1930s Hall of Fame Part 2 [Archive] - Page 2

MijaFrost

08-06-18, 12:02 AM

Of Mice and Men

46665

The film plays out much like I remembered from the book.
Good acting all around, although the female character was annoying.
It's a sad story and reminds me of how I feel about my own life... when you plan and work hard, but your dreams don't seem to come to fruition.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

46664

I've seen a few classic prison escape films before, all of which were made after this one, but nonetheless found this to be an enjoyable watch, despite being a downer due to the subject matter.
Societal injustice has always been something that grinds my gears. I suppose that what happens near the end is meant to be both emotionally manipulative (politically speaking), and also a realistic consequence when you're dealing with narrow-minded people. So yes, the irony of the final scene did make sense.

cricket

08-06-18, 12:13 AM

It Happened One Night

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5NqYLpaMjF8/WVaYRoichPI/AAAAAAAAQto/53GfrsGGyTM18X7Nbum2IAhat8jhOozEwCLcBGAs/s1600/tumblr_n2emog19fp1sr1ki0o1_500.gif

I watched this once before about three years ago. I wasn't planning on watching it again for the countdown because it's place on my list was safe. I'm glad I did though because I enjoyed myself immensely.

The whole cast does great work but of course it's Gable and Colbert who are special and make the movie. I completely buy into them falling for each other because of their chemistry, and also because an experience like that can easily bring people together. Sure it may be a bit predictable, but what rom-com isn't? My wife watched it for the first time and she loved it too. Also, for a movie of this type, and with average settings, it sure is beautiful to look at. I'm not sure if it's the greatest romantic comedy but it may be. It's definitely the gold standard in my eyes.

4+

Pussy Galore

08-06-18, 07:42 AM

Just watched Of Mice and Men, I'll talk about it later.

I can, however, already say that the fact that I watched it on youtube with an HORRIBLE picture quality might have affected my appreciation.

Chypmunk

08-06-18, 08:44 AM

Red Dust

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2e/34/a4/2e34a434c79237ddfe580dbfd26014f3.jpg

Pretty much spoiler free

A romantic drama that gets better as the weather worsens.

Have to say this didn't begin particularly well for me, with the opening scene feeling very staged and Clark Gable's character rather over-egged. The introduction of Jean Harlow didn't help either as I found both her character and interactions quite jarring and somewhat difficult to believe. I have to be honest, when she left on the boat I actually hoped that was the last we'd see of her character.

For me proceedings only really began to improve once Gene Raymond and Mary Astor came ashore and, rather oddly considering my earlier comment, actually kicked up yet another notch with the return of Harlow who either grew into her role or I did .... still not entirely sure which.

The script was still a little stiff in places and the occasional attempts at injecting a little light-heartedness from Willie Fung's Hoy embarrassingly awful (the other support is generally very good) but the pace was nicely managed in a tale that became quite immersive, with the characters feeling far more natural/realistic and the rains quite magnificently presented.

Overall it's an enjoyable watch for the most part and one I'd been looking to see for a while so is another I'm very pleased was nominated.

Mr Minio

08-06-18, 08:55 AM

I have never read Harlequin books but It Happened One Night is very close to how I imagine them to be. Douglas Sirk is, but Capra? No way!

Citizen Rules

08-06-18, 12:47 PM

Just watched Of Mice and Men, I'll talk about it later.

I can, however, already say that the fact that I watched it on youtube with an HORRIBLE picture quality might have affected my appreciation. There was a much better link that Mija found. Maybe watch it again towards the end of the HoF? Just a thought, as I know how it is to watch a great film on a crappy copy.

Citizen Rules

08-06-18, 01:00 PM

Red Dust

Have to say this didn't begin particularly well for me, with the opening scene feeling very staged and Clark Gable's character rather over-egged. The introduction of Jean Harlow didn't help either as I found both her character and interactions quite jarring and somewhat difficult to believe.

proceedings only really began to improve once Gene Raymond and Mary Astor came ashore...

actually kicked up yet another notch with the return of Harlow who either grew into her role or I did .... still not entirely sure which.

the occasional attempts at injecting a little light-heartedness from Willie Fung's Hoy embarrassingly awful If you read my review of Red Dust you know I really enjoyed it...but I had all the same reactions that you did. It's uncanny.

The first 5 minutes and I was thinking, 'man these actors are stiff as a board.'

Then when Jean Harlow arrived, I thought, 'what the heck, I usually like her, but not now'. She was jarring at first.

Then with Mary Astor and Gene Raymond's arrival the film got good.

And when Miss Harlow returned, my reaction was the same as yours, she all of a sudden got interesting.

I think Cricket said just about the same too.

Chypmunk

08-06-18, 01:06 PM

If you read my review of Red Dust you know I really enjoyed it...but I had all the same reactions that you did. It's uncanny.

The first 5 minutes and I was thinking, 'man these actors are stiff as a board.'

Then when Jean Harlow arrived, I thought, 'what the heck, I usually like her, but not now'. She was jarring at first.

Then with Mary Astor and Gene Raymond's arrival the film got good.

And when Miss Harlow returned, my reaction was the same as yours, she all of a sudden got interesting.

I think Cricket said just about the same too.
Yeah, I read the other reviews afterwards (only thing I do beforehand is see what photos have been used so I can try and pick a different one).

Personally it felt like it took a while to 'click', not just for me as a viewer but also for those concerned making it. Not sure I can really express it better than that without tying my words in knots so I hope that at least makes some sense to someone lol.

MijaFrost

08-06-18, 03:56 PM

I was wondering if anyone had some good quality links for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as The Thin Man? I tried playing them on ffilms but they weren't loading for me.

Citizen Rules

08-06-18, 04:02 PM

I was wondering if anyone had some good quality links for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as The Thin Man? I tried playing them on ffilms but they weren't loading for me.I got one for The Thin Man I will PM you about it.

Chypmunk

08-06-18, 04:11 PM

I was wondering if anyone had some good quality links for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as The Thin Man? I tried playing them on ffilms but they weren't loading for me.
Sent you a link for Dr J & Mr H Mija

MijaFrost

08-06-18, 04:25 PM

Thanks guys! :)

rauldc14

08-06-18, 05:58 PM

Humanity and Paper Balloons

http://theasiancinemablog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Shinzo1.jpg

A good beginning twenty minutes to the film and I really liked the last minute of the film as well. The meat of the film, the other 64 minutes, left a bit to be desired for me. I'll chalk it half up to too much happening at once and admittedly there were scenes which made it hard for me to continue to comprehend what was going on, so yes half of it is on me. The other half is that I just didn't care enough about the two main characters stories enough to solidly enjoy the film. The films brightest point for me is the great setting that was used. Also great cinematography. The scenes that were doing in the rain were my favorite. It definitely is a really nice looking 30s film. But in the end, an overall middling film for me that probably won't stick with me much although I would still be willing to give it another chance.

2.5

Thursday Next

08-06-18, 06:08 PM

Gosh some of you are speeding through these...

I watched Virtue and The Goddess which made for an interesting double bill. For a while I thought I had accidentally signed up to the Prostitute Hall of Fame. It's actually really interesting to see the 1930s take on this subject and in both cases very sympathetic, perhaps surprisingly so.

Virtue was quite a fun watch, with its wise talking characters. I was enjoying it a lot until the bit where Mae gets tricked out of the money and for a while after that it plays almost like a melodramatic farce with mistaken identity and everything which I found a bit difficult to watch. Thankfully, it was redeemed by the ending. I thought the characters and their dynamic were interesting. Neither of them are particularly honest with each other to start with so things are bound to get worse before they get better. The acting was good - Mae's character and feelings particularly came across during the scene where Jimmy suspects her. There were some interesting dynamics between the supporting cast as well.

The Goddess is more serious and more moving. Quite honestly a lot of this film could play out in pretty much the same way in this century, anywhere in the world. The message does come across as being a little bit deliberate and heavy handed but it's a good message. I thought the lead actress was very good. It's quite a natural performance. I liked the way they indicated the prostitution without showing it by focusing on the feet.

rauldc14

08-06-18, 07:03 PM

Don't worry Thursday I will be slowest probably this go around!

edarsenal

08-06-18, 07:37 PM

WTF?
THINK about it. . .
a girl is engaged/married to a not so great guy (in this case, as far as the dad is concerned), runs off on an adventure where she meets a roguish man and after a while, they fall in love.

Never it saw it that way, but it kinda hits all the setups for such a book.

mark f

08-06-18, 07:42 PM

WTF?

Citizen Rules

08-06-18, 07:48 PM

I've never read a Harlequin romance novel, but I image it's full of overly dramatized romantic interludes with lusty heavy breathing, followed by heaving chest, trembling lips and sweat on the brow...that sort of stuff. So yeah I don't think the style is at all like It Happened One Night.

edarsenal

08-06-18, 07:50 PM

sooo, i'm guessing you DON'T see it

:)

don't really matter, thought it was an amusing perception

edarsenal

08-06-18, 07:57 PM

Well, with Thursday joining in on the (unofficially titled) Prostitution HoF, we now have EVERYONE with a review in.

AMAZING work all!!

Chypmunk

08-07-18, 12:17 PM

The Roaring Twenties

http://iannathanielcohen.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/0/4/21046744/809839987.jpg

Spoilers by the barrel

A decade and a half of prohibition-based intoxication.

The initial war scenes feel quite staged but do their job of introducing the three cornerstones of the story fairly well and do so quite briskly, a pace that is generally maintained quite nicely with the 'newsreel' style montages used to periodically move proceedings along.

Acting is good pretty much across the board and there is some lovely snappy dialogue dotted throughout, though for me the one attempt at a more slapstick style of humour around the midpoint really should have been excised as it's totally out of place.

Sadly although Jean's songs are generally in context, and imo deliberately meant to be a little insipid in terms of performance, they do cause little dips in the enjoyment for me; though I have to say Gladys George does deliver nicely, if rather briefly, with her one moment in that regard later on.

The period is nicely recreated (as it should be, being not that far removed in time) with the story quite believable up until the slightly contrived ending, and although a little light in terms of action for the style of tale most of what there is is reasonably well staged imo.

As an aside - anybody else notice how Panama gives Eddie the lowdown about Jean quitting yet when he comes back a couple of minutes later she's telling the barman she thinks Eddie doesn't know? Just thought I'd mention it in passing.

Overall it's an enjoyable watch that holds the attention all the way through and a very good nomination imo.

Chypmunk

08-07-18, 12:18 PM

Do people actually read romantic fiction ... Harlequin style or otherwise? :eek:

(yeah, I'm kidding ... even I've heard of Mills and Boon)

Citizen Rules

08-07-18, 01:26 PM

https://www.cinema.ucla.edu/sites/default/files/styles/Large/public/images/pages/OfMiceAndMen1.jpg?itok=PD91ccSG

Of Mice and Men (1939)
*Spoilers*

I seen this once, long ago and I always remembered it. It's a potent film with an intelligent, well crafted script based on the classic Steinbeck novel. And it's deep with the way it delves into the human condition.

This isn't just about Lenny, a mentally slow childlike man with the strength of an ox. It's about people who have no future but desperately need to dream of having one. It's about depression era people wanting some sort of security like a place of their own. But even more than that, it's about lonely people who are isolated and are starving for some form of human interaction.

We see that in Mae (Betty Field)...her husband has one hell of an attitude and takes it out on his wife by cutting her off from human contact. We see it in Crooks (Leigh Whipper) the black man who's forced to live in a shack by himself. Like Mae he's not allowed to interact with the farm hands and so he dies a bit inside from lack of friendship. We see it in the lonely old man with one hand, who's only friend is his aging dog.

And ultimately we see this yearning for a better life in George (Burgess Meredith) who's smart enough to get somewhere in life, but is being held back by his cousin Lenny who he's saddled with.

This is so much more than just the ending scene, which is really symbolic for being free from that which holds you down.

Great film.

Citizen Rules

08-07-18, 02:06 PM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=46704&stc=1&d=1533660469

It Happened One Night (1934)

I love this film! I watched it the other night for the 4th time. Usually I don't like rewatching movies over and over, but as soon as the movie started playing I was instantly into the story and hooked for the duration of the film. That to me is a mark of a damn good movie. And this is one damn good movie!

I love the dialogue in this film, it's so witty, so naturalistic. I love the way they will have long exchanges about seemingly nothing important, which then ends up telling us much about the couple. The piggy back discussion and the talk of how to hitchhike are good examples of the brilliantly written script. In this way the film reminds me of Pulp Fiction.

I laughed out loud at the: 'yeah....oh yeah' bit with Gable and the bus driver, ha. I loved the way the couple are seemingly mish mashed and yet form a bond by the end of the film.

Clark Gable is the man! This is the type of role he's famous for. He's perfect here as the likable roguish reporter who's a bit rough around the edges but has integrity to spare.

OMG Claudette Colbert is she a doll in this or what! Damn she's so adorable while being a spoiled rich brat. She's one of my all time favorite actresses and I've seen her in a of films and she's always good too, but her she shines!

It Happened One Night, has a special place in my heart as it was one of the first classic films I seen, some 15 years ago and it got me hooked.

edarsenal

08-07-18, 08:47 PM

http://secondsightcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Dr-Jekyll-and-Mr-Hyde-Ivy-see-Hyde-in-mirror.jpg

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

This IS a pretty impressive psychological horror for it's time and, watching this, it's easy to see how cricket would enjoy this as a modern film. It does have a more visceral experience while also adding more depth than simply the usual "gentleman and the brute".

March does an excellent job as both sides of "Good Ash and Bad Ash" lol. But, seriously, there is a very good mix of the two. It isn't a completely stark line separating the two. Jekyll is not completely wholesome and Hyde isn't narrowed down to simply being a monster. He is the unleashed, unfettered Jekyll.
I've seen a few versions of this story in my time and the norm is that both aspects are at the farthest extremes of one another. Day and night as it were. But in this film, we see a far more intimate correlation between the two "sides".
We see the "why" of Mr. Hyde's appetite as we witness Jekyll's frustrations and impatience. Giving a more fuller, more connected bond between the two parts of one man. A lot of this is in much of the dialogue that both Jekyll and Hyde share the same beliefs.

Dr. Jekyll: Things one can't do, are the ones I want to.

Dr. Jekyll: That's not a matter of conduct; but, elementary instinct.
Dr. Lanyon: You ought to control those instincts.
Dr. Jekyll: Are you pretending that either can or do? We may control our actions; but, not our impulses.

One odd scene I rather enjoyed was the (I believe) the first night Mr. Hyde goes out, and it's raining and he looks up and smiles, enjoying the rain. I found that a nice touch showing the uninhibited, primal joy of being in the rain.

With some of the camerawork, the initial first person POV, I was a little iffy about. I do enjoy the technique, but for some reason, and this is solely on me, it seemed to cause a hesitation in the movie getting started. Again, I didn't dislike it, I simply had an iffy experience to it.
The split screens DID work pretty well for me. Especially in scenes where there is a slow close to one side as a final comment was made.
Same goes with the acrobatic/jumping of Mr. Hyde when he was being chased. Exhibiting his more primate side, as it were.

And, of course, before I close I MUST give due credit to Miriam Hopkins as the victimized Ivy Pearson. My heart TRULY went out to her and for her. An excellent, excellent bit of acting, procuring such sympathy from us, the audience.

And yes, CR, this DOES deserve one of my BRAVOs!!

edarsenal

08-07-18, 08:58 PM

We are now at 40% reviewed within the first week of this Hall of Fame

not too shabby :)

Citizen Rules

08-07-18, 09:21 PM

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

This IS a pretty impressive psychological horror for it's time.. It does have a more visceral experience while also adding more depth than simply the usual "gentleman and the brute".

And yes, CR, this DOES deserve one of my BRAVOs!! Glad you liked it! For me it's going to be one helluva tough call to pick the #1 film. So many great films in this HoF. I'm loving this Hof, I wish we would have had time to do a third one. Well maybe someday.

edarsenal

08-08-18, 12:33 AM

Glad you liked it! For me it's going to be one helluva tough call to pick the #1 film. So many great films in this HoF. I'm loving this Hof, I wish we would have had time to do a third one. Well maybe someday.
I feel exactly the same. So many great films and only one top spot.
Definitely found a few to add to my 30s List that's for sure!

Chypmunk

08-08-18, 03:25 AM

I've seen a few versions of this story in my time and the norm is that both aspects are at the farthest extremes of one another. Day and night as it were. But in this film, we see a far more intimate correlation between the two "sides".
This is the "dusk" version ;) And I agree is all the better for it.

One odd scene I rather enjoyed was the (I believe) the first night Mr. Hyde goes out, and it's raining and he looks up and smiles, enjoying the rain. I found that a nice touch showing the uninhibited, primal joy of being in the rain.
It is a lovely moment, it's his first real taste of uninhibited freedom and conveys that very nicely I think.

With some of the camerawork, the initial first person POV, I was a little iffy about. I do enjoy the technique, but for some reason, and this is solely on me, it seemed to cause a hesitation in the movie getting started. Again, I didn't dislike it, I simply had an iffy experience to it.
The main problem for me was it just goes on too long. But then I'm not a huge fan of FPP anyway.

Chypmunk

08-08-18, 08:25 AM

The Thin Man

https://cdn1.thr.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/landscape_928x523/2018/04/the_thin_man_-_h_-_1934.jpg

Pretty much spoiler free

Light-hearted murder mystery that proves marriage doesn't necessarily have to spell the end of fun.

When this starts you could be forgiven for thinking you are about to see a fairly mediocre b-movie, not unlike countless others from the period, but as soon as both William Powell and then Myrna Loy are introduced it becomes quite apparent this will be no humdrum affair.

I think it's fair to say that the underlying mystery, whilst perfectly presentable, is nothing particularly special and most of the cast do indeed play it as a b-movie - complete with some deliberately slightly exaggerated performances. The writing is well above that level though.

One scene in particular imo is admittedly over-egged (the Christmas Eve party) but in general the cast deliver the many throwaway lines and quips dotted throughout perfectly (and little Asta plays his part too), with Powell and Loy naturally getting the lion's share. But there's a little more to it than just that.

Nick's whispered admission that some of his deduction is completely on the fly during the climactic dinner party, for instance, takes that whole scene to another level for me. But the real beauty is the irreverent, playful relationship between the central husband and wife, played to absolute perfection by both Powell and Loy - and with such a twinkle in the eyes you just know they had as much fun making it as it is to view on the screen.

Overall it's a movie that I've watched countless times and hope to be able to enjoy countless more and a super nomination imo.

Chypmunk

08-08-18, 09:39 AM

Glad you liked it! For me it's going to be one helluva tough call to pick the #1 film. So many great films in this HoF. I'm loving this Hof, I wish we would have had time to do a third one. Well maybe someday.

I feel exactly the same. So many great films and only one top spot.
Definitely found a few to add to my 30s List that's for sure!
Just checking - it is ok to order the films on your ballot like 1, 1, 1, 4, 4, 4, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8 isn't it?? :D

Citizen Rules

08-08-18, 12:42 PM

Nathaniel

08-08-18, 01:30 PM

I'm guessing that one of these 1s is a Harlequin novel.

Citizen Rules

08-08-18, 01:39 PM

I'm guessing that one of these 1s is a Harlequin novel.:p...all great movies start out as Harlequin novels;):)

Chypmunk

08-08-18, 01:43 PM

All of my 1's are based on Harlequin novels!

And my 4's too!!

(I have absolutely no idea what a Harlequin novel is really)

Thursday Next

08-08-18, 03:43 PM

Of Mice and Men

*slight spoilers*

I thought this was really good, a really powerful film. I’d read the book many years ago but forgotten exactly what happened so still felt a sense of creeping unease that things were going to go badly wrong but couldn’t remember exactly how.

What struck me most was that this was a film about loneliness and yearning. These people all travel alone despite sharing the bunkhouse and everyone seems surprised at Lennie and George travelling together. Crooks is kept alone in his hut and nobody speaks to him. Mae is kept isolated by Curley, she’s not supposed to talk to any of the men there and he doesn’t talk to her or even let her go out to the cinema. They all seem close to animals, especially their dogs, as a form of companionship. They all have dreams as well, repeated like a mantra throughout the film. The scene in which Mae and Lennie recount their dreams for the future but without really listening to each other’s illustrated that really well. The title tells us these dreams will never come true: The best laid plans of mice and men...

Mae is an interesting character. As well as being kept isolated by her violently jealous husband who won’t even let her keep a puppy, she isn’t even allowed her own name, referred to by most as ‘the girl’ or ‘Curley’s wife’. Characters constantly say she will be trouble but nothing in her behaviour really suggests that she will. The trouble comes from Curley himself. She really is the pebble George compares her to; the catalyst for trouble but not really the cause.

The standout scene as others have said is probably the scene with Candy’s dog. There is palpable tension and sadness as well as this moral dilemma. It also foreshadows the ending, especially when Candy later says he should have done it himself. The whole idea of animals being put down but people left to struggle on in misery reminded me of the later They Shoot Horses Don’t They, set in a similar era.

The era was another thing that caught my attention. This isn’t a period piece, it’s painfully contemporary. The film was released only two years after the book and these situations and attitudes were current.

A very good film, thought provoking, moving and well acted. I can tell ranking these films is going to be tricky!

edarsenal

08-08-18, 07:47 PM

Just checking - it is ok to order the films on your ballot like 1, 1, 1, 4, 4, 4, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8 isn't it?? :D

Ha, it took me a moment to get that:D Four last place films in your list? Mine would actually look like this: 1,1,1,2,2,2,2,2,3,3,? The question mark is for the one film I know nothing about and haven't see.

Could you IMAGINE if we did something like that??
I wouldn't even BEGIN to figure out how to calculate that properly. Not to mention there would be like constant, multiple ties with around 4 or 5 at a time :)

edarsenal

08-08-18, 07:52 PM

This is the "dusk" version ;) And I agree is all the better for it.
VERY much so!

It is a lovely moment, it's his first real taste of uninhibited freedom and conveys that very nicely I think.
Exactly. It was almost like a youngster on their first day of summer break. It was THAT kind of enthusiasm. Got such a kick out of it.

The main problem for me was it just goes on too long. But then I'm not a huge fan of FPP anyway.
I think that may have been my problem. The length of it.
But, again, as stated, not a criticism, simply my own experience.

edarsenal

08-08-18, 07:57 PM

edarsenal

08-08-18, 08:16 PM

Of Mice and Men

*slight spoilers*

I thought this was really good, a really powerful film. I’d read the book many years ago but forgotten exactly what happened so still felt a sense of creeping unease that things were going to go badly wrong but couldn’t remember exactly how.

#1What struck me most was that this was a film about loneliness and yearning. These people all travel alone despite sharing the bunkhouse and everyone seems surprised at Lennie and George travelling together. Crooks is kept alone in his hut and nobody speaks to him. Mae is kept isolated by Curley, she’s not supposed to talk to any of the men there and he doesn’t talk to her or even let her go out to the cinema. They all seem close to animals, especially their dogs, as a form of companionship. They all have dreams as well, repeated like a mantra throughout the film. The scene in which Mae and Lennie recount their dreams for the future but without really listening to each other’s illustrated that really well. The title tells us these dreams will never come true: The best laid plans of mice and men...

Mae is an interesting character. As well as being kept isolated by her violently jealous husband who won’t even let her keep a puppy, she isn’t even allowed her own name, referred to by most as ‘the girl’ or ‘Curley’s wife’. Characters constantly say she will be trouble but nothing in her behaviour really suggests that she will. The trouble comes from Curley himself. She really is the pebble George compares her to; the catalyst for trouble but not really the cause.

The standout scene as others have said is probably the scene with Candy’s dog. There is palpable tension and sadness as well as this moral dilemma. It also foreshadows the ending, especially when Candy later says he should have done it himself. #2The whole idea of animals being put down but people left to struggle on in misery reminded me of the later They Shoot Horses Don’t They, set in a similar era.

The era was another thing that caught my attention. This isn’t a period piece, it’s painfully contemporary. The film was released only two years after the book and these situations and attitudes were current.

#3A very good film, thought provoking, moving and well acted. I can tell ranking these films is going to be tricky!

#1 Been a LONG time since seeing any other rendition of this film and I'm curious if they followed the "loneliness" aspect, which I am sure would have been a staple of Steinbeck's novel. Which I haven't read, but do remember reading Grapes of Wrath in high school. (COMPLETELY different ending to the film)

#2 Good comparision and something I've felt the same way about. We'll put down a suffering animal but let a human being drag on and on and on.
I could SO go on a rant on that.

#3 Chyp HAS come up with a solution for that lol

Always enjoy the depth of your reviews, Thursday!!

Thursday Next

08-09-18, 04:55 AM

#1 Been a LONG time since seeing any other rendition of this film and I'm curious if they followed the "loneliness" aspect, which I am sure would have been a staple of Steinbeck's novel. Which I haven't read, but do remember reading Grapes of Wrath in high school. (COMPLETELY different ending to the film)

Yes, the Grapes of Wrath book ending is not something that could easily have been put on film in the 1940s, perhaps not even today! I like The Grapes of Wrath (film) quite a bit, much more than I liked the book. (Not because of the different ending.)

Chypmunk

08-09-18, 08:15 AM

Virtue

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S04FQTTILzQ/TpBbzdrzG9I/AAAAAAAAL_4/OOmJz9ukPvU/s400/virtue5.jpg

Pretty much spoiler free

Romantic drama with a noirish tinge that shows marriage isn't always a bed of roses.

I have a fondness for tarts with hearts in films, which makes me doubly fond of this nicely presented tale that has decent performances pretty much across the board and some lovely snappy, wise-cracking exchanges (Robert Riskin screenplay, he also did It Happened One Night, so hardly surprising).

Proceedings are admittedly rather rushed early on but imo both characters are introduced nice and succinctly, and whether or not there ever was footage for the opening 'voiceover' is actually immaterial to me as I think it works perfectly without it.

That both Pat O'Brien's 'Jimmy' and Carole Lombard's 'Mae' are somewhat jaded and putting up fronts makes them both not only very human in my eyes but easy to relate to as well, whilst the underlying issues in their relationship are depicted in a way that manages to maintain empathy for both and the relationship in general imo.

Whilst the noirish part of the story which helps bring events to a climax may be a little contrived, and there's never any real doubt as to how it will play out, it's not particularly unrealistic or overplayed in my book.

As an aside I particularly like the irony, considering Mae's past, in Jimmy's telling her "All I gotta do is hang around the streets, pick up a couple of drunks and it'll be a cinch!". Pure coincidence? I don't think so.

Overall it's a film that may have it's flaws but it's also one that presents two very human and (imo) empathetic characters in a very entertaining watch which I thought deserved a little more exposure.

Nathaniel

08-09-18, 03:54 PM

Mad Love (1935)
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xN1Eb2SessM/T_G_p5EQcCI/AAAAAAAAAf0/-754UKPxu7s/s1600/Mad+Love+%281935%29+.6.jpg

Slight Spoilers

What an opening shot, lingering on the horror of creation and entering into the nightmare. Yep, this film was gloriously cheesy. Initially Mad Love doesn't come across that way, with the first 10 minutes building up a sense of tension and obsession. But this is seemingly just a way to set up a beyond ridiculous concept that I never fully invested in. It made me lol a few times due to the nature of it all. The best part is when Gogol tries to convince Stephen that he starts randomly throwing knives at people because he was jealous of another kid back in the day who could throw knives better.

It's very watchable and this normally isn't my thing. Peter Lorre's descent into manic obsessive doctor is great fun as is a lot of the camera work. Cool use of shadows and lighting. Some fine editing, with the use of the mirror or lighting to get across Gogol's mad love. A certain scene which some people have chosen for their review photo gets that across perfectly.

Nice pick siddon. I'm glad I got to see it.

rauldc14

08-09-18, 04:17 PM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

http://pre-code.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/jeckyll12.png

This is what HOFs are all about for me. A little bit of everything in this film that made me really like it. The first thing that struck me as awesome was the performance of Frederic March, who I couldn't even recognize at the very beginning as I had seen him in Best Years of Our Lives and really liked him at that. Man has some talent as this was a completely different role and he nailed it. Should look into him more. Anyways, I'm pretty sure there's a bunch of different film adaptations but this was the first I've seen and I didn't really read into the story which certainly enhanced it for me. I would think that this would be the best of the bunch between them all.

I liked Miriam Hopkins too. Citizen is making me out to be a fan of a lot of these classic 30s actresses and she is another really good one. Rose Hobart was pretty great in the role of Muriel too.

Love the film sets and I loved the magic of seeing Jekyll turn into hide. My favorite scenes were the ones where he is jumping all over the place to prevent Miriam from leaving. Creepy and chilling. Also him climbing into the tree later to get away. Thought the script was solid and combined with these performances made it a really splendid film for me.

4+

rauldc14

08-09-18, 07:22 PM

I just saw it less than a month ago, but I'm going to rewatch Red Dust next. Look forward to the rewatch

Citizen Rules

08-09-18, 10:40 PM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I liked Miriam Hopkins too. Citizen is making me out to be a fan of a lot of these classic 30s actresses and she is another really good one....Cool! I said I would have another Miriam Hopkins film in the Director Dissection of Howard Hawks with Barbary Coast. This was the other Miriam film I was thinking of. I think she was pretty special and sadly not many know of her today. I considered a couple of her other movies too for this Hof.

edarsenal

08-09-18, 11:07 PM

Yes, the Grapes of Wrath book ending is not something that could easily have been put on film in the 1940s, perhaps not even today! I like The Grapes of Wrath (film) quite a bit, much more than I liked the book. (Not because of the different ending.)

There was quite a few things they couldn't put into the movie from the book. Makes me wonder even if they followed more closely to the exact things that occurred WOULD it even make a better film. Probably not.

Citizen Rules

08-09-18, 11:12 PM

Is that the book that has the young woman breast feeding the starving old man? Sorry that's the only thing I remember, ha. It's a creepy image!

edarsenal

08-09-18, 11:20 PM

Is that the book that has the young woman breast feeding the starving old man? Sorry that's the only thing I remember, ha. It's a creepy image!
that's the one!
I read it for a book report in high school and, at first, didn't think it was going to be any good and then I started reading all the swearing and that the lead character had just got out of jail for beating a man with (I THINK) a shovel?. . . or some sort of bar brawl maybe. And I was hooked.

pahaK

08-10-18, 12:06 AM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

1930s scifi-horror done right - also surprisingly bleak and brutal for its time.

http://torontofilmsociety.org/files/2016/05/Dr-Jekyll-and-Mr-Hyde-4.jpg

Dr. Jekyll is a brilliant scientist and philanthropic but also a man with large ego and strong impulses. He has a duality theory that men are comprised of good and evil and that it's possible to separate them, that it's possible to remove evil from man and leave behind a virtuous, angelic being. He creates a potion for the task but instead of making him a saint it puts his evil in charge creating Mr. Hyde.

Basically Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is yet another cautionary tale about man reaching beyond his position and stepping on God's toes. I kinda dislike such anti-science stance but it does yield good basis for a story and obviously fits to a film set in Victorian era London. There are heavy Darwinian influences in duality of Jekyll and Hyde the latter being a step down the evolutionary ladder, an animal not only in its inability to control its impulses but also physically transforming to resemble an ape.

The relationship between Hyde and Ivy is brutal. It's perversity is amplified by the fact that (at least in my opinion) some of the scenes between the two are made almost erotic despite of their violent nature. Both actors are good but it took me a while to get used to March's animalistic manners as Hyde. Rest of the cast is alright but they really don't have as much chances to shine.

Cinematography is good and creative for such an old film. I personally don't like first person view so the beginning is certainly not to my liking but other uses of the technique work quite well. The meeting with Jekyll and Muriel in the garden has some brilliantly framed shots and works really well. Split screens are used with good taste. Overall the film is visually better than majority of the other old ones I've seen. The effects feel (obviously) outdated but not distractingly so.

Entertaining scifi-horror with some creative cinematography, good acting and surprising brutality. Definitely superior to Mad Love.

3.5

Siddon

08-10-18, 12:54 AM

https://mikestakeonthemovies.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/lombard-and-obrien.jpg?w=575&h=431

Virtue (1932) I don't know if this would even be classified as a morality tale. Carole Lombard plays a prostitute, Pat O'Brien plays a cabbie who eventually fall in love. Structurally the film is a little all over the place in that I'm not sure if it's trying to be a drama, thriller, or romance. Also because the film is only an hour long the three twists changes really hurt the pacing of the film. We aren't really left with absorbing any of the actions that occur in the film. I found myself having difficulty keeping track of the three prostitutes and wish we would have gotten more from Toots, Lil, and Gert.

Visually the films offers little to nothing of note, it's fuzzy and bland like a quick empty fling. The point of the romance is interesting, at what point does a cynic forgive a prostitute and turn her into a house wife, but the story just kind of dis-guards that for a tacky third act murder. I think if the film just focused on the compromised Doyle would have to make as a husband than the film would have been better served.

It was an interesting watch but I'm not I'm going to rank it highly or remember it at the end of competition.

rauldc14

08-10-18, 07:11 PM

Red Dust

https://theredlist.com/media/database/films/cinema/1930/red-dust/043-red-dust-theredlist.png

Continuing on with the prostitution Hall of Fame, I rewatched my nomination although I had seen it less than a month ago. I think I liked it even more the second go around.

Really like the characters. Clark Gables performance isn't anything groundbreaking but I enjoyed his character and his witty responses a lot. To me it is a pretty underrated performance overall still as I had never even heard of him in it. Jean Harlowe I thought was excellent. Something about her that makes her play the part well. I would say I read the comments where a lot of people didn't like her at the beginning of the film and I was questioning how I felt about it but after the second watch I disagree. Quite a lovable character for me. And of course I liked Mary Astor in her role as well. The visuals were pretty good for their time with my favorite being Gable riding the horse through the river. Looked really rad.

I think the film would be elevated higher with a stronger ending. Admittedly it was a tad weak but the movie was really great to that point. Oh yeah, and I agree the Asian actor was horrible but I found his terrible acting to be somewhat of a comic relief.

Anyways I don't expect this film to get out of the bottom 3 but maybe a tad bit awareness could launch it a spot on the top 100 30s list. It is a lock for my list anyways. Glad I nominated it and joined.

4

Citizen Rules

08-10-18, 07:47 PM

Red Dust

Oh yeah, and I agree the Asian actor was horrible but I found his terrible acting to be somewhat of a comic relief. Yup, definitely meant to be a funny character.

Anyways I don't expect this film to get out of the bottom 3 but maybe a tad bit awareness could launch it a spot on the top 100 30s list. It is a lock for my list anyways. Glad I nominated it and joined.

rating_4If you had nominated this in another Hof, it might have been my 1st choice. But like I said before there's so many great noms, and I can't vote them all #1...glad you joined too.

Damn now that's a photo up there:yup:

rauldc14

08-10-18, 07:49 PM

Thats how I feel about Jekyll and Hyde. This HOF could be stacked if I like some of the other noms.

Citizen Rules

08-10-18, 08:27 PM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

1930s scifi-horror done right - also surprisingly bleak and brutal for its time.

The relationship between Hyde and Ivy is brutal. It's perversity is amplified by the fact that...some of the scenes between the two are made almost erotic despite of their violent nature.

rating_3_5 Hey how about that, I finally nominated a movie that you liked:p Glad you enjoyed it and I like what you said there.

Citizen Rules

08-10-18, 09:06 PM

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=46815&stc=1&d=1533944653

Humanity and Paper Balloons (1937)

I liked this quite well as it was done in a relaxed, slice of life way and the people were shown to be very human. I got a kick out of the various colorful characters: the shifty hair dresser, the meek man with a letter for the big boss, the blind man who could 'see' very well, the landlord...and my favorite was the goldfish seller. Totally neat that we see the fish he has when he nets them and puts them into barrels.

It seemed like the kidnapping of the bride to be was kind of glossed over. I thought that might be the big dramatic part of the film. But then I realized this isn't a highly dramatic film, it's intended to be a study of a cross section of working poor people who live in little apartments...as shown in that photo.

I thought the first part was fascinating in that these people seem to live in little apartments inside another building...at least I think it was a building? It looked like the back wall had huge clay pots and was a couple of stories tall. At one time you could see people moving on that back wall. That set was something I've not seen in a vintage Japanese film before. All the sets were well done in that they looked to be in a crowded run down section of Edo.

I'm not so sure about the accuracy of the English translated sub titles, some of the phrases were definitely modern, like 'having balls', broads' etc. But oh well, I still liked the movie even if the subs vernacular was more modern than the time period of the film.

Good nom, Pahak

rauldc14

08-10-18, 10:40 PM

May need links for Chain Gang and The Goddess. Sorry if anyone already posted some.

Chypmunk

08-11-18, 03:31 AM

May need links for Chain Gang and The Goddess. Sorry if anyone already posted some.
Sent you both.

Nathaniel

08-11-18, 08:52 AM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

http://pre-code.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DrJekyll13.png

I'll jump right in here and state that the first five minutes convinced me that I would like this. The initial POV display right into the auditorium is awesome. That stuck with me as you get the sense later on that Rouben Mamoulian is showing the monster deep inside not only Jekyll but the viewer as well. The POV stuff calms down once Hyde is released which is the kind of creative filmmaking I like to see.

It's all about duality. Quality usage of the peeling back split screen or even a blur that displays multiple scenes to encapsulate two sides of the same coin, and this is most effective in relation to the women of the story. One of high society and the other living rough but also trying to enjoy life for what it's given. In the first half hour there's only hints of Jekyll's inner impulses. Whether that's his lust in relation to Ivy or scientific notions. By releasing Hyde, he's essentially living out a dark fantasy.

Those transformation to Hyde scenes are quite effective. It reminded me of the werewolf classics. Like a subtle precursor to films such as The Wolf Man & An American Werewolf in London. Fredric March is on form as per usual, playing both personas perfectly.

This will do well for me.

Nathaniel

08-11-18, 08:57 AM

Just as an aside, I guess I've been pronouncing Jekyll wrong all these years.

I picked up on this as well, thought I was losing the plot. I kept thinking - "Surely it's Jek-ill" :p

Citizen Rules

08-11-18, 12:58 PM

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)

I'll jump right in here and state that the first five minutes convinced me that I would like this. The initial POV display right into the auditorium is awesome. That stuck with me as you get the sense later on that Rouben Mamoulian is showing the monster deep inside not only Jekyll but the viewer as well... So well said, I wish I had wrote that! That's why I think the first person POV is used, so we can know right at the start that this is about the inner conflicts in Dr. Jekyll's head.

Enjoyed your review and glad you like the film:)

edarsenal

08-11-18, 08:34 PM

https://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/tumblr_inline_owe47na1fu1um5toj_540.gif?w=610

The Thin Man

As previously mentioned in multiple reviews this is far more about Nora and Nick Charles, along with their dog Astor, than the Whodunit premise of the Thin Man series. Though it must be said, there is quite the cavalcade of "suspects" and twists to keep one invested. Especially with the final dinner and the "reveal" of the murderer.
But, again, it is The Charles that make this film so effin charming and a joy to watch. Their quips and snappy comebacks between each other is a pleasure and a joy. You rarely see such drunken behavior in such a fun light as you do with these two. Especially Nick, who would prefer to drink and spend the wads of cash available than to sleuth. Though like any habit, NOT investigating an intriguing case is HARD to ignore.

Even their introduction is a like bottle of free champagne brought to your table and the cork exploding with a loud POP.
There's Nick, teaching bartenders HOW to properly make his favorite drink, along with what music is best to shake the concoction to.
And, with a loud burst, enters Nora, pulled in by Astor.
Letting us know that the Party has begun and the Hosts have arrived.
This is where it gets fun and the real enjoyment begins.

One of my favorite couples on Old Hollywood screen are these two. Just love 'em.

pahaK

08-11-18, 11:34 PM

Virtue (1932)

A romantic drama that has serious issues in its narration.

46877

An ex-prostitute falls for a cynic taxi driver in New York. She doesn't tell him about her past so it's just a matter of time 'till the old days return to haunt her. Such revelation doesn't help the marriage and finally all seems lost when the lady falls for her "friend's" ploy and looses some much needed money. Oh boy, how will our heroes get through this?

I hated the script and its fragmentary way of showing only small glimpses of the characters before jumping ahead in time. Even the marriage comes practically from nowhere. Why did the cynic misogynist, Jimmy, fall for Mae at all? It's like a drama about mannequins, not real people. Why should I care about these people when they're kept so distant? The whole film is just a rushed series of flashes from their lives, as emotional as looking through my window and seeing people walk on the street.

Acting itself was fine. I don't know anything about the characters but they do act and look like real people. Visually the film is quite bland and had no interesting shots to remember it for. As a whole Virtue was totally forgettable film. I'm afraid that my rating is even generous.

1

pahaK

08-11-18, 11:38 PM

Can understand that perspective - at least you gave it five more than pahaK probably will :)

(just kidding, pahaK's gonna give it the full eleven, I can just feel it)

You were right about me hating Virtue :D

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 12:12 AM

Virtue (1932)

A romantic drama that has serious issues in its narration.
rating_1 You really don't like romance do you?

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 02:42 AM

You were right about me hating Virtue :D
Wasn't exactly a difficult call though was it :D

rauldc14

08-12-18, 09:00 AM

You really don't like romance do you?

Romance? He doesn't like 90% of all films :)

pahaK

08-12-18, 09:11 AM

Romance? He doesn't like 90% of all films :)

You're definitely exaggerating. I quickly checked my diary and out of the 120 films reviewed this far 32 have been good, 40 have been bad and rest in different shades of mediocrity :D

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 09:12 AM

Of Mice And Men

http://jaredmobarak.com/wp-content/filmstills/ofmiceandmen02.jpg

Spoilers, what spoilers?

Touching human drama centred on 'the American Dream'.

The opening scenes manage to introduce both central characters and their situation perfectly imo and there is some nice cinematography throughout the tale.

It gets a little overly sappy for my taste at times and the racial segment does feel a little clumsy but in general this adaption conveys the spirit of Steinbeck's classic tale well imo.

Both leads are well cast with Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr. putting in fine performances, the support is a little mixed though with Bob Steele's Curley feeling rather weak while Roman Bohnen doesn't always convince as old-timer Candy.

Overall it's a film that was long overdue a rewatch and although imo the novel is a far more powerful experience is still a very worthwhile watch and nomination.

cricket

08-12-18, 09:22 AM

pahaK

08-12-18, 09:26 AM

He's an average guy who has a hot girl come into his life. I think it would be more unrealistic if he didn't fall for her. He's a cynic outwardly, but so are a lot of people until something applies to them. I also wouldn't call him a misogynist.

I guess that's debatable but I'm sure his opinions would raise some eyebrows today. Not that I deplored him because of his opinions but it just felt odd how easily he fell for Mae (especially as the film showed very little interaction before the marriage).

cricket

08-12-18, 09:28 AM

Everything seems to raise eyebrows today, unfortunately.

pahaK

08-12-18, 09:31 AM

Everything seems to raise eyebrows today, unfortunately.

So true. Maybe I was too modern with my definitions but he certainly didn't think too high about the women.

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 09:33 AM

He's very cynical about women but not a misogynist. He's almost certainly been hurt in his part - at least that's how I read him.

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 09:33 AM

Ballot sent.
Pretty strong set of fillums imo, enjoyed them all and glad I could join in.

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 11:56 AM

He's an average guy who has a hot girl come into his life. I think it would be more unrealistic if he didn't fall for her. He's a cynic outwardly, but so are a lot of people until something applies to them. I also wouldn't call him a misogynist.

He's very cynical about women but not a misogynist. He's almost certainly been hurt in his part - at least that's how I read him.I was just going to say the same thing Cricket & Chyp did.

@pahaK (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=100614) are there any romantic relationship movies you do like?

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 12:04 PM

Ballot sent.
Pretty strong set of fillums imo, enjoyed them all and glad I could join in.Damn it:p, I was all psyched this morning to log into MoFo, post my review of The Thin Man and send in my ballot, thus finishing first for once. But nope Chyp thwarted my plans:rolleyes:

Really glad:) you could join Chyp, loved your nom and reading your thoughts on the films.

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 12:04 PM

He's very cynical about women but not a misogynist. He's almost certainly been hurt in his part - at least that's how I read him.
Just to say I meant "past" and not "part" ... though of course it's not beyond the realms of possibility that a swift kick in the nuts at some point has also clouded his vision of women :D

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 12:11 PM

Damn it:p, I was all psyched this morning to log into MoFo, post my review of The Thin Man and send in my ballot, thus finishing first for once. But nope Chyp thwarted my plans:rolleyes:

Really glad:) you could join Chyp, loved your nom and reading your thoughts on the films.
Sowwy :(

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 12:16 PM

Sowwy :(:p I was joking of course!

Do you think you'll join another Hof? I hope so! I think they're a lot of fun, AND for me it's a great way to watch films that I'd never ever see otherwise. I mean I'd never even head of Virtue, but really enjoyed it. I think the next Hofs will be Raul's Second Chance Hof and the big 17th Hof. Always room for more:)

Chypmunk

08-12-18, 12:34 PM

:p I was joking of course!
So was I silly, not sorry I was first to get a ballot in at all :p

Do you think you'll join another Hof? I hope so! I think they're a lot of fun, AND for me it's a great way to watch films that I'd never ever see otherwise. I mean I'd never even head of Virtue, but really enjoyed it. I think the next Hofs will be Raul's Second Chance Hof and the big 17th Hof. Always room for more:)
Short answer:
I'd be happy to join another one sometime

Long answer:
I do have an extra resource that seems perfectly safe now (thanks Ed) and Camo's been super helpful with looking for films but I'd still have similar reservations about access to films that I did before this one. I really don't like starting things that I'm not sure I can finish ..... but it's been a fun exercise and I'd certainly not discount doing another. You never know, maybe I'll ask if people mind if I join one once the noms are revealed and I know I have access to all the films covered sometime.

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 12:54 PM

http://mojtvportal.si/images/666a60df-cba4-40a0-92af-3570a806752d.jpg

The Thin Man (1934)

So glad this was nominated as it was on top of my must see for 1930s films. I've been meaning to watch this for such a long time, as I'm a big fan of William Powell and Myrna Loy. My favorite paring of Powell and Loy is in Manhattan Melodrama (1934) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025464/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_39)

The Thin Man is a unique blend of a who dunnit mystery & screwball comedy. My wife loved seeing the dog Asta. Asta was quite good at doing tricks, I laughed at the balloon biting trick myself.

It's interesting that this is a Dashiell Hammett story, who's best known for penning The Maltese Falcon. The Thin Man was sort of like a proto-noir in that it had some of the elements of The Maltese Falcon, but without the forbidding, ever-present danger. It's very much like early 30s films that are set in newspaper rooms with there many characters, lots of dialogue, and combining comedy+mystery+drama.

...and I'm done with the films:p

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 01:17 PM

List sent in...thanks everyone! there wasn't a bad film in the bunch. Really, all the films were great choices, just sorry I couldn't vote them all #1. It was really, really hard for me to choose a #1.

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 02:08 PM

...
Short answer:
I'd be happy to join another one sometime

Long answer:
I do have an extra resource that seems perfectly safe now (thanks Ed) and Camo's been super helpful with looking for films but I'd still have similar reservations about access to films that I did before this one. I know what you mean, I've worried about not being able to find films in Hofs myself. One Hof was a bit difficult to locate a couple of the films, but people are always willing to help out.

You never know, maybe I'll ask if people mind if I join one once the noms are revealed and I know I have access to all the films covered sometime.I'm fine with that. It doesn't bug me if someone joins after the Hof starts. I've often though in the special/genre Hofs the noms could be revealed before the Hof starts anyway. That can kind of serve as a 'hey join because we have lots of great films!'
I've done it that way before in a couple of Hofs that I hosted.

OR...a week long grace period could be given after the reveal, so that if someone has difficulties finding films they can look at the movies nominated and decide if they can join or not.

MijaFrost

08-12-18, 03:59 PM

I watched The Thin Man about a week ago but have been so busy with work I haven't had a chance to talk about it.
Will be doing a double write-up with another one soon.

pahaK

08-12-18, 08:01 PM

@pahaK (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=100614) are there any romantic relationship movies you do like?

Does Moonrise Kingdom count? Yeah, I don't actually know the answer right away. It's probably obvious that I don't tend to watch pure romances so most likely I don't like any at the moment. There are genre films with some sort of a romance-like undertones like Let the Right One In that I do like a lot though.

Oh, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg would probably have been a good one in my books without the sung dialogue which I hated.

rauldc14

08-12-18, 08:44 PM

The Goddess is next for me. I'm not sure I've seen a classic Chinese film before.

Citizen Rules

08-12-18, 10:20 PM

The Goddess is next for me. I'm not sure I've seen a classic Chinese film before. I hadn't that's for sure.

edarsenal

08-12-18, 11:28 PM

And we DO HAVE our first two lists are in!!!!
HO-LEE CHEESE and WAFERS that was a helluva quick run for both of you! Though I did have my money on cricket knocking it out first with the high speed he was at.
It's OBVIOUS you lil ladies didn't want to be the Ladies in Waiting on cricket's wedding day, apparently :D;)

For myself I have STILL have not finished Mad Love and may just start it over since it's been a week since I started it.
Not sure WHICH one I'd go for next after that. . .

cricket

08-12-18, 11:44 PM

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/4f/13/66/4f1366bc2b521600d0eba0640fdfde6d.png

I really didn't need to watch this again as I saw it about 3 months ago via recommendation from Camo. I even considered nominating it not knowing that a lot of you guys had already seen it. As much as I liked it the first time, I liked it a little more this go around, although it won't make a difference as far as my ballot for this HOF.

I liked Paul Muni's performance more this time, and it's his movie all the way. I think the only other performance that stands out is the old guy in the chain gang. I will add though that the wife is an absolutely horrendous bitch. I think most viewers are outraged by the treatment in the chain gang and the ordeal he has to go through. I was, but I was mostly outraged by the fact that he was an innocent man, and in my eyes the victim of a crime himself. I don't have much sympathy for real armed robbers and murderers sentenced to hard labor. This is a whole lot of movie packed into about 90 minutes and it ends on a brilliant note. My wife loved it at least as much as I did if not more.

4

And that's a wrap for me, a brilliant HOF this has been. One of the best.

Nathaniel

08-13-18, 05:21 PM

The Goddess (1934)

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BpTskZzknY/T2CNXXI_kHI/AAAAAAAAALk/2NDutveYimg/s1600/goddess+3.jpg

Heart-breaking and fascinating look at motherhood & morality in 1930s China.

I think Lingyu Ruan is brilliant. There's quite a few stand out performances in this HoF, I might list my top 10 at the end but Lingyu will take some beating. Extraordinary portrayal of a prostitute working for the thing driving her forward - her son. She and Geng Li are able to generate so much sympathy in certain scenes.

The shots of the outer bright lights appear to represent hope lingering on in the face of the hardship that the 'Goddess' faces. Initially on first watch I remember being down a little bit on it because I did not like the 'Boss' character. He seemed overtly like a caricature who is only there as a forced obstacle for the 'Goddess' to overcome but I was more open this time. He's so critical to how the story functions even if I find the scenes he's not in to be more engrossing.

Another very good nomination.

Citizen Rules

08-13-18, 06:02 PM

And we DO HAVE our first two lists are in!!!!
HO-LEE CHEESE and WAFERS that was a helluva quick run for both of you! Though I did have my money on cricket knocking it out first with the high speed he was at...I like watching the noms quickly if possible, so I can discuss the movies with the other members. To me the more discussion the better. Oh and I watch a movie every single night anyway so it's not hard for me to finish an Hof quickly. But you're not rid of me that easy:cool: I'll stick around and chat:)

Citizen Rules

08-13-18, 06:06 PM

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

I even considered nominating it not knowing that a lot of you guys had already seen it.

And that's a wrap for me, a brilliant HOF this has been. One of the best.I seen it but it was over a decade ago, I couldn't even remember the basic elements so I was glad to rewatch it. I'm totally happy to rewatch a film.

Yup, awesome Hof! I wish we could do have done a third 30s Hof.

cricket

08-13-18, 06:08 PM

Chypmunk

08-13-18, 06:12 PM

Usually I have to practically force my wife to watch movies with me. A little while ago she brought up the lead character's name from Chain Gang. I didn't even know what she was talking about right away but it shows how much she liked it because she never does that.
I may know the reason for her doing it on this occasion .... two questions first, if I may, though .... (a) was it just his surname she remembered and (b) did you happen to have your trousers and undercrackers pulled down to expose your arse to her at the time?

Edit: On reading this back I feel I should apologise for this rather dirty crack. Sorry,

Citizen Rules

08-13-18, 06:14 PM

Usually I have to practically force my wife to watch movies with me. A little while ago she brought up the lead character's name from Chain Gang. I didn't even know what she was talking about right away but it shows how much she liked it because she never does that.I though you guys had similar taste in movies? Did she watch any of the other noms? If so did she like any of them. I don't think my wife liked my nom all that much:eek:

cricket

08-13-18, 06:19 PM

I though you guys had similar taste in movies? Did she watch any of the other noms? If so did she like any of them. I don't think my wife liked my nom all that much:eek:

She also loved Of Mice and Men and she liked It Happened One Night. I regret not showing her Jekyll and Hyde. I didn't think it was that good but now I may show it to her one day. We have similar taste in that she prefers something darker, but she just doesn't like nearly as many movies as I do. She also likes modern comedy.

cricket

08-13-18, 06:22 PM

I may know the reason for her doing it on this occasion .... two questions first, if I may, though .... (a) was it just his surname she remembered and (b) did you happen to have your trousers and undercrackers pulled down to expose your arse to her at the time?

Edit: On reading this back I feel I should apologise for this crack. Sorry,

You know what's funny about his name. A little while after she brought him up, I brought him up again but I called him Steve Allen. She said "his name wasn't Steve you f**kin' idiot."

edarsenal

08-13-18, 07:49 PM

I like watching the noms quickly if possible, so I can discuss the movies with the other members. To me the more discussion the better. Oh and I watch a movie every single night anyway so it's not hard for me to finish an Hof quickly. But you're not rid of me that easy:cool: I'll stick around and chat:)

I'd be heartbroken if you didn't ;)

And with cricket that makes 3 Lists in!!

MijaFrost

08-13-18, 08:24 PM

My delayed thoughts of...

The Thin Man

46918

I don't mind the odd murder mystery now and then, but I feel watching too many of them can become dull because they tend to follow the same sort of linear plotlines.
This film, however... it doesn't even matter that it's another of those basic mystery stories, because I LOVED the main couple. Nick and Nora... relationship goals right there. I'll have to watch more in the Thin Man series just to see them.

The Roaring Twenties

46919

This was a very good gangster movie that kept my attention captivated throughout. Greed, corruption, cabarets, unrequited love... it's interesting to see the 1920s through the perspective of filmmakers at the end of the '30s, when WWII had already begun.
Prohibition seemed like one of the worst times to live through, not to mention The Great Depression which followed afterwards, AND WWII. They really had it tough from the 1920s through the 1940s. When you study American history, you think... it's no wonder people born in the '40s and '50s brought about the hippie movement in the 1960s.
Anyway, back on topic, I kept thinking about how James Cagney reminded me of Neil Patrick Harris.

Citizen Rules

08-13-18, 08:43 PM

The Roaring Twenties
Prohibition seemed like one of the worst times to live through,

I always thought the roaring 20s would have been cool to live in: There's the all night parties at speak easies and for the first time the girls get to look hot! I love the line when Cagney sees a young flapper and is stunned to see woman wearing make up and smoking. It really was a transnational time in America.

rauldc14

08-13-18, 09:34 PM

The Goddess

http://rarefilm.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Shen-nu-aka-The-Goddess-1934-2.jpg

I couldn't have imagined to like this film any more than I did. It played out like a Chinese Mizoguchi film, that's how emotionally involved I felt. It couldn't have been possible without the sensational central character performance by Ruan Lingyu. She was so brilliant no words were needed as she displayed an impeccible emotion to the struggle she was facing. The score and the direction of the film we're the two other big highlights for me as well. I would have never seen this film without joining, which is what makes these HOFs pretty rad. And what a sad ending, but it really is an effective, thought provoking one. Wish I had more to say about it but I liked it a great ton.

4.5

edarsenal

08-14-18, 12:49 AM

The more I hear about The Goddess the MORE I'm excited to see it

This also puts us over the halfway mark at 54% at just short of two weeks -- makes me feel like dancin!

https://media.giphy.com/media/ajmQhvzbx4R5C/giphy.gif

pahaK

08-14-18, 09:23 AM

Anyone have a good quality links for Of Mice and Men and Red Dust. There seems to be only bad quality copy of the first on Youtube and haven't found the second anywhere.

Chypmunk

08-14-18, 09:25 AM

Citizen Rules

08-14-18, 12:51 PM

Mija has a download link for Of Mice And Men - I actually rented it from iTunes though 'cos it meant I didn't have to download some sort of player for that.

Will PM you the link I was given and used for Red Dust. Chyp does your computer have a media player on it? Most do. I have Windows medial player and also VLC. I think the VLC player is universally loved.

Chypmunk

08-14-18, 12:57 PM

Chyp does your computer have a media player on it? Most do. I have Windows medial player and also VLC. I think the VLC player is universally loved.
I'm on Mac not Windows CR, but I honestly have no idea about media players on the Mac .... my wife switched me (kicking and screaming) to it a few years back and being stubborn I've refused point blank to learn much beyond the basics :D

I did download the OM&M file but clicking on it did nothing so I deleted it. I also have absolutely no idea what VLC is :D

You'd never think that some 35 years or so ago my job actually involved coding some of the programs for the very first Norwegian digital telephone exchange would ya :shrug:

Citizen Rules

08-14-18, 01:03 PM

I'm on Mac not Windows CR, but I honestly have no idea about media players on the Mac .... my wife switched me (kicking and screaming) to it a few years back and being stubborn I've refused point blank to learn much beyond the basics :D

I did download the OM&M file but clicking on it did nothing so I deleted it. I also have absolutely no idea what VLC is :D Google this: Top media players for Mac

VLC is a free media player, but it's not one of those questionable download a player to see a movie things. Those are risky. VLC is well established, and there's versions for Mac and Windows.

Link for VLC for Mac (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html) note there's different versions for different Mac systems.

Chypmunk

08-14-18, 01:13 PM

OM&M was the only movie I've ever tried to watch that told me it required a player .... so for now I'm gonna just stay as I am tbh. I do appreciate your trying to help though :up:

MijaFrost

08-14-18, 03:05 PM

Oh, sorry, Chypmunk. VLC is the player I usually use as well though.

Chypmunk

08-14-18, 03:19 PM

Oh, sorry, Chypmunk. VLC is the player I usually use as well though.
No worries .... if I do ever download a player I now know it'll probably be VLC so the whole thing has definitely been of use :up:

Camo

08-14-18, 03:22 PM

MPC-HC>VLC!

Citizen Rules

08-14-18, 10:15 PM

I found this pic when doing my write up for Virtue, but didn't use it. So I'll park it here. It's interesting.
46962

edarsenal

08-14-18, 11:29 PM

hey, lookit that! It's the unseen opening scene

Citizen Rules

08-14-18, 11:40 PM

hey, lookit that! It's the unseen opening scene That would be a lobby card, that they used to advertise the upcoming films in a theater.

Chypmunk

08-15-18, 02:39 AM

Nice find!
Obviously attempting to appeal to future Dan Dare fans as well with Pat O'Brien's disembodied head :lol:

pahaK

08-15-18, 02:01 PM

Red Dust (1932)

Everyone must already know that I didn't like this so I'll keep it short.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/69/0b/df/690bdfce4fac85cd9ea0500ff157a0ac.gif

Love triangle (or square) in Indochina between rubber plantation owner, a newly arrived engineer and his wife (and a prostitute from Shanghai). Once again every woman falls for Gable's cocky charms and it's up to him to uphold the high moral standards in the jungle heat.

Film is basically a soap opera with pretty decent acting and nice sets. Storywise there's very little interesting happening and the moral ending is stupid. Also I don't understand why in all these Hollywood romances from the 30s pretty much every character is super annoying.

At least it was (little) better than Virtue.

1

edarsenal

08-15-18, 09:05 PM

https://monstergirl.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/mad-love.jpg?w=490&h=365

Mad Love

This was all kinds of crazy fun. Literally. Lorre's descent into his obsessive madness was a cackling joy.
It's a film I truly wish I had seen at a younger age. Not that I would have appreciated it at any different level or perspective, but one I would have had fun referencing as the years had gone by.
Such as discovering the original inspiration for the line "It is I who am mad!" from the Ren & Stimpy cartoon "Space Madness", along with some of Ren's more insane performances with his Peter Lorre influences.
https://orig00.deviantart.net/5060/f/2012/247/b/c/ren_hoek_with_space_madness_by_kcn27-d5djz54.jpg

This film definitely lets you know you're on a thrill ride with the opening credits ending with a fist through the window. And then it sets the beginning stages of Lorre's character with the quiet obsessiveness that escalates, and escalates -- or descends, however the madness works for you.

Regardless, I found a lot of quirky and delightfully odd scenarios. Especially when the crazed doctor's "voices" speak to him from the mirrors. Rather good effect, that.

This IS far from serious film making but in no way do I find that as a bad thing. In fact, it sorts of embraces it and, knowing such going in, so did I.

Francis Drake and, actually another role for Colin Clive beyond what I know him for, brought out an excellent couple for the doctor to pit his obsession against.
Loved the final scene where Clive puts his knife skills to use; a lovely bit of irony, I thought.

And, finally, it was kinda cool to see "the father of the three stooges" beyond old, very short, clips on stage.

THANKS Siddon for nominating this

rauldc14

08-15-18, 10:18 PM

I'll be watching Of Mice and Men tomorrow!

Pussy Galore

08-16-18, 04:21 AM

Of Mice and Men: I'm sure I was one of the only one here that didn't know the story at all. I've never read the book or seen the Gary Sinise movie. So each plot point that happened was a surprise and even with that I thought the weak point of the film was the story. The character of the giant guy who can kill people without really wanting it wasn't realistic to me and it took me out of the movie. So I'd say that my problem with it is more with John Steinbeck then with the directing and acting of this particular film which seemed fine to me. Even though I find the actor playing the big guy was over the top, he could never be a real human being, he's an exagerated caricature and it took me out of the film. Still it wasn't bad, I wasn't bored just thought the story was weak.

cricket

08-16-18, 08:29 AM

Nathaniel

08-16-18, 03:43 PM

The Thin Man (1934)

https://cinemasips.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/the-thin-man-bar.jpg

I seen this for the first time a couple of years ago and liked it a good bit. Mainly down to how well they adapted Dashiell Hammett's style which whilst focusing on its criminal content has super witty realistic dialogue. The film captures that feeling for me, as it's like watching Hammett's vision come to life.

I did wonder how a straight comedy would turn out but I think the two genres come together nicely here. I found it to be entertaining throughout. Most of the scenes have a tremendous flow to them. The party scene in the middle sticks out there, it ebbs and flows so well. Great pacing to it.

Nick & Nora are the bomb of course. Powell's portrayal is so playful but also knowing at the same time if that makes sense. As if he sees crap like this regularly doing what he does. Some of the side characters are a bit meh but the development of that many adds to the memorable ending sequence.

Planned on watching this again before the countdown so I'm glad it got picked.

rauldc14

08-16-18, 03:50 PM

Of Mice and Men

http://www.editoreric.com/greatlit/moviepics/Of-Mice-and-Men-1939wide.jpg

Realistically, the film is better than what I think of it. It's story is pretty good, with the credit of that going to Steinbeck. I guess the biggest problem I have is the acting, which I really didn't find all that great. Sadly, for whatever reason I just didn't quite connect with the characters of George and Lennie. Those last twenty minutes are some really great filmmaking by Lewis Milestone, but before that I was left relatively unimpressed.

I hate to make the comparison, but I definitely had to wonder how brilliantly executed the film could have been with a different cast or a different director. I think John Ford could have done very well with it. Again, by no means a bad film just one that I didn't have a big connection to.

3+

edarsenal

08-16-18, 07:00 PM

The big guy is based on a real man who ended up in an insane asylum.
now THAT I did NOT know

rauldc14

08-16-18, 08:04 PM

Mad Love SPOILERS

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ec/67/be/ec67bea61abf895febbb3479eed8c8cf.jpg

Didn't like the film to be honest. The thing I found quite strange is how the guy couldn't play the piano with his new hands but the hands could still master knife throw. I know these are possessed hands but come on. Peter Lorre was good but I wouldn't necessarily say anything above that. It's not even close to his level of M. The biggest issue I had was the female acting. It was all pretty bad for me. I did think it was a pretty decent ending but the fact that Lorres character was taken out kind of killed it for me, I think it would have been better for the film to find a route where he is still a menace to society. I understand this movie isn't supposed to necessarily be realistic but it just didn't work for me. My favorite thing was the look of Lorre in the photo above.

1

cricket

08-16-18, 08:30 PM

I certainly didn't think it was great, but the more I think about it the more I like it just as a fun movie.

rauldc14

08-16-18, 09:23 PM

I can see how someone would like it for what it's worth. I just dont.

edarsenal

08-17-18, 12:41 AM

I certainly didn't think it was great, but the more I think about it the more I like it just as a fun movie.

Having read other reviews that's exactly how I approached it, as simply a fun movie, and with that perspective, it is just that: a fun movie.

pahaK

08-17-18, 03:08 PM

Of Mice and Men (1939)

Even though I haven't seen any of the films before or read the book I knew the basic concept of the story. I guess Steinbeck's novel is too iconic to be totally oblivious about it.

47023

A regular guy, George, is wandering through the depression era USA with a huge childlike simpleton, Lennie, taking jobs where they can find. Lennie has a tendency to get them into trouble because he doesn't understand the world around him nor the effects of his enormous strength. They dream of a farm of their own. When things start to look good for them Lennie does something bad again.

There's no real plot in the film. It's more like waiting for Lennie's inevitable blunder and trying to guess who's going to be his victim. Rest of the time is filled the life on the ranch and some character time both for the two leads and some other folks around. Main thing seems to be to show how innocent Lennie is and try to ensure that the viewer would feel sympathy for him (to me it felt little too obvious).

I liked how the film doesn't seem to have an ideological message. It's just about people with dreams and hopes, flaws and fears, and of the world that can be unfair. It also shows that good intentions can have bad results. The ending was alright but probably not as emotional as it was intended to be (and the underlined dog allegory earlier in the movie didn't really help).

For such predictable and plotless film the characters weren't interesting enough and with some emotional cues being so overdone the end result was somewhat on the boring side.

2

rauldc14

08-17-18, 05:26 PM

How did you want the movie to end? I'm not sure how that was a boring ending. Give me a story of how you would have finished it.

pahaK

08-17-18, 05:37 PM

How did you want the movie to end? I'm not sure how that was a boring ending. Give me a story of how you would have finished it.

The ending itself was fine but I hated how the dog scenario earlier was used to both underline and hint (or more precisely to proclaim) it. Cut the whole dog thing off the film and ending is just fine.

Citizen Rules

08-17-18, 05:40 PM

The ending itself was fine but I hated how the dog scenario earlier was used to both underline and hint (or more precisely to proclaim) it. Cut the whole dog thing off the film and ending is just fine. Fair enough. I've complained about animal killing scenes in movies also. Though this time it seemed to belong in the narrative, IMO.

Is it that that the idea of shooting the dog was disturbing to you? Or another reason why you hated it?

rauldc14

08-17-18, 06:01 PM

pahaK

08-17-18, 06:04 PM

Fair enough. I've complained about animal killing scenes in movies also. Though this time it seemed to belong in the narrative, IMO.

Is it that that the idea of shooting the dog was disturbing to you? Or another reason why you hated it?

No, you completely misunderstood. What disturbed me was the fact that the dog killing pretty much proclaimed how Lennie will die. It was the too underlined parallel that bothered me, not the killing of the dog itself.

cricket

08-17-18, 06:42 PM

pahaK

08-17-18, 07:29 PM

The dog was not an indication of what was to come for me at all, but I was completely oblivious to the story going in. I actually thought George was going to turn out to be a bad guy or get them in trouble somehow.

All I knew about the story was friendship between the regular guy and big, strong simpleton. Nothing else. Still after that one handed guy was crying how he should have killed the dog himself I knew how the film would end. It felt unnecessary and, at least to me, it weakened the effect of the end.

Siddon

08-18-18, 04:27 AM

http://sits.sjsu.edu/pics/OfMiceandMen1939movieCandywitholddog.jpg

I'm starting to notice a theme of @cricket (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=68505) noms. Of Mice and Men is a depression era film, it's a depressing movie all the characters in the film represent different sorts of people that are thrown away from society, either due to age, mental handicap, race, or marriage(HEY OH). One of the things I love about this generation is that you have so many great adaptations of novels, sadly this somewhat taints my preferences because this is just sort of an okay adaptation.

Burgess Meredith is a national treasure it's interesting to compare this with the 92 version because in that film the focus is more on Lennie but here it's more with George. But the problem with the film is a problem I typically have it's that I don't think Lon Chaney is a good actor.

The story is powerful enough that it overcomes the budgetary...well visual limitations of the film. But it's not a very good adaptation.

Thursday Next

08-18-18, 05:36 AM

The Roaring Twenties

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/35/James_Cagney_Humphrey_Bogart_in_The_Roaring_Twenties_trailer.jpg

I had to watch this in instalments due to being on holiday (and having dubious wifi connection), but that worked out fine as I was always keen to see the next instalment in the saga.

I find it interesting that in 1939 they were looking back so assuredly at the previous decade. I can’t imagine a film coming out next year that sums up the 2000s, but then again the 20s were perhaps a time of more obvious change, what with the after effects of the war and prohibition. I was liked the way it started off in the war and Eddie not being able to go back to his old job. I wonder if, with war on the horizon when it was made, it was designed as a sort of cautionary tale for what might happen after it. I wasn’t keen on the newsreel narration, I felt that was a bit too omniscient and they could have left the story to tell itself.

The story is simple but effective. Eddie is a likeable character and his descent (or ascent, depending on how you look at it) into the world of nightclubs, bootlegging and organised crime is plausible. His relationships with Panama and Jean are not as straightforward as he would like to think. Him never touching alcohol while selling it but becoming a drunk later on is a nice addition too. There is an interesting exploration of friendship and loyalty or the lack of. In the end, it’s an unselfish act that is both his triumph and downfall. I think my favourite scene was the kid asking him if he knew how to shoot a gun. The very end was a little overwrought – without the music and Panama it might have been more powerful.

I liked James Cagney a lot. I’ve seen one of his films before, Lady Killer, for another HoF. If anyone has any recommendations of others of his films to watch before the countdown I would like to see a few more. Bogart is good, completely amoral in this film. I was not wild about Priscilla Lane. There was a bit too much singing although it's just about all explained by the situation.

Thursday Next

08-18-18, 10:56 AM

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTUodbomQL49jNeBWeCaKUdv_VjxPWlNiVd_GEg1krBgpYM54aZGw

It’s interesting how much films change between the beginning of the decade and the end. Perhaps more so than other decades. I found this more interesting than entertaining, but I did think it was pretty good. It was certainly more thoughtful (and more successful horror) than the 30s adaptations of Dracula and Frankenstein.

I’ve read the book but a while ago. The film is pretty blatant in making sexual repression the underlying cause for pretty much everything in a Freudian kind of way (with a nod at the end to a drug addiction metaphor). Hyde’s sadistic treatment of Ivy Pearson is pretty horrifying. In fact I think it was horrifying enough without Hyde looking so hairy and toothy, but that might have been too subtle for the posters. Interesting how the upright Jekyll before his transformation is fairly uninterested in dealing with the causes of Ivy’s bruising. There in itself is an illustration of the hypocrisy Hyde decries. He’s pretty rubbish at giving up his fiancée at the end too, not really willing to take responsibility for his actions. There’s not much exploration of the duality though, the film prefers to linger on Hyde’s abuses. There’s also a lack of dealing with the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde in this version or anyone else’s suspicions about it until right at the end.

Frederic March is very good in both roles. I’d be surprised if Jeff Goldblum in The Fly wasn’t influenced by this. Miriam Hopkins as Ivy is good as well and I liked the butler (but there is some incredibly bad acting by a girl trying to walk early in the film.)

cricket

08-18-18, 11:02 AM

That's funny, I also mentioned The Fly when talking about Jekyll and Hyde.

As far as Cagney, it's not 30's but I surprisingly liked Yankee Doodle Dandy and I loved White Heat.

Citizen Rules

08-18-18, 01:17 PM

The Roaring Twenties

I liked James Cagney a lot. I’ve seen one of his films before, Lady Killer, for another HoF. If anyone has any recommendations of others of his films to watch before the countdown I would like to see a few more. Big fan of Cagney myself. He's so personable, and equally good in light comic roles, or in heavier crime roles. Lady Killer was my nom in the 8th.

Picture Snatcher (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024450/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_58) (1933) This was just about my nom for this Hof. It's a mischievous fun-drama which suites Cagney.

Footlight Parade (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024028/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_56) (1933) A Busby Berkeley musical, unlike the typical musical. Cagney was a hoofer before he ever became a gangster.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026714/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_47) (1935) Cagney doing Shakespeare, why not? I really liked this and I'm not into Shakespeare either.

Angels with Dirty Faces (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029870/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_40) (1938) I really though this would have been one of the noms here. It well deserves it's 8.0 rating at IMDB

Each Dawn I Die (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031260/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_38) (1939) Wrongly accused Cagney ends up in prison. There's something about prison films that seem to be a world upon themselves.

rauldc14

08-18-18, 01:20 PM

I'm not a big Cagney guy so far. My favorite though is One Two Three

cricket

08-18-18, 01:22 PM

I'm not a big Cagney guy so far. My favorite though is One Two Three

Good one, I forgot about that.

rauldc14

08-18-18, 01:23 PM

Cagney seems like he was a gangster in real life back in the day. Am I the only one who gets that vibe haha

Citizen Rules

08-18-18, 01:27 PM

I'm not a big Cagney guy so far. My favorite though is One Two Three That was good one, Cagney rocked that role. I just looked at a video clip of the movie and Cagney is sharp as a tack in that.

Citizen Rules

08-18-18, 01:29 PM

Good one, I forgot about that.I think? Thursday wanted Cagney recommendations from the 30s...Or did I misread her post?

cricket

08-18-18, 02:03 PM

I think? Thursday wanted Cagney recommendations from the 30s...Or did I misread her post?

No you are correct. I didn't have any but needed to get my two cents in anyway:p

Citizen Rules

08-18-18, 02:40 PM

No you are correct. I didn't have any but needed to get my two cents in anyway:pBoth those Cagney film you mentioned are top level for me.

Citizen Rules

08-18-18, 02:54 PM

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
It’s interesting how much films change between the beginning of the decade and the end. Perhaps more so than other decades. Good call....I don't know about in the 21st century but in the 20th century film styles at the start of each decade were markedly different than the styles towards the end of those decades. But like you said the 30s really had a change in film styles by the end.

I found this more interesting than entertaining, but I did think it was pretty good....Good, I'm glad you got something out of it, because I had you in mind when I nominated this:p I thought the dynamics of the relationship might be interesting to you. You've nominated some relationship movies in other HoFs, which I'm glad of.

The film is pretty blatant in making sexual repression the underlying cause for pretty much everything in a Freudian kind of way...

Yup! and this dialogue from the movie made it clear to early 1930s audiences just what was on Dr Jekyll's mind:

We may control our actions,but not our impulses.

Perhaps you've forgotten you're engaged to Muriel.

Forgotten it? Can a man dying of thirst forget water?
Did you know what would happen to that thirst if it were denied water?

edarsenal

08-18-18, 08:06 PM

Big fan of Cagney myself. He's so personable, and equally good in light comic roles, or in heavier crime roles. Lady Killer was my nom in the 8th.

Picture Snatcher (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024450/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_58) (1933) This was just about my nom for this Hof. It's a mischievous fun-drama which suites Cagney.

Footlight Parade (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0024028/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_56) (1933) A Busby Berkeley musical, unlike the typical musical. Cagney was a hoofer before he ever became a gangster.

A Midsummer Night's Dream (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026714/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_47) (1935) Cagney doing Shakespeare, why not? I really liked this and I'm not into Shakespeare either.

Angels with Dirty Faces (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029870/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_40) (1938) I really though this would have been one of the noms here. It well deserves it's 8.0 rating at IMDB

Each Dawn I Die (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031260/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_38) (1939) Wrongly accused Cagney ends up in prison. There's something about prison films that seem to be a world upon themselves.

these are some great suggestions. Loved Angels With Dirty Faces and was on my possible list for both of the 30s HoF and Midsummer is one I need to see BEFORE the countdown. Especially since I do enjoy Shakespeare.
Has anyone seen Jimmy The Gent (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025330/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_54)? That was one I had wanted to see at one point and forgot all about. Bette Davis is actually in that one as well.

rauldc14

08-18-18, 08:51 PM

I should be able to get to my rewatch of The Thin Man tomorrow.

Citizen Rules

08-18-18, 09:14 PM

these are some great suggestions. Loved Angels With Dirty Faces and was on my possible list for both of the 30s HoF and Midsummer is one I need to see BEFORE the countdown. Especially since I do enjoy Shakespeare.
Has anyone seen Jimmy The Gent (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0025330/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_54)? That was one I had wanted to see at one point and forgot all about. Bette Davis is actually in that one as well.Olivia De Havilland is great in A Midsummer Night's Dream (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026714/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt)... so is Mickey Rooney.

I haven't seen Jimmy The Gent but it looks like it would be a good one.

Thursday Next

08-19-18, 06:20 AM

Thanks for the Cagney recommendations. I think I'll start with Angels With Dirty Faces and see how far I get.

Anyone know if Mad Love is on youtube? I can't seem to find it or Red Dust to rent.

Nathaniel

08-19-18, 01:00 PM

Humanity and Paper Balloons (1937)

https://alchetron.com/cdn/humanity-and-paper-balloons-3eaeb878-41fe-4917-b45f-e6a6c5fcf6f-resize-750.png

SPOILERS

Good depth to this one. I've seen some people elsewhere say it meanders a bit too much, making it difficult to draw emotion from but I dug it. It encompasses everything about the setting, the culture and the time period.

It's interesting right from the beginning but I didn't fully engage with it until the rain starts falling heavily and the plot points reach a sort of crescendo in this sequence. Unno getting blown off yet again by Mr Mouri is such a hit to his pride and him standing in the rain humiliated is a very powerful scene. The sense of pride in this place is oppressive to the point of being life threatening. For both Unno and Shinza.

My sympathies were with Shinza despite the fact that he's constantly putting his hand in the fire. Ultimately right from the start he's walking a tight rope and certain aspects of his character get the better of him in the end. His fate is all the more powerful because it isn't seen but only imagined. A quality character nonetheless.

A unique exploration of culture and a great period piece.

Citizen Rules

08-19-18, 01:03 PM

Thanks for the Cagney recommendations. I think I'll start with Angels With Dirty Faces and see how far I get.

Anyone know if Mad Love is on youtube? I can't seem to find it or Red Dust to rent.
I sent you some links for both films. Give a shout out if they don't work. Happy movie watching:)

edarsenal

08-19-18, 11:20 PM

Olivia De Havilland is great in A Midsummer Night's Dream (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026714/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt)... so is Mickey Rooney.

I haven't seen Jimmy The Gent but it looks like it would be a good one.

Actually found Jimmy The Gent and caught the first 10 min of it, definitely worth continuing on just from that.

and I've the same about both Cagney AND De Havilland.

(everytime I do CAPS now I find myself pausing and thinking about HashtagBrownies lol)

D@MN him!!
:D

Finished up Of Mice and Men and should be getting a review up in the next day or so

Pussy Galore

08-20-18, 08:43 AM

I just rewatched The Thin Man.

I had very little memory of it, I watched it because it has a high IMDB rating and that it was a murder mystery which is a genre I generally appreciate. I remember finding it alright no more no less, but very forgettable I didn't remember anything about the plot. Considering that, I was pleasantly surprised with the film which I thought was quite good. I would have enjoyed if the story was more centered on the mystery then on the fact that William Powell doesn't want to be a detective anymore. In other words, the 30's style humor didn't really work on me (I'm sure it works on some people, particularly older folks which grew with this style of humor), but the film was entertaining, had me interested on who murdered the guy and for one of the rare time I didn't guess who it was before it was revealed.

I'd give it 7,5/10

edarsenal

08-20-18, 04:29 PM

edarsenal

08-20-18, 09:29 PM

http://www.thefilmyap.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Of-Mice-and-Men-inside.jpg

Of Mice and Men

The best laid plans of. . .

It's kind of an interesting situation for me to finally see this, including a few tidbits that appeared in this HoF discussions:
The first, is personal experience of growing up on cartoons that had used Lenny and the voicing in countless favorites of mine that I couldn't help but meander back to them whenever Lon Chaney spoke.
This isn't a derailment of the character or my ability to appreciate Lenny and the child-like mentality and idealistic view of the world he had. Just an amusing aside of my cartoon drenched brain lumbering back to things that amuse.
One of the two tidbits include cricket stating how Lenny was based on someone who was sent to an asylum. That made certain scenes far more poignant. Such as Crooks "supposesing" about if Lenny was alone, without George, and what would become of him. Suggesting being locked up in an asylum. The other was near the end as George and and Slim talked about what would be best for George and how an asylum would be a very terrible thing for him.
There was a very tangible gravitas to those scenes, having learn that bit of trivia.
The final tidbit was with how pahaK felt that the old dog being shot gave away the ending and it got me to thinking, while watching it, if it would have given away the ending I was already aware of.
No idea if it would or wouldn't.
But I do see how it had a sort of relevance for giving George the argument of doing what would be needed to do, as well as to the viewers when that time came.

Still, I really enjoyed this and very happy that I got to finally actually watch it in full. The running theme of loneliness was done well and I thought the friendship between George and Lenny was very well done.

rauldc14

08-21-18, 11:12 AM

The Thin Man

http://i.cdn.turner.com/v5cache/TCM/Images/Dynamic/i420/ThinMan1934_2737_677x381_09162016022313.jpg

I actually had watched this one in July but I watched it again. I feel pretty much the same on the second go around. The first half it had my interest but then it ended up fading for whatever reason. The biggest knock against it personally is that the humor and the jokes don't hit for me. Also I'm not as fond of the characters as everyone else seems to be for whatever reason. Not that there is anything necessarily wrong with them, I just don't find them too compelling. I think the film may have benefitted being a little more on the serious side. I feel it tried to balance the comedy a bit to much into it's act while still trying to maintain some seriousness, at least that's how it played off to me. Not terrible but certainly not a favorite for me.

2.5

Citizen Rules

08-21-18, 11:45 AM

Of Mice and Men

...I couldn't help but meander back to them whenever Lon Chaney spoke...Just an amusing aside of my cartoon drenched brain lumbering back to things that amuse. OMG! I hadn't thought of that, but yup you're right old cartoons used that Lenny character/voice for the dopey guy. Ahhh....the good old days of watching Saturday morning cartoons:p

...the old dog being shot...I do see how it had a sort of relevance for giving George the argument of doing what would be needed to do, as well as to the viewers when that time came. That's how it worked for me too. The film sets up the idea of mercy by death for the dog, with Lenny being in need of the ultimate mercy. Didn't Cricket's other nom They Shoot Horses Don't They, have a similar theme? I wonder if he will do 3 in a row?

The Thin Man

The biggest knock against it personally is that the humor and the jokes don't hit for me. Also I'm not as fond of the characters as everyone else seems to be for whatever reason.... I wasn't overly fond of the characters either, I liked them I guess, but not as much as I would have expected to. Though I think I will watch the second Thin Man, one of these days.

pahaK

08-21-18, 12:20 PM

The final tidbit was with how pahaK felt that the old dog being shot gave away the ending and it got me to thinking, while watching it, if it would have given away the ending I was already aware of.
No idea if it would or wouldn't.
But I do see how it had a sort of relevance for giving George the argument of doing what would be needed to do, as well as to the viewers when that time came.

I suppose there's also another reason I disliked the dog part and it also explains why I drew my conclusions from its death.

I don't agree with the (universally accepted) concept that everything must have a purpose (like an example I've heard somewhere that if the film shows an ax it must later be used). To me it often makes things looks staged and predetermined (no, I'm not going to start a debate about freewill here) and feels like a cheap attempt to involve the viewer with tricks instead of the actual story.

Because I dislike that I tend to pay more attention to it. So with the dog I was instantly asking myself "why are they showing this to me?" and the answer felt obvious.

rauldc14

08-21-18, 03:12 PM

I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang is technically my last film before I submit a list. I will still watch It Happened One Night (seen it countless times) and have a write up for that too

Citizen Rules

08-21-18, 03:31 PM

I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang is technically my last film before I submit a list. I will still watch It Happened One Night (seen it countless times) and have a write up for that tooDefinitely interested in hearing your thoughts on It Happened One Night.

edarsenal

08-21-18, 08:11 PM

I suppose there's also another reason I disliked the dog part and it also explains why I drew my conclusions from its death.

I don't agree with the (universally accepted) concept that everything must have a purpose (like an example I've heard somewhere that if the film shows an ax it must later be used). To me it often makes things looks staged and predetermined (no, I'm not going to start a debate about freewill here) and feels like a cheap attempt to involve the viewer with tricks instead of the actual story.

Because I dislike that I tend to pay more attention to it. So with the dog I was instantly asking myself "why are they showing this to me?" and the answer felt obvious.
I do understand that and how easily it can be to follow that. I've done that before when I saw something and figured it was going to be put to use later on.
Which is why I took serious note of that incident and wondered if I would have thought the exact same thing.

edarsenal

08-21-18, 08:16 PM

OMG! I hadn't thought of that, but yup you're right old cartoons used that Lenny character/voice for the dopey guy. Ahhh....the good old days of watching Saturday morning cartoons:p

That's how it worked for me too. The film sets up the idea of mercy by death for the dog, with Lenny being in need of the ultimate mercy. Didn't Cricket's other nom They Shoot Horses Don't They, have a similar theme? I wonder if he will do 3 in a row?

Yeah, I was trying to find either a gif or a youtube for my favorite with the big Lenny cat and Sylvester where he tells him "You git me a mouse, George, or I will stroke your fur the wrong way!" and all I could find was a snipped of "But I can't say Sylvester, George."

And PLEASE don't put any ideas in cricket's head about a triple play of mercy killings -- that's just ASKING for trouble!! :D;)

edarsenal

08-21-18, 08:20 PM

I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang is technically my last film before I submit a list. I will still watch It Happened One Night (seen it countless times) and have a write up for that too
Fugitive will be the final one that I had seen previously before checking the final three that I haven't seen and pretty excited to sit down to.

Nathaniel

08-22-18, 05:47 PM

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0QvF2FZZftY/hqdefault.jpg

SPOILERS

On rewatch, the feeling of paranoia in the second half of the film stuck out even more to me. It's definitely a strong film before that too, managing to showcase chain gang brutality effectively. Also an interesting tale before that of a veteran trying to reshape his life's purpose. It's when Allen manages to escape the first time though where I think the film really starts to shine from both a plot and cinematography perspective. The paranoia in the simplest of scenes really entrenched me in Allen's brain. So much hangs over every single action and the camera work is excellent in showcasing this.

Paul Muni aside from giving a great performance delivers an ending line that hammers home the film's message. And though the chain gang may not be as relevant a concept today, the film's social realism is developed enough to make the concept's importance stand out IMO.

Not much opinion change on this. Top tier Mervyn LeRoy who is sure to be well represented on the countdown.

Nathaniel

08-22-18, 06:10 PM

I wasn't overly fond of the characters either, I liked them I guess, but not as much as I would have expected to.

Also I'm not as fond of the characters as everyone else seems to be for whatever reason.

https://78.media.tumblr.com/25b77052078ef8fabfa693fe60acc01b/tumblr_mf0l2axWMt1qh0ofoo1_250.gif

Citizen Rules

08-22-18, 06:12 PM

https://78.media.tumblr.com/25b77052078ef8fabfa693fe60acc01b/tumblr_mf0l2axWMt1qh0ofoo1_250.gif:)

I wouldn't be opposed to seeing that couple again in a future Hof, hint, hint;)

Thursday Next

08-23-18, 07:36 AM

I Am A Fugitive From a Chain Gang

https://filmforum.org/do-not-enter-or-modify-or-erase/client-uploads/warnerbros/_1000w/I-AM-A-FUGITIVE-FROM-A-CHAIN-GANG2050.jpg

*spoilers*

Is it an expose of chain gangs or just a form of exploitation movie? I have mixed feelings about prison movies in general, some are good, others do seem to revel in horrors heaped upon prisoners and the outrage that might cause. Others focus on the thrill of escape. The best ones explore characters. I can see that Fugitive must have been an influence on subsequent prison movies.

There was an interesting comparison made at the start between life in prison v the army v factory, but not quite followed up. There was a similarity with The Roaring Twenties looking at life after the war and how people returning from war could slide into a life of crime, and the systems that cause that.

The first escape sequence was good, quite tense; I liked the barber shop scene: “How was it, close enough?” “Plenty!”, and Allen eating his hamburger when he gets out.

A few questions: Why do all the women in this film seem to have the same blonde hair do? Why would anyone blackmail someone else into marriage?

At times I felt like the film sort of lurches from one thing to the next. Things started to get a little bit over-dramatic when he returns to prison, I didn't enjoy the second escape as much and I don’t feel like the second half of the film was as strong as the first.

All the discussion over him being returned to prison was interesting. Should he get out of the consequences of crime just because he’s a ‘good citizen’? Doesn’t thinking like that just penalise the poor and let the rich get away with things? And isn’t that still a problem today? I almost feel like it was a bit of a cop-out in making him innocent in the first place. Would he really have deserved 10 years hard labour if he had been guilty? I don't think so. The truly awful part though is not the hard labour or horrible conditions of the chain gang but the cruel vagaries of the promises, lies and suspended decisions of the legal system.

I did like the line near the end, something which I was thinking after the first escape, that shows that you can’t really be free if you are on the run, “I haven’t escaped, they’re still after me!”

rauldc14

08-25-18, 12:42 AM

I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang

https://journeysinclassicfilm.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/ddbcb-tumblr_lbcv6xmmh01qbhnrvo1_500.png?w=1360

Originally thought I would love this. Then got a bit worried near the beginning of the film. I was worried that it would all center around planning to get out for the main character, but luckily we see him escape early. I liked the first escape and it was cool to see him hide underwater in a brilliant way. Thought Muni was pretty good as the lead. Another exciting thing was seeing Oshkosh Wisconsin and Lake Winnebago on the map as I live super close to that area where they apparently had one of the scenes.

The second escape felt a bit cheesy to me, so that kept it from being in the great range. You would think everyone would have been on high alert and that this wouldn't have had a chance in hell obviously. Guess that's why it is a movie thought. The paranoia at the end was cool, even if it felt a bit like an abrupt ending. Still a pretty cool solid film

3.5+

edarsenal

08-25-18, 07:01 PM

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5231/8411292175_f6af398022_b.jpg

Red Dust

AKA: I'm Just a Gigalo

Though, understandably, if I ran a rubber plantation in Indochina, I'd be playing the Big Bad Wolf with every woman that came into my sight as well. ESPECIALLY if I was Clark Gable.
And I gotta say, they were lovely ladies indeed and very wonderfully different from each other that broaden the spectrum beautifully. And, in the end. . .

Oh, and yeah, SPOILERS, of course

I am quite happy that he ended up with Jean Harlowe's character, Vanetine. They fit together with their raw, rough edges far better.
Speaking of which, I may be in the minority of those who enjoyed Harlowe from the get-go.
I've seen her in a number of films and, a lot of times she seemed kind of, (for a lack of a better word) held in and not allowed to really stretch behind the role she was placed in. Such as the angry/bored wife in Dinner at Eight comes to mind.
Here, she lets loose that bawdy lady of hers, but, in later scenes, there are countless moments of subtlety in her facial expressions as the affair starts off and she has to watch from the sidelines.
The dinner before the husband is shipped off and out of the way has some great side looks across the table, is a great example of this.
The whole barbs and badly hidden emotions across the board was very well done. Including Gene Raymond's portrayal of the "innocent" and "trusting" husband was someone I didn't think was a sap, just a good guy that gave his trust incorrectly.

The Third Act of the shooting was pretty good and I do like the ending scene of Harlowe reading to the wounded and horny Gable was a fine touch to it all.

Now, I nearly ended it there, but I can't talk about the triangle without mentioning the sweltering, tropical storm riddled location of this story.
There is always something about the tropics and the primal urges that seem to blossom and run rampant in such places that make them ideal for such romantic infidelities and the turbulence that they cause. And the weather follows the sh@t storm that erupts as the affair and it's repercussions unfold. Bringing with it some incredibly sexy scenes with Astor, such as her being carried in, drenched, by Gable. What a hot scene!

Thank you so much, rauldc14 for joining in last minute and bringing another fun-filled movie to this HoF!

Citizen Rules

08-25-18, 07:16 PM

Bravo! Ed;)...You know I really dug Red Dust too. It's something I could watch again.

edarsenal

08-25-18, 07:24 PM

With raul being our 4th Vote brought in, we are doing AMAZINGLY well with 73% of our reviews in and 4 out of 11 Votes completed.

http://justicesnows.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/JS-NYE.jpg
That is just ACES!!

edarsenal

08-25-18, 07:26 PM

Bravo! Ed;)...You know I really dug Red Dust too. It's something I could watch again.

There's a few of these I could very easily find myself rewatching again.

Citizen Rules

08-25-18, 07:31 PM

There's a few of these I could very easily find myself rewatching again.I've been meaning to get to Mogambo which is a remake of Red Dust, but just haven't done it yet.

rauldc14

08-25-18, 07:56 PM

edarsenal

08-25-18, 10:22 PM

Glad you enjoyed Red Dust Ed! It's just not often I stumble upon favorite films by myself, so I figured it a worthy nomination. I'd be surprised to see it do well here, but I can hold hope that maybe it sneaks on the Mofo 30s list!

It definitely is worthy of getting on the 30s Countdown. Hopefully others that are looking for movies to fill their lists we see it and others to add to it.

It was real nice to see an earlier movie of Mary Astor's since I've only known her from The Maltese Falcon and it's even greater still to see Jean Harlowe in something I've missed out on.

edarsenal

08-25-18, 10:30 PM

I've been meaning to get to Mogambo which is a remake of Red Dust, but just haven't done it yet.

haven't heard of that one. . . Grace Kelly AND Ava Gardner? . . . watched the trailer ( it's a bit cheesy) but I'm sure the movie is worth checking out

Siddon

08-25-18, 11:26 PM

http://metrograph.com/uploads/films/It_Happened_One_Night_FOR_BOOK-1483918090-726x388.JPG

It happened One Night is a delightful romantic comedy from the mid 30's. Clark Gable plays a reporter, is a Claudette Colbert (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudette_Colbert) is a socialite looking to run away with her playboy lover. They meet up on a bus and disgust turns to love as they make their way cross country.

The charm of the film is it's mix of visual humor and quick repartee. Clark Gable's delivery is fantastic in most of his scenes. Claudette performs an almost silent performance with her humor while she still engages with Gable her best moments are what she does with her body language.

I'm not a big Frank Capra fan but this is one of my favorites, I wish he made more of these and less high concept ones in his later career.

great nom...and yes it's better than Child Bride

Nathaniel

08-26-18, 08:17 AM

It Happened One Night (1934)

https://secure.i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01749/happened_1749151c.jpg

One of the most famous romantic comedies ever and Capra's most successful film at the Oscars. It's one of the three films ever to win Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Writing. When I said to one of my friends about five years ago that I had not seen this. Her reply was "You need to watch it immediately. It's the best film of the 30s." Talk about hype.

The characters are good and the film is well paced. I prefer the on the road segments where Colbert and Gable are able to play off one another. Fun scenes like the 'Flying Trapeze' or the roadside banter keep the film flowing well. There's also an excellent section revolving around 'The Walls of Jericho' that enables Gable and Colbert to connect emotionally whereas before it's built around their humourous interactions. I'd say that's my favourite scene from the performances to the way the set is laid out and how it builds the connection between these characters. The plot itself is fine but I'm not a big fan of Capra's screenplays. This is likely my favourite film of his.

A good film but I didn't like it as much as Stalin seemed to.

Pussy Galore

08-26-18, 09:08 PM

Just watched The Goddess on youtube. I feel it is not fair criticism, but I just very rarely enjoy silent movies, nothing against them, it's just a form of art which doesn't speak to me personnally. The only esception I can think of is the movie Metropolis which I enjoyed.

As for The Goddess itself I'd say it's a pretty typical story, a prostitute with a son that she loves is being treated poorly by society and by her ''pimp'' (for lack of a better term). And the film encourages us to be emphatic toward her, which kind of work, but I saw it coming form the beggining and it didn't really engage me. It was alright, but not super entertaining for me, I probably won't remember it in 3 weeks.

pahaK

08-26-18, 09:34 PM

The Roaring Twenties (1939)

A crime film about bootleggers and how the prohibition turns good men into criminals (and how war lets them befriend with bad people).

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lm2d1bhCUw1qf7z18o1_500.jpg

Three people befriend during the WWI. After the war the return to civilian life isn't easy and slowing economy makes it hard to find a job. Eventually they all end up together smuggling booze to thirsty prohibition era New York. What started as easy money eventually turns to violent business and greed tears old friends apart. Pretty standard stuff for this kind of a film.

The foremost thing on my mind is the rushed pacing of the film. The story is just too huge for one movie. Obviously it wasn't an option in 1939 but I'd believe this would work much better as a TV series. Lots of of characters are simplified too much and the dynamics between them are practically distilled to one line of dialogue at worst (George and Lloyd). It's like a synopsis of a great story. Acting was also good but I'm not exactly sure if I like Cagney.

The opening sequence in France during the war feels staged and somewhat out of place. It's necessary because it's pretty much all the character building we have for George but it looks awful and is way too theatrical. Back in the States everything works better. I think one or two singing scenes could have been cut for something else and at least some attempt to show why Eddie fell in love with Jean would have been nice.

I like how the film puts much of the blame to prohibition itself. How making a law impossible to enforce that's against the people's sense of justice isn't only stupid but also dangerous as it turns otherwise decent men into criminals by pushing them outside of legality. I'm surprised how clearly the film criticized prohibition. As a related note Eddie is portrayed little too good and decent to underline that point. I don't think he could have gotten to his position by always being such a nice guy.

The story and acting are good, technically it's fine except for the opening scenes and there's nothing horribly wrong with the film but 106 minutes is just too short time to tell a story of Eddie's rise and fall. The end result is far too superficial.

3

Nathaniel

08-27-18, 04:48 PM

The Roaring Twenties (1939)

47412

Cagney blasts his way through the '20s backed by a well developed cast of complex characters.

Always been a big fan of this and it's my favourite gangster film of the decade. While containing a strong criminal element, it's very much a character drama. A fictional biopic that mirrors the rise and fall of prohibition with the rise and fall Eddie Bartlett. No wasted minute in this screenplay. I realise that to some this may seem rushed but to me it just adds to the epic feel I get from watching it. There's so much going on here and that's what I want from a gangster film.

The narrator interludes that include backdrops to the decade are edited in a engaging way to support the ongoing narrative. The twenties itself are dissected in these interludes, starting with the post war attitude and going from there. Just an aside but loss of purpose for soldiers returning from the war is a very common theme that Hollywood directors focused on. And even still do. It's something that I find interesting from a psychological perspective. Not sure if I'd want to live in the '20s but it would be a wild ride.

edarsenal

08-27-18, 11:24 PM

And that gives us Voting List #5!!
THANKS Nathaniel!

pahaK

08-28-18, 06:28 PM

Humanity and Paper Balloon (1937)

Watched this couple of months ago for the first time but didn't review it because I chose to nominate it for the second 1930s HoF. So this is a review based both on the first and second viewing.

47462

The film takes place in 18th century Japan and focuses on people living in sort of a slum district full of small rental apartments. The main protagonists are Unno, a samurai without a master, and Shinza, a barber who also runs illegal gambling events. Unno desperately tries to gain the attention of his father's former master but past services hold little value. Shinza mostly wants to humiliate the local ringleader who doesn't like competition for his gambling sites.

The way how sad and tragic story is told in seemingly light and happy fashion is interesting. In some ways it undermines the tragedy but it also makes suffering and unhappiness seem more casual, more normal and expected. I'd suppose Humanity and Paper Balloons is surprisingly funny for such a pessimistic movie.

At the heart of the film is a conflict of two different sets of values. On one end is Unno and his blind faith towards honor and personal pride. On the other end are Mouri, former master of Unno's father, and the landlord who rents the slum houses who both value money and personal gain over anything. Somewhere in between is the barber Shinza who gets into trouble for his greed but retaliates to mend his hurt self-esteem. Being a pessimistic film it's not very hard to guess which people are doing better in the end.

There are many hilarious scenes (like the fishmonger in the street and the sake dripping wake) that made me laugh out loud. Very few scenes are made overtly dramatic and the overall feeling is kinda like watching an alcoholic doing something stupid - you may chuckle but deep down you know it's actually really sad. I don't think it succeeds perfectly in this but I like the idea.

The kidnapping part of the film is the weakest. It just feels pointless and too certain to fail from the beginning. I think it also made Shinza too focused on his pride, especially in the very end where he suddenly faces death with calm and honor. In few places the film drags a little and some scenes go on for too long (like Shinza trying to pawn his barber kit).

Good tragicomedy that hides its sadness behind jolly surface. I don't think it's the masterpiece some claim it to be but it's definitely a good one.

3.5

--

Will send my votes later tonight. Just need to get the order right because it's really tight this time.

pahaK

08-28-18, 06:41 PM

Actually sent my vote already. Didn't want to spend hours wondering if I want to switch two films :D

cricket

08-28-18, 07:38 PM

I noticed a couple people mentioning the humor in Humanity and Paper Balloons. As much as I love foreign films, the humor often goes over my head.

edarsenal

08-28-18, 08:47 PM

and pahaK makes it 6 Lists which knocks us over the halfway for votes.

https://78.media.tumblr.com/dd9a7b0e7a0eba1280ccf7b0241bec19/tumblr_ou60lrs1DR1qhk04bo1_400.gif

MijaFrost

08-30-18, 01:00 AM

I just need to watch three more... then I'll be able to send my list.
:P

Thursday Next

09-02-18, 08:53 AM

Mad Love

http://www.cinefania.com/movie/201010/5.jpg

"I have here autographs of a hundred famous persons and not a single murderer. "

A bit of a crazy, far-fetched over the top sort of film. I know that’s how it was supposed to be but it was still hard to take it seriously. The plot is deeply silly and barely stretches to the fairly short run time.

That’s not to say there isn’t some fun to be had from the craziness, I enjoyed Lorre dressed up with metal hands and that whole crazy plot development and there was some good gothic-esque stuff with the mannequin and the creepy gargoyles at the beginning.

Lorre was good in a creepy over the top sort of way and Frances Drake (what a name!) was good too, I quite liked her character. The ending was ridiculously abrupt though.

edarsenal

09-02-18, 01:38 PM

And that's why they call it MAD Love lol

Siddon

09-02-18, 03:11 PM

http://torontofilmsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mad-Love-2-620x400.jpg

Mad Love is the story of a brilliant but lonely surgeon who is in love with an actress. The actress sadly does not return his affections and is instead in love with a handsome pianist, when the pianist gets his hands crushed Dr. Gogol replaces the hands with those of a noted knife thrower and murderer.

Gogol continues to try and woo Yvonne as his descent into madness continues until he comes up with a plot to frame Orlac for murder.

I love Mad Love for several reasons, visually it feels like a German expressionist film like Dr. Caligari. Peter Lorre's performance is also particularly good balancing between the pathetic, cruel, and insane aspects of his personality. You don't really hate Gogol because Yvonne was somewhat leading him on. Finally I enjoyed the pacing, much like Roaring Twenties the film races through it's plot to tell it in the shortest period of time.

Thursday Next

09-02-18, 04:54 PM

You don't really hate Gogol because Yvonne was somewhat leading him on.

I didn't really hate him; at the start I felt a bit sorry for him as he's so awkward. But I don't think she was leading him on at all, that's really not the impression I got. He seems a little bit stalkerish right from the start and she's clearly uncomfortable with it.

Siddon

09-02-18, 05:37 PM

https://s3.amazonaws.com/loa-production-23ffs35gui41a/article_images/images/000/000/380/big/160518_thin_man_banner.jpg?1463076800

The Thin Man is a mystery/comedy serial from the 1930's, for some reason it's become one of the more popular series while many of the others have faded into history (Nancy Drew, The Falcon). As a bit of a mystery snob I have quite the dislike for this first film, the murder and crime are too convoluted and the reveal is somewhat terrible. This is the second time I've watched the film and even paying close attention I still don't follow the logistics, and reasoning for the murder.

However you can look past that sort of thing and just charm at the humor and chemistry of the leads Nick and Nora. I don't think this is peak Loy but Powell is very good in this, he has a great scene on the couch where he's shooting a small gun that I found hysterical. Loy isn't given much to do and some of the peripheral characters are one dimensional and silly but it's still an enjoyable film.

edarsenal

09-02-18, 06:20 PM

http://torontofilmsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Mad-Love-2-620x400.jpg
You don't really hate Gogol because Yvonne was somewhat leading him on.

I didn't really hate him; at the start I felt a bit sorry for him as he's so awkward. But I don't think she was leading him on at all, that's really not the impression I got. He seems a little bit stalkerish right from the start and she's clearly uncomfortable with it.

The way I perceived it was that Yvonne was in that "rock and a hard place" about being nice to, not only a fan, but someone the theater owed a lot to due to his dedication. And then, playing nice to help her husband. Even though the disgust was very apparent to us, the viewers.

Chypmunk

09-02-18, 06:24 PM

The way I perceived it was that Yvonne was in that "rock and a hard place" about being nice to, not only a fan, but someone the theater owed a lot to due to his dedication. And then, playing nice to help her husband. Even though the disgust was very apparent to us, the viewers.
Spot on.

Siddon

09-02-18, 07:16 PM

http://garylucas.com/www/dates/TheGoddess.jpg

The Goddess (1934) man do you guys love your prostitution films. For me this film was a bit of a mixed bag, Ruan Lingyu is very good in this, perhaps the best performance from any actor in this entire Hall of Fame. The story moves along briskly and the antagonistic pimp or "boss" character works very well for the story.

The big problem with the film is that it's very dogmatic everything is spelled out very simply and loudly. The "Boss" is the bad guy...though why he would stick around with prostitute for years is a little hard to follow. Education is the way to succeed and mothers are good people yadda yadda yadda. Also the climax scene where shall we say the relationship ended...that's an impossible feat.

I wish the film would have dealt more the complexities of the relationship between the pimp and prostitute. Also the print I watched this film through was horrible and took away from my viewing experience. But it was a good film, this was a fine first watch for me.

cricket

09-02-18, 07:21 PM

why he would stick around with a prostitute for years is a little hard to follow.

Do you mean the other way around?

Siddon

09-02-18, 07:28 PM

Do you mean the other way around?

No, I don't understand why someone like that would keep a prostitute like her for 7-10 years. You'd figure he'd get bored with her and dump her on the street and find a different girl in that period of time.

cricket

09-02-18, 07:34 PM

No, I don't understand why someone like that would keep a prostitute like her for 7-10 years. You'd figure he'd get bored with her and dump her on the street and find a different girl in that period of time.

A pimp will keep a girl for as long as she makes money.

Siddon

09-02-18, 07:37 PM

A pimp will keep a girl for as long as she makes money.

But the money was going to the kid and his education..you'd figure after those years he'd find an easier girl to run.

cricket

09-02-18, 08:00 PM

But the money was going to the kid and his education..you'd figure after those years he'd find an easier girl to run.

She was holding out on him but he was still making money. I wonder if he also had other girls.

Citizen Rules

09-02-18, 08:02 PM

She was holding out on him but he was still making money. I wonder if he also had other girls. I though he was a street wise opportunist, who made money anyway he could, including having other working girls that we don't see on the screen.

cricket

09-02-18, 08:06 PM

I though he was a street wise opportunist, who made money anyway he could, including having other working girls that we don't see on the screen.

Yep a typical slimeball street hustler, at least how I saw it. They're all over.

edarsenal

09-03-18, 09:29 PM

http://theretroset.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Fugitive-Header-678x381.jpg

I am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang

"How will you l ive?
"I steal."

A great ending scene to this nomination. As Muni's characters disappears in the fade out and the final line is heard in the darkness.

I don't know if it is simply a very well done job by the film makers or that I know this is from a true-life experience that brings the full weight of the gravitas to my watching experience. Regardless, the effect of it and Muni's tangible fear when he's on the run and all that he goes through, definitely did it's job on me.
I have read on other reviews on how the second escape wasn't as exciting as the first; and while I can see what they mean regarding the tension that pulsated in the first, the second did have a great little car chase to it. Loved the fishtailing of the pursuing guards down the dirt roads.

I can very easily imagine the impact this film had at the time of it's release and the studio's concern of the, then current codes, of the time in regards to what was allowed to be filmed and how. Still, they did an excellent job in both the chain gang and the life it entailed along with the fear of trying to stay out of the grip of the long arm of the law and simply have a life. Not to mention the hard-nosed mentality of the state that ran the chain gang.

I have never gotten to see this film in its entirety and thankfully, I have now.

Citizen Rules

09-03-18, 10:21 PM

Loved the fishtailing of the pursuing guards down the dirt roads. So did I, it looked intense. They must have been driving pretty fast to make the vehicles do that.

edarsenal

09-03-18, 10:51 PM

So did I, it looked intense. They must have been driving pretty fast to make the vehicles do that.

especially one of the final shots from down the road and the car fishtailed a few times made me wonder if it tipped over and/or rolled on previous tries.
Says a lot for the driver since at that time there was no such thing as power steering and turning the wheel was a real chore.

Citizen Rules

09-03-18, 10:58 PM

especially one of the final shots from down the road and the car fishtailed a few times made me wonder if it tipped over and/or rolled on previous tries.
Says a lot for the driver since at that time there was no such thing as power steering and turning the wheel was a real chore. I still like to fishtail:p when I go around the corner road and it's icy I give it just a little gas, weeeee! (it's a private gravel road and I only do that when there's no cars, people, or animals around)

Thursday Next

09-04-18, 07:37 AM

Humanity and Paper Balloons

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fRqoxMe6B7I/UH-tO-r772I/AAAAAAAAADU/IcjYz31BzPs/s1600/Shinza+threats.png

It actually took me two tries to watch this because I just wasn’t ‘getting’ it.

Some of the way it is shot is visually effective, and it gives an effective portrait of the enclosed sort of life these people live in what is quite an oppressive environment with no privacy or ownership of their own lives, where everything is controlled by the powerful people and everything can be overheard and there’s no real hope of escape. In a way the beginning encapsulates this – people aren’t allowed to leave and it almost seems as though the implication is that suicide is the only way out.

I feel like the film lacked an element of emotion. I found it quite hard to connect to the characters, even once I got a handle on who everyone was, and to understand their motivations. Why would anyone think kidnapping was a good solution? The tone seemed a little mixed as well. I felt quite distanced from it while watching it.

Mr Minio

09-04-18, 07:44 AM

No, I don't understand why someone like that would keep a prostitute like her for 7-10 years. Once you got Lingyu Ruan, you just don't let her go! :cool:

edarsenal

09-04-18, 07:46 PM

I still like to fishtail:p when I go around the corner road and it's icy I give it just a little gas, weeeee! (it's a private gravel road and I only do that when there's no cars, people, or animals around)

I SOOO miss rear wheel drive and the ability to fishtail at will. lol
As a teenage I drove a behemoth 76 Pontiac station wagon and in the winter I would fishtail back and forth all the way down our residential streets. Scaring people coming the other direction.

Siddon

09-04-18, 07:56 PM

https://myoldaddiction2.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/reddust2.jpg

I'm not the sort of person that needs films to be PC but a film like Red Dust really is ruined because of Hoy. Hoy is a sneaky stereotypical Vietnamese character and he pretty much ruined what was a somewhat decent romance film.
I love the running theme in this hall of dames being nothing but trouble. I found Mary Astor, Jean Harlow and Clark Gable to be decent in the film, nothing really spectacular they almost felt like charactures. I thought the ending was a little silly and that also somewhat took me out of the film.

rauldc14

09-04-18, 08:24 PM

Sorry it didn't work for you but that was as expected as can be.

I feel like I could nominate almost any movie I like and it wouldn't matter for some.

edarsenal

09-04-18, 08:36 PM

Sorry it didn't work for you but that was as expected as can be.

I feel like I could nominate almost any movie I like and it wouldn't matter for some.

I have had that feeling in a number of HoFs where it seemed no matter what I nominated, it wasn't going to please more than a very small handful.
Though I do notice that while the critiques hit a little hard at the time when they come out, it is the occasional folks that really enjoyed a particular nom that ends up really sticking with me for the long haul.

Siddon

09-04-18, 09:03 PM

Sorry it didn't work for you but that was as expected as can be.

I feel like I could nominate almost any movie I like and it wouldn't matter for some.

I believe I had Frances Ha at 4...so it's not personal

Wait Until Dark
Mr Freedom
They Shoot Horses Don't They
Frances Ha

But yeah Forrest Gump, L'Aventura, and now Red Dust have been low scorers for me.

rauldc14

09-04-18, 09:34 PM

I believe I had Frances Ha at 4...so it's not personal

Wait Until Dark
Mr Freedom
They Shoot Horses Don't They
Frances Ha

But yeah Forrest Gump, L'Aventura, and now Red Dust have been low scorers for me.

I guess I missed Frances.

In reality though this was too tough an egg to crack for Red Dust. And LAvventura certainly not for everyone.

Citizen Rules

09-04-18, 10:50 PM

Sorry it didn't work for you but that was as expected as can be.

I feel like I could nominate almost any movie I like and it wouldn't matter for some. Same for me, most of my noms get some respect but they're never universally loved. Hmm, I wonder if there's a universally loved film at all?

cricket

09-04-18, 10:54 PM

My noms have done well recently but historically not so much. I mean I won the first 30's for my first win in like 40 tries.

cricket

09-04-18, 10:55 PM

Actually I should be awarded the win for The Little Foxes since we never heard from destiny again.

Citizen Rules

09-04-18, 10:59 PM

Actually I should be awarded the win for The Little Foxes since we never heard from destiny again.We never heard from her again? I think I know what you mean.

cricket

09-04-18, 11:02 PM

We never heard from her again? I think I know what you mean.

Well she only commented on her nom and a couple more she had already seen. She had previously said that she wouldn't watch them by shady means, which a few were only available by. Then she said she did watch them but refused to comment on them, saying she would in the future. We're still waiting.

cricket

09-04-18, 11:03 PM

I don't even care about winning but I want someone to win who deserves it.

Citizen Rules

09-04-18, 11:08 PM

I don't even care about winning but I want someone to win who deserves it.I agree, I'd say she was disqualified for not participating or watching the noms. But then again it's not my call, I wasn't the host.

MijaFrost

09-05-18, 01:24 AM

edarsenal

09-05-18, 02:21 PM

I've meant to post my thoughts of Red Dust and Mad Love, but work and life has been crazy lately. I will soon.
I still have Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to view, as well as a re-watch of It Happened One Night.

No worries!
When you can get it is just fine.

I've got two left myself to watch and review: The Goddess and Humanity and Paper Balloons.

Thursday Next

09-05-18, 06:43 PM

It Happened One Night

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQc2GfVqCsiReQqMN2VzdjO5vBRNAv76jm-hC01dL8b2HXh4JpKyA

“I come from a log line of stubborn idiots.”

I still love this film. Any film which can make you laugh five times in the first five minutes is on to something. There are a whole bunch of quotable lines in here. It’s just a lot of fun, the characters and their road trip love story are endearing, it really makes me smile.

Its influence on Bugs Bunny is well documented but I think it must have been pretty influential on a lot of things subsequently.

One highlight is when posing as an argumentative married couple to avoid detection they end up getting completely carried away.

I suppose one criticism is that it starts to drag a little bit just before the end and could have been a little shorter and snappier, but it’s hard to begrudge the running time when it’s so enjoyable overall.

I’ve read some fascinating behind the scenes trivia – apparently neither of the leads wanted to be in it at all and Clark Gable was even sent to the film studio as a sort of punishment. The success of the film and all its awards came as a surprise and revived the film studio’s fortunes.

Pussy Galore

09-05-18, 09:30 PM

It Happened One Night

It was a rewatch, I really enjoy this film, I consider it a feel good rom com that is super entertaining and that you don't want to end. There is nothing that special about it in the sens that the story is pretty basic, the style isn't anything that unusual, there isn't any sort of message in it, it's just a well told classic story. I was interested in the characters and was entertained the whole way through, which is better then pretty much all the other films I've seen so far in this HOF (even if, as I said, I don't think there's anything special about It Happened One Night)

7,8/10

edarsenal

09-05-18, 10:06 PM

Pussy Galore

09-05-18, 11:16 PM

I've enjoyed it, I just didn't find it particularly groundbreaking/special/original.

edarsenal

09-06-18, 01:41 AM

I gotcha. Kinda forgot the opening line of your review and remembered final lines more.

Siddon

09-08-18, 12:01 PM

http://www.midnightonly.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Dr-Jekyll-22.jpg

Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde the rare Oscar winning horror film from the 1930's. This was a rewatch for me and I kinda felt the running time more on second watch. I enjoyed how the two stories focuses on the sexual habits of both characters. Jekyll is trying to do things the right way with courting and a long engagement with Muriel while Hyde basically just picks up a prostitute and abuses her for the film. It's a great subtext for the film, which worked for me on the first watch but less so on repeat viewing.

Frederic March is very good, the stunt work helps give Hyde a different aspect to his character so we don't just rely on murder and make-up. The supporting characters were all well-defined and the film has an impressive budget.

Siddon

09-08-18, 12:11 PM

https://themotionpictures.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/fugitive2.png

I Was a Fugitive From a Chain Gang is a brilliant film (and a true(ish) story). Paul Muni plays James Allen a WWI vet who comes home from the war and wishes not to live an unhappy life as a clerk but rather as an engineer. As work is hard to find he falls into poverty and is railroaded into prison working on a Chain Gang. Allen escapes from the gang and makes something of himself only to get caught and sent back to the gang.

I enjoyed how the film took a frank look at the prison system of the 20's/30's. From what I've learned and read about in history this was similar to what a number of people went through at this time(especially black people who would get arrested for "loitering" and end up on a chain gang for 30 years). Muni is spectacular in this going from naive to destitute to desperate and I love all the hidden criticisms that the film has with lawyers, love, and religion.

Great nomination @PussyGalore I hope you finish this so the film scores.

Thursday Next

09-08-18, 12:55 PM

Red Dust

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNWU1MjU4MjktZGQ2Mi00MjQ0LWEwZTUtYTBmNjEzYjFkMTliL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzk3NTUwOQ@@._V1 _.jpg

Let’s get the racism out of the way first. A little bit is to be expected I suppose, but the repeated attitude towards the natives is unpleasant character of Hoy is on another level of embarrassing and offensive.

It always surprises me when I watch older films just how much people slap each other. Did people slap each other a lot more in the past or is it a movie affectation? I’ve never seen people in real life going around slapping each other. That’s not really a criticism of this film, just a curious observation.

Clark Gable’s character is not a nice guy, but I suppose that is kind of the point. In the end he decides to be a bit more decent. I didn’t find Jean Harlow’s character particularly endearing, she was a bit irritating. Emotionally I didn’t find it particularly engaging. It was a fairly unromantic for a romantic drama.

There are a few good lines. But sometimes the writing seemed a little off, like when they are all saying what a relief it is Vantine isn’t there… and then she shows up. I wasn’t quite sure whether it was supposed to be funny, it definitely wasn’t subtle. The ending wasn’t particularly strong either.

What I did really like about it was the way it looked. Especially the scenes in the rain. I liked the way the rainstorm reflected the rising passions and tensions between the characters, that was pretty effective. There was a good sense of setting.

edarsenal

09-08-18, 06:31 PM

And with a [correction] deuce, Siddon comes in hot at the finish line!!
EXCELLENT job!!!

***And thanks, again, pahaK for catching my mistake with posting Siddon with 3 reviews. MUCH OBLIGED!***

I felt the same why with Jekyll and Hyde and their "paths" taken when it came to sexual attraction as well as the acrobatic stunts of Hyde.

With Fugitive I felt the same way about the layers regarding lawyers and so forth. I found the fact that the "boards" they spoke with were always stone-faced, grim looking men that never spoke. It was a great symbolic stonewall. So much better than if they had dialogue.

And with Red Dust I agree about the rain scenes and when it came to "slapping" I do know from conversations and the past memory there was a good probability that folks settled things with a fist a lot more often. While at the same time, once settled, it was settled and I've heard quite a few stories of guys who met, fist fought, and became the closest of friends.
How glamorized and/or BS those stories were to actual scenarios is anyone's guess.

pahaK

09-08-18, 11:10 PM

And with a triple play Siddon comes in hot at the finish line!!
EXCELLENT job!!!

Just wanting to point out that Red Dust wasn't Siddon's review :D You might want to fix that on review link post too.

edarsenal

09-08-18, 11:13 PM

Just wanting to point out that Red Dust wasn't Siddon's review :D You might want to fix that on review link post too.

DOH! THANKS pahaK! I definitely need to correct that

edarsenal

09-08-18, 11:17 PM

for myself, I just finished The Goddess, which I enjoyed, and will be writing up a review, most likely, tomorrow.

Thursday Next

09-10-18, 05:57 PM

The Thin Man

https://kelleepratt.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/tumblr_inline_owe47na1fu1um5toj_540.gif?w=500

“The murderer is right in this room. Sitting at this table. You may serve the fish.”

The charm of this film resides mainly in the characters of Nick and Nora Charles, their interactions, their witty repartee, their amusingly alarming drinking, their chemistry. When the two of them are on screen it’s pretty much 6 out of 5 stars. William Powell and Myrna Loy are fantastic.

When they’re absent (which was a good deal more of the running time than I’d remembered), it’s not quite as sparkling. The mystery is convoluted and even on a repeat viewing hard to keep track of who everyone is and just how they’re involved with each other. But it works as a counterbalance to the lightness of the comic parts (the dog!) and some of the eccentric characters are amusing enough in their own right.

There are more quotably funny lines in this than in three or four other films put together, many of them booze related. But the delivery is just as important. I like that this film features a married couple rather than a ‘meet cute’ type storyline. And the dinner party denouement is great fun. Definitely still a favourite!

edarsenal

09-10-18, 08:01 PM

FULL agreement regarding Loy and Powell - they were truly fantastic together!

And Thursday brings us to 7 out of 11 Lists in!!!

We is SMOKIN!
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GtzDiE3vBMo/WwUrwl50zmI/AAAAAAAAFKg/Ay9pvU7mV9kRQzJ3tmqtqePJV4DkzyLaACLcBGAs/s1600/thinman.gif

Citizen Rules

09-10-18, 10:11 PM

I'll probably end up watching all The Thin Man series. I'm guessing they become more comical and less about the mystery. I know the last one has Gloria Grahame in it, so I have to watch that one!

edarsenal

09-11-18, 03:35 AM

I'll probably end up watching all The Thin Man series. I'm guessing they become more comical and less about the mystery. I know the last one has Gloria Grahame in it, so I have to watch that one!
they are a fun watch, but sadly, they do get a bit lackluster after the first couple. But, still, I'm sure you'll enjoy them.

edarsenal

09-12-18, 12:47 AM

https://i0.wp.com/www.theglassmagazine.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Ruan-in-the-Goddess.jpg

The Goddess

I must say, unknown (to myself) gems like this are one of the primary reasons I have become such an addict to these Hall of Fame threads.
To discover films I would NEVER come across on my own or make the time to check out.
So I have to thank MijaFrost for, not only joining in on this HoF but for nominating a film I would have completely missed out on.

Understandably, Ruan Lingyu is truly extraordinary in this. Her emotional depth and nuance is both captivating and catches at the heart strings. She was magnificent to watch and heartbreaking to see her go through all that she had to. Especially the ending. For the love of her son and pursuit of a better life for him.
So, while all of that is a given, and very well expressed in every previous review, I would like to mention an aspect that hasn't been. Or rather, in only a sentence or two of valid disdain.
And that is the character of The Boss played by Zhizhi Zhang.
While Ruan is brilliant, a good protagonist NEEDS a proper antagonist for us, the viewers, to completely side with them and hope and cheer for them. And Zhizhi Zhang supplies it in spades. He is the epitome of slime ball. Even his smile is sleazy, and that sort of filthy rock and a despicable hard place makes for an excellent counterpoint for Ruan's character.
While, at times, there was almost a caricature attitude to his manner, it still remains as a solid "villain" to our "heroine".

Another aspect I appreciated was the catty dismissal when she attempted to get her son a proper education and what that says about the lesser quality of the self-proclaimed normal society. Nice touch that.
As well as the insinuation of "walking the streets" as opposed to taking a graphic perception of it. Giving us a more focused look on her trapped situation and her striving to provide a better life for her son to the point of self sacrifice to the very end.

Again, thank you Mija for nominating this.

Pussy Galore

09-14-18, 02:12 AM

I watched Humanity and Paper Balloon 2,3 days ago and The Roaring Twenties today, I'll briefly review them tomorrow or saturday!

I only have Virtue and Red Dust (which I need to find a link) and Mad Love and Dr Jekyll which I have rented at my library.

MijaFrost

09-14-18, 02:40 AM

I'm sorry I don't have more in-depth thoughts to share...

Red Dust

47962

I don't think I would watch this again, but it was entertaining. I felt bad for the woman's husband, and I would hope he would learn the truth of what happened and leave her, because he deserved much better than that.
Jean Harlow's character was kind of grating, but she is so sexy. After viewing this I went on Google just to look up photos of her. (She died so young. RIP.)

Mad Love

47963

Delightful! Dark, obsessive infatuation, from a man who seemed to have always been rejected by women for being too "strange." I empathized with him. It was sad to see him sink into complete mental decay, but if he never had perfect sanity to begin with, I suppose it might have been inevitable.
Then there's the young, beautiful woman who could never understand him, but who takes advantage of his fixated attraction towards her, and receives far more than she anticipated.
A cautionary tale to avoid acquiring stalkers or people who are more interested in you than you are in them?

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

47965

Another film that turns into a story of a young woman being stalked by an enraged, imbalanced person.
I didn't like how ugly this Hyde was, and I wanted him to look like more of a normal person. If this film were actually criticizing domestic abuse and violence, it would have been more effective to have Hyde as an attractive sociopath, rather than someone who repulses people at their first sight of him. This way, it's easy to think of him as not being really "human" as Ivy said, instead of the more insidious evil of someone appearing charming but being a devil in disguise.