Around the Blogosphere This Week
...Tyrone Power fans won't want to miss the recent posts at Greenbriar Picture Shows on JESSE JAMES (1939); both Part One and Part Two are filled with gorgeous photos of Power and costar Nancy Kelly. Production photos and publicity materials are included; one of my favorite shots is of Power and costar Randolph Scott on the set. On the same topic, there are some nice screen caps from the DVD at DVD Beaver.
...Lots of stories in the news this week about the new "life form" discovered by NASA. It comes from Mono Lake, which we pass every summer as we drive north on the 395 to Bridgeport. (Incidentally, some sources have referred to Mono Lake being in Yosemite, which isn't true.)
...The Lady Eve celebrates one of my all-time favorite MGM musical numbers, Fred Astaire and Lucille Bremer dancing "Coffee Time" in YOLANDA AND THE THIEF (1945). She includes a link to a YouTube video. I've always been fond of this film, which hasn't always been appreciated. I've got a DVD a kind friend made for me of YOLANDA...time to take another look at it!...The Self-Styled Siren was recently interviewed by Victor Ozols of BlackBook, and there's also a very nice photo.
...I'm unfamiliar with FLIGHT TO TANGIER (1953), a Joan Fontaine-Jack Palance movie described briefly at Olivia and Joan: Sisters of the Silver Screen. Hope to check it out sometime, along with a number of other yet-unseen Fontaine films.
...The new Criterion Collection DVD of THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955) sounds fascinating. The movie's subject matter has never particularly interested me, but there's a second disc with two and a half hours of footage of Charles Laughton directing Robert Mitchum, Lillian Gish, Shelley Winters, and the rest of the cast; Laughton would let the camera run between takes. Here's a review by Glenn Erickson at DVD Savant....I didn't realize that, just as there are now "made on demand" DVDs, there are also made-to-order music CDs. More here.
...My sons were glad to hear the EMERGENCY! TV-movies are finally on the way. No release date yet.
...Livius reviews Anthony Mann's DEVIL'S DOORWAY (1950) at Riding the High Country. I've previously read that this is one of Robert Taylor's best performances, but I think I've been putting off seeing it due to the sad plotline. It's available on DVD-R from Warner Archive....I also enjoyed this review of James Mason in ODD MAN OUT (1947) at the same blog.
...There are nice photos to scroll through, including a series of movie snow scenes, at SixMartinis and the Seventh Art.
...Enjoyed reading that the new President of USC hosted 350 students for Thanksgiving dinner. A lovely "Trojan Family" story.
...This "public service" video "How to Talk To Your Kids About Star Wars" is fairly amusing. (And for the record, of course you start them off with the original trilogy.)...For a touching story filled with real Christmas spirit, be sure to check out Rick Moore's "Christmas Surprise" at Holy Coast.
...And if you haven't yet seen the YouTube video of the "flash mob" performance of the Hallelujah Chorus, which recently surprised shoppers in a mall food court, it will put a smile on your face... I have happy memories of performing the Hallelujah Chorus in Disneyland's Candlelight Caroling Procession when I was in high school...one year the narrator of the program was Cary Grant!!
...I'll have Disney and Warner Archive news coming soon, as well as a review of a new book on WEST SIDE STORY (1961).
Have a great weekend!
posted by Laura @ 10:05 PM
9 Comments:
Thanks for the mention Laura. You should try to see Devil's Doorway at some point - it is a downbeat picture but a very rewarding one for all that.
Hey Laura, I hadn't seen that flash mob, so cool, thanks for sharing the link.
Laura, if you've never seen "Night Of The Hunter" PLEASE set aside any preconceived notions that you may have and watch it. Lillian Gish's ending lines (spoken directly to the camera) "They abide and they endure" will bring tears to your eyes, and Mitchum is truly terrifying and hysterically funny both at the same time. And that's no mean feat!
B.
Laura - first thanks for mentioning my blog and post on "Coffee Time," the amazing musical number from YOLANDA AND THE THIEF...
And...I completely agree with James Corry's comment on THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER. This is one of the most beautifully filmed movies ever. And haunting. Charles Laughton's only outing as a director (sadly!). There are several unforgettable scenes in the film and Mitchum gives one of his best performances. Don't miss it!
Brad and Eve, you've convinced me. I don't "do" children in peril well (grin), but I love Mitchum and the prospect of seeing such an interesting extra...plus your raves...I've put it on my wish list. :)
Livius, I'll definitely check out DEVIL'S DOORWAY too...sounds like a great film when I'm in the right mood for it. Plus I want to see all of Taylor's films --
Glad you enjoyed it, Clara!
Thanks and best wishes,
Laura
I had to show my sister (whose name is Laura too) the SW video, because we've been having the same conversation since before her son was born (he'll be 3 in a couple weeks), on how to introduce him properly to Star Wars. She was 5 when Star Wars came out originally, so she has been planning on showing him the original film (and not the stupid special edition) when he turns 5 as well.
I have to keep my eye out for Devil's Doorway. I've never even heard of that one.
You haven't seen Night of the Hunter, or just don't like the plot? Because if you have not seen it, you have denied yourself a great experience. It's an american gothic fairy tale. It's a beautiful film with astounding cinematography. It has Lillian Gish! It's a shame Laughton did not direct more films. When I was a kid, this was one of the movies the whole family gathered to watch whenever it came on.
I haven't yet seen it because the subject matter (including children in peril) wasn't of interest. So many movies, so little time, etc. But based on the strong endoresments of everyone here and how interesting the extras sound, I'm adding it to my viewing wish list. :) Thanks for adding your take on the film!
Best wishes,
Laura
Night of the Hunter has a strong yet gentle religious message which you will love. That might sound odd since an important character is a psychotic self ordained preacher, but it's true. Although the preacher is a serial killer, there is no violence shown and he rarely even touches the children, which naturally makes the story more gripping. Among the great supporting cast, James Gleason is also brilliant.
Not a remake, but another version of Night of the Hunter was made for TV in the 90's with Richard Chamberlain as the crazy preacher. This version is a straightforward telling of children in peril from a lunatic, even though the kids win. No allegorical softening, actually quite realistic.(BTW, the character in the novel was based on a real man.) The newer version is very good, but you would not like it. But I guarantee you will love the 1955 Night of the Hunter. Enjoy!
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