http://www.loewsjersey.org/
Merian C. Cooper Pre-King Kong Press Photos
2 hours ago
Saturday, February 25, 2012
This Weekend at Loew's Landmark Jersey Theatre
Each month (September through June), Loews Landmark Jersey Theatre in Jersey City. NJ has a themed weekend. This weekend's theme is "Honoring 100 Years of Paramount Pictues." I must admit, David and I are only interested in one film. However, it is a great one, Double Indemnity. This film is truly one of the greatest film noirs of all time. I am so excited to see Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Edward G. Robinson on that 50 foot screen!
The other two films this weekend are: Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Psycho. I'm not a huge fan of either of these films. I'm sure a number of people would disagree with me, but I was a little disappointed with these two choices. However, Loew's is very eclectic and many will enjoy these films. I guess I was selfishly hoping for Shanghai Express or Midnight! If you live in the NYC area or North Jersey, here's the link so you can get more information!
http://www.loewsjersey.org/
http://www.loewsjersey.org/
Monday, February 20, 2012
"Dumb Witness:" Bob the dog assists Hercule Poirot in solving a murder
I did not sign up for Classic Movie Dogathon hosted by Classic Film and TV Cafe. I love dogs, but wasn't sure if I would be able to complete an article for the dates of the Dogathon. In addition, my favorite dog themed movie is not a theatrical film. However, I had some extra time this weekend so I decided to get into the dogathon spirit. I chose to write about Dumb Witness. This is an Agatha Christie mystery starring David Suchet as Hercule Poirot. The title character is Bob the fox terrier. He is a mute witness, not an unintelligent witness.
Captain Arthur Hastings (Hugh Fraser) has been invited to Berkshire by his old friend Charlie Arundell. Charlie is attempting to break the water speed record in his new boat. Hastings asks his good friend Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) to join him. At the speed trial, Poirot meets Emily Arundell, the aunt and benefactor of Charlie. She is there with her companion Wilhelmina Lawson and her fox terrier Bob. Poirot also meets other members of the Arundell family. They are: Theresa Arundell, Emily's niece and Charlie's sister; Bella Tanios, Emily's other niece; Dr. Jacob Tanios, Bella's Greek husband; and the Tanios children, Alexis and Katya. In addition, Poirot meets Isabel and Julia Tripp, two eccentric friends of Emily. The afternoon ends in disappointment as the engine of Charlie's boat catches fire and he fails to set the water speed record.
That evening, Hastings and Poirot go to the home of Emily Arundell for a dinner party. They are greeted by Bob who seems to have taken a liking to Poirot. When Bob attempts to jump on Poirot, Poirot nicely but firmly tells him no. Bob complies and Poirot compliments his good behavior and intelligence. Wilhelmina, accompanied by a gentleman, is also there to greet Poirot and Hastings. Wilhelmina introduces the gentleman as Dr. John Grainger, Emily's physician. It becomes obvious in the next scene that dinner party was intended to be a celebration. All the members of the Arundell family are in attendance as are the Tripp sisters. However, Charlie's failed effort has led to a tense setting. Emily and Charlie argue because she will no longer foot the bills for his expensive hobby. The other guests hear the argument and the party takes a sober tone.
Later that evening, Emily takes a nasty fall down her staircase. It would appear that Bob left his ball on the landing. Emily then stepped on the ball, and slipped down the stairs. The next day, Emily sends for Hercule Poirot. She believes someone in her family tried to kill her. Emily does not think she accidentally tripped over Bob's ball. She asks Poirot for advice. He suggests she make a new will immediately leaving everything to a friend she can trust. He advises Emily not to tell the friend who is the new heir. However, he believes telling her family members of a new will may prevent further "accidents." After all, if one can not benefit from the "accidents" then the "accidents" will stop. After his conversation with Emily Arundell, Poirot investigates the staircase. He discovers a hook in the wall next to the stairs. He surmises that it may have been used to rig a tripwire. That means this wire, not Bob's ball, may have been the cause of Emily's fall.
Unfortunately, Hercule Poirot is not infallible. Despite following his advice to change her will, Emily Arundell dies. Dr. Grainger has signed a death certifcate which indicates liver failure. However, Poirot believes it is murder. Furthermore, Poirot feels it is his responsibilty to solve the case. Emily had followed Poirot's advice and left everything to Wilhelmina. In addition, he feels guilty for not sharing his discovery of the hook with the authorities.This hook has been removed from the wall since its intial discovery by Poirot.
What makes this story so interesting to me is the fact that Hercule Poirot bonds with Bob so naturally. After the death of Emily Arundell, Wilhelmina asks Poirot to take care of Bob because he is unhappy with her. It is a bit surprising that the Belgian detective agrees. After all, Poirot is meticulous about his hygiene and appearance. Dogs do tend to challenge neatness and order. However, Poirot genuinely likes Bob and the terrier seems to recognize Poirot's boundaries. In many ways, Hastings is the third wheel on this case. Bob becomes Poirot's partner in every sense. It is touching to see Poirot talk to Bob. He speaks to him as he would a person who lost someone he loved.
I particularly enjoy Bob showing Poirot that he ALWAYS fetches his ball and places it in his bed. This makes Poirot realize that Bob definitely did not leave his ball on the landing of the staircase. Therefore, there must have been a tripwire and someone was trying to murder Emily Ardundell that night. As Poirot praises Bob's intelligence for the clever way he performs his game of fetch, Hastings seems to get jealous. In fact, Hastings comments that Bob's repertoire is "limited."
I think it is ultimately David Suchet and Hugh Fraser who make this story work so well. Both actors treat Bob as an actor not an animal. Suchet has a wonderful rapport with Bob ("Snubby"). The fox terrier is attentive when Suchet speaks to him, making me believe that Bob adores Poirot. Fraser's ability to communicate jealousy is brilliant. Hastings likes the terrier but clearly views Bob as a rival for Poirot's attention.
If you like dogs and murder mysteries, Dumb Witness is the perfect movie. The ending is touching because Poirot must decide Bob's future. In addition to the Bob-Poirot relationship, I enjoyed the Tripp sisters subplot. These two women believe they have psychic abilities and their seances provide some interesting comic relief. Overall, it is a good mystery from Agatha Christie that captures an era that we classic film fans love.
Captain Arthur Hastings (Hugh Fraser) has been invited to Berkshire by his old friend Charlie Arundell. Charlie is attempting to break the water speed record in his new boat. Hastings asks his good friend Hercule Poirot (David Suchet) to join him. At the speed trial, Poirot meets Emily Arundell, the aunt and benefactor of Charlie. She is there with her companion Wilhelmina Lawson and her fox terrier Bob. Poirot also meets other members of the Arundell family. They are: Theresa Arundell, Emily's niece and Charlie's sister; Bella Tanios, Emily's other niece; Dr. Jacob Tanios, Bella's Greek husband; and the Tanios children, Alexis and Katya. In addition, Poirot meets Isabel and Julia Tripp, two eccentric friends of Emily. The afternoon ends in disappointment as the engine of Charlie's boat catches fire and he fails to set the water speed record.
That evening, Hastings and Poirot go to the home of Emily Arundell for a dinner party. They are greeted by Bob who seems to have taken a liking to Poirot. When Bob attempts to jump on Poirot, Poirot nicely but firmly tells him no. Bob complies and Poirot compliments his good behavior and intelligence. Wilhelmina, accompanied by a gentleman, is also there to greet Poirot and Hastings. Wilhelmina introduces the gentleman as Dr. John Grainger, Emily's physician. It becomes obvious in the next scene that dinner party was intended to be a celebration. All the members of the Arundell family are in attendance as are the Tripp sisters. However, Charlie's failed effort has led to a tense setting. Emily and Charlie argue because she will no longer foot the bills for his expensive hobby. The other guests hear the argument and the party takes a sober tone.
 |
| Bob the fox terrier as played by "Snubby" |
Later that evening, Emily takes a nasty fall down her staircase. It would appear that Bob left his ball on the landing. Emily then stepped on the ball, and slipped down the stairs. The next day, Emily sends for Hercule Poirot. She believes someone in her family tried to kill her. Emily does not think she accidentally tripped over Bob's ball. She asks Poirot for advice. He suggests she make a new will immediately leaving everything to a friend she can trust. He advises Emily not to tell the friend who is the new heir. However, he believes telling her family members of a new will may prevent further "accidents." After all, if one can not benefit from the "accidents" then the "accidents" will stop. After his conversation with Emily Arundell, Poirot investigates the staircase. He discovers a hook in the wall next to the stairs. He surmises that it may have been used to rig a tripwire. That means this wire, not Bob's ball, may have been the cause of Emily's fall.
Unfortunately, Hercule Poirot is not infallible. Despite following his advice to change her will, Emily Arundell dies. Dr. Grainger has signed a death certifcate which indicates liver failure. However, Poirot believes it is murder. Furthermore, Poirot feels it is his responsibilty to solve the case. Emily had followed Poirot's advice and left everything to Wilhelmina. In addition, he feels guilty for not sharing his discovery of the hook with the authorities.This hook has been removed from the wall since its intial discovery by Poirot.
What makes this story so interesting to me is the fact that Hercule Poirot bonds with Bob so naturally. After the death of Emily Arundell, Wilhelmina asks Poirot to take care of Bob because he is unhappy with her. It is a bit surprising that the Belgian detective agrees. After all, Poirot is meticulous about his hygiene and appearance. Dogs do tend to challenge neatness and order. However, Poirot genuinely likes Bob and the terrier seems to recognize Poirot's boundaries. In many ways, Hastings is the third wheel on this case. Bob becomes Poirot's partner in every sense. It is touching to see Poirot talk to Bob. He speaks to him as he would a person who lost someone he loved.
 |
| Bob with the Tripp sisters |
I think it is ultimately David Suchet and Hugh Fraser who make this story work so well. Both actors treat Bob as an actor not an animal. Suchet has a wonderful rapport with Bob ("Snubby"). The fox terrier is attentive when Suchet speaks to him, making me believe that Bob adores Poirot. Fraser's ability to communicate jealousy is brilliant. Hastings likes the terrier but clearly views Bob as a rival for Poirot's attention.
If you like dogs and murder mysteries, Dumb Witness is the perfect movie. The ending is touching because Poirot must decide Bob's future. In addition to the Bob-Poirot relationship, I enjoyed the Tripp sisters subplot. These two women believe they have psychic abilities and their seances provide some interesting comic relief. Overall, it is a good mystery from Agatha Christie that captures an era that we classic film fans love.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Frankly, My Dear Classic Film Survey
Rianna of Frankly, My Dear http://franklymydear-blog.blogspot.com/ posted this Classic Movie Survey. Here are my responses to her interesting questions.
1. Favorite classic Disney?
This is a toss up between The Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty.
2. Favorite film from the year 1939?
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex starring Bette Davis and Errol Flynn. Orginally, Bette Davis wanted Laurence Olivier for the part of Essex. She did not like Errol Flynn, nor did she think Flynn was a good enough actor to play the role. I can't imagine anyone but Davis and Flynn in the title roles. Even Bette admitted years later that Errol gave a great performance.
If you missed it, you MUST read The Lady Eve's CiMBA winning article on the wonderful film!
http://eves-reel-life.blogspot.com/2011/05/cmba-movies-of-1939-blogathon-private.html
3. Favorite Carole Lombard Screwball role?
Twentieth Century with the legendary John Barrymore. They made a wonderful pair!
4. Favorite off screen couple? (It’s ok if it ended in divorce.)
Ida Lupino and Howard Duff.
5. Favorite pair of best friends? (i.e: Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford)
My favorite gal pals are Bette Davis and Olivia DeHavilland.
My favorite pair of male buddies are Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.
6. Favorite actor with a mustache?
Another toss up -- this one is between Ronald Colman and William Powell.
7. Favorite blonde actress?
Bette Davis ofcourse!
8. Favorite pre-code?
Yet another toss up -- I love two Marlene Dietrich films: Morocco and Shanghai Express.
9. Which studio would you have liked to join?
This one is easy. I would have loved to have been at Warner Brothers with Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart. Plus, in the 1940's, Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford were there and Charles Boyer appeared in several films at the studio. Plus, Warner Brothers had great directors and writers that were under contract. I would have loved to see Michael Curtiz in action! Plus, it would have been interesting to see Jack Warner tangle with tough stars!
10. Favorite common on screen pairing that SHOULD have gotten married?
Myrna Loy and William Powell!
11. Favorite I Love Lucy episode?
Lucy Meets Charles Boyer. Who else but Lucy would hire Charles Boyer to play Charles Boyer?
12. Out of these actresses which one do you like best: Lucille Ball, Ingrid Bergman, Natalie Wood, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Greer Garson, Grace Kelly, or Katharine Hepburn?
Ingrid Bergman.
13. Shadowy film noir from the 1940’s or splashy colorful musicals from the 1950’s?
Shadowy film noir from the 1940's
14. Actor or actress with the best autograph (photo preferred).
Maybe it's sentiment because hers was my first ever autograph, but I love Claudette Colbert's signature!
15. A baby (or childhood, or teenage) photo of either your favorite actress or actor (or both, if you’d like.)
Here's Bette Davis as a little girl.
1. Favorite classic Disney?
2. Favorite film from the year 1939?
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex starring Bette Davis and Errol Flynn. Orginally, Bette Davis wanted Laurence Olivier for the part of Essex. She did not like Errol Flynn, nor did she think Flynn was a good enough actor to play the role. I can't imagine anyone but Davis and Flynn in the title roles. Even Bette admitted years later that Errol gave a great performance.
If you missed it, you MUST read The Lady Eve's CiMBA winning article on the wonderful film!
http://eves-reel-life.blogspot.com/2011/05/cmba-movies-of-1939-blogathon-private.html
3. Favorite Carole Lombard Screwball role?
Twentieth Century with the legendary John Barrymore. They made a wonderful pair!
4. Favorite off screen couple? (It’s ok if it ended in divorce.)
Ida Lupino and Howard Duff.
5. Favorite pair of best friends? (i.e: Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford)
My favorite gal pals are Bette Davis and Olivia DeHavilland.
 |
| Gene Barry sings while Bette and Olivia light up! |
6. Favorite actor with a mustache?
Another toss up -- this one is between Ronald Colman and William Powell.
7. Favorite blonde actress?
Bette Davis ofcourse!
8. Favorite pre-code?
Yet another toss up -- I love two Marlene Dietrich films: Morocco and Shanghai Express.
9. Which studio would you have liked to join?
This one is easy. I would have loved to have been at Warner Brothers with Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Olivia DeHavilland, James Cagney, and Humphrey Bogart. Plus, in the 1940's, Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford were there and Charles Boyer appeared in several films at the studio. Plus, Warner Brothers had great directors and writers that were under contract. I would have loved to see Michael Curtiz in action! Plus, it would have been interesting to see Jack Warner tangle with tough stars!
10. Favorite common on screen pairing that SHOULD have gotten married?
Myrna Loy and William Powell!
11. Favorite I Love Lucy episode?
Lucy Meets Charles Boyer. Who else but Lucy would hire Charles Boyer to play Charles Boyer?
12. Out of these actresses which one do you like best: Lucille Ball, Ingrid Bergman, Natalie Wood, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Greer Garson, Grace Kelly, or Katharine Hepburn?
Ingrid Bergman.
13. Shadowy film noir from the 1940’s or splashy colorful musicals from the 1950’s?
Shadowy film noir from the 1940's
14. Actor or actress with the best autograph (photo preferred).
Maybe it's sentiment because hers was my first ever autograph, but I love Claudette Colbert's signature!
15. A baby (or childhood, or teenage) photo of either your favorite actress or actor (or both, if you’d like.)
Here's Bette Davis as a little girl.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
My Answers to Valentine's Day Movie Survey from Meredith of Forever Classics
Meredith of Forever Classics http://foreverclassics.blogspot.com/ posted Valentine's Day Movie Meme. I decided my answers to this survey would be the perfect post for this weekend !
1. What is your favorite romantic comedy?
This is hard for me. Of more modern films, I adore Murphy's Romance from 1985. This movie starred James Garner and Sally Field in a story of friendship blossoming into love. It's great May-December romance story. Garner gives a charming performance as the old-fashioned gentleman most women would love to find. I have always found James Garner sexy so I can totally believe Sally Field falling in love with him despite their difference in age.
From Hollywood's Golden Age, there are a number of romantic comedies I could watch over and over. I Married a Witch starring Frederic March and Veronica Lake is great! March could do any genre convincingly. He is in top form as the descendant of a man who burned Lake and her father at stake for being witches in 17th century Salem.
I also adore It's Love I'm After. This 1937 Warner Brothers film stars Bette Davis and Leslie Howard as a very high maintenance acting couple, Basil Underwood and Joyce Arden, who have been engaged forever. Their egos and his female fans have prevented the two from marrying.It appears the couple may finally make it to the altar. Enter a very young Marcia West (Olivia DeHavilland), an adoring fan of Basil Underwood. Marcia's fiancee Henry (Patric Knowles) asks Basil's help in disillusioning Marcia. Basil is to feign love for Marcia while at the same time behaving like a cad. Basil reluctantly agrees to the favor and that's when all hell breaks loose! Howard, Davis, and DeHavilland are best remembered for their dramatic roles, but this movie shows they were adept at comedy when given the opportunity.
2. What is your favorite romantic drama?
Without a doubt, Now, Voyager and Casablanca are two of my all time favorite films. However, I don't know if you can limit either film to the category of romantic drama.
That being said. My all time favorite romantic drama has to be One Way Passage. William Powell and Kay Francis are touching as the ill- fated couple. Powell and Francis had excellent chemistry, I completely believe they fall in love at first sight. In addition, the secondary romance between Aline MacMahon and Warren Hymer is charming too. Add Frank McHugh for comic relief and you've got a classic!
A close second has to be Portrait of Jennie. Again, the actors in this movie make the story work. Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten had a natural chemistry. They seemed like a couple, not two actors playing a couple. Both Jones and Cotten had a gentle quality that the other seemed to draw out in the films in which they co-starred. That works perfectly here since theirs is a love that breaks the boundaries of time and space. You must be able to suspend your disbelief to accept that Jennie travels through time and space to find her true love. Cotten is wonderful as the artist who opens his mind and heart to accept that he and Jennie were destined to be together. Again, add the great supporting cast of Ethel Barrymore, Lillian Gish, Cecil Kellaway, and David Wayne and you have a true timeless romantic classic.
I never get tired of watching the following romantic dramas:
Random Harvest with Ronald Colman and Greer Garson
Love Affair with Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer
All This and Heaven, Too with Bette Davis and Charles Boyer
Algiers with Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr
Morocco with Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper
An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr
In Name Only with Cary Grant, Carole Lombard, and Kay Francis
Jane Eyre with Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles
Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan
3. Worst romance film you've seen?
I have feeling I'm in the minority with this choice, but here goes. I did not like the 1941 version of Back Street released by Universal Studios. I adore Charles Boyer -- he is one of my favorite actors. However, I did not see any spark between him and Margaret Sullavan in this movie. I also did not like either of their characters. It was hard to accept their selfish behavior. I hated that Sullavan's character broke the heart of a decent man who loved her. I also did not understand what drove Boyer to maintain the affair with Sullavan. In the 1961 version produced by Ross Hunter, we understand that the man is the victim of a shrewish wife who only wants the social standing associated with being his wife. The 1941 version just does not work for me. However, I must admit Boyer's final scene is outstanding.
I also must add Love Story and The Way We Were to my personal list of the worst romance films of all time!
4. How do you feel about the majority of romantic films being labeled "chick flicks"?
It is a disservice many times for a film to be given this moniker "chick flick." Many films that get placed in this category have excellent subplots. For instance, Mr. Skeffington starring Bette Davis and Claude Rains is often called a "women's weeper." However, it is a great story that reflects the changes in America and the world from the early 1900's through to 1940's. It also touches upon important themes such as fear of growing older and anti-semitism. Therefore, to think it is merely a "chick flick" is short-sighted in my opinion.
5. Favorite on-screen couple?
No contest for me. William Powell and Myrna Loy were the perfect on screen couple. My husband David said as a kid he always thought they must have been married in real life. I agree! They had a natural intimacy and genuine affection that goes beyond just being great actors.
Second place goes to Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHavilland. Their movies stand the test of time as does the chemistry between the two. She softened him and he gave her sex appeal. They complimented each other perfectly.
6. Favorite off-screen couple?
I admire those couples who managed to stay together for many years despite the pressures of Hollywood. Here are four of my favorites:
7. Best kiss in a movie?
In The Farmer's Daughter, I love when Glenn Morley (Joseph Cotten) goes to see Katie (Loretta Young) at her family farm after her reputation has been smeared. Katie is embarrassed to see Glenn and tries to run away from him. Glenn grabs her arm, embraces Katie in his arms, and kisses her. It is done so effortlessly by Cotten that it is a great moment.
8. Favorite romantic scene?
I love in Now, Voyager when Paul Henreid lights two cigarettes in his mouth and gives one to Bette Davis. I also adore the final scene of Now, Voyager when Bette Davis tells Paul Henried, "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars." This line recited by a lesser actress is laughable. However, Bette makes me cry every time I watch the film.
9. Who are 2 film characters you wished had gotten together, but never did?
This is a tough one for me. I still believe Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) and Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) belong together in Singin' in the Rain. They make such a cute couple! I also believe Nora (Jean Arthur) belongs with Professor Michael Lightcap (Ronald Colman) in The Talk of the Town. I know most people believe Nora should have chosen Leopold (Cary Grant) as she did. However, I believe Michael sends Nora to Leopold because Leopold needs Nora. Nora accepts this decision because she loves both men. But you will never convince me that Nora chose Leopold over Michael!
10. Two actors you think would have great chemistry, but have never done a film together?
Wonder what a film with Gene Tierney and Errol Flynn would been like?! I think Errol Flynn and Paulette Goddard would have had some spark too!
1. What is your favorite romantic comedy?
This is hard for me. Of more modern films, I adore Murphy's Romance from 1985. This movie starred James Garner and Sally Field in a story of friendship blossoming into love. It's great May-December romance story. Garner gives a charming performance as the old-fashioned gentleman most women would love to find. I have always found James Garner sexy so I can totally believe Sally Field falling in love with him despite their difference in age.
I also adore It's Love I'm After. This 1937 Warner Brothers film stars Bette Davis and Leslie Howard as a very high maintenance acting couple, Basil Underwood and Joyce Arden, who have been engaged forever. Their egos and his female fans have prevented the two from marrying.It appears the couple may finally make it to the altar. Enter a very young Marcia West (Olivia DeHavilland), an adoring fan of Basil Underwood. Marcia's fiancee Henry (Patric Knowles) asks Basil's help in disillusioning Marcia. Basil is to feign love for Marcia while at the same time behaving like a cad. Basil reluctantly agrees to the favor and that's when all hell breaks loose! Howard, Davis, and DeHavilland are best remembered for their dramatic roles, but this movie shows they were adept at comedy when given the opportunity.
2. What is your favorite romantic drama?
Without a doubt, Now, Voyager and Casablanca are two of my all time favorite films. However, I don't know if you can limit either film to the category of romantic drama.
That being said. My all time favorite romantic drama has to be One Way Passage. William Powell and Kay Francis are touching as the ill- fated couple. Powell and Francis had excellent chemistry, I completely believe they fall in love at first sight. In addition, the secondary romance between Aline MacMahon and Warren Hymer is charming too. Add Frank McHugh for comic relief and you've got a classic!
A close second has to be Portrait of Jennie. Again, the actors in this movie make the story work. Jennifer Jones and Joseph Cotten had a natural chemistry. They seemed like a couple, not two actors playing a couple. Both Jones and Cotten had a gentle quality that the other seemed to draw out in the films in which they co-starred. That works perfectly here since theirs is a love that breaks the boundaries of time and space. You must be able to suspend your disbelief to accept that Jennie travels through time and space to find her true love. Cotten is wonderful as the artist who opens his mind and heart to accept that he and Jennie were destined to be together. Again, add the great supporting cast of Ethel Barrymore, Lillian Gish, Cecil Kellaway, and David Wayne and you have a true timeless romantic classic.
I never get tired of watching the following romantic dramas:
Random Harvest with Ronald Colman and Greer Garson
Love Affair with Irene Dunne and Charles Boyer
All This and Heaven, Too with Bette Davis and Charles Boyer
Algiers with Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr
Morocco with Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper
An Affair to Remember with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr
In Name Only with Cary Grant, Carole Lombard, and Kay Francis
Jane Eyre with Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles
Shop Around the Corner with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan
3. Worst romance film you've seen?
I have feeling I'm in the minority with this choice, but here goes. I did not like the 1941 version of Back Street released by Universal Studios. I adore Charles Boyer -- he is one of my favorite actors. However, I did not see any spark between him and Margaret Sullavan in this movie. I also did not like either of their characters. It was hard to accept their selfish behavior. I hated that Sullavan's character broke the heart of a decent man who loved her. I also did not understand what drove Boyer to maintain the affair with Sullavan. In the 1961 version produced by Ross Hunter, we understand that the man is the victim of a shrewish wife who only wants the social standing associated with being his wife. The 1941 version just does not work for me. However, I must admit Boyer's final scene is outstanding.
4. How do you feel about the majority of romantic films being labeled "chick flicks"?
It is a disservice many times for a film to be given this moniker "chick flick." Many films that get placed in this category have excellent subplots. For instance, Mr. Skeffington starring Bette Davis and Claude Rains is often called a "women's weeper." However, it is a great story that reflects the changes in America and the world from the early 1900's through to 1940's. It also touches upon important themes such as fear of growing older and anti-semitism. Therefore, to think it is merely a "chick flick" is short-sighted in my opinion.
5. Favorite on-screen couple?
No contest for me. William Powell and Myrna Loy were the perfect on screen couple. My husband David said as a kid he always thought they must have been married in real life. I agree! They had a natural intimacy and genuine affection that goes beyond just being great actors.
6. Favorite off-screen couple?
I admire those couples who managed to stay together for many years despite the pressures of Hollywood. Here are four of my favorites:
 |
| Alexis Smith and Craig Stevens |
 |
| Anne Jeffreys and Robert Sterling |
 |
| Bing and Kathryn Crosby |
 |
| Tony Martin and Cyd Charisse |
In The Farmer's Daughter, I love when Glenn Morley (Joseph Cotten) goes to see Katie (Loretta Young) at her family farm after her reputation has been smeared. Katie is embarrassed to see Glenn and tries to run away from him. Glenn grabs her arm, embraces Katie in his arms, and kisses her. It is done so effortlessly by Cotten that it is a great moment.
8. Favorite romantic scene?
I love in Now, Voyager when Paul Henreid lights two cigarettes in his mouth and gives one to Bette Davis. I also adore the final scene of Now, Voyager when Bette Davis tells Paul Henried, "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars." This line recited by a lesser actress is laughable. However, Bette makes me cry every time I watch the film.
9. Who are 2 film characters you wished had gotten together, but never did?
This is a tough one for me. I still believe Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) and Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor) belong together in Singin' in the Rain. They make such a cute couple! I also believe Nora (Jean Arthur) belongs with Professor Michael Lightcap (Ronald Colman) in The Talk of the Town. I know most people believe Nora should have chosen Leopold (Cary Grant) as she did. However, I believe Michael sends Nora to Leopold because Leopold needs Nora. Nora accepts this decision because she loves both men. But you will never convince me that Nora chose Leopold over Michael!
10. Two actors you think would have great chemistry, but have never done a film together?
Wonder what a film with Gene Tierney and Errol Flynn would been like?! I think Errol Flynn and Paulette Goddard would have had some spark too!
11. Favorite romantic song in a film (doesn't have to be from a musical)?
As Time Goes By lends so much to Casablanca. I think Dooley Wilson's interpretation also makes it memorable. Wilson's ability to impart a bittersweet quality to the song makes it so appropriate for the film.
12. Best score from a romance film?
Erich Wolfgang Korngold's score to the 1943 film The Constant Nymph starring Joan Fontaine and Charles Boyer. The ethereal score beautifully compliments the story.
13. Most romantic film quote?
"A woman is beautiful when she's loved, and only then." This line was spoken to the vain Fanny Skeffington (Bette Davis) by her husband, Job (Claude Rains) in Mr. Skeffington. It is a quote that becomes very important to Fanny later in the film.
14. A film you'd recommend to watch on Valentine's Day?
You can't go wrong with any of the films I've mentioned here. I personally will be watching One Way Passage followed by Potrait of Jennie.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Evening at the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre with Piper Laurie
This special event began at 5:15 pm with a "Meet and Greet." Ms. Laurie was seated at a table and there was an organized line formed with volunteers supervising. It was very nice to see that fans could just go up to this actress and say hello or shake her hand. In addition, she was gracious enough to sign any memorabilia that fans had brought with them. AND SHE DID NOT CHARGE FOR HER AUTOGRAPH! Ms. Laurie recently published an autobiography entitled Learning to Live Out Loud. She had copies available to purchase and she signed them for no additional charge. David and I treated ourselves to her autobiography. Ms. Laurie signed it to the two us, so we now have a wonderful keepsake from this memorable evening.
I must tell you how personable Piper Laurie is. She did not rush anyone nor was she aloof. Ms. Laurie had a genuine sparkle and kindness. I told that I greatly enjoyed her portrayal of the evil Mrs. Boynton in the 1988 film Appointment with Death. She seemed surprised as it is a rarely seen film. However, she seemed pleasantly surprised. I asked if she would allow David to take a photo with her. She agreed and her assistant invited my husband to be seated next to Ms. Laurie. Her graciousness and modesty were very refreshing in an age of egotists and media created "celebrities."
At approximately 6:10 pm, Colin Egan who is the head of the volunteer group Friends of the Loew's (FOL) introduced another member of FOL who would be conducting the interview with Piper Laurie after The Hustler. This gentleman did an excellent job introducing the film as well as reminding us to stay after the conclusion of The Hustler for his interview with Ms. Laurie. He compared the film's characters to the balls on a pool table. Each ball's movement creating an encounter with another. The balls often reacting violently with each other and leading to interactions with other balls on the table. And some balls must disappear from the table altogether.
It has been a very long time since I have seen The Hustler. Therefore, it was like seeing a new movie. In addition, Loew's has a 50 foot screen so I could fully appreciate the fact that it was filmed in CinemaScope. I firmly believe each time I view a film, I come away with a new insight and viewpoint. This is especially true when I have not seen a movie for many years. When I first saw The Hustler, I think I focused too much on Eddie's(Paul Newman) quest to beat Minnesota Fats(Jackie Gleason). Perhaps, it was because I was younger and that part of the story grabbed me at the time. Now, I can honestly say I love story itself.
To me, The Hustler explores how most people are con-artists on some level. The film is brilliant as it shows that most of time a con-artist is usually conning himself/herself more than anyone else. "Fast Eddie" Felson is a pool hustler who boasts that he's best and has a cocky attitude. However, if we listen carefully, we discover Eddie has a true love of the game of pool and those who are skillful players. Eddie wants to play "Minnesota Fats" because "Fats" is a truly great pool player. Beating such an opponent will give Eddie the personal validation he needs. Does Eddie want to win a lot of money? Sure. However, he is not as crass as he would like everyone to believe he is. "Minnesota Fats" is also fooling himself. On the surface, he is a calm, cool customer who knows he can't lose at pool. Yet, we see in single shots of "Fats" that he is worried while playing against Eddie and his snappy wardrobe becomes rumpled.Newman and Gleason are at their best in this film. It's not just their delivery of the dialogue. It is their mannerisms and facial gestures which tell the depth of their characters' inner turmoils.
Piper Laurie is outstanding as Eddie's girlfriend Sarah Packard. Sarah too is playing a public part. She appears to be a worldly, kept-woman. In reality, she is supported by her father and struggling with alcoholism. Sarah had polio as a child so she is self conscientious about her physical image. We can tell that she has tried to keep others at arms' length. However, Sarah can't pretend with Eddie because she genuinely loves him. Piper Laurie's performance is so effective because she is very deliberate in delivery of Sarah's dialogue. When Sarah is sober, Laurie takes her time delivering the dialogue. This reflects that when not under the influence of alcohol, Sarah thinks before she speaks. Conversely, Laurie accurately shows Sarah's lack of filter while drunk. In these scenes, her dialogue appropriately rambles without much pause. It is not surprising that her portrayal earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
After the film, Piper Laurie was introduced to the theatergoers. She was welcomed on stage by loud applause and many of us gave her a standing ovation. The interview was excellent. The interviewer was very familiar with Ms. Laurie's career and background. Many interviewers ask insipid questions or do not allow the interviewee to respond fully before asking the next question. However, the gentleman interviewing Ms. Laurie made the interview all about her, not himself. As a result, we were treated to Ms. Laurie's intelligence and sense of humor.
Piper Laurie discussed that she was a very shy as a young woman. During the early 1950's, she was under contract to Universal Studios. Because she was attractive, Ms. Laurie found herself cast in "fluff" parts. She said she would write speeches like Bette Davis to advocate for better movies. Unfortunately, due to her shy nature, she would become tongue tied when she went to the front office to recite her speeches. By 1955, she finally had it with Universal Studios and their publicity stories.(One story claimed that she ate gardenia petals for lunch.) Ms. Laurie told her agent to break the contract even if it meant she had to go to jail. The contract was broken. Instead of going to jail, she went to New York to study acting. In NY, she earned an excellent reputation as an actress doing television and stage work.
In 1961, Piper Laurie was offered the role of Sarah in The Hustler by director Robert Rossen. She read the script and knew it was the type of film she wanted to do. Ms. Laurie was very funny when discussing her first two weeks of rehearsal with Paul Newman. She admitted he was so handsome that it was hard to concentrate. After a few weeks, she was able to relate to him as a person and fellow actor. It was then she was able to focus on their scenes together. Ms. Laurie also told us she never met Jackie Gleason on the set. They had no scenes together and the one meeting Rossen had tried to arrange to not materialize.
Since Carrie was the second film on the bill, the interviewer turned the conversation to that movie. Again, Piper Laurie was very interesting as she discussed the film. First of all, after The Hustler was completed, Piper Laurie and her husband moved to upstate New York. There she continued her stage work and even had a sculpting studio. She did return to film work until 1976 to make Carrie. Ms. Laurie admitted she felt the film was comedic when she first read the script. It wasn't until rehearsals with director Brian DePalma that she realized it was being played straight. Being the excellent actress she is, she took the ridiculous nature of Margaret White and made it sad and disturbing rather than comedic.
Ms. Laurie also briefly discussed Ronald Reagan. In 1950, the pair made a film entitled Louisa together. In the film, Reagan played Laurie's father. In real life, the two became more intimate. She did not go into detail on stage, so I'll need to read her book for the details. However, she did say she was shocked when he ran for Governor of California and later for President of the United States. In retrospect, Ms. Laurie said it should not have surprised her since he was a true showman when they did publicity and toured cities to promote their film Louisa. In fact, she does remember someone commenting that "this guy should run for President."
The last topic of the interview was her role of Catherine Martell in Twin Peaks. My brother was a huge fan of this show, but I must admit I did not watch it. Apparently, in the season one finale of Twin Peaks, Catherine dies in a fire. David Lynch then told Ms. Laurie that her character did not die. However, he wanted everyone, including the cast, to think Catherine was dead. He told her he wanted her to play the role of a businessman in disguise. It would later be revealed this man is in fact Catherine. It was her decision to make the character a Japanese businessman. She and Lynch then proceeded to create her new persona of Japanese actor Fumio Yamaguchi. She was billed as Yamaguchi and the cast only saw her in heavy makeup as the character Mr. Tojamura. She said that her cast members did not recognize her. In fact, Peggy Lipton suspected that Yamaguchi was really woman. However, Lipton thought it might be Isabella Rossellini. Ms. Laurie said it was very hard to keep up the deception, even her sister thought she had been written off the show. However, she enjoyed the challenge and ultimately had fun doing the role.
David and I did not stay for the viewing of Carrie. However, we had a very full and memorable evening. Piper Laurie's appeal was diverse. The audience was one of varied ages and ethnicities. Apparently, the demand for her book exceeded her supply. She sold of all copies she brought to Loew's. However, she took orders from those who wanted copies. Ms. Laurie agreed to autograph these copies too. Colin Egan said that the orders would be sent to the theater and buyers would be contacted when the books were received. Truly, the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre is a haven for classic film lovers!
***UPDATE: Thanks to Rich who correctly identifed the interviewer as Dr. Foster Hirsch.He is a professor at Brooklyn College and an author of several books on the subject of film. This was confirmed by Patti Giordan of FOL.
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