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Saturday Evening Movie Post [moviegique]: The Magnificent Ambersons

Orson Welles' follow-up to Citizen Kane is the touching, tragic tale of an American family that rose to riches and prominence in the 19th century—only to lose it all in the wake of the burgeoning automobile industry.

Well, sort of. A funny thing happened on the way to the bijou (and there is an actual theater called "The Bijou" in this movie): War broke out. And not just any war, but World War II. More about that in a moment. (Stay tuned! for breaking World War II news!)

The second book of Booth Tarkington's trilogy, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, had been filmed previously, as a 70 minute 1925 silent picture which was chopped down to 33 minutes.

Orson Welles recorded a version of this story as an hourlong radio special featuring his Mercury Players. But he wanted to give it proper cinematic treatment. The Tarkingtons were family friends, and the character of Eugene (Joseph Cotton) Welles claimed was based on his own father, also an inventor, who died when Welles was 15.

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This little turd is going to get his come-uppance, and it's not going to be fun at all.

The movie goes like this: We get an opening narration with a fashion montage. This shows Joseph Cotton going through the fashions of the years in comical form, with stovepipe hats giving way to big derbies giving way to little derbies, and culminating with the tradition of serenading, as the the young Eugene Morgan (Cotton) goes to woo Isabel Amber (Dolores Costello) and, perhaps because he's had a bit of liquid courage, trips in her front yard, smashing his bass and fleeing in failure.

Because of this, Isabel marries Wilbur Minafer and (according to town gossip) can now be expected to spoil her children, because she doesn't really love Wilbur like she loved Eugene.

Enter George Minafer, Isabel's only son, who is a complete terror. After a childhood vignette, he goes off to college, and comes back more or less as awful as when he went, though at least somewhat more dignified.

When he returns, he meets Lucy Morgan, the only daughter of Eugene, a recent widower. And what is very clear is that Isabel and Eugene love each other just as they did twenty years ago. There's no impropriety. They simply dance together as George finds himself captivated by Lucy.

2.jpg

"Hey, you're not supposed to look at not-dad like that! You're only supposed to look at ME like that!"

The first act ends with the death of Wilbur, revealing that the family wealth is gone, and Eugene and Isabel are in love—something which is somehow scandalous in 1905 Indianapolis, and which provides the contentious bone for the tragedy which unfolds.

It's a great movie, often considered one of the best ever made, and that's with an hour of critical dramatic moments cut, and certain scenes re-shot to make them less dramatic and brightly lit—all done while Welles was filming a wartime propaganda documentary in Brazil which never got finished because the main subject, one "Mr. Alligator", apparently a great fisherman and legendary swimmer, drowned as Welles was filming him. (Well, that's one story. The other one is that Welles offered him a year's salary to go out against his better judgment and he was swept overboard and later found in the belly of a shark.)

Wells' passion for Tarkington's story extended back to his radio days and, unfortunately, came to fruition right as war broke out. RKO decided to do an advance screening in Pomona ("But will it play in Pomona?") for a bunch of teenagers who were there to see The Fleet's In, a 90-minute frothy, forgettable screwball musical comedy featuring Dorothy Lamour, Betty Hutton, William Holden and teen heartthrob (?) Tommy Dorsey. The idea of putting a broody, 150 minute, noir-drama in front of them after this was dumb, and dumb things resulted.

People laughed and hooted and walked out and derided RKO for showing it. "People don't want to see things like this!" Well, look, RKO's got a bottom line and a lot of trouble, so they need to hack things up and brighten them and make them all cheery and definitely not noir and also burn all the other footage so Welles can never recreate it. (This reminds me a bit of Playtime. I get why you'd have to repossess "Tatitown" but not why you wouldn't preserve it and rent it out to make money back as opposed to bulldozing it.)

3.jpg

Aunt Fanny about to start some.

But, here's the thing: Even being butchered, the elements of this film are so outstanding it towers over the average release (and not just today, which is almost too low a bar to measure, but going back decades). Like my recent re-viewing of Doctor Zhivago, the blending of technology and aesthetics makes a cineaste weep for art that will never be.

Unlike today, where the camera is compulsively swooshed around like Michael Bay's hands during a pitch meeting, the thoughtfulness of each sequence, each shot, communicates something about the story, the characters, the characters' inter-relationships, and so on.

Roger Corman had a rule: find legitimate, motivated excuses for moving the camera but always look for ways to move it. He said this was because you had to engage the eyeball to get the viewer engaged. Other low-budget film directors didn't move the camera because they weren't able to do so quickly, they didn't have the money, or they were lazy or untalented. Setting the camera down for lengthy periods signals "no budget" or possibly "Kevin Smith". Now, however, camera motion is like a bunch of presets that are used, rather carelessly but for much the same reason: The filmmakers want to look like they have a bigger aesthetic budget than they actually do. If you start noticing how clichéd modern movie tropes are—just in terms of the visual language—you might never enjoy another new film again.

Ambersons is Citizen Kane without the showiness and gimmickry, and in the service of a much more relatable story with great characters.

George is superficially awful, and his obsession with propriety drives much of the misery in the story, but the same attitude that causes him to expect to be treated deferentially and to prefer "being" over "doing" also makes it impossible for him to abandon his Aunt Fanny in her hour of need—literally at his own physical peril. Tim Holt plays the role that would've been Orson's (but Welles was mistakenly trying to get America to recognize him as a director, not an actor—his biggest mistake, he would later claim). Perhaps Welles would've been better, but Holt pulls off this difficult role quite easily.

Aunt Fanny. What a character. Neurotic, sure. At times, evil, I think, though we could certainly debate the point, as she seems genuinely regretful that she inflames George to drive a wedge between Isabel and Eugene, depriving them of a happiness they longed for over decades. (She even claims she didn't know she was doing it. That is left as an exercise for the viewer.) Fanny is played by Agnes Moorehead, who became an icon as the mother-in-law-from-Hell on "Bewitched," and in this role—leading to her first of four Oscar nominations—she is an utter powerhouse.

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George (Tim Holt) and Uncle Jack (Ray Collins) about to take their teasing too far.

Seriously, when she's on-screen, it's hard to watch anything else, as she seethes with jealousy, anger, grief—all because her prettier sister-in-law has captured Eugene's eye, and he preferred to leave town rather than live without her. (Fanny hoped and hopes, he will choose her by default.) The archetypal spinster aunt, Orson had Moorehead go through Fanny's breakdown scene for a solid day before shooting the scene that was so intense Moorehead herself nearly had a breakdown. But when people asked her later if she felt Welles was cruel, she said she found it exhilarating, and was unable to sleep for a week after. This was the scene that was ultimately chopped up because it was too intense, per RKO chief George Schafer.

Speaking of sacrificing yourself for art, this role was one of Dolores Costello's last, as the beautiful and charismatic Isabel, whose love for George is nearly oedipal. Costello was a silent movie actress, Lou Costello (of "Abbot and") named himself after her, and she was the grandmother of Drew Barrymore. But the makeup used in the silent era was very caustic, and by 1942, her skin was falling apart. At 39, she manages to pull of virginal teen, besotted MILF, and sickly, broken-hearted elder woman.

Cotton, as Eugene, has what I would consider one of the easiest roles, but he does an excellent job. In particular, as one of the inventors of the automobile, he handles George's extremely rude rant about the evil of automobiles and how they shouldn't have been invented, by agreeing with him. He sees the potential for trouble and he may live to regret his choice to contribute. This whole section of the film is astoundingly topical.

Anne Baxter is radiant. Cotton had seen her in the stage version of "Philadelphia Story" before Hepburn kicked her out, and liked her so much he hired her to be beautiful here. But she's also really good, because almost never quite know exactly what's going on beneath the surface. She has to be in love with George while recognizing what a jerk she is, and she has a tremendous scene where she has to pretend to not care about him.

At 90 minutes, I genuinely thought it could be an hour longer without wearing out its welcome, but I'm not a teenager in 1942 watching as part of a double-feature with "The Fleet's In".

Welles' original screenplay is still available, and Alfonse Arau attempted to shoot in 2001 with Madeline Stowe, Bruce Greenwood, John Rhys Meyers, Jennifer Tilly and Gretchen Mol. It went about as well as you'd imagine.

Not a huge hit, obviously, but RKO got a LOT of mileage out of the sets for YEARS, and the Amberson Mansion classed up a lot of cheapies like "Cat People", and is probably most famous for being the old Granville House in "It's A Wonderful Life".

Welles, of course, never really recovered and spent the rest of his life chasing funds and failing to complete projects, and still managed to leave behind some of the greatest movies ever made, and some of the greatest Hollywood stories.

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Posted by: Open Blogger at 07:30 PM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 And we are...live!

I didn't really have time to do a Chuck Norris thread. He was the best thing about his movies.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:31 PM (/d4WW)

2 I didn't really have time to do a Chuck Norris thread. He was the best thing about his movies.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:31 PM (/d4WW)

Roku has a section linking to 6 of his movies.

All 6 are on Tubi.

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 07:33 PM (Sco7b)

3 "Silent Rage" is really, really dumb. It's fun, though. Norris' movies are "Chuck + current-trend".

"Breaker, Breaker" => "Chuck + CB"
"Silent Rage" => "Chuck + slasher"
"Firewalker" => "Chuck + Indiana Jones"
"Sidekicks" => "Chuck + kid"

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:38 PM (/d4WW)

4 "The Magnificent Ambersons" is a terrific movie and very faithful to the book. The family fortune dissipates to nothing and adversity builds Georgie's character, eventually. His transformation from Little Demon Fauntleroy to a decent human being is well done.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 07:40 PM (kpS4V)

5 "Silent Rage" is an especially good example of how certain genres don't mix well.

Action movie => Indestructible Hero
Slasher movie => Indestructible Villain

So, "Silent Rage" features Chuck Norris repeatedly "killing" the slasher, who just keeps coming back.

In the end, he knocks the slasher down a well, and walks away brushing his hands off. "That's over!"

Then the slasher jumps out of the well. Roll credits.

Tough to end a movie when you've mixed those genres.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:41 PM (/d4WW)

6 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2026 07:42 PM (Ia/+0)

7 Really loved the novel. Still do. Classic turn of the century literature, a la Fitzgerald, Dos Passos, Sinclair et al.

The movie does it justice and then some.

Quite randomly I gave my son THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE to read. I don't know if he did or not, but then Netflix put the TV series on recently. 4 seasons, 40 episodes in total. I remember people raving about the series, but I find after 5 episodes wondering if I can make it to the end of season one. I remember the novella as not one of Dick's best but still decent. The series tries to expand a 150 page story it seems, and I'm not sure I'm buying it.

Chuck Norris should have beat Bruce Lee in the Colleseum. I'm not sure why that joke has never been tried in some witty form.

Posted by: Lex at March 21, 2026 07:43 PM (y4H1r)

8 || "The Magnificent Ambersons" is a terrific movie and very faithful to the book.

Our host started with the tragic history of the lost 50 minutes, but I didn't let that bother me. It's still great.

Interestingly enough, the original movie had an intense, somewhat downbeat ending, and the patch-up job the studio did was closer to the book (I'm told).

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:43 PM (/d4WW)

9 || Chuck Norris should have beat Bruce Lee in the Colleseum.

Nobody beats Bruce Lee! Even Robin could only fight him to a draw!

(I've heard this was a bone of contention on the '66 "Batman" series, when Batman & Robin fought The Green Hornet and Cato. Bruce Ward wanted to beat Bruce Lee, and Lee wasn't having it.)

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:46 PM (/d4WW)

10 Right now I'm watching "Cold Storage". Read the book and waited for the movie, but there was zero advertising -- that I saw, anyway. So I'm seeing it on VOD. Good enough B monster movie.

The Red Letter Media guys discussed this on their latest. Ad campaigns being a third of budget are passé except for the big flicks. Now stuff might get something on YouTube or social media.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 07:47 PM (kpS4V)

11 Man in the High Castle managed to leave me cold. Might have been when it came out.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 07:48 PM (zZu0s)

12 The first couple seasons of "Man in the High Castle" were great, then they went full DEI and it went to shit.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 07:49 PM (kpS4V)

13 Bruce Lee had a brand/ego and he guarded it jealously.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 07:49 PM (zZu0s)

14 I watched an okay-ish movie last weekend: Deathstalker. It's a reboot of an old 80's direct-to-video franchise. The new movie...was like if Sam Rami made a sword-and sorcery film. Lots of blood, lots of weird monsters, and most surprisingly, lots of practical effects. Some puppets, a bunch of stunt men in full body costumes, and even a midget in a full-face mask and make-up! The handful of all-digital effects were actually unnecessary and off-putting. No swearing, which was nice, but no boobs, which is shocking when compared to the first two Deathstalker movies. We get one girl in a D&D cosplay, but that is about it...

Despite the effects and the fight scenes, the movie doesn't quite take itself seriously enough to be a really 'good' fantasy movie. (It doesn't rise to the level of 'Mythica' or 'Curse of the Dragonslayer') It's not a farcical take on the genre, but the main character doesn't put any effort into sounding like he's from another time. The movie knows that it's just a tribute to older cult-classics (some of which, admittedly are complete farces) and is comfortable being just that.

Not a strong recommendation, but it's not actively terrible.

Posted by: Castle Guy at March 21, 2026 07:50 PM (Lhaco)

15 Moviegique.....that was a great write-up. I actually did read it all. When you mentioned Agnes Moorehead, I thought of 'The Invaders' from 'The Twilight Zone.'

I have watched and liked older movies. Thin Man. Bing Crosby movies. I should probably watch more and better after my horror kick dies down.

Since I'm watching horror movies now for a bit, I truly love sub-titles, especially during whispering scenes. And for both tv and movies, I think the worst thing ever invented was text messaging....and I'm not much of a movie person...

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 07:50 PM (Sco7b)

16 Yes not even alexa davalos can save it

But because nazi america is a hallucination they indulge in

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 07:51 PM (bXbFr)

17 11. I recall the novella being a stretch in terms of believability. Interesting future fiction where the Nazis and the Japanese win and carve up the US. But it felt odd where there's some neutral zone where the man in the high castle is a lone warrior of resistance. That lack of believability has spilled into the TV series which struggles to make me buy into most of what happens. Not sure why it received such raves or maybe I am misremembering that.

Posted by: Lex at March 21, 2026 07:51 PM (y4H1r)

18 Well.

This is my favorite film.

Posted by: BlackOrchid(j+aD2) at March 21, 2026 07:51 PM (j+aD2)

19 I caught "Hail Mary" today. Nice turnout at the theater. It's a big crowd-pleasing movie with an appealing lead actor -- actors; Rocky the arthropoid is great. Two and a half hours but it flew by.

There's a touch of the Gary Stu, and the usual strenuous diversity. Yes, it would take a world-wide effort, but if you've become attuned to it over the years you spot the red flags 🇨🇳

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 07:51 PM (kpS4V)

20 13 Bruce Lee had a brand/ego and he guarded it jealously.

And it killed him.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:52 PM (/d4WW)

21 3 "Silent Rage" is really, really dumb. It's fun, though. Norris' movies are "Chuck + current-trend".

"Breaker, Breaker" => "Chuck + CB"
"Silent Rage" => "Chuck + slasher"
"Firewalker" => "Chuck + Indiana Jones"
"Sidekicks" => "Chuck + kid"
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:38 PM (/d4WW)

I've currently got 'Breaker Breaker' in the dvd player. Chuck Norris is a trucker beating up a town of thieving hillbilles. Can't go wrong with that.

Posted by: Castle Guy at March 21, 2026 07:52 PM (Lhaco)

22 Probably the coke had a little to do with it

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 07:53 PM (bXbFr)

23 Ain't a damn clock in this place works any more.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 07:54 PM (MF/Oh)

24 thanks for the writeup, moviegeek!

I know people here doubt my taste in films which is more than fair. I tend to favor cinematography over story. and that is why I love The Magnificent Ambersons.

Posted by: BlackOrchid(j+aD2) at March 21, 2026 07:56 PM (j+aD2)

25 Welles' original screenplay is still available, and Alfonse Arau attempted to shoot in 2001 with Madeline Stowe, Bruce Greenwood, John Rhys Meyers, Jennifer Tilly and Gretchen Mol. It went about as well as you'd imagine
---/

I recall hating it.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 07:57 PM (kpS4V)

26 14 I watched an okay-ish movie last weekend: Deathstalker. It's a reboot of an old 80's direct-to-video franchise.

THEY REMADE DEATHSTALKER?!?!

I guess I knew they were doing that and pushed it out my mind. The "Deathstalker" series was pretty rapey. The first one featured Barbie Benton, which was kind of astonishing.

It bordered on camp, and crossed that border in the sequel, with Monique Gabrielle, the dream girl from "Bachelor Party", the 'centerfold' in the "Pethouse Video" segement of "Amazon Women on the Moon", the girl who discovers she has boobs in "Evil Toons," Emmanuelle in "Emmanuelle 5".

She had a unique acting style that primarily involved her eyebrows.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:57 PM (/d4WW)

27 My wife and I used to joke that "The Man in the High Castle" should be titled "The Man Who Never Blinks" because John Smith (played by Rufus Sewell) never seemed to blink while the camera was on him. He always had a very intense stare.

I don't expect too much out of TV or movies, so as long as it's somewhat interesting and not affirmatively awful I'll probably keep watching. We watched Bugonia last night. It was OK, but I rate it as "take it or leave it."

Posted by: PabloD at March 21, 2026 07:58 PM (uqy/m)

28 I have watched and liked older movies. Thin Man. Bing Crosby movies. I should probably watch more and better after my horror kick dies down.
---

You can combine these interests by watching older horror movies, and you won't need subtitles! (Unless you count the title cards of silent movies.)

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:59 PM (/d4WW)

29 Citizen Kane is pretty good, not Invasion USA good, but good.

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 07:59 PM (sAPEi)

30 I've currently got 'Breaker Breaker' in the dvd player. Chuck Norris is a trucker beating up a town of thieving hillbilles. Can't go wrong with that.
---

The thing about Chuck Norris films is that they feature Chuck Norris. And sidekicks.

If that is what you crave, they will not disappoint.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:00 PM (/d4WW)

31 Thx moviegique. The Magnificent Ambersons was a great movie.
Welles last great one IMHO is A Touch of Evil. He did Chimes at Midnight and The Trial both of which dragged

Posted by: Smell the Glove at March 21, 2026 08:01 PM (mHVWR)

32 MST3K did Deathstalker and the Warriors from Hell.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 21, 2026 08:01 PM (Cqx++)

33 I do plan on watching some Chuck Norris movies next weekend, assuming the missus and kiddo take their girls' shopping trip. I'll make some popcorn and eat hot dogs and pretend I'm at a drive-in watching a chop-sockey triple feature like the good old days.

Posted by: PabloD at March 21, 2026 08:02 PM (uqy/m)

34 I know people here doubt my taste in films which is more than fair. I tend to favor cinematography over story. and that is why I love The Magnificent Ambersons.
---

Black Orchid, taste is taste. It cannot be wrong. Unless it goes into the illegal or immoral, I suppose. Things like pistachio ice cream or pineapple on pizza.

I digress.

It is entirely valid to love a movie simply because it looks good.

There's a movie called "The Love Witch" made in the late '10s, and it is beautifully lit on shot on real film. Is it a good movie? Is it a bad one? I do not know. I know that I love to look at it.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:03 PM (/d4WW)

35 That scene where Anne Baxter's character goes into the drugstore to "take a powder" after pretending to be flippant to George is so subtle and well done.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:03 PM (kpS4V)

36 I thought that The Man in the High Castle failed of its promise. It started very well, very mysterious, and then just kind of petered out.

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:03 PM (sAPEi)

37 Chuck Norris should have been in Road House. That would have been epic.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 08:04 PM (w5FC4)

38 The cinematography is incredible

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:04 PM (bXbFr)

39 I recall hating it.
---
Sixty years later, can anyone involved even grasp the time period? Never mind the technique, the artistry, the writing—the acting, maybe, but then you're staring down the Mercury Players, which is a bad place to be as an actor.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:04 PM (/d4WW)

40 Citizen Kane is pretty good, not Invasion USA good, but good.
---

Not enough spin kicking or spine crunching.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:05 PM (kpS4V)

41 Agnes was one of the stock mercury players

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:05 PM (bXbFr)

42 29 Citizen Kane is pretty good, not Invasion USA good, but good.

No truer statement has ever been made.

35 That scene where Anne Baxter's character goes into the drugstore to "take a powder" after pretending to be flippant to George is so subtle and well done.

I thought it needed to end a second sooner to be really subtle but a Millenial/GenZ in the audience needed confirmation as to what happened.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:06 PM (/d4WW)

43 Evetyone dinged on invasion usa richard lynch was always a dastardly villain chuck was kind of phoning it in, the premise doesnt seem so strsnge now does it

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:07 PM (bXbFr)

44 Not enough spin kicking or spine crunching.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:05 PM (kpS4V)

I figured out that a well-placed cave troll would improve almost any movie.
Imagine if a big mountain troll had interrupted "One Battle After Another".

Posted by: gKWVE at March 21, 2026 08:07 PM (gKWVE)

45 His face was disfugured by a vat of exploding acid lynch was

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:09 PM (bXbFr)

46 ||Welles last great one IMHO is A Touch of Evil. He did Chimes at Midnight and The Trial both of which dragged

Have you seen "F is for Fake"?

As for "Man in the High Castle," I have not seen it, but I think the favorite thing about PK Dick from modern filmmakers is that his stories were short and solipsistic, and therefore can be made to say whatever you want.

The whole point of "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" is that Deckard is only confident of his own mind, and just barely. If Deckard in "Blade Runner" is a replicant, as Ridley Scott exists, but doesn't know it, he's completely reversed the point of the novel.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:09 PM (/d4WW)

47 I figured out that a well-placed cave troll would improve almost any movie.
Imagine if a big mountain troll had interrupted "One Battle After Another".
Posted by: gKWVE at March 21, 2026 08:07 PM


Take my money!

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:10 PM (sAPEi)

48 I've been going thru the Chuck Norris compendium because every young lad wanted to be like him.

I haven't seen these movies since they were released. Many campy, but still entertaining.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at March 21, 2026 08:10 PM (LkMIg)

49 Well it suggests the replicant design was so good he didnt realize as with rachel

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:12 PM (bXbFr)

50 My sensei back in the day used to watch Chuck Norris compete and was genuinely wowed by his versatility. All punches one match, all kicks another, mixing it up the next.

There's footage of him fighting floating around that is well worth watching.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:12 PM (/d4WW)

51 The opening tracking shot in touch of evil is incredible

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:13 PM (bXbFr)

52 Certainly the mia films were more earnest

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:14 PM (bXbFr)

53 27. I think Smith is the most interesting character in the man in the high castle. Or at least I'm rooting for him to get his comeuppance, but there's something to the overall tone and mood of it that keeps me from buying in.

Posted by: Lex at March 21, 2026 08:15 PM (y4H1r)

54 26
THEY REMADE DEATHSTALKER?!?!

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:57 PM (/d4WW)

Alas, there is no 'actress' on the level of Monique Gabrielle in the remake. But there's also no rapey scenes. That's a tradeoff I can live with. Deathstalker himself is played by Daniel Bernhardt, whose name sounded familiar...It took a trip to IMDB for me to realize that (a long time ago) he was the star of 'Future War,' another (hilarious) movie that was featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Fair warning; the movie also features the voice of Patton Oswald. The voice, but not the face. So if you can forget about the actor and just think of it as the voice of Ratatouille...it's not quite as bad.

Posted by: Castle Guy at March 21, 2026 08:16 PM (Lhaco)

55 49 Well it suggests the replicant design was so good he didnt realize as with rachel

But again, the point of the novel, and the point of most of Dick's work after he read L. Ron Hubbard's "Fear" (which is a horror novel about the end result of solipsism) is that you can't trust anything about reality. Like, whoa.

I sorta wonder if he didn't drop acid, because when I did a survey of his written work it was literally ALL like this.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:17 PM (/d4WW)

56 THEY REMADE DEATHSTALKER?!?!

...

She had a unique acting style that primarily involved her eyebrows.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books)
---

You can't beat Barbi, chained naked to a rock.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 08:19 PM (MF/Oh)

57 51 The opening tracking shot in touch of evil is incredible

It's wonderfully parodied in Altman's "The Player" from...'92? '91?

---
Fair warning; the movie also features the voice of Patton Oswald.
---
I'm pretty sure I covered it here, but he was great in the "Chain Reactions" documentary, as he is apparently a serious "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" freak.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:19 PM (/d4WW)

58 Lone Wolf McQuade is probably my favorite Norris film. Good Guys Wear Black was entertaining. I think I generally enjoyed most of the films I saw him in. RIP, Chuck! You were a cool dude!

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at March 21, 2026 08:20 PM (7Pnfz)

59 Just because I've been watching them...mostly free through Roku

'Let the Right One In' - 2008 - Sweden - slow, not very graphic, it was alright - 7/10

'Schoolgirl Apocalypse - 2011 - Japanese - a very quiet zombie movie, kind of weird but also kind of creepy - 7.5 / 10

'Chronicles of the After School Wars' - 2018 - Japanese - cute schoolgirls - boring - 6 / 10

'Gangnam Zombie' - 2023 - South Korea - a very fun zombie movie, great characters, a bit slow at one part but it was still great - 9.75 / 10

'Zombie Fight Club' - 2014 - Chinese -

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 08:21 PM (Sco7b)

60 Yes he did a lot of psychedelics
See scanner darkly

Thats why the book was unfilmable

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:22 PM (bXbFr)

61 I sorta wonder if he didn't drop acid, because when I did a survey of his written work it was literally ALL like this.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:17 PM (/d4WW)
----
Oh, I'm fairly certain he did.

PKD was no stranger to drugs...

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2026 08:22 PM (ESVrU)

62 || You can't beat Barbi, chained naked to a rock.

Few can live up to the Frazetta standard. She was one.

Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:22 PM (/d4WW)

63 But again, the point of the novel, and the point of most of Dick's work after he read L. Ron Hubbard's "Fear" (which is a horror novel about the end result of solipsism) is that you can't trust anything about reality. Like, whoa.

I sorta wonder if he didn't drop acid, because when I did a survey of his written work it was literally ALL like this.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 08:17 PM

I thought that Dick was actually insane. Like clinical. Diagnosed. Maybe even spent time in the nuthouse crazy.

Is that just internet bs?

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:22 PM (sAPEi)

64 So scott went noir

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:22 PM (bXbFr)

65 The author of this article should take a look at the movie King Rat. The story is by James Clavell - takes place in a Japanese prisoner of war camp housing Americans, British prisoners. Great movie and covers the highlights of J. Clavell's book.

Posted by: km021634 at March 21, 2026 08:23 PM (cNX6u)

66 I always think of Ambersons as a twin to King's Row, about the pettiness and small mindedness of the American Midwest town.

But more depressing because no Anne Sheridan.

Posted by: Texican ette at March 21, 2026 08:23 PM (SNf74)

67 I am sure I seen the Magnificent Ambersons but not in a very long time

Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2026 08:23 PM (Ia/+0)

68 The Man in the High Castle


The first 2 seasons were good. I lost interest in it pretty quick in the 3rd season, though I can't remember why.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at March 21, 2026 08:24 PM (7Pnfz)

69 For some reason, I've never gotten around to The Magnificent Ambersons.

And I won't tonight either. Am now in the middle of An Eye for an Eye. It ain't Orson Welles, but it's fun. This one and Code of Silence are my favorites of the Chuck Norris movies I've seen. Silent Rage is also good goofy fun, and has my favorite continuity error -- Toni Kalem is hiding in the hospital from Brian Libby's walking-dead psycho; Chuck is racing to the rescue, and this in a town where the city limits signs are almost back to back if memory serves; a clock on the hospital wall shows something like 3 or 4 elapsed hours, so you can pretty well guess when everybody broke for lunch.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 21, 2026 08:24 PM (q3u5l)

70 'Zombie Fight Club' - 2014 - Chinese - a FANTASTIC totally f'ed up zombie movie, great effects, tons of gunfire, so much blood, big-breasted beautiful Chinese women, tons of nudity.

I haven't seen too many Chinese movies. This surprised me. 10 / 10

Everyone have a happy week.

Time for 'Death Tube' from Japan. That was great.

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 08:26 PM (Sco7b)

71 Fantastic read. Really enjoyed. Moron lurker here for a few or more years. First time I was compelled to comment. Very interesting. Always a little intimidated by comments from authority figures demanding users not comment on old threads. I am old and technology puts me in a constant state of agitation.

Posted by: RNUT at March 21, 2026 08:27 PM (xW84Z)

72 PKD had serious mental health issues and tried to medicate it with LSD. Similar to Syd Barrett. Almost the same results. Read a story once that PKD had some serious health issues and none other than Heinlein helped him out. Heinlein had his own weirdness going but seemed a bit more stable than poor ole PKD. I always felt bad for PKD. What a mess of a man.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at March 21, 2026 08:27 PM (7Pnfz)

73 Imagine if a big mountain troll had interrupted "One Battle After Another".
Posted by: gKWVE at March 21, 2026 08:07 PM (gKWVE)

Broke back Mountain.

Any Meryl Streep movie.

Remains of the Day.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 08:30 PM (zZu0s)

74 65 The author of this article should take a look at the movie King Rat.

I remember enjoying the book. The movie never seems to come around.

Currently reading "Dr. Zhivago" and marveling at how Lean picked out the vignettes he did. Such a skill.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:30 PM (/d4WW)

75 Perhaps not remains of the day

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:31 PM (bXbFr)

76 The appearance of a mountain troll would have much improved My Dinner with Andre.

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:31 PM (sAPEi)

77 71 Fantastic read. Really enjoyed. Moron lurker here for a few or more years. First time I was compelled to comment. Very interesting.

Welcome, RNUT! Glad you liked it.

|| Always a little intimidated by comments from authority figures demanding users not comment on old threads.

This is for your protection, I believe. Spammers like to pollute old threads so commenting on old threads gets you auto-banned. Then someone has to manually undo it.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:31 PM (/d4WW)

78 Somethings dont translate even if the author is the scriptwritet

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:32 PM (bXbFr)

79 A mountain troll would have saved The Big Chill.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at March 21, 2026 08:34 PM (7Pnfz)

80 Disney, back in Walt's day, should have taken on Penrod.

Those were great boys stories, especially the 1st book.

Posted by: browndog says woof at March 21, 2026 08:34 PM (3sXRv)

81 But i think ive only seen it once doesnt have the same mien as river kwai or great escape

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:34 PM (bXbFr)

82 Andre: Our minds are just focused on these goals and plans, which in themselves are not reality.

Wally: Goals and plans are not... they're fantasy. They're part of a dream-life.

Troll: Gruh. You guys talk too much. Waiter! Grind their bones to make my bread!

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:34 PM (/d4WW)

83 I have to sheepishly admit, I remember liking My Dinner with Andre but it was 40 years ago. Maybe it didn't age.

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:37 PM (sAPEi)

84 Orson Welles was too cerebral and cultured for my juvenile brain.

Chuck Norris is why I went to the weekend matinee double feature.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at March 21, 2026 08:39 PM (LkMIg)

85 The appearance of a mountain troll would have much improved My Dinner with Andre.
Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:31 PM (sAPEi
----

I dropped acid during "Andre". A mountain troll would have sent me over the edge.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:39 PM (kpS4V)

86 83 I have to sheepishly admit, I remember liking My Dinner with Andre but it was 40 years ago. Maybe it didn't age.

You know, I liked it at the time, too. It held my attention. Nearly two hours of two guys talking!

I was young, though, and I wonder now if I would find it insufferably pretentious or, given some of the topics, more accurate than ever.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:40 PM (/d4WW)

87 I dropped acid during "Andre". A mountain troll would have sent me over the edge.
===
Whoa.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:40 PM (/d4WW)

88 I'm sure I will finish the first season of man in the high castle. maybe even go into season two. but it's 40 episodes seem daunting given my tepid interest so far

Posted by: Lex at March 21, 2026 08:41 PM (y4H1r)

89 My recollection is My Dinner with Andre was boring

Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2026 08:41 PM (Ia/+0)

90 I dropped acid during "Andre". A mountain troll would have sent me over the edge.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:39 PM

I saw Carrie on shrooms.

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:41 PM (sAPEi)

91 My recollection is My Dinner with Andre was boring

Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2026 08:41 PM (Ia/+0)

92 I'm sure I will finish the first season of man in the high castle. maybe even go into season two. but it's 40 episodes seem daunting given my tepid interest so far

Posted by: Lex at March 21, 2026 08:41 PM (y4H1r)

93 Why would you do that did it make the dialogue rub faster

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:42 PM (bXbFr)

94 I kind of have a soft spot for Orson Welles' portrayal of Mr. Rochester in the Joan Fontaine "Jane Eyre".

Posted by: Tuna at March 21, 2026 08:42 PM (lJ0H4)

95 I thought my screen wasn't clear

Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2026 08:42 PM (Ia/+0)

96 I better get to bed
Have a good night everyone

Posted by: Skip at March 21, 2026 08:43 PM (Ia/+0)

97 I was young, though, and I wonder now if I would find it insufferably pretentious or, given some of the topics, more accurate than ever.
Posted by: moviegique at March
----

I think the Grand Nagus kept it real.

"Why to I have to go to Tibet to open my mind? Why not a cigar store in Brooklyn?"

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:43 PM (kpS4V)

98 I saw Carrie on shrooms.
Posted by: toby928
----

Dude!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:44 PM (kpS4V)

99
I have to sheepishly admit, I remember liking My Dinner with Andre but it was 40 years ago. Maybe it didn't age.

Is it as good as My Dinner with Itchy?

https://youtu.be/TXSy2pBD4xg

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 21, 2026 08:45 PM (Cqx++)

100 Dude!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:44 PM

I thought the movie was over and stood up to leave during the grave scene.

There was a soda and popcorn shower.

Posted by: toby928(c) at March 21, 2026 08:46 PM (sAPEi)

101 Shawn was a fulbright scholar in india (thats where he got these odd notions)

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:47 PM (bXbFr)

102 PSA
@trump_repost . .Mar 20
We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts
--
@trump_repost
58m
If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate .their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST! ..

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 08:48 PM (MF/Oh)

103
I saw Carrie on shrooms.
Posted by: toby928

I saw Carry On Sergeant.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 21, 2026 08:50 PM (Cqx++)

104 102 Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 08:48 PM (MF/Oh)

===

Dear lord, man.

2 movie threads every 3 weeks.

Come on.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:50 PM (gYVzu)

105 "Why to I have to go to Tibet to open my mind? Why not a cigar store in Brooklyn?"

Wallace Shawn was somebody who kept turning up, implausibly, throughout the '80s and '90s and being wonderful every time.

It not very highly rated but I loved a little picture called "Nice Girls Don't Explode" where he ends up being Barbara Harris' love interest.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:52 PM (/d4WW)

106 Yeah stay on target

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:52 PM (bXbFr)

107 OT, kinda, I see that the Beeb has been broadcasting a redux of The Forsyte Saga.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 21, 2026 08:52 PM (XeU6L)

108 There can be no escape.

Hmmm, Sean Connery?

Or was it: there will be no going back? The Rock? Damn, thats going to bother me.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 08:53 PM (zZu0s)

109 I like classic movies as much as anyone - but the Magnificent Ambersons always bored the shit out of me. Sorry.

Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2026 08:53 PM (M1V8X)

110 The one acid trip I ever did as a dumb teenager.. I went to Catal Huyuk in Turkey. I'm glad I didn't get deep into drugs.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 08:54 PM (w5FC4)

111 Outland high noon in space

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 08:54 PM (bXbFr)

112 *looks it up*

Hunt for Red October. Dammit.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 08:54 PM (zZu0s)

113 105 Wallace Shawn was somebody who kept turning up, implausibly, throughout the '80s and '90s and being wonderful every time.

It not very highly rated but I loved a little picture called "Nice Girls Don't Explode" where he ends up being Barbara Harris' love interest.
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 08:52 PM (/d4WW

===

I strongly suspect his career was all about just New York actors finding their path into movies through people like Scorsese (who he never worked with, I just can't think of another specific example). Malle was French, of course. Gotta figure out how that happened.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:55 PM (gYVzu)

114 The Forsyte Saga. Free stream from PBS.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 08:57 PM (MF/Oh)

115 109 I like classic movies as much as anyone - but the Magnificent Ambersons always bored the shit out of me. Sorry.
Posted by: Tom Servo at March 21, 2026 08:53 PM (M1V8X

====

It is remarkable how great it is despite the cuts.

Despite being the key word.

Still, not everything can be for everyone. But Ambersons is so close to greatness and probably was amazing in its original cut.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:57 PM (gYVzu)

116 I am watching Frost/Nixon. Meh. Good cast, I guess. But whatever Nixon did pales in comparison to Clinton, Obumbles, and Sleepy Joe. eh, whatever.

Why? It's next on my list of watching movies in my catalog based on the actor that bridges from one to the next. It's a hobby, and it often leads to some weird transitions. I am into the 330s now.

I have a lot of movies. Not as many as TJM, but it is a pretty large library.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at March 21, 2026 08:58 PM (0aYVJ)

117 116 I am watching Frost/Nixon. Meh. Good cast, I guess. But whatever Nixon did pales in comparison to Clinton, Obumbles, and Sleepy Joe. eh, whatever.

Why? It's next on my list of watching movies in my catalog based on the actor that bridges from one to the next. It's a hobby, and it often leads to some weird transitions. I am into the 330s now.

I have a lot of movies. Not as many as TJM, but it is a pretty large library.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at March 21, 2026 08:58 PM (0aYVJ

====

It's only like 1500 or so.

Plenty of people have more than me.

Frost/Nixon is not one of them, though.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:59 PM (gYVzu)

118 10 The one acid trip I ever did as a dumb teenager.. I went to Catal Huyuk in Turkey. I'm glad I didn't get deep into drugs.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 08:54 PM (w5FC4)
----
Whooooaaa, epic! Did you time travel?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:59 PM (kpS4V)

119 Frank Langella? Cutthroat Island? Gina Davis to long Kiss Goodnight?

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:00 PM (zZu0s)

120 109 I like classic movies as much as anyone - but the Magnificent Ambersons always bored the shit out of me. Sorry.

Your second statement contradicts your first.

No, but seriously, taste is taste. Ain't nobody gotta like nothin'. Ain't nobody gotta defend what they do like.

---
I strongly suspect his career was all about just New York actors finding their path into movies through people like Scorsese (who he never worked with, I just can't think of another specific example).
---
First IMDB credit is "Manhattan", so Woody Allen might be another example.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:01 PM (/d4WW)

121 Frost/Nixon is not one of them, though.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:59 PM (gYVzu)

In my defense, I did not purchase this one. Son bought it for me for Christmas some years ago, thinking I might like it. Took me a decade to get around to it. As I said, meh.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at March 21, 2026 09:02 PM (0aYVJ)

122 I saw Carrie on shrooms.
Posted by: toby928

I saw Carry On Sergeant.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr.

Sergeant is some strong stuff. Guaranteed to drop you for 20.

Posted by: mikeski at March 21, 2026 09:02 PM (VHUov)

123 120 I strongly suspect his career was all about just New York actors finding their path into movies through people like Scorsese (who he never worked with, I just can't think of another specific example).
---
First IMDB credit is "Manhattan", so Woody Allen might be another example.
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:01 PM (/d4WW

===

If I wasn't watching The IT Crowd, I'd have thought of Allen.

But yeah, that was his way in.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:03 PM (gYVzu)

124 Gina Davis / Jeff Goldblum

Paula Prentiss / Richard Benjamin

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 09:03 PM (MF/Oh)

125 Meh i know the scene dont need the recreation

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 09:03 PM (bXbFr)

126 121 Frost/Nixon is not one of them, though.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:59 PM (gYVzu)

In my defense, I did not purchase this one. Son bought it for me for Christmas some years ago, thinking I might like it. Took me a decade to get around to it. As I said, meh.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at March 21, 2026 09:02 PM (

====

I saw it once.

It was...alright. sort of.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:03 PM (gYVzu)

127 Frost ended up working for al jazeera

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 09:04 PM (bXbFr)

128 What always strikes me is that Tim Holt's career was almost entirely 'B' Westerns, but he managed to make it into starring in two great movies. Ambersons, and Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Posted by: Eeyore at March 21, 2026 09:05 PM (AlhUl)

129 Whooooaaa, epic! Did you time travel?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 08:59 PM (kpS4V)

It was kinda awesome. Catal Hayuk was a recent subject in class back then. It was in my mind. I don't regret the experience. But I am glad I didn't get further into drug culture.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:05 PM (w5FC4)

130 Dems have been jacking off for 50 years that they got Nixon. That is what Frost/Nixon was. Still giving celebratory hand jobs.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:05 PM (zZu0s)

131 130 Dems have been jacking off for 50 years that they got Nixon. That is what Frost/Nixon was. Still giving celebratory hand jobs.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:05 PM (zZu0s

====

Yes.

It only exists because Lib Boomers never got over Nixon.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:06 PM (gYVzu)

132 til that Susanna Hoffs was naked as a jaybird when she recorded the vocals for Eternal Flame
youtu.be/L5pOLXAtWgc

Posted by: teenage gKWVE probably guessed this in '89 at March 21, 2026 09:06 PM (gKWVE)

133 116 I am watching Frost/Nixon.

I liked that movie but I'm fairly confident I came out with an intention opposed to what the filmmakers had in mind.

https://moviegique.com/2009/02/frost-nixon-ted-alice/

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:08 PM (/d4WW)

134 I have to rank Ambersons below Citizen Kane for a couple reasons but the most relevant is that Kane is complete and the Ambersons got gutted.

Still, worth watching if you are a B&W fan

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:08 PM (xcxpd)

135 132 til that Susanna Hoffs was naked as a jaybird when she recorded the vocals for Eternal Flame
youtu.be/L5pOLXAtWgc
Posted by: teenage gKWVE probably guessed this in '89 at March 21, 2026 09:06 PM (gKWVE)

*perks up*

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:09 PM (xcxpd)

136 Orson Welles too "cerebral"?
Dude, Chuck Norris would have fit right into his Macbeth.
Some serious ass kicking there.

Add a mountain troll to "Dinner with Andre" and you get
"Babette's Feast."

I have movie fantasies where great action hulks get coached enough to handle classical and Shakespearean roles. I'd have loved to see Chuck Norris and Hulk Hogan as conspirator lords in Henry IV Part I, with the earthquake and fart jokes. Okay so I won't get those two, but there's plenty left -- and Charlton Heston is proof that it worked.

Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 21, 2026 09:09 PM (zdLoL)

137 134 I have to rank Ambersons below Citizen Kane for a couple reasons but the most relevant is that Kane is complete and the Ambersons got gutted.

Still, worth watching if you are a B&W fan
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:08 PM (xcxpd

====

Neither are Chimes at Midnight!

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:10 PM (gYVzu)

138 136
I have movie fantasies where great action hulks get coached enough to handle classical and Shakespearean roles. I'd have loved to see Chuck Norris and Hulk Hogan as conspirator lords in Henry IV Part I, with the earthquake and fart jokes. Okay so I won't get those two, but there's plenty left -- and Charlton Heston is proof that it worked.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 21, 2026 09:09 PM (zdLoL

====

Arnold did a great Hamlet in The Last Action Hero.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (gYVzu)

139 120 109 I like classic movies as much as anyone - but the Magnificent Ambersons always bored the shit out of me. Sorry.

Your second statement contradicts your first.

No, but seriously, taste is taste. Ain't nobody gotta like nothin'. Ain't nobody gotta defend what they do like.
...
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:01 PM (/d4WW)
________
Surely there are limits to that. OK, "gotta" is strong, but do you really think taste - and therefore aesthetic quality - is 100% subjective? That's tough to swallow. Sure, we all have biases and blind spots, but total relativism? I don't buy it.

Posted by: Eeyore at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (AlhUl)

140 Dear lord, man.

2 movie threads every 3 weeks.

Come on.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 08:50 PM (gYVzu)

All threads can be movie threads.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (xcxpd)

141 Watch "Frost/Nixon" (if you must) for Langella and Kevin Bacon.

Langella is great as Nixon. He towers over the movie. He makes the liberal media look like weenies.

Bacon is Brennan, and the only heroic character.

But forget reality. You know the filmmakers did, so why should you be constrained?

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (/d4WW)

142 Tim Holt, I think he was an alcoholic.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (MF/Oh)

143 I have to rank Ambersons below Citizen Kane for a couple reasons but the most relevant is that Kane is complete and the Ambersons got gutted.

Still, worth watching if you are a B&W fan
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:08 PM (xcxpd
====
Neither are Chimes at Midnight!
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:10 PM (gYVzu)

Me, I'm such a basic bitch that Citizen Kane is in my top 5.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (xcxpd)

144
Dems have been jacking off for 50 years that they got Nixon. That is what Frost/Nixon was. Still giving celebratory hand jobs.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

They hated him because of the Alger Hiss dust up.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (Cqx++)

145 Oh, this made me laugh. This documentary is on Canada's native indian channel. I'll pass.

'Being Thunder' - Sherente, a two spirit-genderqueer teenager from Rhode Island's Narragansett tribe performs traditional dance in competitions at annual pow-wows.

Man, the awards that must have racked up....

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (Sco7b)

146 141 But forget reality. You know the filmmakers did, so why should you be constrained?
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (/d4WW

====

Honestly, just good advice for all movies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (gYVzu)

147 Tim Holt looks like a young Orson Welles. I know him from his starring roles in B movie westerns.

I wasn't that impressed with The Magnificent Ambersons, and felt a little let down by the hype about it (and the "lost" version).

By 1942 and the start of the war, the audience's appetite for dark broody gilded age melodramas may have changed.

Posted by: Joemarine at March 21, 2026 09:13 PM (y171U)

148 Dad taught me that Nixon was the best president ever. I'm old enough to remember what a miserable loser Carter was. Even 9 year old me realized Reagan was not going to put up with shit. I wish he had took out the ayatollahs back then.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:13 PM (w5FC4)

149 143 Neither are Chimes at Midnight!
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:10 PM (gYVzu)

Me, I'm such a basic bitch that Citizen Kane is in my top 5.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (xcxpd

====

Oh, i know.

I just Chimes oh so much.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:13 PM (gYVzu)

150 I didn't really have time to do a Chuck Norris thread. He was the best thing about his movies.
Posted by: moviegique (buy my books) at March 21, 2026 07:31 PM (/d4WW)

There is a meme I forgot to bookmark and then lost of Chuck facing Death, with death saying, "was I good?" and Chuck saying "Yes, you were the best"

Posted by: Kindltot at March 21, 2026 09:14 PM (rbvCR)

151 But forget reality. You know the filmmakers did, so why should you be constrained?
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (/d4WW)
---
Are you telling me that "300: Rise of an Empire" and "47 Ronin" are NOT historically accurate documentaries?

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2026 09:14 PM (ESVrU)

152 Death of the Author.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:14 PM (zZu0s)

153 A truthful movie on Nixon would take balls and private money to make.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 09:14 PM (MF/Oh)

154 151 Are you telling me that "300: Rise of an Empire" and "47 Ronin" are NOT historically accurate documentaries?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 21, 2026 09:14 PM (ESVrU

====

Eva Green's boobs are historically accurate.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:15 PM (gYVzu)

155 Eva Green's books are historically accurate.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:15 PM (gYVzu)

( . ) ( . )

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:15 PM (xcxpd)

156 Her books?

Gay.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:16 PM (zZu0s)

157 Favorite Chuck Norris movie is Firewalker.

Posted by: Darth Randall at March 21, 2026 09:16 PM (f1kZG)

158 Eva Green's boobs are historically accurate.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:15 PM (gYVzu)

You little bastard trying to change your title and gaslight us! Mark got it captured.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:16 PM (zZu0s)

159 @TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:15 PM (gYVzu)

So you mentioned that one of Orson Well's qualities you like was his playfulness. How does Ambersons fit into that feel? I never really got a playful vibe here, I can't even recall any really lighthearted moments off the top of my head.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:16 PM (xcxpd)

160 Now i have to reevaluate my whole world view
Rise of empire barely skimmed herodotus although could artemisia have looked like eva green (possible)

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 09:17 PM (bXbFr)

161 Stateless--
Don't forget racism!

"...However, behind the scenes, tribal leaders manipulate scores or disqualify him outright because they believe in traditional (White) gender roles."

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 09:18 PM (kpS4V)

162 Elbows right

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at March 21, 2026 09:18 PM (bXbFr)

163 But forget reality. You know the filmmakers did, so why should you be constrained?
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (/d4WW)

This is also the message for DePalma's 'The Untouchables'

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:18 PM (xcxpd)

164 So, there is The Ring movie, as re-imagined.

"If The Ring was real, Asians would meet Sadako and immediately turn it into a group selfie and a TikTok dance."

https://tinyurl.com/56zex6j2

Posted by: Kindltot at March 21, 2026 09:18 PM (rbvCR)

165 I would not call Citizen Kane 'playful' either, to be perfectly honest.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:19 PM (zZu0s)

166 A truthful movie on Nixon would take balls and private money to make.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at March 21, 2026 09:14 PM (MF/Oh)

Yes sir.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:19 PM (w5FC4)

167 Went and saw Project Hail Mary today. Excellent movie. I highly recommend.

Posted by: Darth Randall at March 21, 2026 09:19 PM (f1kZG)

168 But forget reality. You know the filmmakers did, so why should you be constrained?
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:11 PM (/d4WW)

It's not, but there are lighter moments when Kane was younger.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:19 PM (xcxpd)

169 Naomi Watts being at peak hotness made The US Ring watchable.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:20 PM (zZu0s)

170 169 Naomi Watts being at peak hotness made The US Ring watchable.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:20 PM (zZu0s)

That also helped Mulholland Drive

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:20 PM (xcxpd)

171 Somewhere there's a J-drama waiting to be written where the dead chick from Ringu is hired to tour East Asia with a backing metal band

Posted by: gKWVE at March 21, 2026 09:20 PM (gKWVE)

172 159 @TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:15 PM (gYVzu)

So you mentioned that one of Orson Well's qualities you like was his playfulness. How does Ambersons fit into that feel? I never really got a playful vibe here, I can't even recall any really lighthearted moments off the top of my head.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:16 PM (xcxpd

====

Ambersons is less playful overall. The filmmaking is experimental, which can he playfull, but I feel like the playfulness mostly manifests in his first film and then when he cared less about money later in life.

Ambersons feels more like him trying to be serious artists. Compare the strict composure of that with the horror feel of Othello, I suppose.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:20 PM (gYVzu)

173 Surely there are limits to that. OK, "gotta" is strong, but do you really think taste - and therefore aesthetic quality - is 100% subjective? That's tough to swallow. Sure, we all have biases and blind spots, but total relativism? I don't buy it.
---
OK. Define an objective standard.

That's rhetorical, of course. You can't.

Ultimately we are all our own authorities on what is good and beautiful. In fact, it could be stated that the extent to which we agree is the extent to which we are dishonest.

I like "The Magnificent Ambersons" and most cineastes would agree. I also like "Forbidden World" and "Galaxy of Terror".

I don't experience all movies in the same way. I enjoy watching "Plan 9 From Outer Space" and "Cat Women of the Moon". It's not the same as "Laurence of Arabia" and "Citizen Kane" but it's not any less valid.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:21 PM (/d4WW)

174 Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 09:18 PM (kpS4V

I'm kind of tempted to see how bad it could be.


For the Chuck Norris movie fans, these are the ones on Tubi.
Missing in Action
The Delta Force
Lone Wolf McQuade
Code of Silence
Invasion U.S.A.
The Octagon

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 09:21 PM (Sco7b)

175 Went and saw Project Hail Mary today. Excellent movie. I highly recommend.
Posted by: Darth Randall at March 21, 2026 09:19 PM (f1kZG)

I have heard people saying they quite liked it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:22 PM (zZu0s)

176 For the Chuck Norris movie fans, these are the ones on Tubi.
Missing in Action
The Delta Force
Lone Wolf McQuade
Code of Silence
Invasion U.S.A.
The Octagon
Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 09:21 PM (Sco7b)

Tubi has a shockingly good movie library

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (xcxpd)

177 Naomi Watts being at peak hotness made The US Ring watchable.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:20 PM (zZu0s)


She transed her kid, yeah? Those bitches should be named and shamed. I hope Mo's kids have no mercy on that stupid cvnt.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (w5FC4)

178 173
I don't experience all movies in the same way. I enjoy watching "Plan 9 From Outer Space" and "Cat Women of the Moon". It's not the same as "Laurence of Arabia" and "Citizen Kane" but it's not any less valid.
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:21 PM (/d4WW

====

I took your comment to Tom as tongue in cheek, to be honest.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (gYVzu)

179 153 A truthful movie on Nixon would take balls and private money to make.
Posted by: Braenyard

We did in fact get our Chappaquiddick movie made

Posted by: ... 20-30 years too late, but still at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (gKWVE)

180 I tried to watch Lawrence of Arabia once. Beautiful shots.


But O'toole came off... I am not sure the right words. Affectless? Like he would have a limp, clammy handshake.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:24 PM (zZu0s)

181 176 ubi has a shockingly good movie library
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (xcxpd

===

Ad supported services are quite deep.

The library systems (Hoopla and Kanopy) are decent as well.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:24 PM (gYVzu)

182 Tubi has a shockingly good movie library
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (xcxpd)

I really like Tubi.

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (Sco7b)

183 Honestly, just good advice for all movies.
---

I had a bunch of college profs who ran around lamenting the portrayal of Mozart in "Amadeus" and I just said, "I have news for you about Richard III."

Frost/Nixon, if it's remembered at all, will be remembered for Langella's portrayal of Nixon as a defiant king.

---
By 1942 and the start of the war, the audience's appetite for dark broody gilded age melodramas may have changed.
---
Well, this is the whole point. Bad timing was a factor and RKO seriously messed up by doing their screening before "The Fleet's In". They probably should've just released it, let it do so-so, and racked up the Oscars.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (/d4WW)

184 180 I tried to watch Lawrence of Arabia once. Beautiful shots.


But O'toole came off... I am not sure the right words. Affectless? Like he would have a limp, clammy handshake.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:24 PM (zZu0s

===

Which perfectly matches TA Lawrence as a character, to be honest.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (gYVzu)

185 She transed her kid, yeah? Those bitches should be named and shamed. I hope Mo's kids have no mercy on that stupid cvnt.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (w5FC4)

Missed that one. Not surprising to be fair.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (zZu0s)

186 Went and saw Project Hail Mary today. Excellent movie. I highly recommend.
Posted by: Darth Randall
......

Glad to hear. Loved the book. Plan on taking the grandkids next weekend. They are 15 and 19.

Posted by: wth at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (BT3km)

187 My faves with Chuck:

Missing In Action
Delta Force
Firewalker

Posted by: Cow Demon at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (hJH5n)

188 183
I had a bunch of college profs who ran around lamenting the portrayal of Mozart in "Amadeus" and I just said, "I have news for you about Richard III."

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (/d4WW)

===

Drama is drama.

History is history.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:26 PM (gYVzu)

189 Which perfectly matches TA Lawrence as a character, to be honest.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (gYVzu)

Good acting then. Still, not sure i want to try to slog through it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:26 PM (zZu0s)

190 Speaking of The Lion of the Senate, I understand that in the alternate history space series "For All Mankind", Ted Kennedy is elected president and is a beacon of progressive enlightenment.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 09:26 PM (kpS4V)

191 OK. Define an objective standard.

That's rhetorical, of course. You can't.

Ultimately we are all our own authorities on what is good and beautiful. In fact, it could be stated that the extent to which we agree is the extent to which we are dishonest.

I like "The Magnificent Ambersons" and most cineastes would agree. I also like "Forbidden World" and "Galaxy of Terror".

I don't experience all movies in the same way. I enjoy watching "Plan 9 From Outer Space" and "Cat Women of the Moon". It's not the same as "Laurence of Arabia" and "Citizen Kane" but it's not any less valid.
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:21 PM (/d4WW)

I'll play your game, you rogue.
There ARE objective quality standards.
A good movie has to: be in focus, dialog delivered competently, the screenplay needs to be about something, have an ending, engage the audience.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:27 PM (xcxpd)

192 189 Which perfectly matches TA Lawrence as a character, to be honest.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (gYVzu)

Good acting then. Still, not sure i want to try to slog through it.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:26 PM (zZu0s

===

David Lean made movies about men descending into madness.

Lawrence is one of the easiest 4 hours of cinema to take. He was...very good at making movies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:28 PM (gYVzu)

193 She transed her kid, yeah? Those bitches should be named and shamed. I hope Mo's kids have no mercy on that stupid cvnt.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:23 PM (w5FC4)

Missed that one. Not surprising to be fair.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:25 PM (zZu0s)


No worries. I still think Peter O'Toole was sex on legs and one of the greatest actors. But he was a bit of a bastard.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:28 PM (w5FC4)

194 Somewhere there's a J-drama waiting to be written where the dead chick from Ringu is hired to tour East Asia with a backing metal band
Posted by: gKWVE

I know the band/actress for it:

https://youtu.be/sIL-vgHNOu0?t=156

Posted by: mikeski at March 21, 2026 09:28 PM (VHUov)

195 Tim Holt... Tim Holt...

Oh, yeah. The Monster That Challenged the World.

Action guys doing the classics... Hmm...

Oh, yeah. The kid's daydream sequence in Last Action Hero. Arnold doing Hamlet. Sort of. High point of the movie.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 21, 2026 09:29 PM (q3u5l)

196 180 I tried to watch Lawrence of Arabia once. Beautiful shots.


But O'toole came off... I am not sure the right words. Affectless? Like he would have a limp, clammy handshake.
Posted by: Aetius451AD


Well, ole Lawrence was a bit, uh, fey. So that is how O'Toole played him. Of course, ole Lawrence may have been an absolute lady's man too. History has been written by homos with agendas.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at March 21, 2026 09:29 PM (7Pnfz)

197 193
No worries. I still think Peter O'Toole was sex on legs and one of the greatest actors. But he was a bit of a bastard.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:28 PM (w5FC4

====

O'Toole oozes bastard. But charming af at the same time.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:29 PM (gYVzu)

198 The library systems (Hoopla and Kanopy) are decent as well.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:24 PM (gYVzu)

I just signed up for Kanopy.
It didn't have any Chan-Wook movies I hadn't already seen.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:29 PM (xcxpd)

199 Are you telling me that "300: Rise of an Empire" and "47 Ronin" are NOT historically accurate documentaries?
---

I would never.

---
So you mentioned that one of Orson Well's qualities you like was his playfulness. How does Ambersons fit into that feel? I never really got a playful vibe here, I can't even recall any really lighthearted moments off the top of my head.
---
Personally, his sense of humor strikes me as sort of like Hitchcock's. Not as macabre, but darkly ironic. And yeah, I laugh at darkly ironic. Then others in the theater shush me.


Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:30 PM (/d4WW)

200 198 The library systems (Hoopla and Kanopy) are decent as well.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:24 PM (gYVzu)

I just signed up for Kanopy.
It didn't have any Chan-Wook movies I hadn't already seen.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:29 PM (xcxpd

===

I might have used a torrent to get my hands on No Other Choice.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:30 PM (gYVzu)

201 Well, ole Lawrence was a bit, uh, fey. So that is how O'Toole played him. Of course, ole Lawrence may have been an absolute lady's man too. History has been written by homos with agendas.
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at March 21, 2026 09:29 PM (7Pnfz)

TEL is absolutely gay as a day in May. I couldn't get through his 'Pillars of Wisdom' without him praising the joys of man love rather than having sex with icky girls (with STDs, probably)

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:31 PM (xcxpd)

202 199 Personally, his sense of humor strikes me as sort of like Hitchcock's. Not as macabre, but darkly ironic. And yeah, I laugh at darkly ironic. Then others in the theater shush me.


Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:30 PM (/d4WW

===

Ha!

I reread my intro to my Orson ranking, and I mention there that Hitchcock is the closest analoge to Welles.

Playful and experimental. It's just that Welles was obsessed with Shakespeare and Hitchcock was obsessed with pleasing his audience.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:32 PM (gYVzu)

203 144 Dems have been jacking off for 50 years that they got Nixon. That is what Frost/Nixon was. Still giving celebratory hand jobs.
Posted by: Aetius451AD

They hated him because of the Alger Hiss dust up.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 21, 2026 09:12 PM (Cqx++)

Yeah, they didn't like him uncovering all the commies in the State Dept.

Posted by: Joemarine at March 21, 2026 09:34 PM (y171U)

204 It's just that Welles was obsessed with Shakespeare and Hitchcock was obsessed with pleasing his audience.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:32 PM (gYVzu)

And blondes

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:34 PM (xcxpd)

205 I know the band/actress for it:
Posted by: mikeski

the steppe will out

Posted by: C*(xC3c) at March 21, 2026 09:35 PM (gKWVE)

206 I took your comment to Tom as tongue in cheek, to be honest.
---

I am dead serious.

My experience of these beautiful old films is true and real. But if Skip comes in and says it's boring (twice! lol) who am I to tell him otherwise?

Where it seems like there's a hard, objective truth under art, you have agreement. This is pretty critical to culture, actually: We have to agree that the Mona Lisa is beautiful and La Pieta and Sarah Bernhardt is a great actress and "As Time Goes By" is a great song and so on, because diversity is actually weakness, and if the boys can't put Betty Grable on their tailfins what are we even fighting for?

But if you push it much, it's an easy consensus to shatter, because it's only as real as people agree it is.

This is the Decline and Fall of the West in a nutshell: We no longer agree one what is good and true and beautiful.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:35 PM (/d4WW)

207 204 It's just that Welles was obsessed with Shakespeare and Hitchcock was obsessed with pleasing his audience.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:32 PM (gYVzu)

And blondes
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:34 PM (xcxpd

===

Fair.

By the way, just for an FYI to all, my next thread will be about John Wick. Why I...hate the sequels and what I might do with the franchise instead.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:36 PM (gYVzu)

208 Mona Lisa is not that great, imo.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:36 PM (zZu0s)

209 You really can't hate Hollywood and the media enough.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:37 PM (w5FC4)

210 By the way, just for an FYI to all, my next thread will be about John Wick. Why I...hate the sequels and what I might do with the franchise instead.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:36 PM (gYVzu)

Woo hoo! This one I won't have to struggle to find. But I will have to watch the last one now...

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:38 PM (xcxpd)

211 I reread my intro to my Orson ranking, and I mention there that Hitchcock is the closest analoge to Welles.

Playful and experimental. It's just that Welles was obsessed with Shakespeare and Hitchcock was obsessed with pleasing his audience.
---
I would've said Welles was obsessed with visual beauty, but you probably know better than I. Still, we are once again on a similar wavelength.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:38 PM (/d4WW)

212 The problem is Wick was one of those few, damned few, movies where they showed rather than told- and they did not show more than they had to.

Sequels would inevitably have to flesh out the world and that would be horrible, if any sequels had ever been made.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:38 PM (zZu0s)

213 209 You really can't hate Hollywood and the media enough.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:37 PM (w5FC4)

Sure. But I still love movies.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:38 PM (xcxpd)

214 210
Woo hoo! This one I won't have to struggle to find. But I will have to watch the last one now...
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, Buy ammo at March 21, 2026 09:38 PM (xcxpd

===

Ive watched 2/3 of Ballerina. It's honestly a non factor.

A separate thing with its own issues.

I only care about the actual Wick films.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:39 PM (gYVzu)

215 211 I would've said Welles was obsessed with visual beauty, but you probably know better than I. Still, we are once again on a similar wavelength.
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:38 PM (/d4WW)

===

I just love Moneyball a lot more than you.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:40 PM (gYVzu)

216 This is the Decline and Fall of the West in a nutshell: We no longer agree one what is good and true and beautiful.
Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:35 PM (/d4WW)

Bo Derek. We can all still agree on that, can't we?

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at March 21, 2026 09:40 PM (w/O5Q)

217 This is the Decline and Fall of the West in a nutshell: We no longer agree one what is good and true and beautiful.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:35 PM (/d4WW)

They've spent years pushing fat acceptance and trans and everyone is gorgeous. Normal people have said hell to the new. I really hate Hollywood and hope they all die in a fire. They are the enemy.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:41 PM (w5FC4)

218 216
Bo Derek. We can all still agree on that, can't we?
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at March 21, 2026 09:40 PM (w/O5Q)

====

I'm sitting next to better.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:41 PM (gYVzu)

219 Wells' passion for Tarkington's story extended back to his radio days and, unfortunately, came to fruition right as war broke out. RKO decided to do an advance screening in Pomona ("But will it play in Pomona?")

--------

FUN FACT: Star Wars got its advance screening in the equally cosmopolitan culture hub of Riverside CA.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at March 21, 2026 09:42 PM (JkO4W)

220 Channel 50, Detroit.

Right now.

"I am Raquel Welch."

Posted by: Stateless at March 21, 2026 09:44 PM (Sco7b)

221 || I just love Moneyball a lot more than you.

Not a high bar. IIRC I thought it was good but I didn't really care.

|| Bo Derek. We can all still agree on that, can't we?

Nope. Wrong ethnicity, probably, unreal standards for sure.

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:46 PM (/d4WW)

222 I'm sitting next to better.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:41 PM (gYVzu)

TJM is a smart man who wants to get laid.

Bo Derek is objectively beautiful. Big tits. Beautiful face. There is something about the package that leaves me cold. Razor edge cheekbones? I dunno.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:46 PM (zZu0s)

223 Bo Derek. We can all still agree on that, can't we?

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at March 21, 2026 09:40 PM (w/O5Q)

Honky woman rocking cornrows? The miserable cvnts at the View are not going to let you get away with white supremacy or whatever .

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:46 PM (w5FC4)

224 They've spent years pushing fat acceptance and trans and everyone is gorgeous. Normal people have said hell to the new. I really hate Hollywood and hope they all die in a fire. They are the enemy.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:41 PM (w5FC4)

And then every fat person threw all that out the windows now we have the GLP-1 drugs.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:47 PM (zZu0s)

225 My problem with the Wick movies is that the world became to big. It seemed liked just about everyone is a secret assassin. Still, I did enjoy the sequels.

Posted by: Darth Randall at March 21, 2026 09:47 PM (f1kZG)

226 1. Kathy Hochul
2. Gavin Newsome
3. James Talarico

America’s Top political retard is next!

Posted by: Political Deadpool at March 21, 2026 09:47 PM (OTOad)

227 225 My problem with the Wick movies is that the world became to big. It seemed liked just about everyone is a secret assassin. Still, I did enjoy the sequels.
Posted by: Darth Randall at March 21, 2026 09:47 PM (f1kZG)

===

The organization only exists to kill other assassins.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:48 PM (gYVzu)

228 Is that a troll, I can't even tell.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:48 PM (zZu0s)

229 The organization only exists to kill other assassins.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:48 PM (gYVzu)

Again, the explanation makes it worse.

John Wick is clowe to a perfect movie... except that Vigo is supposed to be a credible fight the Wick.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:50 PM (zZu0s)

230
I'm sitting next to better.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:41 PM (gYVzu)

It's good to be TJM.

Posted by: Bilwis understands she's reading this, but I'm sure it's true anyway at March 21, 2026 09:50 PM (w/O5Q)

231 Close and to.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:51 PM (zZu0s)

232 Posted by: Political Deadpool at March 21, 2026 09:47 PM (OTOad)

Not a cave troll. Just a bridge troll. C-, does not make enough effort

Posted by: gKWVE at March 21, 2026 09:51 PM (gKWVE)

233 228 Is that a troll, I can't even tell.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:48 PM (zZu0s)
----

Well it's sure no Troll 2.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 09:52 PM (kpS4V)

234 The vids of Hochul telling conservative New Yorkers to f off to Florida. Then begging those people to come back to New York to fund her retarded programs. That was truly an entertainment. Sorry to New Yorkers who are stuck there.

Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:52 PM (w5FC4)

235
Honky woman rocking cornrows? The miserable cvnts at the View are not going to let you get away with white supremacy or whatever .
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at March 21, 2026 09:46 PM (w5FC4)

She's gets a pass for having dated an African, Tarzan.

Posted by: Bilwis runs away and hides at March 21, 2026 09:53 PM (w/O5Q)

236 We found out that Dolley wears the same glasses as Laura Dern in Jurassic Park tonight.

Junior watched it for the first time tonight.

Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:53 PM (gYVzu)

237 Good thread guys! Thanks for hanging out! See you in April!

Posted by: moviegique at March 21, 2026 09:53 PM (/d4WW)

238 Thanks, 'Gique!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes. at March 21, 2026 09:54 PM (kpS4V)

239 Junior watched it for the first time tonight.
Posted by: TJM's phone at March 21, 2026 09:53 PM (gYVzu)

Still a good movie. Great soundtrack. Effects hold up, which is sad for other things by comparison.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 09:54 PM (zZu0s)

240 Thanks for the thread, moviegique.

Have a good one, gang.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 21, 2026 09:57 PM (q3u5l)

241 ONT is nood.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at March 21, 2026 10:00 PM (zZu0s)

242 Speaking of John Wick, I really enjoyed Bullet Train (the one with Brad Pitt). But I had to have subtitles and watch twice to understand the plot.

Posted by: Texican ette at March 21, 2026 10:35 PM (SNf74)

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