7
Aug
2011
Supporting Actor Spotlight: George Sanders
Name: George Henry Sanders
Famous Roles: Addison DeWitt in All About Eve (1950), Lord Henry Wotton in The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945), voice of Shere Khan in The Jungle Book (1967).
Trademark: His voice – smooth and rich with a sophisticated English accent. Excelled at playing the villain.
Awards and Achievements: Won the 1950 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in All About Eve. Also authored two crime novels and released an album entitled The George Sanders Touch: Songs for the Lovely Lady.
Why We Love Him: His voice! When portraying a villain, his voice is deliciously evil and seductive. Joseph L. Mankiewicz knew what he was doing when he selected Sanders for the opening narration of All About Eve. His voice over sets the tone perfectly for the snarky, biting dialogue that is to come.
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.
