Movie Rambles

[MissGoddess]

I can't believe that!!!

 

Buenos noches, Feo! Yes, it's true, see for yourself:

 

 

 

I think she's adorable! She looks so prim and ladylike and the

way she says the words doesn't even sound like cursing, ha!

[feaito]

Buenas Noches April! BTW, I must go to bed. It's too late here in Chile.

 

Well. I'm in awe...never thought that I'd hear proper Olivia say the SOB word!!

 

Well, I'm writing this post quickly 'cuz I keep being bumped off the site!

[Bronxgirl48]

Oh my, those bloopers, April, HA!!!!! I like Olivia, but what a mouth on her, LOL. Ingrid keeps looking adoringly at Gary. Florence Bates snorting, heeheehee! And I've frankly never seen Jerome Cowan so, well, appealing! (Wendy, I think you're on to something here)

 

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[Bronxgirl48]

Hearty, wonderfully descriptive GITH rambling, Maven! Frank, I agree with April that only YOU would think Ralph Bellamy's playful patting of his wife's behind with a tennis racket was arousing. Wendy, I also enjoy Jerome Cowan as one of Fanny's suitors in MR. SKEFFINGTON (I like how his hair follicles change over the years) and remember him as the D.A. who is shunned by his small son, because he has to prosecute Santa Claus, in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET.

 

Does anyone notice that Evelyn Heath and Eve Harrington, in addition to their other obvious similiarities - appear dowdily alike in their "introductory" appearances with their victims -- in funny/odd floppy hats and "rainwear"-type coats? They both look deceptively helpless and vulnerable in a shabby sort of way.

 

Anne Baxter is so charismatic to me in her role as Evelyn Heath in GUEST IN THE HOUSE, I want to look away from this hideous character, but Anne makes it hard to stop staring. I have to observe her every bodily movement -- her clawlike small hands imploring Aunt Martha for help, the smugly-sweet upturn of her mouth into a forced smile, the sinister-crazed chuckles of delusional triumph in a darkened thunder-crackled, lightning-blazed room, slow-motion turns of the neck as though she were some sort of a malevolent female automaton created by Conrad Veidt as Jaffar for the amusement of Miles Malleson in THE THIEF OF BAGDAD. It's a wonderfully subtle yet "diva-ish" performance, in its contradictory small-scale way.

 

Did anyone else wonder how Evelyn handled her particular phobia every time she stepped out of the house? I mean, "they" were all about, in the city as well as the country. I imagine she would have had to shut herself up in a (padded) room for the rest of her life just to avoid them.

 

I liked how we were constantly shown shots of the trees with their rustling leaves.

 

You know what those leaves reminded Evelyn of.

 

It was a little disconcerting to see how Percy Kilbride and Margaret Hamilton looked so much alike. I first thought they played brother and sister, then realized it was husband and wife. (well, I hear that in real life, spouses do start resembling each other the longer they're married) And Maven, I too thought the daughter looked an awful lot like CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE's Ann Carter!

 

Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48

[CineMaven]

"I have to observe her every bodily movement -- her clawlike small hands imploring Aunt Martha for help, the smugly-sweet upturn of her mouth into a forced smile, the sinister-crazed chuckles of delusional triumph in a darkened thunder-crackled, lightning-blazed room, slow-motion turns of the neck as though she were some sort of a malevolent female automaton created by Conrad Veidt as Jaffar for the amusement of Miles Malleson in THE THIEF OF BAGDAD."-Bronxgirl.

 

If this isn't writing worthy of Edgar Allan Poe, I'll eat...eat a raven.

 

Wonderfully written. I must remember in my writing NOT to re-hash a plot (I can assume everyone has seen the film in question) but speak more about the plot & character and my thoughts on it.

 

Girl, have I mentioned you kin rite!

 

Great writing! And again, I implore everyone, including you mad mod Moderators, to check out on YouTube or DVD, Anne Baxter in "Guest in the House."

 

You'll see what we mean.

 

Perfectly!

[FrankGrimes]

Frank, I agree with April that only YOU would think Ralph Bellamy's playful patting of

his wife's behind with a tennis racket was arousing.

 

That's not the arousing sex scene I speak of! The pat is a playful show of love and affection.

[MissGoddess]

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

> Frank, I agree with April that only YOU would think Ralph Bellamy's playful patting of

> his wife's behind with a tennis racket was arousing.

>

> That's not the arousing sex scene I speak of! The pat is a playful show of love and affection.

 

 

So why don't you stop hinting around about this all-fired "scene" you have boiling on your brain and just tell us about it. Honestly.

[FrankGrimes]

So why don't you stop hinting around about this all-fired "scene" you have boiling on

your brain and just tell us about it. Honestly.

 

A vampire must be invited in. Now that you've done that, I can do some damage.

 

You asked for it.

 

DIVERT YOUR EYES!

 

"Liebestraum" is playing over this entire scene.

 

Ann: You know, I'd feel much better, darling, if you locked that door. What if someone

sleepwalks and sees us?

 

Doug: Who cares? I'm no clodhopper, you know?

 

Doug then kisses Ann on the neck and she lets out a delightful "ohh."

 

Doug: I wish someone would see us.

 

They dance over to the door, where Ann locks the door.

 

 

They continue dancing.

 

Doug: Get this...

 

They then step up on the ottoman together:

 

 

Ann: Ooohhh, you're impossible! (She then giggles.)

 

Doug: There's only one thing wrong. Ann, take your slippers off.

 

Ann: Oh, no.

 

Doug: Take them off. I've got mine off. It's wonderful. I've always wanted to dance in my

bare feet. Go on, try it!

 

Ann (unsure and cautiously): Well... all right.

 

Ann proceeds to take her slippers off, thusly lowering herself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann: Oooohh, darling, it's a little like midnight swimming in just the moonlight, isn't it?

 

Doug: I told ya.

 

They continue "dancing."

 

Doug: Bend, will ya?

 

Ann: I can't do it.

 

Doug: Yes, you can.

 

Ann lets loose a very playful giggle.

 

 

 

Doug: Honey, we need to go dancing a little more often.

 

Ann: Ohhh, you fool. Ohh, darling, let me up. You're breaking my back.

 

 

Doug: Hold on tight!

 

Ann (while kicking her feet): Ohhhh, Douglas!

 

Doug: Hang on!

 

Ann is saying "ohhh" and giggling as Doug spins her around.

 

 

They then step up on the ottoman again and Doug bangs his head. They fall to the ground.

 

 

Doug: Ohh, my head!

 

Ann (rubbing her tail): Your head? (She then giggles in some pain).

 

 

Doug: Come here!

 

Ann: Ohhh, Doug! (She then lets out a lovely, playful noise.)

 

Doug starts to tickle her bare feet.

 

Ann: Stop, honey!

 

 

 

This scene starts part two on YouTube:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2MmIsPMp6s&feature=related

 

I also just read that "Liebestraum" was also used in All About Eve. So I guess

Anne is quite familiar with that tune.

[MissGoddess]

I also just read that "Liebestraum" was also used in All About Eve. So I guess

Anne is quite familiar with that tune.

 

Isn't that the tune Bette makes the poor piano player play over and over at her party

for Gary Merrill?

[FrankGrimes]

Isn't that the tune Bette makes the poor piano player play over and over at her party

for Gary Merrill?

 

Look who you're asking! I'm the dumbest one here! I'm sure someone else knows that

answer.

[MissGoddess]

You're only "dumb" when it's convenient for you! I think she said the name of the tune..."Liebestraum". Otherwise I confess I wouldn't have known its name.

[FrankGrimes]

The convenience is 24/7. There's no escaping it.

[MissGoddess]

I hardly think someone "dumb" would have posted all those great screencaps from the most remarkable scene in the movie. So there! Take that and put it in your sock.

[CineMaven]

Well well Mr. Bizzy Hands. I see what you're into...dancing in the dark.

 

I have to filethat away for a rainy day. Make nice with Miss Goddess.

 

Now, what are your thoughts about the film. I'm hanging out in SoHo now (The Apple Store on Prince Street). When I come home tonite...I want to see a bonafide ramble from you about "Guest In the House." I gotta run. An Apple employee in a blue shirt is hovering around me as though I'm gonna buy this MacBook Pro.

 

Take care guyz. Start rambling Grimey boy!

[FrankGrimes]

Ciao, Evelyn -- I hardly think someone "dumb" would have posted all those

great screencaps from the most remarkable scene in the movie. So there! Take that

and put it in your sock.

 

Ohhh, so now it's the most remarkable scene in the movie. You're backpedalin'!

 

So am I the only one who found that scene to be erotic? I guess it really is all in my

always pure mind.

 

Bonjour, Lively One -- Well well Mr. Bizzy Hands. I see what you're into...dancing

in the dark.

 

I wish!

 

I have to file that away for a rainy day.

 

Stormy.

 

Make nice with Miss Goddess.

 

Never.

 

Now, what are your thoughts about the film. I'm hanging out in SoHo now (The Apple

Store on Prince Street). When I come home tonite...I want to see a bonafide ramble

from you about "Guest In the House." I gotta run. An Apple employee in a blue shirt is

hovering around me as though I'm gonna buy this MacBook Pro.

 

Take care guyz. Start rambling Grimey boy!

 

I won't be around until much later tonight, so you won't be hearing from me all that

soon. Although, I was planning on answering your lively ramble on

Guest in the House. I've got some comments. I need to read what Jackie and

Ro wrote again, as well. There are some things that need to be discussed. Women.

[MissGoddess]

Don't call me "Evelyn"!!!! You are QUITE "mixed up" and _confused_, sir.

[Bronxgirl48]

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

> I also just read that "Liebestraum" was also used in All About Eve. So I guess

> Anne is quite familiar with that tune.

>

> Isn't that the tune Bette makes the poor piano player play over and over at her party

> for Gary Merrill?

 

Yes, a morose drunken Margo is feeling insecure and sorry for herself over the age difference between her and Bill, and wants to drown her sorrows in cocktails and "Liebestraum". Bill walks over and reminds her that the other guests are getting sick of hearing it.

 

Another uncanny connection to GUEST IN THE HOUSE!

 

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[Bronxgirl48]

"I'll eat...eat a raven"

 

I like ravens, especially Alan Ladd in THIS GUN FOR HIRE.

>

> Wonderfully written. I must remember in my writing NOT to re-hash a plot (I can assume everyone has seen the film in question) but speak more about the plot & character and my thoughts on it.'

 

No, no, NO! I'm the one who needs to buckle down and give in-depth plot and character analysis like all of you eloquently do in Rambles.

I'm rather shallow. For instance, I just don't understand Ralph's motivations/attraction towards Evelyn. Is he father, lover, Pgymalion?

I'm also clueless over Ruth's "handling" of the situation.

 

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[Bronxgirl48]

I like when Jerome asks Ruth how are things doing with Evelyn and the family. She replies: "Well, all right, except for her continually playing "Leibestraum", and then there are the nightmares...."

[Bronxgirl48]

Ah, yes, I see -- the "dancing" scene. I must agree with you there.

 

Of course, I never thought I'd hear the words "Ralph Bellamy" and "eroticism" in the same breath.

 

Message was edited by: Bronxgirl48

[CineMaven]

Okay.

 

I see what you mean. The dancing was a very nice safe metaphor for married time together. And when she lowered herself after getting out of her slippers...well.

 

I like to be hit over the head, but when you're right...you're right.

 

And you're right.

[CineMaven]

Just saw a smidgen of 1936's "Come and Get It" and good lord, Frances Farmer was a real beauty.

 

A shame what the 1940's will bring to her.

[Bronxgirl48]

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

> Shhhh... don't get us started on Gloria Holden! I have so much trouble explaining why I'm spending so much time with Ann Baxter and Frances Gifford lately. If I get caught with Gloria Holden, too... yikes!

 

 

[HollywoodGolightly]

>

 

I don't know if I've ever seen that one. Definitely looks like it might be fun.

[Bronxgirl48]

I can't believe my good luck -- THE HUCKSTERS is on YouTube, so I just finished watching it! You said it best - "pithy and relevant",

and I agree with you that I think Clark actually has more heat with Deborah than Ava, because you can feel the pent-up passion in Kerr's proper English widow. And six years before FROM HERE TO ETERNITY, she's on the beach with a hunky guy saying "I never knew it could be like this".

But of course Ava and Clark have a natural, breezy sexual chemistry that's irresistible.

 

I felt so sorry for Gloria Holden with insensitive Menjou as her husband.

Adolph does such a believably intense job as Kimberly, I wanted to hand him a giant bottle of Tums.

 

I'm impressed with Sydney Greenstreet; he's more versatile than I give him credit for. He's fantastic as Evans. It's a role that's almost ahead of its time in a way -- it's like it could have been written for a no-padding-needed Orson Welles during his Burl Ives-ish Big Daddy period ten years after this movie was made.

 

This indeed is one of Gable's best postwar films, Miss G. And Maven, you're right -- he's one of Hollywood's most (underrated) natural actors.

 

THE HUCKSTERS doesn't date at all.

 

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