RAMBLES Part II

JackFavell · August 1, 2011

I didn't see that discussion of Joan and Tom Doniphon - i need to go look at it, pronto! I think Mava posted a link but I wanted to write my piece first.

FrankGrimes · August 1, 2011

What's the word, Lively Gal -- *VALENTINO GRIMES*

**You must be at the pub!

*I think I know what Jackaaaaaay means. (Correct me if I'm wrong Jaxxxx). I think we would have liked to see just a moment of transition from Bobble-Head O'Keefe, of being rebuffed by Paula (Lizabeth Scott) to checking out this new girl Diane (Jane Greer); just a brief moment of piquedness in his decision to take this nurse out.*

Larry didn't pay any attention to Diane at the hospital. He called her advances "obvious." He wasn't interested in her, so he really wasn't looking to find another woman or even some action. I think his words to Joan about being "thrown out in the open market" are meant to be a form of a threat. I really don't think he was looking to leave her.

At the hospital, Diane goes after him... hard. She's doing all she can to to be asked out on a date. She eventually wins out. End of story? No. Larry ignores her at the race track. He's really not into her. She's just a date to him. But that all changes when she opens up to him outside of her apartment.

*Their priorities were different. But I think Paula (Lizabeth Scott) had more going on in her life, as a woman, than Diane had going on in her life. Paula's holding down a job, and must be accountable to the State and to these gals. Diane's raison d'etre seemed to be to hook up with a guy. Work? Naaaah. That was just a means to an end...so I see a broader scope in Paula's worldview.*

This is true. I understand what you're saying. But I think if you really love someone you can make it work. If you want to. That's what I meant about assigning values to things in your life.

*That was nicely said Grimesy. I think Diane has to love herself first, so she can trust that she IS lovable and worthy of love. This trust will help her believe she will not be abandoned.*

Brilliant! That's definitely how I see Diane. She was abandoned by her parents at age 11 and her first run in with the law was when she was 12.

*I don't know that I'd use the word deprivation, but I believe with balance...I think Paula can have a fulfilling life and not just one where her job overwhelms everything else.*

You would think so, but something is keeping her from doing so. The reason why I used the word "deprivation" is because I believe many people who pour their life into one area end up depriving themselves. The constant need to be responsible also leads to some deprivation. You're gonna hear the words "I can't" a lot more.

butterscotchgreer · August 1, 2011

Would anyone be interested in chatting about Ensign Pulver?

I just saw it the other day for the first time and have a review I would like to add, If anyone wants to read it. I thought it was too cute of a movie!

JackFavell · August 1, 2011

I haven't seen *Ensign Pulver* before, but I'd love to read about it. I looked it up on youtube and Netflix, but neither one has it available.

*Frank,* you make very good points about the relationship between Larry and Joan. It's funny how we can watch the same scenes and get something a little different out of them.

*Larry's (Dennis O'Keefe) frustration is evident, it's just he tries to laugh it off since Joan (Lizabeth Scott) is laughing about her being a horrible woman. When we first meet Larry, Joan pushes away his kiss. And his reaction to her pushing away his kiss? "Now I'm not even supposed to kiss you?" Those words speak to his being constantly pushed away. They are words of frustration. Joan then says, "I'm sorry about dinner." His reply? "Ehhh, it's the fourth time in a row." More frustration. She then tears herself down, so she knows what she is doing to him. He goes on to speak of her "dreams as a little girl, saying, "... and I'll never have dinner with the man I love because I'll always be busy out eating with a pigeon."He eventually says, "I've been waiting a long time, Joan." So everything points to Larry and Joan being like this for a while and he's wanting them to take the next step. He's frustrated.*

When he tries to kiss her, she gently rebuffs him, saying "Not when I'm on the job. I won't be able to concentrate if you kiss me" which is not the terrible rebuff you make it out to be. Granted, this has happened before, making it frustrating for sure. I do understand that.

I didn't see her tearing herself down at all. I did hear her say, "I don't like your 'little woman' either." meaning his job, which takes him away from her as well. I didn't see it as a cut down of herself. He has to travel in his job too, I'm sure that the trip to Chicago isn't the first time. They are two career people, and they get together when they can, working around each job. Yes, it's frustrating, but if he really was in love with her, nothing would have gotten in his way - not Diane or Joan's job. He certainly wouldn't have fallen for Diane so easily.

Later, she talks to him of the poetic nature his writing is taking... she is thrilled, and thinks maybe he really is more in love with her than she assumed, and ready to settle down. She says to him, "This sounds like the words of a man in love, if I didn't know you better." and then she brings up the proposal. She has a glimmer that he is now ready to settle down. This spoke volumes to me, while you did not notice it. To me, this line means, "I was looking for a sign from you that you were really in love with me and wanted to take the next step, not just with anyone, but with ME." She misunderstands of course, he really was inspired by Diane.

*You would think so, but something is keeping her from doing so. The reason why I used the word "deprivation" is because I believe many people who pour their life into one area end up depriving themselves. The constant need to be responsible also leads to some deprivation. You're gonna hear the words "I can't" a lot more.*

Does that include someone who pours themselves into pleasing one person, their mate, without any other outlets for creativity or whatever is inside them? Because I worry that Diane will do that, to the exclusion of everything else. What would be thrilling is if Larry and maybe Joan helped her to have a more balanced life, one that made her sure of herself in situations outside the home.

Edited by: JackFavell on Aug 1, 2011 3:17 PM

FrankGrimes · August 2, 2011

Howdy, Denver -- *It's funny how we can watch the same scenes and get something a little different out of them.*

It looks like we are interpreting their words differently.

*When he tries to kiss her, she gently rebuffs him, saying "Not when I'm on the job. I won't be able to concentrate if you kiss me" which is not the terrible rebuff you make it out to be. Granted, this has happened before, making it frustrating for sure. I do understand that.*

Joan is nothing but gentle, but that doesn't make it any easier on a guy. And the way Larry says, "now," you are left with the impression there are mounting denials from Joan. And, by the way, the person I relate to the very most in this triangle is Joan. I'm one who denies.

*I didn't see her tearing herself down at all. I did hear her say, "I don't like your 'little woman' either." meaning his job, which takes him away from her as well. I didn't see it as a cut down of herself.*

I took her words to be a shot at herself. She's very aware of her turning down Larry four times in a row.

Larry: Ehh, it's the fourth time in a row.

Joan: I know. I don't think much of your girl, either. (She laughs)

I don't think she is referring to their jobs as "your girl."

*Yes, it's frustrating, but if he really was in love with her, nothing would have gotten in his way - not Diane or Joan's job. He certainly wouldn't have fallen for Diane so easily.*

So the question becomes, are we to wait forever for one person to finally accept our love?

Here's the entire conversation:

Larry: Now I'm not even supposed to kiss you?

Joan: Not when I'm on the job. I can't concentrate.

Larry: Not when you're out with a pigeon, to me. (I couldn't make out that line)

Joan: These girls are parolees, Larry. Not convicts.

Larry: Excuse me, excuse me. Parolees. How about a drink?

Joan: I can't. I'm sorry about dinner.

Larry: Ehh, it's the fourth time in a row.

Joan: I know. I don't think much of your girl, either. (She laughs)

Larry: (I'll have another martini, Jim.) Baby, I don't know what I'm going to do with you. Most kids say, 'I think I'll be a countess when I grow up. Or a fireman or Jane Russell.' But not you. No. You said, 'when I grow up, I'm gonna be a parole officer. I'll never have dinner with the man I love because I'll always be out eating with a pigeon.'

Together: Parolee.

Larry: What do I have to do to get you to marry me? Rob a bank?

Joan: I don't think that would help.

Larry: I've been waiting a long time, Joan. Why don't you marry me and take me out of all this?

Joan: (spoken hushly) Larry.

Larry: Okay. I'll stop bothering you.

Joan: If you stop bothering me, I don't know what I'd do.

Larry: Then, don't you think you're being awfully silly, throwing me out in the open market like this? I'm telling you, I'll be snapped out like hot cakes.

Joan: I'll have to take that chance.

As you can see, Larry is wanting to marry her. He even goes as far to say "I'll stop bothering you." This tells me this has been a point of conflict between them for a while. He wants to marry her and she keeps pushing him away.

It seems like Joan is taking Larry for granted. She wants him how she wants him. Larry wants a commitment. That's not what Joan wants.

*Later, she talks to him of the poetic nature his writing is taking... she is thrilled, and thinks maybe he really is more in love with her than she assumed, and ready to settle down. She says to him, "This sounds like the words of a man in love, if I didn't know you better." and then she brings up the proposal. She has a glimmer that he is now ready to settle down. This spoke volumes to me, while you did not notice it. To me, this line means, "I was looking for a sign from you that you were really in love with me and wanted to take the next step, not just with anyone, but with ME." She misunderstands of course, he really was inspired by Diane.*

Joan definitely has a glimmer in her eye after reading what Larry wrote. She then says, "I've been thinking about what you said the other night... " He doesn't acknowledge her. She's regretting that she blew him off and wants to do something about it. The problem is, he's found Diane. He warned her, though. And she acknowledged the warning.

*Does that include someone who pours themselves into pleasing one person, their mate, without any other outlets for creativity or whatever is inside them? Because I worry that Diane will do that, to the exclusion of everything else. What would be thrilling is if Larry and maybe Joan helped her to have a more balanced life, one that made her sure of herself in situations outside the home.*

Absolutely. Joan is all about her job and Diane is all about her feelings.

JackFavell · August 2, 2011

*Joan is nothing but gentle, but that doesn't make it any easier on a guy.*

That's true.

*And the way Larry says, "now," you are left with the impression there are mounting denials from Joan. And, by the way, the person I relate to the very most in this triangle is Joan. I'm one who denies.*

That's true too. I'm a Joan as well. You probably already know that, Mr. Litmus....and yes, I am "sticking up" for Joan. I can't help it, I feel that it isn't just the job getting in the way.

I didn't see her tearing herself down at all. I did hear her say, "I don't like your 'little woman' either." meaning his job, which takes him away from her as well. I didn't see it as a cut down of herself.

*I took her words to be a shot at herself. She's very aware of her turning down Larry four times in a row.*

*Larry: Ehh, it's the fourth time in a row.*
*Joan: I know. I don't think much of your girl, either. (She laughs)*

*I don't think she is referring to their jobs as "your girl."*

I do see what you mean. But see, that's exactly how I DO see it - because she is saying that they are married to their jobs.... get it? I totally took it to mean that their jobs are their 'significant other'. It's as if Larry said:

"I don't like your job." instead of "It's the fourth time now."

and she replied

"I don't like yours either."

Here is the emphasis I heard:

"I don't like your 'girl' either."

Now I see where the disconnect between us happened.

*So the question becomes, are we to wait forever for one person to finally accept our love?*

Certainly not. But I just don't think it's been forever. His timing is not her timing, unfortunately. But that makes them a bad match.

*Here's the entire conversation:*

Larry: Now I'm not even supposed to kiss you?
Joan: Not when I'm on the job. I can't concentrate.
Larry: Not when you're out with a pigeon, to me. (I couldn't make out that line)
Joan: These girls are parolees, Larry. Not convicts.
Larry: Excuse me, excuse me. Parolees. How about a drink?
Joan: I can't. I'm sorry about dinner.
Larry: Ehh, it's the fourth time in a row.
Joan: I know. I don't think much of your girl, either. (She laughs)
Larry: (I'll have another martini, Jim.) Baby, I don't know what I'm going to do with you. Most kids say, 'I think I'll be a countess when I grow up. Or a fireman or Jane Russell.' But not you. No. You said, 'when I grow up, I'm gonna be a parole officer. I'll never have dinner with the man I love because I'll always be out eating with a pigeon.'
Together: Parolee.
Larry: What do I have to do to get you to marry me? Rob a bank?
Joan: I don't think that would help.
Larry: I've been waiting a long time, Joan. Why don't you marry me and take me out of all this?
Joan: (spoken hushly) Larry.
Larry: Okay. I'll stop bothering you.
Joan: If you stop bothering me, I don't know what I'd do.
Larry: Then, don't you think you're being awfully silly, throwing me out in the open market like this? I'm telling you, I'll be snapped out like hot cakes.
Joan: I'll have to take that chance.

*As you can see, Larry is wanting to marry her. He even goes as far to say "I'll stop bothering you." This tells me this has been a point of conflict between them for a while. He wants to marry her and she keeps pushing him away.*

*It seems like Joan is taking Larry for granted. She wants him how she wants him. Larry wants a commitment. That's not what Joan wants.*

I agree with that. But I still think Joan saw something .... unfinished in Larry, which is why she hesitated to accept his proposal at this point. Here's how I see it, and it's very subjective, only my own viewpoint, no one else has to agree:

He just wasn't all that gung ho until recently. He's asked, but in a goofy, humorous way. Now he is pushing her, but she isn't ready. Maybe his timing is bad, asking while she is busy on the job and can't give him a proper answer. Has he asked before? yes, but the scenario I see is different from yours. Maybe I am making excuses for her. She doubts him on some level, maybe because he keeps asking at an inopportune time: "That sounds like the words of a man in love...if I didn't know you better.." That line tells me that he has not been at all demonstrative with her in the past. It makes me think this more serious phase is a new development in his character. She doesn't trust it yet. That's the reason she does not commit to him, not necessarily because of her job or she is too busy for him. I think she held him at arms length because she didn't want to get hurt if he never got to the point of asking seriously. He was not a demonstrative kind of a guy, and they hung out together and dated, and he's always made a joke of things. He's too callow to be sincere, she thinks, and so she held off till she felt more real ardor from him.

Either way it worked out, yours or mine, these two have problems.

*Joan definitely has a glimmer in her eye after reading what Larry wrote. She then says, "I've been thinking about what you said the other night... " He doesn't acknowledge her. She's regretting that she blew him off and wants to do something about it. The problem is, he's found Diane. He warned her, though. And she acknowledged the warning.*

I agree with all that. It's too late, and Joan has misjudged the situation completely. And she's hurt, even though she kept him at arm's length to keep from being hurt. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and she is the one who is serious, and has been rejected. Sad.

CineMaven · August 6, 2011

May I add my CONGRATULATIONS to your 12K contribution to the discourse on classic cinema?

CONGRATULATIONS JackaaaAaaaay!! Your posts have been well-written, heartfelt, thoughtfull and wickedly wild. Love your sense of humor and sense of play. But what do I know? I daresay my words would probably sound better coming out of the mouths of either of these two gentlemen.

Congrats! You're a great read, kid. Don't stop.

And you and Bronxie might appreciate this in view of our recent yakfest. While waiting for "Crazy, Stupid, Love" to start, the coming attractions featured a trailer for a new political drama called "THE IDES OF MARCH." It looks good to me and timely too. Good supporting cast (Paul Giamatti, John Philip Seymour). I smiled broadly when I saw the two stars of this upcoming movie:

Ryan Gosling and George Clooney.

D'OH!!!

Sooooooo...let the < (SIGHS! ) > and the < ( GACKS!! ) > begin. ;-)

JackFavell · August 6, 2011

Oooh! A two-fer! Thank you very much, Mava, for the sweet words and two such wonderful gents. :x I really appreciate it and love bantering with you.

CineMaven · August 8, 2011

I know.

I know. Forty lashes with a wet noodle. (No, make that thirty - I bruise easily). How, in good conscience, can I call myself a card-carrying CineMaven without ever really having explored the career of one of the pre-code queens of Hollywood:

ANN DVORAK

She's got to be one of the most distinctive looking actresses of the 1930's. No one had her look. (But isn't that one of the traits that makes us love all our faves...their uniqueness?) :-) I don't really know anything about her screen persona. Sure, I've seen her here and there... but I never really got a handle on who she is.

Well thanx to TCM this Tuesday - August 9th Ms. Dvorak will be one of TCM's Summer Under the Stars. Here's where I (well... where all of us) can get a chance to delve into the Dvorak smorgasbord. (And how she got her smorgas borded...I'll never know!)

Looking at the films on TCM's schedule, they're really just a bit over a breezy hour in length. (So pay attention!) But three of her films specifically caught my eye b'cuz of the actresses who appear along with Dvorak.

:x ALINE MacMAHON :x

10:15 AM SIDE STREETS (1934)

A lady furrier marries a lovesick sailor then has to deal with his checkered past. Dir: Alfred E. Green. Cast: Aline MacMahon, Paul Kelly, Ann Dvorak. BW-64 mins, TV-PG.

Remember her in "GUEST IN THE HOUSE" and "HEAT LIGHTNING"? Come on Aline...she was mighty powerful! She has a very strong presence. And then there's.......

:x MARGARET LINDSAY :x

11:30 AM GENTLEMEN ARE BORN (1934)

Recent college graduates face the realities of the Great Depression. Dir: Alfred E. Green Cast: Franchot Tone, Jean Muir, Margaret Lindsay. BW-74 mins, TV-G.

6:30 PM G-MEN (1935)

A mob protege joins the FBI when a friend's gunned down. Dir: William Keighley Cast: James Cagney, Margaret Lindsay, Ann Dvorak. BW-86 mins, TV-PG, CC.

Perennial favorite Margaret Lindsay was one of my very favorite actress of the 1930's. Her dulcet-voiced heroines were always smartly believable to me. She was just on last week when Bette Davis had her day, in "JEZEBEL" and "BORDER TOWN." Yeah, I'm a big big fan of hers.

Aline MacMahon and Margaret Lindsay are two I'm crazy about, so I can't wait. Now I'm afraid "HEAT LIGHTNING" won't be airing. :-( But I ain't complainin'...MUCH. There'll be enough this Tuesday to whet my appetite and keep my mind reeling.

TCM...the 'Discovery' channel.

Edited by: CineMaven on Aug 8, 2011 10:48 AM: corrected film title and date errors

brackenhe · August 8, 2011

My dear Maven--the movie is *Heat Lightning* not *Greased Lightning*. That's a race car movie from the 1970's. And I too was surprised it isn't being shown, although it has been on twice in the last couple of months.

I recommend *Crooner* as well, which willl be shown very early. It has David Manners, who I think is fascinating even though not a great actor. It's about a guy who gets fame & fortune as a band leader who lets it go to his head--Ann plays his sweetie. I won't say more because I don't want to give away the plot, but I think it's a fun film. Manners gets to act all goofy & swell headed.

Edited by: helenbaby on Aug 8, 2011 6:53 AM

CineMaven · August 8, 2011

Ha! Hahaha...you gave me a good laugh this morning Helenbaby with MY mistake. I thought I saw Aline driving lickety split around the Indy 500 racetrack...but I was wrong. She was a grease monkey...not in "Greased Lightning." I made the correction below.

I've always had a pleasant feeling seeing David Manners. I enjoyed him in "The Mummy" so much. My favorite line of his in that movie was:

"Boy was it hot. That tomb."

He had a nice way about him. I plan to watch "Crooner" - Lord knows I've got to see more of him...and the whole Dvorak fare.

And don't forget...when you want to respond to a particular person...click on that person's post lest the ORIGINAL poster thinks you're directing your comments to him or her.

Thanx for reading me...enjoy Dvorak tomorrow.

wouldbestar · August 8, 2011

:^0 Pinch me! I've spent this morning with movies I'd not seen in years and learned one of my favorite actresses was not among those resting in peace as I'd been told.

The *VIPs* was finally on during waking hours and I still think it's better than a two star rating. I's not *Grand Hotel* but it beats *Airport* three times over.

Unlike Helen Hayes, who I think got an Oscar for just being her, Dame Margaret Rutherford truly deserved hers for playing the Duchess. You cheered when Les finally realized what he had in front of him-Miss Meade-and hoped they'd soon end up with the same last name. As for the triangle, it was realistic. Marc and Frances did love each other but she loved Paul too-as he did her-and her decision not to give up on their marriage caused both Marc and her pain which these things really do. Orson Welles-the reason the movie was on- and Elsa Martinelli were lovably daffy in comic relief. The story was well written and believable. I think everyone did themselves proud.

I also got to see *Seven Cities of Gold* after 50 years and thanks to TCM appreciate it even more than I did back then. The "good guys" are Father Serra and the Native Americans with the Spanish conquistadors as the villains which the N/A month made me more aware of. Michael Rennie was a perfect Serra and Richard Egan was great as an proud and greedy soldier whose arrogance nearly gets everybody killed. Anthony Quinn is his not as driven CO who tries to balance faith and reality. You had to look hard to realize Jeffrey Hunter was the tribal chief-his voice gave him away-as he had no close up for those blue eyes to show. Rita Moreno played his sister who learns the hard way about white men and forked tongues. The film does not soft-peddle religious faith so all might not like it. As a Catholic, it was nice to see us in a positive light for a change. Fox made a lot of such films in that time- *The Robe* and *A Man Called Peter* come to mind- that I don't think would be attempted today in the name of being PC. It's good movie making at any rate.

The still living lady is Nita Talbot. I posted my delight on Candids II :^0

Edited by: wouldbestar on Aug 8, 2011 2:09 PM

brackenhe · August 8, 2011

> {quote:title=CineMaven wrote:}{quote}Ha! Hahaha...you gave me a good laugh this morning Helenbaby with MY mistake. I thought I saw Aline driving lickety split around the Indy 500 racetrack...but I was wrong. She was a grease monkey...not in "Greased Lightning." I made the correction below.

>

> I've always had a pleasant feeling seeing David Manners. I enjoyed him in "The Mummy" so much. My favorite line of his in that movie was:

>

> *"Boy was it hot. That tomb."*

>

> He had a nice way about him. I plan to watch *"Crooner"* - Lord knows I've got to see more of him...and the whole Dvorak fare.

>

> And don't forget...when you want to respond to a particular person...click on that person's post lest the ORIGINAL poster thinks you're directing your comments to him or her.

>

> Thanx for reading me...enjoy Dvorak tomorrow.

>

Hey--if anyone could work on those old jalopies, they certainly could power one around the track. Aline could do it, gal.

I do usually try to respond to the person but this AM I was the next post & figured you'd know I was talkin' to you.

I intend to watch lots of Ann tomorrow. She's great and there are some I haven't seen. Have you seen *Three on a Match*? It's being shown in prime time & really defines pre-code.

brackenhe · August 8, 2011

Stupid double post.

Edited by: helenbaby on Aug 8, 2011 3:28 PM

CineMaven · August 8, 2011

I saw "Three On A Match" many years ago. Bette's in it too right, playing a good girl?? I'll refresh these old brain cells tomorrow.

:-)

CineMaven · August 9, 2011

I saw a couple of people in Ann Dvorak's films that might interest some of you:

GENTLEMEN ARE BORN: Dick Foran is a featured player...billed as Nick Foran

COLLEGE COACH: John Wayne has one line; Ward Bond is an ****'t coach

JackFavell · August 9, 2011

First of all, I am really happy that *Ann Dvorak* got to shine today... she is without a doubt one of the most accomplished leading ladies never to be a huge star.

Helenbaby -

I missed *Crooner* and the next two movies, and I am so disappointed. I'm hoping that I can get a look at these someday soon. *Three on a Match* is great, with Ann in the showcase role.

M'ava -

I got to see *Side Streets* today for the first time, and enjoyed it very much. Aline was wonderful of course, and I got to see Paul Kelly do his stuff on his birthday.... I'd read about him a week ago in correlation to Tom Neal. I'm so glad that Aline finally had a role where she got the man....

I also saw *Stranger in Town*, which I liked a lot. Ann really shone in that one.

I recorded most of the films after these two today, but missed my all time favorite *G-Men*. I could kick myself for not switching out discs, but I was busy and got a phone call right before it started and forgot all about it. It's one of my very, very favorite Jimmy Cagney films, so I am really bummed out now. Luckily, it's easy to find.

wouldbestar -

I LOVED *the V.I.P'S.* and really liked what you wrote about it.... it's totally better than Airport. Boy, you are right, Margaret Rutherford just stole the entire movie for me! She was great. This is going to be my guilty pleasure from now on...especially with Rod Taylor .... I liked the last scene of Liz and Richard Burton walking into a very uncertain future.. makes you hope for them.

CineMaven · August 14, 2011

ANN DVORAK

It was Ann Dvorak?s day (August 9th) on TCM's celebrated ?SUMMER UNDER THE STARS? series and I was amazed by the different performances she gave throughout the day. I liked her in 1947's (very talky) "THE LONG NIGHT" (w/Henry Fonda, Barbara Bel Geddes & Vincent Price). Her acting here is so solid, so self-assured, I was completely bowled over by her. And after watching her most of the day (in a somewhat chronological laying out of her career), I could see her growth and maturity.

But it's "THREE ON A MATCH" where she is very striking; she gives a modern, not over-the-top performance as a HouseWife gone terribly wrong.

I am a baby boomer. Every morning my mother made breakfast. Every morning my mother packed a lunch for my father to take to work. From kindergarden through high school, when I came home from school, my mother was home. From elementary through junior high school, there was a sandwich or snacks waiting for me and my sister and my brother.

But back then I doubt it ever occurred to me that my Mother could be unhappy or unfulfilled or dissatisfied being a Housewife. "What's there to be unhappy about?" if my 1962 brain even ever thought about anything other than Shari Lewis and Lambchops. "She doesn?t have to do stupid homework. And she doesn't have a boss to answer to." (Other than my father...and yes, they're still together).

There were a slew of films made that showed the dissatisfaction of the Modern HouseWife, including: "DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE" (Carrie Snodgress), "STRANGERS WHEN WE MEET" (Kim Novak) "FROM HERE TO ETERNITY" (Deborah Kerr) and "BELLE DE JOUR" (Catherine Deneuve) just to name a few off the top of my pointed dome. And if you know these movies, you know each wife swallows her own panacea to quelch her marital malaise. (Ha! Kirk Douglas is funny to me in "Strangers..." for getting upset at Novak for lying to him about him not being her first marital indiscretion).

The interesting thing in "THREE ON A MATCH" is that we're not quite told WHY Vivian (DVORAK) is so unhappy in her marriage. There is no reason nicely tied up in a bow to explain her unhappiness. Of course, Vivian could have volunteered at a church or a hospital or a school. She could have joined a Woman's Club where she could do good works. But what's the --fun-- lesson in watching that? My jaw dropped a couple of times during this eighty-year old movie. And you know what? Not knowing exactly WHY she bails makes things that more unsettling to watch...especially for her husband. WHAT husband can feel safe in 1932 if a movie husband is never given a concrete reason. Could he be in danger of losing his wife too?

And for her leaving her nice comfortable life, she pays a horrible price. What a sad descent for Dvorak's Vivian Revere. (Check out her last name). She starts out with such promise (The Most Popular Girl) even if she is a bit of a priggish judgmental elementary school girl...with pink bloomers. In her hoity toity boarding school she is the one reading a book's racy passage with all the girls hanging on her every word. (In high school that girl was my friend Renee...who made up stories to tell a bunch of us from her vivid imagination). When we meet up with Vivian as an adult, she's married to a successful lawyer and has a cute curly-haired little boy.

But she is not happy:

"Somehow the things that make other people happy leave me cold. I think I want things, passionately and when I get them, I lose all interest."

I like the little things Dvorak does in the scene that introduces us to her husband, Robert (played by Warren William. He could play a lech and a devoted husband). Here is where we get to see the ogre...but he's not an ogre. He's a pretty nice guy. Vivian jumps into her negligee and is quick to bed, pretending to be asleep. (Does that ever work?) She slightly averts his touch and embrace. Poor guy, he knows the score. She lets him talk her into taking a cruise without him. She opts to take their son along as company. I don't know if Vivian knows what she needs... what she's looking for. But it comes in the package of Lyle Talbot.

Lyle Talbot must have been the 1930's version of John Ridgely. He appeared in about 580 movies between January 1932 and April...1932. Well it seemed like it anyway; he was in everything, his dark good looks standing him in good stead and he was a fairly decent actor. (I first saw him in "Ozzie and Harriet").

She meets Mr. Loftus (Talbot) on her cruise ship and with just one look, she's caught hook line and sinker, for this stinker. I admit, Loftus in his tuxedo and dark looks is very tempting. She jumps ship for him, her little boy in tow. She's got it bad (...or really really good). The next time we see her she's shacking up with Tennessee Tuxedo (whoa!) and she is totally besotted a la Shearer with Gable in "A Free Soul" ("Put 'em around me.") She has "that look." Clearly Vivian has chosen carnality over maternity. I think the thing that makes all this so shocking is that she has her son with her. That's a big strike against her. She's starting to look a bit disheveled and so does her little boy. She offers her hungry son some discarded candy. A concerned look drifts across Loftus' face at her reaction. (Could this playboy actually have some human feelings?) Ooooh the movie doesn't play fair with our emotions. Truth be told, we've never really seen Vivian show any maternal warmth to the boy. Where she was a bit aloof before, she's now downright neglectful...only concerned with getting her groove on.

Disheveled looked good compared to how we see Vivian now, standing on a side street waiting to put the bite on childhood friend Mary (played by the great feisty Joan Blondell). Vivian's all jittery and jumpy. (Dvorak's demeanor has totally changed). I suspect she?s taking drugs. Their station in life have reversed. Mary's on top with Robert, and Viv's down in the dumps.

This reversal was good to see in another respect too. We get to see Blondell play a different type than the fast-talking, wise-cracking girl she usually is.

Mary gives her some money, which Vivian promptly gives to Loser Loftus. She looks even worse the next time we see her, a total bed-ridden disaster. She willingly gives up her son to Mary. She's in a real downward spiral approaching rock-bottom fast. Her son is kidnapped from Mary and held for an even higher ransom now that the entire gang (led by Edward Arnold) is in on it and knows the child's worth. And that is ALL of their downfall. They will all be dragged down.

Vivian is an absolute wreck. A shell of her former self. I like how Dvorak vigorously rubs her nose which is mockingly highlighted by Bogie saying "Uh-oh," then rubbing his nose. Holy --coke-- smoke! Loftus starts to scratch at his arm. The short-hand kind of shocked me I have to tell ya. Both of them are at the bottom of a drug soaked barrel. And now the henchman are starving to death b?cuz the cops are looking for them and tightening the dragnet. All that was missing were the wolves nipping at their...

And who is this gang of henchman? Humphrey Bogart, Allen Jenkins and Jack LaRue. Wait...JACK LaRUE?????!!!!!

I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw him. Foist of all, I didn't expect him. When he came through that door...I can't even tell you. He looks so mean, and he's kind of beautifully ugly (no, that is not meant to be a slam). At first appearing cruelly dapper, he's caught in Vivian's web. (They all are. Some of it was a web of her own making...but the kidnapping twist? Ha! It's all on THEM). Now Jack is unshaven, slovenly, animal like and slumped in a chair looking at her. My heart raced a little just looking at him at his worst. His worst looked good to me in the safety of my room eight decades away; I'm afraid the worst has probably happened to Vivian. Who's to stop any of them? Loftus...he's no match. She is totally all messed up. They all are.

It's Vivian hearing the threat of them plotting to murder her son that springs her into action. Dvorak's desperation was tense she was on the edge of controlled hysteria. For Vivian, her adrenalin pumped that ol' maternal instinct back into action. We see her trying to think...to escape...to save her son. And she does save him in the only way she can. She was damned, but maybe her sacrifice can make things right.

I thought Dvorak did a heck of a job in this film. Where other actresses might have had a field day chewing up the scenery, I think Dvorak subtly played this part. Looking at Bette Davis, how young and slim and ingenue-like she was...I don?t think in 1932 she was up to the part. Everyone was perfectly cast and I don't think I can adequately describe how perfectly modern Dvorak's performance felt to me.

I watched her throughout the day play good girl, nice girl, girl gone wrong, hardboiled and I'd have to say, with TCM's 24-hour dose, Ann Dvorak is a gentle chameleon.

******************

Davis (24), Blondell (26) and Dvorak (20): The princesses of the 1930's...and one lady-in-waiting

Bewitched, bamboozeled and besotted: The only way to be with Lyle Talbot?

Dvorak with Warren William - she was absolutely beautiful

I love you Bogey, but we all know who is the real tough guy, don't we...

**********

Mavens are born not made. You don't believe me? Ha! I'll show you...

JackFavell · August 14, 2011

What a super review of Three on a Match, and especially Ann Dvorak. She really runs the gamut in this one, she's heartbreaking.

I agree that Bette wasn't ready yet for this role - but she'd get her chance!

I also didn't realize that Jack LaRue was in this one! Dang! I should have recorded it. Your description of him as "beautifully ugly" really fits him to a T (of course) I find him fascinating to watch, as you say, at his worst, from the safety of my living room. Hubba Hubba.

And the whole drug thing was really hard hitting, one just doesn't expect it in 1932. Very well done, I think Ann really did a great job with this character and her problems, without being over the top - she is very modern in her acting style, not at all what the average person would think an "old" movie was like. That's thanks to Ann. She starts out vaguely dissatified, and her scenes with Warren William make him look like a great actor. (I'm sorry, I've never liked him, except here and in The Match King). I'm sure many housewives have felt this vague ennui, wondering if life could hold more for them, not wanting to settle for cooking and cleaning or dining out with dull friends. It's an empty life, and you can feel Ann's ache. For some women a child helps, they can pour their love into the children, but I do understand, some women are just not made that way. It's too bad she couldn't have had a career, gone the Ruth Chatterton route instead of falling into drug addition, wasting herself on men who were not worth her time.

I have a growing fondness for Lyle Talbot, he's a good actor, far better than some who had more fame over time. He's also in *Heat Lightning*, as Preston Foster's nervous buddy, on the run from the law; and Douglas Faurbanks, Jr.'s "pal" who convinces him that he killed a guy while drunk in *The Life of Jimmy Dolan*.

I think it's a little sad, in 1932 he was the up and coming star, but he just kept slogging away in B pictures.... he had a great, healthy, long career, but it just makes me wonder in these cases if he wanted more..... and why didn't he get the "big" roles or stardom?

Edited by: JackFavell on Aug 14, 2011 11:42 AM

CineMaven · August 14, 2011

What a super review of Three on a Match, and especially Ann Dvorak. She really runs the gamut in this one, she's heartbreaking.

Thanx. You're right about Ann. And she was soooooo young too. Where did she get the aplomb and skill at 20? Looking at imdb, she was practically a vet.

I agree that Bette wasn't ready yet for this role - but she'd get her chance!

No...but she was a game girl when three years later she tackles Mildred in "Of Human Bondage." ("Everytime you used to kiss me, I used to wIpe my mouth. WIPE MY MOUTH!!!"

I also didn't realize that Jack LaRue was in this one! Dang! I should have recorded it. Your description of him as 'beautifully ugly' really fits him to a T (of course) I find him fascinating to watch, as you say, at his worst, from the safety of my living room. Hubba Hubba.

Whew!! I was worried that that might be mean. There was a shot of Bogie and Jack together and Bogie looked delicately handsome next to Jack's rough trade. Is it bad to say I want Jack to chastise me?

I liked Warren William in this...I but may need a 24-hour TCM intervention with him. I wouldn't watch a movie b'cuz of him.

...It's too bad she couldn't have had a career, gone the Ruth Chatterton route instead of falling into drug addition, wasting herself on men who were not worth her time.

You're right. Poor Vivian. I don't think she could put a finger on WHAT she wanted. What she got was hell. Many many years ago, my father told my sister and I "As long as you girl learn how to type, you'll always have a job." Ha, that's mine...pop!

I have a growing fondness for Lyle Talbot, he's a good actor, far better than some who had more fame over time.

I've seen him for a little bit since August started. He's starting to feel like an old pal. Good-looking, easy breezy, dashing, wimpy...he can do a lot. I've never seen "...Jimmy Dolan" but I do remember him in "Heat Lightning." I read up on him. Do you know he was one of the founders of The Screen Actors Guild?? He didn't reach the heights of Gable, but he had a long career. I'm picturing him riding around town in 30's Hollywood. Just famous enough to get into Frank & Musso's and other hot spots...playing tennis at the country club. I wonder how he felt inside as he saw others get the breaks. I've had that question a lot when I watch these good ol' movies.

I'm checking out "MIDNIGHT" next. So far...Mary and Claudette are marvelous.

JackFavell · August 14, 2011

Oooh, enjoy yourself (and Mary and Claudette), Cinderella.

sometimes I wish I had picked Baroness Czerny as my nickname here at TCM message boards.

Edited by: JackFavell on Aug 14, 2011 1:32 PM

CineMaven · August 14, 2011

Around here? Ha. What makes you think you can't? There's no rule against it.

JackFavell · August 14, 2011

Only my own sense of honor (such as it is) prevents me.

CineMaven · August 14, 2011

Integrity...check.

Honor...check.

Sense of fair play...check.

Genuineness...check.

Proud to be your pal.

JackFavell · August 14, 2011

:x Thanks!!!!!!

You too! Aww. man. You made me blush.

I ain't all THAT good.

RAMBLES Part II

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites