Saturday Evening Movie Thread

Saturday Evening Movie Thread - 11/30/2024

Michael Powell (and Emeric Pressburger)

The best form of this is going to be the recent documentary Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger narrated and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. He has been a fan of the work of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, often under the production company banner The Archers, since he was an asthmatic child unable to go out and play and spending all day in front of his television where he discovered movies like The Tales of Hoffmann on a local station in New York. He and his fellow students at NYU in the 60s like Brian De Palma kept searching for uncut prints of movies like The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp and Peeping Tom, but it was after the success of Mean Streets that he actually found Powell alive and forgotten in Kent which began a friendship between the two men that lasted the rest of their lives. Powell even married Scorsese's editor, Thelma Schoonmaker.

Well, I guess I don't have to write anything, just go watch that!

Well, I'm gonna write more anyway because I watched every Powell and Pressburger film as well as every film Powell himself made alone (though I could never find a copy of the one film that Pressburger made alone), and I have come away with thoughts. I will share such thoughts!

The important thing to consider regrading Powell and Pressburger is that they were such a tight collaborative pair that shared writing, directing, and producing credits on fourteen feature films. They also worked together on ten more in different capacities, the most important being five of them where Pressburger is credited as sole writer and Powell is credited as sole director. Powell directed 31 other films without any involvement from Pressburger (mostly from the early quota quickie period) while Pressburger only directed one film without Powell (Twice Upon a Time, which I would have watched but could never find a copy of).

When considering Powell's career and even the collaboration between Pressburger, it could be said that most of Powell's work would be considered fairly standard fare for any capable and talented director in the British film system of the day (the early 30s through the early 60s, roughly). However, it's not that bulk that people like Scorsese latch onto, it's the special period, mostly through the 40s, that capture the imagination. It's not the capable and entertaining Hitchcock-like Contraband but the ethereal The Red Shoes.

Formalism

It's the films from 1939 to 1951, almost without exception, that people latch onto, everything outside of that getting scant mention if any at all (Scorsese mentions one quota quickie, The Phantom Light, in Made in England, out of more than 20 that Powell made). From The Spy in Black to The Tales of Hoffmann, these are films that seem to work by their own rules. It was within this period, as Powell and Pressburger were gaining a rather strange power within the British filmmaking world, that Powell zeroed in on what he called "composed film", the synthesis of light, color, sound, motion, and music into something distinctly cinematic.

In art, there's a generalized model of how stories are presented. On one extreme there is realism. In the middle is classicism. On the other extreme is formalism. Realism is the attempt to recreate reality, obviously. Classicism is applying dramatic rules to realistic things, creating this bridge between reality and the fakery of formalism. Formalism is the complete embrace of fakery at the expense, usually, of things like plot and character and, especially, realism. Formalism is something that mass audiences usually tend to reject with regularity in the Western world. Think of even outrageous things like fantasy and science fiction where audiences (and even some artists) want to approach things that cannot be like they could be (think the textured physical reality of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings or the muted color schemes of most Marvel movies) with people demanding realism from watching hordes of monsters and aliens destroying things and being fought off by a single guy or small group.

For extreme formalism, though, think of Francis Ford Coppola's experimental One from the Heart which bombed horribly at the box office or...The Red Shoes.

There was a series of films I watched in this period of the Archers' output, mostly A Matter of Life and Death and The Red Shoes where, had I watched them contemporaneously, I would have been convinced that they would tank the careers of the eponymous creative team. They so completely embrace artifice in the telling of their stories that they feel like films that mass audiences would simply reject.

And both were massive (massive) hits at the time. Heck, Alexander Korda, the producer of The Red Shoes, was so convinced of the film's inability to connect with audience that he dumped the film in a series of small London theaters with hardly any promotion, convinced it was going to die a quick death, and yet the postwar English audiences discovered it on their own, propelling it to massive success.

So, what is it about these films that's so strange and yet so popular?

Composed Film

I mentioned Powell's conception of what he called "composed film" in the last section, so let's take a look at it. Below is a clip from The Red Shoes. It is the central ballet, happening at about the middle point of the film and lasts about fifteen minutes. It shows Moira Sheerer as Vicky dancing to the ballet written by her boyfriend and produced by the domineering Lermontov. It's extremely subjective, quickly losing any sight of realism for this created reality where a dancer on a stage can immediately jump into new ballet slippers that instantly lace up, where she can fall through the stage and just keep dancing, where the mischievous and evil Shoe Maker can turn into both her boyfriend and Lermontov as she regards him. And it's all done to the music with Vicky dancing in time, the action on screen hitting the beats of the composed score, creating this uniquely cinematic segment.

For a more modern progenitor of this, think of how Edgar Wright composes his action scenes to music, especially in Baby Driver or, also, the ending to Last Night in Soho.

That's the only section in the film that follows those rules on that kind of grand scale, though. However, it actually started in Black Narcissus and it's 10-minute long suspense sequence of madness near the ending while he would push it as far as he could in The Tales of Hoffman, an adaptation of an Offenbach opera from 1881 where the combination of sight and sound in the operatic model gave Powell the freedom to push his techniques as far as possible. Below is another clip, this one from my favorite of the three main tales in the film when the titular Hoffmann fell in love with a female automaton.

You can see the combination of camera moves, movement of characters in the frame, the dancing, and the editing all in time to the music, creating this ethereal reality that...you either buy into or don't. I largely did, and while I don't quite hit the same levels of appreciation as someone like Scorsese who holds Powell and Pressburger up as some of the greatest cinematic artists who ever worked in the medium, I do appreciate them for the unique and talented artists that they were.

Decline

The Red Shoes were a surprise success, but the pair ended up discovering commercial failure pretty regularly afterwards. Their little slice of British psychological realism, The Small Back Room bombed (it's pretty good). The production and first cut of The Elusive Pimpernel angered their financiers, Samuel Goldwyn and Korda, so much that the pair were forced to reshoot large sections of it. Their effort to work with David O. Selznick, Gone to Earth, with his new wife Jennifer Jones, made just about no one happy (Selznick would re-edit and reshoot some stuff for a separate American version he titled The Wild Heart). They increasingly found trouble financing films, the only notable success being a bog-standard WWII film, The Battle on the River Plate, that feels nothing like their work.

The pair amicably ended their partnership after Ill Met by Moonlight, another WWII movie, this one set on Crete and telling the true story of the capture of a German general, though they remained friends with Pressburger writing a couple more of Powell's film (They're a Weird Mob, under a pseudonym, and The Boy Who Turned Yellow), but Powell's career was sputtering out, mostly because of Peeping Tom.

Peeping Tom angered British critics in a way that rarely happens. They found it disturbing and unappealing in how Powell told the story of a killer from the killer's perspective, in retrospect also creating what is arguably the first slasher film. Powell was somehow able to pull together funds for one more British feature film (the largely forgettable The Queen's Guards), but he entered exile for a few years (first to Germany then to Australia) before his ability to find any funds for films simply stopped in the early 70s. It was only a couple of years later that Scorsese, fresh off the success of Mean Streets discovered that this unseen hero of his, Michael Powell, was still alive and sought him out.

The two became friends for the final sixteen years of Powell's life with Scorsese doing that other thing that he's important to: film preservation and advocacy. Powell became one of the cornerstones of his efforts with the Film Foundation, leading restorations of several of his films including Scorsese's favorite, The Red Shoes.

Discovery

So, should you discover him? I think so, but I kind of hate to say that the limits are the best known things. Mostly, I'm thinking of the quota quickie period which are thirteen surviving films, all made very quickly, that lack of time leaving them all feeling somewhat incomplete. There are some small joys to be had here and there (His Lordship to see him attempting Lubitsch and a couple, like Crown v. Stevens where he imitates Hitchcock reasonably well), but it's really everything that gets mention that needs paying attention to, starting with Powell's solo work The Edge of the World, his first post-quota quickie film, extending through his propaganda work like 49th Parallel and reaching the highest points of his career like A Matter of Life and Death (my personal favorite) and The Red Shoes.

There is a wealth to discover, but just be forewarned that these are largely unusual. I find them unusual in wonderful, enchanting ways, but you're not getting a whole lot of realism from them.
Movies of Today

Opening in Theaters:

Moana 2

Movies I Saw This Fortnight:

A Matter of Life and Death (Rating 4/4) Full Review "This is a triumph of a film, the kind of humanist dramatic comedy of bright colors and intricate imagination that cinema had been reaching for since its earliest days with Melies. Truly operating in the earliest of cinema's traditions, The Archers made one of their best movies here." [Personal Collection]

Black Narcissus (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "So, it's a bit of a roller coaster. It's kind of obvious, but it's really fun in its own twisted way as it plays out. I wouldn't quite call this top tier Archer material, but it's close." [Personal Collection]

The Red Shoes (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "What I have in its place is this wonderful appreciation of the technical side of things, something that really does carry the film a very good bit, and a story underneath that works well enough, feeling more like straight melodrama than an elevation of it." [Personal Collection]

The Small Back Room (Rating 3/4) Full Review "On balance, it's a good film, but its unevenness and odd direction of an ending hold me back from greater appreciation, from joining that small chorus that call it a lost Archers (without the name) masterpiece." [The Criterion Channel]

Gone to Earth (Rating 2/4) Full Review "So, it's mostly dull, but the story, while rote, flows well enough (I'd call it base functional) while the film is consistently pretty. I didn't hate it, but I was regularly unengaged by anything that actually happened on screen." [Library]

The Elusive Pimpernel (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "I wish Powell and Pressburger had studied adventure stories a bit more before finalizing their before filming, restructuring things and reprioritizing plot a bit more in the first half to give the film a clearer drive. It's never dull, though, it just never quite comes together despite the efforts of the final act." [Library]

The Tales of Hoffmann (Rating 3.5/4) Full Review "As a technical exercise, it excels. As an emotional journey, it functions. As cinema, it's a wonderful experience, but it could have been a bit more." [Plex]

Ill Met by Moonlight (Rating 3/4) Full Review "So, it's not deep. It's solid. I can see why Powell, considering his previous work, would feel so disappointed in the film. It doesn't have any of the flourishes or character depth of his previous partnerships with Pressburger." [Library]

Contact

Email any suggestions or questions to thejamesmadison.aos at symbol gmail dot com.
I've also archived all the old posts here, by request. I'll add new posts a week after they originally post at the HQ.

My next post will be on 12/21, and it will discuss a case study in adaptations.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at 07:45 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at November 30, 2024 07:42 PM (fwDg9)

2 I asked this Thursday night at Thanksgiving dinner.

Do you have a dumb movie you can't help but like ?

I have some.

Posted by: jsg at November 30, 2024 07:47 PM (7kKPC)

3 Working Girl and Legally Blonde are two sort of dumb movies that I have watched several times. I just like 'em, that's all.

Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 07:49 PM (uqhmb)

4 3 Working Girl and Legally Blonde are two sort of dumb movies that I have watched several times. I just like 'em, that's all.
Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 07:49 PM (uqhmb)

Exactly. Every time I see Napolean Dynamite on, I watch it. Dumb but makes me laugh. Mostly Uncle Rico.

Posted by: jsg at November 30, 2024 07:53 PM (7kKPC)

5 This afternoon and finishing it now a Canadian film on Passchendaele, battle in WWI, the 3rd battle of Ypres
A bit of a love story, been pretty good on YouTube but take it from comments it's edited ( being YouTube)

Posted by: Skip at November 30, 2024 07:53 PM (fwDg9)

6 A perfidious Brit turned me on to Powell and Pressburger 25 years ago. He loved Colonel Blimp, which I hate. I love A Matter of Life and Death, and I Know Where I'm Going. Have to admit I am very fond of the "propaganda" films 49th Parallel and One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing.

Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 07:53 PM (uqhmb)

7 Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger was just added to Kanopy this week.

Posted by: Mark1971 at November 30, 2024 07:55 PM (szMU5)

8 HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN IS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER!!!

Ok, no, it's dumb. Dumber than most even. I still like it.

(shrugs)

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at November 30, 2024 07:57 PM (v9vY1)

9 Theres a powell marathon on tcm

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at November 30, 2024 07:57 PM (pGTZo)

10 It grows on you i havent seen in years

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at November 30, 2024 07:59 PM (pGTZo)

11 The Criterion Channel has a number of Powell/Pressburgers up at the moment, including Red Shoes, Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, and I Know Where I'm Going

Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 30, 2024 08:00 PM (q3u5l)

12

A Matter of Life and Death is on TCM at this very moment.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 30, 2024 08:01 PM (63Dwl)

13 I just saw "The Small Back Room" on TCM a few days ago. Solid little WWII character study of a chemist/explosives expert and his R&D team and their attempt to figure out what triggers the odd randomly exploding cannisters dumped by the Luftwaffe,

The lead character is an alcoholic. The only odd scene out in this kitchen sink war movie was the surreal DTs nightmare sequence.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 30, 2024 08:01 PM (kpS4V)

14 TJM have pull at TCM?

Posted by: Skip at November 30, 2024 08:02 PM (fwDg9)

15 11 The Criterion Channel has a number of Powell/Pressburgers up at the moment, including Red Shoes, Colonel Blimp, Black Narcissus, and I Know Where I'm Going
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 30, 2024 08:00 PM (q3u5l)

===

It's funny, but I already own most of them, so the Criterion Channel helped me almost none at all in this effort!

Plex helped me just as much this run.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:02 PM (GBKbO)

16 I Know Where I'm Going is also on Amazon Prime (unless they're taking it off tomorrow because new month). Been meaning to rewatch it. I'm not a big fan of Roger Livesey, but I like him best as the Scotsman Torquil.

Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 08:03 PM (uqhmb)

17 Dumb movies

Amazon Women on the Moon
Are You Being Served?: The Movie
Cyborg 2087
Death Race 2000
Murder By Death
The Sure Thing
What's Up, Doc?
Zapped!

... and those are only the movies I remember. If I add TV shows, then Jake 2.0 and Chuck.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at November 30, 2024 08:03 PM (VNX3d)

18 TJM have pull at TCM?
----

TJM is Mario Cantone! Tell Mank to have a giallo night!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 30, 2024 08:03 PM (kpS4V)

19 14 TJM have pull at TCM?
Posted by: Skip at November 30, 2024 08:02 PM (fwDg9)

===

Nope. Just coincidence.

Happy coincidence.

Heck, I only sort of knew that Made in England had come out when I decided to put Powell and Pressburger on the schedule.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:03 PM (GBKbO)

20 Its more a ben mankewitz themed

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at November 30, 2024 08:04 PM (pGTZo)

21 "The Small Back Room" (1949) added to my list, thanks!
https://tinyurl.com/4tws3jpu

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 08:04 PM (XYJTg)

22 Two biases confirmed. I don't get ballet and I don't get artsy fartsy movies.

Posted by: Oddbob at November 30, 2024 08:05 PM (62ucv)

23 Good evening morons and nice job TJM

This week I watched "Apartment 7A" a prequel to "Rosemary's Baby". It was well done but the lead actress confuses eyeblinking (which she does continuously) with acting.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 08:07 PM (RIvkX)

24 I'm sure I've seen "Black Narcissus," but don't remember it. I guess my usual, but not ironclad, preference is Realism > Classicism > Formalism.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 08:08 PM (XYJTg)

25 The 49th Parallel is on YouTube

https://youtu.be/TSTDemGRdko

So is One Of Our Aircraft Is Missing

https://youtu.be/y2dwaknWSvM

Posted by: Mark1971 at November 30, 2024 08:10 PM (szMU5)

26 "China in Flames" (1925) Thirty minute Soviet cartoon short shows the usual Gang of Exploiters, this time plundering China's wealth and sovereignty. Moscow resolutely responds with the Karakhan Manifesto, some words from Lenin, and a railway promise that got taken back.
youtube.com/watch?v=MacrrXDy8fs

"The Peasant's Lot" (1912) Obscure Russian drama short. Croppers' idyll is interrupted by house fire. Here's the movie, and a link to a much better review than the drivel I just typed/deleted. (His review has pictures!.)
youtube.com/watch?v=z7tpOckk8qM
https://tinyurl.com/2s4cbdzn

"Shy Guy" (1947) Dick York is lonely. This educational short has genuine pathos; just try to get through all fourteen minutes without shedding a tear. Even now, in our modern enlightened world of 2024, oscillator builders are often misunderstood and even shunned.
youtube.com/watch?v=pf1h89f5KeM

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 08:11 PM (XYJTg)

27 49th Parallel has a very young and beautiful Glynis Johns; she is adorable as a peasant girl.

Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 08:12 PM (uqhmb)

28 27 49th Parallel has a very young and beautiful Glynis Johns; she is adorable as a peasant girl.
Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 08:12 PM (uqhmb)

===

And she already has that voice.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:14 PM (GBKbO)

29 28 27 49th Parallel has a very young and beautiful Glynis Johns; she is adorable as a peasant girl.
Posted by: skywch at November 30, 2024 08:12 PM (uqhmb)

===

And she already has that voice.
Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:14 PM (GBKbO)

I'll have to watch it. She was wonderful in An Appointment With Venus. No, it isn't about the goddess, but it's a WWII espionage film. Bucolic, with David Niven and Kenneth More.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at November 30, 2024 08:17 PM (VNX3d)

30 "China in Flames" (1925)
----

Painful!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 30, 2024 08:18 PM (kpS4V)

31 I started to watch Brit movies from the mid 30s to mid 50s, on YT. The acting is always superb. Some were produced by the Archers, some the guy with the gong at the beginning. I don’t know if any of them were Powell/Pressburger created, but most captivated my interest.

Posted by: kallisto at November 30, 2024 08:19 PM (D6e9t)

32 Watched The Boy in the Woods on dvd
I think everyone should watch it

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at November 30, 2024 08:19 PM (WL2lA)

33 "One of Our Aircraft is Missing" (1942) Limey bomber crew downed in Netherlands assisted by local resistance. Too earnest. Lacks subtlety.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 08:21 PM (XYJTg)

34 A Matter of Life and Death by Powell and Pressburger contains one of the greatest speeches extolling America in film. It's given by then Canadian actor Raymond Massey, playing the spirit of a Revolutionary patriot. It is deeply moving, more so that it was written by an Englishman.

Posted by: Xknight at November 30, 2024 08:21 PM (aT80U)

35 31 I started to watch Brit movies from the mid 30s to mid 50s, on YT. The acting is always superb. Some were produced by the Archers, some the guy with the gong at the beginning. I don’t know if any of them were Powell/Pressburger created, but most captivated my interest.
Posted by: kallisto at November 30, 2024 08:19 PM (D6e9t)

====

The Archers are always P&P. The guy with the gong is the intro for Alexander Korda, their producer, who also made other films without them.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:22 PM (GBKbO)

36 17 Dumb movies

Amazon Women on the Moon
Are You Being Served?: The Movie
Cyborg 2087
Death Race 2000
Murder By Death
The Sure Thing
What's Up, Doc?
Zapped!

... and those are only the movies I remember. If I add TV shows, then Jake 2.0 and Chuck.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at November 30, 2024 08:03 PM (VNX3d)

Hey now! What's up Doc? is not dumb! Its one of, the best comedies of the 70s. Streisand is sexy/funny , which....just doesn't seem possible, but it's true!

Posted by: zigggggy at November 30, 2024 08:23 PM (K5Rdg)

37 The NY Public Library used to host the Celeste Bartos forum lectures: usually distinguished novelists like Josef Brodsky (fascinating), but one speaker was Michael Powell, with Thelma Schoonmaker by his side.

Powell refused to sit: he stood ramrod straight towards the front of the stage, and would gather his forces for a moment, then emit a long, glittering, complex, syntactically perfect sentence. Then a longish pause, and another sentence....

He talked about his career, dating from working on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in the 'silent' era, up to the present day. Alas, I can remember nothing of the substance of what he said that night. But he was a brilliant man.

Posted by: Beverly at November 30, 2024 08:24 PM (Epeb0)

38 Evening.

I bought The Red Shoes based on nothing more than the cover photo used on the Criterion edition and the brief description. I thought, "Fuck it, why not?"

Freakin' LOVED it.

Posted by: Robert at November 30, 2024 08:24 PM (AHXlf)

39 34 A Matter of Life and Death by Powell and Pressburger contains one of the greatest speeches extolling America in film. It's given by then Canadian actor Raymond Massey, playing the spirit of a Revolutionary patriot. It is deeply moving, more so that it was written by an Englishman.
Posted by: Xknight at November 30, 2024 08:21 PM (aT80U)

===

The movie was made to try and smooth over Brit and America relations towards the end of WWII, so it becomes an effort to praise both cultures.

Of course, it ended up releasing after the war was over.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:24 PM (GBKbO)

40 I started to watch the ballet scene in the Red Shoes, but peeled off after 4.5 minutes or so. I imagine if I were in a theater, immersed in the experience, I’d be more likely to stay gripped, if only for the fact that there is so much to look at as the action unfolds.
Also I’m prone to the 21c attention deficit syndrome which is not remedied by having the ability to jump from one online video to another, on a whim.

Posted by: kallisto at November 30, 2024 08:25 PM (D6e9t)

41 37
He talked about his career, dating from working on The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in the 'silent' era, up to the present day. Alas, I can remember nothing of the substance of what he said that night. But he was a brilliant man.
Posted by: Beverly at November 30, 2024 08:24 PM (Epeb0)

===

That's wonderful. I'm jealous.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:25 PM (GBKbO)

42 41 Concur.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 08:26 PM (XYJTg)

43 38 Evening.

I bought The Red Shoes based on nothing more than the cover photo used on the Criterion edition and the brief description. I thought, "Fuck it, why not?"

Freakin' LOVED it.
Posted by: Robert at November 30, 2024 08:24 PM (AHXlf)

====

Blind buys rarely work out that well. Do check out some others by them. They may just be in your wheelhouse.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:27 PM (GBKbO)

44 I like to watch ballet performances live but not really ballet movies, except when it's part horror

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at November 30, 2024 08:30 PM (WL2lA)

45 Hey now! What's up Doc? is not dumb! Its one of, the best comedies of the 70s. Streisand is sexy/funny , which....just doesn't seem possible, but it's true!
Posted by: zigggggy at November 30, 2024 08:23 PM (K5Rdg)

It's a great movie. I call it a dumb one because it's perfect for when I don't want to think about the world - just the movie. It's one of the movies to watch when I need to return my brain to normal, terrestrial speeds, instead of hyperlight problem-solving.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at November 30, 2024 08:30 PM (VNX3d)

46 Anyone see Ladykillers (1955) ?(a non Powell film, bet you don't know the director of it!) one of the best black comedies ever. Remade with Tom Hanks in 2004, perhaps his worst film. Not sure how that could happen. guess hollwood last 20 years or so

Posted by: zigggggy at November 30, 2024 08:32 PM (K5Rdg)

47 The Red Shoes scene. Breathtaking. My first thoughts after watching this are Beethoven's last 4 sonatas. Odd. Yes. No. All of these have a freedom within in their domain that go to a place that captures something beyond the notes and the dance. Beethoven captures the sonic center of a spiritual experience while this dance captures the essence of where Beethoven takes us through motion. One coin, two sides. Both are so profoundly architected that they gain a freedom that break the conventional forms from which they sprung and become perfect expressions of that which could only be expressed in a piano sonata or in a cinematic ballet.

Still neither are true art: no dog.

Score: Double Plus Good.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 08:33 PM (vO42M)

48 'The Red Shoes (Rating 3.5/4)'

I've seen the Red Shoe Diaries. Is it about the same?

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 08:35 PM (3wi/L)

49 Emeric Pressburger also wrote a wonderful little book titled "The Glass Pearls" about a (fictional) Nazi war criminal living in constant fear of his past being discovered while he lives in 1960s England. Well worth searching out.

Posted by: ID Gent at November 30, 2024 08:35 PM (scVk1)

50 Ah, now I remember (after reading your post) -- Powell told us "Peeping Tom" was his masterpiece, his favorite film, and defended it passionately.

Posted by: Beverly at November 30, 2024 08:36 PM (Epeb0)

51 "A Matter of Life and Death"(1946) is a movie I've loved since I saw it as a young lad on TV.

Another movie I saw around the same time at I also love is "Heaven Can Wait" (1943)a comedy/drama by Lubitsch(IIRC) that kinda sorta shares some characteristics.

I wonder sometimes if Powell and Pressburger were influenced by HCW when making AMoLaD.

They'd make a good double feature. Check both out.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 08:36 PM (eDfFs)

52 51 I wonder sometimes if Powell and Pressburger were influenced by HCW when making AMoLaD.

They'd make a good double feature. Check both out.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 08:36 PM (eDfFs)

===

I mention Lubitsch whenever I can, but I think Matter can be more easily tied to Here Comes Mr. Jordan than Lubitsch's Heaven Can Wait which feels more nostalgic, reflecting back on a life well lived.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan, of course, got remade into Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:39 PM (GBKbO)

53 I watched The Red Shoes in glorious 4K. You know, if they got rid of the music and dancing, ballet would be a pretty good art form.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 30, 2024 08:43 PM (CHHv1)

54 Movies with similar scenes is a list I've been gradually building:

Calling out wrong woman's name during make-out
Groundhog Day
French Kiss

Waking up with drool
Ferris Buehler
Galaxy Quest

Brand underwear mistaken for nametag
Back to the Future
Blast from the Past

Capt Kirk: KAAAAHHNNN
Streetcar: STELLLLAAHH

Dresses/outfits made from curtains
Sound of Music
Enchanted
Gone with the Wind
(Carol Burnett GwtW parody including curtain rod)

Posted by: mindful webworker - SHAAAANE? at November 30, 2024 08:44 PM (j6Lim)

55 Here Comes Mr. Jordan, of course, got remade into Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait.
Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:39 PM (GBKbO)

And that is one of the rare instances where I think the remake is better than the original. Charles Grodin and Dyan Canon steal every scene they’re in.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 08:45 PM (W6hoT)

56 55 Here Comes Mr. Jordan, of course, got remade into Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait.
Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:39 PM (GBKbO)

And that is one of the rare instances where I think the remake is better than the original. Charles Grodin and Dyan Canon steal every scene they’re in.
Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 08:45 PM

====

The remake even got nominated for Best Picture. Hollywood loved Beatty.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:45 PM (GBKbO)

57 Love their films - The Red Shoes is a favorite except for the stupid ending, which made me mad the first time I saw it as a young teen, and every viewing since then. But I watch it every chance I get - it is a permanent addition in my film collection.

The music, the dancing, and oh my, the colors!

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth - AoS Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief. Eat the cheesecake, buy the yarn. at November 30, 2024 08:46 PM (SRRAx)

58 Here Comes Mr. Jordan - such a good movie. The supporting cast ran rings around Bob Montgomery though. I wonder if he ever caught on they were upstaging him. Maybe it’s due to him being somewhat miscast…I don’t think he was able to really sell himself as a prizefighter, but everyone else ‘s roles seemed to fit them like a glove.

Posted by: kallisto at November 30, 2024 08:46 PM (D6e9t)

59 Dumb movies:

Soapdish
Titanic

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 08:46 PM (RIvkX)

60 I'm now watching Vinegar Syndrome's blue ray of "Tough Guys Don't Dance." You know, for a writer, Norman Mailer couldn't write.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 30, 2024 08:46 PM (CHHv1)

61 Ladykillers (1955) was in the middle of a long run of brilliant dark comedies starring Alec Guiness

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 08:47 PM (W6hoT)

62 Sorry. Should I have waited 'til after comment #100? 🤤

Posted by: mindful webworker - whoops whoopsie at November 30, 2024 08:47 PM (j6Lim)

63 I've watched Titanic, but prefer the Twilight Zone episode "Passage on the Lady Anne". Better, tighter story.

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf - Remember Vic and VNN! at November 30, 2024 08:48 PM (VNX3d)

64 "Peeping Tom" is a successful movie I think. It does exactly what it sets out to do.

But, it's such an emotionally grimy, sad, feel bad movie, that you kind of hate it even as you acknowledge its artistry.

You want to take a shower after watching it.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 08:48 PM (eDfFs)

65 The Sniper - 1952
Directed by Edward Dmytryk
Produced by Stanley Kramer

Eddie Miller has extreme mommy issues and takes it out by shooting women from various San Francisco roof tops with his easily disassembled rifle which he carries around in a brief case. Still he is not without charm: nasty as he is he knows he a complete psychopath and feels awful about it from time to time.

While watching this play out I keep thinking this is Dirty Harry but told from the sniper's perspective, something that Clint Eastwood would never allow since he a complete camera hog hence the need for Sniper being remade as Dirty Harry. Plus San Francisco.

It is pretty dope watch.

Score: Double Plus Good.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 08:50 PM (vO42M)

66 39
'It's given by then Canadian actor Raymond Massey, playing the spirit of a Revolutionary patriot. '

It seems like I read Mr. Massey was more of an admirer of the Soviet system.
If so, that goes to show how good an actor he was!

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 08:57 PM (3wi/L)

67 LOVE The Ladykillers - the little old lady steals the movie!

Also love "Soapdish" and "What's Up, Doc?" - don't consider either of those as "dumb". They are both very clever 😊♥️

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth - AoS Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief. Eat the cheesecake, buy the yarn. at November 30, 2024 08:58 PM (SRRAx)

68 65 Recommended.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 08:59 PM (XYJTg)

69 TiFW, I like What's Up Doc? C'mon, Barbra is teh awesome comic actress and Ryan O'Neal the perfect foil.

Soapdish has terrible casting, terrible acting, a lame story. I was with a girl and begged to leave.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 09:03 PM (RIvkX)

70 I have my Dad's monaural LP copy of "The Tales of Hoffman". Offenbach's ToH was the source material for Manuel Rosenthal's "Gaite Parisienne" ballet music. Wonderful music and a grand introduction to Offenbach.

Posted by: mrp at November 30, 2024 09:04 PM (rj6Yv)

71 Soapdish was a very fun movie, I’m surprised it never shows up on replay channels. But comedies are always underrated.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 09:05 PM (W6hoT)

72 Started watching Peeping Tom but looked into what it was about and didn't want to see the nice woman murdered so quit fast

Posted by: Skip at November 30, 2024 09:07 PM (fwDg9)

73 Soapdish is a spoof, the lame acting is part of the spoof on the genre, as is the soap opera plot.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 09:08 PM (W6hoT)

74 I started to watch Brit movies from the mid 30s to mid 50s, on YT. The acting is always superb. Some were produced by the Archers, some the guy with the gong at the beginning. I don’t know if any of them were Powell/Pressburger created, but most captivated my interest.
Posted by: kallisto at November 30, 2024 08:19 PM (D6e9t)

"The Man in the White Suit" is one of my favorite social satires. Alec Guiness being chased down the street by a howling mob is a hoot.

Posted by: mrp at November 30, 2024 09:08 PM (rj6Yv)

75 66 39
'It's given by then Canadian actor Raymond Massey, playing the spirit of a Revolutionary patriot. '

It seems like I read Mr. Massey was more of an admirer of the Soviet system.
If so, that goes to show how good an actor he was!
Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 08:57 PM (3wi/L)
Lots of commies in Hollowood. Turner classic movies EXISTS to rehab these commies and other assorted freaks. Mrs. E loves TCM. She’s standing behind me with a carving knife right now, ain’t she?

Posted by: Eromero at November 30, 2024 09:08 PM (LHPAg)

76 TJM

Yeah, I can see "Here Comes Mr Jordan" along with AMoLaD and HCW as meditation on life and death triple feature.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 09:09 PM (eDfFs)

77 We were given a whole tote box full of DVDs. Haven't had time to paw through them all, but most are movies. A few tv shows. No kid stuff, yay!

Posted by: JQ at November 30, 2024 09:13 PM (YoCnN)

78 75
'She’s standing behind me with a carving knife right now, ain’t she?'

She told me if I answered that, I'd be sorry.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 09:13 PM (3wi/L)

79 Hollywood Reporter sez this is the biggest box office take in Thanksgiving weekend history! I guess folx are feeling some catharsis in the renewed hope for a possible return to National Sanity.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 09:16 PM (XYJTg)

80 The guy with the gong was the Rank Organization, I think.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 09:16 PM (W6hoT)

81 I asked this Thursday night at Thanksgiving dinner.

Do you have a dumb movie you can't help but like ?

I have some.
Posted by: jsg at November 30, 2024 07:47 PM (7kKPC)

I'd have to say it's Them!, the 1954 movie about giant mutant ants -- created due to the atomic bomb tests in the New Mexico desert. What little special effects there are in the movie are pretty laughable.

But I love this movie. Starts out as a police procedural trying to figure out why a catatonic little girl is wondering alone in the desert.

There is a scene where white phosphorus bazooka rockets are being fired at a giant ant hill. Having been in the field artillery, it sure looks like WP explosions to me!

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at November 30, 2024 09:17 PM (pJWtt)

82 Chuck Barris was pretty rank.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 30, 2024 09:17 PM (kpS4V)

83 Raymond Massey. *taps chin*

Oh yeah, he played the Boris Karloff looking character Jonathan Brewster in the movie version of Arsenic and Old Lace.

Posted by: Count de Monet at November 30, 2024 09:18 PM (Om+8i)

84 "Them!"is just flat out a good movie. It just happens to be about giant mutant ants.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at November 30, 2024 09:19 PM (kpS4V)

85 Raymond Massey played Dr. Gillespie in the Dr. Kildare TV series.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 30, 2024 09:21 PM (63Dwl)

86 I tried to tag along with this one but most of these films really turned me off. I think the main reason was the main characters are very British and/or not very admirable. And if I don't like the characters, I don't like the movie.

Oddly, I think I enjoyed the 'villain' of The Red Shoes the most, as he seemed to be the most realistic and well-rounded of the cast.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (xcxpd)

87 83 Raymond Massey. *taps chin*

Oh yeah, he played the Boris Karloff looking character Jonathan Brewster in the movie version of Arsenic and Old Lace.
Posted by: Count de Monet at November 30, 2024
Yeah, and he was Dr Kildare’s (Richard Chamberlain) kindly old mentor. Heh.

Posted by: Eromero at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (LHPAg)

88 I'll second Eris.

"THEM!" Is just a plain good movie.

My stupid movie that I love (well one of them) is
"Happy Gilmore".

That movie is hilarious.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (eDfFs)

89 Lots of commies in Hollowood. Turner classic movies EXISTS to rehab these commies and other assorted freaks. Mrs. E loves TCM. She’s standing behind me with a carving knife right now, ain’t she?
Posted by: Eromero at November 30, 2024 09:08 PM (LHPAg)

Anne Revere, who played the role of Louise Casterot Soubirous in the film "The Song of Bernadette", was a member of the Communist Party. Now THAT's acting!

Posted by: mrp at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (rj6Yv)

90 OT: Gateway Pundit sez 'Trump Officially Nominates Kash Patel For FBI Director.' Works OK for me.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (XYJTg)

91 One of my favorite parts of them is when they go into the hospital to interview the derelicts there who have seen the ants, and one old drunk in particular completely steals the scene!

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (W6hoT)

92
One of my favorite parts of them is when they go into the hospital to interview the derelicts there who have seen the ants, and one old drunk in particular completely steals the scene!
Posted by: Tom Servo

Make me a sergeant in charge of the booze! Make me a sergeant in charge of the booze!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at November 30, 2024 09:25 PM (63Dwl)

93 Way past my bedtime
Have a great evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at November 30, 2024 09:26 PM (fwDg9)

94 55 Here Comes Mr. Jordan, of course, got remade into Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait.
Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:39 PM (GBKbO)

And that is one of the rare instances where I think the remake is better than the original. Charles Grodin and Dyan Canon steal every scene they’re in.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 08:45 PM (W6hoT)

Saw the remake in the theatres as a kid, saw the original many years later...was suprised I still liked the remake better. And Robert Montgomery was a very good actor (he quit years before dying, part of the reason his name doesn't come up much these days) A very underrated comedy of his is....Once More, My Darling 1949, a stupid title for a really original, if silly film. Ann Blyth (still alive!) is a very aggressive pursuer of the middle aged Montgomery, and...oh, just check out these reviews from IMDB! https://shorturl.at/zYqSE

Posted by: zigggggy at November 30, 2024 09:26 PM (K5Rdg)

95 KASH! AWoWOww!
He's for every one of us!

Posted by: gKWVE at November 30, 2024 09:29 PM (gKWVE)

96 66 39
'It's given by then Canadian actor Raymond Massey, playing the spirit of a Revolutionary patriot. '

It seems like I read Mr. Massey was more of an admirer of the Soviet system.
If so, that goes to show how good an actor he was!

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 08:57 PM (3wi/L)

wow, didn't know that! He is awesome as the terrifying killer brother of Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace (Boris Karloff played the role on Broadway, and still was when they made th film) and was wonderful in Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)

Posted by: zigggggy at November 30, 2024 09:30 PM (K5Rdg)

97 One of my favorite dumb movies is Down Periscope.
Another one is EuroTrip.

Posted by: CA Token at November 30, 2024 09:31 PM (2+yws)

98 When I first saw Them! I was mesmerized by the idea that New Mexico had giant radioactive ants. Looking back over the decades my entire life have been a journey to get to New Mexico and live there which I did in 2017. Sadly, once I was here, I was disappointed that New Mexico has zero giant radioactive ants because they native to California. I hate California.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 09:32 PM (vO42M)

99 OT: Gateway Pundit sez 'Trump Officially Nominates Kash Patel For FBI Director.' Works OK for me.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 09:23 PM (XYJTg)

Trump's pick for US Ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, is ... somethin'. No love for Macron, apparently.

Posted by: mrp at November 30, 2024 09:33 PM (rj6Yv)

100 Blind buys rarely work out that well. Do check out some others by them. They may just be in your wheelhouse.
Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 08:27 PM (GBKbO)

Most of the movies I buy from Criterion are blind, in particular the foreign language films. I figure the Criterion label means it's probably gonna be good and if the description is enticing I'll grab it.

I've seen a couple of Archers films, have A Matter Of Life And Death (need to watch it) and ordered Peeping Tom from the last flash sale but it is currently at my sister's until I get an opportunity to retrieve it. And I saw one on Amazon Prime about done women visiting an island off the coast of Britain that was greeeaaaat! Yeah, I think I like these guys's' films's.

Posted by: Robert at November 30, 2024 09:33 PM (AHXlf)

101 Anne Revere, who played the role of Louise Casterot Soubirous in the film "The Song of Bernadette", was a member of the Communist Party. Now THAT's acting!
Posted by: mrp at November 30, 2024 09
Well hell, look at Alec Baldwin in Hunt for Red October. It’s fine playacting on his part.

Posted by: Eromero at November 30, 2024 09:33 PM (LHPAg)

102 Mi scuzzi!

Posted by: gKWVE at November 30, 2024 09:34 PM (gKWVE)

103 100 And I saw one on Amazon Prime about done women visiting an island off the coast of Britain that was greeeaaaat! Yeah, I think I like these guys's' films's.
Posted by: Robert at November 30, 2024 09:33 PM (AHXlf)

====

That one is I Know Where I'm Going.

But yes, explore.

Posted by: TJM's phone at November 30, 2024 09:36 PM (GBKbO)

104 Everybody was a little pinko back then.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 09:36 PM (XYJTg)

105
Powell put himself outside the window of acceptable discourse with that "rivers of blood"
speech. But, it was true.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at November 30, 2024 09:36 PM (Ijbq0)

106 Dumb movies I like:

Lifeforce (the theatrical version). "That girl was no girl. She's totally alien to our planet and life-form...and totally dangerous."

Night of the Demons (the 80's one with Linnea Quigley). "NO! Eat a bowl of F@CK! I, am here, to PAR-TEEE!"

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at November 30, 2024 09:37 PM (CHHv1)

107 "I Know Where I'm Going" on YT:
youtube.com/watch?v=LfRmZ8LkCFE

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at November 30, 2024 09:38 PM (XYJTg)

108 Somehow I got my calendar out of whack. I’ve been set to St Patricks Day. Had 3 Jamesons and been up since 0330. Can’t remain perpendicular for the rest of the Longhorn/Aggie game. I leave you good people in charge, wake me up in time for divine services.

Posted by: Eromero at November 30, 2024 09:42 PM (LHPAg)

109 I love movies and hate Hollywood and most actors.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at November 30, 2024 09:43 PM (9mIGc)

110 Muh Horns lookin' good.

Hook'em Horns!!!!

Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 09:43 PM (eDfFs)

111 I don't really have anything for this thread. Been watching "Feral Historian" on youtube, who's good at breaking down genX movies like "Last Starfighter" (watching now).

Posted by: gKWVE at November 30, 2024 09:43 PM (gKWVE)

112 I have a lot of guilty pleasure movies.

3000 Miles To Graceland is one of them.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at November 30, 2024 09:45 PM (9mIGc)

113 Dumb movies I can't help but like?

The ones that come immediately to mind are:
1. Lost Continent (1951 - Cesar Romero, Chick Chandler, Sid Melton, and a bunch of dinosaurs, and a whole bunch of rock climbing)
2. Maximum Overdrive

Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 30, 2024 09:46 PM (q3u5l)

114 Powell put himself outside the window of acceptable discourse with that "rivers of blood"
speech. But, it was true.
Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at November 30, 2024 09:36 PM (Ijbq0)

That's kinda my thing.

Posted by: Vigo, the Scourge of Carpathia, the Sorrow of Moldavia at November 30, 2024 09:48 PM (Om+8i)

115 Missed a lot of this thread because I started running Colonel Blimp on the Criterion Channel. Will go back to it shortly. GOOD movie.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 30, 2024 09:48 PM (q3u5l)

116 I think Ray.ond Massey played James Dean's father in East of Eden

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth - AoS Ladies' Brigade plucky comic relief. Eat the cheesecake, buy the yarn. at November 30, 2024 09:48 PM (SRRAx)

117 Road House is definitely a dumb movie that a lot of people like.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at November 30, 2024 09:48 PM (9mIGc)

118 TJM

Saw 2 films I liked a lot recently. I wonder if you've seen them, or heard of them?

1) Lee, starring Kate Winslet. A docudrama about photographer & war correspondent Lee Miller.

2) Chernobyl, a 5 episode BBC miniseries about the 1986 disaster.

Posted by: mnw at November 30, 2024 09:48 PM (NLIak)

119 My recommendation for a little known movie is Far From Men with Viggo Mortensen.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at November 30, 2024 09:51 PM (9mIGc)

120 BREAKING: Dr. Claw announces a screw up.
I was very wrong about Raymond Massey.

From his Wikipedia article.
Massey also dabbled in politics, appearing in a 1964 television advertisement in support of the conservative Republican presidential nominee Barry Goldwater. Massey denounced U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson for a "no-win" strategy in the Vietnam War, suggesting that Goldwater would pursue an aggressive strategy and win the war quickly.

A thousand pardons to Raymond Massey

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 09:52 PM (3wi/L)

121 120

I don't think I could have screwed the pooch any harder.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 09:54 PM (3wi/L)

122 Has anyone seen the short movie by the Critical Drinker called Rogue Elements? He released it on YouTube.

Posted by: CA Token at November 30, 2024 09:55 PM (2+yws)

123 Dumb movie I like is obviously Flash Gordon.
Wonder if I should check out Area 88 . . .

Posted by: gKWVE at November 30, 2024 09:56 PM (gKWVE)

124 I hate Oregon. I won't tar ducks with Oregon because ducks are actually quite sweet. But Oregon beating up the Huskies is a crime.

At least the WSU Cougs didn't blow their lead over Wyoming - until the did. A disaster.

And finally, the NMSU Aggies played the UTEP Miners here in Las Cruces and sent them home to El Paso with a win. An all to typical situation.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 09:56 PM (vO42M)

125 Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 09:54 PM (3wi/L)

I was going to haunt you until you made the correction. Thank you.

Posted by: Ghost of Raymond Massey at November 30, 2024 09:57 PM (9mIGc)

126 Porky's defines dumb and fun.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 09:57 PM (vO42M)

127 Porky's defines dumb and fun.
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 09:57 PM (vO42M)

Another one that's really two movies. The first movie was hilarious. The second movie was boring and unfunny.

Posted by: Ghost of Raymond Massey at November 30, 2024 09:59 PM (9mIGc)

128 125
'I was going to haunt you until you made the correction. Thank you.'

I saw you in Arsenic and Old Lace. You can be pretty scary.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 09:59 PM (3wi/L)

129 I seem to recall an anecdote about Massey playing Lincoln, and being a real stickler on set; prompted someone to say "Massey won't be happy until he gets assassinated."

Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 30, 2024 10:01 PM (q3u5l)

130 I joined one those fraternal organizations last year because it is a mile from my house. Since then I have learned to smoke cigars and drink scotch. My mother would be horrified. I, on the other hand, am having quite a good time.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:03 PM (vO42M)

131 so yesterday I brought in (and watched) 2 hours of the Heir To The Empire youtube cartoon, and now I see there's a Darth Plagueis on Youtube too
youtu.be/K-nho7EdKRY

Posted by: gKWVE at November 30, 2024 10:04 PM (gKWVE)

132 Another one that's really two movies. The first movie was hilarious. The second movie was boring and unfunny.
Posted by: Ghost of Raymond Massey

Porky's II should be burned.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:04 PM (vO42M)

133 129
'"Massey won't be happy until he gets assassinated."'

That's how you know you did a good job.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 10:04 PM (3wi/L)

134 Thousand comment movie thread?

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:05 PM (+VovS)

135 Thank you TJM, I always learn so much from your essays.

Posted by: SuperMayorSuperRonNirenberg-Carpetbagger, But A Buff One at November 30, 2024 10:07 PM (ertzA)

136 Thousand comment movie thread?
-----

Not at this rate. Even without an ONT.

Posted by: JQ at November 30, 2024 10:07 PM (YoCnN)

137 8 HARLEY DAVIDSON AND THE MARLBORO MAN IS THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER!!!

Ok, no, it's dumb. Dumber than most even. I still like it.

(shrugs)
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at November 30, 2024 07:57 PM (v9vY1)

Yes this is The right opinion

Hell Comes to Frogtown Roddy Piper’s is great in it. I don’t understand why he didn’t become a bigger star.

Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at November 30, 2024 10:07 PM (FCrpy)

138 Hmmmm, maybe 250?

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:08 PM (+VovS)

139 The Saturday Night Joke is...

No ONT for you!

Posted by: mindful webworker - cry baby cry make your mother sigh at November 30, 2024 10:08 PM (j6Lim)

140 I am hopeful folks are enjoying the heck out of hanging with family.

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:10 PM (+VovS)

141 The Eternal Sunshine of the Endless Movie Thread.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 10:11 PM (W6hoT)

142 I went down a horror movie rabbit hole for a few days last week by watching a number of horror/slasher films that included The Last House on the Left and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (50th Anniversary Edition none the less).

Dang.

I don't remember those movies being that violent. Must have been due to the adult beverages and ditch weed we consumed at the drive-in.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:13 PM (vO42M)

143 no AoS after dark?

Posted by: Nom de weekend at November 30, 2024 10:13 PM (/7KEl)

144 Jake Speed
Basically TAKEN storyline, pulp action stories are real like Doc Savage etc, So Jake Speed helps a Woman find her kidnapped sister.

Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at November 30, 2024 10:14 PM (FCrpy)

145 The Neverending Movie Thread

Posted by: mindful webworker - part 2 at November 30, 2024 10:14 PM (j6Lim)

146 I went to see Bonhoeffer. I think I liked it. Not sure. I'm still thinking about it. It didn't help that I only have heard him quoted, but I didn't really know his story. Consequently I was trying to keep all the characters straight.
It would have helped me to have closed captioning as I missed some dialog.
There were also flashbacks that threw me off. This sounds minor, but it's not: when the text appears at the opening of a scene to tell you where and when it is, it needs to stay visible for about three times longer than necessary. I think I missed a couple of them and all I could do was look for context clues.
I LOVED the Niemoeller character. What a redemption story.

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at November 30, 2024 10:15 PM (dg+HA)

147 TJM - lovely essay as usual. Thanks.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:15 PM (vO42M)

148 *goes rummaging in Zappa CDs*

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 10:15 PM (RIvkX)

149 Well, the cougars decided to not play in the second half and lost to a 2-8 Wyoming team who wouldn't give up.

Huskies are getting beat like a red headed stepchild but Oregon.

Aggies just got a pick six though.

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 30, 2024 10:17 PM (Jsqlu)

150 Is it too late to send a draft ONT to a cob???

Meme I saw recently - dude with the whiteboard / giant notebook in two frames:

My rights don't end where your fear begins.
You stupid commie bitch.

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 30, 2024 10:17 PM (KcwUg)

151 Crystal ball says
10:35 CBD comes in with a two-word "Open Thread" post

Posted by: mindful webworker - part 3 at November 30, 2024 10:17 PM (j6Lim)

152 Also, snippet of Joe Rogan and some dood, maybe a techbro who was mentioned earlier? talking about various feralgov BS including debanking:
https://x.com/justinstillness
/status
/1862673649070747954

Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 30, 2024 10:19 PM (KcwUg)

153 >>> 149 Well, the cougars decided to not play in the second half and lost to a 2-8 Wyoming team who wouldn't give up.

Huskies are getting beat like a red headed stepchild but Oregon.

Aggies just got a pick six though.
Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 30, 2024 10:17 PM (Jsqlu)

I *told* you AOC is good at those!!!

Posted by: Tim Walz at November 30, 2024 10:20 PM (KcwUg)

154 Well, the cougars decided to not play in the second half and lost to a 2-8 Wyoming team who wouldn't give up.

Huskies are getting beat like a red headed stepchild but Oregon.

Aggies just got a pick six though.
Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage

The way Mateer has played in the last 3 games, the Cougs don't need to worry about a "name" college sniping him.

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:20 PM (+VovS)

155 Bunch o' Morons just gotta entertain theyselves on a Saturday Night.
.
.
.

Not like *THAT* you pervs!

Posted by: JQ at November 30, 2024 10:21 PM (YoCnN)

156 152 Also, snippet of Joe Rogan and some dood, maybe a techbro who was mentioned earlier? talking about various feralgov BS including debanking:
https://x.com/justinstillness
/status
/1862673649070747954
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
----

Retreiving the link to several clips
He created Netscape Browser for starters.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:21 PM (A3uq/)

157 Not like *THAT* you pervs!
Posted by: JQ

Sitting here endlessly hitting Refresh on the front page is very similar, no?

Posted by: mindful webworker - part 4 at November 30, 2024 10:24 PM (j6Lim)

158 Well, the cougars decided to not play in the second half and lost to a 2-8 Wyoming team who wouldn't give up.

Huskies are getting beat like a red headed stepchild but Oregon.

Aggies just got a pick six though.
Posted by: nurse ratched

Cougs...watched that game. Crushed me. I watched Wyoming beat up the University of New Mexico repeatedly but the Cougs, that is just cruel.

I hate Oregon - never understood why anyone would like anything about Oregon and that is coming from somebody who went to Portland State.

At least you are not saddled with being a New Mexico State University football fan - at least they will not end up being ranked 132 out 132 team, barely. Their strong point: best seats are $35.00.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:24 PM (vO42M)

159 The way Mateer has played in the last 3 games, the Cougs don't need to worry about a "name" college sniping him.
Posted by: Some Garbage Rat

To be fair, his receivers were shit.

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 30, 2024 10:24 PM (3weuU)

160 Sitting here endlessly hitting Refresh on the front page is very similar, no?
Posted by: mindful webworker

*snort!*

Posted by: JQ at November 30, 2024 10:24 PM (YoCnN)

161 Posted by: Helena Handbasket

Sure seems with a lot of these gov. laws/regs. to "protect" us, somehow get used ON us!

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:26 PM (+VovS)

162 Okay, I'm a-gonna make the sacrifice. I'm going to make a bathroom run, which surely means the ONT will pop up and I'll miss First.

Posted by: mindful webworker - part 5 at November 30, 2024 10:26 PM (j6Lim)

163 youtube.com/watch?v=OsAFbzjNV2s

Posted by: JQ at November 30, 2024 10:27 PM (YoCnN)

164 Agreed about Oregon

I hate them. The Oregon marching band played a halftime show at a Seahawks game decades ago. I stood up and screamed and threw an epic ranting cursing fit and almost passed out.

I did get the entire section to turn around and give me a standing ovation.

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 30, 2024 10:27 PM (3weuU)

165 >>>The entirety of the Joe Rogan Marc Andreeseen podcast is fascinating, but please, please listen to this part.

The abuse of power within unaccountable (and arguably unconstitutional) federal agencies has become so extreme the stories are almost unbelievable.

There are several short clickable clips and the full interview is there to click also. Scroll to the bottom (last) clip for the banking. Marc Andreeseen is very credible, check his bio at wiki.

https://tinyurl.com/y9rjru37

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:27 PM (A3uq/)

166 To be fair, his receivers were shit.
Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage

To be unfair, his decision making recently seems to be pretty bad.

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:29 PM (+VovS)

167 Oregon just put in their second string quarterback.

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 30, 2024 10:31 PM (H5Jj8)

168 Long drawn out comment, with specious conclusions and little evidence. Rambling personal anecdote followed by several non sequiturs. Final attempt at glibness.

okay, that should get willowed

Posted by: Nom de weekend at November 30, 2024 10:31 PM (/7KEl)

169 Mrs. F. is saying very cruel things about Washington.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 10:31 PM (RIvkX)

170 ONT Type thing.

To Roos relaxing.

https://is.gd/xxzhyE

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:31 PM (vO42M)

171 Saw a Matter of Life and Death for the first time tonight. I ignored Kansas State Football to watch it.

A highly satisfying film.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at November 30, 2024 10:31 PM (u82oZ)

172
It was freezing here by 7:15PM, and dropped below 30 before 10PM. It's now 28F. Average temp for today is going to be 35F, if not a smidge below.

The low last night here was 22.5F. Didn't get to 20F like I was figuring, and I'm happy for that. But it's gonna be a well digger's sphincter here for the next few days.

Posted by: publius, Rascally Mr. Miley (w6EFb) at November 30, 2024 10:32 PM (w6EFb)

173 Agreed about Oregon

I hate them. The Oregon marching band played a halftime show at a Seahawks game decades ago. I stood up and screamed and threw an epic ranting cursing fit and almost passed out.

I did get the entire section to turn around and give me a standing ovation.
Posted by: nurse ratched

*Fist bump*

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:32 PM (vO42M)

174 Mrs. F. is saying very cruel things about Washington.
Posted by: San Franpsycho

You might ask her to tone it done by repeating a few things we say about CA and SF.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:33 PM (vO42M)

175 I hate Oregon - never understood why anyone would like anything about Oregon and that is coming from somebody who went to Portland State.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram

My hate meter always ran:
All California teams
All Oregon teams
All Rest of the nation teams
All Arizona teams
All Colorado teams
All Utah teams
Washington

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:34 PM (+VovS)

176 I did get the entire section to turn around and give me a standing ovation.
Posted by: nurse ratched

Just like me!

Posted by: Joe Biden has equally believable stories at November 30, 2024 10:34 PM (VVcvQ)

177 The most important thing in training AI is that it's rigorously truthful. This is very, very important. Essential.

My concern about a lot of the AIs that are being developed is that they're trained to lie. In some cases, with potentially disastrous consequences.

When Google Gemini came out, people asked, which is worse, misgendering Caitlyn Jenner or global thermonuclear war? And it said, misgendering Caitlyn Jenner. That's a problem, guys.
_Elon Musk

That's just a snip.

https://tinyurl.com/2tc295an
_

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:34 PM (A3uq/)

178 Well. Washington did beat Michigan who just beat Ohio State.

So, there's that.

Posted by: nurse ratched, garbage at November 30, 2024 10:35 PM (iHpv6)

179 ONT Type Thing 2.

Poop jokes, by definition, are always funny.

https://is.gd/nzDr6c

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:36 PM (vO42M)

180 Going down to 50 tonight.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:37 PM (A3uq/)

181 When Google Gemini came out, people asked, which is worse, misgendering Caitlyn Jenner or global thermonuclear war? And it said, misgendering Caitlyn Jenner. That's a problem, guys.
_Elon Musk

_
Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others

Didn't someone have an AI program that was um, a little too honest? Had to be shut down?

Posted by: Some Garbage Rat at November 30, 2024 10:38 PM (+VovS)

182 DIY ONT content

Terrifying and Dodgy Creatures - EMUS - Ozzy Man Reviews
https://youtu.be/Lo9QHGUAmSg

Posted by: mindful webworker - tempting phate at November 30, 2024 10:39 PM (j6Lim)

183 It's disappinting that Vic hasn't been recognized in the missing friends section yet. Whichever of you coblggers can fix this please do it.

Posted by: JackStraw at November 30, 2024 10:39 PM (LkLld)

184 Saw a Matter of Life and Death for the first time tonight. I ignored Kansas State Football to watch it.

A highly satisfying film.
Posted by: NaCly Dog
---

Watched until D.N. washed up then it was time for ONT. But him talking to the tower was strong.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:39 PM (A3uq/)

185
And it said, misgendering Caitlyn Jenner. That's a problem, guys.

Don't bring me down.
BRUCE!

Posted by: ELO at November 30, 2024 10:39 PM (63Dwl)

186 New York Post@nypost

NYC is now home to over 58K ‘criminal’ migrants — including over 1,000 gang members: ICE trib.al/UpMC35A

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:41 PM (A3uq/)

187 You might ask her to tone it done by repeating a few things we say about CA and SF.
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:33 PM (vO42M)
======
*guffaws*

Sure, bro!
/not

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 10:41 PM (RIvkX)

188 152
'various feralgov BS including debanking:'

I hope they find out who's behind that and publicly ruin them for life.

Posted by: Dr. Claw at November 30, 2024 10:43 PM (3wi/L)

189 ONT Type Content

Thanksgiving evening just has been as much fun since the stores are staying closed.

https://is.gd/IGQmKq

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:44 PM (vO42M)

190 Hillary Clinton in 2008:
‘If They’ve Committed a Crime Deport Them, no questions asked’

https://tinyurl.com/bd39tcbf

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:45 PM (A3uq/)

191 "Do you have a dumb movie you can't help but like?"

"Pacific Rim". Giant robots fighting kaiju, all emanating from twisted mind of Guillermo del Toro. It's much better than it has any right to be, and I really enjoyed it.

I also liked "Battle:Los Angeles". So sue me.

Posted by: Nemo at November 30, 2024 10:45 PM (S6ArX)

192 LOL, the U-Dub Puppies got beaten like a pack of mincing twinks by the LGBTQ+ Ducks. Maybe their O line should try blocking for once.

Posted by: Dworkin Barimen at November 30, 2024 10:46 PM (y4o0q)

193 >>>
I hope they find out who's behind that and publicly ruin them for life.
Posted by: Dr. Claw
---

He says they know who did it but there's no paper trail.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:47 PM (A3uq/)

194 Jack Straw

specific mention of aos/vnn on vic's memorial page - 60+

mention of vic on aos absent page - 0

It almost seems like an intentional snub.

Posted by: old chick at November 30, 2024 10:47 PM (F3Dlr)

195 Andrew McCabe said that Kash Patel would destroy the FBI. Best recommendation I’ve heard yet!

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 30, 2024 10:48 PM (W6hoT)

196 "Pacific Rim". Giant robots fighting kaiju, all emanating from twisted mind of Guillermo del Toro. It's much better than it has any right to be, and I really enjoyed it.

I also liked "Battle:Los Angeles". So sue me.
Posted by: Nemo

You possess a rarely encountered taste in entertainment.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:48 PM (vO42M)

197 ONT10:44. Who wins?

Posted by: From about That Time at November 30, 2024 10:48 PM (4780s)

198 I think Vic's relationship with ace and the cobs was sometimes contentious over the years.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at November 30, 2024 10:48 PM (RIvkX)

199 Some years ago Vic had been absent for a period of time; there was voiced concern about his absence among the group. His wife graciously responded , on a thread, about his illness, welfare and his desire to be well enough to rejoin the group.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:48 PM (A3uq/)

200 The ONT Open Thread is here.

Posted by: RickZ at November 30, 2024 10:49 PM (gKDq2)

201 If I ever go absent please check the Dona Ana County jail roster. I will be the only one without bail in New Mexico.

Posted by: Altaria Pilgram at November 30, 2024 10:50 PM (vO42M)

202 198 I think Vic's relationship with ace and the cobs was sometimes contentious over the years.
Posted by: San Franpsycho
---

The lack of him being placed, in peace, with other absent friends is very telling.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:51 PM (A3uq/)

203 >>It almost seems like an intentional snub.

It is. And it's shameful.

Posted by: JackStraw at November 30, 2024 10:51 PM (LkLld)

204 201 If I ever go absent please check the Dona Ana County jail roster. I will be the only one without bail in New Mexico.
Posted by: Altaria Pilgram
----

Dibs on the bike.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:52 PM (A3uq/)

205 t's disappinting that Vic hasn't been recognized in the missing friends section yet. Whichever of you coblggers can fix this please do it.

Someone posited here yesterday evening that the HTML/PHP code for that section of the left sidebar appears o be "lost". I find that hard to believe.

Posted by: Notorious BFD at November 30, 2024 10:52 PM (mH6SG)

206 I was wrong in my prediction of CBD with a two-word Open Thread at 10:35

Nood CBD Open Thread with five words at 10:44.

I'm just no good at this prognostication stuff.

https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=412615

Posted by: mindful webworker - amazing kreskin apprentice at November 30, 2024 10:53 PM (j6Lim)

207 willowed once again

Posted by: Notorious BFD at November 30, 2024 10:53 PM (mH6SG)

208 205 t's disappinting that Vic hasn't been recognized in the missing friends section yet. Whichever of you coblggers can fix this please do it.

Someone posited here yesterday evening that the HTML/PHP code for that section of the left sidebar appears o be "lost". I find that hard to believe.
Posted by: Notorious BFD
---

The dog ate it.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:53 PM (A3uq/)

209 I'm just no good at this prognostication stuff.

https://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=412615
Posted by: mindful webworker
---

Mindful, stay. away. from. casino.

Posted by: Braenyard - some absent friends are more equal than others at November 30, 2024 10:54 PM (A3uq/)

210 Denied!!!

Horns do their on a goal line stand.

Posted by: naturalfake at November 30, 2024 10:56 PM (eDfFs)

211 Dumb movies I liked - the original Casino Royale.

Posted by: Norrin Radd, sojourner of the spaceways at December 01, 2024 01:33 AM (tRYqg)

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