Western Movie Rambles

[MissGoddess]

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

> Sometimes some creative person makes the smiley faces pink, blue, purple or some other color to emphasize the mood. If I can get into that fine, otherwise I'll take my recent victory and be grateful.

 

They may be getting the code from another website and pasting it here, between exclamation points, as you would for an image code. Sites like the following have codes for all kinds of smilies:

 

http://www.clicksmilies.com/

 

[JackFavell]

 

Yay! woudlbestar!

[CineMaven]

Oh don't thank me Would Be Star. I think I was being a little bratty. But I'm so happy you found what you needed. Now smile and wink away...and keep writing those meaningful posts!

 

C.Maven. - ;-)

[OllieTSB]

MissG, I keep needing my own li'l simile for this place and your writings: something with my head falling forward onto my arms and rolling back and forth... "No... no more... please... no...!"

 

Or else one where I've sprayed my coffee/juice across screen and keyboard, only to later return with a full washdown & recovery kit because you writers REFUSE to warn me when you've written something so outrageously funny.

[MissGoddess]

??

 

[MissGoddess]

Robert Mitchum as Jim Garry in Blood on the Moon (1948)

 

 

I love jBlood on the Moon! i always confused thismovie with Raoul Walsh's Pursued,

another noirish western and never could remember which of the two was my favorite. Now I haven't seen *Pursued* in a few years nor had I seen BOTM until last night in forever, but I think the latter film is my favorite. I love Barbara bel Geddes' character (I'd like to shoot at a couple of men like she did in the beginning ) and how she was able to change her mind. Everyone kind of has to figure out who and where their loyalties do and should lie, and not everyone claiming to be a stand up guy (or girl) really is one...which, of course, is very noir. In fact, there's a little bit of *The Set Up* in *Blood on the Moon*. Any time a guy you counted on being able to use for your own profit suddenly rises up, finds his conscience and decided to do something about it, you have trouble for the ones in charge.

 

Once again, the one behind all the shennigans is Robert Preston, reprising his character from *Whispering Smith* and a couple of other morally flexible roles. Something about men who smile all the time...

 

And was anyone in movies ever used so badly as Mitchum? I mean his characters...he's al;ways walking into the wrong town/bar/ranch and getting the daylights pummelled out of him for no discernible reason at first, and again later on for very discernible reasons of his own. Ah, but he was still young and spry here so he could whip the tar out of a few along the way and one of the most dramatic scenes is the fight in the little bar at the Commissary between Mitch and Preston. You can see that fight here:

 

 

 

But aside from physically being so compelling in these noirish westerns, Mitchum's graceful minimalism, a brevity with words that isn't stoicism but seems born of a hard learned wisdom that staying alive means choosing your words carefully and using them but seldom.

 

Beautiful, high contrast B&W photography of the rough terrain and excellent performances by Phillips Thaxter, Barbara and one of Walter Brennan's best non-sidekick roles.

 

I hope others managed to see it when it aired recently on TCM and can share their views.

 

Edited by: MissGoddess on Oct 4, 2010 10:39 AM

[CineMaven]

But aside from physically being so compelling in these noirish westerns, Mitchum's graceful minimalism, a brevity with words that isn't stoicism but seems born of a hard learned wisdom

that staying alive means choosing your words carefully and using them but seldom.

 

Whoa! You have phrased that beautifully! Just beautifully. That fight scene was good. The testosterone was fairly palpable. Aaaaah, when men were men. Today's choreographed

fare is...meh. I think Robert Mitchum was one of the greatest under-rated actors of his time.

[MissGoddess]

Thank you so much, T, coming from a word meister like you I'm very flattered.

 

I agree about Bob, every time I see a Mitchum movie I'm more and more impressed

with how much he could convey with so little emoting, tricks or frou-frous. Sort of a

"Zen" movie actor, ha.

 

 

Edited by: MissGoddess on Oct 4, 2010 11:30 AM

[FrankGrimes]

I love Barbara bel Geddes' character

 

Really? You? I thought you'd hate her. But, then again, she is very similar to Renee (Corinne Calvet) in The Far Country. I also loved Amy (Barbara Bel Geddes). She made my favorite character list. And I usually like Barbara.

 

(I'd like to shoot at a couple of men like she did in the beginning )

 

Poor, Cowboy Chris and Madhat! They are nothing but kind yet you still wish to shoot them. What's a guy to do?!

 

Everyone kind of has to figure out who and where their loyalties do and should lie, and not everyone claiming to be a stand up guy (or girl) really is one...which, of course, is very noir.

 

That's the aspect of the story I liked the most. There were lots of quick judgments and many were wrong. Interestingly, many of the characters did change their mind. One of my favorite moments with this was Carol's (Phyllis Thaxter - another "Hitch" gal I really like).

 

And was anyone in movies ever used so badly as Mitchum? I mean his characters...he's al;ways walking into the wrong town/bar/ranch and getting the daylights pummelled out of him for no discernible reason at first, and again later on for very discernible reasons of his own.

 

Mitch was awesome... as usual. He truly is the coolest cat around. He says everything so matter-of-factly and he does so with that sparkle in his eye. I just love his breeziness. "Drift."

 

But aside from physically being so compelling in these noirish westerns, Mitchum's graceful minimalism, a brevity with words that isn't stoicism but seems born of a hard learned wisdom that staying alive means choosing your words carefully and using them but seldom.

 

That was really good, Fordy Guns. I always think Mitchum is saying, "whatever." It's on you.

[MissGoddess]

> Really? You? I thought you'd hate her. But, then again, she is very similar to Renee (Corinne Calvet) in The Far Country. I also loved Amy (Barbara Bel Geddes). She made my favorite character list. And I usually like Barbara.

>

 

She's not my favorite actress, but I like the character. I love her hair, too. So thick and shiny.

 

I didn't quite believe her, though, when she told Mitch "No, I don't want you to do that anymore." Ha!!

 

> Poor, Cowboy Chris and Madhat! They are nothing but kind yet you still wish to shoot them. What's a guy to do?!

>

 

I'm a better shot than that!

 

> That's the aspect of the story I liked the most. There were lots of quick judgments and many were wrong. Interestingly, many of the characters did change their mind. One of my favorite moments with this was Carol's (Phyllis Thaxter - another "Hitch" gal I really like).

>

 

Poor girl, why do I picture Carol ending up an old maid. She should have gone ahead

and married Tate (Preston). He was cute and she could have visited him in jail.

 

> Mitch was awesome... as usual. He truly is the coolest cat around. He says everything so matter-of-factly and he does so with that sparkle in his eye. I just love his breeziness. "Drift."

>

 

He rolls with the punches and doesn't whine about it. Look at all the things that happened to him before he even took on the dirty job. "You sure know how to make a stranger feel welcome."

 

> That was really good, Fordy Guns. I always think Mitchum is saying, "whatever." It's on you.

 

That's good! He's the original "whatever" guy.

[FrankGrimes]

She's not my favorite actress, but I like the character. I love her hair, too. So thick and shiny.

 

Barbara is a "pouter," which is something I love about her. I think of her in the Shelley Winters and Anne Baxter class of actresses.

 

I definitely liked her "Amy."

 

I didn't quite believe her, though, when she told Mitch "No, I don't want you to do that anymore." Ha!!

 

Ahhhhhh, the classic female trap. She's a tough girl but she has her wants. I think she was saying "no" to herself more than anything. But I also don't believe she wanted Jim (Robert Mitchum) to be that kind of man.

 

I'm a better shot than that!

 

Are you saying it's going to take just two bullets to get Cowboy Chris and Madhat, Scarlett? They better look out!

 

Poor girl, why do I picture Carol ending up an old maid. She should have gone ahead

and married Tate (Preston). He was cute and she could have visited him in jail.

 

Isn't that the same as being an old maid?!

 

Tate is cute? He seemed to be playing the "Brian Donlevy" role.

 

He rolls with the punches and doesn't whine about it. Look at all the things that happened to him before he even took on the dirty job. "You sure know how to make a stranger feel welcome."

 

He's phenomenal. Sure, he can be "one note," but that note is completely his. As I said a while ago, I think of Mitch as the "John Wayne" of film noir.

 

That's good! He's the original "whatever" guy.

 

And he'd need a million "whatevers" with you!

[MissGoddess]

> Barbara is a "pouter," which is something I love about her. I think of her in the Shelley Winters and Anne Baxter class of actresses.

>

 

Hmm....I don't know about Shelley.

 

>

> Ahhhhhh, the classic female trap. She's a tough girl but she has her wants. I think she was saying "no" to herself more than anything. But I also don't believe she wanted Jim (Robert Mitchum) to be that kind of man.

>

 

I would!

 

> Are you saying it's going to take just two bullets to get Cowboy Chris and Madhat, Scarlett? They better look out!

>

 

They say bullets have names on them. I don't see any Chrises or Mahats on these.

 

> Isn't that the same as being an old maid?!

>

 

He was exciting for a gilr like her.

 

> Tate is cute? He seemed to be playing the "Brian Donlevy" role.

>

 

Robert Preston isn't my type but he's a good looking man. And Carol's pickings

don't look so hot in that one-horse town.

 

Maybe Jim's got some friends he can introduce her to.

 

>

> He's phenomenal. Sure, he can be "one note," but that note is completely his. As I said a while ago, I think of Mitch as the "John Wayne" of film noir.

>

 

I often overlook him when I'm thinking of all my favorites, and then I kick myself because he's SUCH a favorite.

 

I don't remember your "John Wayne" comment, but it's a good one. I'd say you need to watch more of his non-noir films to realize how good he is at a lot of other movies. Have you ever seen Holiday Affair? That's a good light one. I really like his character. You will, too. And Janet's adorable.

 

> And he'd need a million "whatevers" with you!

 

Men like that need a fire lit under them!

[FrankGrimes]

Hmm....I don't know about Shelley.

 

No? My comparison is about their being leading ladies who have a short and squatty look to them and whose looks are on the average side.

 

I would!

 

That's because you're a tramp! :p

 

They say bullets have names on them. I don't see any Chrises or Mahats on these.

 

The girls?! I know they can be mouthy ( ) but they mean well. You shouldn't shoot them.

 

He was exciting for a gilr like her.

 

I meant her being a prisoner's wife. Isn't that the same as being an old maid? It's interesting how he was playing a film noir guy who was looking for the big score. And she was sticking it to her own father! Awful!

 

Robert Preston isn't my type but he's a good looking man. And Carol's pickings

don't look so hot in that one-horse town.

 

She slaps like you, I'll say that.

 

Maybe Jim's got some friends he can introduce her to.

 

You're always chasing men!

 

I'd say you need to watch more of his non-noir films to realize how good he is at a lot of other movies. Have you ever seen Holiday Affair? That's a good light one. I really like his character. You will, too. And Janet's adorable.

 

No, I haven't seen that one. That would definitely be a different Mitchum for me.

 

Men like that need a fire lit under them!

 

And you're an inferno, Snippy!

[MissGoddess]

> No? My comparison is about their being leading ladies who have a short and squatty look to them and whose looks are on the average side.

>

 

Yikes! Poor Barbara. Even I wouldn't be that harsh on her. I thought maybe you meant she was a "serious" actress. I think of her as being a stage actress who did occasional films. In that respect, she's like Bancroft.

 

> The girls?! I know they can be mouthy ( ) but they mean well. You shouldn't shoot them.

>

 

No, not the girls.

 

> I meant her being a prisoner's wife. Isn't that the same as being an old maid? It's interesting how he was playing a film noir guy who was looking for the big score. And she was sticking it to her own father! Awful!

>

 

I didn't like her at first, she was so underhand. It's not because she was in love with Tate that I disliked her, it was her sneaking around with him. but it sets up a nice contrast to Amy, who doesn't care who knows who she likes or not. Jim is looked at askance by her father but she still sticks up for him openly. Carol is afraid to do that. I do feel sorry for Carol, though. She's not a bad girl.

 

> You're always chasing men!

>

 

I'm just thinking of Carol!

 

>

> No, I haven't seen that one. That would definitely be a different Mitchum for me.

>

 

It should be your next Mitch.

 

> Men like that need a fire lit under them!

>

> And you're an inferno, Snippy!

 

A tottering one.

[FrankGrimes]

Yikes! Poor Barbara. Even I wouldn't be that harsh on her. I thought maybe you meant she was a "serious" actress. I think of her as being a stage actress who did occasional films. In that respect, she's like Bancroft.

 

But I like Barbara! I think she's very cute. Remember, I like "Midge Wood." She's adorable. But "Amy" is the cutest I've seen Barbara.

 

I didn't like her at first, she was so underhand. It's not because she was in love with Tate that I disliked her, it was her sneaking around with him. but it sets up a nice contrast to Amy, who doesn't care who knows who she likes or not. Jim is looked at askance by her father but she still sticks up for him openly. Carol is afraid to do that. I do feel sorry for Carol, though. She's not a bad girl.

 

Carol needed a good spanking. She thinks she's a good judge of character and men and she's not. That's why the scene where she finally sees the truth is one of my favorite moments in the film. Here she is, giving Amy a good talking to about love and men, and she's the one who really needs the talking to.

 

I don't think Carol is a bad girl, but I believe she's stuck up. Amy is more in touch.

 

And you're very right about Carol hiding whereas Amy is very much in the open.

 

I'm just thinking of Carol!

 

You're thinking of yourself!

 

It should be your next Mitch.

 

Does Mitch stalk Santa Claus?

[MissGoddess]

> But I like Barbara! I think she's very cute. Remember, I like "Midge Wood." She's adorable. But "Amy" is the cutest I've seen Barbara.

>

 

Her "Amy" reminds me a lot of her character in *I Remember Mamma*.

 

> Carol needed a good spanking. She thinks she's a good judge of character and men and she's not. That's why the scene where she finally sees the truth is one of my favorite moments in the film. Here she is, giving Amy a good talking to about love and men, and she's the one who really needs the talking to.

>

> I don't think Carol is a bad girl, but I believe she's stuck up. Amy is more in touch.

>

 

Carol acts like the sister who was sent back East to be educated. Amy's the "tom boy" and the Daddy's girl. Carol is probably like their mother was.

 

> I'm just thinking of Carol!

>

> You're thinking of yourself!

>

 

No way! I'm stealing Jim.

 

> Does Mitch stalk Santa Claus?

 

Ha! No, he stalks a seal and feeds nuts to a squirrel.

[FrankGrimes]

Her "Amy" reminds me a lot of her character in I Remember Mamma.

 

That's one I haven't seen. "Amy" is definitely the kind of girl I like. I did like her look. Her hair is lovely and I do like her squatty appearance. And I absolutely loved her telling Jim that she's not leaving him. What a girl!

 

Carol acts like the sister who was sent back East to be educated. Amy's the "tom boy" and the Daddy's girl. Carol is probably like their mother was.

 

That's very good. So is Carol a "Clementine"? I like the little fighter.

 

No way! I'm stealing Jim.

 

You better be careful with Amy! She'll tussle!

 

Ha! No, he stalks a seal and feeds nuts to a squirrel.

 

This is a sappy Sweet T movie! Don't tell me there are four weddings!

[MissGoddess]

> That's one I haven't seen. "Amy" is definitely the kind of girl I like. I did like her look. Her hair is lovely and I do like her squatty appearance. And I absolutely loved her telling Jim that she's not leaving him. What a girl!

>

 

I liked her stubbornness, too.

 

> That's very good. So is Carol a "Clementine"? I like the little fighter.

>

 

Yes! I can even see Phillys Thaxter playing "Clem".

 

> You better be careful with Amy! She'll tussle!

>

 

 

> This is a sappy Sweet T movie! Don't tell me there are four weddings!

 

Ha! Yes, it's pretty sappy but it's surprisingly entertaining. A nice way to while away the time. It's not a long movie, either.

 

And no, no weddings. You'll love Janet Leigh's look, by the way. Very sexy and soft.

[FrankGrimes]

I liked her stubbornness, too.

 

You would, you wrongheaded mule!

 

Yes! I can even see Phillys Thaxter playing "Clem".

 

I thought she was lovely looking in Blood on the Moon. She has an elegance to her.

 

And what does the title mean?

 

By the way, I wasn't all that crazy about the film. I thought the story was rather empty. What I took from it was my great like of Mitchum and Bel Geddes and their characters plus Kris' (Walter Brennan) story arc. But the crux of the story just didn't do much for me.

 

Ha! Yes, it's pretty sappy but it's surprisingly entertaining. A nice way to while away the time. It's not a long movie, either.

 

"A nice way to while away the time"? And that's supposed to be a selling point to me?! I'm the guy who said he wants to be challenged by a film! Not "whiled away"!

 

And no, no weddings. You'll love Janet Leigh's look, by the way. Very sexy and soft.

 

Ooooooooohhhh, sexy and soft! Now that's a way to convince me to watch!

[movieman1957]

I never quite bought Bel Geddes as a match for Mitchum. She just doesn't seem quite right. While tom boy maybe the right word for her it also implies an immaturity born of age. Nothing wrong with it as much as Mitchum might be inclined toward a stronger older woman. Oh, and the sister, stuck up is exactly it.

 

BTW, "I Remember Mama" is a lovely film. It being Carolann's favorite may not be a selling point but if you have any interest in good family type films and Irene Dunne then at least one viewing is in order.

[JackFavell]

You would love I Remember Mama. Uncle Chris is played by Oskar Homolka.

 

Barbara Be Geddes reminds me of Nancy Olson in *Sunset Boulevard* - wholesome, but with acting chops. Very American. Anyone who can play those nice girl roles and make you believe it is a good actress in my book. Hope Lange is another I think of in that mold. All three are really good, but never really achieved out and out stardom. Maybe that's a good thing. They are very reassuring presences.

 

You should watch *Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison* next for Mitchum.

[MissGoddess]

>

> I thought she was lovely looking in Blood on the Moon. She has an elegance to her.

>

 

I never found her attractive.

 

> And what does the title mean?

>

 

I don't know! I've always wondered. I think it was just chosen to hook people into coming to see it.

 

> By the way, I wasn't all that crazy about the film. I thought the story was rather empty. What I took from it was my great like of Mitchum and Bel Geddes and their characters plus Kris' (Walter Brennan) story arc. But the crux of the story just didn't do much for me.

>

 

You will probably like *Pursued* more. It's very dramatic and psychological.

[CineMaven]

Grimesy, you're looking for another Mitchum film? Why not go for Mitchum Lite: breezy, sophistica-

ted like "The Grass is Greener" where Deborah Kerr has to choose between Cary and Mitchum. Or want him a little more rugged but not heavy: "The Sundowners" where Deborah Kerr plays his wife.

[OllieTSB]

a slip here... never mind!

[movieman1957]

"The Grass Is Greener" is an odd but fun film. Everyone is so British about things when Mitchum shows up and disrupts their very British lives.