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494,634 | 342,623 | 338,751 | 9 |
a mad genius
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You really can't miss when doing a biography of Howard Hughes , certainly one of the most brilliant , glamorous , eccentric , and fascinating men who ever lived . And for me , Leonardo DiCaprio and Scorcese don't miss . DiCaprio's portrayal of Hughes is a revelation . ( I'll digress here to say , for those who have accused him of being short , I've seen him in person - he's not short . ) He does a fantastic job as Hughes . You can almost hear his inner dialogue . As for Scorcese , the movie is truly spectacular in its breadth . I was disappointed in a couple of elements . One was , with the care Cate Blanchett gave to her portrayal of Hepburn , one would have hoped that a little attention had been paid to the casting of the other women in Hughes ' life : Faith Domergue , Ava Gardner , Jean Harlow . Of the three , I liked Kate Beckinsale's Ava the best - but for me , Ava Gardner's beauty is unparalleled . Beckinsale really didn't approach it . And Stefani was wrong , wrong , wrong . How hard can it be to find a young actress ( and Harlow was 19 , not 35 , when she appeared in Hell's Angel's ) , and slap a platinum wig and a white clinging gown on her ? Harlow's look was very distinctive , and when it's off , it's distracting . The other thing I was disappointed in - and I suppose this couldn't be helped in a way - was the telescoping of the years and some unnecessary inaccuracies . I don't pretend to be an expert on Hughes . I've seen one documentary on him which was fantastic , and now I want to read about him . But Katharine Hepburn talks about the press showing up at her brother's funeral - I don't know why that would have been , since she wasn't famous yet . I realize her family was prominent , but she made it sound as if it had to do with her fame . She also labels herself as Box Office Poison way too soon , and the movie skips the entire Philadelphia Story , including Hughes giving her the money to buy the rights . No mention of most of the controversy over " The Outlaw " which took several years to see a release . But these are minor , nitpicky points . This is a big , gorgeous film , with exciting , lush scenes and some fantastic performances .
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494,189 | 342,623 | 364,961 | 9 |
Based on a true story
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Sean Penn plays Sam Bicke who decides to kill President Nixon in " The Assassination of Richard Nixon , " a 2004 film brilliantly directed by Niels Muller , who co-wrote the excellent script with Kevin Kennedy . The film is actually based on a true story and stars Sean Penn , Naomi Watts and Don Cheadle . The story begins with Sam Bicke ( Penn ) writing a letter to Leonard Bernstein which is read throughout the film . Sam Bicke is a man separated from his wife ( Watts ) and two daughters but hoping for a reconciliation . At the beginning of the film , we know he worked once for his successful brother but now is working as a furniture salesman for a blowhard ( Jack Thompson ) who is constantly lecturing him , playing mind games with him , and handing him books by Dale Carnegie while his son ( Brad Henke ) reports everything Sam does to his father . Sam applies for an SBA loan in the hopes of going into the tire business with a friend ( Cheadle ) , similar to what his brother does . It's clear Sam's life is going nowhere , but he retains some illusions ; we watch him unravel as he realizes what the audience has known all along . His wife is soon to be his ex-wife and wants nothing to do with him , and she's seeing somebody else ; his job isn't long for this world ; and he's not going to get the loan . He feels more and more isolated and even tries to join the Black Panthers at one point . Finally he has the psychotic break that's been coming for the whole film . Though Sam does terrible things , his story is so heartbreaking that it's impossible to hate him . In fact , I found myself loathing his wife for her uncaring and unfeeling attitude , though conversely , I understood his brother's rage . And his boss - only a desperate man would have put up with him for five minutes . It seems like Sam is just someone who has fallen through society's cracks , someone no one cares about , no one realizes or cares is damaged and needs help . Unfortunately , there are probably millions of Sam Bickes in this world . He can live only in his own twisted mind , which twists further and further until it explodes . There isn't any question that Sean Penn is one of our greatest American actors . It's fine for people to praise Johnny Depp , who is fantastic and more versatile , but no one can do this kind of heavy drama like Penn can . His characterization is staggering : heartfelt , full of suppressed rage and real agony , desperation and alienation . It is another in his resume of stunning portrayals . There's nothing subtle about Penn's gifts - when he was a kid on Broadway in a flop play , Heartland , it was obvious to audiences that he was going to be a star . As for the rest of the cast , Watts is brilliant and unrecognizable as Bicke's estranged wife , and Jack Thompson is utterly believable as his boss . This is one of those movies that you'll see and won't be able to get out of your head . It breaks your heart .
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495,118 | 342,623 | 44,954 | 9 |
excellent noir
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Although a B movie , " The Narrow Margin " is considered one of the best of the film noir genre ever made . It's fast moving , like the train that Charles McGraw , Marie Windsor , Jacqueline White , and some thugs are taking to Los Angeles . The thugs seek to stop a mobster's widow from handing over his " pay list " and talking to the Grand Jury . The tension really never lets up in this film , as the widow is in constant danger and McGraw keeps running into the criminal element , who have already killed his partner try to bribe him for the pay list . You really experience the narrowness of the train ( especially when Paul Maxey tries to get down a corridor ) and its movement . It's absolutely wonderful . Charles McGraw looks just like a stereotypical , tough guy detective , and he had the most marvelous voice . Marie Windsor is at her best as McGraw's charge . She's cheap and uncaring with her sultry hairdo , her trampy negligee , her blaring radio , and a cigarette hanging out of her mouth . Had this not been a B film , Windsor would have gotten more mileage out of it in Hollywood . There are some great bits in this - one at the very beginning with pearls , and at the very end , using Maxey to great advantage . This film was remade , with some changes , as " Narrow Margin " with Gene Hackman and Anne Archer . Though it had some fine moments and beautiful scenery ( don't bother looking for scenery in the ' 52 version ) , this version is superior for its hard-bitten dialogue and atmosphere .
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494,084 | 342,623 | 64,030 | 9 |
Sumptuous drama of the royal court of Henry VIII
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Richard Burton is Henry VIII and Genevieve Bujold is Anne Boleyn in " Anne of the Thousand Days , " a beautifully acted and brilliant looking film from 1969 , from the play by Maxwell Anderson and directed by Charles Jarrot . Irene Papas is Catherine of Aragon , Anthony Quayle is Cardinal Woolsey , and John Colicos is Thomas Cromwell . Those were the days of " Lion in Winter , " " Becket , " " A Man for all Seasons " - these magnificent productions were all the rage back then , preceding the disaster film rage of the ' 70s . The drama takes us through Henry VIII's manipulations to have his marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled so that he can marry the beautiful lady-in-waiting , Anne Boleyn , who he is convinced can give him a son . Here was one man who never let the law stand in his way - if he wanted something , he simply changed the law . When all Anne Boleyn can deliver is a daughter , Elizabeth ( who became Queen Elizabeth I ) , he starts looking around and becomes attracted to another lady in waiting , Jane Seymour . Now to see what the law can do about getting rid of Anne . . . Richard Burton is an excellent Henry - a great technician and possessor of a magnificent voice , it's a little hard to tell with him , as it is with Orson Welles , how much of a performance is technique and how much is emotional investment in the role . I'm suspicious that there was a lot of technique at play here . Burton is surrounded by a stunning performance of Anthony Quayle's as Cardinal Woolsey - possibly the best in the film , and the multilayered Anne Boleyn of Genevieve Bujold . Her Anne is an innocent young girl at the start , but one soon realizes she has a spine of iron , refusing to have anything to do with Henry as long as he is married to Catherine . Over the course of the film , she falls in love with Henry , matures and becomes a true queen whose only thought in the end is that her daughter will reign and have the last laugh on Henry , who believes a woman cannot rule England . You'll be interested enough in the events of the film to look up the real story afterward - having seen the play Henry VIII , Becket , and A Man for All Seasons , plus remembering a good deal of what I learned in school , as steeped as I was , I don't have Henry's family tree in my head . This film by necessity is less detailed than what really happened in the court of Henry VIII , but it's enough to give you a flavor . And let's face it , you can't make this stuff up .
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494,068 | 342,623 | 1,003,115 | 9 |
Six trainers try to qualify their horses for the Kentucky Derby
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Six trainers prepare for " The First Saturday in May " in this excellent 2007 documentary currently playing limited engagements in select theaters . The good news is that the producers , the Hennegan brothers , have found a distributor , and the film is due to be released on DVD . The documentary follows the trainers of six horses who are close to qualifying for the 2005 Kentucky Derby , including trainer Matz and the horse he trains , Barbaro , whose story is well known . The trainers are all lively personalities from different parts of the country ( Arkansas , Florida , New York , Kentucky ) . We get to know these men , their histories , their children and their love of horses . The statistics were interesting - of 40 , 000 foals born every year , only 20 make it to the Derby . Of these six , not all make it . And one who did meets a cruel fate . There are laughs and tears to be had in this absorbing film . I'm not a particular fan of horse - racing - for the horses who aren't winners and put out to stud , it can be a horrible life . Racing young horses can cause harm to many an animal and has . Viewers , however , will be struck by the sheer beauty of these animals , their trainers ' stories and the drama , pathos and humor of this documentary .
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493,949 | 342,623 | 443,582 | 9 |
Remarkable . Devastating .
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This is a not to be missed story of one of the most remarkable women ever to hit films - Mary Pickford . Not only was she a brilliant actress and a beautiful woman , but an astonishing businesswoman and visionary . Pickford formed United Artists with Douglas Fairbanks ( her soon to be husband ) and Charlie Chaplin in order to fight the stranglehold Adolf Zukor had on the film industry . This was decades before actors began forming their own production companies . Pickford reached the heights of fame and became the first bona fide movie star , and , as this marvelous documentary points out , film's first has-been . As she aged and could no longer play sweet young things , and with the advent of sound and the jazz age , America's sweetheart lost her audience . They never came back . It's always amazing to watch the stories of people like Pickford , Welles , and Garbo , who enjoyed fame at a young age and then spent the next half century either retired or trying to recapture lost glory . Pickford's story is especially sad . She was innovative , vibrant , and street smart . She was part of the exciting development of the new medium of film , and gradually found there was no place for her in it . Sobering . Fascinating . See " Mary Pickford " and appreciate this icon .
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493,600 | 342,623 | 67,402 | 9 |
Two great female performances
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Vanessa Redgrave is " Mary , Queen of Scots " in this 1972 film which stars Glenda Jackson , Patrick McGoohan , Timothy Dalton , Ian Holm and Nigel Davenport . What a pity that young people today don't have a chance to see the great Jackson , who has retired , or Redgrave , who no longer plays leads in films . These two women are powerhouses playing two completely different types of women - Elizabeth ( Jackson ) is powerful , distrusting and manipulative , while vulnerable , sensitive Mary is in way over her head . The story covers the death of Mary's husband in France and her arrival in Scotland to be their Queen . The history behind this is fascinating , since Mary was something like 9 months when she was first made Queen of Scotland . One of the things that made her reign controversial was her Catholic faith ; Ireland was Protestant . Since Mary is a legitimate daughter of James V of Scotland and Elizabeth is considered by Catholics to be the illegitimate daughter of Henry VIII , as she was conceived before Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn , her cousin Elizabeth sees her as a threat to her own crown . Mary would be next in line to ascend the throne ( also controversial due to Henry VIII's Act of Settlement , which forbade Stuarts to inherit the throne ) . Elizabeth goes to any lengths to protect her position . She sees through Mary immediately , realizing she has no political sense , and manipulates her into marrying the conniving , bisexual Lord Darnley ( Dalton ) , who later tries to secure the throne for himself . Mary gets it from all sides , including her half-brother , Jamie , a Protestant who acted as Regent in Scotland while she was in France , betrothed as she was at the age of 5 . With the birth of her son , James ( who became James I of England and James VI of Scotland ) , Mary fights as best she can so that her son will one day rule . The acting is magnificent from all of the stars ; it would be impossible to choose one as better than the other , though certainly McGoohan , as Mary's brother , and Ian Holm , as Riccio , had excellent roles that showcased their abilities . But they're all wonderful . The scenery is gorgeous . In the ' 60s and early ' 70s , these dramas about English royalty were all the rage , making for complicated , interesting stories and fascinating , real-life characters . It looks like now , they're returning again . The film world needs them , as they represent a return to three-dimensional people , compelling history and - dare I say it - good leading roles for women .
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494,741 | 342,623 | 408,306 | 9 |
The human side of warring factions
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First , on a light note , I saw " Road to Perdition " right before I saw this film , and therefore made the conclusion that Daniel Craig is in every film made . At this point , I feel like I know his face better than one of my family members . " Munich " is a powerful story done by a powerhouse group , as it is directed by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tony Kushner . It's the story of a young Israeli , Avner ( Eric Bana ) , who is asked to head up a team with the mission to eliminate the men responsible for the massacre at the 1972 Munich Olympics . The situation is re-enacted but real television news clips are used throughout the beginning of the film . Though he has a wife and their first child is on the way , Avner accepts the assignment , which takes him all over the world tracking down and killing the miscreants . When his assignment comes to an end , he finds he is unable to shake his experiences . " Munich " demonstrates , in the form of Avner and his team , the disintegration of those qualities that make us human beings in the first place . These men believe in what they're doing but become disillusioned - can they all be trusted ? Whom can they trust ? What is the point of , as one of them puts it , " all this blood " when the people they kill are replaced with worse people ? In the beginning , Avner clearly has no affection for killing - he watches , horrified , as it goes on . The team is careful not to hurt civilians - for instance , they protect a little girl , the daughter of one of the Black September planners , from a bomb intended for her father . Later , Avner's orders are " just do it , " and there are bodies of innocent victims everywhere . Avner pays a man named Louis huge money for information on the whereabouts of the Black September men - and then begins to doubt him - is he in turn telling the other side his whereabouts because he has become a target ? I agree that Spielberg does not take sides in the film and shows how everyone suffers in any violent conflict , and that after a time , people hate for the sake of hating and kill for the sake of killing , often forgetting what started the whole cycle . Eric Bana gives a fantastic performance as Avner . He looks so different at the end of the film than at the beginning , as he becomes increasingly more paranoid . He is particularly frightening in the scene where he is making love to his wife and reliving what he's been through . One really feels the harrowing experiences he's had and what it has done to his spirit . A thought-provoking and sobering film .
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494,520 | 342,623 | 40,338 | 9 |
A little boy thinks the butler did it
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A little boy ( Bobby Henry ) thinks he saw a murder in " The Fallen Idol , " a 1948 film directed by Carol Reed from a Graham Greene screenplay . You really can't get much better than that . Phillipe is the son of the French ambassador to England and his good buddy in the large place where they live is the butler Baines ( Ralph Richardson ) . Baines and his shrew of a wife ( Sonia Dresdel ) run the place , and the action takes place while both the ambassador and his wife are away . Being an only child , Phillipe has a vivid imagination and is also very attached to Baines , whom he follows one day to a coffee shop . There , Baines is in deep conversation with a woman he introduces as his niece Julie ( Michelle Morgan ) . In actuality , she's his girlfriend , and she and Baines are discussing whether or not he can get a divorce from his wife . When Mrs . Baines leaves to visit her aunt , Julie comes over to the house to spend time with Baines and Phillipe . Just one small problem - Mrs . B knows something is up and is still in the house . When she winds up dead at the bottom of the stairs , Baines falls under suspicion , and Phillipe is afraid Baines killed her . This is a beautifully crafted film about the mind of a child and about secrets and lies . Baines tells Phillipe secrets and lies , Julie tells Phillipe secrets , Mrs . Baines tells Phillipe secrets , Phillipe can't keep a secret , so lies ensue . When the inspector ( Jack Hawkins ) shows up , it becomes exhausting all around . One of the biggest stars of the film is the camera , which takes us down a London street as a little boy runs in the dark and rain ; up a long staircase ; through a game of hide and seek with covered furniture ; the boy's view of the busy household ; and most especially the precious final shot . The magnificent Ralph Richardson portrays the complex Baines perfectly - unhappily married , in love with the beautiful Julie , afraid of his nasty wife , efficient at his job and fond of Phillipe , who is at this point clearly in the way . Michelle Morgan is believable as Julie , a kind young woman - these aren't two nasty , conniving people , just two people in love who don't know whether to go forward or separate . Bobby Henry is an excellent Phillipe . He's not sweet and adorable , but we don't want Mrs . Baines to be mean to him ; he blows every secret all to hell and doesn't lie very well ; he shows up at inappropriate moments ; he makes the wrong assumptions - but we feel for his terror and confusion . If he'd been cute , it would have made Baines and Julie seem more exploitive than they were . It also would have made Mrs . Baines seem even meaner - but she's mean enough . One of the best films to come out of British cinema , and more proof of the greatness of Carol Reed . A must see .
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493,750 | 342,623 | 86,617 | 9 |
Powerful images
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It's Indonesia at the time of the 1965 revolution , and a young , ambitious reporter , played by Mel Gibson , is in Jakata to cover it in " The Year of Living Dangerously , " a 1982 film that also stars Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hunt . Peter Weir does an incredible job at evoking the atmosphere of poverty , homelessness , crowds , oppression , danger , and ugly Americans in this film , and also what it feels like to be a foreigner . Guy Hamilton , the Australian reporter , is determined that this assignment will pay off for him , and it is his good luck that a tiny photographer , Billy Kwan ( Hunt ) offers to help him make connections . He likes Guy , he believes that Guy is a good man and will help to get the true story of what is happening in Indonesia out to the rest of the world . What he doesn't count on is Guy's ambition and his journalistic commitment . Neither does the woman he loves , Jill ( Weaver ) , who works for a military attaché . Because of this , she makes a costly mistake . Sukarno , says Billy , is thought of as a puppetmaster ; Billy sees himself as one , but for orchestrating gentler things , like love , helping the poor , and getting out the story of Indonesia's people . In the end , Guy sees himself as a puppetmaster too , with his hands on the story of the year . But as Sukarno becomes a puppet , so does Billy , although willingly , and Guy becomes one himself , not able to do what he originally intended . Mel Gibson has become such a controversial figure today , with his The Passion of the Christ , his arrest , and his racial remarks . There was a time when he was one of the biggest stars in the world , and it's easy to see why here . Handsome , confident , and passionate , he is an effective Guy . The beautiful Sigourney Weaver , who not long before this movie had voice lessons in New York right after mine , does a wonderful job here . Of course , the role doesn't begin to tap her talent . I remember her in person as very tall , very slender , and very sweet ; her beauty and presence radiate from the screen . The star of the film is in reality Linda Hamilton , whose portrayal of Billy Kwan not only won her an Oscar , but gave her a unique place in film history . She totally inhabits Billy . An amazing character , fully fleshed out by her brilliant acting . The last scenes in this film are sobering and scary , and the audience really feels the sense of urgency and danger . Fantastic movie . Even if it were horrible , Linda Hunt's performance has to be seen .
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494,732 | 342,623 | 362,227 | 9 |
Nice Spielberg-Hanks collaboration
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Tom Hanks is Viktor Navorski , a man without a country who lives in " The Terminal , " a 2004 film directed by Steven Spielberg . While Viktor is en route to the U . S . to fulfill a wish of his late father's , there is a coup in the Eastern European country he calls home . When he lands at JFK airport , he finds he cannot enter the U . S . because his country is no longer recognized by the U . S . , and all flights home have been canceled . While waiting in this limbo , Viktor takes up residence in the Terminal , to the chagrin of one of the administrators ( Stanley Tucci ) for whom Viktor is becoming somewhat of an embarrassment . This is a delightful film , if a bit too long , about the true meaning of home , about resourcefulness , and how a dream can propel a person to keep going no matter the odds . There are some funny scenes such as one of the custodial people , Gupta , watching people slide across his wet floors , Viktor taking apart seats at Gate 67 to make a bed , walking across the terminal in his bathrobe , and gathering luggage wagons so he can turn them in for quarters ( he lost the food vouchers he was given ) . A brilliant contractor in his own country , Viktor even finds work in the terminal when his talent is recognized by the boss of one of the crews doing repairs on the building . Viktor makes many friends at the Terminal and even falls in love with a flight attendant ( Catherine Zeta-Jones ) who is attached to a married man and can't seem to break it off . That and the peanut can that Viktor carries around with him make up the poignant parts of the story . The performances are wonderful . Hanks is a true Everyman as Viktor and really gives one the feel for what it's like to be alone in a strange place and not know much of the language . In one sad moment , he watches the TV monitors and cries as he realizes his country is in trouble . Viktor is a smart man as well as being a grounded and basic one . As with all his other roles , Hanks sails through the part , making it look both believable and easy . Zeta-Jones is a stunning and vivacious Amelia who sees Viktor's true worth even as she is pulled in another direction by a dead end relationship . Stanley Tucci , an airport administrator to whom Viktor has become an embarrassment , does an excellent job portraying a rules-only mindset and the disconnect between his job and the people he's supposed to serve . In one of the most powerful scenes , he refuses to let a man into the country with medicine for his dying father because the correct forms weren't filled out in the man's country of origin . All of the supporting characters who learn the meaning of true friendship from Viktor - Cruz , Gupta , et al . are fantastic . " The Terminal " is a real feel-good movie , beautifully directed and acted , touching and engrossing . Highly recommended for the smile it will leave on your face .
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495,080 | 342,623 | 86,637 | 9 |
Funny and technically remarkable
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Zelig is another terrific film from Woody Allen , about a chameleon who lived earlier in the century and was treated by a psychiatrist to become one , whole person . Done in documentary style all the way through and narrated by Patrick Horgan , it's difficult to tell sometimes who is real and who is acting . Leonard Zelig is a young man who , simply by standing with someone , becomes just like them - if he's with a black person , he becomes black ; if he's near a fat person , he becomes rotund and so on . He is the subject of articles as well as songs ( " Leonard the Lizard , " " ( You Have Such ) Reptile Eyes , " and " You May Be Six People , But I Love You , " to name a few ) and inspires a popular ' 20s dance , " The Chameleon . " Dick Hyman composed the songs perfectly in the style of the ' 20s , and one , in fact , is sung by the voice of Betty Boop , Helen Kane . Zelig is attacked by Labor Unions because they claim that , as a chameleon , he's holding down six jobs . The KKK doesn't know what to make of him - he can become anything they hate in seconds . While working with a dedicated psychiatrist , Eudora ( Farrow ) , Leonard's sister and boyfriend take him out of the institute and use his chameleon qualities to commercialize him and make a bundle . After a murder / suicide , Eudora gets Leonard back and continues to work with him . The best part of " Zelig , " of course , are the film clips and photos from the ' 20s and ' 30s that place Zelig and / or Eudora actually in them . The old film was apparently matched to the new by such technical things as stepping on it , putting it in a shower , and crumpling it up . The production used actual cameras and lighting from the ' 20s to give the right effect , and a technique used in a series of Time-Life specials that inserted Dick Cavett into archival footage was used - and actually was the inspiration for the film , it fascinated Allen so much . All of these photos and film clips are remarkable , but the best is the appearance of Leonard Zelig on the podium near Hitler while Hitler is giving one of his impassioned speeches . " Zelig , " though , is more than a technical wonder . It's the story of a man who has no identity of his own and , through the dedication of one doctor , develops one . It's also very funny in parts , particularly one of Leonard's sessions under hypnosis when he talks about the meaning of life . A wonderful film with jaw-dropping editing , done meticulously . Highly recommended .
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494,228 | 342,623 | 455,902 | 9 |
biography of a Hollywood beauty
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Linda Darnell was certainly one of the most beautiful women to hit Hollywood , but when she first came on the scene , she was just a girl . This Biography episode covers the actress ' tragic life , using home movies , film clips , and interviews with family , friends , and costars . Linda Darnell's story is compelling and quite sad : Chaotic home , absent father , pushy stage mother , and a Hollywood contract at 14 after a series of beauty pageants . When Zanuck found out her age , he sent her back home , only to sign her again while she was still a teen , when he realized that RKO was going to give her a contract . She was put into adult roles immediately and soon became a huge success in Stardust , The Mark of Zorro , Blood and Sand , and many others . When she married cinematographer Peverell Marley , many years her senior , Zanuck fired him and put Linda on suspension because she wasn't a sweet virgin anymore . She came back , and when she did , she was hotter than ever as a sultry beauty , and some of her best films followed : Unfaithfully Yours , Letter to Three Wives , My Darling Clementine , No Way Out , etc . But a volatile marriage , alcohol , bad investments , and a devastating affair with Joseph Mankiewicz left her bloated and broke . Bad marriages and a bad nightclub act followed . Stage work brought Linda the confidence she had lost and also reconciled her with her adopted daughter Lola , and when she made her first film in 7 years , the offers started pouring in . Unfortunately , Linda's third go in the movies was not to be . After watching Stardust at her former secretary's house in Chicago , the house caught fire , and Linda died after suffering burns on 90 % of her body . She died beautiful , excited about the future , and with the memory of the earlier teen Linda with her whole life ahead of her . This is truly a heartbreaking story , very well told , and one not to miss .
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494,315 | 342,623 | 36,855 | 9 |
A man tries to gaslight his wife
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As Suzanne once said on " Designing Women , " " you're trying to gas stove me . " The term for driving a person crazy by either gaslighting or gas stoving them comes from this magnificent 1944 film , remade from a 1940 British production - and both come from the play " Angel Street . " But it was this Oscar-winning film that made " to gaslight " popular . It stars Charles Boyer , Ingrid Bergman , Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury . This " Gaslight " has some differences from the British film , in that it switches the connection to the woman murdered in the house where the Antons live from the husband ( Boyer ) to the wife ( Bergman ) , and the old detective interested in Gregory is now an attractive young detective interested in Paula ( though the names are changed here too ) . It also gives us a back story as to how the couple met . For reasons of his own ( also different in both films ) the lovely Paula's new husband , Gregroy , starts slowly driving her mad , accusing her of forgetting things , losing items , and setting her up to be frightful of going out or being social , and when she does , having hysterics so everyone knows she is disturbed . He openly flirts with the trashy maid ( Lansbury ) and embarrasses his wife in front of her . He also leaves the house every night , and as she sits in her room , the gaslight dims , as if someone has turned on another light in the house . But no one has . Paula is going nuts . But a young police detective has seen Paula and has recognized her as the relative of someone very important in his life . The acting and production values in " Gaslight " are great . Bergman has never looked more beautiful than in the gorgeous Victorian costumes . She makes Paula and very vulnerable and sympathetic young woman . Pia Lindstrom states on the DVD that her mother's performance is subtle . That's one thing it wasn't , and it's her tendency to go a tad over the top is the only thing that dates " Gaslight " as produced in another time . Many of her mannerisms have been used so often over the years that they have become stereotypes . Not to say there was anything wrong with Bergman's performance ; she was a great actress with a wonderful quality . It's just that the acting style employed in this film has changed somewhat . Boyer's Gregory is suave and cruel in an off-handed way . He speaks to Paula with a gentleness that makes his venom even more sinister . Joseph Cotten brings an attractiveness and sincerity to the detective . Angela Lansbury , 17 and in her film debut , is wonderful as the tarty Nancy , with her sullen look and low-class accent . An excellent performance . The DVD set has both versions of " Gaslight " ( there was also a TV movie starring Christopher Plummer ) and watching both of them is very enjoyable . Though some people consider the British version superior , I give the slight edge to this great 1944 classic , directed with a gentle hand by George Cukor .
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494,458 | 342,623 | 48,281 | 9 |
A Jonas meets robbers - mayhem results
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Hilarious dark , British comedy about robbers who have the incredible misfortune of planning their crime in the home of Mrs . Wilberforce while posing as musicians . Thinking her a harmless little old lady , they enlist her unknowing help in the crime , not realizing she's a total Jonas . A very clever script and a top-notch cast contribute to making this an excellent film . Alec Guiness , Katie Johnson , Peter Sellars , and Herbert Lom , Cecil Parker , and Danny Green are all excellent . There are some very funny slapstick scenes , including one in which the group attempts to rescue one of Mrs . Wilberforce's parrots from the outdoors ( " Major Wilberforce went down with the ship . . . but he made sure these creatures were safe on the last boat . " ) The remake of this seems to have come and gone - I don't understand the reason for most remakes , and most especially not this one .
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493,573 | 342,623 | 105,691 | 9 |
Wonderful film
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Liam Neeson is " Under Suspicion " for murdering his wife and a client in this 1991 little known film also starring Laura San Giacomo . This is one of those films one rents and all too rarely realizes that they have found an unsung treasure . Set in England in 1959-60 , Neeson plays an police officer , Tony Aaron . While on assignment with his partner Frank guarding the home of a wealthy man who is out of town , Tony takes time out to have a dalliance with the owner's wife . In the fray that erupts when he's nearly caught by her husband , another officer is killed . Tony is pressured to resign and when he leaves , he only has one friend left - his partner Frank . Tony becomes a low-life private detective who helps clients fake adultery in order to have grounds for divorce . To do this , Tony uses his own wife , Hazel , the woman of the above dalliance , as the " other woman . " One night , he does the usual thing of entering the hotel room with a camera and surprising the client and Hazel in bed when he discovers that both have been brutally murdered . He immediately becomes a suspect , though he trails along with his ex-partner during the investigation and discovers some other suspects - not only who had a reason to knock off the artist , but who had plenty of reason to frame Tony for the crime . This is a very well produced and directed film with brilliant construction . The detail in evoking the atmosphere of the late ' 50s is wonderful , and if there were ever a film that deserved a " best costumes " nomination for an Oscar , this is it . The acting is all around very good , with a good deal of the film's budget going to Liam Neeson , who back then was a prolific actor two years from superstardom . Neeson is terrific as a loser who has made one mistake after another so that a noose around his neck seems appropriate . Yet there's something likable about him , and earnest , too , so that the audience feels that though he may not have been able to keep his pants zipped , at heart he's not a bad guy . Laura San Giacomo , who has enjoyed an okay film career but is now best known for her work in the TV series " Just Shoot Me " is very effective as the mysterious mistress whom Tony suspects may have had something to do with her boyfriend's murder . Kenneth Cranham , a very familiar face in British productions , is excellent as Tony's loyal ex-partner , who risks his own job protecting his friend . An absolutely gorgeous woman , Alphonsia Emmanuel , plays Stasio's wife and does a good job in a role that , were she not so beautiful , would probably not have been noticed . Any film that has me yelling out loud at the screen at 3 a . m . is a good movie in my book . That's the level of suspense that " Under Suspicion " has - if you have a weak heart , take medication first . It's absolutely thrilling .
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493,953 | 342,623 | 370,455 | 9 |
a joy in every way
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This was the best and brightest of the Lifetime reunions ! The ladies - and by that , I mean the real " Designing Women " - Delta Burke , Dixie Carter , and Annie Potts - looked incredible and were a riot together as themselves , just as they were playing their characters . They told some hilarious stories . The tremendous warmth that the show had shone through , particularly in the gentleness of Meshach Taylor . The introduction of an obviously frail Alice Ghostley was also very poignant . Loved the scene in the gay bar where all the patrons recite Dixie Carter's famous " flaming baton " speech , and Burke's story of meeting her husband and taking him on a back lot picnic , only to have tourists treading through at every turn . This was a no-miss !
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493,572 | 342,623 | 350,258 | 9 |
The warts and all bio of a music great
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A masterful performance by Jamie Foxx is just one of the highlights of " Ray , " a 2004 film also starring Kerry Washington , Regina King , Curtis Armstrong , Richard Schiff , Sharon Warren , Patrick Bachau , and many others , all giving excellent support to the film . The film has several main focuses : the first is Charles ' childhood - the drowning of his brother George which haunted him for years , the glaucoma that blinded him , and the strength taught him by his mother - don't bend , don't break , don't ever be a cripple . She eventually sends him to a special school where Charles ' gift of music is discovered . The next focus is Charles ' artistic evolution as a Nat King Cole-like singer , to his arrangements of gospel music , his foray into country music , and the unique sound that became Ray Charles . The third focus is Charles ' personal life - his marriage to Bea , his many affairs , his heroin addiction and eventual rehabilitation . Because Charles lived a packed 74 years , there's a lot skipped . Though Charles was orphaned while in his teens , the death of his beloved mother , his rock , isn't in the film . While he is shown on the chitlin circuit and refusing to play in segregated clubs , his near-starvation as a musician isn't covered . At one point , he found a jar of jelly and attempted to eat it , but the jar broke . He was that down and out . Bea is shown with him when the State of Georgia , which banned him , adopts " Georgia on My Mind " as their theme song in 1979 and welcomes Charles back to his native state , yet he and Bea were divorced in 1977 which isn't mentioned . She probably was there , however . Also , she wasn't his only wife - he was married once before he met her ; that marriage isn't covered . In the movie , we're told of one illegitimate child - there were 12 . It would have been impossible to get all of that and more into a film . What isn't skipped is his glorious music , which seems to go on constantly throughout the film , continually reinforcing his genius and artistry . Charles ' story is compelling and holds the audience's interest throughout . Those who scoff at it as a made-for-TV movie don't give it the credit it deserves . Taylor Hackford's direction gives " Ray " a good pace , and the movie has a lot of atmosphere and evokes the various decades beautifully . As Ray , Jamie Foxx inhabits the character and makes one forget he's a comedian playing a part . Foxx wore prosthetics , did his own piano playing , and spent a great deal of time with Charles preparing for the role . He nails him , but it's not an impersonation - he's a flesh and blood man with hallucinations of standing in water and finding his brother's body ; a man full of denial about his addiction , hating the word junkie and believing he's not hooked ; and he's in denial about his home life , thinking that his wife doesn't know about his various affairs and illegitimate children ( in the movie , child ) ; and a man taken terrible advantage of early in his career because of his blindness who refuses to be walked on later on . He demands to be paid in $1 bills so they can be counted ; when he discovers he's a gravy train for a club owner and her partner and was nearly cheated out of a record deal , he makes his own deal and leaves his job . One doesn't so much marvel at Foxx's performance as accept him as Ray from the first time he appears on camera . This is an excellent biography , which , like " Walk the Line " is punctuated with the fantastic music of the artist . Whether or not you're a Ray Charles fan , " Ray " is something to experience .
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494,637 | 342,623 | 413,615 | 9 |
Unforgivable is Unforgettable !
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Ken Burns has done an amazing documentary on the life of Jack Johnson - but even more amazing is the story he tells of the times in which Johnson lived . There is still racism in this country , for sure - one wants to believe that at least in most parts of the country , it is a little more circumspect than racism was during Johnson's life . This documentary provides a truly astounding look at this country at the beginning of the century , and a lot of it is unattractive . Johnson , called " The Ethiopian , " could not go after the heavyweight title because the white fighters swore no black man would ever have it . When he finally did get it , Jim Jefferson , the undefeated champion , who had refused to fight Johnson , was dragged out of retirement 10 years and 100 pounds later to try to reclaim the title . He failed , and commented that in his prime , he could never have beat Johnson . In his belief system , Johnson came up against a contemporary , Booker T . Washington , who believed that , rather than worry about segregation , blacks should build a power , education , and money base first . Johnson preferred to live as if segregation did not exist . He lived in white neighborhoods , moved his mother into one , flaunted his money , and consorted with white women . His quest for individualism cost him dearly . He bucked a system that simply would not stand for it . This is a fascinating piece of our history , one that should not be missed .
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495,078 | 342,623 | 491,738 | 9 |
I LOVE this show !
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I've been a devotee of MONK since it started and am ashamed to confess that I just discovered the very funny , very clever PSYCH on USA Network . It's a familiar format - two buddies , a head honcho in the police department who resents them - but it has some great twists . James Roday is Shawn Spencer , an observant detective who somehow is known as a psychic ( I am just renting the entire first season now so I don't have the whole back story ) . Anyway , he's a total fake but boy , can he put on a show . Dule Hill , so wonderful ( and serious ) in West Wing is Shawn's childhood friend and partner Gus . Corbin Bernsen plays Shawn's dad , a former police officer . Tim Omundson is the harried Lassiter . The dialogue is fantastic , and the mysteries are interesting enough . Corbin Bernsen is such a great sport - the show always begins with a flashback to Shawn's childhood , and Bernsen wears a hairpiece ; for the present-day scenes , he's bald . He was considered such a handsome leading man in LA Law - what he is , is an actor who enjoys both leads and character roles , as well as writing and directing . I can't say enough about James Roday's line delivery and his chemistry with Dule Hill . Hill is excellent - whoever would have dreamed he could be so effective doing comedy ? This show is great for what ails you . It will leave you laughing , and these days , you can't ask for better than that .
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494,013 | 342,623 | 94,737 | 9 |
Still a boy at heart
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Big is a captivating , funny , heartwarming movie starring Tom Hanks . It is well deserving of any and all accolades . A kid , Josh , makes a wish at a carnival machine to be big - and Zoltar grants it . The boy becomes a man - on the outside , anyway . When Josh's own mother doesn't know him , his best friend helps him relocate in New York City while his family thinks he's been kidnapped . He finds a job at a toy company and the big boss ( Robert Loggia ) recognizes him as an eccentric genius , continually promoting him over his competition ( John Heard ) . A young woman in the company ( Elizabeth Perkins ) falls in love with him . When he brings her to his new , gorgeous apartment , she sees his bunk bed , soda machine , and trampoline . This movie was remade as " 13 Going on 30 , " which was also a delightful movie , but not nearly as memorable as " Big . " As we watch Hanks spitting out Beluga caviar at the office party , eating his way through the buffet , and dressing in what can only be called a white Elvis tuxedo , we realize how far we all are from our child within and that sense of wonder and freedom that brings with it original thoughts and creativity . As the boy Josh starts identifying more with his external appearance and discovers sex and the pressures of work , he realizes that something is missing . Everyone in the film is excellent , including Josh's adult love interest , Elizabeth Perkins , John Heard , Robert Loggia , Mercedes Ruehl , and Jared Rushton as Billy , Josh's best friend . The end is adorable and worthy of some tears - which I shed . Highly recommended .
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494,415 | 342,623 | 40,705 | 9 |
Haunting fantasy with a traditional post-war theme
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The World War II zietgeist was an obsession with what happens after death , with angels coming to earth ( " The Bishop's Wife , " " It's A Wonderful Life , " ) with the dead appearing in someone else's body ( " Here Comes Mr . Jordan " ) and with people returning to live in another time . Thus we have the beautiful story of " Portrait of Jennie , " based on the book by Robert Nathan . Joseph Cotten plays Eben Adams , a starving New York artist who meets a young girl named Jennie . Each time he sees her , she has grown up a little more . She isn't dressed in a modern way and talks of buildings long torn down and of people dead many years . Adams becomes obsessed with her and finally does her portrait , which gives him the artistic breakthrough he sought , with the encouragement of gallery owners played by Ethel Barrymore and Cecil Kellaway . When he finally learns Jennie's complete story , he rushes to connect with her at a point in time which could change both of their destines . The photography in this film is stunning ; looking at the still moments is like looking at a painted canvas - you can see the texture on the screen . There are wonderful scenes of New York City and Central Park as well . Jennifer Jones as Jennie is perfection , utterly believable as a child , a teenager , and as a woman , and her gorgeous looks and soft voice lend just the right ethereal quality to her character . Cotten's Eben is a discouraged man whose hope grows over time , with support from friends and people interested in his art , and most of all , by his love for the mysterious Jennie . Ethel Barrymore as a no-nonsense art dealer gives one of her stalwart performances . Catch those young girls looking at the portrait at the end of the film - none other than the very young Anne Francis , Nancy Olson and Nancy Davis - later to become Mrs . Reagan . They're only recognizable if you know who they are ahead of time , so watch for them . " Portrait of Jennie " is a haunting film . You won't forget it once you've seen it .
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493,539 | 342,623 | 805,669 | 9 |
A lot of fun and heart
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Ugly Betty is a refreshing show from ABC that is based on a soap opera , I believe from Mexico . The place and the characters are quite similar to " The Devil Wears Prada , " except that in " Ugly Betty " her boss loves her . Like Prada , UB takes place in the offices of a fancy fashion magazine a la Vogue , in the series called Mode , and we come into the show shortly after the death of its former editor-in-chief , " Faye . " Mode's owner , Bradford Meade ( Alan Dale ) has put his son Daniel ( Eric Mabius ) in Faye's place instead of the ambitious Wilhemina ( Vanessa Williams ) so much of the plot is taken up with Wilhemina trying to discredit him with the help of her assistant , a bitchy queen named Marc ( Michael Urie ) . Wilhemina has something cooked up with a masked woman whom we are led to believe is Faye returned to life , and they are trying to link Bradford with Faye's death and thus take control of the company . Into this maelstrom comes Betty ( America Ferrera ) with her ponchos , braces , glasses and hideous clothes , saving Daniel's job week after week and bolstering his ego . The other part of the series concerns Betty's home life with her Mexican-American father ( Tony Plana ) , her street-smart sister Hilda ( Ana Ortiz ) and Hilda's fashionista son ( Mark Indelicato ) . Though the show has great warmth , it is in the family scenes where not only warmth but a sense of reality reigns . All of the roles are perfectly cast . The show has clichéd characters , but they're supposed to be - it's part of the fun . Certainly Michael Urie is capable of playing a much more subtle character than the outrageous Marc , but the magazine is supposed to be an environment of total shallowness and political intrigue where Betty is the only real person . When asked why , when going to a Breast Cancer event , Wilhemina is wearing an AIDS red ribbon and not a pink one , she answers , " The AIDS one looks better with what I'm wearing . " What " Ugly Betty " has going for it is lots of heart . Betty's open , outgoing and friendly attitude breaks down barriers in the office and keeps the family grounded at home . The message is , just be who you are and be proud of it .
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494,908 | 342,623 | 205,698 | 9 |
Excellent look at the brilliant career of Edward R . Murrow
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This Reporter is the story of Edward R . Murrow and his career at CBS , so beautifully told in the film " Good Night , and Good Luck . " If possible , see the documentary first - you will appreciate the film even more . Murrow was a handsome man who always had a cigarette in his hand ; this documentary traces his career , which includes his remarkable commentary overseas during World War II ( during which time he had an affair with Pamela Churchill , who became Pamela Harriman ) , and covers his rocky career at CBS on what can be described as an early version of 60 Minutes that eventually finished him at that network . Once he took on Senator Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare , Murrow became interested in other important and controversial stories , and his network protector , William Paley , became less and less supportive . During this time , Murrow started his famous " Person to Person " television show that took viewers into the homes of important people , which had never been done before . Gradually , however , he found his power at the network greatly diminished . He was too troublesome , and Paley was sick to his stomach over the constant controversy that surrounded the show . Murrow immediately saw the tremendous potential of television and was frustrated that this promise was not being tapped fully . Many of his predictions - - about the news becoming tabloid , for instance , have become true . An excellent and sobering documentary about one of the giants of journalism .
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494,032 | 342,623 | 66,997 | 9 |
engrossing documentary about the great director
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John Ford is one of our greatest American directors , and he is profiled in this 1971 documentary that features a hilarious interview with the man himself ( Interviewer : How did you shoot that scene ? Ford : With a camera ) and actors who worked with him many times over the years : John Wayne , James Stewart , Henry Fonda , and Maureen O'Hara . Narrated by Orson Welles , prominent directors talk about his influence on cinema and his gifts as a director : Martin Scorcese , Peter Bogdanovich , Steven Spielberg , and Clint Eastwood . The most fascinating part of this documentary was the discussion - with clips - of how the master framed his shots like a painter , and the scenes shown were truly stunning . The end of the documentary speaks to his sentimentality , belief in an afterlife and the family , demonstrated with heartwrenching scenes from " The Searchers , " " How Green was My Valley , " and others . Finally there was a taped meeting between Katharine Hepburn and Ford in the year he died . The two had a great connection and perhaps even a relationship . It is most fascinating , particularly when Ford's son leaves the room and mistakenly leaves the tape recorder on . Excellent all the way around .
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494,313 | 342,623 | 363,473 | 9 |
a one man band
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Kevin Spacey is everything , including Bobby Darin , in " Beyond the Sea , " a biography of the young man who set himself up as the next Sinatra - and indeed , might have been - had it not been for his early death . Darin was a cocky kid with a great presence and oodles of talent . The essence of Vegas cool , his singing style was as slick as it was thrilling , and in his short career he had many hits , " Beyond the Sea " being just one . His rendition of " Mack the Knife " is classic . Spacey portrays Bobby in this exuberant film that celebrates the life of this great singer . He directed , produced , and contributed to the script as well . His motives for making this film were several-fold - he wanted people to remember Darin's music and talent , and he probably wanted to showcase his own remarkable abilities , as he does his own singing . Though the structure is a bit jarring at times , this is a wonderful movie , filled with fantastic music and musical numbers that absolutely soar . Spacey's voice is fantastic , and he copies Darin's style beautifully . The music makes " Beyond the Sea " a real feast . Darin's real-life story is also compelling . Like Sinatra , he never accepted second-best for himself and moved fast , knowing that he had been living on borrowed time since he was 15 due to a heart condition . After a family secret is revealed , he never really bounced back and died when he was 36 . Much has been written about Spacey's age and that this is a vanity production . Spacey tried to get financing for this movie for something like ten years ; after the death of his mother , it finally happened , and he believes that she helped him get the film produced . So " Beyond the Sea " meant a great deal to him , and kudos to Spacey for having a dream and not giving it up . We should applaud someone who doesn't quit instead of writing him off with , this is a vanity production . Despite his excellent performance , Spacey's age gets in the way . In my own opinion , this was completely unnecessary . I assume he allowed it to happen because he figured he was just too old and everyone was going to have to live with it . Inexcusable . This is no small budget movie , and we're talking about the Land of Illusion here . Certainly some attention to lighting , a softer lens , better makeup and some face tape could have easily removed 10 years from Spacey . Orson Welles had to live down the fact that he wasn't as handsome as he appeared in parts of " Citizen Kane " because of the flawless way he looked . The time and care taken to light and make up actresses is legendary . I can't believe , as one who has been before the cameras and in the hands of makeup and lighting people myself , that some years couldn't have been knocked off of Spacey's appearance . The rest of the performances are very good , with Greta Scacchi a standout as Sandra Dee's pushy mother . Kate Bosworth is good as Dee and , in this writer's opinion , prettier . " Beyond the Sea " is a first class production all around . As one who remembers Darin , it's heavenly - and a reminder that heaven robbed us of a significant talent way too early .
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494,859 | 342,623 | 36,969 | 9 |
Beautiful adaptation
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Orson Welles hauls out his " Citizen Kane " corsets to become Mr . Rochester to Joan Fontaine's Jane Eyre in " Jane Eyre , " a lavish 1944 adaptation of the book by Charlotte Bronte . Jane is a poor orphan shuttled from one horrible situation to another - first the home of her cruel aunt ( Agnes Moorhead ) , then to an orphanage run by Henry Brocklehurst . He announces to all that Jane is possessed by the devil and that no one should be involved with her . But one little girl , Helen Burns , played by an absolutely beautiful Elizabeth Taylor , befriends her . Alas , due to the inhumane treatment at the orphanage , Helen dies . With the help of the kind doctor to the orphans , Dr . Rivers ( handsome John Sutton ) Jane sticks it out at the orphanage to receive her education . When they offer her a teaching position there for pennies , she leaves to become the governess for little Adele ( Margaret O'Brien ) at Thornfield , the home of the mysterious , tormented Edward Rochester . O'Brien was one of the most adorable child actors in films , and one of the best performers . Welles couldn't stand her because she was a scene stealer . Mary Astor confessed being afraid of her on " Meet Me in St . Louis . " It's all lost on the audience , as she is wonderful . Welles made a calculated decision to hire himself out as an actor to finance his film work . He makes a magnificent Mr . Rochester - romantic , angry , and magnetic . His resonant voice speaks the dialogue with conviction , and , at 27 , he was able , with a little help , to cut a dashing figure , an advantage that didn't last too much longer . Fontaine is perfect as the subservient , shy , unloved Jane , her soft , plain appearance and breathless voice giving an overall air of dignity and true beauty - at once recognized by Mr . Rochester . There is , however , the matter of Grace Poole . The film is atmospheric - in fact , it may be a tad on the overdone side , but the wind blowing on the moors , the storms , the lightning , the mausoleum-like , cold house all fit the darkness of Mr . Rochester's soul to perfection . Truly there was no one in cinema history quite like Orson Welles - brilliant , eccentric , a profligate spender , and ultimately self-destructive , on the outs with Hollywood and unable to finish any of his later projects . The saddest thing in his biography is the dinner he has with Steven Spielberg , whose help he wants in getting a distributor . Spielberg instead approaches him like a fan and wants to talk about the great films , the great performances , and no offer of help is forthcoming . How heartbreaking for Welles to spend the next 40 years of his life competing with his old dazzling image .
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494,344 | 342,623 | 32,599 | 9 |
Another version of " The Front Page " starring Grant and Russell
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Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell make great sparring partners in " His Girl Friday , " a remake of " The Front Page . " Grant plays the conniving newspaper publisher Walter Johnson , and Rosalind Russell is the reporter Hildy Johnson , a woman this time , and Johnson's ex-wife . She's trying to get remarried , move to Albany , and quit the newspaper business , but Walter can't bear it . He cons her into helping out with a controversial death row case and then makes sure her fiancée ( Ralph Bellamy ) suffers a series of mishaps - arrest for stealing a watch , arrest for " mashing , " arrest for counterfeiting , and the theft of his wallet . This all happens while Hildy interviews Earl Williams , a man due to be hung the next day . . . and then hides him in a roll-top desk in the courthouse press room when he escapes during a psychiatric evaluation . It's madcap , all right , and there are no two better people to carry it off than Grant and Russell , who make a great team . It's a hilarious story , with the most rapid-fire , non-stop dialog ever heard anywhere , often with several conversations going on at once . It's exhausting trying to keep up with it . Strangely , without computers and cell phones , the story of journalists working on a story holds up because the emotions and activities are realistic and still go on . It's as Hildy describes - no set schedule , no normal meals , and long hours . Nothing much has changed . This is a frenetic comedy , and while the impending hanging of Earl Williams is certainly serious , this plot is more of an excuse to observe the machinations of Hildy and Walter - it's a subplot , though it drives the main story . " The Front Page " is a favorite of Hollywood's , remade many times - three versions under its original title , a TV series , two TV productions , plus the film " Switching Channels . " And of course , " His Girl Friday , " possibly the best of all of them .
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494,500 | 342,623 | 41,746 | 9 |
Top-notch all the way
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Black people " passing for white " was not a new topic for Hollywood in 1949 . It was part of the plot of " Imitation of Life " in 1934 , but in that film , an actual black actress , Fredi Washington , played the role of the young woman who " passes " in the white world . In 1949 , there were two films dealing with this issue : " Pinky " and " Lost Boundaries , " and in both cases , the black person was played by a white actor . " Pinky " stars Jeanne Crain as Pinky Johnson , a black woman who looks white , so much so that she when she studies nursing in New York , she easily enters the white world and becomes involved with a white doctor who wants to marry her . Needing time to think over her situation , she returns home , which is a shack where her grandmother ( Ethel Waters ) lives in a black section of their southern town . There she is reminded of the prejudice and cruelty she left . When her grandmother asks her to care for an elderly white woman ( Ethel Barrymore ) , hostility between patient and nurse leads to an uneasy bond . This is a brilliant film all the way , magnificently directed by Elia Kazan and produced by Darryl F . Zanuck , who loved taking on these controversial social issues . The acting is superb : Jeanne Crain gives the best performance of her career as a woman who comes to grips with her true identity . She is so dignified as she walks through the town , soft-spoken yet strong , refusing to come down to the level of those around her . Ethel Barrymore is the elderly terminally ill woman Pinky reluctantly agrees to care for , and she nearly steals the movie with a no-nonsense performance . She's a woman set in her ways and opinions , but she's fair person who can see the human soul . It's probably the best drawn character in the film . As a teen-aged fan of " Route 66 , " I can well remember the publicity around the show when Ethel Waters guest-starred . Of course white teens in the ' 60s had no idea of who she was or the circumstances of her life and career . Yet to this day I can remember her on that show . Forty years later , thankfully , I have an appreciation of her place in history and her work . Waters gives a powerful performance . Her character has accepted her lot in life but sacrifices everything so that her grandchild can have a better one . In her world , white men have the power , and you can clearly see her belief manifested in her courtroom demeanor . The casting of Jeanne Crain is a sticking point here but not really when looked at in the context of the 1940s . Even with this casting , this is a bold movie , uncompromising in its depiction of white attitudes and racial slurs . It is just a pity that at the time of the filming , Fredi Washington was 45 years old and actually no longer in films . Washington looked so white that she was told by producers that if she would agree to " pass " and play white roles , she could have a career equal to that of Norma Shearer . She refused , and in order to play black women , she had to darken her skin . Lena Horne was deemed not white-looking enough . I suggest that the same is true for the beautiful Dorothy Dandridge . There may have been black actresses who looked white enough to play this role , but would anyone have answered such a casting call ? Most importantly , " Pinky " would not have been made without Jeanne Crain , because Zanuck wanted her to do it , and it's a film that deserved making . The other sticking point in the film is Pinky's fiancée , a white doctor . His easy acceptance of her as black - and the fact that she kept it from him - is a weakness in the script . This was done perhaps to highlight that he wanted to her to continue to pass for white , therefore making it clear that Pinky has to the make the decision , but the scenario does not seem believable . You can predict the ending of " Pinky , " and despite complaints that it's a typically neat Hollywood one , I found it immensely satisfying as I found the entire experience of watching this truly classic film , " Pinky . "
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494,963 | 342,623 | 75,865 | 9 |
Jonathan Demme directs - not too shabby !
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Both Steven Spielberg and Jonathan Demme cut their teeth on Columbo . This is a particularly good episode that sports not only Demme directing but an excellent script by Robert Van Scoyck , an award winning writer who wrote episodes for Columbo , Ellery Queen , Banacek , and other shows . Louis Jourdan is the murderer du jour in this one , playing a blackmailing restaurant reviewer who collects big time from some of the local establishments , owned by France Nuyen , Michael Gazzo , and others , in return for good TV reviews . Shera Danese , Falk's then new wife , plays Jourdan's associate , who's in love with him but isn't getting very far . One of the restaurant owners has had enough and threatens to expose Jourdan , so he poisons him over dinner . Columbo pegs Jourdan within minutes of getting to the scene . At this writing , the dialogue at the end of the show is on the home page for this episode , and I hope it's removed . We all know who did it , but learning how Columbo reached his conclusion is a lot of the fun . It's a strange thing about these shows . When you see them as often as I have , you realize that a lot of the shows are based on the same formula : successful man using a woman accomplice with the promise of love unlimited , and yet the shows are presented in such an interesting way that they're not tired . This is a particularly good one , and you'll love Columbo eating his way through restaurant after restaurant while questioning people , and his conversation in Italian with an employee . Basta !
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493,879 | 342,623 | 37,077 | 9 |
The spots !
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Betty Hutton is responsible for " The Miracle of Morgan's Creek , " a 1944 comedy written and directed by Preston Sturges . A very famous movie and rightly so . Hutton shares the screen with Sturges regulars Eddie Bracken , William Demarest , Brian Donlevy , as well as Diana Lynn , Akim Tamiroff and Porter Hall . Hutton plays Trudy , a small-town girl who lives with her sister ( Lynn ) and irascible father ( Demarest ) . On the night before a group of soldiers in the area ship out , a big dance is held for them , and Trudy plans on going . Her father forbids it . Instead she makes a movie date with a childhood friend who's crazy about her , Norval Jones . Poor Norval - he can't get into the service because he becomes so overwrought and terrified that they won't take him that he starts seeing - THE SPOTS - before his eyes , and he winds up with a 4-F . The minute they're out of the house , Trudy tells Norval that she wants to borrow his car and go to the dance , leaving Norval watching three features in a movie theater . Once she's there , Trudy dances with practically ever soldier there and goes out drinking and nightclubbing afterward , which she is unaccustomed to . She picks Norval up at 8 o'clock the next morning at the movie theater . Once in the house , she realizes that she got married , but she can't remember to whom except his name had a Z in it . Then she finds out she's pregnant . This is a hilarious film that many people have seen many times - there is an enormous amount of dialogue - if you took three films today and put them together , you probably wouldn't have the amount of dialogue in this film . It also moves at a lightning pace . It's so fascinating to see how this subject was handled in the ' 40s and how our mores have changed . The Trudy character could never have just gotten pregnant while unmarried and be unsure of the father's identity - or else the censors would have demanded she die at the end . The family goes to such lengths to cover up the pregnancy , even moving out of town to protect Trudy's " reputation . " And poor Norval offers to marry her as the soldier , whose name she thinks is Ignatz Ratzkywatzky so she has a marriage certificate , which Ignatz evidently took with him . Since she used a fake name , she won't be able to find it in any documents . Today a young woman getting pregnant and not knowing who the father is has become a common plot . Trudy could have just gone out and had a good time , gotten pregnant , and the father could have been a soldier or one of the guys in town . She'd have the child and remain unmarried if she so chose . A lot of people don't like Betty Hutton - I'm not sure why . She was a vivacious performer and a fantastic singer . She is wonderful as Trudy , showing a great sense of comic timing . Her energy , as usual , jumps off the screen . Eddie Bracken has the better role , and he makes the most of it . He's hilarious as the depressed Norval . Both he and Demarest have some very funny slapstick moments . Demarest comes off as a meanie , but you know deep down he cares . His repartee with Diana Lynn , who plays his other daughter , Emmy , will have you laughing . I think in the movie she said she was 14 - I thought 17 - and sure enough , the actress was 17 . Fourteen was really pushing it . " The Miracle of Morgan's Creek " is a real gem , made during World War II , a fascinating time in our history . Many women met their husbands while the men were at training camps - so did Trudy - but she never knew his name . I wonder whatever happened to Ignatz Ratzkywatzky - and if he'd try to find her if he knew the result of the honeymoon !
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494,810 | 342,623 | 97,322 | 9 |
A singer changes a brothers ' music team and their relationship
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Jeff Bridges and Beau Bridges are " The Fabulous Baker Boys " in this 1989 film also starring Michelle Pfeiffer . The Baker Boys have been playing dual pianos on the lounge circuit for years , with Frank ( Beau ) acting as the booking manager and accountant . When the bookings dry up , the brothers decide to hire a singer . She's Susie Diamond , a gorgeous blond with a sultry voice and sexy appearance that gives the Baker Boys the pizazz that they need to pick up better gigs and more of them . Of course , one can't wait for the handsome , quietly intense Jack ( Jeff ) and Susie to give into their sexual chemistry , despite Frank's warnings that Jack's hit and run technique will not work with a teammate . When Frank is called away on a family emergency , more than sex happens . Ultimately Susie's bluntness and ability to see a situation for what it is makes Jack realize he hates the act , hates the way his brother handles it , and hates himself for not pursuing work as a jazz musician . Someone wrote that the plot is thin - not really . The sibling dynamics are real , pent up , and the product of years of lip-biting , Jack becoming more and more introverted and Frank more desperate to work so he can support his family . It takes an outsider to bring tempers to a boil . The film is very well done , with great music throughout , including some very hot singing by Pfeiffer . The highlight of the movie is Pfeiffer rolling around on the piano as she sings to Jack . She's really at the height of her beauty and can compare favorably to any Hollywood goddess of the past . Her performance as a street-wise singer who's had it tough is excellent , right down to the chewing gum and the crystal jewelry . Beau Bridges is perfectly cast . He plays a working musician for whom music is a job - and yet he's proud of the act , insistent on having " Feelings " in every show they do , and likes songs like " Bali Hai . " Then we come to Jeff Bridges , certainly one of the sexiest men to ever come down the pike - tall and handsome , he is the essence of true jazz musician here - passionate on the piano , cool , loving the night life and the attendant bad habits of drinking and smoking . He's all tied up in his inability to break free of his brother , and it's expressed in every non-expression , every puff of his cigarette . He's fantastic . Another reviewer on this site stated that non-musicians probably can't understand Jack's frustration about the music . It's true , I'm a trained musician and related to his crisis immediately . But I think many people are in jobs they don't like , many people have a book they never finished because the kids came along - I think this is a very appealing story . I remember this film getting a big build-up when it was released , but many people on IMDb feel it's underrated . I didn't realize it was , but if it is , it shouldn't be . What a movie - a strange kind of a love story for sure , between a man and his music , but a love story nevertheless .
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494,858 | 342,623 | 45,891 | 9 |
Be careful what you wish for
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Three models set out to land some " rich millionaires " in " How to Marry a Millionaire , " a cinemascope extravaganza starring Lauren Bacall , Betty Grable , and Marilyn Monroe . To show off the new , wide screen system and stereo sound , there is an overture and finale which today seem unnecessary . Bacall rents the fabulous apartment of a man ( David Wayne ) who has left the country because of tax evasion , and Pola ( Monroe ) and Loco ( Grable ) move in with her . As Bacall explains it , just one of them has to land a millionaire . Meanwhile , they pool their money and sell Wayne's furniture . Bacall lands a million named Brookman ( Cameron Mitchell ) but she thinks he's a gas pump jockey and constantly rejects him , going after the older William Powell instead . Grable takes off with a wealthy married man whom she thinks is taking her to an Elks convention - well , he did say he was going to his lodge , didn't he ? Both get the measles and on her prolonged stay , she flips out for forest ranger Rory Calhoun - and who wouldn't ? Monroe meets an obvious phony with an eye patch , but while not wearing her glasses , she gets on the wrong plane to meet him and instead meets David Wayne , who has been sneaking in and out of their apartment trying to find a canceled check he gave his tax man . He talks her into putting on her glasses with the line , " I have to warn you - I already think you're quite a strudel . " The three women look incredible and are beautifully dressed throughout - Marilyn in that red gown being a particular knockout . Grable had 10 years on the other women which somehow always manages to come up - the most generous of performers , she was extremely friendly to Monroe and , in fact , to everyone . While on tour with a musical , Belle Star , the producers pulled out in Scotland , leaving the company stranded - Grable paid their salaries and got them all home . She is excellent in this film , very funny as a woman whose comprehension of what people say is on another planet , and possesses the sweet , warm quality that made her Queen of 20th Century Fox for many years . This was a new kind of film for Bacall , who up until this time had worked with her husband in some major film noir . She proves herself up to the task of both comedy and color . Monroe is hilarious as a nearly blind woman who refuses to let a man see her in glasses , and she is gorgeous throughout . William Powell , his " Thin Man " days over , is as wonderful as ever as a gentile widower . This is a very entertaining film , filled with in jokes - Grable insisting the trumpet player on the radio is Harry James , Bacall insisting to Powell that she loves older men , particularly that guy in the African Queen . The film makes its points well : that what you think you want may not be what's in your heart , that young men have years to work hard and make something of themselves , and that you can't tell a book by its gas jockey cover .
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493,752 | 342,623 | 59,084 | 9 |
London in the ' 60s in all its glory
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Julie Christie is " Darling " in this 1965 film directed by John Schlesinger , and also starring Dirk Bogarde and Laurence Harvey . Schlesinger does a beautiful job of showing us ' 60s London as it was , and yet he managed to make a film that is just as timely now . Julie Christie is model Diana Scott , a gorgeous , ambitious young woman who moves from man to man without attachment and with the intention of helping her career . She dumps her first husband and breaks up the marriage of a British journalist ( Bogarde ) and then moves on to a pleasure-seeking advertising executive ( Harvey ) , and finally , marries an Italian prince . It's one of those lives that sounds great - she has beauty , money , men , glamour , travels in the circles of the beautiful people . But she has no emotional attachments , no love , and nothing that she has feels right or is anything she wants . All the external trappings of celebrity , but it's a shell . A really terrific movie , and I have to agree with the posters whose comments I read that Julie Christie is perfection in every way . Bogarde and Harvey give her excellent support . As an aside , Christie's wardrobe is stunning . None of the characters are very likable , except perhaps Bogarde , who in spite of leaving his wife and family does truly love Diana . Despite the cold realities of Darling , we're even more obsessed with celebrity today , which makes the film even more interesting . But when you look at a photo , see someone in a magazine or on the screen , you're only dealing with a persona , not the flesh and blood individual . It's a fantasy . Darling shows the audience what's behind the fantasy - and it's not very pretty .
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493,848 | 342,623 | 32,413 | 9 |
Warner Brothers ' courageous bio of a gifted and important scientist
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Dr . Ehrlich's Magic Bullet is the story of the groundbreaking Nobel prize winner Paul Ehrlich , credited with many discoveries still critical in the practice of medicine today , and perhaps most importantly , for finding the cure for syphilis . This is an important film for the use of the word ' syphilis ' which was the basis of a fight between the Hays code and Warners . But Ehrlich's story deserved telling , and you couldn't do it without using the word syphilis . The beginning of the film shows Dr . Ehrlich in Germany futilely treating patients who have the disease , though nothing can really help them . It chronicles his rise up the scientific ranks through his use of staining organisms so that they could be seen under the microscope , his work in disease resistance , and finally , after long experiments with an arsenical compound - 606 , in fact - the discovery of a cure for syphilis . For me , one reason to watch bios is that I develop interest in the subjects and seek out more information ; after all , some Hollywood stories are less factual than others . Though I'm sure a lot of Ehrlich's life had to be telescoped , the film certainly hits the highlights , and portrays him as a gifted scientist and vigorous innovator obsessed with his work . Edward G . Robinson was always a good actor in the right role , but as Dr . Ehrlich , he is magnificent , totally immersing himself in the character and drawing the audience in . Stage actress Ruth Gordon , for whom movie stardom was about 28 years off , gives a lovely , understated performance as Ehrlich's wife . The rest of the cast is excellent , from Otto Kruger as a fellow scientist and friend , right down to a small role by Louis Calhern . The movie is a little too sentimental at times by today's standards , I suppose , but the only thing that really bothered me was the lack of presence of Ehrlich's daughters at the film's end . At the beginning of the movie , we see them as youngsters , and reference is made to them later as being married . Would it have killed Warners to have two female extras at the end of the film ? We would have known who they were . I don't know if Ehrlich really said that diseases of the body will not be conquered until we conquer diseases of the soul , but it's a great and true thought . He was in fact a victim of a disease of the soul : there was a street in Frankfurt named after him , but the name was changed in the ' 30s because Ehrlich was Jewish . Later , it was reinstated . This is a marvelous movie , a real must-see .
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494,633 | 342,623 | 375,063 | 9 |
hilarious , poignant , with brilliant performances
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I found myself chuckling at the beginning of this film , howling with laughter in the middle , and in tears at the end . This is a brilliant work that uses wine as a metaphor to describe its two main characters , Miles , the pinot noir , and Jack , the cabernet . Both men are pathetic , but for different reasons - Miles because he has no life and Jack because he is a total jerk . They set off on a last hurrah for Jack before his wedding - let's just say both have different plans for the week . What unfolds is a reality that everyone can relate to , making it both funny and sad . How wonderful to see the beautiful , luminous Virginia Madsen again . Like many others , I have no understanding - NONE - of how Madsen , Haden Church , the film , the screenplay blah blah blah managed to get nominated , but not the fantastic work of Paul Giamatti - can you spell rip-off ? I applaud all the film's nominations as well deserved , but hey , it's missing the most important one . P . S . LOVED the Grapes of Wrath touch in the hotel room !
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493,774 | 342,623 | 32,447 | 9 |
suspenseful
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This is another underrated film , probably due to the fact that in those days , the studios just churned them out . It's a shame that today , with fewer films being made , more can't be " churned out " like this one . A top-notch cast , including Robert Taylor , Nazimova , Conrad Veidt and Norma Shearer do justice to a very good script which at times has you on the edge of your seat . Robert Taylor plays an American who comes to Germany looking for his mother , a well-known German actress , who married an American and returns to Germany to sell her house . One can really feel his frustration as he frantically tries to find information on her whereabouts . Finally , he learns that she is in a concentration camp awaiting execution . Along the way , he has met Shearer , an American , who continued to live in Germany after she was widowed and is now seeing a German officer . The film is heavy on propaganda , as Taylor comes up against citizens afraid to talk and nasty , uncaring Nazis . Even Shearer refuses to help him initially , and an old family friend pretends not to know him . Taylor does an excellent job as both a desperate man and a loving , tender son . Without giving the story away , he has one magnificent nonverbal moment where it literally looks like the blood has drained from his face . Shearer is lovely , and Veidt is alternately charming and scary . Nazimova plays Taylor's mother in a strong performance . Though she went outside the studio to get Tyrone Power to costar with her in " Marie Antoinette " rather than use Taylor , both Shearer and Taylor were under contract to MGM and would meet again for Shearer's final film , " Her Cardboard Lover . " Some of the final scenes of " Escape " are very intense . Highly recommended .
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493,929 | 342,623 | 212,061 | 9 |
black widower on the prowl
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This is a fantastic episode from the " Thriller " series that benefits from a brilliant performance by Helen Mirren . I personally know her work from a later era , but here , she is only 29 . The story concerns a black widower , Mark , who meets , charms , and marries wealthy women , and then kills them , making it look like an accident . Now he's on the prowl again , hanging out at a health club , and there he meets Mirren , a lovely young woman with a beautiful figure . He finds himself drawn to her . However , he soon meets the irrepressible Angie , who in a way is more his type - older and rich . She's also homely and boisterous . Mark wants to have his cake and eat it , too . And that's where I'll leave this brilliant Brian Clemens story . It's a real treat . The question is , how to see it . I understand that at least some of the Thriller series is out on DVD in England . Also , I suggest looking on the Internet and checking with some Mirren collectors . It's well worth locating .
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495,096 | 342,623 | 58,756 | 9 |
A delight !
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Two teenage girls stalk a pianist in " The World of Henry Orient , " a 1964 film starring Peter Sellars , Angela Lansbury , Phyllis Thaxter , Tom Bosley , Paula Prentiss , Merrie Spaeth and Tippy Walker . Spaeth and Walker are the 14-year-old teens , and the writing for them isn't good - it's PERFECT , capturing what it's like to be that age and having your first crush . The object of their affections is vain , paranoid Henry Orient ( Peter Sellars ) a pianist who apparently specializes in somewhat ugly modern music whom the girls see kissing his married girlfriend ( Prentiss ) in the park . When they see him again , he recognizes them and becomes unnerved . Then they attend a concert - - he sees them from the stage and nearly goes into orbit . After that , the girls read all they can about him and start staking out his apartment and restaurants he frequents . The Prentiss character , Stella , lives in fear of her husband finding out about her non-affair - she refuses to go to Orient's apartment , and whenever she acquiesces , she ends up running out of the back of the restaurant while he's getting a cab . Finally Henry gets her to his place . He spots the girls outside , and Stella becomes convinced that her husband has hired two child detectives . The kids have told a storekeeper next to their stalking stoop that they're waiting for their mother , Jayne Mansfield , who has been kidnapped . It goes from there - and it's HILARIOUS . The teens are sensational , giggly , wildly imaginative and creative , swooning , and faking terminal illness and other events on the street as they race all over the gloriously photographed New York City . Val comes from a super-rich family and neglectful parents , played by the glamorous Angela Lansbury and Tom Bosley as her quiet , hard-working husband . Her story , despite all the humor , is a poignant one . Sellars is fantastic , sporting an odd accent , and using the most subtle of expressions and body language to show what he's thinking . Lansbury is terrific and looks great , Bosley is excellent , and Prentiss is a riot as a neurotic mess . But the young girls - what memories they brought back of fantasy , crushes , wild laughter , pranks , and complete devastation . Phenomenal direction by George Roy Hill , gorgeous cinematography , great music . A no-miss if you want to recapture days of record albums , sitting on your bedroom floor with your friends , scrapbooks dedicated to the love of your life , hating teachers , and complete , uninhibited , euphoric daring .
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494,467 | 342,623 | 167,404 | 10 |
mesmerizing
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Fabulous film that demands a second , third and fourth viewing because of its structure . A concept that is brilliantly executed . It manages to scare and yet have realistic , warm characters the audience identifies with and cares about .
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493,666 | 342,623 | 446,689 | 10 |
bring a box of Kleenex
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This wonderful tribute to Elvis hosted by Priscilla Presley contains home movies , interviews , clips from the ' 68 comeback special , Aloha from Hawaii , outtakes , Elvis : That's the Way it is , his films - in short , everything you could possibly want to see in an Elvis tribute . Priscilla , Lisa Marie , Priscilla's parents , Elvis ' cousin , and Jerry Schilling give the audience great insight into Elvis ' personality , Priscilla's life with him , his differences with Colonel Tom Parker , his artistic frustrations , his drug problems , and his spiritual quest . Even for die-hard Elvis fans who have seen and read everything ( if that's possible ) , there will probably be something new here . Outstanding for me were the stories of Elvis ' generosity and the continuation of his charitable interests by the family . Most touching , I think , was how much he loved his daughter , and how much , 28 years later , people who were in his life still miss him to the point of tears . The musical highlight : " If I Can Dream . " The footage of Elvis on tour shortly before he died is harrowing . I've seen it before , but it never fails to shock . People always talk about the " fat Elvis " - in truth , though Elvis was heavier in the ' 70s than he was in the ' 60s , it wasn't until the very end that he became badly bloated and obviously ill . But like the documentary , I prefer to dwell on that groundbreaking talent , fabulous songs , magical smile , and unbelievable charisma that was , and always will be , Elvis Presley .
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493,513 | 342,623 | 52,618 | 10 |
What a spectacle !
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Possibly the most sweeping epic ever to hit the screen , the 1959 " Ben-Hur " came by its 11 Oscars and 12 nominations honestly . It's truly a magnificent film , beautifully acted and directed by William Wyler . While working on the film , Wyler informed Charlton Heston that his performance wasn't good enough . When Heston asked what he could do , Wyler said , " I don't know , but you have to do better . " He did . A controversial figure in real life , Heston nonetheless handed in some excellent performances in his reel life . This is his best , and he's matched by Stephen Boyd , an Irish actor who died too young . Other actors in the film include Sam Jaffe , Jack Hawkins , Hugh Griffith , Martha Scott , and Cathy O'Donnell . I'm not going to re-tell the story , just say that the spectacle of Ben-Hur is overwhelming , particularly the chariot race and the battle at sea . I consider myself a spiritual person , so needless to say , I found the story extremely moving , particularly the last hour . Exquisitely scored by Miklos Rosza , magnificently photographed and acted , perfectly directed by Wyler , with the chariot sequences directed by Yakima Canutt , and a sweeping story , " Ben-Hur " is not to be missed , especially around Easter , when its story of forgiveness and redemption is a perfect fit for the holiday .
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494,088 | 342,623 | 338,013 | 10 |
Memory can change . . . the heart prevails
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It's hard not to fall in love with a film that begins with a voice-over saying ( paraphrasing ) : " Valentine's Day was created by card companies to make everybody feel like crap . " Right afterward , I watched Jim Carrey force himself through a half-closed train door , and I said , this is for me . Carrey , in a complete turnabout , plays Joel , a lonely man who falls in love with a lively , quirky nut named Clementine . The romance progresses , fights ensue , and one day , Joel walks into the bookstore where Clementine works , and she's making out with someone else and doesn't seem to even recognize him . Then their friends receive a note saying that Clementine has erased Joel from her memory , and they shouldn't mention him again . Joel heads to the clinic himself to find out what's going on . There he finds programmers who can draw a map of your memories about an individual on the brain and get rid of them . Joel decides to have the procedure . Part of the way through it , he tries desperately to stop it , to find some way to remember Clementine , bringing her into places and memories where she never was . The programmers ( Elijah Wood , Thomas Ryan ) don't notice anything odd about the procedure because they're busy drinking , dancing in their underwear and doing drugs with Mary ( Kirsten Dunst ) a secretary at the clinic . When they finally notice a problem , the head man ( Howard Wilkinson ) is called in . Slowly Clementine disappears from Joel's brain as he desperately tries to hold onto her . A spectacular story with a few twists along the way , and spectacular acting , particularly from Carrey , Winslet and Dunst , make this a real winner . Carrey is a sympathetic , warm character , Winslet is adorable and charming , and Dunst is a complete natural , be she stoned in her underwear , trying to talk sense under the influence , or crying . They are wonderful as is the rest of the cast . " Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind " is about the death of memory but not of emotion and the cry of the heart that goes on - sometimes without knowing why . A beautiful , beautiful film .
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494,386 | 342,623 | 118,662 | 10 |
compelling story of an unusual woman
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I may not agree with most of Ayn Rand's philosophy , but I do consider her a great fiction writer , and I found this documentary tremendously interesting in all aspects . " The Fountainhead " is one of my favorite books of all time , as it speaks of mediocrity becoming the highest standard by which all is compared - just watch " American Idol " some time and see it in action . She was right . The book was a tremendous eye-opener for me as an artist . I didn't know much about her until I saw this ; she was a most fascinating and unusual woman . The documentary covers Rand's life and work in great detail . It includes her affair with Nathaniel Branden , which didn't seem to keep her from loving her husband - her interview after her husband's death ( I believe with Phil Donahue ) was remarkable as she speaks about her lack of belief in an afterlife . If she believed in it , she goes on to state , she would have contemplating killing herself in order to join him . I have to admit that my favorite part of the documentary was a description of the making of the film " The Fountainhead . " Rand was apparently a woman first and a philosopher second . She adored Gary Cooper from the time she first came to Hollywood and worked as an extra in silent films . Thrilled that he would be starring in " The Fountainhead , " there is a photo of her gazing lovingly up at the tall and gorgeous Cooper . I don't remember how many years it took Rand to write the hero's final speech in the book . . . but after it was filmed , Cooper admitted he really hadn't understood it . As intellectual as she was , I doubt it changed her opinion of him .
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494,244 | 342,623 | 56,592 | 10 |
an amazing film
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It's hard to express what an emotional experience seeing this movie was for me . How something done so simply can be so profound is beyond my limited abilities , but that's what " To Kill A Mockingbird " is , a simple , beautiful film with profound messages . It takes one back in time , to 1932 - and you don't for a minute doubt that you're there , in a small southern town . It shows us , through the eyes of imaginative and energetic children , what life was like . It also shows us a great man , Atticus Finch , and demonstrates through action the values with which this widower has raised his children : by the respect he shows his black housekeeper , in his taking of a controversial case involving the alleged rape of a white woman by a black man , and in the way he tells them what his father said , that it's wrong to kill a mockingbird , because they are only on earth to give joy and harm nothing and no one . The acting , of course , from top to bottom , is superb . The children - Mary Badham , Philip Alford , and John Megna , are perfect . Brock Peters gives a marvelous , sympathetic performance as the defendant . Gregory Peck delivers the performance of his lifetime in the role of anyone's lifetime . I'm glad to see that TCM has this film in its educational package for schools , because it should be seen by everyone . There are tough lessons in this world , Atticus points out . One of the toughest is one of the messages in this film , that it's not the Boo Radleys of the world we need to fear . Evil is , as Edmund Burke said , when good men do nothing . Atticus Finch wasn't one of them .
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494,808 | 342,623 | 43,459 | 10 |
Great , just great
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Decision before Dawn , a 1951 20th Century Fox film , is one that possibly baby-boomers will remember from its TV premiere on " Saturday Night at the Movies . " " Saturday Night at the Movies " was a Fox ' 60s television show that debuted many of the studio's films on the air . " The Desert Fox , " " Diplomatic Courier , " " There's No Business Like Show Business , " " Halls of Montezuma " and dozens of others all were shown in prime time . The show had guest hosts , but the only one I can remember at the moment is Linda Darnell . It was the kind of show that got young people like myself interested in film . Today , with dedicated channels , it's a little harder for young kids to get exposure to old movies . I'm glad I was young when I was . Oskar Werner , Richard Basehart , Gary Merrill and Hildegarde Neff star in this fact-based World War II drama about the recruitment of German POWs to gather information on the German army toward the end of the war . One such volunteer is the solemn-faced " Happy " who believes that the war needs to end and peace restored . Though he and the others are viewed as traitors who have their own agendas , Happy proves that he's not " just another kraut " - which is one of the last phrases spoken in the film . As he attempts to perform his mission , he meets different people and has some experiences that demonstrate what the war was like for the common man who experienced it on their own soil . And he demonstrates his own humanity in the process . Filmed on location in the rubble of German cities and using Germans as extras , " Decision before Dawn " is one of the most realistic , atmospheric and accurate movies about World War II , with many suspenseful scenes that will have your nails bitten down to the quick . The casting is perfection . This was Werner's star-making role ( though it didn't lead to anything in Hollywood right away ) , and he gives a very internalized , restrained performance , his solemn baby face giving very little away . The rest of the performances are excellent , with two ruggedly handsome men , Basehart and Merrill , very effective in their roles . Hans Christian Blech is a standout as another German prisoner who becomes a spy . As someone on IMDb pointed out , the anti-German sentiment was certainly still prevalent in America at the time of this film , and to show a German in a positive light , as well as what the Germans went through , was a brave decision . The fact is , Hitler didn't care a hoot about the people of Germany . He took their pots and pans , their food , and when they ran out of men , he took their 14-year-old sons . In the end , he blamed them for the war being lost . " Decision Before Dawn " is a great film that shows that not all Germans were Nazis . Some of them were just human beings .
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493,982 | 342,623 | 47,296 | 10 |
Magnificent statement about the power of one
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All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing . ( Edmund Burke ) The evil in 1954's " On the Waterfront " is the union bosses , brilliantly portrayed by Lee J . Cobb , Rod Steiger and their thugs . They are allowed to do business because of the fright , intimidation , and passiveness of an entire group of longshoremen , who either work or don't while the big shots take kickbacks and steal from them . Then Joey Doyle , who had agreed to testify against the union bosses , is set up by a clueless Terry Malloy ( Marlon Brando ) and thrown off of a roof . His sister Edie ( Eva Marie Saint ) is determined to find out what happened . But no one will talk . She shames Father Barry ( Karl Malden ) into taking more of an interest in what is happening on the docks , and he does . Still , no one's talking . Terry falls in love with Edie but still can't do the right thing . Another man is killed . When the killing finally affects Terry , he realizes something has to change . " On the Waterfront " is one of the most amazing films ever made , directed by the great Elia Kazan . There were three Oscar nominations ( Malden , Cobb and Steiger ) in the Best Supporting Actor category , and the film took home the top acting awards , Kazan as director , and best film , best screenplay , best editing , best cinematography , best art direction . There was a nomination for Leonard Bernstein's fantastic score , and it's difficult to understand how he could have lost the award . This is the only film for which he wrote incidental music . It is fantastic , particularly in the tender moments between Terry and Edie . " On the Waterfront " has the classic performance of Marlon Brando , a man who is loyal to his brother Charlie ( Steiger ) even though Charlie ruined Terry's fight career and now is part of the union corruption . Brando is sensational as a tortured young man ( based on whistle-blower Anthony DiVincenzo ) who knows what he should do , but the price is too high . It's his love of Edie that gives him a conscience . She's from another world and hasn't been jaded by life yet . It's impossible to believe that this role was offered to Grace Kelly , but it was . Why Kazan thought her cold beauty and finishing school accent would have fit into this scenario is beyond me . Saint is perfect - warm , strong , gentle and most importantly , comes off as the kind of girl who lives in a blue collar neighborhood . Lee J . Cobb as Johnny Friendly ( based on real-life mobster Albert Anastasia ) gives a bombastic , violent , and scary performance ; Karl Malden is letter-perfect as the priest who fights for Terry's soul ; and Steiger is excellent as Charlie , a weak man who has taken advantage of his brother to feather his own nest . Karl Malden's character of Father Barry was based on the real-life " waterfront priest , " Father John M . Corridan , who operated a Roman Catholic labor school on the west side of Manhattan . Father Corridan was interviewed by screenwriter Budd Schulberg . The saddest thing in the film is the attitude of the young boy who helps Terry take care of Joey's pigeons . He's already been inculcated with the " D & D " ( deaf and dumb ) policy of the longshoremen . The cloudy , rich atmosphere of the story is captured by the Hoboken , New Jersey locations - although this is a fictionalized version of events on the New York waterfront . The end of " Raging Bull " is a homage to " On the Waterfront . " The end of " On the Waterfront " will give you goosebumps . Evil only triumphs when good men do nothing . When those same men stand up for what they believe in , they show evil for what it really is - cheap , lousy , and dirty .
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493,473 | 342,623 | 39,661 | 10 |
obscure but memorable
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It is totally amazing , nearly 60 years later , to realize the lengths that 20th Century Fox went to in order to keep Tyrone Power a handsome leading man rather than letting him show his stuff . It's no wonder Fox came to disgrace during the Cleopatra era . Pity it didn't happen earlier so Power had more opportunities to show his acting range . Nightmare Alley was a favorite of mine from the time I was a teenager - a film Power fought to make and one that the studio never publicized and released as a B film . Spiteful bunch , considering the money he had made for them ! Power , Blondell , Gray , Helen Walker , and the marvelous Ian Keith turn in great performances in a gritty film somewhat ahead of its time for its unrelenting toughness , its hard view of alcoholism , a look inside the world of mentalists and carnival life , and its theme of the supernatural . It is reminiscent of " Ace in the Hole " and some of the later , cynical Wilder films . Power was one of those actors whose drop dead gorgeous appearance kept him from some excellent roles , thanks to his studio . He sometimes could appear rigid ( though not in this film ) but someone I knew saw him in a Broadway play and said it was like being alone in a room with him , he had such magnetism . We have so few examples of his really great work - the recording of John Brown's Body is one , this film is another - it's great that it's now out on DVD and available to the public .
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493,586 | 342,623 | 43,338 | 10 |
I've met some hard-boiled eggs in my time . . . but you , you're 20 minutes .
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I first saw " Ace in the Hole " as " The Big Carnival " over 20 years ago , and it had a powerful impression on me . Seeing it again , the effect it has is even more powerful especially in light of today's media frenzies over everything from Britney , Lindsay Lohan , Paris Hilton , Lady Diana's life and death - 10 years after the accident that killed her - and speculation about the paternity of one of her children - frenzy over everything , that is , except mundane things like Iraq and the oil crisis . Kirk Douglas is Chuck Tatum , an ambitious , unethical , egotistical reporter fired from many of the big papers who takes a job in Albuquerque and stumbles upon a story that he believes will regenerate his career . Learning that a man , Leo Minosa , while searching for Indian artifacts to sell in his store / restaurant is trapped in a cave , Chuck makes himself crucial to the situation , befriending the man ( Richard Benedict ) and talking to him through a hole in the cave . There , the man , Chuck's ace in the hole , is trapped and unable to move . Chuck manipulates the situation in various ways to make the story last longer - and as he does , the dead town becomes alive with tourists , and the locals start making money . Eventually the site becomes a circus - with the circus and a ferris wheel actually moving in , as well as musicians , campers , and every other thing imaginable . Chuck aligns himself with a corrupt man running for mayor , and the two plan to emerge as heroes , with Chuck going back to New York to work in the big-time again . He beds Leo's wife ( Jan Sterling ) and ignores Leo's grieving parents . Along the way , everyone has forgotten about Leo , whose situation becomes a symbol of greed , lust for power , isolation , and finally guilt . This is a magnificent Wilder script that accompanies his crisp direction . Kirk Douglas is excellent as the flamboyant reporter who fights the last shred of decency he possesses , and Jan Sterling is great as Leo's wife ( responsible for the line in the subject box - one of my favorite lines of all time ) who only cares about getting a lot of money out of the tourists through the restaurant she and Leo own and then blowing town . Surprisingly timely and unfortunately realistic , " Ace in the Hole " is a must-see for its hard look at the media - and us .
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493,559 | 342,623 | 96,018 | 10 |
a heartbreaking and wonderful film
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This is a beautifully told story . Like one of the posters stated , it seems crazy to reiterate what everyone else has said . This film appealed to me because it concerns the protests that went on in my college days . For me , it's a story about how the choices one makes can change your life , haunt you forever , and affect those you love . The best scene in the movie , as far as I'm concerned , was between Christine Lahti and Steven Hill , who plays her father . Steven Hill has always been a favorite of mine , and in this film , he is magnificent as he comes face to face with a daughter he hasn't seen in years - and to boot , the last time she saw him , she insulted him . The scene is powerful , but what happens when Lahti leaves the restaurant is unexpected and will break your heart . It's unforgettable . There aren't any easy answers in life , and this movie won't leave you with an easy feeling . But you'll be glad you saw it .
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494,321 | 342,623 | 299,658 | 10 |
This isn't your mother's movie musical !
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It's amazing , after seeing Chicago , to contemplate how the movie musical has changed over the years . Thinking back to the musicals in my own era - " West Side Story , " " My Fair Lady , " " Sound of Music , " and " Music Man , " one is struck by how entire numbers were performed straight through . Then came MTV , and that all changed . Our attention spans today will not tolerate sitting through someone singing an entire number . That being said , Chicago is an exciting movie with wonderful performances by Catherine Zeta-Jones , Renee Zwelleger , Richard Gere , John C . Reilly , and Queen Latifah . And let's not forget the dancers - they're phenomenal . I think my favorite numbers were Zeta-Jones ' " I Can't Do It Alone " ; the prison " He Had It Coming , " and that great finale . Zwelleger is a true chameleon , so tiny and very much the ' 30s blonde . I saw this movie at the Ziegfeld in New York , the perfect place to see it .
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495,077 | 342,623 | 22,286 | 10 |
Pre-code grapefruit
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James Cagney is " The Public Enemy " in this 1931 film also starring Jean Harlow , Edward Woods , Donald Cook , Joan Blondell and Beryl Mercer . The film concerns two buddies , Tom Powers ( Cagney ) and his friend Matt Doyle ( Woods ) , who start getting into trouble as kids , becoming mobsters involved in bootlegging when they reach adulthood . Tom has a " good " brother , Mike , who enlists in the service during World War I and afterward , lives with their mother ( Beryl Mercer ) . Though she constantly tries to mend the rift between the two , Mike knows the truth about his brother and where his money comes from ; he wants nothing to do with him . Tom has no conscience - he's a cold-blooded murderer as well as being abusive to women . In one scene , he slaps a woman , and in another - well , we all know what he did to her - he pushes a grapefruit in her face , one of the great all-time film images . The film is pre-code , so Tom has a live-in girlfriend ( Mae Clarke ) and gets around . What is it with these short guys ? Cagney always came off as all-male , and few actors were so obvious in the way they sized up a woman . When Tom sees Gwen ( Jean Harlow ) , look out ! The film is intended ( according to a statement at the end ) to be an indictment against mobsters , but in actuality , it glamorizes them in the way that " The Godfather " did 40 years later . Tough guy Cagney was the idol of millions of young boys . In fact , my father saw " A Midsummer Night's Dream " as a boy not due to a love of Shakespeare , but because James Cagney was in it . I had to give this movie a 10 because of its fame and the fact that it made James Cagney a star . Cagney is one of the most amazing talents to ever hit Hollywood - a consummate actor who could do drama and comedy - but who was also a song and dance man . He was a true original . Actor / director Harold Kennedy once rehearsed a scene with Cagney and said Cagney was laying down on a bed during the scene and muttering his lines in an apathetic manner during rehearsal . When filming the scene , Cagney was so dynamic and energetic , Kennedy almost couldn't say his lines . Cagney's powerful performance as Mike set the standard for actors playing gangsters in films . When he pulls out his gun to kill the piano-playing Putty Nose , he's smiling . He's all about revenge . When his boss is hit in the head by a horse , he and Matt buy the horse , only to shoot it . But though his character is evil , he loves his mother , and as he lies in a hospital bed , you can't help but feel sorry for him . An astounding portrayal . The rest of the acting varies - Joan Blondell has a supporting role as Matt's girlfriend , and she's adorable ; much is made of the grapefruit scene , though in truth , Mae Clarke , who had enjoyed some stardom beforehand , is actually uncredited as Kitty ; Donald Cook acts in a very old-fashioned , melodramatic style , though he enjoyed a long career not only on Broadway but in film . Gwen is one of Jean Harlow's early roles - it's not a particularly good role , nor is she particularly effective . Her vivacious , lovable persona hadn't been developed yet , and she doesn't have very good lines to say . But she is a presence . William Wellman keeps the pace brisk and gives the audience some indelible images , culminating in the last time we see Tom . " The Public Enemy " is a classic , starring two greats of the golden age . Anyone interested in film and one of the seminal gangster films needs to see it .
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495,172 | 342,623 | 471,003 | 10 |
Fantastic documentary
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This is a brilliantly done documentary about one of film's great enigmas , Greta Garbo . For me , watching this was very personal , as I was privileged to research the biography written by Barry Paris ( who appears in this documentary ) . There are interviews with another biographer , Karen Swenson , with Garbo's friends , Sam Green , Gore Vidal , and others , a big fan , the marvelous Charles Busch , family members , John Gilbert's daughter Leatrice Fountain , Daniel Selznick , and footage of an interview with Clarence Brown . The photographs and film clips speak for themselves , for Garbo's tremendous beauty and unique acting ability . She was a totally intuitive actress . It's a pity that , as independent as she was , that she took some bad advice , and a bigger pity that she never returned to the screen after 1941 . A 1949 screen test shows her beauty untarnished , yet the producers were unable to raise money for the film they wanted to do , which devastated her . In my own research and transcription work , I have to admit I never experienced the Garbo that her friends and family describe . The woman I got to know through transcription of taped telephone conversations and various stories about her seemed neurotic , passive-aggressive , and , frankly , kind of dull . But she was so magical on screen . This is a wonderful documentary , highly recommended .
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494,104 | 342,623 | 416,320 | 10 |
A furtive tear
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As much as I have always appreciated Woody Allen comedies , I admit to liking more the dramas where he asks the tough questions . The brilliant " Match Point , " like " Crimes and Misdemeanors " is one of those , and it's his best . Loosely based on " A Place in the Sun , " Allen's tough question is , " Would you rather be good or lucky ? " " Is there such a thing as luck ? " Many believe that people " make their own luck . " But Allen's premise is that , when it's all over , luck plays a huge part in all of our lives . He uses the analogy of a tennis ball - when you serve a ball and it lands on the net , it can topple over to the other side , and you win , or fall on the same side , and you lose . What a perfect analogy to tell the story of Chris ( Jonathan Rhys Meyers ) , a former professional tennis player . He becomes the tennis teacher at a British club and meets Tom Hewett , a young man from a filthy rich family . Chris is embraced by Hewett's family and begins dating Tom's sister Chloe . Then he sees Tom's fiancé , Nola , played by Scarlett Johannson , and becomes obsessed with her . This is an amazing film - absolutely nothing happens for a while , and yet everything happens . The story is punctuated with old , scratchy Caruso records and operatic selections from " Macbeth , " " Otello , " and others . We watch the characters living their lives , including their work , romantic entanglements , and marital problems . We watch them evolve , grow happy or unhappy , contented or restless , all leading up to the point where something does happen . When it does , it's ferocious . The ending will knock your socks off . It goes nowhere you think it's going . The film manages to keep you constantly off-balance and misinterpreting what you think you're seeing . The last time I saw Jonathan Rhys Meyers , he was giving a marvelous portrayal of Elvis Presley , despite the fact that his height and frame are somewhat slighter than the King's . A beautiful young man , he has an interior dialogue going throughout the film . We don't hear it ; we see it on his face . Scarlet Johannson is gorgeous and sexy as Nola , a cool blond in the Lana Turner tradition who is the object of his desire . Of all the characters in the film , her character goes through the most change , and she's very effective . There are no easy answers to the questions Allen asks in " Crimes and Misdemeanors , " " Stardust Memories , " " Bullets over Broadway , " and " Match Point . " Allen leaves open what will happen emotionally as a result of the events of this film . But the verse of " Una Furtiva Lagrima , " ( A secret tear ) played several times during the film despite a bad skip in the recording means " For just one moment the beating Of her hot pulse could be felt ! With her sighing confounding Momentarily my sighs ! Oh God , I shall expire ; I can't ask for more . " Significantly , it is heard at the beginning of the film and at the end . Just remember - the record skips .
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493,653 | 342,623 | 91,913 | 10 |
excellent made for television movie
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Second Serve is a stunning made for TV movie done at a time when TV films seemed to have a little more thought put into them than they do now . In later years , they have descended into true crime and women in crisis , drawing largely from the headlines . This film is drawn from the headlines , too , but a different kind . It's the story of Richard Radley , who becomes Renee Richards . Back in 1986 , these stories were uncommon - there were no MSNBC documentaries on sex changes , no true stories shown on The Learning Channel . Renee Richards , of course , is a tremendously accomplished woman , an ophthalmologist and tennis pro , who gains a great deal of publicity by suing the tennis association for discrimination . I found this to be a very uplifting story of a brave person who fought for what she believed in so that she and others like her could have a better life . Vanessa Redgrave is perfect in the role - tall and big-boned , she has an androgeny that she can turn on when a role calls for it , and of course , she is a great actress . I saw her several years ago in " Long Day's Journey into Night " and was blown away , as I was when I saw her in this 19 years ago . If you get a chance to see this , it's beautifully done .
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493,853 | 342,623 | 25,919 | 10 |
O tempora , o mores ! - so sayeth Oscar Jaffe
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John Barrymore , Carole Lombard , Walter Connelly , Roscoe Karns , Charles Lane and Etienne Girardot ride the " Twentieth Century " in this outrageous 1934 comedy directed by Howard Hawks . The story was made into a successful musical in the 1970s that starred Madeline Kahn and John Cullum . Barrymore plays Oscar Jaffe , a producer who molds , discovers and renames Mildred Plotka " Lily Garland , " who becomes a huge Broadway star . The two lovers , both of volatile temperaments , at last part and Lily heads for Hollywood , where her face appears on every magazine cover . On the Twentieth Century Limited from Chicago to New York , Jaffe becomes determined to win Lily back . Talk about your wild rides - Barrymore is a total maniac in this movie , and I could have watched him forever . His Oscar Jaffe is egomaniacal and given to great , melodramatic speeches and gestures . You have to see him to believe it . When he meets actors from the Oberammagau Passion Play , he decides to produce that to woo Lily back and cast her as Mary Magdalene . His description of his lavish production is hilarious . When his assistant Oliver Webb ( Connelly ) gets a religious man , Mathew J . Clark ( Girardot ) to back the production with what turns out to be a bad check , Oscar demands a telegram be sent to John Ringling : " I'm in the market for 25 camels , several elephants , and an ibis . . . Give me the rock-bottom price . " Mathew Clark in the meantime is busy pasting stickers on all the train windows that say REPENT . Carole Lombard is an able partner for Barrymore , given to wild fits of screaming and hysteria . In the only serious moment in the film , she tells Oscar that the two of them are " lithographs " who can only emote if it's written and rehearsed - they're no longer real people . Then the moment passes . Her reaction - after listening for awhile - to Oscar's producing plans for The Passion Play is priceless ! The supporting cast is wonderful . " Twentieth Century , " however , belongs to John Barrymore , one of the greatest actors who ever lived . In her lectures to her students , Stella Adler said he was one of a rare breed who no longer exist . What a pity , and thank goodness we have him on film . A must-see !
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494,064 | 342,623 | 35,446 | 10 |
A Lubitsch comedy masterpiece
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Just the thought of Jack Benny walking onto a stage as Hamlet is enough to send anyone into spasms of laughter . That he does - and a lot more - in " To Be or Not to Be , " a 1942 film about the Lunt and Fontanne ( Benny and Carole Lombard ) of Poland , Josef and Maria Tura , as they go up against the Nazis . Circumstances make it necessary for the acting troupe to pose as Nazi guards and officers and for Maria to pretend to romance one of Hitler's main men in order to head off a Nazi spy ( Stanley Ridges ) . This film is absolutely hilarious , with several running bits , including Maria telling a young soldier ( Robert Stack ) that he can visit her dressing room when Josef starts his big speech . When Josef says , " To be or not to be , " the soldier stands up and leaves the theater , making Josef believe the man is simply walking out on his performance . This goes on throughout the film . Robert Stack is so young he's virtually unrecognizable . The supporting cast is excellent , doubling beautifully as actors - one of whom longs to play Shylock ( Felix Bressart ) but carries a sword instead and one who wants a chance to play Hitler ( Tom Dugan ) - and as Nazis . Sig Ruman plays the buffoonish Col . Ehrhardt . However funny " To Be or Not to Be " is , and it's wonderfully funny , Lubitsch manages to make his point that war is scary and tragic when the audience is shown the Warsaw stores closed and the streets nothing but rubble . There was nothing remotely amusing about the Nazi occupation of Poland , but 1942 audiences , while being reminded of this , were allowed to laugh and forget their troubles for a little while . The laughter doesn't last long , especially since Carole Lombard died in a plane crash so shortly after the film's release . That marred the legacy of " To Be or Not to Be , " but today , we should see it for the classic that it is .
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493,580 | 342,623 | 43,014 | 10 |
The ultimate has-been in the ultimate Hollywood story
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William Holden is Joe Gillis , a down and out screenwriter trying to keep his car from being repossessed in " Sunset Boulevard , " a 1950 film written and directed by Billy Wilder . The film stars Gloria Swanson , Max von Stroheim , Nancy Olson , Jack Webb , and Cecil B . Demille . Gillis hides his car in a garage , not realizing it is the home of the great silent film star , the delusional Norma Desmond ( Swanson ) , who lives in this enormous mansion , cared for by her butler ( von Stroheim ) . Finding out he is a screenwriter , Norma solicits his help in editing her script of " Salome , " her comeback film . Feeling somewhat trapped at first , Joe eventually enjoys the good life . When he slips away to be with his friends on New Year's Eve , his friend's fiancée , Betty Schaefer ( Olson ) suggests a screenplay based on a story written by Joe . ( The story actually was a script by Wilder , filmed in Germany . ) He returns to the Sunset Boulevard mansion to learn that Norma , distraught over his leaving , has attempted suicide . Taking pity on her , Joe becomes her lover and moves from the garage into the big house . Meanwhile , he's falling for Betty and slipping away to work with her at night . This is perhaps the greatest Hollywood story , and yet it didn't get off to a very good start . The first scene took place in a morgue , where the dead bodies talked to one another . At the first screening , the audience laughed , which they weren't supposed to be doing . As Wilder sat on the steps outside , a woman walked out and , unaware of who he was , said , " Have you ever seen such ? x @ / / & ? " " And we had worked on it for a year , " Wilder told an interviewer . So the opening was cut . Wilder captures the ego and delusional aspects of Desmond perfectly , a woman caught in the past who has lost all sense of reality . This role provided silent film star Gloria Swanson with her great comeback . With her royal demeanor , sharp voice and gorgeous eyes , Swanson actually plays the role like a silent star , in a very overt way . The truth is , Norma never left not only her stardom , but her film roles . At the time of the filming , Swanson was 52 playing a has-been of 50 . By today's standards , it's somewhat amusing , and you'd probably add 20 years if you were doing it today . In fact , in the Broadway show , the line " There's nothing wrong with being 50 " was cut . Wilder approached Mae West , Pola Negri and Mary Pickford for Norma before Swanson . " Sunset Boulevard " may have given Swanson her comeback , but it made William Holden a superstar . After his starring role in " Golden Boy , " Holden disappeared into light films and basically went nowhere until Joe Gillis . He is remembered today as one of the great stars of the ' 50s , yet he was of the same generation as many of the stars of the ' 30s and ' 40s . He is glorious looking - you wouldn't have to be a loony tune to lock him up in your house . He plays the role with the right touch of cynicism and self-hatred . Montgomery Clift was set to play this role but dropped out . He , too , would have been excellent but probably not as hard-hitting . von Stroheim , as Norma's protector and butler Max , is perfection . In real life , he couldn't drive , so the car needed to be towed ; in the scene where he drives up to Paramount , he actually crashed through the gates . In the film , Norma , thinking that Demille wants her for a role , goes to Paramount and visits him on the set of " Samson and Delilah , " and " Sunset Boulevard " uses the real filming of that movie and its cast . As a Broadway show , " Sunset Boulevard " was opulent but much less effective . There wasn't enough music ( the second act had one new song ) but provided a tremendous showcase and two great numbers for the various women who played Norma . Stephen Sondheim had at one time entertained doing this as a musical ; in his hands , it would have captured the dark atmosphere of the film much better . Billy Wilder gives us a biting portrait of actors who live for nothing but their stardom , their hangers-on for whom they are just a meal ticket , and the sadness of being aged and forgotten in Hollywood . A great classic starring the greats , written and directed by one . It doesn't get any better than this .
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494,620 | 342,623 | 60,665 | 10 |
The phenomenal Paul Scofield
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Paul Scofield is Sir Thomas More , " A Man for All Seasons , " in a 1966 film directed by Fred Zinnemann and also starring Robert Shaw , Orson Welles , John Hurt , Leo McKern , Wendy Hiller , and Susanna York . Vanessa Redgrave , who was to play York's role , did a play instead and agreed to do the non-speaking role of Anne Boleyn , provided she not be given billing in the ads for the movie . The story concerns Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine , is brother's widow , and his desire to marry Anne Boleyn so that she can give him an heir . Great pressure is put on More , a well-respected lawyer , to support the King , but More will not . He instead chooses to be silent on the matter , even when the King pronounces himself the head of the Church of England . If More speaks out , he will be charged with treason ; by keeping silent , the King has no case against him . Nevertheless , a number of people work on More from all angles to get him to sign an oath to the King , but he will not . Finally , the King's cohorts realize that perjury is the only avenue left open to them in order to secure a charge of treason against More and have him executed . Really , there's not much to be said about this profound film about a man who , to the death , had a commitment to his beliefs and never faltered . Paul Scofield is not as famous to vast audiences as Sir Laurence Olivier , Richard Burton , Sir Anthony Hopkins , and a whole host of excellent British actors who have made contributions to film . Scofield has made 30 movies , each chosen by him carefully . If he cared about money , he could gone slumming as a few of his counterparts did ; with his magnificent voice and imposing presence , he could have done a Grey Poupon or a Polaroid commercial . But as a true artist and not an actor looking for production money , money to support a theater , or , like Burton , unable to recover from an impoverished childhood , his film work is not geared toward superstardom or prolific work . In every role he plays , from the obsessed Nazi in " The Train , " to van Doren Sr . in " Quiz Show , " he is magnificent . But Sir Thomas More is his greatest role . It was turned down by Richard Burton , who would have been excellent but perhaps given us a more showy performance . Scofield's Sir Thomas More is a man humble before God , his true leader . He believes that no man is above the law , and that no man is above God . He is an unusual person in this world - he stands up for what he believes in no matter the cost . We seem to love these characters in films and books - More , Atticus Finch , Terry Malloy , and yet in the world outside of film , there are fewer and fewer exhibitions of such character . The rest of the cast is uniformly great , including Orson Welles as Cardinal Wolsey ; Leo McKern , so beloved as Rumpole of the Bailey , is here the horrid Thomas Cromwell , who will stop at nothing to make More bend his way ; John Hurt as the slimy Richard Rich ; Wendy Hiller as More's suffering wife ; and Susannah York as his beloved daughter Margaret . It's sometimes forgotten that Henry VIII was once a young , athletic , and very attractive man - I was reminded of it just last summer when I saw an absolute hunk play the young Henry . The arrogant , flirtatious , handsome man playing Henry in " A Man for All Seasons " looked familiar , but I couldn't place him . Having only seen the Robert Shaw of " The Sting " and " Jaws , " it was hard to believe that he had ever looked or sounded the way he did in this film . He gives a marvelous , fiery performance . The cinematography and scenery in this film is stunning , and there are many outside scenes - the sunlight in Thomas More's eyes as the King comes into view , the hustle and bustle of the town , the darkness of More's cell juxtaposed with the bright outdoors - all important parts of the story . The last half hour is hard to take for the viewer , but it is some of the most beautiful work ever in film . More's final moments are magnificent and to be treasured . A must-see for the story of a great man , and for one of the top performances of all time .
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494,471 | 342,623 | 25,316 | 10 |
Iconic film , iconic stars
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Frank Capra's 1934 film " It Happened One Night " paved the way for many copycats ; even the soap opera " General Hospital " had a story arc that involved a runaway - bridegroom this time - and those famous Walls of Jericho . Not only that , but it changed the undershirt industry and inspired a famous bunny pose . The story takes place during the Depression , when hitchhiking was common . It concerns an heiress , Ellie ( Claudette Colbert ) who runs away from her father to join her sort-of husband in New York . On the bus , she meets a reporter named Peter ( Clark Gable ) who is down on his luck . The strike a bargain : Peter can have an exclusive on Ellie's story if he'll help her get to New York . Though many actors turned down the lead roles , the combination of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert is perfect . Gable is appropriately a gruff know-it-all with oodles of sex appeal ; Colbert is beautiful , spoiled and uppity . My favorite moment is when she coolly informs the bus driver that she's leaving so hold the bus for her . Any even peripheral fan of the film has heard that when Gable undressed and was wearing no undershirt , sales of undershirts plummeted . Perhaps a little less well known is that Gable's standing by a fence talking with a carrot in his mouth is allegedly the inspiration for Bugs Bunny . The most famous scene , of course , is Gable demonstrating how to hitch a ride and failing and Colbert lifting her skirt to get one immediately . Frank Capra is known for his feel good , idealistic films , but there was much more to this director than that , as " It Happened One Night " demonstrates . He gives the film a wonderful pace and gets marvelous performers out of his cast , which includes Walter Connolly as Ellie's father , Roscoe Karns , Alan Hale and Ward Bond . It's a comedy , but Capra shades it with earmarks of the Depression . A slice of life in the 1930s , a wonderful comedy - well , in the end , it's a feel good film after all .
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493,529 | 342,623 | 148,573 | 10 |
absolutely fabulous in every way
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Another knockout performance by Helen Mirren as a down and out ' 60s folk singer who , in order to help the family that took her in , goes undercover as an art dealer . Mirren , of course , does the transition from drugged-out hippie throwback to a glamorous woman of the world perfectly in this intriguing and very exciting story . Iain Glen as Sebastian is charismatic and wonderful , as is the entire cast . Probably the best part of this mini-series is Mirren , as Maggie , interacting with her sister and brother-in-law . The family dynamics hit a perfect note . This is a must-see on all levels - acting , drama and suspense with warmth and humor thrown in . Mirren is not only a great actress but one with impeccable taste when it comes to many of the scripts that have been produced and shown in the U . S . on public television . Bravo !
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493,827 | 342,623 | 86,879 | 10 |
Beloved of God
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To be born with the love of music and with great ambition and yet have a mediocre talent ; to hate passionately one with clearly a heavenly gift - that is the story of Amadeus . Directed by Milos Forman and starring F . Murray Abraham , Tom Hulce , Roy Dotrice , Elizabeth Berridge , Jeffrey Jones and Christine Ebersole , this 1984 film is sumptuously produced and made in Prague , certainly one of the most glorious cities in the world . Amadeus is based on a play by Peter Shaeffer and gets its roots from a Rimsky-Korsakov opera . It is the highly fictionalized story of Wolfgang Mozart and another composer of the time , Salieri , who was jealous of Mozart's talent and vowed to bring him down . In reality , the two men were colleagues , and the story is really a what-if . However , as a friend of mine returning from a concert where Salieri's music was performed said , " By the way , I can believe Salieri killed Mozart , if this was the best he could come up with . " It certainly would be amazing if other composers alive during that period were not aware of the child prodigy and his prolific compositions . It would be more amazing if they weren't just a little jealous . The story is told by the institutionalized Salieri ( Abraham ) to a priest , and we see Mozart ( Tom Hulce ) from his point of view : as an eccentric , lascivious , ill-behaved young man whose behavior belies his great talent . He attempts to ruin Mozart , even using the influence Mozart's own late father had over him by disguising himself in a huge black cloak as Mozart Sr . wore and commissioning Mozart to write a Requiem . The performances are exquisite , and one can really feel Salieri's pain as exhibited brilliantly by F . Murray Abraham . One empathizes with his anger toward , jealousy of and contradictory admiration for Mozart . Mozart himself is depicted as an idiot on whom musical talent was randomly bestowed . Tom Hulce's laugh as Mozart is unforgettable , as is his chasing Constanze , who became his wife , under a piano . As the film goes on , much of this wild behavior grows less , and the audience is permitted to see Mozart the genius , with a million notes in his head , dictating from his sick bed , and soberly conducting his music . The real star of Amadeus is the music , lushly performed , the vocal music ranging from his simple Caro Mio Bene to Abduction from the Seraglio , The Marriage of Figaro , Don Giovanni and The Magic Flute and the orchestral from symphonies , concertos , Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and , of course , his Requiem . Amadeus is a feast for the eyes and a thrill for the ears . It is a thought-provoking film about genius , mediocrity and immortality .
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494,033 | 342,623 | 29,453 | 10 |
Rock the Casbah
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A gang of thieves hide out above Algiers in the Arab section of the city , the Casbah , in " Pepe le Moko , " a 1937 film - an homage to the U . S . gangster movie - that is often credited as the inspiration for the film noir craze that swept U . S . cinema . In order to draw attention to the American version , " Algiers , " producer Walter Wanger tried to destroy all copies , subsequently buying the rights to keep it off the screen . But you can't keep a good movie down . Pepe le Moko ( Jean Gabin ) is wanted by the police , so if he leaves the crowded and maze-like Casbah to go into town , they will nail him . There is an inspector who keeps an eye on Pepe , Inspector Slimane . Pepe and the inspector have become friends , but Pepe knows Slimane is just waiting for him to make his move . When Pepe meets the exotic and bejeweled Gaby , a situation presents itself where he might risk his freedom . Pepe is the great French actor Jean Gabin , a marvelous-looking , rugged actor with tremendous magnetism . It's no wonder Marlene Dietrich chased him all over the world . Gabin's Pepe is the forerunner of the Bogart persona - he's a confident , handsome man , dismissive of women and has the ability to be both funny and cruel . He lives with his devoted girlfriend , Ines , and is surrounded by his motley mob who are familiar with the seedier side of life . There are some brilliant moments and great performances in this film , which is rich in atmosphere and interesting faces . The French star Mireille Balin , whose real-life story is more bizarre than any fiction , is Gaby , a kept woman who enchants le Moko as they talk about their great love for Paris , most especially , Place Blanche . Line Noro is Ines , doomed to love and lose Pepe , and Frehel is Tania , a friend . In one of the best scenes in the film , Tania reminisces about her youth and sings along with her own recording . A wonderful artist . The entire cast is marvelous . The director , Julien Duvivier , orchestrates the proceedings with tremendous style and tension , capturing the heat , the light and the sounds of the Casbah . Often imitated - by " The Third Man , " " Odd Man Out , " " Casablanca , " " The Time Of Your Life , " " To Have And Have Not , " " The Wages of Fear , " - - and let's not forget Pepe le Pew - " Pepe le Moko " and Jean Gabin's Pepe stand on their own as hallmarks in film history .
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494,365 | 342,623 | 51,201 | 10 |
One of the best ever
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Based on the wonderful play by Agatha Christie , the film version of Witness for the Prosecution is a magnificent film , one of the best ever . It was given the all star treatment - directed by Billy Wilder , starring Tyrone Power , Marlene Dietrich , Charles Laughton , and Elsa Lanchester . Right there is all you need to know . This is one of Charles Laughton's greatest performances . He's absolutely superb as the ailing man who risks his health to defend Leonard Vole ( Power ) on a murder charge , over the strenuous objections of his nurse , Lanchester , who is hilarious . Dietrich is great as Leonard Vole's seemingly uncaring wife , Christine , in the most difficult role in the movie . As Leonard Vole , Tyrone Power is a little more problematic as he is somewhat miscast . One of the most beautiful-looking men who ever lived , he's a tad old for the role , not quite jaunty enough when he needs to be , and very un-British . For an international star to have put on a British accent after 22 years in films would have been both distracting and ridiculous . However , no one could do charming like Power , in real life and in reel life . In that sense , he's perfect . As far as comments that he was " hammy " in the role - he wasn't the ham - Leonard Vole was the ham ! It was a role within a role . Power hands in an excellent performance , his last , and he's especially enjoyable in his flashback scene with Dietrich ( who during the filming kept bringing him gifts while Charles Laughton leered at him - I'd say he still had it big time ) . If you haven't read the play or story , you won't guess the ending of Wilder's masterful film . Oh , and look for a young Ruta Lee in the courtroom .
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494,742 | 342,623 | 257,044 | 10 |
Violent , disturbing and stunning
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A enforcer for a gangster in the liquor business finds the tables turned on him and goes on the run with his son in " Road to Perdition , " a 2002 film directed by Sam Mendes . Tom Hanks plays Michael Sullivan , a quiet , remote father of two who works for a crooked liquor dealer , John Rooney ( Paul Newman ) who took him in and treats him as his son . His two boys aren't clear about what he does , and one night , when he goes out on a job , his older son , Michael Jr . ( Tyler Hoechlin ) hides in the car and follows his dad and Connor Rooney ( Daniel Craig ) as they go to " talk " to someone . As the young boy watches , Connor loses his temper and starts shooting up the place , and Michael joins in . Connor sees Michael Jr . when he exits . Michael Sr . of course promises that his boy won't say anything . On his next job , Connor gives him a note fir the man Michael is to see , who is in heavy debt to John Rooney . Michael is forced to kill the man when he sees that the man is about to kill him . On looking at the note Connor asked him to deliver , it says , " Kill Sullivan and all debts are paid . " Several hours later , Michael's life is devastated , and he and his older son are on the run , Michael determined to destroy Connor . I saw this film without being aware of anyone liking or disliking it or of it being overlooked by the Oscars - I only had heard of it and actually rented it because I am a huge fan of Paul Newman's . Let me say that I was astounded by the brilliance of this film in every aspect . It possibly captured the time period of the early ' 30s better than any film I've ever seen , right down to the Doeskin tissues I used to see piled up in my grandparents ' basement . The cinematography is staggering . The gangster story in " Road to Perdition " actually wraps around a more important one , that of the bonding of father and son , which is beautifully told . Hanks is magnificent as a closed off man who gets to know his boy during their life on the run , and vice versa . " He dotes on you , " a woman on a farm tells Michael . The two Michaels are alike , but Senior never wants Junior to follow in his footsteps . Paul Newman is , as usual , terrific as John Rooney , a tough gangster who goes to Communion but knows " none of us will ever see heaven . " He was around 77 at the time of the filming and as handsome and dynamic as ever . Daniel Craig does a phenomenal job as the vicious Connor . Amid so many brilliant performances , Jude Law plays one of the most disturbing , frightening characters in film history , Harlen Maguire , a hit man who makes money not only by killing , but by photographing the dead victims and selling the photos , which adorn his wall . He's absolutely nauseating , and Law doesn't miss a beat . The always wonderful Stanley Tucci is Frank Nitti , and Jennifer Jason Leigh has a small role as Michael's wife . As Michael Jr . , Tyler Hoechlin perfectly embodies all the emotions necessary for the role : the fear , anger , love , and loyalty . He and Hanks have the film's biggest roles , and they carry it , making it look easy . This is a suspenseful , poignant , sad and violent masterpiece . One of the comments warns against comparing it to The Godfather - I hope nobody did this . It stands on its own , and one has nothing to do with the other . A great artistic achievement by Sam Mendes who worked with a beautifully realized script and top cast . Now that I've seen it , I can't believe it was so overlooked at the Oscars , but when I think of all the Oscars Newman has been cheated out of , I guess I'm not only surprised , but I've about had it with the Oscars . I almost gave " Road to Perdition " a 9 instead of a 10 only because I'm not big on lots of blood . If you are , too , I suggest you watch it anyway . You won't be sorry . A powerful experience .
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494,948 | 342,623 | 55,728 | 10 |
One of the great political films of all time
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An ill President wants his nominee for Secretary of State confirmed in " Advise and Consent , " a 1962 film based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alan Drury and directed by Otto Preminger . It was the first film in seven years for Gene Tierney and the last for Charles Laughton . Tierney couldn't have chosen a better comeback and Laughton a more fitting farewell . It's up to the majority leader , Bob Munson ( Walter Pidgeon ) to get the President's ( Franchot Tone ) nominee for Secretary of State ( Henry Fonda ) confirmed , but it's not going to be easy . Senator Cooley from South Carolina ( Laughton ) believes that Robert Leffingwell once had Communist ties and doesn't want him confirmed , even if it means digging up marginal people ( Burgess Meredith ) who claim to have known Comrade Leffingwell . An ambitious , aggressive young senator ( George Grizzard ) loudly wants Leffingwell approved , and he will do anything to make it happen - even if it means blackmailing the chairman of the hearing , Brig Anderson ( Don Murray ) . There is pressure on the President to withdraw Leffingwell , and he refuses ; the President puts pressure on Anderson to get him confirmed , and , sticking to his own principles , Brig , despite a tremendous threat to his home and political position , refuses to reconvene the hearing . Meanwhile , if Leffingwell stays in and there's a tie , it will be up to the Vice President ( Lew Ayres ) as the President of the Senate , to break it . This is a brilliantly done film that has you glued from the first moment to the last . It not only gives a vivid portrait of politics and how the Senate works but keeps the viewer in suspense for the entire movie . The acting is magnificent . Franchot Tone gives a sturdy performance as a President running out of time ; Lew Ayres underplays and makes sympathetic the role of the compromise Vice President ; Walter Pidgeon is elegant and authoritative as the majority leader ; Henry Fonda gives a straightforward , honest portrayal of a man who wants to serve his country but has to go against some of his own beliefs in order to do it . There isn't a wrong note throughout , even down to a very young and pretty Betty White who has a tiny role as a Senator and Peter Lawford as a Jack Kennedy type . Inga Swenson is the insecure Mrs . Anderson and gives a heartbreaking performance as a loving wife who feels she has failed her husband in some fundamental way . Laughton is great , but he is given some very florid dialogue , and he rises to the occasion by hamming it up . It was an appropriate choice given the script . Gene Tierney , as a wealthy widow / hostess who sees Pidgeon on the side , looks beautiful and gives a charming performance . The end of this movie is incredibly powerful , and the scene with the President , Vice President and Senate Majority leader Munson is one of my favorites for a special reason . In the book , the Vice President , who is terribly worried about the President's health , has an encounter with the President and then goes back to his office and expresses some emotion about the meeting . Though the scene isn't in the film , Lew Ayres obviously read the book and has the same emotional reaction , but unspoken , on the Destroyer . Unless you've read the book , you won't pick it up , but it's an even greater scene if you have . IMDb members have posted that nothing has changed today . In politics , I'm sure that is true . In films , unfortunately , things have changed . A character-driven film rich in dialogue like " Advise and Consent " is hard to come by . See it and revel in the film-making past and shake your head at the timeliness of the story .
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494,105 | 342,623 | 86,619 | 10 |
Beautiful , touching , and funny film
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Barbra Streisand directed , produced , co-wrote and starred in " Yentl , " the story of a young woman who wants to study the Talmud but can't because she's a woman living in middle Europe in 1908 . However , she is secretly taught by her father who encourages and appreciates her intelligence at a time when all a woman was supposed to do was wait on her husband hand and foot . When he dies , she takes off , disguised as a boy , so that she can study . Along the way , she meets an engaged couple , played by Mandy Patinkin ( Avigdor ) and Amy Irving ( Hadass ) . She falls in love with Avigdor . WhenHadass ' family finds out that Patinkin's brother committed suicide , they call off the wedding , as he is now considered to be from a bad family . To help him out , Yentl , still disguised as a man , agrees to marry Hadass . Under Jewish law , because two men are like or are brothers , if one dies , the other has an obligation to marry the widow . The plan is that at some point , Anshel ( Yentl's boy name ) will disappear . This is a sumptuous production - absolutely beautiful . The studio wanted Streisand to sing , but she didn't see this film as a musical . Instead , the music is performed as a series of inner monologues , and it's very effective . Some of the scenes are very funny - when " Anshel " has to sleep in the same bed as the Patinkin character ; when he wants Anshel to go swimming in the nude - and of course , the wedding night ! Barbara Streisand makes an adorable , albeit small young man , and gives a touching performance . Also , her comic timing is excellent . Fantastic performances are turned in by Mandy Patinkin , the beautiful and delicate Amy Irving , and Steven Hill . The very gifted Barbra Streisand is often the subject of backlash , as many powerful women often are , but the fact that some people don't like her ( and I wouldn't describe myself as a rabid fan ) doesn't change what a staggering achievement this is for a first-time director . When Orson Welles did this , he was revered . It took Streisand15 years to get this made , but she finally did , and it is an excellent film , a wonderful tribute to fathers and an inspiration to young women . We live at a time and in a country where there are so many possibilities . Streisand should not be criticized for taking advantage of them .
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494,141 | 342,623 | 59,712 | 10 |
An all-star cast en route to Germany as Hitler takes power
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Ship of Fools it may be , but it is also a Ship of Stars : Oskar Werner , Vivien Leigh , Lee Marvin , Simone Signoret , Jose Ferrer , Elizabeth Ashley , George Segal , and Michael Dunn . Directed by Stanley Kramer , this 1965 film deals with a German ship heading to its port in Bremerhaven in 1933 and the lives of some of its passengers . Dunn speaks to the audience at the beginning and end of the film , telling us at first that it is a ship of fools and that we may find ourselves in some of the characters . This is one of the best all-star casts ever assembled , right up there with " All About Eve " and " The Long , Hot Summer . " The performances are as magnificent as the film is relentlessly depressing , with a Jewish man put at a table with a dwarf , while at the captain's table , another man preaches about the new Germany and extermination of Jews , the elderly , and those who are not fit . The optimistic Jew thinks Germany owes the Jews a great deal and vice versa , and with 1 million Jews there , certainly no one is going to kill all of them . A drug-addicted woman is being deported to an island , and the very ill ship's doctor falls in love with her and is tempted to give up his miserable life to care for her . A couple with a passionate sex life finds they are poles apart in every other way . A bitter , middle-aged woman comes to grips with her loneliness and tries to drink it away . And on and on , on the ship of fools . By the end of the film , looking at the Jew's beautiful family on the dock , the viewer is ready to reach for a razor blade . Oskar Werner ( Tyrone Power's son-in-law ) gives a magnificent performance as a man discouraged about his life full of obligations , exhausted from ill health , and reaching out for one last chance at happiness . Simone Signoret , who falls for the doctor , is a warm and sympathetic countess , nervous about her future , her past dried up . Lee Marvin , as a southern drunk who wants to get laid , is perfection - Vivien Leigh herself was impressed with him . " What's this about the Jews ? " he asks her . " I never saw a Jew until I was 15 . " " Perhaps you were too busy lynching Negroes to care about the Jews , " she replies . For Vivien Leigh , Scarlett is far behind her - 26 years behind her , in fact , with almost no vestige of her left due to Leigh's battles with manic-depression and the dissolution of her marriage to Laurence Olivier . As Scarlett herself would have said , " That girl doesn't exist anymore . " Her character is the Blanche Dubois who didn't go to the asylum and some years later takes a cruise . Even the last gown she wears , as she dances the Charleston , is reminiscent of Blanche . It's a great performance as a beautiful woman who has seen better days and is disillusioned and bitter about men , love , and romance . Her big scenes at the end of the film - in the hallway and with Marvin - are fantastic . I have to believe , though " Ship of Fools " is downbeat , that it leaves us with some hope . Dunn , as the dwarf philosopher , is too smart to stick around Germany once things heat up ; perhaps his Jewish friend will see the light before it's too late . The Countess is a survivor ; no reason she shouldn't survive the island . But for all of them , a certain way of life has ended , and there won't be going back . One of the great films of the ' 60s .
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493,574 | 342,623 | 29,162 | 10 |
Impressive Capra
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Ronald Colman finds " Lost Horizon , " the 1937 film beautifully and masterfully directed by Frank Capra and also starring Jane Wyman , John Howard , Edward Everett Horton , Thomas Mitchell , Margo , H . B . Warner , Isabell Jewell , and Sam Jaffe . Growing up I have two vivid memories - one is the horrific musical version of this film ( remember " The World is a Circle " ? ) - which I saw in a theater , God help me . The other is a takeoff of the original film on the Danny Kaye Show where Kaye , as Colman , kept saying in an arch British voice : " But I must get back to civilization . " Based on James Hilton's famous novel , Ronald Colman plays Robert Conway , most probably modeled on D . H . Lawrence . Conway is a diplomat who has just helped people escape via plane from a violent situation in China . The group includes a consumptive woman ( Jewell ) , Conway and his brother ( Howard ) , a mysterious man ( Mitchell ) and a teacher ( Horton ) . While traveling , they realize the plane has been hijacked . It finally crash lands in the treacherous , snowy mountains , and the party is picked up and brought to Shangri-la , a magnificent paradise bordered by mountains , somewhere around Tibet , where the air is perfect , the people live by a rule of kindness , age very slowly , and want for nothing . It's kind of like communism but without the oppression and with heavy emphasis on metaphysics . The travelers are met and hosted by Chang ( H . B . Warner ) , and Conway gets an opportunity to meet the founder of Shangri-la some 200 + years ago , the High Lama ( Sam Jaffe ) . He knows by then that it was no mistake that he was brought to Shangri-la , but he wonders why . Knowing that the world is growing more insane by the minute , the High Lama wishes to have all the great knowledge and beauty protected in his paradise and wants Conway to be his successor . Conway later learns that a lovely resident of Shangri-la ( Wyman ) had read his books and requested that he be brought there . His brother George is anxious to leave and falls in love with a young woman , Maria , ( Margo ) who is equally desperate to get out . She makes Conway doubt what the High Lama and Chang have told him , so Conway agrees to accompany George and Maria and forsake Shangri-la . This is a fascinating film , absolutely enormous in scope , that has been restored to 132 minutes with some difficulty . Seven more minutes of the soundtrack remain than there is of film , so occasionally one is treated to a frozen screen or stills . There are many thrilling scenes : the opening of the movie , the refueling scene , the walk to Shangri-la , and the trek away from Shangri-la just to mention a few - as well as scenes of great beauty and poignancy , particularly the scene when a heartbroken Conway leaves the paradise on an evening when the citizens , carrying candles , have a procession ( this might be part of the High Lama's funeral , which was cut from the film ) . The music crescendos , and outside the branches that signify the entrance to Shangri-la , the wind whips the snow into a frenzy . Conway turns and takes in the beauty one last time . A gorgeous moment . Ronald Colman is wonderful as Conway , a man who finds the peace and love in Shangri-la that he has searched for his entire life . Sam Jaffe , though the producer insisted he be replaced , is very good as the fragile High Lama , and H . B . Warner brings suitable gentleness to Chan . Isabel Jewell's major moments are in the airplane at the beginning of the film , and by today's standards , she's a bit over the top . Horton and Mitchell provide their usual solid and sometimes amusing support . Jane Wyman , who died only recently at 96 , is lovely as Sondra . Howard , best remembered as Katharine Hepburn's fiancée George in " The Philadelphia Story " is appropriately bombastic ; and Margo , who would marry Eddie Albert and have a daughter named daughter Maria , is effective in her role as an unhappy citizen . The question remains - why was she so anxious to leave Shangri-la ? And what was with George anyway , that unlike the others , he could not embrace the peace and happiness of the place ? We are never told . Perhaps in Capra's original , long disastrous version , we get more of an idea . 70 years later , " Lost Horizon " is a sad reminder that a ) they don't make movies like this anymore ; b ) the world hasn't changed much and is still in the sorry state it was in 1937 ; and c ) there isn't any lost horizon - because we never found one .
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494,905 | 342,623 | 36,775 | 10 |
The ultimate noir
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Double Indemnity is a 1944 film directed by Billy Wilder , and it's a classic . The plot has been around forever - a beautiful woman seduces a man because she wants him to help kill her husband . What Wilder does with it demonstrates his mastery . Wilder's genius starts with the casting of Fred MacMurray , Everyman if there ever was one , as Walter , an insurance man . A boring profession and what appears to be an ordinary , albeit attractive man who is also a good salesman . Barbara Stanwyck is Phyllis , the femme fatale . Blonde with a beautiful figure , an icy , challenging manner , and a seductive voice . Edward G . Robinson is Keyes , the insurance investigator and good friend of Walter's . Dogged yet warm as he follows clues to what he believes is a murder and not an accident . There's nothing tender about the MacMurray-Stanwyck love affair , and Stanwyck delivers her lines in a cold , calculating way - the same way she does the love scenes . Walter comes off as fresh at first - what salesman would flirt with a married woman as obviously as he does - but he probably realizes when Phyllis appears wrapped in a towel that she probably wants him to . There's nothing spontaneous about Phyllis asking about life insurance for her husband ; it's been on her mind since Walter showed up to renew the car insurance . The minute she says she doesn't want her husband to know about it , Walter knows what she's up to . Though their plan is brilliant , Keyes is smarter than they realize . I love the way it's introduced into the plot that Phyllis was the first Mrs . Diedrickson's nurse and that Lola , Phyllis ' stepdaughter , suspects Phyllis hurried her mother's death along . I also love Walter's cold feet as he becomes interested in Lola - but it's too late . " Double Indemnity " can only be described as compelling - it's not action-packed but there isn't a wasted or slow second . Stanwyck , who could be a very likable actress , plays a real conniver , and she does so brilliantly . MacMurray gives a relaxed performance - he's actually perfect casting , as one can see how easily he gets sucked into Phyllis ' plan . Edward G . Robinson is the film's anchor as Keyes , who is like a father to Walter but also a man who takes his job very seriously . He's determined to get to the truth of the case , and every word he says is like chalk on a blackboard to the guilty Walter . Wilder's brilliant direction and pacing shows in every frame , and the surprise ending is the icing on the cake . A great noir , a dream cast , a great director , Hollywood at its very best .
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494,002 | 342,623 | 36,613 | 10 |
One of the great comedy classics
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Brilliantly brought from screen to stage , " Arsenic and Old Lace " is as funny today as it was 60 years ago . Newlywed Mortimer Brewster receives the worst of all wedding gifts - he finds out everyone in his family is completely nuts . He knew about his murdering brother Jonathan , who disappeared , and his uncle who thinks he's Teddy Roosevelt . But it's not until he finds a body in his aunts ' window seat that he learns that his elderly aunts have been poisoning old men and burying them in the cellar . Josephine Hull and Jean Adair , who performed the aunts on Broadway , are perfection . Cary Grant's Mortimeris a masterpiece . His reactions to his situation are astonishing . For me it is one of his great performances . Raymond Massey as the returning Jonathan , who now looks like Boris Karloff since his plastic surgery , is hilariously menacing , and Peter Lorre , as the surgeon Dr . Einstein , is a perfect foil for him . He does a lot with his gestures - he's a riot . The cast is rounded out by Priscilla Lane , James Gleason , Edward Everett Horton , and Jack Carson , all of whom are marvelous in their roles . Capra brings it all together in a fast-moving film where there is always something going on . This is a hilarious movie . During the introduction on TCM , Peter Bogdanovich mentioned that Boris Karloff could not play the role of Jonathan , which he did on Broadway , because he was actually performing on Broadway at the time . I thought I had read elsewhere that he was actually very upset that he wasn't cast in the role of a man who looks like Boris Karloff . It would have been great to see him . Nevertheless , this film is a true treasure .
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493,797 | 342,623 | 52,182 | 10 |
Beautiful adaptation of Terrence Rattigan's play
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David Niven , Deborah Kerr , Burt Lancaster , Rita Hayworth , Wendy Hiller , Rod Taylor and Gladys Cooper sit literally or figuratively at " Separate Tables " in this 1958 film also starring Cathleen Nesbitt and Felix Aylmer and directed by Delbert Mann . The story concerns characters at a British seaside resort : Major Pollock ( Niven ) , a phony with a secret ; an overbearing mother and her shy , fearful daughter ( Cooper and Kerr ) , a man ( Lancaster ) involved with the woman who runs the hotel ( Hiller ) , his ex-wife ( Hayworth ) and a med student and his girlfriend ( Rod Taylor and Audrey Dalton ) , and a few assorted other characters . Lancaster plays John Malcolm , who is engaged to Hiller's character Cooper . When his ex-wife shows up unexpectedly , he needs to deal with the intense feelings he still has for her . Cooper has to face it as well . Major Pollock has become friendly with the almost childlike Sibyl ( Kerr ) who is terrified of life ; when his secret is revealed by Sibyl's mother , the effect on Sibyl is traumatic . These are all top-notch actors playing rich characters , but in the end , the most poignant performances belong to Niven and Kerr . Niven finally gets a chance in this film to prove his greatness as an actor , and his change from blustering braggart to timid man is awesome . His scene with Kerr as he attempts to explain himself is gut-wrenching . Kerr's Sibyl , who sees her one chance at happiness and independence from her mother fading away , gives a devastating performance . Those roles are flashier than the others ; Wendy Hiller's strong and honest portrayal may not be as showy , but it is just as good . Lancaster , who coproduced , does a great job as the tormented Malcolm , who , despite their rotten marriage , can't help loving Ann ( Hayworth ) , an aging beauty facing loneliness . Some characters in " Separate Tables " are resigned to their lives and have come to accept and enjoy the quiet solitude of the hotel ; one couple , Charles and Jean ( Taylor and Dalton ) are in a transition , and this will take them out of the hotel and into a new life ; Pat Cooper and Sibyl's mother , two very different women , face very different losses ; and John , Ann , Major Pollock and Sibyl attempt to reach across their separate tables , take a risk and make a connection . And the assorted residents of the hotel , Lady Matheson ( Nesbitt ) , Mr . Fowler ( Aylmer ) and Miss Meacham ( May Hallatt ) take a risk by being nonjudgmental and making a connection as well . A beautiful film that left this viewer reaching for the Kleenex . " Separate Tables " is about loneliness , reality vs . fantasy , hope and redemption . Don't miss it .
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494,697 | 342,623 | 105,488 | 10 |
Love is in the air
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Before " Dancing with the Stars , " there was " Strictly Ballroom , " a 1992 Australian film written and directed by Baz Luhrmann and starring Paul Mercurio , Tara Morice , Bill Hunter and the late Pat Thomson , who died before the film was released . There's not much of a story - it's about an innovative dancer , Scott Hastings ( Mercurio ) whose parents ( Thomson and Barry Otto ) run a dance studio . The beginning is done in documentary style as his mother , Janet Leigh on crack , relates , her voice trembling with emotion , that it's Scott's year to win the Pan Pacific Grand Prix dance competition . Unfortunately , during the regionals , he broke out and did non-sanctioned steps , and his partner deserted him . This is all treated with the seriousness of a brain operation , which makes the film even more hilarious . A nerdy girl named Fran approaches Scott in the studio and asks to partner with him . He gives her a chance , and then needs to make a decision - win the Pan Pacific or do his own thing on the dance floor . On the way to the competition , some family secrets are revealed , and he and Fran fall in love . Told with hilarity , poignancy , and beautiful dancing , this is one of the all-time great dance films with Mercurio's electrifying moves , hot body , and good looks raising it to a very high level . Luhrmann's fast-paced and creative direction makes the film fly by . Some of the photography is spectacular : dancing in front of the neon Coca-Cola sign , Scott learning the paso doble from Fran's relatives as a train passes by , a kiss at twilight , and the color-mad , cartoon-like flashback scene near the end of the film . The dance sequences themselves are fabulous , with the outrageous costumes , wild hair and beautiful steps . All of the performances are good , but my favorite by far is Thomson as a former ballroom star who puts on her " happy face " though her heart is breaking , i . e . , Scott doesn't have a partner , Scott won't dance the correct steps - her constant near hysterics and overly dramatic concern are fantastic . The undertone of the film concerns the slimy , toupeed head of the regulatory committee Barry Fife ( Hunter ) who wants ballroom dance to remain conservative and by the book . Given the interior battles in the ice dancing arena , it wouldn't surprise me if such a thing exists in ballroom as well . No selfish , crowd-pleasing steps ! Just make it - strictly ballroom . If you've never seen this gem , go out and get it .
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495,142 | 342,623 | 101,669 | 10 |
Fabulous
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Not much else to say after my one-line summary about this wild ride brought to us by the man who , in 1991 at least , promised to be the next Orson Welles . And don't tell me he wasn't doing more than a touch of Olivier in _ Rebecca ( 1940 ) _ qv in his black and white scenes - Branagh's sense of humor is just one of the joys of this totally surprising , enthralling , suspenseful and fun film . I have read some of the other comments and it's a shame that so many have lost their taste for good old-fashioned entertainment , which this surely is . Not only is the cast top-notch and the acting great , but the film combines mystery , karma and film noir which , Hitchcock fan that I am , kept me GLUED to the set . _ Dead Again ( 1991 ) _ qv is one of the few films that I own and could watch over and over . To all the nay-sayers of this film , Sixth Sense , Usual Suspects , etc . etc . , I say - let me see you do it better . Go right ahead .
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493,542 | 342,623 | 40,897 | 10 |
The love of money is the root of all evil
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So how many actors can hold the viewer while he acts - alone - on screen ? I don't know how many can , I only know that Humphrey Bogart can and did in " The Treasure of the Sierra Madre , " a 1948 film directed by John Huston and also starring Walter Huston and Tim Holt . Bogart is just one of the treasures you'll see in this magnificent film about the power that gold can have over men . There's no sense in repeating the story - three men go into the hills to pan for gold . Howard ( Huston ) an old timer who has been there , done that , warns the other two , Fred C . Dobbs and Bob Curtin ( Bogart and Holt ) that if they find gold , it has the potential to ruin both of them . While Howard is easygoing and philosophical , and Bob manages to remain loyal and honest , Fred C . Dobbs begins to show signs that he's one sandwich short of a picnic early on . He becomes suspicious and paranoid as their bounty grows larger . Bogart's last scenes are monumental - he gives a soliloquy - and he deserved the Oscar for this . Walter Huston is fantastic as an old man who doesn't want for much and takes life as it comes . Handsome Tim Holt gives a wonderful performance as an inherently gentle , generous and sympathetic person . His reading of the letter from a dead man's wife is quite poignant . The end of this film is satisfying , honest and funny , giving us an important moral : " Gold is good in its place ; but living , brave , patriotic men , are better than gold . "
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495,189 | 342,623 | 890,247 | 10 |
Ah , yes , I remember it well
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I saw this show when it first aired 36 years ago and never forgot it . I just watched it again ; this TCM presentation was different in that it shows what went on when they were just setting up . I had the good fortune to transcribe some interviews with Hepburn over the years . Consequently , none of what went on in the set-up was very surprising . What is so striking about the interview is Hepburn's sharp memory and still enormous energy - at the time of the interview , she was 66 years old . She is very funny , capable of self-deprecating humor as well as great insight . I especially appreciated the idea of " listening , " which she didn't feel the youth of 1973 did very well . Wonder what she thought when the new century hit , if she thinks people were distracted in 1973 . It really doesn't matter what anyone says about her image being phony , etc . You can't fake intelligence , dignity , humor , and talent . Hepburn possessed all of these in spades , and her Cavett interviews are fantastic and not to be missed .
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494,145 | 342,623 | 70,735 | 10 |
often imitated - never equaled
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I saw " The Sting " tonight for the first time in many years - I saw it several times in the theater when it opened in 1973 . Great cast , perfect direction , fantastic script , excellent period setting , brilliant soundtrack - it's hard to ask for more . Seeing it again brought back so many memories , especially seeing young Robert Redford , who was THE matinée idol back then , and the Scott Joplin pieces could be heard everywhere you went . The plot is full of twists and turns - it has humor , sadness , and depth - something you don't run across as much nowadays . For those seeing it the first time , the surprises are many . Redford carries the film , as his is the bigger and more developed role . It's a relaxed performance with a lot of heart . Newman's role is smaller - his scenes with Robert Shaw during the card game are priceless , from his drunk act , mispronouncing Lonnegan's name , laughing and rubbing his hands when he wins , and blowing his nose on his tie - he's just great . Shaw is frightening as Lonnegan with his quiet , barely controlled anger dying to erupt and the determined look on his face . Newman and Redford are one of the great screen teams - it's a pity they didn't do more together , but they gave us two classics . It'll have to be good enough - just like the sting to take down Doyle Lonnegan in one of the great American films .
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494,957 | 342,623 | 36,515 | 10 |
Machts gut , Papa
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An American woman , her European husband and children return to her mother's home in " Watch on the Rhine , " a 1943 film based on the play by Lillian Hellman , and starring Paul Lukas ( whom I believe is repeating his stage role here ) , Bette Davis , Lucile Watson , George Coulouris , Geraldine Fitzgerald , and Donald Woods . An anti-Fascist , a worker in the underground movement , many times injured , and wanted by the Nazis , Kurt Muller ( Lukas ) is in need of a long vacation on the estate of his wealthy mother-in-law . But he finds out that there is truly no escape as one of the houseguests ( Coulouris ) is suspicious as to his true identity and more than willing to sell him out . Great performances abound in this film , written very much to put forth Lillian Hellman's liberal point of view . It was certainly a powerful propaganda vehicle at the time it was released , as the evils of war and what was happening to people in other countries reach into safe American homes . The movie's big controversy today is that Paul Lukas won an Oscar over Humphrey Bogart in " Casablanca . " Humphrey Bogart was a wonderful screen presence and a fabulous Rick , but Lukas is transcendent as Kurt . The monologue he has about the need to kill is gut-wrenching , just to mention one scene . Though this isn't what one thinks of as a Bette Davis movie , she gives a masterful performance here as Kurt's loyal and loving wife , Sara . Her acting tugs at the heart , and the love scenes between Kurt and Sara are beautiful and tender . The last half hour of the film had me in tears with the honesty of the emotions . Lillian Hellman is not everyone's cup of tea , but unlike " The Little Foxes , " she has written some truly sympathetic , wonderful characters and a fine story given A casting and production values by Warner Brothers . Highly recommended .
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495,030 | 342,623 | 40,725 | 10 |
What I did for love
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The Red Shoes is a magnificent film , the jewel in the crown of Powell and Pressburger . I have to believe that since the film was first released , thousands of young women have wanted to become ballet dancers . This vibrantly-colored movie concerns a gifted ballerina ( the impossibly beautiful Moira Shearer ) whom two men want to possess - the head of the ballet company , Lermentov , brilliantly portrayed by Anton Walbrook ( perhaps one of the great castings of a role of all time ) - and a composer , Julian ( Marius Goring , whom I've never liked in the part ) . She gives up her career to be with Julian , which as far as I'm concerned , was a big mistake . Lermentov believes you can't have it all ; you have to marry your career . The centerpiece of the film is the exciting , elaborate " Red Shoes " ballet , which is an allegory for Victoria's own life . Shearer is wonderful in the role , though she has always said she wished she danced better . As a bit of trivia , she was part of the Sadler's Wells Ballet when it came to the U . S . after the film was released . The prima ballerina was Margot Fonteyn . Guess who got all the attention ? You can see Victoria in her gowns a million times and always have a sharp intake of breath . You can watch the ballet a million times and never cease to be thrilled by it . You can watch the ending a million times and always be touched by it . So it is with this beautiful film , which played in London for four years .
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495,136 | 342,623 | 66,975 | 10 |
I cried and cried , and then I cried some more
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What a gorgeous film this is , and how it tugs at the heartstrings . Though quite different in tone from the Frederic March film of the same name , Death Takes a Holiday still tells the same story . Death takes human form and comes to earth to find out , as he puts it , " why people claim so tenaciously to life . " Like the angel in " The Bishop's Wife , " he falls for a mortal , played by Yvette Mimieux . Of course , while Death is on vacation , so to speak , nobody dies . And that has repercussions for Mimieux's family . The cast is absolutely superlative - Melvyn Douglas , Yvette Mimieux , Monte Markham , Myrna Loy , and Bert Convy . If you have a chance to see this film , don't miss it . I remember it so vividly . Make sure you have a box of tissues next to you .
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494,615 | 342,623 | 28,683 | 10 |
Transcendental performance by Greta Garbo
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Greta Garbo is " Camille , " in the 1936 MGM film directed by George Cukor and also starring Robert Taylor , Henry Daniell , Lionel Barrymore , Laura Hope Crews , Jessie Ralph , and Rex O'Malley . Based on the Alexandre Dumas fils novel / play LA DAME AUX CAMELIAS , it is the often told story of the tubercular Marguerite Gautier , a courtesan , and the young man , Armand Duval , with whom she falls in love , only to have to give him up so he can fulfill his promise and take a respectable place in society . Verdi based his very famous and constantly done opera , " La Traviata , " on the Dumas material . During the film , themes from the opera can be heard throughout . Though the libretto of the opera sticks closely to the words spoken by Marguerite and Armand , the opera's story is slightly different . One difference is that Armand ( Alfredo in the opera ) learns from his father the reason that Marguerite ( Violetta in the opera ) gave him up , where in this version , he doesn't seem to know about it ; the other is that in the opera , Duval Sr . asks Violetta to sacrifice her life with Armand for the sake of Armand's sister , who is about to be married . MGM pulled out all the stops for this film ; the production values are glorious . Adrian's costumes are absolutely magnificent , and Garbo is a vision in them . This is Garbo's greatest performance . Though a neurotic , shy , and not a terribly exciting woman in real life ( for the book " Garbo " by Barry Paris , I transcribed something like 100 hours of phone conversations she had with art gallery owner Sam Green ) she had an amazing , vivid imagination and could transport herself in performance to create effective characters that are larger than life . Added to that ability is her unique beauty , her slim figure , and her beautiful speaking voice . She is a perfect Marguerite - vulnerable , passionate , full of humor , generous , joyous and melancholy . Marguerite's death scene is classic . Her face is never more beautiful or serene as in those last scenes , and even after repeated viewings , it tugs at the heart . Garbo is surrounded by an excellent cast , including Henry Daniell as the Baron , her cruel lover / financial resource ; Laura Hope Crews as a loud , silly old courtesan ; Jessie Ralph as Nanine , Marguerite's loving caretaker ; and Rex O'Malley , who does a beautiful job as Gaston , a gentle and kind friend to both Marguerite and Armand . This role is very small in the opera . It's a much better part here , and O'Malley makes a great impression . Lionel Barrymore's performance as Duval Sr . has been criticized as being melodramatic , and it's true that he does refer to Marguerite as " Margaret , " but in my opinion , he comes off well and restrained in a role that , unlike Gaston , is actually smaller in the film than it is in the opera . Robert Taylor was 24 or 25 when he played Armand . Like most of the absurdly handsome men in films , he was dismissed by critics as a pretty boy who had no acting ability . It isn't true . He handles some sappy lines very well because he says them sincerely , and he portrays an innocent and romantic quality in the face of Marguerite's worldly ways . Two things trip him up , neither of which is his fault - he's about two or three years away from true handsomeness , which would have made him a little less callow in appearance ; secondly , the makeup man really slipped with the pancake , the powder , and the eyebrow pencil . He's wearing entirely too much makeup , which is a distraction and - I mean , this is Robert Taylor we're talking about - totally unnecessary . The makeup should have been directed toward making him slightly less beautiful and more handsome . A bigger problem than both of those is that when he's in a scene with Garbo , there is very little chemistry between them . As a performer , Garbo often stood alone and wasn't what one would call an ensemble player , and she rather overpowers him . A gorgeous movie , one of the most romantic films of all time starring an enigmatic woman who was a goddess among the Hollywood goddesses . Once World War II hit , the types of roles she excelled at would no longer be popular , and she would find herself retired at the age of 36 to walk and wander the world , no longer in films , but never forgotten .
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493,639 | 342,623 | 380,673 | 10 |
Whatever you write about me , don't make it sad
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Though the above summary comment was a request that Rita made of the press , the life of one of the world's most charismatic and glorious looking stars comes off as being just that - sad . For all the joy she gave the world and continues to give it , there should have been a lot more personal joy in the story of Rita Hayworth . This is a wonderful documentary because it incorporates the memories of Rita's family as well as friends and coworkers . She was obviously a warm and loving person but probably someone who would have been content as a wife and mother . Certainly her children brought her great happiness . The biographical film emphasizes her attraction to manipulative , controlling men , attributing this to her being her father's dance partner and his dance student from a young age . Though not mentioned , it has been brought up elsewhere that Rita and her father often registered as husband and wife when they toured as dancers and shared a bed . If this is so , the root of her problems can be traced to this abusive relationship . Rita , however , remained a devoted daughter to both of her parents as well as a loving sister to her two brothers . She was unable to have a happy marriage , though she certainly fell in love with both Orson Welles and Prince Aly Kahn before moving on to loser Dick Haymes , who almost cost her her children , and James Hill , who , like Haymes , was apparently abusive . Her first husband , Edward Judson , viewed her as an investment only , and according to publicist Henry Rogers , was furious when she had an affair with Anthony Quinn during the filming of " Blood and Sand " - not because she was having an affair , but because she was having an affair with someone who wasn't in a position to do anything for her career . The first signs of Alzheimer's began to show in the early ' 60s , and when she died in 1987 , she was bedridden and knew no one . So this is a great documentary if only to show that great beauty and talent do not confer a great life , and that what you see on the screen very often is real , honest-to-goodness acting . Because no doubt about it , through life's unhappiness , Rita Hayworth was a true goddess . With that face , voice , body , smile , hair , her magnificent and vivacious dancing , her charm , the sexiness she exuded as well as the vulnerability , she was a true angel who walked among us . She left the world greater for not only her screen presence , but for bringing to the fore a horrific disease . Quite a legacy . Quite a lady .
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495,192 | 342,623 | 36,983 | 10 |
A great , inspirational film
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Gregory Peck plays Father Francis Chisholm , who has been given " The Keys to the Kingdom " in this sweeping 1944 film based on the famous novel by A . J . Cronin . Also starring are Thomas Mitchell , Edmund Gwenn , Sir Cedric Hardwicke , Vincent Price , Rosa Stradner and Roddy McDowell . The story is told in flashback as a monsignor ( Hardwicke ) reads Chisholm's journal of his 40 years as a missionary in China . Like most men who made films for 20th Century Fox that span a long period of time , Peck's character as a young man is played by Roddy McDowell . The journal tells of his parents ' death and the love he has for the girl he grew up with , Nora , which keeps him from the vocation his aunt wants for him . Francis does , however , embrace the priesthood and is sent to China to start a mission . His live and let live philosophy is at odds with what the Church hierarchy wants - he doesn't rub elbows with the wealthy Chinese , whose conversion would bring in the peasants and whose generosity would help build his mission . He knows their conversions would be in name only ; and he wants nothing to do with " rice Christians " who become Christians for food . Instead , he sets out to do God's work and blessings flow to him , and a wonderful mission , church and school are built . When a difficult nun ( Stradner ) arrives , Francis treats her with dignity and patience and eventually wins her loyalty and friendship . When revolution threatens the mission , Father Chisholm participates in bringing down the enemy . In short , he does what he knows to be true to himself , to his belief in God , and in the interests of his people . This is a truly magnificent film . As it went on , I asked myself , with varying things going on in the story but not a lot of big action scenes , what keeps the audience interested in such a movie . Characterizations . Real people . Relationships . Honesty regarding the human experience . You can find these elements in many films today , but don't look for those films to be released by the monolith studios , one of which released " The Keys to the Kingdom . " Those films have 15-second scenes , huge special effects and characters scripted in shorthand . It takes a film like this to truly make one appreciate what Hollywood has lost . See this and then watch " Poseidon . " It will have you running to TCM and Fox Movie Channel faster than anything else . Gregory Peck can best be described by the book " Growing up Catholic , " in which there's a chapter called " Father What-a-Waste " where the authors lament the good-looking parish priest . Tall and handsome , Peck is totally believable as a good , gentle and determined man who follows Christ . There's a difference between playing a role and being the role - Peck IS Father Chisholm . Vincent Price is good as Francis ' arrogant friend Angus , and Thomas Mitchell is terrific as an atheist doctor who is nevertheless Francis ' best friend . Hardwicke brings great dignity to his role , and his voice as narrator is wonderful ; and Edmund Gwenn , as Francis ' mentor , is perfectly cast . Rosa Stradler plays the difficult nun , Maria-Veronique , an upper class woman who looks with disdain not only on Father Chisholm but the Chinese . The interesting thing about her performance is that at the end , as she plays the aging nun , she takes on the mannerisms and voice of an older woman . She's marvelous . This would be my only criticism of Peck - while his character looks old , Peck still speaks and moves as a younger man . One of the best films to ever come out of Hollywood . Not sappy , not sentimental , just very powerful in its demonstration of what true goodness can achieve .
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494,237 | 342,623 | 63,227 | 10 |
Kind of a Medieval " Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf "
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Peter O'Toole is Henry II , a true " Lion in Winter " in this 1968 film version of the play by James Goldman and also starring Katharine Hepburn , Anthony Hopkins , Timothy Dalton , Nigel Terry , Jane Merrow and John Castle . On Broadway , the roles of Henry and Eleanor were played by Robert Preston and Rosemary Harris . The casting director for the Broadway production commented that the original auditions , before Preston and Harris injected the spice and humor into the dialogue , were heavy going , the delivery of the actors very , very serious . Imagine this movie with no spark , no sarcasm , no wry humor injected into the lines , and you've got yourself a real nightmare . Fortunately , it's not the case . Though the story takes dramatic license with the truth - for instance , there was no Christmas gathering of the actual family in 1183 , but there was in 1182 - the depiction of the family's infighting , considering how everything turned out , is probably quite correct . King Henry II wants to name his successor and brings his family together . This includes his imprisoned wife , Eleanor of Quitaine ( Hepburn ) , his mistress , Princess Alais ( Merrow ) , and his three sons - Richard ( Hopkins ) , Geoffrey ( Castle ) and John ( Terry ) , and Alais ' brother , King Philip of France ( Dalton ) . Everybody makes deals they don't intend to make good , promises they don't plan to keep , and alliances they don't want in order to secure the throne either , in the sons ' cases , for themselves , or in Eleanor and Henry's cases , for someone else . To say that Henry and Eleanor have a volatile relationship is a tremendous understatement , and the dialogue is an incredible roller-coaster ride that's never boring . One wonders if an audience would sit through such a film today . If not , it's a pity , because it's so brilliant . Watching O'Toole and Hepburn sparring - sometimes so cruelly and bitterly that it's devastating - is addictive . You can't turn away from it . Hepburn shows us immediately by subtle actions - a quick expression that's just as quickly covered up , a slight hesitation in movement or speech - that no matter what her words say , she worships Henry still . For Henry , she is the most challenging and exciting woman he has ever known - and because of the volatility of their relationship , they can't survive together . Talk about being able to push each other's buttons - with Henry , it's whether or not Eleanor slept with his father ; with Eleanor , it's his desire to marry Alais and divorce her . O'Toole takes the title of the film literally , and he indeed roars like an old lion . A powerful and overt actor , Henry II , which he played twice , is one of his greatest roles and this performance perhaps his best . Handsome , sexy , angry and wild , he holds the screen magnificently . For me this is Hepburn's best role . Her Eleanor is beautiful , dignified , sensitive and determined , easily wounded by Henry , though she tries not to show it . Henry II lived another 6 years , during which time Eleanor remained imprisoned by him , although she enjoyed more freedom and actually occasionally traveled with Henry . Henry was succeeded by Richard and then , because Richard had no heirs , by John . Eleanor spent her last years as a nun and , no surprise , outlived all of her children except for King John and Queen Leonora . Both Henry and Eleanor will live forever in " The Lion in Winter . " Imagine a movie with such superstars that Anthony Hopkins has a supporting role - thus was the case in 1968 when the young Hopkins played Richard , a closet homosexual who has had an affair with Philip of France . ( " Oh , Richard , " Eleanor says as she sends him to make a deal with Philip , " promise him ANYTHING . " ) History is quite divided over whether or not Richard was actually gay , but some writings definitely indicate that he was . Hopkins is brilliant as a tough and even cruel man who has a very sensitive side that can be gotten to by his mother . The rest of the acting is uniformly excellent . One of the greatest scripts with one of the greatest casts of all time
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494,479 | 342,623 | 110,598 | 10 |
Dancing Queen
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Toni Collette wants to have " Muriel's Wedding " in this 1994 Australian film , directed and written by P . J . Hogan . Muriel is a social outcast living with her dysfunctional family and fantasizing about a better life for herself , as exemplified in Abba music . She wants the excitement the music has , the fun , the prettiness , the glamor . Most of all , she wants a fabulous wedding . Her dreadful father ( Bill Hunter ) constantly puts her down and constantly elevates himself . He's a councilman . He asks a friend , Deirdre , who has a cosmetics company like Mary Kay , to give Muriel work . He gives Muriel a blank check so she can buy what she needs and start selling . Muriel takes the blank check to the bank , cleans out her father's bank account and heads for a resort where four girls from the " in crowd " - who don't want Muriel around - have gone . There she meets Rhonda ( Rachel Griffiths ) and starts to have some of the fun she's dreamed about . From there , she moves to Sydney and takes a job in a video store , rooming with Rhonda . All of Muriel's dreams eventually come true , but she loses what makes her special and what she has always devalued - herself . This is such a splendid film , made all the more magnificent by the performance of one of the truly great actresses of this century , Toni Collette . Collette belongs right up there with Streep , Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchette . She's not there because she's a character actress who disappears into her roles so that she's unrecognizable from film to film . Here she embodies Muriel - overweight , badly dressed , with low self-esteem who , in the process of finding out who she is , emerges as an attractive person who knows what's important and what it is she really wants . " Muriel's Wedding " is not a raucous comedy . It has many layers - ridiculous characters , such as her supposed vain friends , and then it turns around and gives you a complicated character like Rhonda , who loves life and lives it with complete abandon until tragedy strikes . Griffiths gives a beautiful performance . Hunter , the man we loved to hate in " Strictly Ballroom , " is even more hateful here , but in the end , seems to have learned his lessons too . Muriel learns what we all learn - life isn't what goes on on the outside , it's what happens inside . What's valuable isn't the wedding dress and all the pomp , but the souls and love involved and the real meaning of marriage . Then you're a Dancing Queen and you can really feel joy . Such a great film , made possible by Collette and Hogan's excellent script and direction . Don't miss it .
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493,765 | 342,623 | 37,008 | 10 |
prime film noir with " fabulous aspects "
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Like many other people , " Laura " is one of my favorite films . Otto Preminger directed a dream cast - Gene Tierney , Dana Andrews , Clifton Webb , Vincent Price , and Judith Anderson in the classic story of a detective and a portrait he can't forget . And who could - it's Gene Tierney in the portrait in the role for which she is best remembered . Tierney is Laura , a beautiful and desirable career gal found dead , shot in the face beyond recognition when she opened her apartment door to admit - whom ? That's why Dana Andrews is there , and he keeps returning to gaze at the portrait . There are a few suspects - her mentor , Waldo Lydecker ( Webb ) who wants her for himself ( even though he seems quite obviously gay , he doesn't want to share her ) ; Shelby Carpenter , Laura's beau , who wants to marry Laura but might be losing her ; and Ann , an older woman in love with Shelby . For those who have never seen " Laura , " it's full of surprises . Unfortunately , it's a famous story by now so one of the surprises is ruined . Even so , the end is tremendously exciting . I remember seeing " Laura " desecrated in the ' 70s ( I think ) when Lee Radziwill played Laura in a TV version - horrific . But nothing can ever dim the movie in the mind of anyone's who's seen it . Wonderful performances , great atmosphere , snappy dialogue : A haunting film , one of the best of the 1940s and one of the great examples of film noir . As Clifton Webb says in the film , " This is assuming fabulous aspects . " So does " Laura . "
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494,725 | 342,623 | 99,225 | 10 |
beautiful story , excellently crafted
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This was one of the best TV movies ever produced . A very compelling story about a young woman who comes back home after an absence of many years . The question is , is she or isn't she ? This film turns out to be about a lot more than an identity question . The young woman , who may or may not be Caroline , becomes involved with her physically challenged half-sister , her brother , and the stepmother that keeps the little girl a baby . Whoever Caroline is , she changes this family in profound ways . The ending , as well as the revelations about Caroline , is wonderful and positively transcendent . I highly recommend this film to anyone . It sports a wonderful cast , including Stephanie Zimbalist , Pamela Reed , and George Grizzard . It will both touch you and intrigue you .
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494,405 | 342,623 | 246,601 | 10 |
insightful , moving documentary
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I really loved this documentary on Elia Kazan , put together in 1995 by Richard Shickel . Instead of the usual interviews with people talking about the subject , Kazan and his films speak for him . We gain tremendous insight into the way he worked , what attracted him to the film topics he tackled and the actors he directed . He speaks frankly about all of them , and surprisingly doesn't take credit for some remarkable performances or even his own screenplays . Of playwright William Inge , he says , " I wrote the screenplay from a novel he wrote . Then he worked on it and made it better . " There are also some wonderful photos and clips from Kazan's early work as an actor . The shadow over his life , of course , is his testimony to the committee that wanted to unearth communists in the ' 50s , and this is brought up in Eli Wallach's narration . What he did was wrong , but he didn't testify so he could keep working ( although Jules Dassin , one of the Red Hunt's victims , disagrees . ) He did it , apparently , because he hated Communism . He had been a member of the Communist party and quit . A lifelong liberal , he probably made his own situation even worse by passionately defending what he'd done and also , by telling his friends the night before he testified that he wouldn't " roll over " on any of them , and then doing so . For those of us who grew up during the " red scare , " there was a belief in the country that communism was the embodiment of evil . Kazan seemed to believe it as well . When discussing " A Face in the Crowd , " Kazan speaks of the power of the media and that a person can be sold by their charm and easy smile . " Listen , " he cautions the viewer . " Listen to what the person is really saying . Think . " I think his work in " On the Waterfront , " " Wild River , " " East of Eden , " " America America , " " A Streetcar Named Desire , " etc . , all speak volumes for Elia Kazan .
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494,381 | 342,623 | 37,059 | 10 |
Beautifully realized film directed by Vincente Minnelli
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Judy Garland , Mary Astor , Lucille Bremer , Leon Ames , Harry Davenport , Margaret O'Brien , Henry Daniels , and Joan Carroll are the Smiths of St . Louis in " Meet Me In St . Louis , " a musical lavishly produced by MGM and lovingly handled by Vincente Minnelli , who would eventually marry its star , Judy Garland and beget Liza with a Z . The story is simple enough , that of a fairly well to do family in St . Louis right before the opening of the World's Fair in 1904 . The two older girls , Rose and Esther , are plotting how to get their men - for Esther , it's the boy next door , John Truett ( Tom Drake ) and for Rose , it's Warren ( Robert Sully ) ; their brother Lon prepares to take off for college . Meanwhile , the two younger girls , Tootie and Agnes , live highly imaginative lives - particularly Tootie ( O'Brien ) who has both terminally ill and dead dolls and revels , screaming all the way , in the Halloween tradition of throwing flour in someone's face . Tootie grew up to become the author of the novel , Sally Benson , but seeing this , one might think she grew up to be either an actress or institutionalized or both . When their attorney father announces that he is taking a lucrative job in New York and the family is going to move , the ground falls out from under all of them . The musical chores fall mostly to Garland , and who better ? The songs are perfectly integrated into the story , not stopping it at all , as she sings " The Boy Next Door , " " Over the Bannister , " " The Trolley Song " and " Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas . " At a party , she and O'Brien do a wonderful rendition of " Under the Bamboo Tree , " Everyone has a turn at " Meet Me in St . Louis " as they climb the stairs , etc . , and the nicest thing about that is Grandpa screwing up the words just as someone would . All the performances are excellent . O'Brien is a little scene stealer . Garland looks lovely and is warm , vulnerable , and funny . " You don't want to lose your bloom , " Rose advises Esther when she says she'll let John Truett kiss her . " Frankly , I think I've got a little too much bloom , " Esther decides , looking in the mirror . Her try at romance with Truett when she asks his help turning out the lights in the house is adorable . Lucille Bremer , as Rose , the sister who's not getting any younger and needs to nab Warren Sheffield , gives a very good and funny performance , and she and Garland make great sisters . When they pledge to " destroy " Warren's date to a dance , they decide how many men each of them will have to attract that evening - and of course , neither one of them has any doubt that she can do it . " I should have been born with raven hair , " Rose declares . " Nothing would have stopped us , " Garland agrees . " You with your black hair and me with my auburn . " Marjorie Main as the maid is a hoot . Mary Astor plays it straight , making her lines even better . " Now , be sure you only throw a little flour in people's faces , " she advises her younger daughters . Leon Ames is a wonderful harried father . " My daughter is practically on her honeymoon and I've never even met this man , " he complains . Minnelli's direction is fabulous as he shows us the life of the Smiths , freezing the house in sepia tones before bringing it to life each time . He perfectly captures the atmosphere of young love , St . Louis heat , Halloween , dances , and family life . The author of the book , Sally Benson , was consulted as to every detail of her home , and the costumers were taken from a Sears / Roebuck catalog of the era . A beautiful film for the whole family and one to definitely enjoy over the Christmas holidays . You'll shed a few tears - it's that perfect mix of humor , holiday melancholy , and sentiment .
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494,449 | 342,623 | 32,762 | 10 |
Thrilling movie and one of Power's best
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Director Rouben Mamoulian keeps the pace and excitement going in the wonderful 1940 " The Mark of Zorro " starring Tyrone Power , Basil Rathbone , Linda Darnell , Gale Sondergaard , Eugene Palette , and J . Edward Bromberg . All are excellent . This is one of Power's best performances in one of his best films . He is hilarious in the role of the exhausted , foppish , bored Don Diego , who is always whining , brushing nonexistent dirt from his clothing and fanning himself with his handkerchief . That is , when he isn't sniffing it and remembering the smell of " . . . Ah ! Musk ! " The way he drags himself around , performing stupid magic tricks , getting the shakes when he hears about Zorro , which disgusts his father and his betrothed ( young , beautiful Linda Darnell ) is a riot ! When he becomes Zorro , racing through the woods on his horse as his cape fans out in the wind and whipping that sword around to make the sign of a Z ( yes , I'm a baby boomer and I remember the song ) - he's commanding , dashing , and frightening . This is a bravura performance . There are so many great action scenes in the film - the alcalde's men chasing Zorro , the jail break , and the greatest of all , for which the film is remembered - the sword fight between Power and Rathbone . I first saw this film as a child , and I never forgot that bit with the candle ! Inspired ! A brilliant and classic scene . Power was the 5th highest box office draw in 1940 , and The Mark of Zorro set him up for lots more swashbuckling . When you see Zorro , you can understand why .
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494,968 | 342,623 | 32,904 | 10 |
Great ensemble cast makes this one POP
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Like a lot of other people , " The Philadelphia Story " is one of my favorite films . It possessed one of the strongest ensemble casts ever assembled : Katharine Hepburn , Cary Grant , James Stewart , Ruth Hussey , Virginia Wiedler , Mary Nash , Roland Young , and Henry Daniell . The film is based on the hit Broadway play , starring Hepburn . One of the many things that distinguishes Hepburn from other major actresses is that she was never an insecure woman about her talent . She surrounded herself with the best people available without fear of being overshadowed . As a result , " The Philadelphia Story " is brilliant . It's an insane , zany story full of blackmail , mistaken identity , changing bridegrooms , and class separation that belongs right where it is , in 1940 . Seen today as a play , it doesn't come off , partly because the acting isn't as adroit and charming as seen here , but also because of societal changes . These are old money idle rich , not new money or celebrities who are fodder for the tabloids and clash with the working class . Tracy's anger at her philandering father is interpreted in the film as coming from a cold , unforgiving daughter rather than someone who's justifiably upset that her mother is going to be hurt again . The comedy is wonderful , handled by masters , with perhaps the most out of the box performance being given by Jimmy Stewart . Gangly , boyish , and funny , he's also quite sexy as he romances Tracy , and his scenes with Grant are priceless . Everyone in " The Philadelphia Story " has a fixed opinion about who they are and who everybody else is , and everyone's values are shaken up as the story unfolds . The film bears repeated watchings and will keep you laughing and on your toes at every viewing . With the rich and mighty - always a little patience .
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495,023 | 342,623 | 28,597 | 10 |
I absolutely love it from beginning to end
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This is a favorite film , starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne at their absolute goofy best as a divorced couple who can't admit they still love one another . The comedy is flawless , the dialogue witty , the chemistry great between the two stars . Cary Grant is handsome , sophisticated , but not above the occasional pratfall . And Dunne is fantastic as his wife . Her ultimate comedy scene comes in the home of Grant's high-class fiancée . Dunne enters , pretending to be his sister . She's total trash . She performs " Gone With the Wind " a tawdry nightclub act shown earlier in the film , where the gimmick is that the " wind " blows up the woman's dress Then she screams , " DON'T ANYBODY LEAVE THE ROOM . I CAN'T FIND MY PURSE . " She's hilarious . One of the top films of the ' 30s . I think it's a riot .
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494,401 | 342,623 | 68,397 | 10 |
great episode featuring a repeat offender
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This is one of the first and best Columbos , starring Robert Culp and Ray Milland . Robert Culp appeared on another Columbo , as did several other villains , including Patrick McGoohan , William Shatner , and Jack Cassidy . Ray Milland also made a later appearance . In this one , Ray Milland is convinced his beautiful wife , played by Patricia Crowley , is having an affair , so he hires Culp to investigate . Culp has a blackmailing business on the side , so he gives Milland a fake report and threatens Crowley with the real one if she doesn't pay up . They get into a huge fight in Culp's home , and she winds up murdered . Enter Columbo . Culp does everything he can to get Columbo off the case , including offering him a job , but Columbo is on to him from the beginning . Excellent episode .
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495,120 | 342,623 | 68,398 | 10 |
love it
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This is another of my favorite Columbos . It sports a top-notch cast , including John Cassavetes , who was never handsomer or sexier , Anjanette Comer , Myrna Loy , and Blythe Danner . Now here's something I've always wondered - had Gwenyth Paltrow been born when this episode was shot , or was Danner pregnant at the time ? Thanks to IMDb , I have my answer - she was five months ' pregnant . Now I can really feel ancient . Cassavetes plays a brilliant conductor whose marriage to Danner was apparently to use the social connections of her mother ( Loy ) . He has a mistress on the side , Anjanette Comer , a prominent pianist , but she announces she wants more . She's sick of being back street . On the night of their concert , he gets rid of her and makes it look like suicide . Columbo picks up a few problems immediately . One thing he notices : " You have a beautiful woman here - bedroom eyes - she has money , a body , and a career . Where's the man ? " It's wonderful to see Falk and good friend Cassavetes together . There's a very funny episode at the vet with Columbo's Bassett . Everyone in the cast is great . This is one of the episodes that made Columbo the classic series it became .
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493,706 | 342,623 | 429,086 | 10 |
fantastic
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This documentary was sock-o ! I love " The Third Man , " and the insight given by this documentary was tremendous . Not only was the narration great , but the scenes of post-war Vienna were staggering . ( In Vienna today , one can actually take a " Third Man " tour . ) The background of the Selznick-Korda conflict , the description of how the zither music was decided upon , the tour of the tunnels , how the silhouettes were created , the cat at Harry's shoes - - all wonderful information . Being a huge Orson Welles fan , I loved the stories about Welles . But my favorite story was the one about how the name Paul Horbiger opened the doors of Vienna to the producers , where the names Orson Welles , Alida Valli , and David Selznick did nothing ! This is a must see .
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493,527 | 342,623 | 120,689 | 10 |
overwhelming
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This knockout of a movie is the best of the Stephen King " morality " films such as the wonderful " Shawshank Redemption " and the TV versions of " The Stand " and " Storm of the Century " . " Green Mile " manages to inspire and devastate at the same time . The casting is interesting , utilizing such actors as Bonnie Hunt and Dabbs Greer brilliantly and everyone performs with warmth and deep feeling . Hanks , of course , is the glue . Michael Clarke Duncan is powerful in his simplicity . This is a film that will never leave me .
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493,907 | 342,623 | 116,282 | 10 |
You have no call to get snippy with me .
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I just love McDormand's face when she says that line - she takes a beat , her facial expression doesn't change , and then it comes out of her mouth like she's ordering a hamburger . Brilliant . This is one of my all time favorite movies . I saw it the first day it opened in New York City , and I loved it . I've seen it again since . What strikes me during repeated viewings is the spareness of it . Fargo moves very quickly and there isn't anything peripheral in it , no fillers . It's just a great movie and a great story with great characterizations . Wow , when I put it that way , it sounds like anyone could do it . Would that were true . There's no point in going through the story . I'll just write that Frances McDormand is sensational , as is everyone in the film - she and William H . Macy are standouts . You can really feel his desperation . There are so many great scenes - when Marge thinks she's going to barf , the scene with Macy referenced above , her little lecture to the criminals , the stamp discussion . And who can forget her old friend from high school ? That scene is priceless ! I also love the endless expanse of snow when the search for the money begins . This film was a real high point for me . It is a true masterpiece done by two of our most imaginative filmmakers and starring one of our finest actresses . What can I say , except I'm heading out to the wood chipper .
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495,129 | 342,623 | 32,976 | 10 |
one of the greats
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Rebecca is one film I could watch over and over . It is definitely one of Hitchcock's masterpieces . I recently saw the DVD version for the first time , which had the screen tests and some of Selznick's memos . My favorite was the memo that said , " Please don't say anything to Larry and Vivien " referring to the fact that Vivien Leigh wanted the Fontaine role so that she could be with Olivier . Though her second screen test was better than her first , in my mind , I've always pictured Leigh as the actual Rebecca , were she ever shown . The casting is perfect , with Joan Fontaine as the insecure Mrs . de Winter , coldly manipulated and laughed at by Mrs . Danvers , as expertly portrayed by Judith Anderson . Jack Favell is Rebecca's sly cousin , beautifully played by George Sanders . Olivier is gorgeous as Max , mysterious and distant . He utters two of the all-time most devastating lines heard in a relationship : " Happiness is something I know very little about . If you say we're happy , let's leave it at that . " I have one quibble with " Rebecca , " which is very minor . There were just a few too many shots of Rebecca's initials . But I loved seeing that R in the last shot .
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493,897 | 342,623 | 50,212 | 10 |
Madness
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Alec Guiness and his men are ordered to build " The Bridge on the River Kwai " in this magnificent 1957 film starring Alec Guinness , William Holden , Sessue Hayakawa , and Jack Hawkins , and directed by David Lean . Lean manages to give us an epic that manages to focus on fascinating and multilayered characters . The story is based on a book about a real-life incident ; however , in order to make the points made in the film , the story has many fictional elements , including the depiction of Colonel Saito ( Hayakawa ) , who was actually a very humane Japanese officer , and he and the real-life Colonel Nicholson ( Guinness ) , actually named Toosey shared a great respect . In the movie , Saito demands that the British officers in a prisoner of war camp participate in the building a bridge across the river Kwai in Burma during World War II . Colonel Nicholson refuses , and despite harsh imprisonment , will not give in . When his demands are met , he becomes determined to show the superiority of the British army and engineering in the building of the bridge . The bridge becomes an end in itself , although it will actually help the Japanese . William Holden plays an escaped prisoner who is asked to return to the Burmese jungle to help destroy the bridge and the train that is supposed to go over it . Alec Guinness gives his greatest performance as Nicholson - and that's saying something , since he did so many great ones . He has the stoicism , the determination , and the pride necessary for the role , contrasted with the frailty of his imprisonment . One really believes he has endured harsh imprisonment , given the way he looks , talks , and walks . Holden is fabulous as the soldier who , once he gets away , just wants to go home and is forced to go back to the jungle . In one scene , he yells at Major Warden ( Jack Hawkins ) : " You and Colonel Nicholson , you're two of a kind , crazy with courage . For what ? How to die like a gentleman . . . how to die by the rules - when the only important thing is how to live like a human being . " Sessue Hayakawa does a brilliant job as a man as determined as Nicholson and furious that he cannot bend him to his will . The end of the film is extremely suspenseful and builds tension throughout . This is a great film , and an antiwar one - Colonel Nicholson tells Saito that as he ages , he thinks about what his life has meant . Sometimes our goals become confused , and one forgets the real focus . The final line , uttered by Lt . Joyce ( Geoffrey Horne ) says it all .
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494,183 | 342,623 | 41,615 | 10 |
Stupendous
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Jennifer Jones is " Madame Bovary " in this 1949 adaptation of Flaubert's novel , directed by Vincente Minnelli and also starring Van Heflin , James Mason , Louis Jourdan , Gene Lockhart , Alf Kjellin and Ellen Corby . The film starts with Flaubert , on trial for indecency . As he defends the book , he tells the story of Emma Bovary , a delusional young woman living on a farm who , from romantic novels , has unrealistic ideas about love and happiness . She nabs a simple country doctor ( Van Heflin ) and proceeds to buy herself an incredible wardrobe and live as a rich woman , even though she and her husband are not wealthy . She has a little girl whom she ignores , leaving her to the nurse ( Corby ) . Emma soon becomes bored and attempts to seduce a young man ( Kjellin ) , but his mother ( Gladys Cooper ) catches on and sends him to Paris . Then she meets Boulanger ( Jourdan ) at a party , becomes his lover and plans to run away with him to Italy - but he sees what high maintenance she is and takes off without her . In an attempt to make her husband more prominent , she attempts to talk him into performing a new surgery , but he refuses ( in the book , however , he's ambitious as well and does the surgery , which is a failure ) . Meanwhile , unbeknownst to her husband , she owes a fortune , and if she doesn't find a way out , the family is due to lose their home and furnishings . " Madame Bovary " is one of the most stunning films ever made , with a captivating performance by Jones who makes Emma pathetic , desperate , frantic and sympathetic . As one of the comments on the board pointed out , it's easy to make Emma unlikable . With Jones ' natural charm making her likable and somewhat sweet , we can see ourselves in Emma . She has great backup from Heflin as her cowed husband . Jourdan is handsome and arrogant - he sees his future with Emma , and he doesn't like it . Minnelli handles every detail beautifully in this film . Not enough can be said about the waltz at the party , its dizzying effects making it one of the most thrilling scenes on film . When Emma later puts on the same gown and looks in the mirror and remembers that night , we know for her it was the ultimate dream evening , when she become one with the heroines of the novels she read . The gowns - well , there have been beautiful gowns in films - the 1938 Marie Antoinette comes to mind - and , as in that film , these gowns are works of art , particularly the white ball gown . When Boulanger returns from Italy , and Emma goes to see him , she actually looks different - tired and older - the subtlety of the makeup is spectacular . Though set in France in the mid-1800s , Madame Bovary is a classic because it deals with an ordinary person so dazzled by illusion that she cannot accept anything about her life as it exists . How apropos for today , when the media bludgeons us with multimillion dollar homes , heiresses who go to parties every night , size zero , red carpet premieres - it's hard to be happy when you're a housewife in sweats paying $4 a gallon for gas . Even before films , television , the tabloids and the Internet , people weren't satisfied with their lives because they were told to compare their inside with someone else's outside and found themselves not measuring up . " Madame Bovary " isn't an immorality tale , it's a morality tale and , of course , Flaubert was acquitted . It's considered one of the two greatest novels ever written , along with Anna Karenina , and it's perfectly adapted for film in the 1949 version - the story of a woman who thinks that shopping on credit till she drops is the way to real happiness . Like many in the 20th and 21st centuries have found , she was wrong .
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