RAMBLES Part II

[rohanaka]

I'm not telling! I do like the ending, though

 

Ah.. a "non-spoiler" for a change!! ha. Ok.. I see how you are.. ha. Well ok.. .SOMEDAY I will (hope to) watch this again.. and refresh my memory... and then I can gab on it with you... but knowing me.. that could be about as long as it took YOU to finally watch it.. HA!

 

Hey! Let's see, since July 15th, I've watched:

 

OH my golly and WOWSA too!! I bow to your movie watching PROWESS, sir!!! Good gravy.. your DVD player must be smoking.. and your DVD collection.. oh my.. it must have been a "dust storm" unrivaled by The Grapes of Wrath with you going through all those long neglected titles like that.. ha. WAY cool for you..

 

You have some really interesting titles on there.. I must confess I have only seen just a couple... and I have a few of them on my "Wanna See" list too.. but MOST of them I have never really even heard of...

 

So which on your most recently watched list are your faves (and why?) I will have to check out some of these titles I have not heard of before and see what they are all about!!

 

You'll have to watch it! But I will say, I think it's everything you'd ever want from Wayne. I also think he's hilarious.

 

Hilarious???? I do NOT remember THAT... good golly it HAS been a long time since I saw this movie.. (I think it was back in the early 80's... I have slept since then.. so my memory is way too foggy.. ha)

 

(Note to self.. find a way to trick the Grey Dude and others into rambling on WOTRW soon if only so I can read all the comments and find out WHAT happened to the Duke at the end.. ha. (and why was he so funny??) It may be a while yet before I can find a way to watch this one.. and I hate those long suspenseful cliff hangers... HA!)

[JackFavell]

I didn't remember Wayne being hilarious either, Ro. But I do remember loving WOTRW.

 

You realize that now he has seen more movies than either of us, so that "I'm a newbie, I'm just getting started on classic films" excuse won't play anymore.....

[FrankGrimes]

Whoa...I see two Tierneys, a Novak and an Ava. Tell me, what?d you think of Kim, Gene and Ava in their movies??

 

Ava plays a serious role in Bhowani Junction and I thought she did just fine. Although, I had a difficult time seeing her as a "chichi." I wasn't too fond of the film.

 

Gene was stunning in both films. Her character is more interesting in Sundown. She's just an island girl in Son of Fury.

 

Kim jumped into my top ten of favorite actresses after I watched Strangers When We Meet and Pushover. She has a way with me.

 

 

[rohanaka]

You realize that now he has seen more movies than either of us, so that "I'm a newbie, I'm just getting started on classic films" excuse won't play anymore.....

 

Ha.. as if it ever did! (We are wise to his ways.. that is why we have to have so many weapons in our arsenal just to keep him in line!! )

[FrankGrimes]

OH my golly and WOWSA too!! I bow to your movie watching PROWESS, sir!!! Good gravy.. your DVD player must be smoking.. and your DVD collection.. oh my.. it must have been a "dust storm" unrivaled by The Grapes of Wrath with you going through all those long neglected titles like that.. ha. WAY cool for you..

 

It really was a dust storm. I don't think I've watched that many films in that period of time in my life. For once, I'm innocent!

 

Hilarious???? I do NOT remember THAT... good golly it HAS been a long time since I saw this movie.. (I think it was back in the early 80's... I have slept since then.. so my memory is way too foggy.. ha)

 

He's hilarious! His comebacks were making me laugh out loud! He's a real smartmouth in Wake of the Red Witch.

 

(Note to self.. find a way to trick the Grey Dude and others into rambling on WOTRW soon if only so I can read all the comments and find out WHAT happened to the Duke at the end.. ha. (and why was he so funny??) It may be a while yet before I can find a way to watch this one.. and I hate those long suspenseful cliff hangers... HA!)

 

We'll see what Snippy comes up with for you.

 

So which on your most recently watched list are your faves (and why?) I will have to check out some of these titles I have not heard of before and see what they are all about!!

 

If Jackie doesn't mind my posting it (PM), I wrote a capsule about each.

 

The House Across the Bay -- Joan Bennett is wonderful. I'd suggest the film because of her. I didn't like the story, though. I thought it was rather boring and uneventful. (4/10)

 

The Cowboy and the Lady -- Surprisingly good! It's my first Merle Oberon film and I really liked her. She was terrific. It's a very sweet, underrated film. It reminds me of Holiday, which is a favorite of mine. (6/10)

 

Cheyenne Autumn -- It's too long and, at times, jarring. But I liked the entire message against the government screwing over the indians. I liked Richard Widmark. (4/10)

 

Monkey Business -- I was disappointed. I liked Ginger to start, but when she takes the serum, she starts to annoy the heck out of me. I loved Marilyn, though. Cary was all right. (3/10)

 

The Last Hurrah -- Spencer's show, all the way, but his men really added a nice flavor to the film. Terrific ending. I saw Ford commenting on himself and his boys in this one. (5/10)

 

Johnny O'Clock -- Loved the three male leads of Dick Powell, Thomas Gomez, and Lee J. Cobb. They carry the film, for me. I wasn't as enthused with the gals, namely Evelyn Keyes. The story didn't captivate me enough. (5/10)

 

Wake of the Red Witch -- Huge surprise. I really liked it! I loved John Wayne! I even liked him more than Gail Russell, believe it or not. Gail looked lovely but she was on the "quiet" side. It's all about Wayne. He's hilarious, too! (7/10)

 

Arrowsmith -- I was going nuts over how bored I was with this for about the first hour, but that final act is something. It really saves the film. The look is very German Expressionistic. It's haunting and touching. (5/10)

 

Blood and Sand -- Rita Hayworth! She's sizzling in this one. I also loved Linda Darnell, who is the angel. Ty was okay, too. I didn't like the direction, especially the heavyhanded imagery. The story is rather typical. (4/10)

 

Suddenly -- Loved seeing Frank Sinatra off his rocker. That was a revelation. The film is a little predictable, but it's also rather violent. It's okay. (5/10)

 

Reign of Terror -- Fantastic! Shakespearean noir. Remarkable. It's thick with tension. Boy, I'd love to see this film with a better print. Poor John Alton. Robert Cummings was actually very good in this one. (9/10)

 

Algiers -- The ending is spectacular. It's one of my favorites. I'm really starting to like Charles Boyer. He plays my kind of characters. Hedy is both exotic and erotic in this one, which was a nice surprise. Joseph Calleia is superb. (6/10)

 

Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake -- A pretty fun film. Gene Tierney is gorgeous. Her and Ty make a great-looking couple. George Sanders is George Sanders. He's phenomenal. (5/10)

 

Sundown -- A rather exciting film despite a tacky ending. Gene is stunning, Bruce Cabot is rock solid, and George Sanders is there for some smarmy. (5/10)

 

It Happened Tomorrow -- A sweet film about appreciating the unknowns of life. Linda Darnell is once again sweet and lovely, very angelic. (5/10)

 

Bhowani Junction -- I thought it was a messy film that attempted to do way too much and ended up not doing anything all that well. It's supposed to be about the problems of being a mixed-race while also commenting on occupation. Ava Gardner has three romantic interests, ala Pandora and the Flying Dutchman and The Barefoot Contessa, but I much prefer those films. (3/10)

 

Dial 1119 (revisit) -- A very underrated hostage film. Marshall Thompson is wacked out. It makes a social commentary of media sensationalism, making it very prescient. (7/10)

 

Two Rode Together -- I thought this was a weak effort by Ford. Again, I felt as if he was attempting to remake previous films, namely The Searchers. I like Jimmy Stewart's improvising. He was quite entertaining. Linda Cristal was the most serious of the performers. She was very good. (3/10)

 

The Woman on Pier 13 -- Heavy-handed propaganda film. Robert Ryan is very good but Thomas Gomez is the one who steals the show. He's brilliant. I just didn't like the story. It's rather silly. (5/10)

 

My Name is Julia Ross -- Love the mood and set-up but I didn't like the ending. It seemed all too easy. I wanted it to be more. (5/10)

 

Cornered -- Fun! I thought it was very enjoyable. Dick Powell is crazed during the film. I loved seeing that. Walter Slezak is highly entertaining, as are quite a few of the supporting cast. The ending is very good. A great watch. (7/10)

 

Arch of Triumph -- My kind of romance: tortured. Ingrid Bergman is nothing but lovely in this one. And Charles Boyer is, once again, playing my kind of guy. I wasn't too keen on the ending, but I was captivated by the film, throughout. (7/10)

 

Human Desire (revisit) -- I liked it more the second time around. Gloria Grahame is all messed up and it's not all her fault. You feel for the gal. I'm big on Glenn Ford. Broderick Crawford is sweaty good. (7/10)

 

The Detective -- It's a rather perverse film about homosexuality. It's on the violent side, too. I thought Frank Sinatra was quite good, as usual. Lee Remick hangs with him. Rather tortured. (5/10)

 

Cass Timberlane -- A soapy story in the vein of Dodsworth. Lana is lovely and Spence is a teddy bear. It's a little too unbelievable to me. (4/10)

 

Dial M for Murder (revisit) -- Still one of my favorite Hitch flicks. Love the cat-and-mouse, the humor, and the ironic twist. (8/10)

 

The Fugitive -- Draining. I'm not big on religious films, so I needed something to stoke my fire. I kept waiting for some conflict to move me, but it never came. The look is very Expressionistic, though. That's what I liked most. (3/10)

 

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) -- Not bad. I prefer Basil Rathbone's version quite a bit more, though. (5/10)

 

Up the River -- Seeing Baby Bogie and Baby Spence is worth the admission. That alone makes the movie, to me. The story seemed silly and far-fetched, but at least Spence is really fun. (4/10)

 

Pushover -- Ahhhhhhhhhh, Kim Novak. Super, super sexy! I was absolutely mesmerized by the beginning of this film. The second half of the film isn't as strong, but it's still pretty darn good. (7/10)

 

Nightfall -- Absolutely love the beginning of this film noir. It really pulled me in. Then it goes off the tracks and the climax just isn't that thrilling to me. I liked Aldo Ray, Brian Keith, and Rudy Bond. They carry the film. (5/10)

 

To Be or Not to Be -- The film picks up when Jack Benny is called into action. I thought he was very funny. Carole Lombard was a joy. The supporting cast was on point, as usual with Lubitsch. (6/10)

 

Strangers When We Meet -- Rather fascinating, actually. It starts slow but it builds and builds. Lots of back and forth. The ending is a tough one. Again, I'm all about Kim Novak. She's got me. (6/10)

[FrankGrimes]

Hey there, Grahame's Guy -- What? No Brigadoon ???

 

I haven't completely lost my lid!

 

Amazing. I haven't seen the following films on your list:

 

I was a few blocks away from the biggies, I'll say that.

 

I do have some of them in my collection though:

 

Wake of the Red Witch

Bhowani Junction

Cass Timberlane

Sundown

The Detective

 

Wake of the Red Witch is easily my favorite of that group. Cass Timberlane is a little similar to Dodsworth, just softer and cuter.

[MissGoddess]

Hilarious???? I do NOT remember THAT... good golly it HAS been a long time since I saw this movie...

 

I didn't know what the heck he meant by that either until I realized he probably

means Wayne is hilarious they way he thinks Max Cady is "hilarious" in Cape Fear.

 

We're dealing with a warped mind, ladies.

[movieman1957]

Very impressive sir. Didn't we do some "rambling" on WOTRW? Or was it just in passing? I've seen 13 of the list but not in a similar time frame. Probably should have though.

 

It's been a long time since I saw "Cornered" or "Arch de Triumph" and have similar recollections. I like "Monkey Business" for nearly all of it but at one point they all are annoying.

 

I like "Suddeny" alot the first time I saw it because I thought it was rare and Sinatra played someone so different. Some of the characters might have been a bit heroic but I enjoyed that one.

[FrankGrimes]

Good day to you, MovieMan -- Didn't we do some "rambling" on WOTRW? Or was it just in passing?

 

I don't know. I wasn't involved, I know that. I just watched the film about a week or so ago. I had asked you about the film a couple times before, saying it was the Wayne film I wished to watch most.

 

I've seen 13 of the list but not in a similar time frame. Probably should have though.

 

Only 13? Boy, I really have been watching some films off the beaten path.

 

I like "Monkey Business" for nearly all of it but at one point they all are annoying.

 

Oh, yeah? I liked when Cary acted childish with Marilyn along for the ride. I was very into the film, at that point. Then Ginger starts taking the formula and I never really like it, after that.

 

I like "Suddeny" alot the first time I saw it because I thought it was rare and Sinatra played someone so different. Some of the characters might have been a bit heroic but I enjoyed that one.

 

You're right, there are heroic moments in the film. Frank makes the film for me, though.

 

Good afternoon, Snippy -- I didn't know what the heck he meant by that either until I realized he probably means Wayne is hilarious they way he thinks Max Cady is "hilarious" in Cape Fear.

 

We're dealing with a warped mind, ladies.

 

Yes!

 

[MissGoddess]

That's the part he really scared me, when he starts roughing up poor little

Gail. I wasn't sure what was going on with him at that point.

 

I used to confuse this movie's plot with Reap the Wild Wind, though

they really aren't so similar except in two key respects (which I won't

give away). I think WOTRW is the better film. But then, I always loved

Wayne with Gail Russell. To me, they are one of my favorite screen

couples. No one else could bring him out of high gear more truly

and responsively like Gail.

[OllieTSB]

(Boy, this thread is MOVIN' Monday morning... I'm hours late and pages later!)

 

CineMaven, don't bother denying it - your HOT TOPICs comments have me wipin' my screen from tuna salad and grape bits because you refuse to put Spoiler Alerts: "Will cause Ollie to laugh out loud! Empty yer mouth before reading!"

 

I hate you. I really hate you. My screen & keyboard get so many routine cleanings, though. Darn. THEY probably love you. But Wifey sees me retreating with wet and dry towels, Bounty Wipes and Duster-Uppers, and she's only shaking her head. "I guess I shouldn't have released you from the dungeon wall, eh?" Ah ha! It's HER fault too! WIMMEN!!

 

And does anyone know what JackF looks like? I obviously need to start building up yet another voodoo doll collection. I've got MissG and CineM accurately portrayed (well, yes, those ARE pincushions, true, but they're close enough to voodoo dolls). Does anyone know if I can use white-out and just put "JF" on a pin-cushion and do chants and dances around it, with various pins and needles? Does that work? I gotta do something to get her back for those Ava photos. Boy, if Wifey sees my wall-sized blowups of those again... she might NEVER let me off the spinning wheel.

 

I've been placating her with Catholic notions. "Just say Three Hail Colmans and Four Hail Cary's."

 

Or Gable's or whoever she's dotty about today. Lordy... women...

[MissGoddess]

Ollie,

 

JackFavell is a stunning, willowy brunette with a mind like a steel trap, so you

will need an extra powerful hoodoo doll to mess with her and even then I pity

you, you poor man! Me and Cinnie are small fry, she's big game. You may

want to think twice, Ollie-O! Your wife and kiddies need you! (For something,

I'm sure...)

[movieman1957]

She has suggested she has big hair. I'm sure she is as lovely as the rest of the ladies.

[movieman1957]

>Only 13? Boy, I really have been watching some films off the beaten path.

 

I've only seen about 2800 movies over my life but am at an age now where a lot of those can be seen again as if for the first time. Yes, I'm old enough for that.

 

Thanks to you and the gang I still get to find new films worth watching. You're probably not so far off the beaten path as I've stayed too much on the main road.

[OllieTSB]

I can't do any "big hair" themes without Wifey and neighbors casting aspersions about my own. At least Robert Plant's lawnmower works on his-! I hafta get shorn twice a year with the llamas and alpacas in order to tame mine...

 

When I met Phoebe Snow a couple of decades ago, she liked me ONLY because my hair was wilder than hers.

 

Yeah well... at least I don't have snakes flailing around in MINE.

 

Well, not anymore. Once my sister found out I'd taken all of hers, she got mad and I had to give 'em back. Darn. That Stone-Look really came in handy. I had no idea!

 

I just wish my mustache was as dark and thick as hers, though. She got ALL the good parts! Sideburns that made Elvis jealous... it's said that, with one look at my sister, Stalin told Nikita K, "If you take power, don't bother with a mustache - Amerikanskis have Mustache Gap."

[MissGoddess]

I hope your sister doesn't read this board. You do like to live dangerously, don't

you, Ollie?

[OllieTSB]

Actually, she doesn't read at all. Heck, we gave up trying to get her to walk upright when I was a little boy. The Japanese had Ishiro Hondo and GODZILLA. The Brits delivered GORGO. And I had my very own fire-breathing monster... and no costume needed!

 

Shoes, of course, were a whole other matter. The Navy Department used to decommission ships so she'd have something to fit her paws into. "BB 17? Kinda snug. What about a CVA this time?"

[JackFavell]

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

> That's the part he really scared me, when he starts roughing up poor little

> Gail. I wasn't sure what was going on with him at that point.

>

> I used to confuse this movie's plot with Reap the Wild Wind, though

> they really aren't so similar except in two key respects (which I won't

> give away). I think WOTRW is the better film. But then, I always loved

> Wayne with Gail Russell. To me, they are one of my favorite screen

> couples. No one else could bring him out of high gear more truly

> and responsively like Gail.

 

GASP! I'm not the only one who gets these two mixed up? Whew! Thanks for that Goddess. I like WOTRW better too.

 

Also thanks for that "tall, willowy" description..... only in my dreams, where I am named Gwen and men kiss my hand when they meet me.

 

Ollie:

 

 

You are in deep trouble, my friend.

[MissGoddess]

Miss Peacemaker,

I wish you could see Wake of the Red Witch because it's such a nice

adventure story, though I hate the ending (I won't give it away). As I said,

it reminds me of Reap the Wild Wind, which had a bigger cast and

budget (and was filmed in color), but I think WOTRW is still the better film.

 

I ordered the DVD because the last time I tried to record it, something went

wrong as usual, and I'd like a refresher. I remember being quite scared

by Wayne at a couple of points, he has a real temper in it.

 

> If Jackie doesn't mind my posting it (PM), I wrote a capsule about each.

>

 

Wow! You've been busy and not just causing trouble, as usual. Are

you feeling okay?

 

> The House Across the Bay -- Joan Bennett is wonderful. I'd suggest the film because of her. I didn't like the story, though. I thought it was rather boring and uneventful. (4/10)

>

 

I love this movie!! As soon as I saw it on TCM I rushed and ordered the DVD from them,

and it's pretty expensive. I liked George Raft in it (one of the movies that made me a new

fan) and Joan is wonderful, of course, looking more Hedy Lamarrish than ever. I found it

very entertaining and not boring at all. I loved the ending and hated it at the same time.

What I didn't care for was the tacked on "epilogue" which was shot by Alfred Hitchcock

as a favor. They should have ended the film earlier.

 

 

> The Cowboy and the Lady -- Surprisingly good! It's my first Merle Oberon film and I really liked her. She was terrific. It's a very sweet, underrated film. It reminds me of Holiday, which is a favorite of mine. (6/10)

>

 

Oh, this is one of my favorite little love stories with Coop and Merle is luminous. This

movie was legendary for all the trouble that went into making it. Apparently the screenplay

went through several revisions with all sorts of heavyweight scribes contributing. I don't

know why, either, as the story is quite simple and they even remade it with John Wayne

and Jean Arthur (A Lady Takes a Chance). But this version is the best.

 

> Monkey Business -- I was disappointed. I liked Ginger to start, but when she takes the serum, she starts to annoy the heck out of me. I loved Marilyn, though. Cary was all right. (3/10)

>

 

Except for Marilyn, Charles Coburn and the monkeys, I loathe this film. It annoys the

heck out of me and I want to strangle Ginger most of the time. Even Cary bugs me

and he never does that. Marilyn is the most natural acting person on the screen.

 

> Johnny O'Clock -- Loved the three male leads of Dick Powell, Thomas Gomez, and Lee J. Cobb. They carry the film, for me. I wasn't as enthused with the gals, namely Evelyn Keyes. The story didn't captivate me enough. (5/10)

>

 

One of my very favorite films noir. I love Evelyn Keyes in it! The dialogue is great.

 

> Arrowsmith -- I was going nuts over how bored I was with this for about the first hour, but that final act is something. It really saves the film. The look is very German Expressionistic. It's haunting and touching. (5/10)

>

 

Ronald Colman kills me when he breaks down. The first part is dry, except for a couple of cute scenes. It's when they go to the island that the story takes off in a totally darker direction, and acquires an almost pre-Val Lewton mystique.

 

> Blood and Sand -- Rita Hayworth! She's sizzling in this one. I also loved Linda Darnell, who is the angel. Ty was okay, too. I didn't like the direction, especially the heavyhanded imagery. The story is rather typical. (4/10)

>

 

The "imagery" or cinematography is the star for me. I can't say it's a favorite.

 

> Suddenly -- Loved seeing Frank Sinatra off his rocker. That was a revelation. The film is a little predictable, but it's also rather violent. It's okay. (5/10)

>

 

I haven't seen *Suddenly* in at least ten years, I only remember Frank was scary and Sterling was stolid.

 

> Reign of Terror -- Fantastic! Shakespearean noir. Remarkable. It's thick with tension. Boy, I'd love to see this film with a better print. Poor John Alton. Robert Cummings was actually very good in this one. (9/10)

>

 

Cummings, blah! But the movie was impressive. I want to see it again.

 

> Algiers -- The ending is spectacular. It's one of my favorites. I'm really starting to like Charles Boyer. He plays my kind of characters. Hedy is both exotic and erotic in this one, which was a nice surprise. Joseph Calleia is superb. (6/10)

>

 

A HUGE favorite, one of the most romantic screen stories in my opinion. I have seen the original, and I still prefer this shot-by-shot remake.

 

> Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake -- A pretty fun film. Gene Tierney is gorgeous. Her and Ty make a great-looking couple. George Sanders is George Sanders. He's phenomenal. (5/10)

>

 

I love this movie too, so much that I used to watch it over and over and even read the book, based on a true story. I thought Frances Farmer was excellent, as well.

 

> Bhowani Junction -- I thought it was a messy film that attempted to do way too much and ended up not doing anything all that well. It's supposed to be about the problems of being a mixed-race while also commenting on occupation. Ava Gardner has three romantic interests, ala Pandora and the Flying Dutchman and The Barefoot Contessa, but I much prefer those films. (3/10)

>

 

It's not a strong film, but I love Ava in it and I even like Stewart Granger. I keep wondering what it might have been like had the studio not "butchered" it, as George Cukor insists.

 

> Cornered -- Fun! I thought it was very enjoyable. Dick Powell is crazed during the film. I loved seeing that. Walter Slezak is highly entertaining, as are quite a few of the supporting cast. The ending is very good. A great watch. (7/10)

>

 

Fun I can't say it was...grim, exciting, taught and tense. I really love Dick Powell's noirs. I'm waiting to see *Cry Danger* as it's been so long I don't remember it well.

 

> Arch of Triumph -- My kind of romance: tortured. Ingrid Bergman is nothing but lovely in this one. And Charles Boyer is, once again, playing my kind of guy. I wasn't too keen on the ending, but I was captivated by the film, throughout. (7/10)

>

 

I love this one, too, but it's heavy, heavy, heavy. Very tragic and beautifully filmed. I also think it captures something of the hopeless feeling among the dispossessed refugees in Europe at that time.

 

> Human Desire (revisit) -- I liked it more the second time around. Gloria Grahame is all messed up and it's not all her fault. You feel for the gal. I'm big on Glenn Ford. Broderick Crawford is sweaty good. (7/10)

>

 

I didn't like this movie as much as I was hoping too. I wanted the same sparks as Glenn and Gloria had in The Big Heat, but it let me down. I actually prefer the French original, La Bete Humaine, with Simone Simon.

 

> The Detective -- It's a rather perverse film about homosexuality. It's on the violent side, too. I thought Frank Sinatra was quite good, as usual. Lee Remick hangs with him. Rather tortured. (5/10)

>

 

I just like this movie for Frank and Lee. I wish they had done another, better movie together. They are a great couple.

 

> Cass Timberlane -- A soapy story in the vein of Dodsworth. Lana is lovely and Spence is a teddy bear. It's a little too unbelievable to me. (4/10)

>

 

I love this movie! I just think Spencer and Lana are such an adorable pair. It's a good soap, not the biting indictment of society the Sinclair Lewis novel was.

 

> Pushover -- Ahhhhhhhhhh, Kim Novak. Super, super sexy! I was absolutely mesmerized by the beginning of this film. The second half of the film isn't as strong, but it's still pretty darn good. (7/10)

>

 

I really like this movie, too. I was stunned by Kim, how beautiful and sexy she was right from the beginning. I was also struck by the similarities between her look and behavior in this film to Vertigo.

 

> Nightfall -- Absolutely love the beginning of this film noir. It really pulled me in. Then it goes off the tracks and the climax just isn't that thrilling to me. I liked Aldo Ray, Brian Keith, and Rudy Bond. They carry the film. (5/10)

>

 

I agree, once they hit the road the film loses steam. Up until then it is fascinating.

 

 

> To Be or Not to Be -- The film picks up when Jack Benny is called into action. I thought he was very funny. Carole Lombard was a joy. The supporting cast was on point, as usual with Lubitsch. (6/10)

>

 

This is a 10 out of 10 for me every time. Each scene is priceless and Jack Benny is sheer perfection.

 

> Strangers When We Meet -- Rather fascinating, actually. It starts slow but it builds and builds. Lots of back and forth. The ending is a tough one. Again, I'm all about Kim Novak. She's got me. (6/10)

 

I like this one, too. Everyone in the cast is good, it's very emotional and uncomfortable. No one behaves very well, I'm afraid. The suburbs were hopping!

[JackFavell]

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

 

> > If Jackie doesn't mind my posting it (PM), I wrote a capsule about each.

 

I never gave him my permission. I DO mind.

 

> Wow! You've been busy and not just causing trouble, as usual. Are

> you feeling okay?

 

He's sick! He's sick! Warped is right.

 

I want to go back and watch *Wake of the Red Witch* again now. I loved the way it was told, as a mystery, with flashbacks. The evil Shipping magnate guy was so cold - I don't remember who he was, but he was a good bad guy.

 

I am cheered by the two positives for *Algiers* - I have put off seeing it again, because I did not want to be disappointed in it. Charles Boyer is a great favorite.

 

I really enjoyed *Cornered* - the way Powell goes off his nut is spectacular! I really like his 40's personas. In this one, he has none of the wit of Murder My Sweet or The Bad and the Beautiful, but he makes up for it by being just a little bit on the crazy desperate side.

 

I really liked *Human Desire*, but I had no expectations or preconceived notions about it when I watched it. I somehow cannot get through La Bete Humaine, even with the stars.

 

*To Be Or Not To Be* is a favorite of mine, but the first time I saw it, I did not really like it, or see what the fuss was about. But I think in following the plot, I missed some of the really funny nuances and innuendoes that make it so great. With Lubitsch's films, the joy comes after the initial viewing...and from then on they just get better and better.

 

I really liked *The Last Hurrah* - and I didn't think I would from the description and the beginning. It totally snuck up on me. I thought it was going to be like *All the King's Men*. What a divil, that Pappy was! Leave it to him to completely turn the story on it's ear. It's great to see Basil Rathbone here. The theme of politics/media coverage was very modern. You can see the struggle against that tidal wave......There are some scenes - the funeral at the beginning, Tracy walking away from the crowds in the street..... his bedside scenes - those are just SO masterful and moving. But damn it, the movie kills me with Edward Brophy and that hat. It just ......tears me ..... me...... awww man.

 

sniffle......

 

Edited by: JackFavell on Aug 23, 2010 2:00 PM

[MissGoddess]

Yes, little Eddie finishes me in *The Last Hurrah* every time. It's a wonderful

film and like you said, I didn't think I'd care much for it because of the subject

matter. I should have known better. Spencer wanted it to be his final film

before retiring, that way he could have started and ended his career with

the director who brought him to Hollywood. Even the title would have made

for a splendid swan song.

[OllieTSB]

JackF, keep taunting me with Ava pictures - sure, you bet! But I still remember what she did to Burt Lancaster and those other schmoes in THE KILLERS. Still... I have a hard time thinkin' Gregory Peck didn't promote his XO and hand the keys to the sub over to him and say, "You take 'er home - I'm staying here, on the beach, with Ava."

 

I mean, if you're gonna resign yer naval commission and give up command, might as well do it for a real beauty. I just hope William Conrad & one of his friends isn't around.

 

"Any work at a diner? Maybe a garage?"

[molo14]

Hey there Mr. Grimes,

 

* I haven't completely lost my lid!*

 

It will happen. When we're all in the "Old TCM Posters Retirement Home" I'll amuse myself by sneaking musicals into your DVD player every time you nod off.

 

*Wake of the Red Witch is easily my favorite of that group. Cass Timberlane is a little similar to Dodsworth, just softer and cuter.*

 

I'll have to give those two a try then.

 

Didn't you just say that you were going to watch *Father of the Bride* today? I can't find the quote but I was sure I read it. Anyway, that's the Joan I know of that particular time period. I have her noirs stacking up over here. I need to get to them. I'm ready to explore Joan's darker side.

 

_*Frank wrote:_ Monkey Business -- I was disappointed. I liked Ginger to start, but when she takes the serum, she starts to annoy the heck out of me. I loved Marilyn, though. Cary was all right. (3/10)*

 

_*Movieman wrote:_ I like "Monkey Business" for nearly all of it but at one point they all are annoying.*

 

_*Frank wrote:_ Oh, yeah? I liked when Cary acted childish with Marilyn along for the ride. I was very into the film, at that point. Then Ginger starts taking the formula and I never really like it, after that.*

 

_*Miss Goddess wrote:_ Except for Marilyn, Charles Coburn and the monkeys, I loathe this film.*

*It annoys the heck out of me and I want to strangle Ginger most of the time. Even Cary bugs me*

*and he never does that. Marilyn is the most natural acting person on the screen.*

 

I really like Monkey Business at the outset but it begins to get on my nerves too. I agree that Coburn ( anybody can type ) and Marilyn are the best parts of the movie. Ginger Rogers seems to have done more child impersonations than any actress this side of Mary Pickford. I never really warmed to that part of her repertoire. The whole film kind of falls to pieces. I will give it another try at some point because, over time, I'll convince myself that it it wasn't as annoying as I thought it was; and there is still Coburn and Monroe.

 

_*Frank wrote:_ Human Desire (revisit) -- I liked it more the second time around. Gloria Grahame is all messed up and it's not all her fault. You feel for the gal. I'm big on Glenn Ford. Broderick Crawford is sweaty good. (7/10)*

 

_*Miss Goddess wrote:_ I didn't like this movie as much as I was hoping too. I wanted the same sparks as Glenn and Gloria had in The Big Heat, but it let me down. I actually prefer the French original, La Bete Humaine, with Simone Simon.*

 

I'm ready to give this film another look. It's been a while. I remember liking it, but on a different level then *The Big Heat*. I can just stare at Gloria all day though. I have not yet had the chance to see *La Bete Humaine*, but I really look forward to getting it. Simone Simon? Oh yeah!

 

_*Frank wrote:_ To Be or Not to Be -- The film picks up when Jack Benny is called into action. I thought he was very funny. Carole Lombard was a joy. The supporting cast was on point, as usual with Lubitsch. (6/10)*

 

_*Miss Goddess wrote_: This is a 10 out of 10 for me every time. Each scene is priceless and Jack Benny is sheer perfection.*

 

It's such a wonderful film. Jack Benny is a big favorite of mine but it was often hard to find a film role that suited his talents. This is one of the few, and the best. Lombard was wonderful as well. A great, daring and unique film comedy.

 

_*Frank wrote:_ The Cowboy and the Lady -- Surprisingly good! It's my first Merle Oberon film and I really liked her. She was terrific. It's a very sweet, underrated film. It reminds me of Holiday, which is a favorite of mine. (6/10)*

 

_*Miss Goddess wrote:_ Oh, this is one of my favorite little love stories with Coop and Merle is luminous. This movie was legendary for all the trouble that went into making it. Apparently the screenplay went through several revisions with all sorts of heavyweight scribes contributing. I don't*

*know why, either, as the story is quite simple and they even remade it with John Wayne*

*and Jean Arthur (A Lady Takes a Chance). But this version is the best*

 

It has been so long since I've seen this but I remember liking it. It's another one I need to revisit. I've always been interested in Merle Oberon, but she is a difficult case for me. The films I've seen, with the exception of a few, haven't rewarded up my expectations.

 

_*Frank wrote:_ Dial M for Murder (revisit) -- Still one of my favorite Hitch flicks. Love the cat-and-mouse, the humor, and the ironic twist. (8/10)*

 

This is definitely one of my favorite Hitchcock films. I haven't seen it in a while but I've seen it several times. I agree with everything you said about it. I think, if I'm remembering correctly, that I thought it was one of the most well put together of Hitchcock's storylines.

 

I am very disappointed at missing *House Across the Bay* when they aired it recently. It's on my list of films to get.

[molo14]

Ollie I agree with Miss G., Jackie is the dangerous one. She can turn on a dime. Tread carefully.

 

By the way, I've always pictured her sporting a classic sixties beehive.

[rohanaka]

It really was a dust storm. I don't think I've watched that many films in that period of time in my life

 

No kiddin!!! I can see that big DUST cloud coming over from the east.. ha. I better bolt my doors and windows.. I have ENOUGH dust in my house already!! ha.

 

For once, I'm innocent!

 

THAT'll be the day...

 

I wrote a capsule about each

 

WHOOwee.. that was way cool.. thanks for putting it all down for me.. I will take your comments (and those from the others who have posted now too) and start checking into the ones I have not seen (or heard of yet) I have seen a few of them (but MOST of them have not) Of the ones I have not seen... based only what you have written here.. the "Shakespearan Noir" sounds the "way coolest" but truthfully.. there is something interesting about all of them from what I can tell so far.

 

RE: TWOTRW.. Hooray!! Now my master plan is coming together.. muhwahaha. Jackie is going to revisit it.. Miss G is going to get a copy of it to watch again.. and Mr. Movieman is recalling the ghosts of rambles past.. OH and I think I saw that MOLO has this one too.. I am sitting on the edge of my seat to find out what HAPPENED to the Duke.. ha. So even though I may not have any luck watching for myself.. (because if you wait for ME you might wait for a DECADE or more, ha) you all are assigned to RAMBLE on it soon and I can just live vicariously through your words until I can find a copy of this film to see for myself!! ha.

 

And in the MEANTIME.. before you get to WOTRW... did I mention?? BLOOD ALLEY IS COMING ON IN A COUPLE MORE DAYS????????????????????????????????????????????

 

PS: MISS G,

We're dealing with a warped mind, ladies

 

True so very true!! I am still looking forward to him meeting up w/ his new girlfriend "Baby".. because she will fit right in w/ his warped mind for sure!!!