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Post by kijii on Mar 6, 2017 17:27:24 GMT
It took me a long time to really appreciate Edward G. Robinson, but looking back at his movies, I really like him a lot.
First, he was NEVER nominated for an Oscar so that puts him in a select group of great actors.
His first movie that really grabbed me was his character in Double Indemnity. While watching this movie, you get caught up in almost rooting for him.. My what a letdown.
This weekend I watched an old Edward G. Robinson movie called Five Star Final which was nominated in 1931 for Best Picture. It was quite good for its time and Robinson was great there too.
How about his tough-but-intellectual character in Jack London's The Sea Wolf. (London was part of the naturalistic movement in American literature which emphasized the fate of man in sort of an animalistic way.) Robinson was perfect as the tough sea captain in competition with this brother. His character asked for no quarter--and gave none neither.
I really loved him in those two Fritz Lang movies (made about the same time with basically the same cast): The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945). Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them.
Yet, he could be sweet and loving as in Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1045). Here is plays Margaret O'Brien's father and Agnes Moorehead's husband. Rarely is his character actually married, but when he is, he has the most unlikely wives, like Agnes Moorehead or Judith Anderson [The Red House (1947)]. The latter is a fun and dark mystery thriller. He also played Thelma Ritter's husband in A Hole in the Head (1959).
In Oran Wells' The Stranger (1946) he plays a man who comes into a small town looking for a Nazi--neat.
All My Sons (1948) is one of the best of Arthur Miller's plays (made into a movie). I love the drama as it unfolds.
As far as pure mobster/ moll movies, it is hard to beat the combo of Robinson and Claire Trevor in Key Largo.
And if your are a William Dieterle biopic fan I could easily recommend Robinson in Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940).
Then, there is the gambling Robinson in which he takes on Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid (1965).
Actually, when I think back my viewing experience of Edward G. Robinson's movies, I think he had quite a range even though he was never nominated for an Oscar.
(After watching Trumbo, I am still not sure what his relationship with Trumbo was.)
How would you rank his movies?
I'm always looking for another of his movies.
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Post by london777 on Mar 6, 2017 17:51:27 GMT
His first movie that really grabbed me was his character in Double Indemnity. While watching this movie, you get caught up in almost rooting for him.. My what a letdown. The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945). Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them. A useful homage to a fine actor and very intelligent and cultured man. But I was puzzled by the above two comments. "... you get caught up in almost rooting for him. My what a letdown." In what way a letdown? He was a skillful claims investigator, even if a little smug about it. He was incorruptible, loyal and humane and stayed that way throughout. The world could do with a lot more Barton Keyes and a lot fewer Walter Neffs. Neff was not downright evil, just weak and a whole lot dumber that he thought he was, as his "brilliant" swindle was full of holes once someone as intelligent as Keyes looked at it. Keyes was the sort of guy I would always want on my side with no fear of his letting me down. "Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them." Somewhat of an understatement. These are both archetypal Film Noirs. Central to the canon. No "ish" about it. |
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Post by kijii on Mar 6, 2017 18:02:49 GMT
His first movie that really grabbed me was his character in Double Indemnity. While watching this movie, you get caught up in almost rooting for him.. My what a letdown. The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945). Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them. A useful homage to a fine actor and very intelligent and cultured man. But I was puzzled by the above two comments. "... you get caught up in almost rooting for him. My what a letdown." In what way a letdown? He was a skillful claims investigator, even if a little smug about it. He was incorruptible, loyal and humane and stayed that way throughout. The world could do with a lot more Barton Keyes and a lot fewer Walter Neffs. Neff was not downright evil, just weak and a whole lot dumber that he thought he was as his "brilliant" swindle was full of holes once someone as intelligent as Keyes looked at it. Keyes was the sort of guy I would always want on my side with no fear of his letting me down. "Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them." Somewhat of an understatement. These are both archetypal Film Noirs. Central to the canon. No "ish" about it. -------------------- Actually, there is no letdown in Double Indemnity. It is one of the best film noir movies of all for me, and I loved Robinson's character. With regard to the two Fritz Lang movies, anything I might say about them might be considered a spoiler. |
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Post by mikef6 on Mar 6, 2017 19:10:22 GMT
Mystery novelist Raymond Chandler (the Philip Marlowe books) wrote the script for "Double Indemnity" from a novel by James M. Cain. Chandler was visiting the set the day the scene with Eddie G. fast-talking his way through the actuarial tables was being filmed. He later said that watching Robinson tear his way, word perfect, through that dialog in take after take, was an astonishing thing to see. Damn, I wish I had my own time machine! There are so many times and places I need to have been.
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Post by teleadm on Mar 6, 2017 19:53:22 GMT
This is my personal reflections of the movies I've seen with Edward G. Robinson.
Little Caesar 1931 as Rico, his big break, I usually don't like early sound movies because they at times feels stiff and static, and this is no exception, though his final lines have become classic.
Tales of Manhattan 1942 episodic movie about a tailcoat that goes from hand to hand downwards in society, Edward uses the coat for a sort of upper-class school reunion, all goes well untill he goes honest/drunk.
Double Indemnity 1944 the first time I've seen him as a good guy, fatherly figure.
The Woman in the Window 1944 and it's companion piece Scarlet Street 1945, I like those when he plays the little man who get's over his head involved in things he should have stayed out of.
The Stranger 1946, I liked this one as he this time played a nazi hunter, much smarter than his a bit shabby looks.
The Red House 1947, I tried to look at this once, but the public domain version was so bad I gave up.
Key Largo 1948, a throwback to his old gangster roles, but yet not, he's more thoughtfull and calculating, and not a hothead.
Hell on Frisco Bay 1955, a sort of variation of his Johnny Rocco, but if you fought against Alan Ladd in 1955 you lost.
The Ten Commandments 1956, as Dathan, one could call this a biblical gangster role.
My Geisha 1962 and Two Weeks in Another Town 1962, I'v seen, but can't remember much about.
Sammy Going South 1963, I thought this was an exciting matinée adventure when I was a kid, I had idea untill many years later that it was Edward who played the nice old man.
Cheyenne Autumn 1964, small but important role, and one of the few sympathic "white" people in this movie.
The Cincinnati Kid 1965, delicate and calculating, even if I don't get poker, as a sort of grand old man role.
The Old Man Who Cried Wolf 1970 TV-movie, as the old man nobody believes. Many old Hollywood stars lengtened their careers in made-for-tv movies so why shouldn't Edward too.
Song of Norway 1970, as a piano salesman, small and I hope well payed cameo.
Soylent green 1973, one of the greatest farewell scenes any old actor ever did in a movie.
I wish I had seen more of his movies, and if it wasn't clear I Love Edward G. Robinson, I also loved his very distinct and special voice.
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rctina
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Post by rctina on Mar 6, 2017 22:55:32 GMT
Oh man, I LOVED "Sammy Going South" when I was young although I knew it by its alternate title "A Boy Ten Feet Tall."
My favorite Edward G. Robinson films are "Five Star Final" and "The Sea Wolf."
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Post by kijii on Mar 7, 2017 0:37:52 GMT
In reading his biography on the IMDb, I realize I may have to correct myself about Robinson never winning an Oscar: "In 1973 he was awarded a special, posthumous Oscar for lifetime achievement."
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Post by koskiewicz on Mar 7, 2017 16:43:24 GMT
...I totally agree with Brother Orchid and Dr Clitterhouse
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Post by outrider127 on Mar 7, 2017 22:45:14 GMT
It took me a long time to really appreciate Edward G. Robinson, but looking back at his movies, I really like him a lot. First, he was NEVER nominated for an Oscar so that puts him in a select group of great actors. His first movie that really grabbed me was his character in Double Indemnity. While watching this movie, you get caught up in almost rooting for him.. My what a letdown. This weekend I watched an old Edward G. Robinson movie called Five Star Final which was nominated in 1931 for Best Picture. It was quite good for its time and Robinson was great there too. How about his tough-but-intellectual character in Jack London's The Sea Wolf. (London was part of the naturalistic movement in American literature which emphasized the fate of man in sort of an animalistic way.) Robinson was perfect as the tough sea captain in competition with this brother. His character asked for no quarter--and gave none neither. I really loved him in those two Fritz Lang movies (made about the same time with basically the same cast): The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945). Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them. Yet, he could be sweet and loving as in Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1045). Here is plays Margaret O'Brien's father and Agnes Moorehead's husband. Rarely is his character actually married, but when he is, he has the most unlikely wives, like Agnes Moorehead or Judith Anderson [ The Red House (1947)]. The latter is a fun and dark mystery thriller. He also played Thelma Ritter's husband in A Hole in the Head (1959). In Oran Wells' The Stranger (1946) he plays a man who comes into a small town looking for a Nazi--neat. All My Sons (1948) is one of the best of Arthur Miller's plays (made into a movie). I love the drama as it unfolds. As far as pure mobster/ moll movies, it is hard to beat the combo of Robinson and Claire Trevor in Key Largo. And if your are a William Dieterle biopic fan I could easily recommend Robinson in Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940). Then, there is the gambling Robinson in which he takes on Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid (1965). Actually, when I think back my viewing experience of Edward G. Robinson's movies, I think he had quite a range even though he was never nominated for an Oscar. (After watching Trumbo, I am still not sure what his relationship with Trumbo was.) How would you rank his movies? I'm always looking for another of his movies. Tales Of Manhattan(1943)--Soylent Green(1973) gets a lot of flak but he was dying during the movie yet still did a moving death scene |
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Post by Wesley Crusher on Mar 7, 2017 23:04:23 GMT
Edward G. Robinson (top 50 actor)
Only 3 bad films out of 27 seen
Top 20 films (ranked in order)
Double Indemnity (1944)
The Ten Commandments (1956)
The Sea Wolf (1941)
Larceny, Inc. (1942)
Tales of Manhattan (1942)
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Smart Money (1931)
Tight Spot (1955)
The Stranger (1946)
Kid Galahad (1937)
The Whole Town's Talking (1936)
Key Largo (1948)
The Woman in the Window (1944)
The Biggest Bundle of Them All (1968)
Destroyer (1943)
Little Caesar (1931)
Vice Squad (1953)
All My Sons (1948)
House of Strangers (1949)
Soylent Green (1973)
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Post by vegalyra on Mar 8, 2017 20:55:06 GMT
Edward G. Robinson (top 50 actor) Only 3 bad films out of 27 seen Top 20 films (ranked in order) Double Indemnity (1944) The Ten Commandments (1956) The Sea Wolf (1941) Larceny, Inc. (1942) Tales of Manhattan (1942) The Cincinnati Kid (1965) Smart Money (1931) Tight Spot (1955) The Stranger (1946) Kid Galahad (1937) The Whole Town's Talking (1936) Key Largo (1948) The Woman in the Window (1944) The Biggest Bundle of Them All (1968) Destroyer (1943) Little Caesar (1931) Vice Squad (1953) All My Sons (1948) House of Strangers (1949) Soylent Green (1973) What are the three bad films? |
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Seto
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Post by Seto on Mar 9, 2017 1:14:16 GMT
He came very close to playing Dr. Zaius in Planet of the Apes(1968) as well.
There is a screen test floating around somewhere, showing him in early ape makeup. Unfortunately he had to pull out of the film, I think because of health issues.
The role would go to Maurice Evans though, who was fantastic never the less.
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Post by marshamae on Mar 9, 2017 4:01:06 GMT
I love his dramatic roles with KEY LARGO. And DOUBLE INDEMNITY as special favorites. But I have a special fondness for his offbeat comedies.
In LARCENY INC, he played the head of a gang trying to tunnel into a bank to rob it. They buy a luggage shop and run it, because it is next door to the bank and masks their activity. They are also trying to keep the chief's daughter from finding out they are crooks. It is full if dead Pan humour and Robinson is a master of playing comedy straight.
Brother Orchid has a crime boss hiding out in a sort of goofy monastery , and falling for the lifestyle. He plays a rather comic book gangster , and the whole thing is adorable.Ann Southern has a nice bit as his moll.
Finally is A SLIGHT CASE OF MURDER.Robinson plays a bootlegger going straight and about to lose his shirt. It's got mugsey Gangsters mixing with law abiding folks and getting the worst of it as they try to hide 4 dead bodies. Robinson is so funny in these just because he is completely believable as a gangster . He doesn't have to sell us on his part. He can relax and go with the situations as they pop up.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2017 5:18:50 GMT
Soylent green 1973, one of the greatest farewell scenes any old actor ever did in a movie. I agree. Also I especially liked him in The Stranger (1946), The Outrage (1964) which was based on Kurosawa's Rashomon, as well as Seven Thieves (1960). |
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Post by BATouttaheck on Mar 30, 2017 4:19:12 GMT
kijii Small correction on The Red House. Judith Anderson was his sister, not his wife, in that film. I try to avoid being negative in threads like this but I just watched that movie and if it was a food, it would be served on Thanksgiving. I didn't dislike his performance but the film itself... oh, boy ! I know some people like it but I sure did not. I had found this film and had never heard of it and as I usually like Robinson, I was very disappointed. from the synopsis: "An old man and his sister are concealing a terrible secret from their adopted teen daughter, concerning a hidden abandon farmhouse, located deep in the woods. "
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Post by hi224 on Mar 30, 2017 6:56:06 GMT
It took me a long time to really appreciate Edward G. Robinson, but looking back at his movies, I really like him a lot. First, he was NEVER nominated for an Oscar so that puts him in a select group of great actors. His first movie that really grabbed me was his character in Double Indemnity. While watching this movie, you get caught up in almost rooting for him.. My what a letdown. This weekend I watched an old Edward G. Robinson movie called Five Star Final which was nominated in 1931 for Best Picture. It was quite good for its time and Robinson was great there too. How about his tough-but-intellectual character in Jack London's The Sea Wolf. (London was part of the naturalistic movement in American literature which emphasized the fate of man in sort of an animalistic way.) Robinson was perfect as the tough sea captain in competition with this brother. His character asked for no quarter--and gave none neither. I really loved him in those two Fritz Lang movies (made about the same time with basically the same cast): The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945). Both of these movies had a noirish feeling to them. Yet, he could be sweet and loving as in Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1045). Here is plays Margaret O'Brien's father and Agnes Moorehead's husband. Rarely is his character actually married, but when he is, he has the most unlikely wives, like Agnes Moorehead or Judith Anderson [The Red House (1947)]. The latter is a fun and dark mystery thriller. He also played Thelma Ritter's husband in A Hole in the Head (1959). In Oran Wells' The Stranger (1946) he plays a man who comes into a small town looking for a Nazi--neat. All My Sons (1948) is one of the best of Arthur Miller's plays (made into a movie). I love the drama as it unfolds. As far as pure mobster/ moll movies, it is hard to beat the combo of Robinson and Claire Trevor in Key Largo. And if your are a William Dieterle biopic fan I could easily recommend Robinson in Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet (1940). Then, there is the gambling Robinson in which he takes on Steve McQueen in The Cincinnati Kid (1965). Actually, when I think back my viewing experience of Edward G. Robinson's movies, I think he had quite a range even though he was never nominated for an Oscar. (After watching Trumbo, I am still not sure what his relationship with Trumbo was.) How would you rank his movies? I'm always looking for another of his movies. I love the Red House. |
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Post by telegonus on Mar 30, 2017 8:16:41 GMT
Edward G. Robinson had either great judgment of scripts or a great agent. His filmography is superb, especially after he broke loose from Warners, though he did fine work for them, too. He's great in my favorite episode of the multi-part Flesh And Fantasy. The 1956 Nightmare is nicely done if a bit confusing, and Eddie G. sells it.
As to his casting in The Ten Commandments, on the surface it may look bad, as Robinson was a very modern accent and couldn't rid himself of his mannerisms, especially his manner of speaking. Yet it was a wise choice since it was an overnight classic, a box-office bonanza, got the actor probably his highest profile role since Key Largo eight years earlier. He needed it.
Robinson is excellent in an episode of Robert Taylor's The Detectives TV series. I think it's the first entry in the hour long season of the show, and it's a moving tale of an aging gangster, his family problems, his paranoia. The title's something like The Legend Of Jim Riva. It's one of the best if not the best of a good (and sadly, the last) season of that series.
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Seto
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Post by Seto on Jun 6, 2017 1:55:51 GMT
The planet of the apes test footage I was talking about:
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Post by mattgarth on Jun 6, 2017 5:34:27 GMT
Thanks for this thread, Kijii. One correction though -- Judith Anderson played his sister in THE RED HOUSE, not his wife.
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Post by BATouttaheck on Jun 6, 2017 16:44:28 GMT
Thanks for this thread, Kijii. One correction though -- Judith Anderson played his sister in THE RED HOUSE, not his wife. What did you think of The Red House ? I wrote a little mini-review of it on my note of May 29 (up above somewhere) |
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