Monsieur Verdoux is my favorite Chaplin "talkie", I think. (It may be The Great Dictator). I don't remember Purviance being considered for the film, which would have certainly been interesting, but probably a better "what if" than if it actually occurred.
Martha Raye is brilliant. I first came to know her from the Abbott and Costello film Keep 'em Flying where she plays twin sisters. (Naturally Lou doesn't know "they" are twins and becomes rather befuddled.) Her work with Chaplin is as good as it gets.
WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
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klondike
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
The Mrs. & I rented Flying Down to Rio yesterday; the big dance numbers were nearly Berkleyesque in their scope, and very inventive, Fred & Ginger were full o' early-career vim & verve, and the costumes were intriguing in their peri-code, peek-a-boo naughtiness, but man alive, the pace in this one kept stalling out to a near crawl (way too many "talking heads" scenes), worsened by the leading man's preppie density & cardboard character dimension.
Dolores Del Rio was as lovely as ever, and sly as a Siamese kitty-cat, but frequently looked quite bored, and I can't say I blame her!
Dolores Del Rio was as lovely as ever, and sly as a Siamese kitty-cat, but frequently looked quite bored, and I can't say I blame her!
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charliechaplinfan
- Posts: 9040
- Joined: January 15th, 2008, 9:49 am
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Monsieur Verdoux is mine too but only just, I have a huge soft spot for Limelight too. I think that film shows the world of his childhood and early adulthood. I'd heard the name Martha Raye before but I have never seen her in anything. She seems such a character in this film. He'd bitten off far more than he could chew in taking her as a wife. Chaplin regretted giving screen credit to Orson Welles for the idea, I think he felt by the time he'd finished with it, it was completely his idea.
Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself - Charlie Chaplin
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Garbomaniac
- Posts: 348
- Joined: May 11th, 2007, 10:00 pm
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Oh, that's funny. I felt it was so similar to Citizen Kane, but I didn't see that credit to Orson in the credits. I would really like to see it again, and I will definitly look out for Limelight.
As far as casting goes, I suppose it was finances, but there are so many other great characters I would have liked to have seen replaced. Margaret Hamilton, for instance, would have been great as the sister in the family at the beginning, and the lazy brother could have been Dan Duryea. The part of the down and out gal just out of prision should have been Dolores Moran from The Horn Blows at Midnight and To Have and Have Not. She resembled that gal, and, oh, I just like to see an all-star cast. But, I wouldn't have replaced Martha! She was perfect as the "lucky"' loud-mouthed broad. It was a real treat to see William Frawley in a small part. I would have liked to have seen his wife played by someone famous, as well; although, those two HORRORS who played the neighbors he liked when he came home were perfect!
As far as casting goes, I suppose it was finances, but there are so many other great characters I would have liked to have seen replaced. Margaret Hamilton, for instance, would have been great as the sister in the family at the beginning, and the lazy brother could have been Dan Duryea. The part of the down and out gal just out of prision should have been Dolores Moran from The Horn Blows at Midnight and To Have and Have Not. She resembled that gal, and, oh, I just like to see an all-star cast. But, I wouldn't have replaced Martha! She was perfect as the "lucky"' loud-mouthed broad. It was a real treat to see William Frawley in a small part. I would have liked to have seen his wife played by someone famous, as well; although, those two HORRORS who played the neighbors he liked when he came home were perfect!
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charliechaplinfan
- Posts: 9040
- Joined: January 15th, 2008, 9:49 am
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Martha Raye's character is a frightening woman in some respect. I can imagine some men would shudder at being married to her.
He takes such a inhumane subject like murder and manages to have the subplot with the young girl, who is going to try his poison on, only to change his mind when she tells him of having loved an invalid.
He takes such a inhumane subject like murder and manages to have the subplot with the young girl, who is going to try his poison on, only to change his mind when she tells him of having loved an invalid.
Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself - Charlie Chaplin
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
This week I finally broke open the John Ford/John Wayne DVD set and have been marveling at these gems, most of which are new to me. Not really a fan of westerns (well, now I am) or war films, may explain why it has taken so long to open the set (the Half Price book store near me had the set for $15, which is why I bought it in the first place). My experience with Ford is limited, although what I've seen I've really liked (Grapes of Wrath--good film, great book/My Darling Clementine--brilliant movie. Why do I keep telling myself I don't like westerns?/Mister Roberts--who can resists Lemmon, and that fruit tree gag has a good payoff/The Searchers--we'll get back to this one.)
So, while I know that I'm preaching to the choir, here's this Ford newbie's thoughts.
Stagecoach: Holy smokes, how did I never see this movie? It's perfect. Action, comedy, characters, and a pretty great intro to John Wayne (I thought only Chuck Conner's could do that rifle twirl.) If there is a "flaw" it might be that the climax happens a bit early (with that superb Indian attack) and that Wayne's showdown is more of an anti-climax, but too bad. I liked Wayne and especially Claire Trevor (why wasn't she a bigger star?) enough that I didn't want the film to end. Even Citizen Kane has flaws, so I'll reiterate, Stagecoach is perfect.
The Long Voyage Home--I actually have this on laserdisc--unopened! The subject matter never seemed to appeal to me. What a fool. This film was utter brilliance. Okay, so I wasn't sold on Wayne's accent, but so what? The episodic approach to the "story" (stories?), works marvelously, focusing on different characters while still maintaining a sense of the whole. I felt like I was at sea with these guys. And can I just say, Thomas Mitchell is one of film's greatest actors.
They Were Expendable--to me, this is similar to Long Voyage Home in that there isn't one straight-line plot, but rather it is more a film about the people, in this case PT Boat sailors. Was Ford great at ensemble acting, or what? While Donna Reed seems squeezed in so that at least one woman could be in the cast, I wish her character either had a bit more time or none at all. Like Voyage, Wayne is very much a secondary character rather than the "star", (Montgomery is pretty great as the "star"), but Wayne's mere presence cannot be denied.
Fort Apache--I was really unprepared for this film. You think it's setting you up, that Fonda is going to finally come to his senses, but then... This film was so deliciously dark (of course filmed in the stark sunlight of Monument Valley) that it fits quite well with what I always thought were "modern" westerns. (Oh, and how cute can Shirley Temple be?)
3 Godfathers--okay, so not all of these films are great. In fact, this Three Men and a Baby Go West seemed to last an eternity. Too bad, because the opening sequence, when Wayne and the boys shmooze with Ward Bond (and are served coffee by Mae Marsh!) was promising. Pedro Armendariz was fun, though.
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon--Not as good as Fort Apache, but still riveting at times. Wayne and the gang escorting the two women (one mercilessly toying with the affections of two cavalry men) is brilliantly staged. And what about that lightening? (Could it be CGI?--I kid) Still, it was a bit odd watching all the humorous antics of tossing Victor McLagen in the jail, and then the long farewell ceremony for Wayne, when it has been well established that his men are under an imminent attack. Plus, I just gotta say, after awhile I wanted to slap ol' Olivia; pretty mean, she.
The Searchers--okay, this one I have in all available formats (VHS/laserdisc/DVD/DVD Deluxe Edition/HD) and... in the context of the other Ford films , it actually becomes (ever so slightly) less great. Or at least, it is not the standout in the set that I figured it would (should?) be. Familiarity has a lot to do with it, I'm sure. But I was so impressed with the other westerns in the set, none of which were the stereotypical films I was anticipating (even 3 Godfathers isn't a stereotypical western), that The Searchers just seems to be one of the great films in a set of great films. It doesn't make sense, I know, but I rarely do (just ask my wife).
So, now I guess I have to tear into the Ford At Fox set.
(By the way, at that same Half Price Book store I picked up a copy of the book Searching For John Ford by Joseph McBride. Is this a good place to start in reading about Ford?)
So, while I know that I'm preaching to the choir, here's this Ford newbie's thoughts.
Stagecoach: Holy smokes, how did I never see this movie? It's perfect. Action, comedy, characters, and a pretty great intro to John Wayne (I thought only Chuck Conner's could do that rifle twirl.) If there is a "flaw" it might be that the climax happens a bit early (with that superb Indian attack) and that Wayne's showdown is more of an anti-climax, but too bad. I liked Wayne and especially Claire Trevor (why wasn't she a bigger star?) enough that I didn't want the film to end. Even Citizen Kane has flaws, so I'll reiterate, Stagecoach is perfect.
The Long Voyage Home--I actually have this on laserdisc--unopened! The subject matter never seemed to appeal to me. What a fool. This film was utter brilliance. Okay, so I wasn't sold on Wayne's accent, but so what? The episodic approach to the "story" (stories?), works marvelously, focusing on different characters while still maintaining a sense of the whole. I felt like I was at sea with these guys. And can I just say, Thomas Mitchell is one of film's greatest actors.
They Were Expendable--to me, this is similar to Long Voyage Home in that there isn't one straight-line plot, but rather it is more a film about the people, in this case PT Boat sailors. Was Ford great at ensemble acting, or what? While Donna Reed seems squeezed in so that at least one woman could be in the cast, I wish her character either had a bit more time or none at all. Like Voyage, Wayne is very much a secondary character rather than the "star", (Montgomery is pretty great as the "star"), but Wayne's mere presence cannot be denied.
Fort Apache--I was really unprepared for this film. You think it's setting you up, that Fonda is going to finally come to his senses, but then... This film was so deliciously dark (of course filmed in the stark sunlight of Monument Valley) that it fits quite well with what I always thought were "modern" westerns. (Oh, and how cute can Shirley Temple be?)
3 Godfathers--okay, so not all of these films are great. In fact, this Three Men and a Baby Go West seemed to last an eternity. Too bad, because the opening sequence, when Wayne and the boys shmooze with Ward Bond (and are served coffee by Mae Marsh!) was promising. Pedro Armendariz was fun, though.
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon--Not as good as Fort Apache, but still riveting at times. Wayne and the gang escorting the two women (one mercilessly toying with the affections of two cavalry men) is brilliantly staged. And what about that lightening? (Could it be CGI?--I kid) Still, it was a bit odd watching all the humorous antics of tossing Victor McLagen in the jail, and then the long farewell ceremony for Wayne, when it has been well established that his men are under an imminent attack. Plus, I just gotta say, after awhile I wanted to slap ol' Olivia; pretty mean, she.
The Searchers--okay, this one I have in all available formats (VHS/laserdisc/DVD/DVD Deluxe Edition/HD) and... in the context of the other Ford films , it actually becomes (ever so slightly) less great. Or at least, it is not the standout in the set that I figured it would (should?) be. Familiarity has a lot to do with it, I'm sure. But I was so impressed with the other westerns in the set, none of which were the stereotypical films I was anticipating (even 3 Godfathers isn't a stereotypical western), that The Searchers just seems to be one of the great films in a set of great films. It doesn't make sense, I know, but I rarely do (just ask my wife).
So, now I guess I have to tear into the Ford At Fox set.
(By the way, at that same Half Price Book store I picked up a copy of the book Searching For John Ford by Joseph McBride. Is this a good place to start in reading about Ford?)
"Let's be independent together." Dr. Hermey DDS
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Garbomaniac
- Posts: 348
- Joined: May 11th, 2007, 10:00 pm
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
John Ford? Hmmm. Yes, he was great. And, his films were great. But, I, like you, are not a fan of westerns or war films. Being a man, that is almost blasphemous; however, I do appreciate him. Your list was very descriptive and right on in my opinion. I think I like Stagecoach the best. But, I am about as far from westerns as you can get. Give me Garbo every time with Clarence Brown directing. From that point, I go into the Thirties, Forties (even some Noir), and the Fifties. I pretty much stop there. But, the funny thing is, I REALLY enjoy the great stars as older men in westerns. I find myself watching Randolph Scott, Joel McCrea, and Jimmy Stewart in movies (westerns) I never dreamed I'd like, but I do. Can't explain the funny lure of westerns cause they even got me once and a while.
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movieman1957
- Administrator
- Posts: 5522
- Joined: April 15th, 2007, 3:50 pm
- Location: MD
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Michigan:
Welcome to the John Ford club. Another to check out if you haven't seen it is "How Green Was My Valley." Great drama and family film all in one.
I think,as far as westerns go, there were so many bad ones, or at least small budget ones, they can get a bad reputation. But you have done a good thing by searching out the good ones and giving them a chance.
Garbomaniac:
I agree with you about aging cowboys. I find them more fascinating than younger ones. The experience of age adds a deeper element to the film.
Welcome to the John Ford club. Another to check out if you haven't seen it is "How Green Was My Valley." Great drama and family film all in one.
I think,as far as westerns go, there were so many bad ones, or at least small budget ones, they can get a bad reputation. But you have done a good thing by searching out the good ones and giving them a chance.
Garbomaniac:
I agree with you about aging cowboys. I find them more fascinating than younger ones. The experience of age adds a deeper element to the film.
Chris
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana."
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana."
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Klondike,
Flying down to Rio is actually one of my faves, but it's easy to see why it's Fred and Ginger's break-out film. They totally stole the show.
I think the two opening songs are the best, the last time I auditioned I sang 'Music Makes Me" and I love when Fred keeps rolling his eyes because his playboy buddy is eyeing another lady 'the latin type'. Delores is indeed lovely, and her beau is indeed cardboard!
Glad you got to see it...and basically, enjoy it.
B
Flying down to Rio is actually one of my faves, but it's easy to see why it's Fred and Ginger's break-out film. They totally stole the show.
I think the two opening songs are the best, the last time I auditioned I sang 'Music Makes Me" and I love when Fred keeps rolling his eyes because his playboy buddy is eyeing another lady 'the latin type'. Delores is indeed lovely, and her beau is indeed cardboard!
Glad you got to see it...and basically, enjoy it.
B
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
If you like to actively participate in a film, rather than just passively watch, see Synecdoche New York. This film is brilliant on many levels, not the least for which is Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance. But then there's actress, Samantha Morton, giving no less than three (and it may be four, it's hard to keep track) absolutely riveting performances. Charlie Kaufman is one of our most original writers (Adaptation/Being John Malkovich/Eternal Sunshine), and on this, his directorial debut, he surpasses even those ambitious films. Brilliant.
"Let's be independent together." Dr. Hermey DDS
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
I just rewatched Bombshell, 1933, my fave Jean H. I got tickled at Mary Forbes, the actress who plays Jean's mother-in-law-to-be who says, "I've always been compared to Alice Brady." Too cute. I didn't know a lot about Ms. Forbes but I looked her up on IMDB and that woman worked a lot! I'd like to learn more about her because she sure played some fun characters. Anyone know anything about her? Has Moira ever written about her?
B
B
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Oh, man. I want to punch the guy in the face who told me Synecdoche was a Gus van Sant film - I've avoided it for that exact reason and now I find out it's Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut?
Thanks for the heads up. I feel silly for missing it - I'll rent it as soon as possible.
Thanks for the heads up. I feel silly for missing it - I'll rent it as soon as possible.
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charliechaplinfan
- Posts: 9040
- Joined: January 15th, 2008, 9:49 am
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
I'm with you MichiganJ, I haven't really found my footing with John Ford and I'm not a big fan of war films or westerns but Stagecoach is a great movie.
Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself - Charlie Chaplin
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Garbomaniac
- Posts: 348
- Joined: May 11th, 2007, 10:00 pm
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Oh, my gosh, Birdy! I am a HUGE Jean Harlow fan. She was the gal who started me in all of this "old movie mess!" I have loved her madly for centuries! Oh, well, decades at least. Bombshell is a FABULOUS movie. And, Mary Forbes is one of my MOST favorite snooty society matrons! Check her out in You Can't Take it With YOU! She is the BOMB, but NOT the BOMBSHELL!
Mary Forbes is seated in the center.
Mary Forbes is seated in the center.
Re: WHAT FILMS HAVE YOU SEEN LATELY?
Mary Forbes is terrific! She always has a bewildered, "must soldier through this mess" look about her. Thanks for highlighting her..here's a great scene (mainly Stewart and Arthur), but she does her matronly thing quite well...
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