Movie signs -

[therealfuster]

that make you either loopy or a dedicated fan.

 

To a movie buff, there are certain things that spell sincerity in one's obsession. For example, I never leave a movie in a theatre, till all the credits have rolled. I like to collect credits in my mind that amuse me, that detail certain roles like:

 

Loudmouthed Man

Drunken Floozy

Girl with Bushy Bleached Hair

Dog in Elevator

Older Woman wearing a Babushka

 

I just find these entertaining, and enjoy reading them and seeing who played such parts, even though it drives my companions insane while waiting for me.

 

Another thing I like to do, is listen to see if the screams in a film are the patented Wilhelm Scream, that has been utilized in films as far back as "Distant Drums" which starred my idol, Arthur Hunnicutt, up to the Star Wars saga. Now...if I meet another fan who actually knows what the Wilhelm Scream is, then I am assured I am speaking to a dyed in the wool film fan, and not a phony.

 

To an outsider, these traits which I see as true movie lore knowledge, are looked at more as mental aberrations which may spell insanity, pejoratively speaking. So I do hide these peccadilloes of peculiarity from all but the most astute movie fan that I encounter.

 

What oddball things do you do or look for in movies, which classify you as a movie freak, but in the best way?

 

If you mark your TV Guide with a highlighter and always have at least six blank videocassettes on hand, you may have a movie addiction!

 

 

[classicsfan1119]

Well Fuster, after reading this post...it's clear that I'm not a "dedicated fan", not a "genuine movie buff", not "sincere in my obsession" with film, not a "died in the wool film fan", and woefully removed from being an "astute movie fan" (how many ways did you need to say it to get it across?)....but am instead a total "phony" because I don't know what a "patented Wilhelm scream" is! I don't even care to know!

 

Your "true movie lore knowledge" is a wonderful thing, Fuster. It's really very sad that you can't share it without being so demeaning and belittling toward others on our boards when you present it. If appearing to be as superior to others as you strive for is what qualifies our members to be "movie freaks" (in the "best" way, of course), then I want no part of. So, just write me off as one of the "paeans" who deign share these boards with you and your Thesaurus.

[deeanddaisy666]

Whoa, realfuster, now you're on the list of those who aren't good enough to share this board with the great ML. Guess why I haven't been here of late? Yup, you guessed it, I am not a member of the MutuaL admiration society.

 

realfuster, not to worry, you're in good company.

 

ML, you are simply amazing. As are your sycophants.

[kak122760]

I didn't find anything demeaning or belittling(sp) in the post.

 

It gets a bit like high school around here sometimes, doesn't it?

 

Sorry, I couldn't check spellcheck to work.

[therealfuster]

I don't recall saying anything in my post about anyone being "phony" if they were not into the Wilhelm Scream.

 

I most specifically inferred that such obsessions are not necessarily good and can imply "loopiness" in the individual.

 

It was just a reference point, to show how each fan has particular film oddities that they enjoy, that others would care less about, since it is not their special film obsession.

 

I would have liked to read a few of your favorite things that you look for in films, but since you've chosen not to grace us with any, I guess we'll have to go without reading any submissions from you.

 

I'm sure your comments in my upcoming posts will be missed! But I must carry on, even without your support and good faith.

 

Dyed in the wool fans can be normal, or a bit far out and it would have been fun to talk about these predilections, but if you'd rather take offense at imagined slights, then far be it from me to stop you.

 

I'm just an average movie fan, who likes to talk about the vagaries of movies. If that is not to your liking, well I am sorry, but I'm sure that there are some fans who can commiserate with me over their obsessive addictions to film too.

 

So sorry that mentioning the Wilhelm Scream, was over the line for you. I guess that means that asking about montage versus mise en scene issues are verboten too?

 

Gee, too bad some film topics are off limits in your world.

 

Well, thanks for posting in my thread and I always appreciate honest comments from anyone.

 

Most Sincerely, Therealfuster

 

P.S. I don't own a Thesaurus, nor have I ever used one, being that the nuns discouraged them at the girl's halfway house, but thanks for the compliment if you thought I did. I see no reason to apologize for using words, as that is what they're there for I thought. Language is communication and any words which delineate need no apology from the user.

[therealfuster]

I haven't been around here long enough obviously to learn the auto-ingrained protocol and pecking orders, but I have read the Terms of Use, and don't plan on infringing any of the rules, as I'm a well behaved girl and love my TCM.

 

To me, all posters are equal, and none better than any other, and that's how I approach things. If I was wrong to envision this place as a equal playing ground where one could talk adult film talk, then I'll wait for Classicsfan to fill me in on the specific rules of conduct, that she thinks take precedence over the posted ones.

 

I can't worry about those who take offense, where none is intended, as if one has to pussyfoot around, so as not to offend, they would never have time to post at all, about all the fantastic films of world cinema that TCM graces us with daily. I pinch myself at my good fortune to have TCM on my cable provider network.

 

Concerning this ML that you mention? Is that Classicsfan?

 

I have no problem with her venting, and I am sorry that she does not want to talk film, as that is my favorite topic....from Grade Z drive-in flicks by Bava or Hammer Films, to Grade Triple A, labyrinthine masterpieces.

 

Though Classicsfan has deemed my posts to not be of any interest, I shall look forward to reading all her most scintillating posts with relish!

 

So Stoney, if you aren't offended...what movie oddities are of utmost interest to you, when you view a film? Dare I mention the "patently demeaning and belittling" addiction called the Wilhelm Scream, as a prototypical anomaly of addiction for me...which for you might be the special effects crew, the cinematography, the original source material or....?

 

I look forward to your input. Thanks for the post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[therealfuster]

 

Perhaps if you got one of those Super Duper Spy Scopes [or whatever they were!] that Wolfman Jack talked about in "American Graffiti" it would pick up on "demeaning and belittling" things that even I was unaware that I said in my original post.

 

They must be there somewhere, just like that map in "Lust in the Dust" was.....

 

See, high school can be fun, and I just pretend I'm Debbie in the Toad's car, and ignore all the rocky bumps on the road here.

 

So...what are your movie addictions, if you don't mind me asking?

[classicsfan1119]

Fuster, please allow me to refresh your memory. You said this: "Now...if I meet another fan who actually knows what the Wilhelm Scream is, then I am assured I am speaking to a dyed in the wool film fan, and not a phony".

 

I'm afraid that I can't quite accept this as "an imagined slight". In your mind, and given exactly what you said, anyone you speak with who doesn't know what the Wilhelm Scream is, convinces you that you're speaking to a "phony". Thus, because I don't know what the "Wilhelm Scream" is, then I guess I have to accept, and in good faith, too, that you believe me to be a "phony" as a person who professes to love film and know anything about it. Maybe you could tell us more about this Wilhelm Scream so we can all be on the same page you are?

 

There aren't any "film topics" that are "off limits" in my world, Fuster. And, there are a great many things that I look for in films, even many of the same things that you look for. I look for good acting, good directing, good scripts with stimulating dialog, interesting cinematography, appropriate sets for the historical period being depicted, artful lighting, a story that has been well-told, good editing, a great film score, and even certain oddities in film that you also find interesting.

 

For example, I get a real kick out of finding where someone totally messed up the "continuity" in a movie, or when objects on the set aren't in the same place in two successive shots. And, I'd be very happy to discuss these things with you, but not when you put me down before I can even begin .

 

I love to hear the Opinions others have concerning the many film topics we discuss on these boards, and I enjoy having the same freedom to express mine. In my own way, I also have a few "obsessions" that not everyone else here would share with me. So you see, we're really not all that different, you and I.

 

And, I will apologize for my "Thesaurus" remark. I realize now that it must have felt as insulting to you as your remarks felt to me, but that was no excuse for me to say it. Please forgive. ML

[bansi4]

 

"ML, you are simply amazing. As are your sycophants"

 

Would sycophants be a movie sign for ailing elephants?

 

The elephant is my favorite animal. Majestic, smart and loving and has been used in oodles of movies.

The animated elephants are especially cute such as Dumbo, Babar and Horton. Of course there is "Jumbo" in the Doris Day musical, the beauty that Sabu mounted in "The Jungle Book", the slew of them in Tarzan films and the loyal big guy that followed Oliver Hardy around in "Zenobia", etc. Just great.

 

Now as as far as parasite's go I'm not that familiar with them, until recently, that is.

 

Mongo

[therealfuster]

regarding my remarks concerning film fandom, I didn't say them in an exclusive sense, but inclusively.

 

Just as one who knows the Boudreau Shift in baseball is most likely a rabid fan, but not exclusively so....one also knows that anyone appreciative of things like the Schuftan Process or Wilhelm Scream, is most likely, but NOT exclusively, a major film fan.

 

This is similar to denotative and connotative definitions. Far be it from me, to tell you not to misunderstand if you so choose, the usages of specifics in conversational linguistics, as opposed to generalizations, but that is what you are doing in twisting my words to fit your analysis, incorrect though it may be.

 

What I said, was perfectly true and honest...if I meet a person who knows what the Wilhelm scream is, one can bet they are a dyed in the wool movie fan.

 

I take nothing back as inappropriate or unseemly, and it is certainly not pejorative or denigrating to make such distinctions.

 

If I had said instead "Only...ONLY if one knows what the Wilhelm Scream is in films, can one be a dyed in the wool movie fan" then I would have been being offensive and you might have a point.

 

Unfortunately, for your argument, that is not what I was doing, and this is a misinterpretation of the facts of my post.

 

Putting your spin, on another's words, means understanding the contextual basis of the sentence, and not coming up with one's own between the lines meaning.

 

Nevertheless, it did not bother me at all, and I too enjoy watching continuity issues, in films and also enjoy anachronisms and malapropisms, when they occur, so thanks for sharing!

 

Fus

 

P.S. To correct, I did not find it "insulting" as you assume, to be called a "Thesaurus" junkie, and as I told you I actually found the belief that I would need a thesaurus to write a post, to be quite complimentary, so no apology needed.

 

Thanks for your contributions to the question, and I don't force topics on anyone, so it will be up to you to do research on the Wilhelm Scream, if you feel it to be of any interest. Happy hunting!

 

 

 

 

 

[therealfuster]

my answer is...what do you get when you mate an elephant and a rhino?

 

I just saw Doris and "Jumbo" and immensely enjoyed the flick. It's been years since I've seen that one, and Stephen Boyd is still just as good looking!

 

"Dumbo" is a wonderful Disney film, and should be seen by all!

 

Thanks for your contributions!

 

Look for my next thread on sycophants AND sybaritic twins in films!

[loveoldmovies04]

I suppose I am not a die hard fan, I mean I was at one point but I found my self loving old movies so much that I began isolating my self from the world I live in now. All the same I do enjoy the topic and I must say I am very very curious to know all about this Wilhelm Scream!

Phoebe

P.S. I am very impressed with both of yalls world choices, honest.

[deeanddaisy666]

I am too, realfuster. I think I know what you mean, but I won't presume to say.

 

I too love to watch the credits. It's fun how some films reward the credit-watchers by putting out-takes on after the credits are done.

[therealfuster]

as being too much of a die hard fan, can run one out of house and home, what with collecting tapes and dvd's and memorabilia. So there is the good and the bad of it.

 

A friend of mine said they actually watched so much TCM that they were never leaving their house, and decided to give up their cable.

 

No, that's just too exteme a move for me!

 

The Wilhelm Scream is a sound bite that may have been made by actor and novelty song purveyor, Sheb Wooley. No one knows for sure. It has been utilized in many movies, after first being recorded ostensibly for the death gasp of Private Wilhelm in the film "Distant Drums". Sound tech men actually request it by name, it is still used in many current films due to its legendary status, and it can be found on the Net in recorded form.

 

 

[therealfuster]

I think a lot of filmmakers used to want to reward those who stayed till the bitter end, and would put fun things at the very close of the credits to entertain.

 

Right off the spot, I'm drawing a blank...but I know I've seen films with fun rewards at the very end.

 

Maybe someone else can come up with some films to look for...with this attribute.

 

Thanks, Stoney!

[kak122760]

So...what are your movie addictions, if you don't mind me asking?

 

Hello,

 

I pretty much like everything except sci-fi and certain war movies.

[deeanddaisy666]

Very interesting! I've heard that for 50 years and never knew it had a name...thanks, realfuster.

 

http://www.hollywoodlostandfound.net/wilhelm/

[moviejoe79]

If the computer I was using had speakers, I would most definitely listen to this scream. I'm so curious to hear it now.

 

Like Mary Lou, I also love to watch for continuity in a film, and spot the scenes where things didn't "flow" quite right. And like you therealfuster, I also love to watch the credits. I especially like reading the list of what songs were used in the movie, since there's always at least one that I either don't know the name of, or the artist who sings it. I find this a lot in Woody Allen movies. He uses so many great Big Band standards, that I wait to see which great band played which tune, if I can't figure it out for myself.

 

I also look for the cinematography and lighting in a movie, how the shots are set up. I love interesting and inventive camera work, like Hitchcock's or Quentin Tarantino's.

 

And when I watch a classic, or a movie that takes place in the 30's, 40's etc., I pay attention to the cars, and the music and or T.V. shows that the characters are watching. And when I see a movie marquee in a movie, I always look to see what classic is listed. Like in "Driving Miss Daisy" when Morgan Freeman is outside the Piggly-Wiggly on the phone with Dan Ackroyd, and behind him is a marquee with "Scudda-Hoo, Scudda-Hay" on it. It's an old June Haver movie made by Fox, which was also one of Marilyn Monroe's early movies, if not her very first. I get a kick out of stuff like that.

 

And therealfuster, getting off topic, allow me to say that I think it was very nice of Mary Lou (classicsfan) to apologize, and you should just accept it cordially and keep the peace. I just think it would be better to say - "I accept your apology, thank you," and MOVE ON, rather than reiterate what the disagreement was about. But, that's just my opinion, and please don't think that I'm trying to tell you what to do, I'm just trying to offer some constructive criticism.

[therealfuster]

Does it not drive you crazy on some tv channels [but not the wonderful TCM] when they run those compressed credits, and you cannot read any of the names, unless you have an anamorphic lens on your glasses?

 

That is if you wear glasses....

 

I too am a big fan of cinematography, and often will watch just the beginning credits on a TCM movie I might not be that interested in, and if I see a name like Stanley Cortez, or John Alton then I have to watch.

 

I too always look at the movie marquees, and for goof ups in clothing, like Lee Remick's in "Anatomy of a Murder" et cetera.

 

As for "constructive criticism", feel free to give it whenever you feel the need. I have a very thick skin and am not easily offended, nevertheless I still will remain true to my own regime of behaviour that I find appropriate as an adult, and not do things, just to "keep the peace" so as to be popular and accepted by the powers that be, or follow the methods that would be theirs in the same situation. I do believe in always being polite though, whatever occurrence.

 

If....I were one to expect apologies from anyone for false Internet accusations, and to then "thank" them for "apologizing"...it would not be for being accused of using a thesaurus, but perhaps for being accused of being insulting, "demeaning" and "belittling" to fellow posters erroneously. That would be the most tangible evidence for sincere recriminations, that would warrant any "thank you".

 

But I don't want or expect an apology for those charges either, and just like to go with the flow, and allow people to say what they think concerning any post I make, regardless of what is said negative or positive. I much more treasure honesty and openness in people, than apologies for remarks they've made which flow off my back like water on a duck's.

 

I believe that I was quite "cordial" in dealing with accusations based on another's ungrounded personal interpretations and semantic splitting of hairs of my original post, and I wish only the best to Mary Lou [who I don't really know at all by the way] and she is always welcome in my posts, if she so chooses to join in and I shall look forward to reading hers. Please accept my candor in the spirit of good will in which it is meant, with freedom of expression for all.

 

Thanks for your very astute remarks concerning continuity and your addictions in films, Moviejoe.

 

 

 

 

[sandykaypax]

I had never heard of the Wilhelm scream, but I think I may know exactly what it sounds like! On a similar note, there is a sound effect of a cat's yowl that I hear over and over again in current films and tv shows. It's often used in the kind of scene where, for example, someone throws something out of a window and you don't actually SEE it land on a cat, but you hear the RREOW! sound.

 

As a cat lover, I usually find any type of "cat getting hurt joke" unfunny, so I always notice that overused cat yowl and get annoyed!

 

BUT, I do love Sylvester and Tweety cartoons, so go figure.

 

Sandy K

[therealfuster]

about the patented cat yowl, if you find out about it.

 

I know I should feel ashamed, but I always wanted Sylvester to catch Tweety, and stop all that mealy mouthed chirping.