tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71148623039114290342023-10-22T05:20:30.983-07:00Anatomy Of A ClassicFrankly my dears, we give a damnAlixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-7035564772347075172009-09-10T17:06:00.000-07:002009-09-10T17:09:59.750-07:00We've Moved!We're big time now with our own domain!! You can find us at:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.anatomyofaclassic.com/">anatomyofaclassic.com</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">.</span></div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-81514490434752545702009-09-08T18:19:00.000-07:002009-09-08T18:27:13.582-07:00Alfred Hitchcock - Master MarketerMillie from the always fascinating blog <a href="http://classicforever.blogspot.com/" target="new">ClassicForever</a> was nice enough to allow me to contribute a <a href="http://classicforever.blogspot.com/2009/09/hitchcocks-birthday-bash-guest-blogger_06.html" target="new">guest post</a> to her month-long Alfred Hitchcock Birthday Bash!<div><br /></div><div>The post is a look at an often-unnoticed skill of Hitch: his genius ability to market his films. Anyone interested in personal branding or marketing, take note!</div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-84717036196523018192009-08-28T07:00:00.000-07:002009-08-28T07:24:49.028-07:00Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaSJU--TFMo30AW-rfABTiaBXTa-WFkvnjttla6PUS4VML0imvGUi7T1dV-ZirFwevZDeGx9CBdUUIhrLi7yTuseVCR6ZOtaCe-IFQt2Nq3BbUBfFg9C2fneyBO3_aT4kj1yqLP5DVco/s1600-h/les_vampires_161.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374056481770629282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaSJU--TFMo30AW-rfABTiaBXTa-WFkvnjttla6PUS4VML0imvGUi7T1dV-ZirFwevZDeGx9CBdUUIhrLi7yTuseVCR6ZOtaCe-IFQt2Nq3BbUBfFg9C2fneyBO3_aT4kj1yqLP5DVco/s320/les_vampires_161.jpg" border="0" /></a> Slate Magazine ran an interesting piece a couple months back detailing the sorry state of today’s vampires called "<a href="http://slate.com/id/2223486/" target="new">Vampires Suck: Actually they don’t. And that’s the problem</a>." Vampires seem to be the “it” thing right now, especially in Hollywood, but the vampires nowadays are nothing like the classic vampires. So if you’re like me, and refuse to get into the new vampire craze, or can’t get enough of vampires and need a new outlet to feed your habit, here are a few classic and pre-classic vampire films to try:<br /><br /><strong>Les Vampires (1915):</strong> A ten part silent serial about a vamp named Irma Vep, played by Musidora, and a gang of criminals that call themselves Les Vampires. The direction and acting is very artistically done (see the photo above) and each part contains a new and fantastic plot that borders on surreal.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>A Fool There Was (1915): </strong>Silent film star Theda Bara plays The Vampire, but not your typical bloodsucking vampire. This vampire is a woman who seduces and brings a married man to ruin. This film depicts one of the first vamps which became the prototype for the femme fatal characters of film noir and modern films.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Nosferatu (1922):</strong> A German horror expressionist film and the first film adaptation of Bram Stoker's <em>Dracula</em> starring Max Schreck as the Count Orlock. The vampire portrayed in this film is a scary, repulsive version, which contrasts to later films that show a more aristocratic, sensual vampire.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Dracula (1931):</strong> The classic vampire film that made a huge impact on all vampire and horror films that followed. Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula set the standard for what a vampire should look and sound like. Two sequels, <em>Dracula's Daughter</em> (1936) and <em>Son of Dracula</em> (1943) followed.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948):</strong> A comedy/horror film combines the comedy duo Abbott and Costello with the horror trio Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man. Bela Lugosi reprises his role as Dracula and gives the same great performance in this film as he did in the 1931 <em>Dracula.</em>Alixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-51956131885203915452009-08-27T11:48:00.000-07:002009-08-27T11:55:31.683-07:00Happy Birthday, Hitch - Love, MTV<div>August is Alfred Hitchcock's birthday month and the unlikeliest of media channels decided to pay tribute. <div></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>MTV posted a highly complimentary <a href="http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/08/13/alfred-hitchcock/" target="new">article</a> on their site giving information about Hitch's life and a short retrospective of his films. We're thrilled to see the Master Of Suspense and classic films in general getting attention on a site that largely caters to a younger demographic. I rarely say this, but kudos, MTV!</div><div><br /></div></div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnnazMYIjxN1OvK9Fyh0KZNyqfA1qX7sKgjcsQ5KHR86iHZR4FQy6ACQv9q3PBNdUlekeLniwq2_zyQm8yC5Bddtt_Zri9LNdGoeD7D0x0s5z3Wis0tPjT5Y-h7tuRIxNqsdyxDWPVIo/s1600-h/hitch.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnnazMYIjxN1OvK9Fyh0KZNyqfA1qX7sKgjcsQ5KHR86iHZR4FQy6ACQv9q3PBNdUlekeLniwq2_zyQm8yC5Bddtt_Zri9LNdGoeD7D0x0s5z3Wis0tPjT5Y-h7tuRIxNqsdyxDWPVIo/s320/hitch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373281114345592258" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Look, MTV - you actually made Hitch smile!</span><br /><div> </div><div> </div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-17318003292865634392009-08-25T12:17:00.000-07:002009-08-25T12:13:45.028-07:00Classic Film Influence - Gangsters<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0tjdxYr855Ug78C1tF-I1iNUUJvA5xQZzMywAHYJUN6UJXLutWp2FSLBGG0o9e8XGJmhcwzxd-meGa9UeHocecQvzmIktrAa9JU0wiQ7yOrzEaAVcVwbHL_JTqKWv81Do3KRbYIqjjI/s1600-h/keylargo5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373001159909812034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0tjdxYr855Ug78C1tF-I1iNUUJvA5xQZzMywAHYJUN6UJXLutWp2FSLBGG0o9e8XGJmhcwzxd-meGa9UeHocecQvzmIktrAa9JU0wiQ7yOrzEaAVcVwbHL_JTqKWv81Do3KRbYIqjjI/s320/keylargo5.jpg" border="0" /></a> While I was doing some background research on <em>Little Caesar</em>, I came across an interesting bit in a <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=VBljswTLaIEC&pg=PA295&lpg=PA295&dq=little+caesar+film+encyclopedia&source=bl&ots=bUmsRIqWW-&sig=-2CNWGA71gbkfiPate7Sz8kk0og&hl=en&ei=M_yOSoe5MJCasgPN-JTiCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#v=onepage&q=little%20caesar%20film%20encyclopedia&f=false" target="new">book</a> called <em>The Great Depression in America: A Cultural Encyclopedia</em>. The entry for <em>Little Caesar</em> discusses how the now cliched lingo for gangsters (mugs, flatfoots, moll, the goods, etc.), was taken not from real street talk, but from the imaginations of Hollywood writers. It's a good example of the enduring influence of Hollywood and classic films. Anybody have some other examples?<br /><br />Above is Johnny Rocco (Edward G. Robinson) and his boys in Key Largo (1948).Alixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-47279784998048831562009-08-23T12:00:00.000-07:002009-08-23T14:35:07.339-07:00Classic Film on Twitter<div>If you've given in and joined Twitter - the latest online craze - you can get news and info about classic film in between all those tweets in your stream about who's mowing their lawn and who had an especially tasty sandwich for lunch. Here's who to follow:</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Turner Classic Movies - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">@tcm</span></span><div>Updates from the cable movie channel about upcoming programming as well as general discussion about specific films and stars.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Elizabeth Taylor - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">@DameElizabeth</span></span></div><div>This one's been certified by the folks at Twitter as Liz's official feed. Although she doesn't often tweet specifically about the world of classic film, it's still interesting to know what she's up to.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Lauren Bacall - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">@Lauren_Bacall</span></span></div><div>I'm not actually sure if this one is run by Lauren, but it's fun to read none the less. Frequent reminisces about fellow movie star friends and pictures of them together are very interesting.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Nick Charles - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">@Thin_Man</span></span></div><div>An anonymous fan tweets solely lines spoken by the dashing detective in any of the 6 "Thin Man" films. Highly entertaining.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">American Film Institute - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">@AmericanFilm</span></span></div><div>Mostly links to various videos housed in their newly launched video portal (which we blogged about <a href="http://anatomyofaclassic.blogspot.com/2009/08/afi-video-portal.html" target="new">here</a>) with a few fun tweets thrown in including movie trivia, upcoming events and retweets of other prominent members of the movie world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let us know if you find any others worth following - enjoy!</div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-23124524858952217982009-08-14T15:40:00.000-07:002009-08-14T16:48:44.986-07:00Elisabeth and Essex and the Coolest Boots in Classic Film<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg3BxL2Q6p0CxfADUwcPbRIR8JEzAptKIDAMrZDSI5tl8bfNtd5cCHMKG9aWDIJpsUvgfReMTFOlulPtJ4_u9aucwYI3mHuilskxrz_aeUoVmSnlY8Tz6yUyFxwmNjrw7gyeNiL4Rkkk/s1600-h/Annex+-+Flynn,+Errol+(Private+Lives+of+Elizabeth+and+Essex,+The)_02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGg3BxL2Q6p0CxfADUwcPbRIR8JEzAptKIDAMrZDSI5tl8bfNtd5cCHMKG9aWDIJpsUvgfReMTFOlulPtJ4_u9aucwYI3mHuilskxrz_aeUoVmSnlY8Tz6yUyFxwmNjrw7gyeNiL4Rkkk/s320/Annex+-+Flynn,+Errol+(Private+Lives+of+Elizabeth+and+Essex,+The)_02.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369970328393359762" /></a><br /><div>Continuing my unintentional Michael Curtiz-a-thon, I watched <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">The Private Lives Of Elizabeth & Essex</span> (1939) last night. Review is forthcoming, but until it gets posted, enjoy these fantastic boots worn by all the male actors in the film - design courtesy of Orry-Kelly. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a full-length picture, so this one will have to suffice. You get the idea. <br /></div><div> </div><div> </div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-90903953281448752382009-08-12T15:13:00.000-07:002009-08-16T11:46:49.831-07:00Review: Little Caesar (1931)Starring: Edward G. Robinson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr.<br /><br />Co-Starring: Glenda Farrell, William Collier Jr., Sidney Blackmer<br />Directed by: Mervyn LeRoy<br />Other notable contributors: Darryl F. Zanuck and Hal B. Wallis - producers.<br /><br />Favorite scene: Rico meeting Big Boy in his fancy apartment. Rico is out of his element amidst such luxury and his mannerisms are amusing in an otherwise serious film.<br /><br />Favorite line: "You can dish it out, but you got so you can't take it no more." - Rico<br /><br />Raves: Edward G. Robinson is fantastic as Caesar Enrico Bandello, a gang member who through smarts and force, eventually becomes one of the most powerful gang bosses in Chicago. Rico is a multi-dimensional character, who maybe isn't the biggest guy on the block, but is sure the toughest gangster in the neighborhood. Robinson is convincing not only as the tough guy, but also when depicting Rico's concern for friend Joe, played by Douglas Fairbanks Jr. shows through.<br /><br />Rants: Some of the supporting acting is either over the top or not convincing. It can be a bit disappointing when Robinson is so great in his role.<br /><br />My take: The film is fairly short, only about 80 minutes, and the pace never lags nor does the plot get boring. Even though the plot isn't exactly fresh to modern day audiences, Little Caesar was one of the earliest films to show the life of a big city gangster. In this respect, it's interesting to watch later gangster films, including modern ones, and see just how much influence Little Caesar had on the film genre.<br /><br />Recommended if: Your in the mood for a good gangster film without a lot of violence but with a great main character.<br /><br />Modern-Day Counterpart: Scarface (1983). This film is much more violent, but both films have similar story arcs depicting the rise and fall of a gangster.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eik9YUQELhUAMwbzRrrI2q68HXetBoc5W-wW5cHC1GK0PNKnO6_ITaFlxJEC8knacPit_2IO81R5pztoo95RJ-crGTkH5oHchdDoP0W8XqXyaQug7iLwZXtvHczpz8uWTO8cCmgwtG0/s1600-h/LittleCaesar.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 220px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369505870996892210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eik9YUQELhUAMwbzRrrI2q68HXetBoc5W-wW5cHC1GK0PNKnO6_ITaFlxJEC8knacPit_2IO81R5pztoo95RJ-crGTkH5oHchdDoP0W8XqXyaQug7iLwZXtvHczpz8uWTO8cCmgwtG0/s320/LittleCaesar.jpg" /></a>Alixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-4679470656871039962009-08-05T17:09:00.000-07:002009-08-06T12:36:43.253-07:00AFI Video PortalThe American Film Institute has launched the <a href="http://www.afi.com/video/" target="_blank">beta version</a> of a new video portal that classic movie fans may find interesting. The site houses clips from such events as the Life Achievement Awards, the 100 years... series, and various seminars. The site is a little slow and difficult to navigate, but hopefully these issues will be addressed during this testing period. I hope they'll be adding to the content, as there are some Life Achievement Award ceremonies I'd love to see that are currently not posted (Cagney, Welles, Wilder, Bette Davis, etc).<div><br /><div> </div><div>I especially enjoyed watching <a href="http://www.afi.com/video/VideoPlayer.aspx?videoid=LazJJK7AxVQ" target="_blank">clips</a> from Alfred Hitchcock's Life Achievement Award ceremony with appearances by Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Jimmy Stewart, Vera Miles, Tippi Hedren, Henry Fonda, Theresa Wright, Jane Wyman, Edith Head, and more. When dear Ingrid makes a lovely <a href="http://www.afi.com/video/VideoPlayer.aspx?videoid=WKpuunhqWk4" target="_blank">speech</a> to congratulate him and thank him for his guidance, Hitch never cracks a smile.</div><div><br /></div><div>We'll report back and let you know if/when they add more classic movie-related videos!</div></div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-24741667057863644282009-07-20T10:02:00.000-07:002009-07-27T21:11:38.442-07:00Supporting Actor Spotlight: Karl MaldenName: Mladen George Sekulovich<br /><br />Notable Roles: Harold 'Mitch' Mitchell (Streetcar Named Desire - 1951), Father Barry (On the Waterfront - 1954), Archie Lee Meighan (Baby Doll - 1956), Sheriff Dad Longworth (One-Eyed Jacks - 1961), Gen. Omar Bradley (Patton - 1970).<br /><br />Trademark: Played wide ranging roles from generals to priests, but often played an everyman.<br /><br />Achievements and Awards: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1951 - Streetcar Named Desire), Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series (1985 - Fatal Vision), President of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Screen Actor's Guild Lifetime Achievement Award (2003), inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame (2005).<br /><br />Why we love him: Malden was one of the most versatile supporting actors in Hollywood and gave some of Hollywood's most memorable performances in supporting roles. Malden is also credited, along with Marlon Brando, Elia Kazan, and other New York theatre stars, as bringing a more realistic style of acting to the screen. Malden always came across as a likeable guy who you wanted to root for and for this we want to thank Karl Malden for being a great supporting actor.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA3RNTpHCsd6jQvxzi-rzXkDDSoFy3Ph7A4mn4f3-kwNjPzdEHsPqjIosZpWiZsohqKGPRfNWte4mpo5Q5iiCZq86v4RCj14fRrGteNqw_LI1nVtuppCs-ZMUatP8BMnl0yAnVotyTdI/s1600-h/karlmalden.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360684303293046338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA3RNTpHCsd6jQvxzi-rzXkDDSoFy3Ph7A4mn4f3-kwNjPzdEHsPqjIosZpWiZsohqKGPRfNWte4mpo5Q5iiCZq86v4RCj14fRrGteNqw_LI1nVtuppCs-ZMUatP8BMnl0yAnVotyTdI/s320/karlmalden.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-14455158136902000802009-07-08T20:55:00.000-07:002009-07-08T21:20:13.570-07:00Supporting Actor Spotlight SeriesVery shortly, we'll be starting a new post series discussing one of our favorite classic movie topics - the supporting actor. So many talented actors never quite get the attention they deserve (as this <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=232257&title=Rippy-Awards---Celebrity-Crypts">Daily Show</a> clip points out after the death of Karl Malden). You never see Biography: Thelma Ritter or AFI Life Achievement Award: Thomas Mitchell, even though these actors are an essential part of the films they're in. Never fear, talented supporting actors - Anatomy Of A Classic, uh, supports you. <div><br /></div><div>Who's your favorite? </div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-90750597024780552522009-07-06T09:37:00.000-07:002009-07-08T15:31:09.385-07:00Review: Twelve O'Clock High (1949)<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Starring:</span> Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlow, Gary Merrill </span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Co-Starring: Millard Mitchell, Dean Jagger</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Directed by: Henry King</span> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Other notable contributors: produced by Darryl F. Zanuck</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Favorite scene: Brigadier General Savage (Peck) visiting a wounded pilot (Marlow) in the hospital.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Favorite line: "I never heard of a jury convicting the lawyer." - Major Stovall</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Raves: Even though the film is about a WWII bomber group, this isn’t really a war movie. It’s more of a study of leadership and how Gregory Peck’s character is able to turn a “hard luck” bomber group into a successful unit despite resistance from his men. The film is very engrossing and the screenplay is well written. There is none of the usual overdone go-get-‘em mentality of most war films. Instead, the film depicts the real emotional damage war has on the people involved in a profound way.</span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Rants: None come to mind.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">My take: My father has been trying to get both of us to watch <em>Twelve O’Clock High</em> for years, but I always shrugged it off as another war film (not my favorite genre). I’m glad I finally did watch it though, and I hope others don’t do what I did for so many years. While the film may not contain the snappy dialogue that I think makes other classic movies entertaining, it does have several short monologues or exchanges between characters that can be equally as engaging.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Recommended if: You're in the mood for a more thoughtful or thought provoking film.</span><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;font-size:small;">Modern-Day Counterpart: The movie <em>Gallipoli</em> (1981) is similar in that it explores the effects of war on the solidiers fighting in it.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAawR6DOVWpiv3mPevPqONAJLIJXDMpD1I-DAfu3micJ-Y5htvx_udaV2G9wzTk6IComZHyLom_pmw1QkWuHfIXC6ie3YeKobGB2Hw06tJuQ6ivIESX5hp26DbUT-lSthqxzPrR_F3lwI/s1600-h/Twelve-Oclock-High03.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355902057236278514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAawR6DOVWpiv3mPevPqONAJLIJXDMpD1I-DAfu3micJ-Y5htvx_udaV2G9wzTk6IComZHyLom_pmw1QkWuHfIXC6ie3YeKobGB2Hw06tJuQ6ivIESX5hp26DbUT-lSthqxzPrR_F3lwI/s320/Twelve-Oclock-High03.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-7418044276133208122009-06-30T08:17:00.000-07:002009-06-30T20:00:51.582-07:00New To Classic Film? 6 Movies To Get You Started<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you're a member of Gen Y, it's pretty easy to know absolutely zilch about classic films. Unless they were played in your house growing up or you cultivated the interest on your own, you might never have been exposed to them. We've put together a list of 6 films that can serve as an introductory set to the Golden Age of Hollywood. These 6 were chosen not just because they are great films, but because they'd make an easy transition for a viewer not used to the style of classic filmmaking. So if you'd like to see more of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Casablanca</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> than just the parts featured in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When Harry Met Sally</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, read on.<br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">North By Northwest (1959)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alix says-- A good introduction to Hitchcock. The mystery keeps you in suspense and keeps the film at a good pace. Also a good classic color film for those leery about black and white.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lindsay says-- Tons of interesting locations, lots of action sequences, a vibrant Herrmann score, and the legend that is Cary Grant. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">All About Eve (1950)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alix says-- One of my all time favorites. The characters are memorable and it has a fantastic script that shows off classic film dialogue at its best.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Lindsay says-- Scripts don't get much better than this. We quote this movie all the time and you have too if you've ever said "buckle your seatbeats..." A </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">fantastic</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> cast.<br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Casablanca (1942)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alix says-- This film has it all: romance, comedy, drama, and suspense. Lots of great acting, one liners, and excellent use of black and white film that will leave you wanting more.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lindsay says-- There's a reason this is </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> classic movie. I find more humor in this film every time I view it. Watch this so that next time you hear someone say "Here's looking at you, kid", "Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship", "Round up the usual suspects", or "Play it again, Sam" you'll know what they're talking about. And then you can be a know-it-all and tell them that "Play it again, Sam" isn't actually the line.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">On The Waterfront (1954)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alix says-- Watching this film will make you want to see more of Marlon Brando. A simplistic plot but it keeps your interest and is never boring.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br />Lindsay says-- A compelling film. The characters still seem so modern, even though it was made decades ago. Like Al said, you will be hooked on Marlon Brando after watching this movie. </span></div><div><div> </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Sunset Boulevard (1950)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alix says-- One of the best uses of black and white film, perfect for someone who isn’t used to it. The characters and film background will pique your interest in classic film culture.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lindsay says-- A film noir with style. Shot in a similar style of today's films, with intrigue and tension from the very first frame. <br /><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Thin Man (1934)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alix says-- A very funny film even 75 years later and a great introduction to classic comedies. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lindsay says-- A murder mystery with a sophisticated sense of humor featuring a new kind of detective. Witty banter, a dog named Asta, and a cocktail (or two...or three...) for good measure. </span></div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-69803852065498885862009-06-29T20:00:00.000-07:002009-06-29T21:58:21.749-07:00Review: The Barefoot Contessa (1954)<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ava Gardner</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Co-Starring: Edmond O'Brien, Marius Goring, Warren Stevens</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Other notable contributors: Joseph L. Mankiewicz - screenplay, Jack Cardiff - cinematography</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Favorite scene: Verbal sparring match between multi-millionaires Kirk Edwards (Stevens) and Alberto Bravano (Goring).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Favorite line: "A press agent is many things, most of them punishable by law." - Harry (Bogart)</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Raves: Mankiewicz can write great lines. Lines that are not only funny or clever, but thought-provoking. He makes interesting observations on all aspects of life, the important and the trivial, usually through the use of narration -- think the Mankiewicz-written exposition in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All About Eve</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> as performed by George Sanders.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rants: The ending. I won't spoil anything in case you haven't seen this one yet, but the ending almost ruined the movie for me. The ending is bizarre and seemingly out of place with the tone and context of the rest of the film. I was watching it with my roommate, who three-fifths of the way through jokingly shouted out a random guess at how it would end. We laughed at her preposterous suggestion and then gasped with horror when her guess proved to be correct. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My take: I was disappointed, mostly by the ending. It's too bad, because I think very highly of Mankiewicz as a writer. You let me down, Joe. Side note - I was pleasantly surprised to find Marius Goring adeptly playing the role of the suave, South American businessman Bravano. Goring is a usually fair haired actor well known to myself for playing the role of Sir Percy Blakeney in the 1956 television series "The Scarlet Pimpernel".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Recommended if: you really, really like Joseph L. Mankiewicz and your dog chewed your copy of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All About Eve</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A Letter To Three Wives <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">is on loan to a friend</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Modern-Day Counterpart: Ending aside, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Save The Last Dance</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (2001). Both feature a dancer who ventures into a new world with the help of a trusty confidant. </span></span></div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGU1gPtoL7GG_5D4OVf0QdFRuvfzMbjwJuIElCxiogyhr8mxzFOgdP4hZaF1RGmKVFGBb4pyrADL2rJjwAvLW0-I_pB-Do8x8gidSanlhjPCAnEHN4vKJvwdPjn4fwN59a6AydihELW68/s320/barefoot+contessa.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352962306662649506" /><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:13px;"> </span></div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-61980386868667948792009-06-29T14:30:00.000-07:002009-06-29T21:07:54.762-07:00Review: Wife vs. Secretary (1936)<div>Starring: Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow<br /><br />Co-starring: James Stewart, May Robson, George Barbier<br />Directed by: Clarence Brown<br />Other notable contributors: costume design by Adrian<br /><br />Favorite scene: Linda, Loy’s character (the wife), and Whitey, Harlow’s character (the secretary), exchange a long look at the end that sets everything straight.<br /><br />Favorite line: “Don’t look for trouble where there isn’t any, because if you don’t find it, you’ll make it.” - Dave<br /><br />Raves: It’s really the stars of the film that make it worth watching. Gable and Loy are great as always, but I really enjoyed Jean Harlow in a role where she isn’t just the blonde bombshell. Jimmy Stewart also does a great job in a supporting role as the boyfriend of Jean Harlow’s character, Dave.<br />Rants: The wife being jealous of the husband’s secretary isn’t the most original plot.<br /><br />My take: What I really love about the film is how differently the two couples are depicted. The scenes between Harlow and Stewart are especially wonderful and its unfortunate they never made another film together. Also, although the title suggests a comedy, I see the film as really more of a drama with fun parts.<br /><br />Recommended if: you’re looking for an easy to watch film with some great stars.<br /><br />Modern-Day counterpart: The only modern counterpart I could think of would be Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) based on the love triangle between characters. Anybody have a better suggestion?</div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyE6rIHjQH2ZPivJVB5QgH7TCzz6z-TpWDI3R5vFbXB81yj2GwvvTJmcKaLhQl5ptlo_hK-_9zut3qVVJOtEPmxWbWWdGNH5hr8IYiGnrsL9bNJt3MZmj-QB6WM4-bcHrX96FTq3E55Q/s1600-h/wifevssecretary.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352967203852238066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyE6rIHjQH2ZPivJVB5QgH7TCzz6z-TpWDI3R5vFbXB81yj2GwvvTJmcKaLhQl5ptlo_hK-_9zut3qVVJOtEPmxWbWWdGNH5hr8IYiGnrsL9bNJt3MZmj-QB6WM4-bcHrX96FTq3E55Q/s320/wifevssecretary.bmp" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbmhbrHDKOaDcmMJOr-IGFjR6FxwI1RB5zVJqhxACKeILdEJzzfgZi_KITu_mCLxq_w8fTg8RTnT_eM60rmtOykS24X9yNCRV3xKNIyPOlgtkyzFAB9fZGjOHULaq8pDo53S-OaPxYio/s1600-h/wifevssecretary.bmp"></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Alixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270084387392940831noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-21950723061155955342009-06-28T11:09:00.000-07:002009-06-29T19:31:50.540-07:00Review: High Society (1956)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Starring: Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Co-Starring: Celeste Holm, Louis Armstrong, Louis Calhern </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Directed by: Charles Walters</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Other notable contributors: Cole Porter - music, Helen Rose - costumes</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Favorite scene: Pre-wedding party. Grace Kelly's character, Tracy, has a little too much champagne and funny lines follow.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Favorite line: "I'm sensational. Everybody says so!" - Tracy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Raves: While I love films in black and white, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">High Society</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> was made for Technicolor. The brightly colored sets and rich costumes add to the sprightly tone. The Cole Porter songs are lighthearted, hummable little ditties that move the film along at a nice pace. My favorite one, "Well Did You Evah?" features Frank and Bing duetting and dancing in the library. A line in that song makes reference to the real-life changing of the guards in popular music:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bing ad-lib: "buh bum bum bum" <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Frank: "Don't dig that kind of crooning, chum"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bing: "You must be one of the newer fellas"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rants: Very few. Can be a little silly at times. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My take: Grace Kelly, Cole Porter tunes courtesy of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, vibrant Technicolor, the plot of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Philadelphia Story</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> - what's not to love? While the original 1940 non-musical version has better actors in the three leading roles (Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">High Society</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is more fun. I watch this film about once a month. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Recommended if: y</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ou're looking for a fun, lighthearted movie for a sunny afternoon and you don't mind musicals.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Modern-Day Counterpart: My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) - both have a strong, central female character with a lesson to learn and good use of music.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As Louie Armstrong says, "end of story!" </span></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuH_gejxuM6tkcwD6tTD-N-FyYh_oN1blXclzrRhpLStf2uIMNkFncvKzL-5gw_xi5GhErsM45ItMuLsAYcZtxlA-SPgcBcYQR-EBnUQZ8l0Bpm3SNJEPyfGjPYcjiDDERquliNyuP9yQ/s320/Annex+-+Crosby+Bing+High+Society_NRFPT_01.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352536280190183906" /><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7114862303911429034.post-83487574908610124382009-06-28T10:56:00.000-07:002009-06-28T16:32:47.147-07:00Welcome!Hello and welcome to Anatomy of a Classic! We're two sisters who share a love of classic movies and a penchant for discussing and debating them. Atypical for classic movie fans, we're both in our early 20's. Feel free to write us anytime.Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01555701747522102340noreply@blogger.com0