman1957]

We agree on "The Steel Helmet" but most of the other stuff I know would be inverted on my list. Interesting. Looking forward toyour comments.

[rohanaka]

6. Peyton Place 30. Kings RowHEH??????????????????? I figured KR might not rate TOO high for you... but thought it MIGHT do better than last place.. ha. (but the REAL upset... #6?????? Really?? Well I do confess it HAS been (what did I say?) DECADES maybe since I saw it.. so I might have forgotten something.. but still, I never figured you for a soap opera. ha. (ok.. I confess.. that was mean.. as I am sure I am just being biased because I don't remember liking it much at all) So tell me more...OK TCM Tech gurus.. tell me what I am doing wrong and why my posts are cramming together this way.. agghh.

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Jun 3, 2013 10:05 PM

[FrankGrimes]

Howdy, Cowboy Chris -- *I've been awaiting your new list.*

 

Gee, thanks!

 

*I've 16 of the group. What I like, for repeat viewings) and what are the best films may be two different things.*

 

That's another good number. You usually check in over fifty percent, which is excellent.

 

*For me the best of the group are "The Steel Helmet," "Funny Face," "The Sea Wolf." There are a lot of pretty good films. I like "War Bride" and "Dodge City" and "The Shopworn Angel" and "Battleground."*

 

I can't say any of those films aren't good, really. Some I just happen to like more. It's great to see your liking *The Steel Helmet*. It's a terribly interesting war film.

 

*Like Ro it has been a long time since I saw "King's Row" so I don't remember a great deal about it.*

 

Her opinion of Ronald Reagan being great in the film is one I share. As for the film, well...

 

*I was disappointed by "The Law and Jake Wade" when I saw it last. I found it a bit dull.*

 

I can believe that. I just never find Richard Widmark to be dull in these kind of roles.

 

*"The Barkleys of Broadway" is the least of the Astaire-Rogers films IMO.*

 

I liked the sparring, but the film as a whole falls flat.

 

*I love Jean Arthur but "A Foreign Affair" has just never won me over.*

 

Any reasons why? I thought Jean to be very "Jean."

 

*"Tycoon" is okay but it's too long. It does give Wayne a chance for something else though.*

 

It's entertaining but there isn't much to it.

[FrankGrimes]

Hey there, Ma Stone -- *Hello Mr. Moviewatching Machine!! Am happy to have seen at least a few on your list this time (though I am shocked.. SHOCKED that YOU watched at least one of them.. ha.. I will be on the edge of my seat to hear your thougts on Peyton Place.. ha.. it has been decades since I saw that one.. but.. um.. well.. I imagine I would not be the best person to comment on it.. but HEY.. that's just me. others may have a different view)*

 

You know me, I'll watch most anything. I think it benefits me to watch different kinds of films.

 

*In the meantime.. will really look forward to your thoughts on Battleground.. now THAT one is up pretty high on the list for films of that genre for me (that is if I HAD a list..ha)*

 

I watched it because you had it ranked in your top five war films. It was pretty good. It has a nice mix of characters and action. It's a film that I think is good but it's not necessarily my kind of film.

 

*I have also seen I Was a Male Warbride.. always fun for a smile.. can't say it is my most fave.. but do enjoy it.*

 

I liked the first half of the film, after that, it became a tough watch. A lot of "nothing" going on.

 

*I really remember liking King's Row (but would have to see it again to comment much on it)*

 

I found it to be a tedious watch. I completely agree with what you wrote about Ronald Reagan's "Drake." He was easily the best part of the film for me.

 

*And I don't remember a WHOLE lot about Tycoon.. but I have seen it.. and remember liking it well enough.*

 

You get the good mix of a romantic but stubborn Duke. That's almost always a good thing with me.

 

*Oh.. and I just recently got to see Operation Pacific (liked it ok, overall, I think)*

 

It's a solid sub pic. Nothing special, but still enjoyable.

 

*and also am almost done watching Upstream (so far am enjoying it too)*

 

We need to get Snippy to watch it! You know, the lassie who likes Ford.

 

*Hello again, Mr. Grey... I got to "wondering" about King's Row.. so went digging around trying to find where I discussed it on here before and found Jackie's thread. (and after reading.. It pretty much is what I recalled.. because Ronald Reagan was what was standing out the most in my memory.. and likley because he seemed to stand out so well for me in the film too. (but OH yes... Miss G.. ha.. I agree.. Charles Colburn was memorable too.. I agree.. how COULD he??)*

 

I really liked what you wrote about Ronald Reagan's "Drake." Drake is the character that is interesting in the film. He goes through it all, as you wrote about it. You really captured the rollercoaster with your words.

 

Charles Coburn is an actor I usually like a lot. He's one of my favorites. Here, he was troublesome. I felt he was out of his element.

 

*Also wanted to toss in that I forgot to mention Shopworn Angel when I listed ones (from your list) that I have seen. I only recently saw that one myself when TCM aired it not too long ago. I really enjoyed that one a lot.*

 

Now that was one of the strangest films I watched. I don't know if I've seen a film where someone marries someone with the entire idea of they are going to be killed in war.

 

*6. Peyton Place 30. Kings RowHEH??????????????????? I figured KR might not rate TOO high for you... but thought it MIGHT do better than last place.. ha. (but the REAL upset... #6?????? Really?? Well I do confess it HAS been (what did I say?) DECADES maybe since I saw it.. so I might have forgotten something.. but still, I never figured you for a soap opera. ha. (ok.. I confess.. that was mean.. as I am sure I am just being biased because I don't remember liking it much at all) So tell me more...*

 

While the two films are rather similar, I thought *Peyton Place* 's story was far more interesting than that of *Kings Row*. *Peyton Place* had the possessive, protective parent (mothers, not fathers), ala *Kings Row*, but that wasn't the main thrust of the film. What happens in *Peyton Place* is startling. I loved the women of *Peyton Place*. I loved Lana Turner, Diane Varsi, and Hope Lange. They were all terrific. I liked their characters and the issues they were dealing with. All were different.

 

The two girls in *Kings Row*, Betty Field and Nancy Coleman, were dealing with the exact same issue: an overprotective, possessive father. That made the film monotonous, to me.

 

I do think it's cool that Betty Field is in both films.

[FrankGrimes]

Bonjour, Strawberry Blonde -- *the biggest surprise to me is how high you ranked peyton place.*

 

I really liked it! I thought it was engrossing. It's dark.

 

 

*i can't say there are many on your list that are favorites of mine.*

 

 

You're supposed to help me out with that!

 

 

*i haven't finished Upstream, can you believe it?*

 

 

Yes! You're too busy carousing with the men in Hawaii!

 

*i couldn't say with any certainty how you like them, i suspect none are all that much to you.*

 

 

It wasn't a strong group for me, but it wasn't awful.

 

 

*films i haven't seen: the chase (if this is the brando/fonda one...i never even heard of it until i looked it up!); battleground (i've heard great things about it); the sin of harold d... (some sturges comedies just don't appeal to me, and hence i've never wanted to see this one); the milky way (i only know the harold lloyd one---is this a remake?); the ladykillers (maybe one day); the search for beauty (where did that one come from? i never heard of it); and i have only seen about half of the steel helmet, it was just too gritty for me, but i can believe it's the real deal.*

 

 

You may like *The Ladykillers*. I think Quiet Gal would love it. It's fairly similar to *Arsenic and Old Lace* and *We're No Angels*.

 

 

*The Sin of Harold Diddlebock* is definitely not you. It's much more "Jackie."

 

 

*Search for Beauty* is a film included in the Universal pre-code box set that I have. It's a rather prescient film in regards to the selling of sex.

 

 

*The Barkleys of Broadway - the least of them, as chris said. i don't like it. and they should never have been filmed in color!*

 

 

I was okay with it, particularly in the first half. I liked the bickering. I thought Oscar Levant was really good.

 

 

*Boys' Night Out - it's cute fluff with kim novak getting a rare shot at comedy. what i like is how each actor gets a little "turn". and anything with tony randall is going to be funny as heck.*

 

 

I want a "turn"! Kim was darling in the film. And I liked James Garner, too. I definitely liked the 60s sexuality of the film, but the film as a whole fell short for me. What I really loved was the elderly neighbor couple. Absolutely hilarious!

 

 

*Crime in the Streets - this is a prime example of the kind of JD movie i can't stand...james whitmore couldn't even keep me interested, i never finished it. just smack john cassavettes' character, someone, please? *

 

 

You made me laugh. Cassavetes was mostly annoying in the film, but I ended up liking it. The ending pushed it over the top for me.

 

 

*Dodge City - a fun, colorful western. flynn is comfortable in the genre but he has a LOT of support from all his regular cohorts and the feisty little Olivia. These Flynn westerns have a different flavor to any others, maybe not as authentically "western" but entertaining.*

 

 

I thought it was completely empty and void of any real conflict. That bothered me. It just seemed to be a rollick. I do like Errol Flynn, though. He's so doggone engaging and inviting.

 

 

*A Foreign Affair - i'm not crazy about any of the characters except Marlene, and she's the bad girl...yet I find her the most likable. I don't like Jean's sanctimonious character and john lund is too dull to fight over. Wilder's acid, worldly dialogue doesn't match with a Jean Arthur or John Lund, and this is probably the real dilemma that keeps it at a distance for me.*

 

 

I do agree with you about the blandness of Lund and you're probably right about Wilder and Arthur being a combination that may not fit. Still, I really liked Jean Arthur in this film. I loved her "Miss Frost." What a great name! I thought she was lovely. The film is basically *Hold Back the Dawn*, but I liked this "version" much more because it's Jean Arthur compared to Olivia de Havilland. I really liked Jean's "Iowa Corn Song" song. Wonderful!

 

 

*French Cancan - this is the sinatra one, right? not a favorite. it feels lifeless and too over-produced, though there are some superb songs, of course.*

 

 

No, I watched the Jean Renoir film. I think you'd find some things interesting with the picture. It's more of a "Jackie" flick, though.

 

 

*Funny Face - a joyous musical, one of the few i can sit and watch most any time. love all the songs, the story, the setting (of course!) and audrey and fred really do enchant despite the enormous age gap. this is the ultimate girly musical, i can't believe you watched it! you must have been dying! *

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You just nailed everything. It's definitely a "girly" musical. I did like the songs, Fred, and Audrey. But the film being about modeling... ugh!

 

 

*I Was a Male War Bride - i've always found this comedy annoying and un-funny.*

 

 

It starts out really good. I loved seeing Ann Sheridan give Cary Grant the business. Once they decide to get married, the film goes over the Falls.

 

 

*Kings Row - it's very dramatic and i don't care for Robert Cummings as just about everyone knows by now, ha, but Charles! Charles Coburn! How COULD he?!*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles tells me how wrong it all is!

 

 

*The Law and Jake Wade - i agree with Chris, i had expected more and it doesn't really deliver.*

 

 

It's basically Robert Taylor versus Richard Widmark. That's your film. I liked Taylor, which says a lot with me. The film is kind of like a lesser version of *Man of the West*.

 

 

*The Little Hut - didn't care for it though Ava is perfect casting as a desert island dream girl.*

 

 

I completely agree. Ava is gorgeous and very sexy in the film. But Stewart Granger and David Niven bothered me. And I hardly ever dislike Niven. And talk about a far-fetched story!

 

 

*The Man Who Cheated Himself - it's been a while since I saw it but i remembered thinking it was pretty good. Lee J. Cobb, right?*

 

 

Yes, that's the film. Ironically, the film is actually a lesser version of *Scandal Sheet*. John Dall kind of bothered me in this one.

 

 

*Operation Pacific - i must have seen it as a kid but don't remember much. I thikn I preferred the fighting seabees, a movie i tend to confuse with it. all i know is Wayne and Pat Neal make a great pair.*

 

 

You know what, I completely agree with you about Duke and Pat. Patricia Neal seems enchanting when with Wayne. I'm really attracted to her in his films. Outside of his films, not so much. Although I did like her a lot in *The Breaking Point*.

 

 

*The Outrage - do you have Kurasawa's to compare?*

 

 

No, I don't. I thought *The Outrage* was really good tongue-in-cheek. It's pretty darn humorous.

 

 

*Peyton Place - a guilty pleasure. i admit i am more interested in the lee phillips-lana turner relationship than anything else. hope lang is sweet and probably gives the best performance, along with lloyd nolan.*

 

 

I loved Lana, Diane, and Hope. This is as good as I've seen Lana. I liked Hope the very most. She was sweet and beautiful. I loved how the film captures adolescence. And the dramatic event that occurs in the film is shocking.

 

 

*Saratoga - a dull comedy that just seems to be plagued by the lingering sadness of jean's passing.*

 

 

I mostly liked the film. I thought Clark Gable was sensational. He was glowing in this film. I always like it when Jean Harlow is difficult and she was definitely that in this one. Jean has skyrocketed with me this year. I think she's fantastic.

 

 

*Scandal Sheet - i saw this one ages ago, and would like to see it again because i remember liking it. brod and donna make an interesting team.*

 

 

I thought it was quite good. It's definitely very "Sam Fuller" and very "Phil Karlson." Broderick Crawford carries the film, without a doubt.

 

 

*The Sea Wolf - i need a refresher but i liked the "intellectual chess game" aspect of it; i recall that eddie's captain seemed dying for some interaction with someone who was his equal intellectually or spiritually. very much the opposite of say, "captain bligh", who feared any challenge. eddie both feared and wanted to be challenged.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That was superb. You've got it. I greatly prefer *The Sea Wolf* to *Mutiny on the Bounty* for exactly what you wrote. It's a much deeper film, without a doubt. The interaction between Wolf Larsen (Edward G. Robinson) and Leach (John Garfield) is quite good. Larsen is seeking appreciation, he wants to be recognized for his greatness. I love these kind of sympathetic villains.

 

 

*The Shopworn Angel (1938) - a sweet comedy; jimmy is very touching as the naive Texan. this is yet another film which gary cooper had appeared in an earlier version. i would like to see it because i suspect coop would make for a more realistic (less stereotypical) but equally vulnerable character.*

 

 

I could definitely see Gary Cooper playing "Bill Pettigrew." He can play naive really well. I thought Jimmy Stewart did an exceptional job, too. He's what I liked about *The Shopworn Angel*. The kind of love he believed in, the kind he professed for Daisy (Margaret Sullavan). I saw a lot of myself in him. Dreams versus reality. Sometimes that's all we can have.

 

 

*So Big (1953) - i recently re-watched this and was surprised how much i liked it. at least i liked the characters, though the pace of the film is much too draggy. i especially liked jane and nancy olsen as well as the message of the film which is even more applicable to today, though almost no one is advocating jane's point of view anymore even in theory.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, as you know, I share Selina's (Jane Wyman) point of view. And I thought she was nothing but lovely in the film. She's sweet and caring. Jane Wyman is the perfect kind of actress for this kind of role, too. She's spot on. The film is definitely on the long side and I just couldn't get into the drama that was being presented. The "life journey" films can be tough sells with me.

 

 

*Torch Song - i expect this is the joan crawford one. no comment!*

 

 

It's a laughable film, that's for sure. But, you know what? I liked the love story. How it's told isn't that good, but I still liked the love.

 

 

*Tycoon - fun but not spectacular. a bit too long. i loved it as a kid.*

 

 

Why did you like it more as a kid? I will say this about the film: I've never seen Laraine Day look more beautiful. She's quite stunning. I've never thought of her as that.

[MissGoddess]

> I was okay with it, particularly in the first half. I liked the bickering. I thought Oscar Levant was really good.

>

 

Oscar is usually the gem of any group.

 

>

> I want a "turn"! Kim was darling in the film. And I liked James Garner, too. I definitely liked the 60s sexuality of the film, but the film as a whole fell short for me. What I really loved was the elderly neighbor couple. Absolutely hilarious!

>

 

They were very funny, too. I felt the same, by the way, when I first watched the movie. After several viewings it grew on me and I liked it better.

 

>

> You made me laugh. Cassavetes was mostly annoying in the film, but I ended up liking it. The ending pushed it over the top for me.

>

 

i never saw the ending, I hope Cassavettes got his due.

 

> I thought it was completely empty and void of any real conflict. That bothered me. It just seemed to be a rollick. I do like Errol Flynn, though. He's so doggone engaging and inviting.

>

 

It is a rollick, yes.

 

> I do agree with you about the blandness of Lund and you're probably right about Wilder and Arthur being a combination that may not fit. Still, I really liked Jean Arthur in this film. I loved her "Miss Frost." What a great name! I thought she was lovely. The film is basically *Hold Back the Dawn*, but I liked this "version" much more because it's Jean Arthur compared to Olivia de Havilland. I really liked Jean's "Iowa Corn Song" song. Wonderful!

>

 

Yuck! I can't stand that song. It just bothers me.

 

> Charles tells me how wrong it all is!

>

 

At least you liked Ronnie.

 

>

> *The Law and Jake Wade - i agree with Chris, i had expected more and it doesn't really deliver.*

>

>

> It's basically Robert Taylor versus Richard Widmark. That's your film. I liked Taylor, which says a lot with me. The film is kind of like a lesser version of *Man of the West*.

>

 

You liked Taylor? I found him less interesting than in Ride, Vaquero!, a movie I prefer. Do you have The Last Hunt yet?

 

> I completely agree. Ava is gorgeous and very sexy in the film. But Stewart Granger and David Niven bothered me. And I hardly ever dislike Niven. And talk about a far-fetched story!

>

 

me, too. they both annoyed me and as you say, David seldom does that.

 

>

> *The Man Who Cheated Himself - it's been a while since I saw it but i remembered thinking it was pretty good. Lee J. Cobb, right?*

>

>

> Yes, that's the film. Ironically, the film is actually a lesser version of *Scandal Sheet*. John Dall kind of bothered me in this one.

>

 

He always bothers me so I've blanked him out completely, ha.

 

> You know what, I completely agree with you about Duke and Pat. Patricia Neal seems enchanting when with Wayne. I'm really attracted to her in his films. Outside of his films, not so much. Although I did like her a lot in *The Breaking Point*.

>

 

They almost seem like they would have been a good match off-screen, they are so in tune with one another.

 

> No, I don't. I thought *The Outrage* was really good tongue-in-cheek. It's pretty darn humorous.

>

 

I haven't seen it in a while, I remember being surprised by the whimsical tone at times.

 

>

> *Peyton Place - a guilty pleasure. i admit i am more interested in the lee phillips-lana turner relationship than anything else. hope lang is sweet and probably gives the best performance, along with lloyd nolan.*

>

>

> I loved Lana, Diane, and Hope. This is as good as I've seen Lana. I liked Hope the very most. She was sweet and beautiful. I loved how the film captures adolescence. And the dramatic event that occurs in the film is shocking.

>

 

That is surprising. The movie as you know was a real "shocker" supposedly (at least publicly---everyone knew about all that stuff it just wasn't talked about). I love seeing Lana playing prim, talk about acting! No wonder they have her an Oscar nom.

 

Hope is lovely, tragic innocence personified.

 

> I mostly liked the film. I thought Clark Gable was sensational. He was glowing in this film. I always like it when Jean Harlow is difficult and she was definitely that in this one. Jean has skyrocketed with me this year. I think she's fantastic.

>

 

Gee, I don't remember Clark glowing but he was her best co-star along with Tracy. I'm glad she's finally registered with you.

 

> That was superb. You've got it. I greatly prefer *The Sea Wolf* to *Mutiny on the Bounty* for exactly what you wrote. It's a much deeper film, without a doubt. The interaction between Wolf Larsen (Edward G. Robinson) and Leach (John Garfield) is quite good. Larsen is seeking appreciation, he wants to be recognized for his greatness. I love these kind of sympathetic villains.

>

 

It's a fascinating character and Eddie is perfectly cast, I believe.

 

>

> Well, as you know, I share Selina's (Jane Wyman) point of view. And I thought she was nothing but lovely in the film. She's sweet and caring. Jane Wyman is the perfect kind of actress for this kind of role, too. She's spot on. The film is definitely on the long side and I just couldn't get into the drama that was being presented. The "life journey" films can be tough sells with me.

>

 

yes, the execution was draggy, though the characters are great. i wish sterling could have hung around a little longer.

 

> It's a laughable film, that's for sure. But, you know what? I liked the love story. How it's told isn't that good, but I still liked the love.

>

 

i don't remember the love story much at all. i'll have to watch it again.

 

> Why did you like it more as a kid? I will say this about the film: I've never seen Laraine Day look more beautiful. She's quite stunning. I've never thought of her as that.

>

 

yes, she was. it is the kind of romance i loved to dream of putting myself into....to be a spoiled senorita on a beautiful hacienda and fall in love with a guy like Wayne's character...sublime! I loved to lose myself in the fantasy.

[FrankGrimes]

 

 

[MissGoddess]

thank you! richard boone and clark gable, a girl can't ask for better company.

 

they should have made a whole separate movie about that girl and Boone's Grimes, that would have been splendid.

[rohanaka]

 

http://cdn-ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/files/2010/08/daisycakes.jpg **Congrats on your 27 K, Miss G!! (here's a little something just like you.. pretty and sweet.. to help us celebrate the happy occasion) Cake for everybody!!

[MissGoddess]

And how did you know Daisies are my favorite flower?? Thank you, they look positively too good to eat! (But I'll make an exception.)

[rohanaka]

Hiya Mr. Grey.. not sure if the whacky message board will let me post quoted lines from you right now (without running everything together.. so I will do my quotes the old fashion way.. ha. (never let it be said that I am unable to find creative solutions to my technophobia.. ha) And ps: I am putting ** in front of all the sentences that SHOULD be a new paragraph in hopes that it will make it maybe a little easier to read.. I hope.. maybe.. perhaps. ha. **Mr. Grimes says: "You know me, I'll watch most anything. I think it benefits me to watch different kinds of films"**Said the guy who STILL refuses to watch one of my most favorite movies EVER (Empire of the Sun) Caught you by suprise with THAT one now didn't I?? ha. You have been doing such a great job w/ the WWII movies.. it really WOULD be a great addition. Just sayin'.. ha. Don't worry.. I'll just sit here.. waiting.. and waiting.. zzzz. (I would make a little tongue sticking out face but since all my posts are running together.. I can't make one right now.. so just picture me.. sticking my tongue out at you three or four times instead. HA!)**Mr. Grimes also says: " I watched it because you had it ranked in your top five war films. It was pretty good. It has a nice mix of characters and action. It's a film that I think is good but it's not necessarily my kind of film"** I can respect that.. and thanks for watching by the way.. I am sure it is likely just a matter of personal taste. Not every movie will strike a chord with every person. I think I like it most because it is such a "un-fancy" and even "unglorious" telling. (at least in terms of how the men are portrayed.. just a bunch of guys banded together by their role in the war) In some respects it is very grueling to watch.. not only for the fighting.. but also for the monontony of day to day to day drudgery of life along the battlefield. But I do like the characters.. and how they are presented.. though it can be a bit gritty.. and even a bit heart wrenching in places.** Regarding King's Row, The Grey Dude says: "I completely agree with what you wrote about Ronald Reagan's "Drake." He was easily the best part of the film for me"** I wish I could remember more of the overall story.. but his role really was the "standout" part of it for me. (I do remember it being almost "creepy" too.. w/ Claude Raines and his daughter.. maybe.. I think) Will try to watch it again sometime if only to refresh my memory. **And in comparing King's Row to Peyton Place, Mr. Grey relates: "While the two films are rather similar, I thought Peyton Place 's story was far more interesting than that of Kings Row."**And see.. the things you liked most about PP makes it less appealing (ha.. at least in my memory) than KR. But I really would likely need to see BOTH films again to be fair in my comparisons. I really only have just a FEW viable memories of anything specific about Peyton Place.. other than I remember thinking that it was too "soap opera" like. (but I was likely still a TEENAGER.. or perhaps very early 20's.. ha.. so who KNOWS if my old worn out brain cells are remembering it well enough.. or just making it up in my mind. ha. (it's been known to happen.. what can I say.. I am old..and my brain cells are NOT what they used to be) ** So tell me WHY oh WHY you think I would like The LadyKillers. That is one film I have made a point of avoiding. (I think it might be because of the remake.. w/ Tom Hanks looking so creepy.. ha. It made me not want to see it in ANY version) But hey.. I once heard some GREY person say something like, "I'll watch ANYTHING" so who KNOWS.. maybe I should give it a try. HA!! (again.. picture me, with my tongue sticking WAY on out at you, if you please) **PS, Miss G.. glad you liked the daisies!! They are my fave too. (that and carnations, actually)