slaytonf Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Miriam Hopkins, Star of the Month, I don't think has been ever so honored. But the recognition, or its repetition is long overdue. One of the brightest lights in my movie star firmament, she radiated an earthy unashamed sensuality paired paradoxically with a refinement that came from a patrician upbringing. We start off this Thursday with a trio of movies she made with Ernst Lubitsch, which are three of her best. The Smiling Lieutenant (1931) is a romantic comedy set in the world of the aristocracy and military of early 20th century central Europe, a theme he exploited repeatedly. Nikolaus (Maurice Chevalier), a Lieutenant, through a misunderstanding, is compelled to marry the dowdy Princess Anna (Hopkins). But he pines for his pretty Franzi (Claudette Colbert), the violin-playing leader of an all-woman orchestra. This was her first big movie role, and one would have expected her to be dominated by the other two, but she holds her own against them. Her vivacity, sparkle, sexiness, and comic timing charm us as Anna charms her 'Niki': Although Design for Living (1933), a romantic comedy about a menage-á-trois without sex, is a more important movie in terms of cinematic history, my personal favorite of the three is Trouble in Paradise (1932). It is so delightfully satiric, and irreverent, skewering pomposity, pretentiousness, and phoniyness. With an opening that has a Venetian garbage gondola piloted by an opera-spouting trash collector, how could it fail? It's hard to choose one from the many terrific scenes, but here's one between Lily (Hopkins), and her future lover Gaston (Herbert Marshall), two fakers, faking each other: 5 Link to post Share on other sites
Hibi Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 She and many other Paramount stars have never been chosen. (Sylvia Sidney, etc.) I think she had a day in SUTS. Link to post Share on other sites
Sepiatone Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 I do agree that Miriam is certainly deserving. Sepiatone 1 Link to post Share on other sites
jamesjazzguitar Posted January 6 Share Posted January 6 Miriam Hopkins had a fine career. She was one of the top Pre-code actresses where her unique persona and sexuality were in full display. During the 40s she was still her feisty self often playing the counterpart to other leading actresses like Bette Davis. After this Hopkins took on character roles and she always made her mark in those. E.g. The Children's Hour. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
UMO1982 Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 Is 24 HOURS on the schedule..... It's one of her best and it also boasts Kay Francis and Clive Brook. Link to post Share on other sites
jamesjazzguitar Posted January 7 Share Posted January 7 Here is the schedule: (no 24 Hours, bummer since I wanted to see that one). (but TCM is showing the other Kay \ Miriam film): 7th of january the smiling lieutenant trouble in paradise design for living dr. jekyll and mr. hyde men are not gods 14th of january the old maid old acquaintance wise girl lady with red hair 21st of january the richest girl in the world splendor these three woman chases man virginia city 28th of january the heiress the children's hour the chase Link to post Share on other sites
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