Archive for April, 2011
You are currently browsing the Anatomy Of A Classic blog archives for April, 2011.
30
Apr
2011
Peter O’Toole Handprint Ceremony
I was lucky enough to be able to attend Peter O’Toole’s handprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theater this morning. I also shot video of Mr. O’Toole’s speech, which I will post soon! What a thrill!
Peter O'Toole with his son and daughter
Ceremony attendees Anjelica Huston and Barbara Hershey
Peter O'Toole and Robert Osborne
Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss
29
Apr
2011
Review: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Starring: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders
Directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Other notable contributors: Bernard Herrman (score)
Favorite scene: When the Captain’s comments prompt outbursts from Mrs. Muir, much to the confusion of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, who cannot hear the Captain’s voice.
Favorite line: Mr. Coombe: In my opinion, you are the most obstinate young woman I have ever met. Mrs. Muir: Thank you, Mr. Coombe. I have always wanted to be considered obstinate.
Raves: Gene Tierney is absolutely adorable in this role! She’s assertive, charming, and very likable. The script is full of witty remarks and moves the story along at a nice pace.
Rants: I love George Sanders, but not in this movie. His character was supposed to be somewhat slimy, but I didn’t expect to find him so unlikeable. Some of his scenes made me cringe. Also, if you’re listening Fox, this film really needs to be restored – some of the dirt and damage was really distracting.
My take: Overall, a pleasant little film. Loved the seaside setting. Would watch again. Plus, I hadn’t realized before this viewing how much Olivia Wilde looks like Gene Tierney!!
Right??
Recommended if: You like cute movies.
Notes: Saw this film at the TCM Classic Film Festival where Dorothy Herrmann (Bernard’s daughter) gave a short introduction to the film. Ms. Herrmann stated that this was her father’s favorite score (not Psycho as some would believe.) Bernard had a love of English romance that made this project a personal one for him. She added that her father referred to this work as his “Max Steiner score” – lush and melodic. Fox omitted their “sound logo” in the opening credits so that Herrmann’s score could start right from the beginning – something that has only been allowed five times in Fox’s history.
29
Apr
2011
TCM Festival Opening Night Red Carpet
The stars were out last night, as celebrities both classic and contemporary walked the red carpet. Others I saw but didn’t get a snapshot of: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Rose McGowan, Ann Rutherford, Tippi Hedren, and Hayley Mills.
Film critic/historian Leonard Maltin
Classic film enthusiast Hugh Hefner
"North by Northwest" star Eva Marie Saint
The red carpet on Hollywood Boulevard
28
Apr
2011
TCM Film Fest Headquarters – Roosevelt Hotel
I was at the Roosevelt Hotel – TCM Film Festival headquarters – yesterday for a roundtable interview with the one and only Robert Osborne (transcript to be posted very soon!) Festival staff was setting up for today’s opening and I got a chance to snap a few pics:
Club TCM, a hangout spot for festival-goers, is located in the Roosevelt Hotel's Blossom Room - site of the very first Academy Awards ceremony.
Entrance to the Roosevelt Hotel.
27
Apr
2011
AOAC is Covering the TCM Classic Film Festival!
That’s exciting just to type!
I’ll be attending the festival in Hollywood starting tomorrow. Check back each day for pictures, interviews, and film reviews! More info on the festival here.
26
Apr
2011
The War Room: Give War A Chance
A piece of advice: if you recommend a film to me, DO NOT describe it as a “war” movie. If you do, there is a 99.9% chance I will not watch it. If we watch movies to escape, then the last place I want to escape to is a battlefield.
But I’ll admit there are probably some great films I’m missing out on because of their “war” label. When Alix mentioned Stalag 17 to me as a modern-day counterpart to The Departed, I immediately said “Isn’t that a war movie?’, the disgust in my voice not too well hid. When she gave a quick run-down of the plot it actually seemed, well, interesting. Fancy that.
Watch along with us this summer as we look at notable classic war films with the peace-lover in mind.
25
Apr
2011
New Series: The War Room
Summer is almost here which means school will be out and I will actually get a chance to do something other than study. Like watch movies! And blog! And we’re kicking off the summer with a new series!
Sometimes when I mention a film to Lindsay her reply is, “Isn’t that a war film?” and I instantly notice her disinterest. While I completely understand not wanting to watch a whole film filled with guns, and tanks, and explosions, there are lots of “war” films that are way more interesting than they may initially seem! Therefore, I’m beginning a new series about classic war films that I think shouldn’t be avoided because you think it may be boring or brutal or just not your kind of film.
Not every war film is Apocalypse Now
The first film I will be talking about is Stalag 17 (1952) which was written and directed by Billy Wilder (who also directed Sunset Boulevard, Some Like It Hot, and Double Indemnity). Stalag 17 is a great example of a “war film” that doesn’t really even deserve to be called a war film. Its more of a mystery/whodunit with a twist of comedy and a touch of history on the side. So hopefully you’ll give some of those war films you’ve been putting off seeing another chance. I promise, there are some good ones out there!
