Acting is the expression of a neurotic impulse. It's a bum's life. The principal benefit acting has afforded me is the money to pay for my psychoanalysis.
-Marlon Brando
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May 31, 2009
Quote of the Week
Acting is the expression of a neurotic impulse. It's a bum's life. The principal benefit acting has afforded me is the money to pay for my psychoanalysis.
-Marlon Brando
Image Source
May 29, 2009
Classic Links
Bogie rated 'R' for smoking?-- Flynn Files
The portraits of Cecil Beaton-- Photography Blog
The various film versions of Sherlock Holmes-- LA Times
Forgotten but not gone: more archival gems on DVD (including the amazing works of early animator Lotte Reiniger)-- David Bordwell
Peter Lorre profile-- Guardian
The portraits of Cecil Beaton-- Photography Blog
The various film versions of Sherlock Holmes-- LA Times
Forgotten but not gone: more archival gems on DVD (including the amazing works of early animator Lotte Reiniger)-- David Bordwell
Peter Lorre profile-- Guardian
May 28, 2009
Jane Randolph, 1915-2009
Goodbye to Jane Randolph, the husky-voiced actress who appeared in several ‘B’ movies as a Warner Bros. contract player in the 1940s. She is best remembered for her portrayal of an intelligent damsel in distress in Cat People (1942) [she reprised the role again in the more benign Curse of the Cat People (1944)] and for film noir flicks such as Railroaded (1947) and Jealousy (1945). After marrying for the second time in 1949, Randolph retired to the high life in Spain. She died in Switzerland, where she maintained a home, due to complications after hip surgery.
Randolph is best known for this classic scene in Cat People (1942), where she is menaced in a gloomy indoor pool. Decades later, her terror-striken performance remains quite chilling.
May 27, 2009
Classic Links
Ten facts about Grauman’s Chinese Theatre-- Mental Floss
Rare Audrey Hepburn stamp auctioned for 93k-- Daily News
Video: Restoring The Red Shoes (1948)-- Guardian
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May 25, 2009
Classic Links
The amorous Vivien Leigh-- Daily Mail
Rare Audrey Hepburn stamp goes to auction-- Comcast
Great gallery of stars in the outdoors-- Life
Letters to Donna Reed from WWII Soldiers (thanks to Kate Gabrielle for tip on Twitter)-- New York Times
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The Pre-Code View of World War I
Early Depression-era Hollywood made a fortune uplifting downtrodden audiences with upbeat musicals and racy comedies--before the enforcement of the production code put a damper on some of the fun--but the period was not all sweetness and light. Some of the most effective movies that touch on World War I came from this period, before Hollywood put a gloss on war, and while the Lost Generation was still fresh in the collective memory. I decided to share some of these titles in observance of Memorial Day. These are solemn, downbeat movies, but they are also inspiring in their gritty honesty and emotional power.
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) One of the most famous World War I movies is an epic, but also intimate story of young soldiers who lose their patriotic enthusiasm when faced with the horror, mayhem and boredom of trench warfare. All Quite on the Western Front has retained its power for generations, partly because it does not soften its bleak world view.
The Eagle and the Hawk (1932) A smaller scale, but potent WWI drama about a pilot who collapses under the strain of the war. This fast, dark story is as much about camaraderie and loyalty as it is about the emotional distress caused by war.
Heroes for Sale (1933) This is one of the most powerful pre-code examinations of post-war life for traumatized veterans. In its cynical world view, soldiers are not even necessarily loyal to each other, making the transition to civilian life even more lonely and confusing. One of the hugely underrated Richard Barthelmess’ best performances.
I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang (1932) Paul Muni stars in another gritty drama of a veteran’s struggle to return to society. Desperate for money, he tries to pawn his medals, only to find that the shop owner already has accepted more than he can sell. He shows him a pile of medals, and with that one image shows the struggles of many men.
Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) This is above all a musical of the depression. While accepting the reality of empty stomachs and unpaid rent, it also uplifts with silly songs, romance and elaborate production numbers. It touches on World War I in its final number My Forgotten Man. The darkly beautiful, expressionistic sets and emotional plea for struggling veterans so impressed studio head Jack Warner that he moved it from the middle of the movie to the end, where its passionate drive gave the closing scenes a powerful edge.
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May 24, 2009
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