What's the consensus on . . .

[mrsl]

the TCM promo with Jeanette MacDonald and the dogs? I saw it today in between two of the Janet Leigh movies. I've seen it before and always thought it was a nasty slap in her face. I've also seen the one with Johnny Weismuller and at least in that one he is doing the Tarzan yell which is supposed to call all the jungle animals to him. The one with Jeanette however is, to me, crude and terribly abusive. She had a lovely voice, some may think she wasn't all that good, but no matter, you still have to give her credit for being quite an operatic singer. Her voice wasn't matched for quite a long time, and some may even say never. In any case, what is your opinion of that promo? Do you agree it's an insult to her, or just an ill conceived homage?

Anne

[klondike]

Well, Anne, it would be quite an insult if you subscribe to the time-hallowed fallacy that dogs only "sing" back to voices that are shrill, or flat, or off-key, or atonal.

My Mals would only ever "howl back" to humans who could hit or sustain certain high and/or melodic octaves.

Given that more sensible assumption of logic, I'd call TCM's little canine accolade quite the laurel crown for the Lovely Miss MacDonald!

[Moraldo Rubini]

Shucks, I was tickled by it. But then I don't mind a little irreverent humor. I'm ready to watch Ms. MacDonald's films (Sweethearts, San Francisco, The Love Parade, Love Me Tonight), so I'm definitely on her side. And I love pooches. I guess for me it was the best of both worlds...

[moira finnie]

I like the way that the dog cocks his head a bit while trying to decipher the sound of Jeanette MacDonald's voice, and thought that it was delightful that the singer seemed genuinely happy to hear a response to her song.

Actually, the one spot that I thought would've generated more comment by people was the "Lolita" one, with Sue Lyons and the hapless fellows goggling at her image on that same seedy street.

[mrsl]

Okay, I guess my impression is wrong. I still think it's rude to have dogs howling when Ms MacDonald sings, but I've been wrong before about many, many things.

Actually moira, the Lolita promo is objectionable to my generation, and possibly the next, but haven't you noticed the rise in the 'sex symbol' status of late? I'm afraid all the marches and burning bras were for naught. People seem to have reverted to the 60's and earlier ways of thinking.

Anne

[moira finnie]

Actually moira, the Lolita promo is objectionable to my generation, and possibly the next, but haven't you noticed the rise in the 'sex symbol' status of late? I'm afraid all the marches and burning bras were for naught. People seem to have reverted to the 60's and earlier ways of thinking.

Since I seem to have benefited greatly in my lifetime by being between the bra burners and the lackadaisical x, (is it "y" now?) generations, I can see what you mean. I think alot of people might find that Lolita interlude a bit objectionable. Actually, I'm mildly put off by the spot's depiction of young, middle-aged and older men as slobs while some little not-so-sweet-tart enjoys her moment in the sun displaying what sexual power nature has given her. But that's just me...Say, Menfolk, are ye offended by being depicted in this stereotyped fashion?

[klondike]

Not exactly offended, perhaps chagrined would be the better term; on the one hand, it is, by typical, cosmopolitan standards, pretty exaggerated, at least as for the "humminna-humminna/ah-hooga!" factor, on the other hand, yeah, a lot of us are still swingin' from the trees, just most of us with a touch of savvy can hide it a little better, and would rather not see that stereotype reinforced . .
I guess what I find most puzzling in diaramas of that ilk, now that I'm lounging on the shady side of the half-century marker, is what the big hoo-rah is in the first place . . as I've stated before, elsewhere (no, Grampa's not getting forgetful, he just wants to make sure everybody gets it!), I think back to Lauren Bacall's eyes by the glow of street lamps as she slouches in Bogey's sedan, or Ava's chipper over-shoulder wink as she flounces off-screen, or Rita when she smiles extra-wide, and her dimples brush the corners of her eyes like starlight, or a shawled Mo O'Hara as she strides up the brea, scattering the sheep before her, or Kate, dressed for golf, roses in her cheeks, informing her escort that she's wearing slacks, and to watch his mouth, or Fay Bainter pausing by a window to stare moodily at the sky outside, or Barb Stanwyck, on her little stepladder, moonstruck with romance as she clumsily tries hanging Xmas ornaments . . I think of Women like That, and I have to wonder where all the great mesmerism is supposed to be, watching some coy teenager loll around a backyard in her swimsuit . .
I guess I just lack sophistication . . or somethin' . .

[sugarpuss]

I have to say I LOVE the Jeanette MacDonald promo. I get the exact opposite response from it, than you did Anne. If anything, I love the look of wonder and amazement on Jeanette's face after she hears the dog howl--it's as though she's just heard the best thing ever. It's a very sweet and fitting tribute, I think.

Oddly enough, I think I've taped all the living graffitti promos except for that one and it's my favorite. The Tarzan one is my other favorite--but then I'm a dog person, so I happily encourage any promos with dogs. The one dog that starts skidding wildly as he's rounding the corner, looks a bit like of my dogs that passed away a few years ago. It's bittersweet, I guess.

The one I've never cared for is the "Blow-Up" one. It's not because I dislike the movie, but does everything have to include sex? (the answer, I already know, is a resounding YES). I think the promos are best when they're funny and not overtly sexy. The Ben-Hur/cab driver one is fantastic as well.