Filmstrip Memories: A new classic film review blog...BY ME!

[Avaitor]

Don't be ashamed of bumping this thread- keep on bumping it, I say! You always tend to pick some good movies to review, some I've seen and enjoyed, others I've been wanting to see.

I actually just watched Jaws for the first time. This is especially weird for me, because my stepmom used to work for THX and had a lot of copies of this, Jurassic Park, and the BTTF's on video, among others. She'd send us copies of these movies for Christmas(they were poor for a while, so this was all they could afford), and at a certain point, she and my half-sister ended up using various copies of Jurassic Park for recording tapes.

Gonig on the ride at Universal for the first time this Friday gave me a particular interest in watching this film for the first time. I know we have at least one copy of Jaws on VHS thanks to her, but I haven't been able to find it for years. By my luck, I decided to check out my local WalMart on my way from dropping my friend off at her house, and found a copy of the 25th anniversary edition DVD for only $5.

Great movie, overall; I pretty much agree with your review, barring the notion that the movie is too slow paced for today's generation. I think it's still a perfect film for guys looking for a thrill, because even today's horror and suspense movies tend to be heavy on exposition before the big finish. The main characters are written well enough to be endearable for the whole movie, and Jaws himself is still a meanace throughout. I could probably show it to my Saw-obsessed friends and they'd still get a kick out of it.

What's funny is that there are a bigger amount of people who haven't seen movies like these out there, despite being one of the biggest box-office draws of all time, same as there are people who haven't seen Gone With the Wind or Star Wars or Disney movies before The Little Mermaid(which tends to be the oldest classic people my age are really familiar with). I was expecting to feel ashamed to not raise my hand when the ride's curator asked us if we've seen Jaws, but when only about three or four people raised their hands, I decided to as well, to make myself feel more like the elitist that I am(granted, this Universal trip was full of seniors, so don't be too surprised by the results). I do hope to give my future children experience in classics like these when I have them, as well as many of the others that you've written about in your blog.

I notice that, based on what you choose to review, that you tend to prefer lighter comedies and dramas to action or suspense-based movies. In that case, may I make a future recommendation for you to check out? I also finally got to watch The Graduate for the first time, a movie that I adore myself, and I think it might be up your alley. Excellent script that's both reflective of it's era and still remains fresh today, top-notch directing, great performances that are reflective based on perfect casting and strong characterization, and a classic soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkel. It's one of my favorites now, and you might enjoy it, yourself.

[pap64]

Don't be ashamed of bumping this thread- keep on bumping it, I say! You always tend to pick some good movies to review, some I've seen and enjoyed, others I've been wanting to see.

As long as it doesn't bother anybody, I'll do it!

I actually just watched Jaws for the first time. This is especially weird for me, because my stepmom used to work for THX and had a lot of copies of this, Jurassic Park, and the BTTF's on video, among others. She'd send us copies of these movies for Christmas(they were poor for a while, so this was all they could afford), and at a certain point, she and my half-sister ended up using various copies of Jurassic Park for recording tapes.

Gonig on the ride at Universal for the first time this Friday gave me a particular interest in watching this film for the first time. I know we have at least one copy of Jaws on VHS thanks to her, but I haven't been able to find it for years. By my luck, I decided to check out my local WalMart on my way from dropping my friend off at her house, and found a copy of the 25th anniversary edition DVD for only $5.

This is exactly why I wanted to do this project. I always hated how I had no idea about a movie, or how I knew about it but had never seen it. After doing this I feel more confident in that I know about a great deal of them and not feel ashamed of missing them.

Great movie, overall; I pretty much agree with your review, barring the notion that the movie is too slow paced for today's generation. I think it's still a perfect film for guys looking for a thrill, because even today's horror and suspense movies tend to be heavy on exposition before the big finish. The main characters are written well enough to be endearable for the whole movie, and Jaws himself is still a meanace throughout. I could probably show it to my Saw-obsessed friends and they'd still get a kick out of it.

The only reason I made that mention is because it's such a different kind of horror/suspense movie that anyone expecting to be on the same level as Saw or Final Destination might be disappointed. It's a shame that the horror genre has degraded itself into a blood and guts show with little substance, and audiences believe that's how the genre should be.

I notice that, based on what you choose to review, that you tend to prefer lighter comedies and dramas to action or suspense-based movies. In that case, may I make a future recommendation for you to check out? I also finally got to watch The Graduate for the first time, a movie that I adore myself, and I think it might be up your alley. Excellent script that's both reflective of it's era and still remains fresh today, top-notch directing, great performances that are reflective based on perfect casting and strong characterization, and a classic soundtrack by Simon & Garfunkel. It's one of my favorites now, and you might enjoy it, yourself.

Yes, my favorite movie genres are comedies, musical, drama and romance, simply because I tend to write these sort of stories (the first story I ever wrote for a contest as a historical love story ). But, I'll watch anything that has a great story regardless of genre. The two reasons I tend to avoid most horror and suspense movies is because...

1. The first horror movie I watched as a kid was one of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, and traumatized me for the rest of my life.

2. Like I previously mentioned, the horror/suspense genre has degraded itself so badly that I just plain avoid them (the only horror movie I really liked was the first Saw film, but lost interest after the millionth movie was made).

Once more, I just like anything with a great story despite the genre. In fact, I have Psycho on my viewing log, and looks like I will enjoy it a lot!

As for recommendations, feel free to recommend anything! I HAVE seen The Graduate and I agree it's a great movie. I admit, though, at it took me a while to get into it, but then once the movie focused on Ben and Elaine the film took off for me, especially with the fantastic ending (I wish I had the guts to do what Ben did ).

[pap64]

IMPORTANT!

Can you guys see this Facebook page properly?
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wal ... 2998464461

On my end, it keeps giving me a "profile not available" message, and keeps telling me to try again later.

PLEASE don't let the page be banned or deleted...

[jpanimation]

As long as it doesn't bother anybody, I'll do it!

Doesn't bother me, bump away and keep us updated.

I actually just watched Jaws for the first time. This is especially weird for me, because my stepmom used to work for THX and had a lot of copies of this, Jurassic Park, and the BTTF's on video, among others. She'd send us copies of these movies for Christmas(they were poor for a while, so this was all they could afford), and at a certain point, she and my half-sister ended up using various copies of Jurassic Park for recording tapes.

Gonig on the ride at Universal for the first time this Friday gave me a particular interest in watching this film for the first time. I know we have at least one copy of Jaws on VHS thanks to her, but I haven't been able to find it for years. By my luck, I decided to check out my local WalMart on my way from dropping my friend off at her house, and found a copy of the 25th anniversary edition DVD for only $5.

Do you mean Universal Studios Florida? The ride always scared the shit out of me when I was a kid (I had nightmares). Your boat barely moves but the ride is still thrilling. I personally don't think you needed to see the movie before the ride as the ride is it's own story and the ending is taken straight out of Jaws 2. Anyways, I just watched Jaws for the first time about 5 years ago. It was on Universal HD and while I had gone on the ride many times, I never really knew what the movie was about. I now feel it's Spielberg's best and it's as close to perfect as you can get.

This is exactly why I wanted to do this project. I always hated how I had no idea about a movie, or how I knew about it but had never seen it. After doing this I feel more confident in that I know about a great deal of them and not feel ashamed of missing them.

Yeah, there are many famous movies that people all know but have never actually seen. Everyone knows King Kong, everyone knows Jaws, everyone knows Frankenstein, everyone knows Dracula but how many of those people have actually seen the movies? I personally only knew the famous parts and the rides at Universal. Once I got into classic movies, I found out that these movies were famous for a good reason and that what I thought I knew only scratched the surface. I found out that a lot of these movies were familiar to me due to countless parodies I'd seen on TV shows like Family Guy.

The only reason I made that mention is because it's such a different kind of horror/suspense movie that anyone expecting to be on the same level as Saw or Final Destination might be disappointed. It's a shame that the horror genre has degraded itself into a blood and guts show with little substance, and audiences believe that's how the genre should be.

As I said in another thread, I always felt Jaws was more of an adventure/thriller (the fantastical music even suggests this) with some drama. Never felt like a horror film to me but a giant character piece. It's my favorite Spielberg and I think it transcends the horror genre.

I also mentioned this in another thread and I'll just copy and paste it here: I feel that new horror films seem to have become torture films. It's almost as if as a result of us becoming desensitized to violence, they feel they have to show an even more violent image on screen or it wouldn't be scary. Some of the scariest things that gave me nightmares as a kid were only implied.

1. The first horror movie I watched as a kid was one of the Nightmare on Elm Street movies, and traumatized me for the rest of my life.

My dad had HBO on and it had a preview for the new Child's Play movie (despite the title, not a movie for children). I had to sleep with the lights on as I was convinced my toys were going to kill me. The irony of it all is I now love Chucky and have a doll right in my room.

Once more, I just like anything with a great story despite the genre. In fact, I have Psycho on my viewing log, and looks like I will enjoy it a lot!

I love Psycho and can't wait for your review. Universal has a poll on Facebook as to which release we are most looking forward to on Blu-ray and Psycho is on the list. They also had Back to the Future but I know for a fact that they already have plans for a Blu-ray set this year and everyone was going to vote for it anyways, so I vote for Psycho. Psycho is my third favorite Hitchcock, right after North by Northwest and Rear Window and followed closely by Strangers on a Train.

I admit, though, at it took me a while to get into it, but then once the movie focused on Ben and Elaine the film took off for me, especially with the fantastic ending (I wish I had the guts to do what Ben did ).

Yeah, took me multiple viewings to get into it. It's still not one of my favorites but it was good (once again, I had never seen the movie but thanks to parodies in Wayne's World 2, I knew the ending before I saw it). I feel like watching these classic movies that I'm just now catching up with the rest of the world and can now can appreciate their parodies.

IMPORTANT!

Can you guys see this Facebook page properly?
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wal ... 2998464461

On my end, it keeps giving me a "profile not available" message, and keeps telling me to try again later.

I'm getting the same thing as you.

[blackcauldron85]

IMPORTANT!

Can you guys see this Facebook page properly?
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wal ... 2998464461

On my end, it keeps giving me a "profile not available" message, and keeps telling me to try again later.

PLEASE don't let the page be banned or deleted...

It works for me...

[Avaitor]

Psycho is my favorite horror film, my favorite Hitchcock film, and one of my fsvorite films in general. I can't wait to hear what you think about.

[pap64]

Here's my latest review, The Band Wagon.
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... -1953.html

It's the first Fred Astaire I see during my journey to classic film land, and was recommended to me by Escapay (the review is dedicated to him), and presented to me an interesting argument: how it and Singin' in the Rain are similar but not the same as MGM musicals.

[PrincePhillipFan]

Sorry for the belated response, but great blog, pap! I look forward to each of your entries and hear about your thoughts on these films. Any chance you'll be reviewing some of Hitchcock's work?

[pap64]

Sorry for the belated response, but great blog, pap! I look forward to each of your entries and hear about your thoughts on these films. Any chance you'll be reviewing some of Hitchcock's work?

No problem at all! I sent you an invite to the Facebook group so check it out when you can.

Like I explained earlier, I plan on watching Psycho soon when time allows it. A friend of mine recommended me Notorious starring Cary Grant. I am interested on The Birds and Rear View Window (if I am not mistaken, this is the one with James Stewart witnessing a murder and he is on a wheelchair).

[PrincePhillipFan]

Sorry, I must have missed that comment earlier. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it!

I also highly recommend Rope (very daring for its time as it depicted two gay college students as the central characters/ murderers), the 1956 version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, and the dark comedy The Trouble With Harry, and Family Plot. The Trouble With Harry is one of my faves as it's a rare foray into Hitchcock doing black comedy instead of straight suspense. The story is very fun and lighthearted, and features gorgeous scenery of New England in autumn. It was also one of Shirley MacLaine's first films, and it features Royal Dano (the voice of Lincoln in Disneyland's Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln show).

[Avaitor]

I am interested on The Birds and Rear View Window (if I am not mistaken, this is the one with James Stewart witnessing a murder and he is on a wheelchair).

I believe you mean Rear Window, but yes, that's the movie, alright. Those are some good movies, I'd recommend them for you.

I have to admit that The Band Wagon isn't a favorite, however. I like some of the musical numbers, but I personally think they bring the story to a hault, while musicals like Singin' in the Rain and most of Disney's use theirs more effectively as additions to the story, and blend into their films better. I also agree that the plot, while decent, doesn't really go anywhere unexpected.

I think my favorite sequence in the movie has to be "Shine on Your Shoes". Really great dancing on Astaire's part there, and his partner was nearly as good as he was.

But in terms of action, if you want any recommendations, have you seen Alien or Aliens? These are two really solid movies that work on multiple levels, besides just impressive fight scenes? I think Aliens is better, but it is basically a brilliant companion to the original.

[pap64]

I am interested on The Birds and Rear View Window (if I am not mistaken, this is the one with James Stewart witnessing a murder and he is on a wheelchair).

I believe you mean Rear Window, but yes, that's the movie, alright. Those are some good movies, I'd recommend them for you.

Thank you and Tim for all the Hitchcock recommendations! They all sound like great movies!

I have to admit that The Band Wagon isn't a favorite, however. I like some of the musical numbers, but I personally think they bring the story to a hault, while musicals like Singin' in the Rain and most of Disney's use theirs more effectively as additions to the story, and blend into their films better. I also agree that the plot, while decent, doesn't really go anywhere unexpected.

I think my favorite sequence in the movie has to be "Shine on Your Shoes". Really great dancing on Astaire's part there, and his partner was nearly as good as he was.

The other problem with the Band Wagon is that there isn't enough conflict. In the beginning, you see that there's conflict between the performers and the stage director, complete with technical disasters and ego clashes. But once the first version of the show is a flop, everyone forgets about it and successfully put on a show without any real issue or confrontation.

In contrast, Singin' in the Rain had a bigger conflict that started from the very beginning and was continued till the very end. They couldn't get The Dueling Cavalier right, the revolution caused by The Jazz Singer, Kathy had to keep her friendship with Don and Cosmo a secret due to Lina hating her, the lip synching and Lina's antagonism. It made for a more satisfying film once all of these issues were solved. The Band Wagon, however, establishes some conflicts but doesn't do enough with them.

I think a better Fred Astaire musical is "Funny Face" with Audrey Hepburn. The songs are more relevant to the development of the plot and the story is quite funny and charming (Hepburn is ADORABLE in this one!)

But in terms of action, if you want any recommendations, have you seen Alien or Aliens? These are two really solid movies that work on multiple levels, besides just impressive fight scenes? I think Aliens is better, but it is basically a brilliant companion to the original.

I've seen scenes of Alien, while I haven't seen the sequels (including the inferior mid 90s sequels as well as the Alien vs. Predator pictures), I'll add it to my viewing log.

I'm trying to pace myself so I don't burn out on the project.

[jpanimation]

Here's my latest review, The Band Wagon.
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... -1953.html

It's the first Fred Astaire I see during my journey to classic film land, and was recommended to me by Escapay (the review is dedicated to him), and presented to me an interesting argument: how it and Singin' in the Rain are similar but not the same as MGM musicals.

This was an enjoyable film, although not my favorite MGM musical or my favorite of Astaire. I personally feel that Astaire was best at RKO, and my favorite of his from that studio was shared with is famous on-screen partner, Ginger Rogers. I’m of course speaking of Top Hat. In addition to featuring Ataire and Rogers, it has two of my all-time favorite character actors, Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore. I’ve seen all 10 of RKO’s Astair and Rogers productions and the only other one I love is Swing Time, directed by the great George Stevens.

One film of his that I like but many others don’t seem to is The Sky's the Limit. This may be bias from my love for comedian Robert Benchley (who may be a little redundant in this film); although you owe it to yourself to see the “One for my Baby” number, it’s fantastic.

Two other famous Stanley Donen 50’s musicals he was in were Royal Wedding and Funny Face (EDIT: which you’ve already seen, sorry, feel free to ignore the following). I can’t really recommend either of them as they’re both mediocre efforts. What I do recommend you do is look up the famous sequences from those movies: Fred Astaire dancing on the ceiling from Royal Wedding and Audrey Hepburn’s famous night club dance sequence from Funny Face (dammit, I'm a Hepburn fan). As a movie fan, these sequences are not to be missed and are often used in parody.

Like I explained earlier, I plan on watching Psycho soon when time allows it. A friend of mine recommended me Notorious starring Cary Grant. I am interested on The Birds and Rear View Window (if I am not mistaken, this is the one with James Stewart witnessing a murder and he is on a wheelchair).

Well, if you watch Hitchcock and enjoy it, I’m sure you’ll be compelled to watch them all (and if you happen to become a fan, you'll cry with the rest of us that Ron and John's Fraidy Cat was never made). I’ve seen everything he filmed from Number Seventeen through Family Plot, I just love Hitch. While some of his efforts aren’t very good, they all have merit, and he learned from his mistakes made on the less-than-stellar efforts. He applied that knowledge to future films and that lead to his straight up masterpieces. I’ve already mentioned my favorites being North by Northwest, Rear Window (yes, the one with the disabled Stewart witnessing a murder), Psycho, and Strangers on a Train. Notorious and The Birds are also great, so I’ll add credibility to your friend’s recommendation. There’s a lot more of his earlier work that I’d like to recommend but it would just look like I’m listing almost-everything he’s done without thought. If you want, I can give you a top 20 Hitchcock list, in order, with explanations, as I love to discuss Hitchcock.

I also highly recommend Rope (very daring for its time as it depicted two gay college students as the central characters/ murderers), the 1956 version of The Man Who Knew Too Much, and the dark comedy The Trouble With Harry, and Family Plot. The Trouble With Harry is one of my faves as it's a rare foray into Hitchcock doing black comedy instead of straight suspense. The story is very fun and lighthearted, and features gorgeous scenery of New England in autumn. It was also one of Shirley MacLaine's first films, and it features Royal Dano (the voice of Lincoln in Disneyland's Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln show).

Rope was daring for another reason (while certainly not as large as the first), it all took place in one room (a single room set, something replicated on a slightly larger scale in Rear Window). While Rope isn’t one of my favorites, I was certainly surprised by how entertained I was with a movie taking place in one room over one night at a party, so I also recommend it. The Man Who Knew Too Much remake with Jimmy Stewart is also not one of my favorites, although it’s still good and I enjoyed it a lot more than the original version Hitch made with Peter Lorre. The Trouble With Harry is also not one of my favorites (broken record) but it’s an interesting look at Hitch doing dark comedy. I particularly love Edmund Gwenn (Santa from Miracle on 34th Street). Lastly, Family Plot, which gets a lot of undeserved bad rap. It was Hitch’s final film and while certainly not on the level of his truly great ones, it’s still good. The cut-breaks car chase sequence (while still looking fake) more than makes-up for the poorly done drunken car chase sequence in North by Northwest (the only thing keeping the movie from being perfect).

I have to admit that The Band Wagon isn't a favorite, however. I like some of the musical numbers, but I personally think they bring the story to a hault, while musicals like Singin' in the Rain and most of Disney's use theirs more effectively as additions to the story, and blend into their films better. I also agree that the plot, while decent, doesn't really go anywhere unexpected.

I think my favorite sequence in the movie has to be "Shine on Your Shoes". Really great dancing on Astaire's part there, and his partner was nearly as good as he was.

I agree with everything said. The "Shine on Your Shoes" number just stands out above the rest. It really shows Astaire’s talent for incorporating props into his dance (a hat rack in Royal Wedding or a cane and drums in A Damsel in Distress, to name a few).

But in terms of action, if you want any recommendations, have you seen Alien or Aliens? These are two really solid movies that work on multiple levels, besides just impressive fight scenes? I think Aliens is better, but it is basically a brilliant companion to the original.

I actually like Alien more but Aliens is REALLY good (one of James Cameron’s best, ranks with the Terminators, and he’s very respectful to the original Alien). Alien is a suspenseful horror while Aliens is more of an action thriller with some horror elements. I don’t recommend Alien 3, 4 or the two AVP movies, ruins the franchise. I’m really upset that the new Blu-ray set contains all 4 Alien movies, as the first 2 are the only ones I care for (I pretend the others don’t exist). Ridley Scott is making 2 prequel films to his original Alien but I’m skeptical as to how good they’ll be. So yeah, I definitely recommend Alien and Aliens (best if viewed in order).

[Escapay]

Here's my latest review, The Band Wagon.
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... -1953.html

It's the first Fred Astaire I see during my journey to classic film land, and was recommended to me by Escapay (the review is dedicated to him), and presented to me an interesting argument: how it and Singin' in the Rain are similar but not the same as MGM musicals.

Oh wow, pap, I didn't expect a dedication! I'm just glad you watched the film, and really enjoyed your review.

I'm also glad you enjoyed "Dancing in the Dark", it's definitely one of the high points in the film. I've often said is the most sensual dance ever put to film. The context within the purpose of the dance, and the gracefulness between Astaire and Charisse is amazing. Some of the best acting in film is done through dance, and this is a prime example.

One thing I love about The Band Wagon is that along with the "showcase" of musical numbers that are prominent, there are various other songs scattered through that may not be as memorable to the context of the film, but are excellent songs nonetheless. Like when Tony and Gaby are trying to dance among the smoke explosions, they have "You and the Night and the Music" sung in the background in a faux-operatic way that is just...awesome.

I actually like how "tame" and slightly low-key some of the music is in the film as opposed to other musicals. While musicals are often thought to be splashy energetic affairs, The Band Wagon presented one where music acts not only as an extension of the story, but also as a natural part of the characters' lives. "I Love Louisa" shows how the cast tries to cheer themselves up after the horrible opening/preview of their show, and "By Myself" is Tony's own private soliloquy about how he saw himself in the beginning of the film.

I do agree, the story is simple. But for me, that's part of the charm of it all. It takes a tale-as-old-as-time and makes it seem new via the characters and some of the conflict. It could be improved a bit (they should have done something more with Paul other than have him brood and hastily leave Gaby), but at the same time, it doesn't need to. The characters and story work well together as is, adding to it would be like too many cooks spoiling the soup. Having the conflict more-or-less disappear after the first show flops is, for me, a step in the right direction. It's basically saying "Okay, we know what went wrong, we're going to make it right!" and so adding any more conflict (beyond the "will they or won't they?" of Tony/Gaby) would be trying too hard. They don't need conflict anymore, they need to get the show made. Egos get pushed aside, drama gets thrown out, it gets back to its roots of a lighthearted affair. "A New Sun in the Sky", short as it is in the film, establishes that as it says "That was then, this is now, enjoy it!" and the following numbers that come at you in one-two punches all escalate to "Girl Hunt", which is pure fantasy and returns to the roots of their earlier story pitch (a man who writes crime novels on the side, or something to that effect). The story has come full circle and the characters are all the better for it. The one thing I could have done without was the break-the-fourth-wall moment at the end during the reprise of "That's Entertainment", but at the same time, it's another reflection of what the movie and the musical-within-the-movie stood for. It's the acknowledgement that everything seen/done in the past two hours were all done in the name of entertainment, that they strived to create something entertaining, be it local theatre summer stock, high-profile Broadway performers, etc.

Anyways, I've rambled enough about The Band Wagon. If you've got time for a couple more well-known MGM musicals of the era, check out 1954's Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and 1955's It's Always Fair Weather. And from one of the lesser-known musicals, Two Weeks with Love (1950) is pretty good too.

As for all the Hitchcock talk also going on, I second your friend's recommendation of Notorious and also recommend Lifeboat, a lesser-known (and to be honest, lesser quality) Hitchcock film.

albert

[jpanimation]

check out 1954's Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and 1955's It's Always Fair Weather.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, definitely. Be sure to see in in widescreen as Stanley Donen uses it all. As for It's Always Fair Weather, I didn't really like it that much. It's the sequel to On the Town yet none of the cast returns (except Kelly) and it's just not as good. It has some fantastic sequences like the trash can dance, Gene Kelly tap dancing on roller skates, and Cyd Charisse swaying those hips with a full gym of boxers, but those are three fantastic sequences in what I feel is a mediocre movie.

also recommend Lifeboat, a lesser-known (and to be honest, lesser quality) Hitchcock film.

Smaller budget for sure but not lesser quality. I feel he did really well with the movie.

[pap64]

I did say that I would dedicate the next ten reviews to the people that inspired this project with support and recommendations. I am happy you liked the review and enjoyed the dedication.

I want to state, though, that I don't mind the discussion of classic films here. In fact, I welcome it! I believe that we often take these great films for granted in favor of discussing the newest releases, and we forget that these movies still have a lot to talk about and lots of things to discuss. I mean, just look how much we have gotten out of the Band Wagon and Alfred Hitchcock!

So don't mind me, ramble away!

On another subject, did you guys read my Classic Film References post about Singin' in the Rain? I realized just now that I could do a whole other website filled with just Singin in the Rain references!

After watching the movie, I realized that the High School Musical episode of Zach and Cody is an exact copy of the movie! That alone could inspire a lenghty post analyzing each key scene in both the movie and the episode.

But I decided to go with one of my favorites, which was the Rabbids' version of Singin in the Rain:
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0AA3YPw-zk0&hl ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0AA3YPw-zk0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[pap64]

Here's a fun update for all! I talked to a fellow blog writer and artist to make Filmstrip Funnies! Here's the first one:
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... -rain.html

And here's the artist's profile:
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... iller.html

Hope you guys like it!

[Escapay]

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, definitely. Be sure to see in in widescreen as Stanley Donen uses it all.

I like the flat widescreen version (which was shot simultaneously with the CinemaScope version anyway, so they're the same film in more ways than one) when watching on my small TV in my bedroom, but yeah, the CinemaScope version is definitely the way to go.

It's the sequel to On the Town yet none of the cast returns (except Kelly)

Technically, while it was meant to be a sequel, it isn't at all. They had intended for it to be a sequel, but MGM didn't want to pay Jules Munshin or Frank Sinatra, and so they simply changed the characters and got Dan Dailey and Michael Kidd. But yeah, in spirit, it's somewhat of a sequel.

Smaller budget for sure but not lesser quality. I feel he did really well with the movie.

Don't get me wrong, I think it's a fine film. But compared to his other work in the 40s, it just doesn't age very well, the WWII time period instantly dates it, and it just goes about at a rather meandering pace. The story and the casting are great, and the idea of shooting the film in such a small environment is genius, it's just the execution that I feel could have been improved upon (and as Rope and Rear Window show, he definitely improved).

I did say that I would dedicate the next ten reviews to the people that inspired this project with support and recommendations. I am happy you liked the review and enjoyed the dedication.

I want to state, though, that I don't mind the discussion of classic films here. In fact, I welcome it! I believe that we often take these great films for granted in favor of discussing the newest releases, and we forget that these movies still have a lot to talk about and lots of things to discuss. I mean, just look how much we have gotten out of the Band Wagon and Alfred Hitchcock!

So don't mind me, ramble away!

Oh wow, I must have forgotten that you said that! Now I feel foolish.

I guess I'll keep on a-ramblin' away then! If/when you get to The Ten Commandments, expected pages upon pages from me.

albert

[pap64]

Here's today's review, The Sound of Music!
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... -1965.html

Check out the dedication for a cool little story behind this movie.

[jpanimation]

Here's today's review, The Sound of Music!
http://filmstripmemories.blogspot.com/2 ... -1965.html

Check out the dedication for a cool little story behind this movie.

The Sound of Music is part of what I see as the last string of great epic musicals, that came out during the the last decade to feature them, the 1960's (the others being the West Side Story, My Fair Lady and Oliver!). What's most fascinating about The Sound of Music is just how much better the film is than the original Rodgers and Hammerstein play from which it's based. I would have to give credit to Ernest Lehman, the screenwriter who worked before with director Robert Wise on West Side Story and also wrote the screenplay for the movie adaption of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I (so he and Robet Wise had prior experience with musicals). Lehman also wrote two if my all-time favorite movies: Sweet Smell of Success and North by Northwest. Julie Andrews's infectious personality certainly has a lot to do with it (as it did with Mary Poppins and most likely would've with My Fair Lady [as much as I love Hepburn]). While you enjoyed The Sound of Music more then I did, I certainly feel it's one of the greats.

My story as to how I came to see the movie starts a few years ago when my mom bothered me constantly until I sat down and watched it with her (this was after I started getting into classic movies). As a kid, she never went to the movies as they just couldn't afford it (even though she claims it was about 50¢ for a double feature at her local theater). Then her dad won the lottery and she got to see two movies that year: The Sound of Music to celebrate the winnings and Doctor Zhivago for he birthday present. It certainly meant a lot to her to see it again with me.

Before anyone gets mad at me, of course Mary Poppins would fall under the best musicals of the 1960's but I like to consider it a Disney Animated Classic that wasn't animated (certainly feels like one).