Bronxgirl48 Posted August 19, 2012 Author Share Posted August 19, 2012 For me, the sum of THE 49TH PARALLEL isn't as effective as its parts. All those propaganda movies have the preachiness, including PIMPERNEL SMITH, which however I absolutely adore. (it's on YouTube if you've never seen it) I love that scene from THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL. The look on Leslie's face as he admits he still loves Merle...I wish I could say I enjoy him in PGYMALION, but it's not one of my favorites. I know Jackie loves Leslie in it, but I just can't see anyone other than Rex Harrison in that part. Henry Higgins is smug, overbearing, and obnoxious. I rest my case, lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 19, 2012 Author Share Posted August 19, 2012 omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg, omg.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capuchin Posted August 19, 2012 Share Posted August 19, 2012 > {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote} > I wish I could say I enjoy him in PGYMALION, but it's not one of my favorites. I know Jackie loves Leslie in it, but I just can't see anyone other than Rex Harrison in that part. Henry Higgins is smug, overbearing, and obnoxious. I rest my case, lol. I like Rex Harrison a lot, but differently. Maybe because My Fair Lady is a musical, I don't consider their roles to be the same or try to pick one over the other. One thing I love is Leslie Howard's nuances. In that Pygmalion clip, if you look at around the 40 second mark, there's a fleeting moment of calculation. His emotions are making him open up to her, but he's going to do it with precision, in the manner most likely to get him what he wants. Besides my admiration for anyone who can salvage something out of even the worst situation, it adds depth to his character, a sort of noble sangfroid. I'm afraid I've been slumming all day. Today's movies held absolutely no attraction for me, so I've been playing Sherlock Holmes (I can't say I've been watching because my back has been to the tv). I put half a dozen movies on DVD so I can pop it in and not have to mess with it for hours. I have 4 such DVDs just of Sherlock Holmes, and since that covers most of a day, that's what I chose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 19, 2012 Author Share Posted August 19, 2012 Two of my favorite actors -- Leslie and Wendy Hiller, but I just don't care for them in PGYMALION. Sad but true! I love his subtleties, but the role I think calls for some (for lack of a better word) "oomph", lol, but he just seems to be going through the motions. Why do I feel this way? Am I nuts, lol? Don't answer that! Hey, Leslie would have made a fantastic Sherlock Holmes. (in fact, I believe he did play the part on stage...) I'd love to know your take on PIMPERNEL SMITH. I guess I'll turn in now, even though I don't really want to, but just can't keep my eyes open any longer. I planned on a House Hunters and House Hunters International fest this evening, where picky couples get all bent out of shape when they don't see double sinks in a bathroom. Then there's the wish of suitable "entertaining" space for all their friends and family who are going to periodically jump on a plane and visit them in Upper Mongolia. Send my love to SansFin! Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 19, 2012 2:48 AM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capuchin Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 > {quote:title=Bronxgirl48 wrote:}{quote} > I'd love to know your take on PIMPERNEL SMITH. I have to admit it's not high on my list of favorite Leslie Howard movies. His performance is great, but it's completely wasted since the antagonist is so cartoonish anyone could have walked all over them. It swings between high-handed lectures and buffoonish behavior. As I said, I'm not a fan. I'd rank his films,other than Pygmalion and The Scarlet Pimpernel, this way -- It's Love I'm After The Animal Kingdom Stand-In Never the Twain Shall Meet British Agent > Send my love to SansFin! She sends her love. And she sends some advice. > A doctor on teleivision said that the way to achieve Inner Peace is to finish all the things you have started. > > So, I looked around my house to see things I'd started and hadn't finished. Before leaving the house, I finished off a bottle of Merlot, a bottle of shhhardonay, a bodle of Baileys, a butle of vocka, a pockage of Prunglies, tha mainder of bot Prozic and Valum scriptins, the res of the Chesescke an a box a chocolets. > > Yu haf no idr who gud I fel! > Peas sen dis orn to dem yu fee AR in ned ov inr pece. Barring yet another iteration of amending forms to amend forms which amended forms, she should finish up sometime next week. She's started trying to find a way to get back. Hopefully that won't take too long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Oh my gosh, lol, was that a Russian t.v. doctor? Everytime I see our Dr. Oz (he's everywhere, in all mediums) spouting the latest health advice, I usually do the opposite. Hope SansFin comes home soon! I had a nagging feeling you might be somewhat negative on PIMPERNEL SMITH, considering what you said about THE 49TH PARALLEL, but, that's okay! I need to see a bit more of Leslie's films before I make a complete Favorites list. For now, here are my very limited in-order rankings: PIMPERNEL SMITH THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL IT'S LOVE I'M AFTER BERKELEY SQUARE Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 22, 2012 12:36 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 I forgot to add OF HUMAN BONDAGE (fifth after BERKELEY SQUARE) It's a dark and stormy night here in Boca, the perfect setting to enjoy Kay Francis suffering...and suffering...and suffering, lol. Just saw THE HOUSE ON 56th STREET. Loved it! Poor Kay... I even shed a tear or two. Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 22, 2012 1:05 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Okay, my memory is shot to heck. THE PETRIFIED FOREST comes in on my list before OF HUMAN BONDAGE. I really don't like Leslie in these whiny parts, though. He just shines for me as a hero in the two Pimpernels, and that's how I like to see and remember him. (GWTW is probably my least favorite LH) Back to Kay and Ricardo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Geez, this is embarassing -- I've seen (and forgotten) more Leslie Howard films than I thought, ha! Add SMILIN' THROUGH (which I'd place probably below BERKELEY SQUARE) Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 22, 2012 12:37 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capuchin Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Have you seen A Free Soul (1931). I ran across a description of it somewhere and found it on YouTube, but it's been in my Watch Later list for a long time (I'm not big on watching movies on the computer). http://youtu.be/QUrspICe55w Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 I do think you are nuts for not liking Pygmalion, lol. But then, I like Leslie in almost everything! I even like him in GWTW, but that's been a long time coming. I think he adds a sense of decay, romance and moral weakness that is perfect for the role. The problem is that Ashley is way too easily swayed into temptation with Scarlett, he's girlish. Howard doesn't really respect the material and that is too close to the bone for diehard GWTW romantics. I know he hated the role, and only did it to get Intermezzo made, but he still invests it with that dying idealism that works so well. I can overlook the slightly flat portrayal, the lack of struggle in Ashley to do the right thing. If he had added just a tad more struggle to the character, my goodness, we'd think he was fantastic today. My favorite Leslie Howard films: *Pygmalion* *The Petrified Forest* *Pimpernel Smith* *The Scarlet Pimpernel* *Stand In* *The First of the Few* or *Spitfire* *49th Parallel* - which I adore. I love propaganda movies, and even more, I love episodic short story type films *Berkeley Square* *Captured* *Smilin Through* *The Animal Kingdom* *Intermezzo* *GWTW* *Secrets* *British Agent* *A Free Soul* *Romeo and Juliet* Gad, I just can't watch R&J seriously. Talk about "Smilin Through'.....that's just what I do when watching it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Watch out for weather coming your way Bronxie. Make sure to stock up on necessities like soda and books with pictures of Rod Taylor, Rudy and Leslie Howard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 Hurricane Isaac a possible threat to South Florida next week. Maybe I can get a good deal on some shoes and bags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 >Have you seen A Free Soul (1931). I ran across a description of it somewhere and found it on YouTube, but it's been in my Watch Later list for a long time (I'm not big on watching movies on the computer). I have. I think Leslie is more or less wasted in A FREE SOUL. Sort of a hapless part imo, even if the plot turns on his character's motivations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 22, 2012 Author Share Posted August 22, 2012 What can I say about PGYMALION? It isn't just Leslie, but the whole production that makes me want to fall asleep! You'd think I would adore him as Henry Higgins, but... I think I'm slowly beginning to come around with you on the effectiveness of LH in GWTW. Did you check out my "omg, omg" August 19th post, with the fabulous video? (incredible candids, including Leslie in bathing trunks at the beach with his two children!) Just the painting alone of him as Ashley in that video confirms your opinions of him in this role! INTERMEZZO has never left much of an impression on me. I need to see CAPTURED, THE ANIMAL KINGDOM, STAND-IN, SECRETS, and FIRST OF THE FEW. I also can't take R&J seriously; culture for the MGM masses, lol. Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 22, 2012 1:08 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 I do understand about Pygmalion, I was just teasing! It's in my top five movies of all time, so I just swoon over it, love the way it's directed and edited and most of all Leslie Leslie Leslie! I did watch that WONDERFUL video, I just forgot to comment after rambling about GWTW and making my list. That is one of the best vids I've seen, right from the opening sepia closeup. The Lark Ascending was the perrrr-fect piece of music to capture Howard's thoughtful, yearning, longing, skyward-looking nature. The still with Ann Harding is a favorite, clinking glasses.... his sly but emotional look towards her captures my fancy. My favorite since I was a young girl has always been the one in the tux, with his thumb pressed into his chin. I saw it in my sister's book of articles and photos from Vanity Fair magazine, and I instantly fell in love with it, long before I ever saw Leslie in anything. There's something dead about Ashley, it's caught in that photo from GWTW with Leigh, standing out in the clearing after he's been chopping wood (nice arms btw). They are looking out into the distance at about the 2:30 mark in that video. I also love the photo with the camera., but really all the photos in that compilation really 'get' Leslie. They show that indefinable thing that makes him who he is. WHoever put it together really got the creme de la creme of stills. I also like him in checked tweeds. Edited by: JackFavell on Aug 22, 2012 1:21 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 I've also seen those photos of Carole Lombard before, sandwiched by Gary Cooper and Leslie. Lucky girl. That's my idea of heaven. I think it's funny she picks the dog. I probably would too, I love them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 22, 2012 Share Posted August 22, 2012 Some of those early photos where they really blonded him up and accentuated his aryan features make him look a little like Kurt Krueger. Edited by: JackFavell on Aug 22, 2012 1:38 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capuchin Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 Has anyone seen this one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 Those ones from Stand In are HILARIOUS. I love how he holds the blonde who isn't Joanie like she's a sack of potatoes, or as if she were dead weight. She's pressing into him fiercely, and he looks as if he'd like to dump her on the next chair.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capuchin Posted August 23, 2012 Share Posted August 23, 2012 I love the scene where he's got the footprints on the floor numbered, and he suddenly realizes he's missing a #4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 Very stressed right now. Apart from Isaac, we're under tropical storm warnings and experienced power outages last night thanks to heavy rain and lighning, which is very scary down here. Mom wants me to stay with her for a few days, as she's got a larger place and hurricane shutters, but I'm not sure. Don't know if I'll be going back to work this Monday because schools might be shut down. It's all a big mess. Jackie, your description of Leslie's screen persona is so eloquent, I just love how you write about him. What a gift you've got! Hopefully I'll be able to get back on the board sooner rather than later, but I can't think of anything right now except this demmed weather. I'm running out now to pick up a few last-minute items; the stores will be jammed. What fun. Stay safe, everyone. Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 25, 2012 12:48 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Please be careful out there, Bronxie, and be safe for the next few days. Write when you can without danger of lightning. We'll be thinking about you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronxgirl48 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 Thanks, Jackie! The one good thing this week is that I went back to the doctor on Thursday for my second cholesterol check, and it appears the numbers are going down. Slowly, but enough so that I can stave off statins for yet another three months and hopefully forever. But I'll treat myself to some much-needed comfort food now -- sausage pizza and a big plate of s'mores, lol. See you later, that is, if everything isn't gone with the wind. Edited by: Bronxgirl48 on Aug 25, 2012 12:52 PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackFavell Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Congratulations! That is good news. I've never been a s'more person, but Alice is, she loves them. I prefer cheesecake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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