Haughty and not so haughty films...

[therealfuster]

to catch this weekend!

 

One may start with "The Ladykillers" from 1955, showing tonite [really Saturday morning] at 2:00am. See the original Alec Guinness classic, and not the pale imitation with Tom Hanks. This film about a gang of crooks who think they can manuever a little old lady out of the way, is a justifiable comedic gem, and in it Guinness looks so much like famed character actor, Alastair Sim that many think it was he playing the part. Directed by consummately satirical director, Alexander Mackendrick...this is a film well worth staying up for.

 

On Saturday the 16th of May, two Jean Renoir marvels are on TCM with showings of "The River" and later "Rules of the Game". Those who have only seen Adrienne Corri from her later adult roles in "Vampire Circus" or "Clockwork Orange" will appreciate seeing the younger incarnation of her in "The River". As for "The Rules of the Game" this drama of morals and manners is earth shatteringly effective, but I will say that the recent dvd release, adds immeasureably to its allure with its special features, if one should so choose to buy it after viewing the film on TCM.

 

Following up on Sunday, at 6:00pm is Renoir's classic "The Grand Illusion" with Jan Gabin and Erich von Stroheim...with cinematography by Christian Matras who also lensed Ophuls' "Lola Montes" and "The Earrings of Madame de.." This might be the film in which Erich chose to wear some rod to keep him so ramrod straight, if I recall correctly but regardless it is one to watch if you like foreign masterpieces.

 

One can also catch famed cinema heavy, Ernest Torrence of "Tolable David" fame in the Sunday night silent, "Captain Salvation" at midnight.

 

If you are still awake at 5:30am on Monday, the irrepressibly enervating humor of Tex Avery is showcased on Cartoon Alley, with "Red Hot Riding Hood", "Batty Baseball" and "Swingshift Cinderella" giving glints of where Jim Carrey gets some of his eye popping ideas for films.

 

Enjoy!