Keeping up with Best Picture. Continuing with a spate of films I have not seen.
Recommended:
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958) - More for the play itself than for the performances or the film.
Ben-Hur (1959) - See it, but watch The Celluloid Closet first and it will be so much better.
On The Waterfront (1954) - Despite the politics of the film I really love this melodrama. Brando at, I think, his out and out best. Another of those films that I have to watch when it is on.
An American in Paris (1951) - I prefer Singin in the Rain to this film as far as Kelly films go, but a must see none the less.
Highly Recommended:
I have to go with Brando. Amazing performance and amazing film.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Gigi (1958) - Another I shouldn't admit I haven't seen, but . . .
Really Not Interested:
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954) - I have tried to watch this several times and just can't get into it.
The Rest:
King Solomon's Mines (1950)
Ivanhoe (1952)
Julius Caesar (1953)
The Rose Tattoo (1955)
Separate Tables (1958)
2.23.2005
2.21.2005
TCM for Tuesday 2/22
Continuing with the parade of Best Picture nominees and winners. Slowly moving out of my favorite decade, so the ones I've seen, and that I want to see, will be getting less and less. I really do need to see more films from this period.
Recommended:
Double Indemnity (1944) - Two of my favorites, Stanwyck and MacMurry (with whom I share a birthday). Just a delicious film.
The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946) - An excellent film doing interesting work around the reintegration of military men back into the homefront.
Rebecca (1940) - Classic Hitchcock.
The Lost Weekend (1945) - I saw this while researching alcoholic films and, though not the kind of film I usually like, it was worth watching.
Highly Recommended:
Double Indemnity - I never pass up a chance to recommend Stanwyck again.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) - I'm ashamed to admit I haven't seen this. I think it is that I find Welles somewhat pretentious and so avoid his films. I shouldn't though.
Really Not Interested:
Kings Row (1942) - Not with you know who as the star.
The Rest:
Hold Back the Dawn (1941)
49th Parallel (1941)
Johnny Belinda (1948)
The Heiress (1949)
Going My Way (1944)
Recommended:
Double Indemnity (1944) - Two of my favorites, Stanwyck and MacMurry (with whom I share a birthday). Just a delicious film.
The Best Years Of Our Lives (1946) - An excellent film doing interesting work around the reintegration of military men back into the homefront.
Rebecca (1940) - Classic Hitchcock.
The Lost Weekend (1945) - I saw this while researching alcoholic films and, though not the kind of film I usually like, it was worth watching.
Highly Recommended:
Double Indemnity - I never pass up a chance to recommend Stanwyck again.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) - I'm ashamed to admit I haven't seen this. I think it is that I find Welles somewhat pretentious and so avoid his films. I shouldn't though.
Really Not Interested:
Kings Row (1942) - Not with you know who as the star.
The Rest:
Hold Back the Dawn (1941)
49th Parallel (1941)
Johnny Belinda (1948)
The Heiress (1949)
Going My Way (1944)
2.20.2005
TCM for Monday 2/21/05
Here we go - moving in to the final week of the month and starting off a week of Best Picture nominees and winners. Should make for an interesting week of contrasts between winners and should have been winners. Today is really going to put my bias for the 1930s on glorious display.
Recommended:
42nd Street (1933) - One of the best of the early Warners musicals. Not as over the top as some of the other Busby Berkeley films, but still sensational.
Wuthering Heights (1939) - Could have been the cream of the crop in '39, though I am not quite as fond of it as others are.
Gone With the Wind (1939) - A superb film, though, I have to admit, it was not until I saw it on the big screen that I fully appreciated it. It is a BIG film and I can't watch it on TV anymore.
It Happened One Night (1934) - Outstanding. I like Gable better in other films, but he works so well in this one with Colbert.
Highly Recommended:
Any and all of the above - if you only get to see one, though, make it It Happened One Night. Unless you have a cinema size screen, then screen Gone With the Wind.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Disraeli (1929)
The Champ (1931)
Trader Horn (1931)
The Life Of Emile Zola (1937)
Really Not Interested:
The Rest:
Lady For A Day (1933)
The Lives Of A Bengal Lancer (1935)
Libeled Lady (1936)
You Can't Take It With You (1938)
Recommended:
42nd Street (1933) - One of the best of the early Warners musicals. Not as over the top as some of the other Busby Berkeley films, but still sensational.
Wuthering Heights (1939) - Could have been the cream of the crop in '39, though I am not quite as fond of it as others are.
Gone With the Wind (1939) - A superb film, though, I have to admit, it was not until I saw it on the big screen that I fully appreciated it. It is a BIG film and I can't watch it on TV anymore.
It Happened One Night (1934) - Outstanding. I like Gable better in other films, but he works so well in this one with Colbert.
Highly Recommended:
Any and all of the above - if you only get to see one, though, make it It Happened One Night. Unless you have a cinema size screen, then screen Gone With the Wind.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Disraeli (1929)
The Champ (1931)
Trader Horn (1931)
The Life Of Emile Zola (1937)
Really Not Interested:
The Rest:
Lady For A Day (1933)
The Lives Of A Bengal Lancer (1935)
Libeled Lady (1936)
You Can't Take It With You (1938)
TCM for Sunday 2/20
Tomorrow's theme is Best Director. Things should be interesting.
Recommended:
Psycho (1960) - This is another of those films for me that, between viewings, I think is over rated. But every time I see it, it knocks my socks off.
Rear Window (1954) - Another of H.'s best. I think this is my favorite though not as "sock knocking off" as Psycho or the others.
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) - I have fond memories of this film though I haven't seen it for some time.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) - Quite an outstanding film that I end up getting sucked into every time I see it on.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) - One of the better Capra's n my opinion. Copper is magnificent.
Highly Recommended:
I'm going to have to go with my old favorite - Rear Window. I remember seeing it when I was younger and it is one of my favorite Stewart films as well.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Viva Villa! (1934)
Really Not Interested:
Reds (1981)
The Rest:
David and Lisa (1962)
War and Peace (1956)
The Professionals (1966)
Recommended:
Psycho (1960) - This is another of those films for me that, between viewings, I think is over rated. But every time I see it, it knocks my socks off.
Rear Window (1954) - Another of H.'s best. I think this is my favorite though not as "sock knocking off" as Psycho or the others.
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) - I have fond memories of this film though I haven't seen it for some time.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) - Quite an outstanding film that I end up getting sucked into every time I see it on.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) - One of the better Capra's n my opinion. Copper is magnificent.
Highly Recommended:
I'm going to have to go with my old favorite - Rear Window. I remember seeing it when I was younger and it is one of my favorite Stewart films as well.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Viva Villa! (1934)
Really Not Interested:
Reds (1981)
The Rest:
David and Lisa (1962)
War and Peace (1956)
The Professionals (1966)
2.18.2005
Decisions
I'm trying to decide how and if I want to continue the TCM thing beyond February - even though I know no one is reading it. If I do, should I spin it off as its own blog or, since I rarely write about anything else here anyway, should I just keep it the primary focus here? I need to think about this.
If I do continue, and I think I will, I will, however, pare down what I bring in - I think I will make it a highlight's only instead of listing every film. That is getting tedious.
If I do continue, and I think I will, I will, however, pare down what I bring in - I think I will make it a highlight's only instead of listing every film. That is getting tedious.
TCM for Saturday 2/19
Moving right along we get to Best Editing. A little uptick for me, but it continues an area where there are many films I haven't seen and many of them I don't really want to.
Recommended:
The Letter (1940) - What can I say. I think it probably is becoming clear that this will be one of my favorites. And it is.
Mutiny on the Bounty (1962) - Not as good as the Gable version, but since I grew up in the Tampa Bay area and visited the ship several times, I have to include it.
Objective, Burma! (1945) - Actually saw this for the first time last month and really enjoyed it. I never realized it, but I think I am a big Errol Flynn fan.
Red River (1948) - "Ever had a good - Swiss watch?"
The Great Escape (1963) - A classic even if a bit over rated.
Highly Recommended:
I think you know where this is going to go - The Letter. Far and away one of Davis' best films an done that nicely embodies her move from the 1930s to the 1940s.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Day Of The Jackal (1973) - Just have heard great things about this.
Really Not Interested:
Grand Prix (1966) - James Garner and car racing. 'nuff said.
The Rest:
The Window (1949)
Bullitt (1968)
David Copperfield (1935)
Recommended:
The Letter (1940) - What can I say. I think it probably is becoming clear that this will be one of my favorites. And it is.
Mutiny on the Bounty (1962) - Not as good as the Gable version, but since I grew up in the Tampa Bay area and visited the ship several times, I have to include it.
Objective, Burma! (1945) - Actually saw this for the first time last month and really enjoyed it. I never realized it, but I think I am a big Errol Flynn fan.
Red River (1948) - "Ever had a good - Swiss watch?"
The Great Escape (1963) - A classic even if a bit over rated.
Highly Recommended:
I think you know where this is going to go - The Letter. Far and away one of Davis' best films an done that nicely embodies her move from the 1930s to the 1940s.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Day Of The Jackal (1973) - Just have heard great things about this.
Really Not Interested:
Grand Prix (1966) - James Garner and car racing. 'nuff said.
The Rest:
The Window (1949)
Bullitt (1968)
David Copperfield (1935)
TCM for Friday 2/18/05
Today's theme is best art direction. Night of the very good one word title films. Beyond that, though, the month is getting to where I thought it would - fairly depressing.
Recommended:
Marie Antoinette (1938)
Vertigo (1958)
Batman (1989)
Aliens (1986)
Highly Recommended:
Vertigo
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Is Paris Burning? (1966)
Really Not Interested:
The Shootist (1976)
The Rest:
Brigadoon (1954)
Sweet Charity (1969)
Blood on the Sun (1945)
The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
Recommended:
Marie Antoinette (1938)
Vertigo (1958)
Batman (1989)
Aliens (1986)
Highly Recommended:
Vertigo
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Is Paris Burning? (1966)
Really Not Interested:
The Shootist (1976)
The Rest:
Brigadoon (1954)
Sweet Charity (1969)
Blood on the Sun (1945)
The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968)
2.16.2005
TCM for Thursday 2/17
Getting ahead again. Tomorrow's theme is Best Sound and it gets back to a few more films that I truly enjoy. I go behind lately, and I think it was in part due to the fact that there were few films that rank high on my list.
Recommended:
Gold Diggers Of 1933 (1933) - Busby Berkeley at, really, his best. The numbers are outstanding and the story is wonderful. Great film.
Hollywood Canteen (1944) - This film is just quite a bit of fun. A treat.
Cleopatra (1934) - Good version of this story. I am not a huge Colbert fan, but enjoy this film.
Imitation Of Life (1934) - Speaking of Colbert, this is my favorite of hers. I think I prefer the Sirk version, but this one has many merits and is stronger in terms of acting if not as stylish or campy.
The Dirty Dozen (1967) - Not a favorite of mine, but one to see.
Highly Recommended:
This is a hard choice, but I have to go with Gold Diggers. This is really one film you need to see to understand the film musical in the 1930s.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Hangmen Also Die (1943) - A Fritz Lang film I haven't seen. Sounds good.
Really Not Interested:
Oklahoma! (1955) - Sorry, I've tried to watch this many times but have never been able to get through it.
The Rest:
General Spanky (1936)
So This Is Washington (1943)
That Girl From Paris (1936)
Bright Victory (1951)
The Bells Of St. Mary's (1945)
Recommended:
Gold Diggers Of 1933 (1933) - Busby Berkeley at, really, his best. The numbers are outstanding and the story is wonderful. Great film.
Hollywood Canteen (1944) - This film is just quite a bit of fun. A treat.
Cleopatra (1934) - Good version of this story. I am not a huge Colbert fan, but enjoy this film.
Imitation Of Life (1934) - Speaking of Colbert, this is my favorite of hers. I think I prefer the Sirk version, but this one has many merits and is stronger in terms of acting if not as stylish or campy.
The Dirty Dozen (1967) - Not a favorite of mine, but one to see.
Highly Recommended:
This is a hard choice, but I have to go with Gold Diggers. This is really one film you need to see to understand the film musical in the 1930s.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Hangmen Also Die (1943) - A Fritz Lang film I haven't seen. Sounds good.
Really Not Interested:
Oklahoma! (1955) - Sorry, I've tried to watch this many times but have never been able to get through it.
The Rest:
General Spanky (1936)
So This Is Washington (1943)
That Girl From Paris (1936)
Bright Victory (1951)
The Bells Of St. Mary's (1945)
TCM for Wednesday 2/16
The theme for today was Best Visual Effects.
Recommended:
Spellbound (1945)
Forbidden Planet (1956)
The Birds (1963)
Highly Recommended:
The Birds
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Stand By for Action (1943)
Really Not Interested:
Torpedo Run (1958)
The Rest:
Air Force (1943)
So Proudly We Hail (1943)
Flight Command (1940)
Mighty Joe Young (1949)
The Time Machine (1960)
The Last Voyage (1960)
Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
Recommended:
Spellbound (1945)
Forbidden Planet (1956)
The Birds (1963)
Highly Recommended:
The Birds
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Stand By for Action (1943)
Really Not Interested:
Torpedo Run (1958)
The Rest:
Air Force (1943)
So Proudly We Hail (1943)
Flight Command (1940)
Mighty Joe Young (1949)
The Time Machine (1960)
The Last Voyage (1960)
Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
TCM for Tuesday 2/15
Not sure what the theme was.
Recommended:
It Should Happen To You (1954)
Guys And Dolls (1955)
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Highly Recommended:
Seven Samurai (1954)
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Raintree County (1957)
Really Not Interested:
Gambit (1966)
The Rest:
Gate of Hell (1953)
Midnight Lace (1960)
Hawaii (1966)
Recommended:
It Should Happen To You (1954)
Guys And Dolls (1955)
Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Highly Recommended:
Seven Samurai (1954)
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Raintree County (1957)
Really Not Interested:
Gambit (1966)
The Rest:
Gate of Hell (1953)
Midnight Lace (1960)
Hawaii (1966)
2.13.2005
TCM for Monday 2/14/04
Moving right along. The theme for Monday is Best Original Screenplay. Not too many films here I have seen, and a couple of those were, for me, quite unmemorable. Let's have a look.
Recommended:
The Lady Eve (1941) - I'll give it away now - do not miss this film.
Lover Come Back (1961) - Pillow Talk remains the best of this cycle, but this one is worth seeing as well.
Diner (1982) - Another film that I haven't seen in quite a long time, but I do have fond memories of.
Highly Recommended:
Hands down, The Lady Eve. This film would be in my top three of all time, I love this film. When I was an undergrad I first saw this film in the middle of the night on local TV, but missed the first 10 minutes so did not know what it was or who the star was. This was in the pre-internet days, so I could not look up the film or find out what it was, so I went for days thinking about this film and being in love with Stanwcyk without even knowing who she was. It wasn't until a few years later that I happened to see the film and find out what and who it was. I am convinced, though, that this was the moment that got me interested in film.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Vitelloni, I (1953) - This is one of the few Fellini I have not seen. I have since gotten out of my Fellini phase, but I would still like to see it.
Really Not Interested:
Green Card (1990) - I hope I don't have to explain too much.
The Rest:
What Next, Corporal Hargrove? (1945)
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955)
The Ladykillers (1955)
The Road to Utopia (1946)
The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944)
The Bachelor And The Bobby-Soxer (1947)
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
...And Justice for All (1979)
Recommended:
The Lady Eve (1941) - I'll give it away now - do not miss this film.
Lover Come Back (1961) - Pillow Talk remains the best of this cycle, but this one is worth seeing as well.
Diner (1982) - Another film that I haven't seen in quite a long time, but I do have fond memories of.
Highly Recommended:
Hands down, The Lady Eve. This film would be in my top three of all time, I love this film. When I was an undergrad I first saw this film in the middle of the night on local TV, but missed the first 10 minutes so did not know what it was or who the star was. This was in the pre-internet days, so I could not look up the film or find out what it was, so I went for days thinking about this film and being in love with Stanwcyk without even knowing who she was. It wasn't until a few years later that I happened to see the film and find out what and who it was. I am convinced, though, that this was the moment that got me interested in film.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Vitelloni, I (1953) - This is one of the few Fellini I have not seen. I have since gotten out of my Fellini phase, but I would still like to see it.
Really Not Interested:
Green Card (1990) - I hope I don't have to explain too much.
The Rest:
What Next, Corporal Hargrove? (1945)
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell (1955)
The Ladykillers (1955)
The Road to Utopia (1946)
The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944)
The Bachelor And The Bobby-Soxer (1947)
Crocodile Dundee (1986)
...And Justice for All (1979)
2.12.2005
TCM for Sunday 2/13
Well, as much as I was lost today, I am going to be close tomorrow with Best Song nominees.
Recommended:
The Gay Divorcee (1934) - You can never go wrong with Astaire and Rogers. The number "Night and Day" is marvelous.
Buck Privates (1941) - One of the few Abbott and Costello to make it on TCM this month, and well worth it.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) - A good Hitchcock film. Still not the best, but good.
Holiday Inn (1942) - One of the few Crosby films I have seen, and one that I often enjoy.
What's New, Pussycat? (1965) - I mentioned yesterday about better Sellers films - this is one of them.
Highly Recommended:
This is really a tough one as all of the films above are very good, but none of them is one that stands out for me as one to recommend above the other. So I think I will go out on a limb and suggest Buck Privates since, as I mentioned, it is probably one of the few, if not only, Abbott and Costello films to hit TCM this month. It's also one of their best.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Harvey Girls (1946) - One of the few Garland films that I haven't seen yet.
Really Not Interested:
The Way We Were (1973) - Sorry, just not a big fan.
The Rest:
San Antonio (1945)
Georgy Girl (1966)
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Foul Play (1978)
Born Free (1966)
Recommended:
The Gay Divorcee (1934) - You can never go wrong with Astaire and Rogers. The number "Night and Day" is marvelous.
Buck Privates (1941) - One of the few Abbott and Costello to make it on TCM this month, and well worth it.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) - A good Hitchcock film. Still not the best, but good.
Holiday Inn (1942) - One of the few Crosby films I have seen, and one that I often enjoy.
What's New, Pussycat? (1965) - I mentioned yesterday about better Sellers films - this is one of them.
Highly Recommended:
This is really a tough one as all of the films above are very good, but none of them is one that stands out for me as one to recommend above the other. So I think I will go out on a limb and suggest Buck Privates since, as I mentioned, it is probably one of the few, if not only, Abbott and Costello films to hit TCM this month. It's also one of their best.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Harvey Girls (1946) - One of the few Garland films that I haven't seen yet.
Really Not Interested:
The Way We Were (1973) - Sorry, just not a big fan.
The Rest:
San Antonio (1945)
Georgy Girl (1966)
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
Foul Play (1978)
Born Free (1966)
TCM for Saturday 2/12
The theme has moved on to Best Score winners and nominees and, I must admit, I am a bit lost amongst this group. There are several I have seen, but none really are films that I would generally include in my favorites. So, with that in mind, here we go.
Recommended:
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) - Quite the classic so it must go here. In all honesty, it is a wonderful film, so do see it.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) - Though I recommend it, I have never been able to sit through it again since the first time I saw it. It just doesn't keep my interest anymore.
Jaws (1975) - A very fun and entertaining film.
Papillon (1973) - Another that I recommend having only seen once, but remember it more fondly than Magnificent Seven.
The Pink Panther (1964) - I loved these films when I was younger, but am ambivalent about them now because I know that there are so man better Peter Sellers films out there.
Festival of Shorts #3 (1998) - Not even sure what is in this package, but the shorts will usually have at least one in the group that I am glad I saw.
Highly Recommended:
This is hard to say, but I think I need to go with Mockingbird. Of the films listed for today it is one of the few that I can go back and watch again from beginning to end without losing interest.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Lost Patrol (1934) - It's from the 1930s and directed by John Ford. Of course I want to see it.
Really Not Interested:
The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) - Sorry, no Romans.
The Rest:
The Bridge Of San Luis Rey (1944)
The Big Country (1958)
Superman: The Movie (1978)
Recommended:
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) - Quite the classic so it must go here. In all honesty, it is a wonderful film, so do see it.
The Magnificent Seven (1960) - Though I recommend it, I have never been able to sit through it again since the first time I saw it. It just doesn't keep my interest anymore.
Jaws (1975) - A very fun and entertaining film.
Papillon (1973) - Another that I recommend having only seen once, but remember it more fondly than Magnificent Seven.
The Pink Panther (1964) - I loved these films when I was younger, but am ambivalent about them now because I know that there are so man better Peter Sellers films out there.
Festival of Shorts #3 (1998) - Not even sure what is in this package, but the shorts will usually have at least one in the group that I am glad I saw.
Highly Recommended:
This is hard to say, but I think I need to go with Mockingbird. Of the films listed for today it is one of the few that I can go back and watch again from beginning to end without losing interest.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
The Lost Patrol (1934) - It's from the 1930s and directed by John Ford. Of course I want to see it.
Really Not Interested:
The Fall of the Roman Empire (1964) - Sorry, no Romans.
The Rest:
The Bridge Of San Luis Rey (1944)
The Big Country (1958)
Superman: The Movie (1978)
2.11.2005
TCM for Friday 2/11
TCM continues with its focus on best actor. These last two days make me realize I am more of an actress aficionado than for actors. Haven't seen as many of these nor do I have as much interest in them.
Recommended:
The Front Page (1931) - Honestly, saw it quite some time ago but remember it to be quite good. Being from '31 doesn't hurt it in getting a recommendation.
Goodbye Mr. Chips (1939) - Not, for me, the best of the '39 films, but it is a must see.
Father Of The Bride (1950) - I enjoyed this film when I saw it several years ago and watch it when it comes on. Engaging and funny.
Network (1976) - Another must see that I haven't seen myself for some time.
Raging Bull (1980) - Quite the amazing film from all perspectives. Could almost make me like boxing films.
Highly Recommended:
I think it has to be Raging Bull because it is the clear classic of the bunch that helped set the terms for much film of the 1980s.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) - I keep meaning to watch this as I love Cagney. Maybe I will tomorrow.
Really Not Interested:
The Yearling (1946) - Sorry, but no deer.
The Rest:
The Human Comedy (1943)
The Sunshine Boys (1975)
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Tootsie (1982)
The Buddy Holly Story (1978)
Recommended:
The Front Page (1931) - Honestly, saw it quite some time ago but remember it to be quite good. Being from '31 doesn't hurt it in getting a recommendation.
Goodbye Mr. Chips (1939) - Not, for me, the best of the '39 films, but it is a must see.
Father Of The Bride (1950) - I enjoyed this film when I saw it several years ago and watch it when it comes on. Engaging and funny.
Network (1976) - Another must see that I haven't seen myself for some time.
Raging Bull (1980) - Quite the amazing film from all perspectives. Could almost make me like boxing films.
Highly Recommended:
I think it has to be Raging Bull because it is the clear classic of the bunch that helped set the terms for much film of the 1980s.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) - I keep meaning to watch this as I love Cagney. Maybe I will tomorrow.
Really Not Interested:
The Yearling (1946) - Sorry, but no deer.
The Rest:
The Human Comedy (1943)
The Sunshine Boys (1975)
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Tootsie (1982)
The Buddy Holly Story (1978)
2.09.2005
TCM for Thursday 2/10
Okay, I think I'm getting back on track.
Today the theme moves on to best actor.
Recommended:
The Big House (1930) - This is an excellent early talkie prison film. Montgomery, Morris, and Beery all give superb performances.
A Free Soul (1931) - Another excellent Shearer film - she out-sexes Gable, leaves Leslie Howard in her dust, and plays well alongside Lionel Barrymore.
Citizen Kane (1941) - Kind of have to include it here. Despite saying that, this truly is an excellent film.
The Search (1948) - I saw this about a year ago, maybe during the same month, and quite enjoyed it.
Bad Day At Black Rock (1955) - Another film that I stumbled across and very much enjoyed. The visuals are well done and Tracy stands out.
Highly Recommended:
This is a tough one again. I'm torn between The Big House and A Free Soul, but am going, this time, to give it to The Big House. It's a film that doesn't get too much play (I Know, A Free Soul doesn't either) and really is quite good.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
Lust For Life (1956) - One of the Minnelli I haven't seen and feel like I should. Biopics generally turn me off which has kept me away.
Mourning Becomes Electra (1947) - Sounds like the kind of film I might enjoy. I know little about it other than the TCM blurb.
Really Not Interested:
I Never Sang for My Father (1970) -Again, I know little other than the TCM blurb, but this one does nothing for me.
The Rest:
Gaslight (1944)
Random Harvest (1942)
Philadelphia (1993)
The China Syndrome (1979)
Today the theme moves on to best actor.
Recommended:
The Big House (1930) - This is an excellent early talkie prison film. Montgomery, Morris, and Beery all give superb performances.
A Free Soul (1931) - Another excellent Shearer film - she out-sexes Gable, leaves Leslie Howard in her dust, and plays well alongside Lionel Barrymore.
Citizen Kane (1941) - Kind of have to include it here. Despite saying that, this truly is an excellent film.
The Search (1948) - I saw this about a year ago, maybe during the same month, and quite enjoyed it.
Bad Day At Black Rock (1955) - Another film that I stumbled across and very much enjoyed. The visuals are well done and Tracy stands out.
Highly Recommended:
This is a tough one again. I'm torn between The Big House and A Free Soul, but am going, this time, to give it to The Big House. It's a film that doesn't get too much play (I Know, A Free Soul doesn't either) and really is quite good.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
Lust For Life (1956) - One of the Minnelli I haven't seen and feel like I should. Biopics generally turn me off which has kept me away.
Mourning Becomes Electra (1947) - Sounds like the kind of film I might enjoy. I know little about it other than the TCM blurb.
Really Not Interested:
I Never Sang for My Father (1970) -Again, I know little other than the TCM blurb, but this one does nothing for me.
The Rest:
Gaslight (1944)
Random Harvest (1942)
Philadelphia (1993)
The China Syndrome (1979)
TCM for Wednesday 2/9
It's amazing how time can get away from you. Sorry this is so late. Today continued the theme of best actress.
Recommended:
Dangerous (1935) - Though it is often discussed as a "make-up" award for Davis not being nominated the year before for Of Human Bondage, this is, I think, one of her finest performances. The early scenes when she is seducing Tone in the barn are magnificent.
Suspicion (1941) - Not one of my favorite Hitchcock films, but one to see nonetheless.
Magnificent Obsession (1954) - Ah, the first Sirk melodrama I saw, and still one of my favorites (it is on right now).
Anna Christie (1930) - Garbo talks! Dressler ain't half bad either.
Their Own Desire (1929) - Early Shearer/Montgomery and one of their better pairings I think. Not quite as good as The Divorcee, but one of the first of their pairings that caught my interest.
Highly Recommended:
In this group, hands down it is Dangerous. Ask me to go off on this film more sometime.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Butterfield 8 (1960) - I am slowly beginning to realize that I want to see more of Elizabeth Taylor. I happened to see her mini-profile of Montgomery Clift the other day and it sparked an interest that had not been there before.
Really Not Interested:
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) - This came on this afternoon and I began to watch it, but quit after 15 minutes. Not my cup of tea.
The Rest:
Lili (1953)
Madame Curie (1943)
Sunrise At Campobello (1960)
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Long Day's Journey into Night (1962)
Recommended:
Dangerous (1935) - Though it is often discussed as a "make-up" award for Davis not being nominated the year before for Of Human Bondage, this is, I think, one of her finest performances. The early scenes when she is seducing Tone in the barn are magnificent.
Suspicion (1941) - Not one of my favorite Hitchcock films, but one to see nonetheless.
Magnificent Obsession (1954) - Ah, the first Sirk melodrama I saw, and still one of my favorites (it is on right now).
Anna Christie (1930) - Garbo talks! Dressler ain't half bad either.
Their Own Desire (1929) - Early Shearer/Montgomery and one of their better pairings I think. Not quite as good as The Divorcee, but one of the first of their pairings that caught my interest.
Highly Recommended:
In this group, hands down it is Dangerous. Ask me to go off on this film more sometime.
Haven't Seen, But Want To:
Butterfield 8 (1960) - I am slowly beginning to realize that I want to see more of Elizabeth Taylor. I happened to see her mini-profile of Montgomery Clift the other day and it sparked an interest that had not been there before.
Really Not Interested:
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) - This came on this afternoon and I began to watch it, but quit after 15 minutes. Not my cup of tea.
The Rest:
Lili (1953)
Madame Curie (1943)
Sunrise At Campobello (1960)
Coal Miner's Daughter (1980)
Long Day's Journey into Night (1962)
2.08.2005
TCM for Tuesday 2/8
A category I love - best actress.
Recommended:
Another day with quite a few.
Dark Victory (1939) - One of my favorite all-time Bette Davis films, even with the unfortunate role for Bogey. Prognosis Negative!!
Possessed (1947) - Not one of my favorite Crawford films, though others love it. Still very good though.
Splendor In The Grass (1961) - One of the first Kazan films I saw and one that first got me interested in Hollywood film before 1970.
Kitty Foyle (1940) - A wonderful classic.
Now, Voyager (1942) - My other all-time favorite Bette Davis film. It would have to be on the same day.
The Divorcee (1930) - Yet another dilemma. My favorite Shearer film and one of my all-time favorite films. The next category is going to be very difficult.
Highly Recommended:
This is even harder than last night. But, in the end, I think it will come down to recommending a film that may not have been seen too much, and so it is The Divorcee. I imagine many people have seen Now, Voyager and probably Dark Victory. Both have been considered classics for some time and are available widely on video and DVD. Only recently has Shearer come back into the spotlight and this film, as with all of hers, is hard to come by. So, see it if you can.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
White Banners (1938) - I'm giving it to this film because I have no familiarity with any of the other films and this one sounds, by its description, as the one I might like the most.
Really Not Interested:
Same Time, Next Year (1978) - I have seen parts of this from time to time and it really does nothing to interest me.
The Rest:
A Patch Of Blue (1965)
Blossoms In The Dust (1941)
The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Sister Kenny (1946)
Recommended:
Another day with quite a few.
Dark Victory (1939) - One of my favorite all-time Bette Davis films, even with the unfortunate role for Bogey. Prognosis Negative!!
Possessed (1947) - Not one of my favorite Crawford films, though others love it. Still very good though.
Splendor In The Grass (1961) - One of the first Kazan films I saw and one that first got me interested in Hollywood film before 1970.
Kitty Foyle (1940) - A wonderful classic.
Now, Voyager (1942) - My other all-time favorite Bette Davis film. It would have to be on the same day.
The Divorcee (1930) - Yet another dilemma. My favorite Shearer film and one of my all-time favorite films. The next category is going to be very difficult.
Highly Recommended:
This is even harder than last night. But, in the end, I think it will come down to recommending a film that may not have been seen too much, and so it is The Divorcee. I imagine many people have seen Now, Voyager and probably Dark Victory. Both have been considered classics for some time and are available widely on video and DVD. Only recently has Shearer come back into the spotlight and this film, as with all of hers, is hard to come by. So, see it if you can.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
White Banners (1938) - I'm giving it to this film because I have no familiarity with any of the other films and this one sounds, by its description, as the one I might like the most.
Really Not Interested:
Same Time, Next Year (1978) - I have seen parts of this from time to time and it really does nothing to interest me.
The Rest:
A Patch Of Blue (1965)
Blossoms In The Dust (1941)
The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Sister Kenny (1946)
2.06.2005
TCM for Monday 2/7/05
The theme moves on to adapted screenplay and, after a weekend in which I found little compelling to watch, things look up again.
Recommended:
Quite a few to recommend for the day.
The Jazz Singer (1927) - Beyond the fact that it is the "first talkie," it is also great melodrama.
Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1932) - I prefer the 1920 silent version with Barrymore, but the story itself is good.
The Thin Man (1934) - superb. Both Powell and Loy are marvelous and Asta is terribly cute.
Lolita (1962) - Overall the film has, for me, slow parts, but Sellers and Mason make up for that throughout. The opening is still one of my favorites.
Peyton Place (1957) - Great campy melodrama.
Little Caesar (1930) - Along with the original Scarface, perhaps the best of the early gangster films.
Highly Recommended:
This was a hard one for me. Ten years ago, Lolita would have won hands down. Things have changed and now it is not so clear. As indicated, Lolita is now, for me, a bit of a flawed film and my love of 30s films has taken over. But how does one choose between The Thin Man and Little Caesar? They are both excellent but very different kinds of films. I guess it comes down to something simple: over the past year, when I came across one or the other film playing on TCM, which did I sit and watch more often? The winner; Little Caesar.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
12 Angry Men (1957) - this was a bit of a weak choice, none of the remaining films were any that I have been longing to see as I had seen most of them. This one out as I am intrigued to see more of Fonda's films.
Really Not Interested:
Captain Newman, M.D. (1964) - this is another film that I have seen previews for on TCM recently and it does not at all look like anything that I would want to watch.
The Rest:
Baby Doll (1956) - Haven't seen it and do not really want to, though I could more that the one above.
Stand by Me (1986) - Saw it when it came out, who didn't, but do not have any really fond memories. In fact, the only memories were of being sick of the title song while in high school.
JFK (1991) - Have only seen parts of this, it has never really been able to keep my interest.
Recommended:
Quite a few to recommend for the day.
The Jazz Singer (1927) - Beyond the fact that it is the "first talkie," it is also great melodrama.
Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1932) - I prefer the 1920 silent version with Barrymore, but the story itself is good.
The Thin Man (1934) - superb. Both Powell and Loy are marvelous and Asta is terribly cute.
Lolita (1962) - Overall the film has, for me, slow parts, but Sellers and Mason make up for that throughout. The opening is still one of my favorites.
Peyton Place (1957) - Great campy melodrama.
Little Caesar (1930) - Along with the original Scarface, perhaps the best of the early gangster films.
Highly Recommended:
This was a hard one for me. Ten years ago, Lolita would have won hands down. Things have changed and now it is not so clear. As indicated, Lolita is now, for me, a bit of a flawed film and my love of 30s films has taken over. But how does one choose between The Thin Man and Little Caesar? They are both excellent but very different kinds of films. I guess it comes down to something simple: over the past year, when I came across one or the other film playing on TCM, which did I sit and watch more often? The winner; Little Caesar.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
12 Angry Men (1957) - this was a bit of a weak choice, none of the remaining films were any that I have been longing to see as I had seen most of them. This one out as I am intrigued to see more of Fonda's films.
Really Not Interested:
Captain Newman, M.D. (1964) - this is another film that I have seen previews for on TCM recently and it does not at all look like anything that I would want to watch.
The Rest:
Baby Doll (1956) - Haven't seen it and do not really want to, though I could more that the one above.
Stand by Me (1986) - Saw it when it came out, who didn't, but do not have any really fond memories. In fact, the only memories were of being sick of the title song while in high school.
JFK (1991) - Have only seen parts of this, it has never really been able to keep my interest.
Saturday Out
Yesterday, Sebastian and I went to Independence Seapot Museum.
Here is a nice photo of the Ben Franlkin Bridge:
We spent some time in the museum looking at the boats.
And we visited a submarine.
Here is a nice photo of the Ben Franlkin Bridge:
We spent some time in the museum looking at the boats.
And we visited a submarine.
2.05.2005
Sunday TCM
I'm a little behind on this so, without much comment:
The theme for Sunday 2/6 is cinematography.
Recommended:
Abe Lincoln In Illinois (1940), Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939), The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945).
Highly Recommended:
Very tough as I have only seen a few of these films. Maybe Dorian Gray.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
The Sign of the Cross (1932). This is one I have long wanted to see. Will certainly tape it tonight.
Really Not Interested:
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). Just not interested. The rest of the lineup could go either way.
The theme for Sunday 2/6 is cinematography.
Recommended:
Abe Lincoln In Illinois (1940), Intermezzo: A Love Story (1939), The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945).
Highly Recommended:
Very tough as I have only seen a few of these films. Maybe Dorian Gray.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
The Sign of the Cross (1932). This is one I have long wanted to see. Will certainly tape it tonight.
Really Not Interested:
The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965). Just not interested. The rest of the lineup could go either way.
2.04.2005
Moving Right Along
Here's my lowdown on tomorrow's day on TCM. After a very good start to the month for me, the schedule is slowly settling into what I had expected - unfortunately. Maybe it will pick up after the weekend.
continuing the theme of Best Supporting Actor.
Recommended:
The Great Dictator, even if I find it a bit overrated and feel that it hasn't aged well it still has some truly hilarious moments.
The Alamo for personal reasons. One of the really bad films that I am a sucker for.
Quiz Show. I remember quite enjoying this when it came out and Ralph Fiennes is excellent.
Highly Recommended:
The Maltese Falcon. Really a must see for so many reasons, not the least of which are Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
Crossfire. I have heard much about the film and its source material, but have never taken the time to watch it. Too bad it is on at 4:45am, I probably won't get to it this time either.
Really Not Interested:
The Paper Chase. I hear great things about the film, but the previews I have seen do nothing for me.
Today I did not get a chance to see anything. I was tied up at school and then went to a lecture.
continuing the theme of Best Supporting Actor.
Recommended:
The Great Dictator, even if I find it a bit overrated and feel that it hasn't aged well it still has some truly hilarious moments.
The Alamo for personal reasons. One of the really bad films that I am a sucker for.
Quiz Show. I remember quite enjoying this when it came out and Ralph Fiennes is excellent.
Highly Recommended:
The Maltese Falcon. Really a must see for so many reasons, not the least of which are Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet.
Haven't Seen, but want to:
Crossfire. I have heard much about the film and its source material, but have never taken the time to watch it. Too bad it is on at 4:45am, I probably won't get to it this time either.
Really Not Interested:
The Paper Chase. I hear great things about the film, but the previews I have seen do nothing for me.
Today I did not get a chance to see anything. I was tied up at school and then went to a lecture.
The 4th Day of Osc
Here is a preview of tomorrow's line-up. The theme has moved on to Best Supporting Actor.
Recommended: The unofficial Bette Davis theme continues with four films tomorrow to go with the three from today. They are Mr. Skeffington, The Corn is Green, Pocketful of Miracles, and Juarez. Otherwise, Picnic, The Asphalt Jungle, and Notorious are also good ones to catch.
Highly Recommended: I'm going to return to the Davis films here and recommend Juarez. None of these Davis films would make my top five list for her, but Juarez would be close because I also love Paul Muni who seems somewhat forgotten today though he was spectacular in his day.
Haven't Seen, but want to: Ride the Pink Horse leaps out at me from the list as Robert Montgomery is one of my favorites - though I generally prefer his work in the early 1930s and not the film noir 40s so much. I might try and tape this one though.
Really Not Interested: This award goes to Trial tonight. Nothing here seems to grab me about it. I have been wrong before though...
As for today, I did end up watching These Three which was good. Merle Oberon is stunning - I often forget that. I also saw All This, And Heaven Too and The Little Foxes. Both are good, though, as I said, Foxes overall is much better. I have thought about this before, but I was struck again watching both films as to how amazing Bette Davis close-ups are - I really think there are few finer in film at delivering a close-up. Shots of her face literally jar me out of my seat each and every time - either due to the beauty, innocence, and simplicity of her look in All This, the cold meanness of her look in Foxes, or, where I thought of it before, the sexual energy of her look in Dangerous. Breathtaking each and every time, even if for radically different reasons.
Recommended: The unofficial Bette Davis theme continues with four films tomorrow to go with the three from today. They are Mr. Skeffington, The Corn is Green, Pocketful of Miracles, and Juarez. Otherwise, Picnic, The Asphalt Jungle, and Notorious are also good ones to catch.
Highly Recommended: I'm going to return to the Davis films here and recommend Juarez. None of these Davis films would make my top five list for her, but Juarez would be close because I also love Paul Muni who seems somewhat forgotten today though he was spectacular in his day.
Haven't Seen, but want to: Ride the Pink Horse leaps out at me from the list as Robert Montgomery is one of my favorites - though I generally prefer his work in the early 1930s and not the film noir 40s so much. I might try and tape this one though.
Really Not Interested: This award goes to Trial tonight. Nothing here seems to grab me about it. I have been wrong before though...
As for today, I did end up watching These Three which was good. Merle Oberon is stunning - I often forget that. I also saw All This, And Heaven Too and The Little Foxes. Both are good, though, as I said, Foxes overall is much better. I have thought about this before, but I was struck again watching both films as to how amazing Bette Davis close-ups are - I really think there are few finer in film at delivering a close-up. Shots of her face literally jar me out of my seat each and every time - either due to the beauty, innocence, and simplicity of her look in All This, the cold meanness of her look in Foxes, or, where I thought of it before, the sexual energy of her look in Dangerous. Breathtaking each and every time, even if for radically different reasons.
2.02.2005
More on Today
A quick comeback to TCM today.
I ended up seeing most of Since You Went Away (1944), missing only the first 20 or 30 minutes (it's almost three hours long).
What a great film. The performances are top notch and if you love weepy melodramas this is the film for you. The film was ripping my heart out every 20 minutes or so - the ups and downs were crazy but, I imagine, very real for much of the contemporary audience. Even the hokey ending didn't bother me so much.
If you get a chance to catch this one, please do try.
I ended up seeing most of Since You Went Away (1944), missing only the first 20 or 30 minutes (it's almost three hours long).
What a great film. The performances are top notch and if you love weepy melodramas this is the film for you. The film was ripping my heart out every 20 minutes or so - the ups and downs were crazy but, I imagine, very real for much of the contemporary audience. Even the hokey ending didn't bother me so much.
If you get a chance to catch this one, please do try.
Getting Ahead
I though I would get ahead a little in the 31 Days of Oscar, so here is my take on tomorrow.
Continuing the "Supporting Actress" theme, but Bette Davis plays a large part in it.
Three of her films will be airing tomorrow: All This, And Heaven Too (1940) at 7:30,
The Little Foxes (1941) at 1:30, and The Great Lie (1941) at 3:15am. Of these, The Little Foxes and The Great Lie would be the ones to catch with, for me, The Great Lie being the must-see. Too bad it is the one on so late.
Some other usual must sees are also on tomorrow including Singin' In the Rain (1952), Duel in the Sun (1946), and Seargant York (1941). Though I don't normally go for war films, York is one that I remember liking when I saw it some time ago and found Copper to be quite good in.
Among the rest of the films, which I haven't seen, Nixon (1995) is the one that I would be most interested in seeing, narrowly beating out These Three (1936). Since I won't be home tomorrow night, but will be here during the day, I will probably end up watching These Three.
Continuing the "Supporting Actress" theme, but Bette Davis plays a large part in it.
Three of her films will be airing tomorrow: All This, And Heaven Too (1940) at 7:30,
The Little Foxes (1941) at 1:30, and The Great Lie (1941) at 3:15am. Of these, The Little Foxes and The Great Lie would be the ones to catch with, for me, The Great Lie being the must-see. Too bad it is the one on so late.
Some other usual must sees are also on tomorrow including Singin' In the Rain (1952), Duel in the Sun (1946), and Seargant York (1941). Though I don't normally go for war films, York is one that I remember liking when I saw it some time ago and found Copper to be quite good in.
Among the rest of the films, which I haven't seen, Nixon (1995) is the one that I would be most interested in seeing, narrowly beating out These Three (1936). Since I won't be home tomorrow night, but will be here during the day, I will probably end up watching These Three.
Day 2
Well, yesterday turned out to be as great as I thought. I was able to catch Barretts and most of Merry Widow, then had to leave for school and watched Mutiny and the Thalberg documentary when I got home. All in all a nice day.
I though the Thalberg documentary was good, but did not catch anything new on the initial screening. I felt that if you had read the biographies of him there was not really that much new added to the mix. Some new clips and, for me, the first time hearing him speak, but that was all.
As a Shearer fan, I was also a little disappointed in the way they presented her, especially in regards to her as a mother. I concede that she may not have wanted children nor was overly affectionate towards them, but the way it was presented was as if she were a cold, uncaring mother and I don't know if that extreme was the case.
As for today and tonight, my recommendations would be Jezebel (just ending), The Spiral Staircase (starting in a moment), Stella Dallas at 3:30, Imitation of Life (1959) at 8, and L.A. Confidential tonight at 2:30. Of these, Stella has to be my favorite - in fact I will be doing some writing about it later in the month so maybe I will share some of that.
I though the Thalberg documentary was good, but did not catch anything new on the initial screening. I felt that if you had read the biographies of him there was not really that much new added to the mix. Some new clips and, for me, the first time hearing him speak, but that was all.
As a Shearer fan, I was also a little disappointed in the way they presented her, especially in regards to her as a mother. I concede that she may not have wanted children nor was overly affectionate towards them, but the way it was presented was as if she were a cold, uncaring mother and I don't know if that extreme was the case.
As for today and tonight, my recommendations would be Jezebel (just ending), The Spiral Staircase (starting in a moment), Stella Dallas at 3:30, Imitation of Life (1959) at 8, and L.A. Confidential tonight at 2:30. Of these, Stella has to be my favorite - in fact I will be doing some writing about it later in the month so maybe I will share some of that.
2.01.2005
31 Days of Oscar
Today begins Turner Classic Movies' yearly month long tribute to the Academy Awards - 31 Days of Oscar.
I am going to try and keep a running catalog of some of the days - the ones I get to look at anyway. I don't know that I will write about all of the days, but will try about many.
Today is easily going to turn out to be one of my favorite days. It's too bad I have too much work to do, otherwise I would probably spend the whole day sitting in front of the television.
Already this morning I caught, again, Smilin' Through, soon to be followed up by The Barretts of Wimpole Street, The Merry Widow, Camille, and The Good Earth. This is, of course, leading up to the premiere tonight of Irving Thalberg: Prince of Hollywood. I am really looking forward to seeing this as I am a huge fan of Thalberg and would like to see if there is any new information in there about him. After that, tonight, they are showing Mutiny on the Bounty and Grand Hotel.
What a night!!! I recommend each and every one of these films to everyone. I wish this program could be put together as a screening for one day. So many of these I would love to see on the big screen.
I am going to try and keep a running catalog of some of the days - the ones I get to look at anyway. I don't know that I will write about all of the days, but will try about many.
Today is easily going to turn out to be one of my favorite days. It's too bad I have too much work to do, otherwise I would probably spend the whole day sitting in front of the television.
Already this morning I caught, again, Smilin' Through, soon to be followed up by The Barretts of Wimpole Street, The Merry Widow, Camille, and The Good Earth. This is, of course, leading up to the premiere tonight of Irving Thalberg: Prince of Hollywood. I am really looking forward to seeing this as I am a huge fan of Thalberg and would like to see if there is any new information in there about him. After that, tonight, they are showing Mutiny on the Bounty and Grand Hotel.
What a night!!! I recommend each and every one of these films to everyone. I wish this program could be put together as a screening for one day. So many of these I would love to see on the big screen.
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