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Post by wmcclain on Jun 18, 2022 13:23:38 GMT
Your comments/ratings/recommendations/film posters are welcome and much appreciated! The title says "classics" but we are always interested to know what classic film lovers have been watching, whatever the material.  |
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spiderwort
Junior Member
@spiderwort
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 9,420
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Post by spiderwort on Jun 18, 2022 13:51:06 GMT
First Viewings:Hope and Glory (1987): John Boorman’s masterwork, which he wrote, produced and directed. A semi-autobiographical story of life on the Homefront during the London Blitz, it concentrates on finding joy de vivre amidst the tragedies of the war. Great cast, wonderful performances. 5 Oscar nominations, including best picture, director, and screenplay. I was amazed at how good Boorman’s writing was. Highly recommended.  Finding Neverland (2004): A beautiful, very moving film. Great performances from the wonderful cast, including the kids. 7 Oscar nominations, including best picture, actor, and screenplay. Highly recommended.  Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005): A delight from start to finish, with a wonderful, Oscar nominated performance by Judi Dench, who’s solidly matched by Bob Hoskins. He also produced the film, which is based upon a true story. A must-see for Dench fans.  Contagion (2011): A solid, very interesting well-done film that is extremely relevant to our experiences in the world today. One of its virtues is its restraint. No sensationalism; just the facts and their consequences. Great cast, dedicated to serving the story. Very informative, almost a blueprint for what the world has endured in the last two years. Recommended, especially under current circumstances.  Hondo (1953): I made it all the way through this one only because of Geraldine Page. It was her first film, for which she received her first Oscar nomination. The film is not without merit, of course, but it also has a lot of western cliches that took me out of the story. That said, I'm sure it would appeal to many of you.  Re-watches:The Night of the Shooting Stars (1982):One of the most beautiful, heartbreaking and life-affirming films I’ve ever seen! Felt that way when I first saw it; still feel that way today. A haunting masterpiece, in my opinion. Highly recommended!!  The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970):Haven’t seen this since it was first released, but I loved it then, and I love it even more now. An unusual blend of comedy, drama, and the wild west. And now that I’ve seen it again, I believe it’s Peckinpah’s best. (He reportedly thought so, too, but because it failed in theatres, he went back to adding violence to his films). Robards and Stella Stevens are wonderful together. It’s her career best performance in a role that captures her humanity more than her sex appeal (though, of course, she surely has that). Highly recommended, especially for Peckinpah fans.  Sweet Land (2005):The story of a mail-order bride from Sweden struggling to make a home in a farming community in Minnesota after World War I. Wonderful cast, performances and direction by Ali Sim. Recommended for those interested in a quiet, meaningful drama.  Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life (1925):A fascinating early documentary about a nomadic Iranian tribe of 50,000 people and half a million animals on a harrowing trek across high mountainous country to reach the grasslands that will save their livestock — a journey they make every season. I love this film, made by Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, and Marguerite Harrison. Cooper and Schoedsack later when on to make the first King Kong (1933). It’s one of the first ethnographic documentaries, after Robert Flaherty’s Nanook of the North (1922), and it’s a wonderful cinematic journey.  Un chien andalou (1929):A 16 minute seminal surrealistic film directed by Luis Bunuel, co-written with Salvador Dali. At times grotesque, horrific, even repulsive, it’s nevertheless a must-see for those interested in film history. That said, I don’t think I’ll ever watch it again. Free on Tubi TV. 
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Post by Chalice_Of_Evil on Jun 18, 2022 13:55:26 GMT
Red Eye (2005). Do you wanna know how Lisa Reisert got this scar? Save for the beginning and ending, the majority of this film takes place aboard a plane (obviously). Thanks to Wes Craven's directing and the film's two main stars, the film is never boring, remains tense throughout and keeps the momentum going. Rachel McAdams proves that she can carry a film, establishing quickly her character of Lisa Reisert as a likable/capable/resourceful hotel manager who knows how to think quickly and deal with problem customers "with special needs" efficiently. It's a credit to McAdams that she makes Lisa so likable in such a short time, because we have to like her to feel for her during the predicament she finds herself in. She soon meets a man by the eyebrow-raising name of Jackson Rippner (he of the pale blue eyes, Cillian Murphy). Murphy, who played an excellent villain in Batman Begins, but was only given a limited amount of screentime, is given much more here, relishing every minute. He starts off as a helpful, "charming" person who comes to Lisa's aid at the airport, but it's not long before she's crossed paths with him again on the plane and he makes his true intentions/motives known. He's a terrorist operative working for a group who wants one of Lisa's hotel guests, United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, Charles O'Keefe, dead. Lisa's the only one who can get him moved into the right room to be assassinated, and if she doesn't do it, Jackson will have her father, Joe (Brian Cox), offed. The plot isn't exactly one we haven't seen before (a parent in danger, the protagonist has to do what the antagonist says, or her father gets it, etc), but the way in which the story's told is what keeps the viewer glued to the screen. Lisa isn't the typical damsel in distress. She's smart/knows how to think on her feet and makes several clever/sneaky attempts to alert people to her predicament, but unfortunately for her, Jackson's no fool either, and just when you think Lisa might succeed, he foils her plans. The easy-going chemistry that's set up early on between the two actors, which then leads to extreme tension later on, is what holds the film together. If it weren't for McAdams and Murphy, I doubt the film would've been as effective as it was/could've easily fallen apart. It's the little touches that make the film above average. Things you wouldn't have first thought were that important prove crucial later on, such as when Lisa comes up with a new inventive way of using a pen, for example. Her quick-thinking is what helps her last as long as she does (and keeps the audience from rolling their eyes, as she's not to typical sort who makes stupid mistakes. She's constantly figuring out ways to get out of her situation). What I really appreciated was how much of a match she is for Jackson. He obviously regards himself as 'superior', talking down to her and saying condescendingly, "Lisa, whatever female-driven, emotion-based dilemma you may be dealing with right now, you have my sympathy. But for the sake of time and sanity, let's break this down into a little male-driven fact-based logic. One simple phone call saves your dad's life.", but she's no pushover, giving as good as she gets. One little detail I appreciated was how Jackson Rippner seemed to 'devolve' into his infamous serial killer whose name his sounds like. Bit by bit, Rippner takes on the vague appearance of what one might imagine when thinking of Jack the Ripper: he acquires a silk scarf (which he tucks into the top of his shirt like a cravat, so as not to attract so much attention...what with the slight throat issue he's got going on. And, no, it can't be simply fixed with some Soothers), a decidedly raspy voice (as a result of said throat problem - and yes, they do explain how it is he still manages to talk after Lisa introduces him to his new best friend who goes by the name Pen), a limp, and lastly...the trademark knife. I thought it was nifty how he slowly took on these aspects of his namesake. Once off the plane, the film does appear to 'degenerate' into somewhat of a 'slasher' film (well, there's chasing and a knife involved, but a surprising lack of blood. If you wondering how there's no blood at one point towards the end of the film, there's a vague explanation. I just chose to go with it). Apart from one instance of the classic/obligatory 'run/trip over/fall' that plagues all slasher movie victims, it seems, Lisa manages to hold her own against Jackson once they reach her house (where he proves to be no match for all manner of flying objects being hurled his way. Yes, 'sometimes bad things happen to good people'...but sometimes they fight back! Where's your male-driven fact-based logic NOW, Jack?). Although Brian Cox isn't given much to do, he makes the most of his screentime and we care about Lisa's father/his relationship with his daughter. He also proves helpful near the end. Other side characters that populate the plane have their own little moments here and there. I also appreciated that time was devoted to us learning what led to Lisa's notable scar, which we're introduced to early on and Jackson makes an assumption about. McAdams gives a good speech about it, playing a part in Lisa's turning the tables on her tormentor. The film has its moments of humour (thanks to Glee's Jayma Mays as Lisa's co-worker, Cynthia. The film's ending satisfyingly pays off the problems her character was having at the start regarding troublesome customers. Even Lisa has her limits, patience-wise), but mostly succeeds at what it's supposed to be: a thriller. It isn't a long movie, the film's premise isn't dragged out, and that's why it works so well/benefits from a short runtime. This is a sorely underrated/underappreciated film.                (2007). Tell It to the Bees (2018). The Secret Garden (2020).
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Post by wmcclain on Jun 18, 2022 13:55:34 GMT
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Post by mikef6 on Jun 18, 2022 14:42:37 GMT
Babes In Arms / Busby Berkeley (1939). The granddaddy of the “Let’s Get The Gang Together And Put On A Show” sub-genre. A colony of ex-vaudevillians live on Long Island. Their kids, not entering upper teenage, all want a show business career for themselves. They have to prove to their parents – and to themselves – that they have the talent and drive needed. This is especially true with Mickey Moran (Mickey Rooney) who has already sold some songs, including “Good Morning,” which is also used in “Singing In The Rain” (1952). Mickey proposes they put on a show to convince everyone, including pinch faced Mrs. Steel (Margaret Hamilton) who wants to send the kids to a work farm to get a regular education. He writes a leading lady part for his girlfriend Patsy Barton (Judy Garland) but is in bind when former child star Rosalee Essex (a delightful June Preisser) offers to fund the show if she, not Patsy, gets the lead. This is based on a 1937 Broadway musical with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and a book co-written by the two. The movie retains only two numbers from the stage show although a third number, the standard “The Lady Is A Tramp,” is heard in the orchestral underscore as a motif for Rosalee. Judy Garland turned 17 during the shoot. Rooney was 18 yet both were bursting at the seams with talent. Not only singing and dancing skills, but also in dramatic performance, especially Rooney. There is a blackface number but it is interrupted when a hurricane hits and rains out the outdoor production. Funniest scene: Rooney does Clark Gable and Lionel Barrymore impressions and, yes, it really is Mickey doing the voices.    Westworld / Michael Crichton (1973). The plot of machines rebelling against humans is not new, but Michael Crichton’s original screenplay gives it a bright new twist. Two pals, Pete (Richard Benjamin) and John (James Brolin) are on their way to Westworld. There you can get into a gunfight and kill your opponent among other adventures. Of course, the opponent is a robot but one which bleeds and dies. An encounter with The Gunslinger (Yul Brynner) Is their first experience. But very slowly (at two-thirds of the runtime), things start to go wrong. The climax is a full-fledged robot rebellion with now unstoppable Gunslinger relentless in his pursuit of Pete. Brynner doesn’t have much to do or say until this final set piece (he took the part because of cash flow problems), but his performance as the implacable Gunslinger made me think of it as a model for “The Terminator” eleven years later.    Sen To Chihiro No Kamikakushi (Spirited Away) / Hayao Miyazaki (2001). In this masterful anime, 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents take a wrong turn which ends at what appears to be an abandoned amusement park. But it is a portal into the spirit world where her parents are turned into hogs and she finds herself trapped. At first panicky and frightened as a witch takes away her name and rebrands her “Sen,” she must learn to take care of herself and find courage to save herself and her mother and father. Basically, she grows up during her time in this other world. The visuals and imaginative storytelling are striking and not easily forgotten. A must-see.    Tuck Everlasting / Jay Russell (2002). Gentle fantasy from a 1975 YA novel by Natalie Babbitt. It may be too slow moving for its target audience but I enjoyed it. Set in 1914 America, Winifred “Winnie” Foster (Alexis Blidel), the willful and rebellious teen daughter of the town’s wealthiest family, runs away into the forest where she comes upon Jesse Tuck (Jonathan Jackson) drinking from a spring at the base of a large tree. Kidnapped by Jesse’s older brother, Winnie, at first frightened, becomes almost one of the Tuck family until that family’s secret is revealed leaving her a choice that will determine the rest of her life. The Tuck parents are played by William Hurt and Sissy Spacek which was an attraction and motivation for me to see this movie. This film’s life lesson for teens (and everybody else) is a commonly expressed one, but it goes down easily and movingly in “Tuck Everlasting.”    Anything Goes / Ross MacGibbon and Kathleen Marshall (2021). PBS Great Performances. This revival of Cole Porter’s 1934 musical premiered on Broadway in 2011 to acclaim and Tony and Drama Desk awards, Ten years later the production was revived again in London, once more with Tony Award winner Sutton Foster in the lead role, and garnered much of the same awards and nominations with the British theatre groups. The video that ran on PBS Great Performances was filmed live at the Barbican Theatre in London. Showgirl Reno Sweeney (Foster) and her chorus are booked on the S.S. American from New York to London as entertainers. Also on board is Billy Crocker who Reno is in love with (“I Get A Kick Out Of You”). But flat broke Billy is in love with heiress Hope Harcourt (“All Through The Night”) who is engaged to marry an English aristocrat but agrees to stay friends with Reno (“You’re The Top”). That’s not all. Moonface Martin, an old friend of Reno’s (“Friendship”) and Public Enemy #13, is also there in disguise. Complications and glorious music ensue. For all fans of live theater, especially musical theater.  
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Post by Doghouse6 on Jun 18, 2022 15:10:08 GMT
Your comments/ratings/recommendations/film posters are welcome and much appreciated! The title says "classics" but we are always interested to know what classic film lovers have been watching, whatever the material. Looks like Nina Foch displaying her gams next to a distracted George Raft, so my guess for this one is Johnny Allegro. I've always dissed Raft's acting abilities, comparing him to a wood carving, but y'know, there's something oddly compelling about his screen presence. Solid. Unchanging. Reliable. Like the wood carving...in kind of a fun way.
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Post by timshelboy on Jun 18, 2022 15:25:19 GMT
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Post by wmcclain on Jun 18, 2022 15:35:45 GMT
Your comments/ratings/recommendations/film posters are welcome and much appreciated! The title says "classics" but we are always interested to know what classic film lovers have been watching, whatever the material. Looks like Nina Foch displaying her gams next to a distracted George Raft, so my guess for this one is Johnny Allegro. I've always dissed Raft's acting abilities, comparing him to a wood carving, but y'know, there's something oddly compelling about his screen presence. Solid. Unchanging. Reliable. Like the wood carving...in kind of a fun way. Raft was "not bad" in this one. Nina Foch -- lovely legs -- taught acting classes said to be "life changing". She was also an uncredited script doctor for many (?) directors. I've never seen a list of her projects so it must have been super-secret. Wish I knew.
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Post by teleadm on Jun 18, 2022 17:45:58 GMT
Here is the movies Tele have see lately...  The bar is free so just order what you like Over to the movies:  Dark Waters 2019 directed by Todd Haynes and based on The New York Times magazine article "The Lawyer Who Became DuPont's Worst Nightmare". I kind of like these kind of movies based on real events. After watching it I'm glad I never bought things Teflon. Since the makers killed creeks and waterways, maybe causing cancer to many people and animals, before a desperate farmer walked into fancy law office. The issues are still not solved, a million dollars can't never replace a beloved father or mother. Surprisingly good and interesting movie that I had never heard of before. Never bring Teflon into my house!  Alpha 2018 directed by Albert Hughes Prehistoric tribes of the north, kills animals for a living. Think this is the American plateau since there is buffalo herds. A tribe son thought dead, survives and far from his tribe survives with a wolf he helped survive, creating a bond between man and wolf. I later learned they speak in a made-up language. Were I live there are no wolves no more, except in folklore. One of the better boy and wolf stories I've seen lately.  Police Academy 1984 directed by Hugh Wilson. It's Shakespeare compared to the sequels. I must admit I enjoyed rewatching this, it is what it is!
 Cuba 1979 directed by Richard Lester. It pictures in my mind that last chaotic days of Cuba before Castro took over, also seen in Godfather Part II.Sean Connery arrives to Cuba as a mercenary to help the Batista ministry, but understands he came to late, and all he can do is soft a few things over if even that. While the rich and privilege still cares more about booking tennis courts than fleeing for their lives. It has a game cast, Sean Connery is really good as the man who came to late, while the movie and storyline has a few too many flaws in itself. ![]()  La nuit américaine aka Day for Night 1973 directed by François Truffaut, Winning the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar 1974. Pure and Simply a masterpiece! How chaotic is it to make even a few frames that finally ends up on the screen. Keeping big ego stars down, and after a long sequence that works and is perfect comes a damned kitten who don't like cream and destroys a take. Something referencing Truffaut's own experience in his own career in an earlier film. Valentina Cortese in her only Oscar nominated role, asks director why can't we do it like in Italy, just say numbers "19,12,56,42,11" and record dialogue later, Not in France director tells her. forced to have a few que cards plasted here and there. (Something that happened to Truffaut himself during Close Encounters of the Third Kind) Jean-Pierre Aumont in character tells a story about his time in Hollywood acting against a big star, going to a premiere, famous actress didn't remember anything, since all she rememberd was sitting and waiting hours in and hours out. Lot's of wonderful hint's to other movies (Rue Jean Vigo)  Tunes of Glory 1960 directed by Ronald Neame and based on a novel by James Kennaway who also wrote the screenplay that he was Oscar nominated for. Alec Guinness and John Mills characters goes heads to heads in a battle of wits. Scotland 1946, World War II was won, troupes with nothing to do is gonna do what? Restoring life to civilian times. I've read that this movie was great, and it certainly delivered. Susannah York was "Introduced" in this movie.
Bagpipe music and Whisky, that's how they spend their days
 A Double Life 1948 directed George Cukor Magnificent Oscar winning performance by Ronald Colman, playing both usual debonair and something way way darker, did it kill his career, since he only made 3 other movies after this. Colman's ex-wife is played by Swedish actress Signe Hasso, she says a few lines in Swedish, she do them correct, it's not humla humla made up Swedish, it's the real deal. Famous Theatre actor who usually plays in Light comedies get's the chance to play Othello by Shakespeare, ex-wife hint's long runs makes him live his roles, that's why she's an ex-wife. As Othello he kills a waitress, and he will eventually get caught Next week, well it's new adventures in directions not decided yet.... |
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Post by stryker on Jun 18, 2022 19:33:43 GMT
GOOD LUCK TO YOU LEO GRANDE (2022). My Rating: 7 out of 10. RECOMMENDED. An excellent, very human Emma Thompson, bravely baring all here, is in top form as a widowed, retired teacher who has never ever had good sex or an adventure, so - after a life time of grinding disappointment, she hires a handsome young sex worker for a series of intimate sessions. Their engagements are awkward, uncomfortable, candid, revealing and, eventually, sexy. Very much a two hander, but the dialogue and characters draw us in and make it a fascinating watch.   THE GOOD NEIGHBOR (2021). 6 out of 10. Stephan Rick directs this slick, serviceable English language remake of his 2011 German thriller Unter Nachbarn.
  LAST OF THE DOGMEN (1995). 7 out of 10. Cautiously Recommend.
      PRETTY BABY (1978). 8 out of 10. RECOMMENDED. Remarkable performance from a young Brooke Shield.
     DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944). 10 out of 10. A timeless and true classic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
    STREAMING on PARAMOUNT +THE OFFER (2022). 9,5 out of 10. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This 10-part series is about Al Ruddy (whose anecdotes and memories inspired it ), Robert Evans, Francis Ford Coppola, Mario Puzo, Joe Colombo and the battle to get THE GODFATHER made in 1971. It's an exhilarating, absorbing, intoxicating drama which tells an amazing story while paying lavish, loving homage to the great, classic seventies gangster movie about the Corleone family. Everyone on the board who truly loves films should seek this series out. The charismatic Miles Teller - as Ruddy, has all the hunky masculine appeal of a fifties movie star, and Matthew Goode is simply sublime as Robert Evans - he literally becomes the legendary producer. Justin Chambers surprises in a sly, witty, heartwarming supporting turn as Marlon Brando. Anthony Ippolito plays Al Pacino.        
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Post by politicidal on Jun 18, 2022 22:08:39 GMT
First Viewings:
Fatal Beauty (1987) 4/10
Lust for Gold (1949) 6/10
What's the Matter with Helen? (1971) 5/10
The Marksman (2021) 4/10
Flight from Glory (1937) 6/10
China Passage (1937) 4/10
Repeat Viewings:
The Time Machine (1960) 7/10
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Post by lostinlimbo on Jun 19, 2022 0:53:35 GMT
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Post by claudius on Jun 19, 2022 1:44:39 GMT
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THE PUPPETOON MOVIE (1987) 35TH ANNIVERSARY A celebration collection of George Pal’s PUPPETOON Shorts- TUBBY THE TUBA, TULIPS SHALL GROW, THE SLEEPING BEAUTY, JOHN HENRY AMD THE INKY POO, etc. linked together with a dinosaur explaining Pal to Gumby and Pokey. Also guest-starring Speedy Alka-Seltzer, Curious George, a Gremlin, etc. First saw this on the Movie channels in 1989. IVE VHS.
IVANHOE (1952) 70TH ANNIVERSARY The most spectacular version of Walter Scott’s novel of Plantagenet England, albeit with some liberties like Ivanhoe quickly recovering from his injuries so he can do some fighting, the omission of the Black Knight and the Knights Templar. Starring Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor, George Sanders, Joan Fontaine, Finlay Currie, Felix Alymer, and Emlyn Williams. I first heard Miklos Rosza’s theme as a film showcase introduction theme on my local WETG channel (before it became Fox). I first saw the film in August 1991 on TNT’s “Our Favorite Movies” slot (with a making of Featurette). I really loved the spectacle and the joust, such as the final duel where Sanders’ Dois Gilbert’s chain & mace pretty much destroyed Taylor’s shield. Warner DVD.
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PAT AND MIKE (1952) 60TH ANNIVERSARY Spencer Tracy & Katherine Hepburn’s last duo film for MGM (they’ll do two more for Fox and Columbia) is probably my favorite, with Kate OWNING Charles Buchinsky. Warner DVD.
30TH ANNIVERSARY
-SAILOR MOON (1992) “A New Enemy Appears: Nephrite’s Evil Crest” A New Arc begins with the new minion Nephrite taking over the discarded Jediate’s mission to acquire energy. Here is the new setup: Nephrite finds a person with high energy, corrupts them with a demon possession (causing the victim to act arrogant and mean) then once acquiring the peak energy, the demon leaves the victim and takes corporeal form. Here, it’s a tennis player and friend of Usagi’s friend Naru (who becomes concerned for her friend’s change in personality). Also, something is bugging Tuxedo Mask. The episode also marks the first appearance of Zoycite, another Dark Kingdom minion who intends to supplant Nephrite as Queen Beryl’s new favorite. More on HIM later. Japanese with English Subtitles. ADV DVD.
-MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 (1992) “The Giant Gila Monster” 30TH ANNIVERSARY First saw this on its premiere. YouTube presentation of VHS recording of original Comedy Central Broadcast June 13 1992. Commercials include a promo for a Father’s Day marathon of THE KIDS IN THE HALL which was probably my first view of the series.
THE SLAYERS TRY (1997) “Breaking through the Barrier? Jillas’ Hidden Power!” 25TH ANNIVERSARY Jillas, the explosives-laden Fox minion tricks the gang and makes off with Gourry’s Sword of Light, beginning the Long Goodbye. Japanese with English Subtitles. Software Sculptor DVD.
SPY SMASHER (1942) “Hero’s Death” 80TH ANNIVERSARY YouTube.
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CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (1972) 50TH ANNIVERSARY The third sequel moves to the future (1991!) with the son of Cornelius and Zima now a grown-up (played by Roddy MacDowall) causing a revolt of his enslaved apes against a human totalitarian regime. With John Randolph, Hari Rhodes, Ricardo Montalban, and Natalie Trudy (sharing MacDowall’s number of APES films, here she plays a chimpanzee). I probably first saw the ending of this in 1992, between my separate intros to ESCAPE and BATTLE (this time it was not on the Disney Channel). I would see more on a USA Network marathon hosted by MacDowall in late 1993. This is the original unrated version with a darker ending (altered to a slightly positive one due to a disastrous preview). FoxVideo BluRay.
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THE PIRATE (1948) JUDY 100TH ANNIVERSARY Judy Garland’s second film with Gene Kelly (not including the separate ZIEGFELD FOLLIES and WORDS AND MUSIC) was Vincente Minnelli’s stylistic comedy. Her first flop, although it has gained a following. First read of this from MGM WHEN THE LION ROARS and saw parts of this on Showtime in 1992. Saw more on TNT’s “Our Favorite Movies” (whose featurette explained Judy’s health problems) in Winter 1993. Saw the full film (alongside EASTER PARADE and THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME) on Turner Classic Movies in June 1999. Warner DVD.
UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS (1975) “Wanted A Good Home” Set in Spring 1922 (about 100 years ago), the servants have to deal with a snooty governess. Pretty much the last episode to deal with Virginia’s children William and Alice. Evidently the characters were one of those “Good ideas at the time” and then removed. Acorn Media DVD.
JAMES CAGNEY: ON TOP OF THE WORLD (1992) 30TH ANNIVERSARY this month. June 1992 was Cagney month for TNT (“This month, nobody does Cagney like TNT”) showcasing his films (my introduction viewings to THE PUBLIC ENEMY, A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM, ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES, EACH DAWN I DIE, etc.) The newbie was this TNT documentary hosted and narrated by Michael J Fox with interviews from daughter Cathleen, Joan Leslie, Mae Clarke, Virginia Mayo, and Pat O Brien’s daughter Brigid. From the YANKEE DOODLE DANDY Warner DVD.
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DARIA (1997) “Too Cute” 25TH ANNIVERSARY Bootleg DVD.
URUSEI YATSURA (1982) “All Quiet at the Library!” 40TH ANNIVERSARY Japanese with English Subtitles. YouTube.
BATMAN RETURNS (1992) 30TH ANNIVERSARY Tim Burton’s dark sequel to BATMAN returning Keaton, Michael Cough, Pat Hingle and adding Danny DeVito as Penguin, Christopher Walken as Max Shreck, and Michelle Pfieffer as Catwoman. I was excited for the film on release (I remember the rumor of a Robin being included); I saw the trailer and was surprised to see Penguin as some zombie (the first shot I saw was from his death scene). I got a promo magazine which pretty much spoiled the film. I finally got to see the film that June with my older brother and my 4-year old sister (who dressed as Catwoman that Halloween). I was weirded out by the film, preferring the predecessor, but I’ve warmed over and appreciated it. Amazon Prime.
EASTER PARADE (1948) JUDY 100Th ANNIVERSARY Judy Garland’s most successful film gets Fred Astaire out of a two-year retirement with the duo dancing and singing Irving Berlin tunes. MGM would try to repeat the success, but Judy’s problems led to replacements in THE BARKLEYS OF BROADWAY and ROYAL WEDDING. I probably first saw this on TV around Easter in the late 1980s or early 1990s, I got a better look in a 1999 TCM broadcast. Warner DVD.
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IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME (1949) JUDY 100TH ANNIVERSARY Judy’s next to last MGM film is a remake of THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER with Van Johnson, Spring Byrington, Buster Keaton (his first featured MGM film since the early 1930s) and S. Z. Sakall. A toddler named Liza Minnelli makes her debut at the end (my first glimpse of the film was a picture of the ending from THE MGM STORY Book). First saw this on Turner Classic Movies in June 1999 (alongside EASTER PARADE and THE PIRATE). Warner DVD.
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THE WAY OF THE DRAGON (1972) 50TH ANNIVERSARY this Month. Bruce Lee VS Chuck Norris. First saw the beginning on Cinemax in the Summer of 1992, following the ending of FISTS OF FURY. A year later, saw the ending, with the broadcast being followed by the beginning of FISTS OF FURY. Criterion BluRay.
RUROUNI KENSHIN (1997) “To Make a Miracle: The Battle of the Aoyai” 25TH ANNIVERSARY The Aoyai battle continues, as Yahiko defeats Henya while Misao & Kaoru defeat Kimitari. Iwanbo then runs away. Battle seems over…until a giant walks in. Japanese with English Subtitles. Media Blasters AnimeWorks DVD.
ANNIE (1982) 40TH ANNIVERSARY The first adaptation of the Broadway Musical (there have been four so far) based on the comic strip. Starring Aileen Quinn, Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Ann Reiking, Tim Curry, and Bernadette Peters. I recall first seeing this in the mid 1980s (my earliest memory was the climax at the bridge) and I would see parts of it on several broadcasts over the decades (I recall one cropped version showing a cropped, pan & scan of CAMILLE (1936)!). I can’t help watching the title sequence without thinking SERIAL MOM (“Rewind!”). I finally saw the whole film on one Turner Classic Movies broadcast in the late millennium. Sony BluRay
HERCULES (1997) 25TH ANNIVERSARY this month. After the darkness of HUNCHBANK, Disney turned to lighter fare with the comic minds behind ALADDIN- John Musker and Ron Clements- with this offbeat version of the Greek Myths- with a Black Gospel Chorus narrating the tale. With the voices of Tate Donovan, Susan Egan, Danny DeVito, James Woods, Bobcat Goldthwait, Matt Frewer, and Rip Torn. I think I first saw the film as a preview on THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME VHS. Saw the Making of, the Promo specials, the film itself in theaters in June 1997, and the TV series in 1998. Disney VHS.
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Post by Horselover Fat on Jun 19, 2022 19:06:28 GMT
Sweet Smell of Success Criterion Blu-ray. One of my newer purchases.
My review is "Wow!"
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Enjoyable mini has strong centre in Lee Remick as unstable,promiscuous heiress with murder in mind.
Excon gets involved with DV victim....
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