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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
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Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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Welcome everyone, to the New Year and to our New Home. What an exciting time this is for Books into Movies. Have you seen or read The Reader? A lot of folks are talking about it. What are your thoughts? And then there’s Revolutionary Road and Marley & Me and Doubt (from a play), not to mention Slumdog Millionaire and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. No doubt with dreams of Oscars dancing in their heads. I feel like my cup is running over. How about you?
For those who like their films in homestyle comfort, check out the link above – Books into Movies Now on DVD.
The popcorn is ready, and there’s lots to talk about. So come on in and tell us about the books that you want to see.
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Thanks for the link, Pedln. I can't wait to see "The Reader" and "Marley and Me." I have read both those books. I missed the "Revolutionary Road" discussion long ago. I still haven't had the chance to read the book. I would like to read the book before seeing the movie.
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Thanks Pedln for opening up a discussion about Books into Movies It will be a very popular discussion I am sure.
Recently I saw Love at the Time of the Cholera and I bought the book, and because we had discussed 100 years of Solitude by Marquez in the old SeniorNet I decided I would go and see the movie. I liked that movie very much, the theme was so different than what usually comes out of Hollywood. They even talked about religion NOT like if it was a disease, but something that the characters felt strongly about. Besides it is also a good love story. I don't want to say too much in case people want to see the movie and read the book. I have just started to read the book so I can't comment on it just now. Marquez is a Nobel Prize winner that needs to be savoured.
Another movie I saw last Friday was The Reader and there again I wanted to read the book because people I know recommended it to me. I loved both which is unusual for me because movies usually leave out too much to be able to compare favourably to the book.
Happy New Reading Year 2009 to everyone.
Those two I highly recommend seeing and reading.
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Hi! Hats, we posted at the same time didn't we? I did the reverse, I saw the movie The Reader THEN I read the book. It's better like that for me because the movie might be disappointing, but I don't know about you. I liked both.
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Hi Eloise,
It's so good to see your name again and read your post. With "Love in The Time of Cholera" I might try your method. I tried reading the book. I wasn't successful. Maybe seeing the movie will make me look at the book again. I'm glad you liked the movie. I'm going to put it on my queue now.
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Hi, all. I just found this site. It is good to see so many familiar names. I have been down with a virus since the day after Christmas. My ribs hurt from coughing. I look forward to feeling better.
I haven't been going to movies for awhile. Too much violence, and noisy people. So, I usually wait until I can get a movie from Netflex. Foreign cinema is my first choice. People look like real people, not size 0 models. The story usually is more complex, too.
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I loved Marley and Me as a book, so will try and see the movie. So many books lose so much when they become a movie. Especially if they are made because some star thinks they would be wonderful in it.. I guess ego is a real problem in Hollywood.
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Welcome everyone, it’s so good to see you all here and to hear what you all think about this new crop of movies from books. It always makes me happy when the movie powers-that-be think a book or a short story is worth a film production.
Eloise, I’m happy to read your take on Love at the Time of Cholera, as I could not get into 100 Years of Solitude. (I know I’m in the minority there. Magical realism is not my thing.) But Love . . . sounds worth trying. Let us know how the book compares. And The REader -- I definitely want to see and read that.
Maybe seeing the movie will make me look at the book again.
from Hats
Hats, I agree with you – re: Love . . . Sometimes seeing the movie first puts a different light on a book you might not otherwise pick up and read.
Sheila, I hope you get over that bug soon. In the meantime I hope you can lie back, not too much coughing, and watch your DVDs from Netflix. I like foreign films, too, as I know I'll always "hear" them with the subtitles. Read ARound the World will be opening soon, and I'm sure there'll be room for film discussion as well as books.
Steph, if the film version of Marley and Me doesn’t suit, there’s another dog book into film coming in January, and I think there’ve been previews out on it. Hotel for Dogs, based on a book of the same name by Lois Duncan. (I remember her from our school library – a good Young Adult writer, usually with a touch of mystery.)
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I am thrilled that Books into Movies is back with us!! ;D I always enjoyed that category so much. So, thanks Pedln for getting us back together. I read "Love In The Time of Cholera" and watched the movie after. There was much to like about each one, but I found the book a bit slow-going. I know we don't have Book Exchange anymore, but I have a copy of "Love... if someone would like to have it. Just email me with your snail mail address, and I'll send it along for just postage.
I am going to read "Revolutionary Road" and "The Reader", and then hope to see the movie. They both sound excellent.
Tomereader
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Pedlin, Our 13 year old granddaughter is a Lois Duncan fan. I will tell her about the movie. I have been hearing reports on Marley that lead me to believe they dwell a bit much on the death, more than the wonderful exuberant life.
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re: Love in the Time of the Cholera and The Reader
Tomereader, In both cases I saw the movie first because when I read the book first I am always disappointed with the movie because it leaves so much out.
The Reader gave me a perspective on how the Holocaust is perceived by a non-Jewish German author. This book digs deep in the mind of man from his adolescence to his manhood as he deals with moral and pscyhological issues. It is a short and powerful 218 pages book that you want to read non stop from start to finish.
In contrast, Love in the Time of the Cholera that I am reading now is a book you want to linger on and not rush to turn the page to see what comes next. It is very descriptive and down to earth in easy flowing prose. I didn't follow the discussion "100 years of Solitude" but as it was mentioned before this author seems to dwell too long on matters of the heart and not enough on action. Even if the story seems to linger sometimes I don't want to stop reading it but I am not even half way yet, we will see.
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I saw Marley and Me. The end of the movie is about Marley death. I think they could have left the scene at the Vets when hr was put to sleep out. A little scary for smaller kids. but the rest when he was sick and when they said a prayer in the yard where they buried him was a nice family scene and there was nothing wrong with children seeing that kind of emotion. It's real life.
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I try not to compare a movie with the book. I try to take it as two separate things. Lots of stuff gets left out and sometimes more characters get added. People picture what characters look like in the book and then get dissapointed on who plays that part in the film.
Re Marley and Me. Owen Wison with his scaggy blond hair doesn't look anything like John Grogan.
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HATS, how great to hear from you again! I get a lift from every new name I see here from the old group. Seeing your post is like hearing from an old friend after a long absence.
Sheila, you are so right. People look like real people, not size 0 models.
I've often thought that when watching English movies. The English don't spend hours in make-up trying to remove all the little blemishes and flaws that real people have. Hollywood still has the idea that heroes and heroines must be one step removed from gods and goddesses. In appearance, anyway.
Don't you think that every book with a decent story line and dialogue has a chance at being made into a movie? There is such a demand for films, and original scripts couldn't begin to fill it. I suspect every new author's dream is to get a movie contract for his book, and make his fortune. And every established author hopes fervently that the producers don't ruin his/her book!
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Tomereader, I think a lot of folks here are being encouraged by the movie to at least take a look at Marquez’s book. I didn’t like 100 Years of Solitude, so tend to shy away. But like Eloise, I’ll probably see the movie before I try the book. You might put your give away offer over in Book Club Online as Love . . . is one of the books being voted on this week for our February discussion.
I try not to compare a movie with the book. I try to take it as two separate things.
from jeriron
That’s a good way to do it if you can, jeriron. My f2f mystery group read and watched The Good German, set in Berlin right after WWII. There were several changes made in the film, but the two items actually enhanced each other. The book provided background on the characters and the newsreel clips in the film gave the reader a better perspective on Berlin at that time.
But then there are all those films that make you wonder how movie-goers would know what was going on if they hadn't read the book.
Babi, gods and goddesses – those scraggly young men with 5 days facial hair growth? :P
And every established author hopes fervently that the producers don't ruin his/her book!
from Babi.
Remember the first Elizabeth George novel shown on PBS several years ago. It was said at the time that she was very picky about how it was done, which was why none of her works had previously been made into films. That first one was pretty true, as I recall, but look what’s happened since. Did she get bought out?
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Babi, gods and goddesses – those scraggly young men with 5 days facial hair growth? :P
[[/quote] Anyone would think the razor and comb businesses had gone down the tubes. I mean, no guys comb their hair anymore! And the facial hair, ugh. A beard is nice when well trimmed, but this grunge look is awful. I just imagine that these guys stink to high heaven!
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And how about that popular new women's hairdo---you know, the one that looks like an old straw broom? I haven't noticed many scraggly young men with five days of beard; probably not watching those movies. But I still think we would be astounded to see some 'before and after' pictures of actresses getting the Hollywood make-up and redesign treatment.
Maybe Elizabeth George signed a new contract after the first book was treated properly. Or maybe so many people complained about Barbara Haver's appearance that she agreed to the 'improvements'. Even non-beauties can make the best of what they've got. It's the false ideas equating beauty with a perceived 'perfection' that annoys me and discourages whole generations of young women growing up.
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Hi, everyone. I'll try to post here later!
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I had placed Love in the Time of Cholera in my queue and was just notified that it is in the mail. Didn't read the book.
JOY
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Checking in. And, Hats, it's good to see that you found this new site!!
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And how about that popular new women's hairdo
Makes me think -- “and she paid to do that!”
Mippy, Joy, and MaryZ, glad you found your way here. Lots of neat stuff coming up around us. Has anyone seen the Benjamin Britten film? I understand that’s from an F. Scott Fitzgerald story.
And Joy, I’m glad for your uptick about Love .. .. Cholera. I didn’t know it was already out on DVD. There’s been so much talk about it lately I just assumed it was a new film. Javiar Bardem – wasn’t he nominated for some award last year? Anyway, it’s going on my queue.
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My most recent DVD rental was The Madness of King George. It's based on a play, not a novel, does that count? Anyway, it's terrific!
Marley and Me is already in my rental queue, waiting to be released on DVD. My hubby hates to go out to movies (don't ask) so I'll have to wait a while to see it.
I don't care what the reviews say about the movie, I loved the book, gave it to relatives for gifts, and think John Grogan is a terrific writer!
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My f2f book group just finished discussing The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. We ended up by asking each other if this book would be a good movie. We all agreed it would. Then we tried to choose the stars who would best play the characters. No consensus there!
Nancy
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I now have the "Guernsey Literary etc.,..." from my library, along with about four other books, so I'm not sure when I'll start reading it. I will, however, take notes so that if it is chosen for discussion, I'll be ready! I'll see who comes to my mind as potential stars for that one. One difficulty, however, is that I'm much more familiary with the older stars than the newer ones. I wonder why that is? ::)
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Welcome Nancy. I’m kind of like Babi, I only know the older stars . So who would be a good Dawsey (I can’t remember the names.) For Sydney – he’s the best friend’s brother? How about Philip Seymour Hirsch? And I want Tyne Daly (she is still alive, isn’t she) for that very blunt, big-hearted woman who meddles.
Well Mippy, it is very nice to be able to put your feet up, stretch out, and/or take a break during the movie. That’s my main way of viewing because I don’t catch the dialog well enough in the theatre, and nothing here is captioned or subtitled. The last foreign flick to play in my town was Pan’s Labyrinth. But I do love a big screen every onece in a while, soI try to take advantage of visits to my New York daughter. On my last visit I saw Tell No One, which is a recent French film, based on the book by Harlan Coban. A good thriller for a movie. I haven’t read the book.
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I love Sean Connery and if I were the director, I'd find a spot for him in the Guernsey film! ~ Nancy
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Last night was a big night at the Golden Globes, especially for the film Slumdog Millionaire. I had heard that it was from a book, but did not know any more, so did a little research, and here is one link: Slumdog Millionaire (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vikas_Swarup)
Q and A, on which the film is based, is Vikas Swarup’s first novel. His second novel, Six Suspects, was released this summer and has been optioned for a film (whatever that means.)
Are there any Elmore Leonard fans out there? I had never read an Elmore Leonard until a few years ago because I always remembered the comments of an elderly gentleman from my church. I would run into him periodically in the mystery section of the public library and we would chat about various mystery writers. He was a great Elmore Leonard fan. “But,” he said, “I would never want Dorothy (his wife) to read him,” which, in my naïve younger years interpreted that his books were a little hard core.
But a few years back a film company came to Cape Girardeau to shoot scenes from Leonard’s Killshot. With that, my f2f group read the book, and it was not bad. The author had even researched well Mississippi River barge companies, which played a part in the book. The film has been an up and down thing and the scenes shot in my town are now said to be almost non-existent. But it is being released Jan 23 in a few select cities – not here, as we are not select enough. If you should see it, don’t look for me, as I did not go downtown that day.
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Turner Classic Movies (TCM on cable)always shows a lot of older films that were made from books. Remember,back in the "old days" lots of classics were turned into films. One of the best adaptations was "From Here to Eternity".. You can go to TCM's web site and check the schedule. I always liked Picture of Dorian Gray. I still think Gone With The Wind is a classic. When you think of how these films were made without computer generated images ,you can really appreciate the artistry that went into film making.
Does anyone think that seeing a movie of a book first ,is an impetus to reading the book? As an aside, I can remember reading Classic Comics and then being so interested that I would read the book.
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Hi Pike, welcome, glad you found us. Are you from Seattle? I’m asking because of your name – Pike’s place market and highway99 (Aurora)
Does anyone think that seeing a movie of a book first ,is an impetus to reading the book? As an aside, I can remember reading Classic Comics and then being so interested that I would read the book.
(from pike99)
If it was a really good movie, yes, because I’d want to know more, especially background material that the screenwriters couldn’t include. The so-so movies, not so tempted. And that’s how I’m feeling right now about Plain Truth, the film and book about the Amish family. I have Jodi Picoult’s book on my bookshelf, and the movie was okay, but not outstanding. And who wrote We Were the Mulvenys – I saw that film a long time ago, and have had the book for years, but so far not tempted to read it.
On the other hand, has a bad book ever turned into a good movie? I hated Bee Season, tried the movie and found it just as bad.
Now Nancy, just where are you going to put Sean Connery? I can't believe I've forgotten their names already -- but, the grandpa, maybe?
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Most of our old favorite actors and actresses would have to play the older roles now, wouldn't they? There are a number of newer generation actors that I like, too, of course. I just don't recognize all of them by name. (That's my fault, not theirs!)
I saw an old re-run of Northern Exposure recently, and was startled to realize that the good-looking young doctor was now the FBI brother on 'Numbers'. And I had to laugh when I learned that the cynical genius doctor of "House" was also the none-too-bright Bertie Wooster of "Wooster and Jeeves".
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I'd love to put Sean Connery in the character of Dawsey Adams, the love interest in the story. But I think he's too old for the character. He's charming and honest and quaint, just like Dawsey Adams.
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Over in Read Around the World, MarjV was telling about a movie she received from Netflix, The Stone Angel, based on the novel by deceased Canadian author, Margaret Laurence.
"In ninety-year-old Hagar Shipley, the restless, crotchety, and proud protagonist, Laurence creates a memorable character who reveals what it is like to be very old, physically frail, dependent on others, and tormented by memories of the past. Laurence also movingly depicts the sudden dawning of realization in Hagar's mind of where she has gone wrong in life, and what has been the cause of her unhappiness. "
This is new to me. Has anyone seen it, or read Laurence’s book with the same title?
"The Stone Angel is also a realistic portrayal of life in the prairie towns of western Canada from the late nineteenth century to the Depression of the 1930s and beyond"
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Joyce Carol Oates wrote "We Were The Mulvanneys." I haven't seen the movie. I loved the book. It's about a whole family dealing with one terrible, terrible incident that happens to one of them.
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Hi Babi,
The same here-
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I didn/t see the Broadway play "Doubt" but I found the movie riveting! the tension between the nun and the priest was crackling! I can just imagine how, on a live stage, it would be even more so. but the fact that the playwright, John Patrick Shanley, also did the screenplay was a big plus. Even the artistic direction supported the theme of doubt,' the wind as a metaphor for rumor,; the opening and closing of windows and doors; the stuffy atmosphere of the old scholl and convent! Loved it! if he ever has another play on Broadway, I will find a way to get there, for sure.
Did anyone see both?
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That's interesting, Bellemere, that both play and screenplay were written by the playwright. And I find now that he also directed the film. An article in Wikipedia states that it's in his contract that not a word of his screenplay can be changed. (Would that there be more examples of that.) At any rate, I'm glad you liked it and I look forward to seeing the movie when it comes out on DVD.
He asked his first grade teacher, Sister Peggy, to be the film's technical consultant, as he had no idea how nuns behaved in the convent.
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He asked his first grade teacher, Sister Peggy, to be the film's technical consultant, as he had no idea how nuns behaved in the convent.
I love that.
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John Mortimer very recently passed away. You may remember him for Rumpole of the Bailey.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-mortimer19-2009jan19,0,3493093.story
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I've seem some previews of "Doubt", and had already decided I want to see the film. I'll have to wait until it's available at Netflix, tho'.
I'm sorry to hear of John Mortimer's passing, tho' not surprised. I understood his health was poor. I did so much enjoy his portrayal of Rumpole.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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I've just been looking at the latest Bookmarks again and guess what's coming soon --
Alice Sebold's Lovely Bones (in March) with Rachel Weisz (I don't know her), Susan Sarandon -- would she be the mother, and Mark Wahlberg. (I don't know him, either)
Then in February -- Sophie Kinsella's Confessions of a Shopaholic, with Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.
Guess I don't know these newer stars. Takes a while. I was pleased when I finally recognized such folks as Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.
Have any of you heard anything about these films?
Has Elmore Leonard's Killshot played in your town? ;D I have to know about that one.
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I've seen some previews on TV about the upcoming "Confessions of a Shopaholic". It looks like there will be plenty of 'broad' comedy in this one. You know, like women brawling over a sales item.
I do recognize Susan Sarandon. She isn't really new. I believe she is probably best known for "Thelma and Louise", which I did not see. The name Mark Wahlberg I've seen before, but I don't know anything about him.
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What is so amazing to me is the number of actors, who have labored long and hard in the field, and are just now getting recognition for their acting abilities; i.e., Phillip Seymour Hoffman, the fellow who starred in "Breach" Chris Cooper, the wonderful Laura Linney, who has appeared in about half dozen movies of late including Breach, John Adams, The Savages, etc.
Has anyone else noticed this?
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I got curious about Mark Wahlberg because I see his name mentioned often and I couldn't place him. I still can't. It turns out the only movie I saw him in was Renaissance Man (w/Danny DeVito, 1993). I marvelous movie, IMO.
If you have seen the two Mummy remakes with Rachel Weisz, you have seen her. She was also in Constantine. I haven't seen that one yet.
The IMBD website listed 98 movies (beginning in 1970) in which Susan Sarandon played. Surely I've seen a bunch of those, but no, I only recognized a few I have seen. I liked her in White Palace with James Spader. She was also in Witches of Eastwick which was a fun movie. I've seen Thelma and Louise, but don't have an urge to watch it again.
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Frybabe, Updike has a new book out -- The Widows of Eastwick -- a new stage of life for the Witches. I wonder if they'll make a movie of that.
One of my favorite Laura Linney films (and I haven't seen too many) is Jindabyne, sort of mystery, set in Australia. Beautiful scenery, too. It's based on a Raymond Carver short story. And now the public library has just notified me that they're holding the John Adams DVD, with her and Paul Giamatti. I think she won Golden Globe best actress for her part in that.
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Thanks for the heads up, Pedln. Think I will get both volumes when the new one come out.
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Susan Sarandon was in Clockwork Orange
And she was in another with Goldie Hawn - I can't think of the title - they played two 'older' hippies - Hawn was still a hippie type and Sarandon had morphed into a straight laced wife and mother. They come together again after many years....with predictable consequences but fun all the way. The title will come...eventually
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(sigh I have read all the posts since my last one, and realize I haven't seen a single one of the movies y'all have listed. It now occurs to me that between the time of the initial decline in my hearing, and the appearance of Netflix with closed captioning, my moviegoing was very limited.
However, I have enough to do trying to read as many as possible of the good books people recommend. I can't watch all the movies I missed, too. :-\ ;)
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.The other day I saw "Slumdog Millionare" at a new theater at the sprawling REM Mall off I-10 in Northwest San Antonio. I was with 4 or 5 of my contemporary Chandler neighbors. It was a curious way to put a picture together, with strange camera angles, gargantuan scene enlargements, and explosive bursts of dialog and sound effects. Immediately after its conclusion I was asked what I thought of the movie. Spontaneously I replied, "At the ripe old age of 82, I've just had my first LSD trip." Yet somehow I enjoyed the movie. It was a film I will remember
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I saw Slumdog last week. Well for me when there is that much noise, explosions, running from the bad guy, violence, child abuse, violence of every kind it overshadows the love story behind the special effects and I come out of there trying to forget it as quickly as possible. Like Arnold said I am too old for that kind of excitment.
There are a few that I liked the book as well as the movie and Love at the Time of the Cholera is one of them although the movie was better IMO.
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Harold, that’s one for the books.
"At the ripe old age of 82, I've just had my first LSD trip." Yet somehow I enjoyed the movie. It was a film I will remember
I’ll take that as a recommendation.
Eloise, I won’t hear the noise and explosions, as I find digital sound difficult to listen to, so I don’t wear my hearing aids and just go with the captions. But at least you have forewarned me about the violence, which I don’t like.
I’ve put Love in the Time of Cholera on my Netflix queue. Haven’t read it. I did not like the book 100 Years of Solitude, so have kind of shied away from the author..
The John Adams DVD consists of three discs, of which I’ve watched one. Laura Linney is just superb here. Giamatti does well, too, but I am having trouble keeping all the characters straight. I think it’s a set I’d like to own, to be able to go back and repeat certain scenes, and not to have to watch it all at once. But I did get it renewed for another week. It’s based on David McCullough’s book about John Adams.
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I didn't know SLUMDOG was a book! Has anyone read it and how does it compare to the movie? Is there any truth to the movie? Any little "truth?"
I went with my daughter to the movie and we had very different opinions. She liked it, I thought it was a bit too "much" drama and it took too long to get to the heart of the story. The producers must have liked poverty and violence and the mistreatment of children, etc.
Actually I felt sorry for the whole country of India when we sit comfortably in our movie house with our popcorn and watch such poverty illustrated and then can say afterwards that it was entertaining! Are the scenes of cities true to life? Is "rich" America doing it again?
No, I didn't like the movie at all.
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I don't know if it's based on any book or not, but a movie you might enjoy is Outsourced. It's about a young American male who is sent to India to manage a call center there. Mainly, it's about all of us trying to understand and appreciate cultural differences. It's light, it's pleasant, it's worth watching.
I enjoyed The Namesake, both book and movie. No violence there, that I remember. Water was an excellent film, about widows in India during the 1930's. While there was no out and out right violence that I remember, there were some very unnerving scenes. I'll never forget the happy eight-year-old widow, going into a rather opulent house, saying "Hello, I'm here to play with you." The book by Indian writer Mistry, A Fair Balance, has left me with some horrifying scenes, but it was still an excellent book, and I'm glad I read it.
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Thanks for the movie reviews. With a sigh of relief, I will be able to avoid "Slumdog". :P
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The slums in India truly are awful and they most certainly exist. My DILs Parents lived and worked in India for many years and still work on short term contracts there to this day. Despite the progress made in India there is still a massive gap between rich and poor. We cannot imagine the poverty. Its not made up and if it makes us feel uncomfortable to see it on the silver screen- it should!
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A goofy little website, that I get emails from, just this morning mentioned a new release of a movie, which I love: "Far From the Madding Crowd" with Julie Christie. I haven't seen it in years, and I would assume that they have restored it for DVD. Gonna put it on my Netflix list. Right now the author's name escapes me (CRS). When I can think of it, I shall return and post it, but I feel certain that most of you here will know it right off the top of your heads! ;)
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Author is: Thomas Hardy
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That was a good book. I enjoyed it. Have not seen the movie.
Carolyn
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I read that book so long ago I don't even remember what it was about. I do remember I liked it better than some other Hardy novels. Maybe I should put the movie on my list, too.
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Tomereader, is this the first DVD for Far FRom the Madding Crowd? Netflix doesn't say, but Amazon does show this 2009 release to have English and French subtitles, which some of us need. When you get it, could you note that? Quite a few of Hardy's works have been made into film, including a couple of Tess D'ub. The only Hardy I've read was Jude the Obscure, eons ago in a lit class.
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Oh Glory!
Pedln is here with our old tried and true subject of book/movies. I am so happy to see all of the familiar faces. I've not been to the movies in a couple of months and last Wednesday three friends and I decided to go to see Slumdog...
The movies theatre had burst a main water line and we were turned away with a free pass for each of us, in hand. Next week, I am there!!! ;D
A movie has to be pretty bad for me to disike it. Movie production amuses me (as do theatrical ones.).
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Pedlin, I think the new release of Far From... is just an upgraded version, same cast as the original release. It will be a few days before I get my copy from netflix, but I'll let you kknow if it has subtitles.
Tess of the D'Urbevilles is also one of my favorite movies.
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For anyone who is interested in movies of Thomas Hardy's novels, I strongly recommend the TV version of "The Mayor of Casterbridge" with Ciaran Hinds and James Purefoy, available from Netflix. I hadn't yet read the book when I first saw it, but Hinds, in the title role, did an incredible job of showing you what that black, tortured character was about, getting your sympathy for the parts of him that deserved it. Purefoy is also excellent.
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Pedln, I havn't read 100 Years of Solitude because from what I heard about the book I knew I wouldn't like it and that's why I hesitated seeing the movie and reading 'Love at the Time of the Cholera'.
I am glad I saw the movie first, the book is a little slow but I still liked it. It is poignant love story with superb writing. I loved the theme song of the movie. I say don't hesitate to see the movie then decide if you want to read the book.
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PatH Seems we like lots of the same things...the Ciaran Hinds Mayor of Casterbridge is one of my favourites. What an actor that man is - did you see him in Veronica Geurin sp?- a film about the Irish reporter who uncovered a drug ring the police don't want to touch - true story/disturbing but brilliant film. Hinds in his frequent dark, troubled mode. He was also great as Captain Wentworth in Persuasion.
Tonight we watched a 2 hour episode of Cranford with Judi Dench et al. I know many here watched it last year on your PBS programme and discussed it on the other site. I thought it excellent although it amalgamates parts from more than one of Elizabeth Gaskell's stories. I was racking my brains trying to think just where this character and that fitted into the novel Cranford and then realising they were drawn from other books. But an excellent programme nonetheless.
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I am so concerned about our "Gumtree" who lives in Australia...those horrific fires there. I don't know what part of Australia she lives in, or what part of the continent the fires happened in. My prayers are certainly with those people who lost everything, and to the families who lost their relatives.
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Tomereader Don't be concerned - Here I am, alive and kicking...I got your message and sent a reply but then lost it again so can't see if you received it.
The bushfires are in south-eastern Australia - South Australia, NSW and Victoria which is the worst affected. The death toll seems to rise hourly and the destruction of stock and property devastating to everyone. There are heart rending stories of people who got out in time - and sadly those who didn't.
I live on the western coast and though there are fires in this state as well they are under control and contained -at least for the moment.
It's been a worrying time as we have family members living in the eastern states - my son and DIL live on Sydney's north shore where an arsonist lit a fire just for fun! They're OK. We also have extended family and more distant relatives scattered throughout rural areas in Victoria. We can only hope and pray for their safety.
The nation is in shock but united in its response to help the victims of this tragedy.
Thanks for caring -
GUM
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GUM, I do hope the authorities can find the arsonists. That sort of crime in such a dry country is nothing short of murder!
I ordered the DVD of Cranford, but was disappointed to find that it did not have closed captioning. So many of the British productions do not. I could see that it is the sort of thing I really enjoy, so it was especially aggravating not to be able to understand what was being said. I do wish all films had closed captioning.
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Speaking of poverty in India, has anyone read THE WHITE TIGER by Atavind Adiga? (Not a movie, at least, not yet) It's a darkly comic novel. I was fascinated by it. A young man describes his rise from a place he calls "The Darkness," an area of rural India where corruption is rife, education and electricity are equally scarce, clean drinking water and adequate sewage don't exist and life is cheap, to become an entrepreneur owning a fleet of taxis, by his own initiative as well as a "necessary" murder.
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I think that book was also mentioned in RATW. Unfortunately, my library has 2 or three books entitled "The White Tiger", and none of them by that author.
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I finished "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman. I really enjoyed it. It's Fantasy. Now, I want to see the movie. Have any of you seen the movie?
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I have also reread "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. It's such a wonderful book. Now, I'm waiting for the movie to arrive.
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I loved "The Secret Life of Bees", too. I thought they had made a movie of it recently, though. Or did I just read that they were going to?
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I was wondering about that too, Babi. I think the movie came out this fall, but that the DVD is just now being released. Time Magazine gives it a wonderful review, can't speak highly enough of Dakota Fanning's ability and also Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson and Sophie Okonedo -- quite an all-star cast there.
Just learned a surprising thing in the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society discussion, which brings up a lot of different books to comment on. ONe of the authors featured is Elizabeth von Arnim whom I'd never heard of before. Come to find out, I had one of her books on the shelf -- Enchanted April, and the night before last, I taped the movie on TCM. Have not yet read or seen either, but it comes highly recommended. Netflix lists the DVD as Saved, release date unknown.
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Enchanted April is a wonderful movie. I loved it!
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I was reading all of the posts here about a week ago and saw that folks were listing movies with Susan Sarandon. IMHO, her movie with Kevin Costner, "Bull Durham" was a good comedy. Also, we enjoyed "Safe Passage" with Sarandon and Sam Shepherd was another. These are older movies but worth watching.
We watched a Netflix movie last night, "The King and I" with Deborah Kerr and ????. It was a delight. The children used in the story were so beautiful. Does anyone know if Siam is now Thailand??? I have a friend here in Columbus who is now in Cambodia attending her son's wedding. He has married a young lady from that country.
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Siam is now Thailand - has been for a long time. Turner Classic Movies ran TK&I last week, uncut and without commercials. It's one of my favorites, and it was a treat to see it all the way through.
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We watched a Netflix movie last night, "The King and I" with Deborah Kerr and ????.
The ??? was probably Yul Brynner, who played the King.
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Just picked up Margaret Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale at my used book store. I had seen the movie years ago. The bookstore owner had read the book and stated that the movie, although good, did not do the book justice. The movie, said she, gave her the impression of something that could happen; the book made her feel as though the events were imminent, absolutely chilling. It is on her highly recommended list.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Frybabe Your bookshop owner was absolutely right in regard to Handmaid's Tale. Atwood depicts things which could very easily happen right now - chilling is the word - I couldn't believe how real I found some of the events in parts of this book. Let's know how you respond to it.
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That book title sounds familiar, and I think I've read it, but I don't remember the story line. Didn't Atwood write some other books with similar titles? Some medieval character's 'Tale'?
FRYBABE, can you give me a brief summary of the story line of "The Handmaids Tale", to jog my memory?
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Frybabe and Gum, you're absolutely right -- CHILLING is the word for this book, and some of this is going on -- when you think of the Taliban in some of those isolated areas.
Babi, Frybabe can give you a better summary than I, but basically, women lost their rights overnight -- they could no longer read, their bank accounts were frozen and they could no longer handle money. I don't remember much more other than those who didn't comply were sent to work in toxic waste dumps.
I don't think I could or want to see the movie -- 1990 with Natasha Richardson. It would be very tense.
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Pedln, Atwood combined an ultra-fundamentalist religious beliefs with politics and sex. BTW, my bookseller told me that Atwood wrote The Handmaid's Tale just after the fall of the Shah of Iran.
I don't remember the toxic waste dump bit, but they may not have emphasized that in the movie. I wasn't even sure where this was supposed to take place. I also am fuzzy as to why the wives could not have children, although I had the impression it was the result of some nuclear event. Will find out when I read the book. The heroine of the story is Offred, who being fertile is assigned to the Commander (played by Robert Duvall in the movie) and his wife to produce a child. It is assumed that the wife is the one who is infertile when in fact it is the Commander. While doing her "duty" and keeping the Commander entertained, she continues to try to locate her husband and daughter, she discovers the fate of some of the other women with whom she became acquainted after she was captured and while she was in training to be a Handmaid, she discovers the resistance movement and the female underground railroad. I took a quick look at the ending. I do not think the ending of book is the same as the movie.
Whenever I read about or hear about the privileges those in power enjoy while at the same time prohibiting (and prosecuting) the general population from same, I think of George Orwell's famous line in Animal Farm: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."
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Brrr! Thank you, Pedln. That is definitely not the book I was thinking of, nor is it a book I want to read. I appreciate the warning.
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Good Morning. Good grief, it's March already. What happened to the first week?
A Bookmarks Magazine ago it said that the film based on Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones was going to be released in March. Has anyone heard anything about it?
Or about Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella? The was supposedly due out in February.
I watched Alan Drury's Advise and Consent the other night. The political shenanigans are what go on all the time, but in other respects, it just seemed kind of dated.
What books have you seen lately?
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"The Shopoholic" movie is already out in theatres.
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I am new to Netflix, and have a question-------How can you see before ordering if the movie
has Closed Captioning????? I have a hearing problem and SO much of the movie without CC, even though I have an expensive set of "hearing ears".
Joy
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Edit: "miss so much ' left out :'(
Re: Secret Life of Bees----- I read the book when it came out several years ago and recently saw the DVD (Netflix does have it). IMO the movie does not COMPARE with the book. I thought it was kind of "soapy".
JOY
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Joyous, we're so glad you found us here, and don't you love Netflix. You're asking about captions at the right place. That's my middle name, and for a few others here as well.
If on Netflix, if you go to the site that actually summarizes the film, has reviews, lists the actors, you should also see captions or subtitles listed, if they have them. Occassionaly they forget to include that information, and then I jump their case, which of course doesn't do anything at all. If it's a film I really want to see, I'll look up the title at Amazon and see if they say anything about captions or subtitles.
Some of the newer DVDs now seem to use the symbol SHD (or maybe SDH) rather than CC (subtitles for deaf or hard of hearing.)
I haven't read or viewed Secret LIfe of Bees, though the book is on my shelf.
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Do read it, PEDLN. "The Secret Life of Bees" is that rarity, a book with some unique scenes and people.
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One of my all time favorites is "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn", the original version with Dorothy McGuire, Peggy Ann Garner and James Dunn. The book is also a favorite of mine perhaps because I grew up in Brooklyn. This film version was an excellent version of the book. If you want to see an excellent film with excellent acting I recommend it. I don't know if it available on Net Flix. Every once in a while FMC ( Fox Movie Channel) shows it.
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Lucky, I loved "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," too. It apparently is not yet out in DVD -- Netflix has it listed and it can be "saved" as it is unavailable. I've got it down there in my saved pile.
Where in Brooklyn did you grow up? My daughter has lived there for two years now, Prospect Heights, not far from the Museum and Library. She loves it and is trying to buy a condo there. She rides her bike to work in lower Manhattan every day.
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Hi Pedlin
I grew up in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn. I am familiar with Prospect Heights. The Brooklyn Museum has a good Egyptian collection and the library was one of my favorite places to go. It's been a long time and I have forgotten the name of the library. The area also encompasses Prospect Park which had a beautiful botanical garden. I would often take my mother there. She knew the name of every tree and plant (not in English, but Hungarian) and she especially loved the Japanese garden. In the summers of long ago my father would take me to the band concerts in the park. It was lovely place to spend a Sunday afternoon.
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Wheee a NEW DISCUSSION - in fact an whole new area of discussion - we pushed this through quickly - this was ONLY thought about the past Tuesday or Wednesday but here we are - as soon as I have links or know how to use them I will bring the links to this discussion
The discussion is a two for - yep a twin discussion - the main discussion will be to explore Humor Wit and Satire in Literature but to narrow it down we chose the short story -
Each middle of the month there will be a new short story to read ON-LINE that encapsulates either Humor Wit or Satire or all three - lots of great authors like Mark Twain and Wells and Eudora Welty - the list goes on - and so for 10 days each month we will explore one of these short stories while learning how writers make us laugh or get a message across without beating us over the head by using satire or their wits using language.
I am really excited and hope you will look in - WE START TOMORROW - can you believe TOMORROW - and the sun comes up tomorrow as the song goes - we strike while the iron is hot around here - and the story is - tra la la laaa - a P.G.Wodehouse story - do I see a smile already? - one of his early Bertie Wooster and Jeeves tales called Jeeves in the Springtime (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=352.0) -
As y'all know there was a TV series and an English move of the Bertie Wooster and Jeeves escapades - so why not look in and read where the original came from - hope to see you tomorrow.
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Barbara, thank you for telling us about your new series about Wit and Humor and Satire in short stories, and for reminding us about the TV tie-in with the Jeeves and Wooster series. I'm sure there will be many looking in on Jeeves in Springtime. It sounds terrific.
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Sounds super Barbara, I will be there.
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PEDLN, how does one ride a bike to work in winter, in New York? Your daughter must have been an Eskimo in a previous life. Brrr! ;)
I'll have to remember to check the index for 'Jeeves...' before I leave. I enjoy Wodehouse, and found the TV series so much fun. Can you believe that Bertie Wooster is now Dr. House?!!
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Sometimes movies are better than the book. "Imitation Of Life", by Fannie Hurst is a case in point. The book is a real hodgepodge, but the movie ( the one with Claudette Colbert, not the one with Lana Turner) was worth seeing. Because of the movie I wanted to read the book and then was sorry that I did. It tackles many thorny issues of the early part of the l9th century particularly "passing", hence the name "Imitation Of Life". Blacks, of light skin color were often able to pass for white and the book does a good job of dealing with this which was a serious issue in the black community. Do any of you find that the movies that were made in the l930's and 1940's were so much better than those produced today. I think they had much better writers in those days. Today so much of movies is action, blood and gore and sex, sex, sex. There doesn't seem to be the kind of good, solid writing that produced "The Life Of Emile Zola," "The Life Of Louis Pasteur", and "Madame Curie", "Random Harvest," and "Mrs. Minever."
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Lucky: Yes, today it's hard to find movies written with a good strong storyline and which leave something to the imagination ;) though occasionally there is one. Can you tell me anything about the film Life of Zola which you mentioned. The others are familiar to me but not the Zola one. I'm a big fan of his and have a fair collection of his work and books about him as well...
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Hi Gumtree
The film "The Life Of Emile Zola", starred Paul Muni and was produced sometime in the l930's. The focal point of the drama is the Dreyfus case. Zola was the only man in France who had the courage to accuse the French military of covering up a gross miscarriage of justice. The piece that he wrote, "J'Accuse", is probably the best known essay of the l9th century. In it he accused the French military of a gross miscarriage of justice. Because he wrote the truth he was accused of defamation and was forced to flee France England. Telling the truth is often a dangerous choice.
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Lucky Thanks for that information - the mention of Paul Muni brought the whole film back into mind though I couldn't for the life of me remember it before :-[ Zola certainly had the courage to stand up and be counted. His untimely death under mysterious circumstances is always intriguing and there are lots of versions of that part of his story. His novels are really great - Cousin Bette, Money, The Drunkard, Doctor Pascal, etc but best of all Germinal.
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I have never read Zola. I take it I am missing something.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds6hHdP3hFw
The movie trailer for Emile Zola
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Barbara - you really are indefatigable in chasing up links - thanks for the Paul Muni one.
Muni was a man of a thousand faces and always looked different in each role he played. I remember many of his films...he and Edward G Robinson were related in some way - Muni came from the Ukraine and his real name was Meier Weisenfreund and was called Mooney (this amazing piece of trivia was contributed by my DH who holds such items in his mind ::))
Frybabe I think that perhaps Zola is an acquired taste - he wrote heaps so it is easy to read one of his lesser works and dismiss him but taken overall his oeuvre is quite something. So is his life's story with his involvement with the Dreyfus case and suspicious death.
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Gumtree just a curiosity that won't quit - I remember as a small pre-schooler anytime I went anyplace with my father I could ask him the name of a building or a tree or whatever and he told me - I was annoyed and so dismissive of my mother because when I asked her she didn't know - hehehe it may have been her way of getting me to walk along quietly since I was always filled with a million questions - but then when I saw my father next [his work often brought him home after I was asleep at night] I would describe what building or whatever it was that Mom could not answer so that he could tell me. To this day in my mind there is no such thing as a blank space - mention something new or something that is new to someone in conversation and my knee jerk compulsion rears its head to find and offer the information - All to quibble with the word indefatigable - compulsion is the adjective ::) :-[ ;)
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Hi Gumtree
I too read all of Zola. Have you ever seen the French film "Gervaise", with Maria Schell? It is a great film and a good adaptation of the book.
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Good Afternoon !
Lucky I don't recall seeing Gervaise either the version you mention or indeed any other - I should check out what's available on DVD. It took me a moment or two to remember which book was involved but then it came back to me - L'Assommoir often published in English as The Dram Shop or The Gin Palace even The Drunkard - such a tragic heroine - in parts so depressing and yet Zola manages to capture the reader's sympathy and compassion. The whole Rougon- Macquart series is fascinating especially taken overall but the individual stories hold up on their own - genius!
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Barbara
Whether it's indefatigable or compulsory I'm grateful for the results and appreciate your effort . After all,... what's in a name...that which we call the rose.....
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This doesn't really qualify as a "movie" - but HBO begins a 7-part series tonight based on Alexander McCall Smith's "Ladies #1 Detective Agency" books. I have read and enjoyed them all and am looking forward to seeing the scenes filmed in Botswana.
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This doesn't really qualify as a "movie" - but HBO begins a 7-part series tonight based on Alexander McCall Smith's "Ladies #1 Detective Agency" books. I have read and enjoyed them all and am looking forward to seeing the scenes filmed in Botswana.
Certainly it's a movie. It starts here at 8 pm, and almost makes me wish I had cable. It got very good reviews in today's paper.
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I just watched a very good movie -- THE SWIMMER (1968) with Burt Lancaster, Janice Rule, Kim Hunter, and others. It's from a story by John Cheever. I've had his book of short stories on my TBR list. The book received a 1979 Pulitzer award. Really great acting in the movie.
Now I'll read Cheever's story.
I also want to see the 1990 film, THE COMFORT OF STRANGERS from the short early novel by Ian McEwan. The film stars Christopher Walken and Helen Mirren. I just finished the novel and was fascinated by it, altho' it is rather strange.
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Burt Lancaster was a very good actor; Janice Rule and Kim Hunter were good, too. I don't remember a movie called "The Swimmer". Did you notice whether Closed Captioning was available, MARJ?
Helen Mirren and Christopher Walker are good, too. Let me know what you think of "The Comfort of Strangers" when/if you see it.
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Babi, I looked THE SWIMMER up on Internet Movie Database, and it says nothing about closed captioning. Perhaps in 1968 when it was made they did not have that.
I had never heard of the movie either, until I read a column by Dick Cavett in the NY Times where he gave a link to one of his TV programs where he had interviewed John Cheever and John Updike together. That's when I looked into Cheever's writings and found a film had been made of his short story. (I really liked the old Dick Cavett programs -- much more interesting than most of the current late night shows -- he interviewed interesting people, not just blonde bimbo movie starlets--people like Jack and Robert Kennedy, Richard Nixon, authors, etc.)
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Whoops -- It was Jack Parr's late night show that had the Kennedy brothers, and Nixon (who played the piano). Wonderful show also -- loved it. Best of the bunch along with Cavett, IMO!
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Ah, Jack Parr - the best of the best (or at least a tie with Johnny Carson). My Dad would let me stay up to watch it. Remember Malcolm Muggeridge? He was one of my favorite guests.
I also remember he let me stay up late to watch old movies. I particularly remember All's Quiet on the Western Front. It was one of Dad's favorites. If I am not mistaken Ernie Kovaks hosted the movie program.
Dick Cavet's show was way too short lived.
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Darn, Frybabe, I'm afraid I don't remember Malcolm Muggeridge on the Paar show. I thought I remembered all of them. I do remember Dody Goodman, Genevieve (she died not long ago), Oscar Levant, Cliff Arquette (Charlie Weaver), Peter Ustinov, etc. Wonderful, all.
I also really liked the Steve Allen show. So sad that the studio destroyed all the tapes of his programs. I remember he made famous Don Knotts, Tom Poston, Louie Nye (as Gordon Hathaway..."Hi, ho, Steverino"), Bill Dana (My name... Jose Jimenez), Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme and so many others.
Those were the shows where real conversation, and good comedy, were king.
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None of those old movies had closed captioning, MARJ, but many of them have closed captioning added now when they are put on DVD. Not all of them, unfortunately, but I am glad for those that do. There are so many great old movies I wouldn't mind seeing again.
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Marjfay, I had to go aGoogling just in case I was remembering wrong. There are more postings on Google for Malcolm Muggeridge than I expected. I couldn't find more than two listings for him being on Jack Paar, one in Sept., 1963 and one in Oct. 1973. He also was interviewed by a very young Mike Wallace and was on William F. Buckley's Firing Line several times. He certainly was a character, a former socialist who discovered Christainity, has a bunch of movie and TV credits, was an editior for Punch magazine for a while, wrote a few books.
Here is a youtube clip from Firing Line.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__nHqyLfeFE&feature=related
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Babi, The Swimmer is listed in Netflix as having both captions and subtitles. But it's also listed as a "save" as opposed to an "add." Apparently it is not yet out in DVD format. You are correct when you say that many of the older films have had captions added. Thank goodness, huh?
I really like Helen Mirren, but I'm not sure Comfort of Strangers is high on my list of priorities. Sounds really dark.
How did you like the first of the Alexander McCall Smith videos? My book group met today and of the women was complaining about how much she liked the books and disliked the movie she just saw. She seemed to feel they talked around in circles.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
CallieAs a program, I really liked the first "#1 Ladies"..." but I can understand how the woman who complained felt. They took bits and pieces from several of the books, so, if you've read them all, it was a bit disjointed.
The photography is gorgeous (it was filmed in Botswana) and the actors are really good.
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I haven't seen any of the 'Ladies Detective AGency videos, PEDLN. Actually,
I've only read the first of the books. It was okay, but It didn't really
interest me enough to read another.
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Callie, does the #1 Ladies . . . . have a specific title? I'd like to put it on my Netflix queue for whenever it DOES come out in DVD. I tried to search on McCall Smith, but didn't really want to scan the 1100+ items brought up.
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My feelings exactly, Babi, but I would like to see the DVD.
JOY
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Looks like S&F is down again! Hope to see a lotta postings here to make up for it.
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Pedlin: Titles in the Series are:
1 "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency".
2. Tears of the Giraffe
3. Morality For Beautiful Girls
4. The Kalahari Typing School For Men
5. The Full Cupboard of Life
6. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
7. Blue Shoes and Happiness
8. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
9. The Miracle at Speedy Motors
All are set in a fictional town near the real Gabarone in Botswana.
Do you think the 7 episodes of the HBO series will be out on DVD before they've all been broadcast?
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Callie, thanks for listing those titles -- are they for the films as well as the books. I would love to see the film, if for nothing other than the scenery.
It's been a little hectic around here, so yesterday, when the supermarket had Kashi Thin Crust pizzas on sale I bought one and settled in to just watch DVDs. (Ate the whole darn thing) while watching Nights in Rodanthe, with Richard Gere and Diane ? -- it's okay, but a tad slow-moving for me. I didn't know it was from a book by the same title by Nicholas Sparks. I've never really been a fan of his.
Will finish watching it tonight. I don't usually finish movies in one night, so win I do, I know it's a winner. This one is not.
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pedln, I, too, was disappointed by Nights in Rodanthe. I paid for it from On Demand, because I generally like Richard Gere in romantic comedies. But....
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Thanks for the critique on that movie, Pedln and Mary. I was considering ordering it from Netflix, but now I won't bother. I'm always glad to avoid
disappointment ;)
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Just a suggestion, but a very good place to look at reviews of a movie is online at INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE. I always do this before ordering a movie so I don't waste time with a bad or boring movie.
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pedln, those titles aren't listed in my t v guide for the weekly episodes. I don't think the episodes concentrate on one book's plot line.
I'm not a fan of Nicholas Sparks either - but I do like Richard Gere. However, it seems that all his characters have been the same since "Chicago. Maybe he's gotten lazy after all that dancing and singing.
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Maybe Gere felt dancing and singing aren't 'his thing'. I'll always remember him best for "An Officer and a Gentleman". That was a great movie.
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Babi, I agree about "An Officer and a Gentleman" and I suspect you're right about Gere and the dancing/singing.
This Friday night, HBO is showing all the "#1 Ladies Detective Agency" episodes, including tonight's, back-to-back. They begin at 6:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time.
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Enjoying the conversation about the dancing Richard Gere - I rather thought he enjoyed dancing . apart from Chicago he also danced in Shall We Dance with Susan Sarandon and Jennifer Lopez. I think there are another couple of films where he dances too but can't think of the titles right now.
Dancing or not - I like him!
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I have cable, CALLIE, but isn't HBO one of those 'premium' channels, where you must pay extra to view? Val and I have more than enough to watch without buying extra channels, so we don't have any of the 'premium's. Which
means, of course, that sometimes I can't see some things I would like to.
Me, too, GUM!
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I see that Netflix plans to get the Alexander McCall Smith film about Botswana -- at least it's in their database and you can "save" it -- which I've done.
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The AMcCS "film", "series", "whatever it's called" is well worth seeing - no matter what method you use.
I haven't tried Netflix (yet). I haven't broken it down, but I think the "price" of each HBO program I watch per month justifies paying the extra premium.
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I noticed that The World According to Garp was on TV last night. Something I hadn't realized before is that it was adapted from a John Irving book. Robin Williams played the lead as he did in Dead Poet's Society. Both of these movies were very good, but both were also disturbing enough for me not to want to watch them again. I can't quite place my finger on what bothers me. Maybe it is because of the tragic outcomes. I have seen movies before that did not have happy endings, but they didn't make me feel uncomfortable like these two did.
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Frybabe, do you think it might be more disturbing to see these kinds of stories acted out than to read them?
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Callie, I'll not try to answer for Frybabe, but for me, reading Garp was also very disturbing. Irving is just plain weird at times, but also, the images he paints are sometimes hard to deal with. I don't remember that much about Dead Poets Society, other than it took place at a boys' boarding school, supposedly in the Nashville, TN area.. The name eludes me right now.
Re: Netflix. It's been a lifesaver for me as I have great difficulty hearing and understanding dialog in the theatres, and in my town we get a subtitled foreign film about once a millenium.
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Pedln, I don't know anything about Garp but I vaguely remember seeing Dead Poets Society.
I'm sure I will be interested in Netflix at some point. I,too, have problems with dialog in many movies I see in the theater. I've thought it might be because I use closed captioning so much when I'm watching t v. (Probably not! <smile>)
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Frybabe: I found The Dead Poet's Society film very unsettling and would never watch it again - although maybe I should to see what it is about it that bothered me so much. I don't think it was the outcome as, in general, a tragic ending doesn't unsettle me - rather the opposite because there is generally some fundamental truth being explored by the tragedy - but Dead Poets - I think I'll still give it a miss if it crosses my path again...
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FRYBABE got me to thinking with that post. It seems to me that a tragic ending can be uplifting, if we can see a purpose in it and it leaves us with a
feeling of hope. The tragic endings that leave one with a sense of hopelessness or futility, an ugliness that seems to leave stains on the spirit....these are the
ones that we would rather not have seen.
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Our Humorous short story for the month starts today - come on over and join us for our monthly 10 day discussion - and - the O'Henry story was made into a movie although I did not see it as a movie and only remember reading it in School laughing along with the rest of the class. - Here is the link to "The Ransom of Red Chief" http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=436.0
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Babi, you may have hit the nail on the head.
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I just watched a fascinating 2006 film: FUR:AN IMAGINARY PORTRAIT OF DIANE ARBUS, with Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey, Jr. It was not from a book, but the fictional portrayal of the life of Arbus, who "they" say was one of the most original and influential photographers of the 20th century. And I believe she was when I looked at some of her photographs -- unusual to say the least. The movie reminded me of Beauty and the Beast, and one reviewer said it was reminiscent of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a good comparison I thought. I want to see the film again.
One reviewer said something that I really agree with regarding the filming of books. He said, "I don't look to cinema to find something that is readily available at my local library." I've never understood why people get so upset if the movie doesn't follow the book exactly. I read the book first and then am interested to see how the director has used his/her imagination to create something just as wonderful as the book altho' it may differ in many ways.
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Did any of you see the movie OR read the book NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN? I did not, but the library has the DVD of it and I may go by and pick it up. Of course I am a member of Netflix, and could get it there.
JOY
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Oh Joy, aren't senior mements frustrating. I can't remember if I've seen No country for old men, or not. It was on my Netflix que and it's not there now, but no yellow stars showing either. Maybe I checked it out from the library -- they have it. I can picture Tommy Lee Jones, but am not sure if I'm picturing him there or in The Valley of Elah -- now that one I can recommend. Very good. I know at one time I was hesitant because everyone was talking about how violent it was. Sorry not to be much more help. I'd suggest getting it from your library, and have your netflix for backup.
Last night I watched Dashiel Hammet's Maltese Falcon, which I'm sure I'd seen before -- with Humphrey Bogart and Mary Astor. I know this was a biggie in its day, but it just seemed to lack a bit of oomph. Now African Queen I could watch every day of the week, but not the MF. What's another good Bogie movie besides Casablanca?
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Now African Queen I could watch every day of the week.
Me too. It seems to be hard to come by but my daughter gave me a copy, and I've watched it a number of times.
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I read the book, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, and also saw the movie, a Coen Brothers film. Both were great. I don't believe you'd forget the movie, Pedln. Javier Bardem played the villian and you wouldn't forget him. He received an Oscar for this. Bardem also did another very good film, BEFORE NIGHT FALLS, about the Cuban writer and poet, Reynaldo Arenas.
I think I'd recommend reading NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN before seeing the movie.
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I, too, read the book and saw the movie. The movie was good; the book was even better. Nevertheless, much of the story was harsh and the ending was sad.
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Pedlin: I am VERY familiar with senior moments! They are becoming more and more frequent.
Since I have such a hard time remembering what movies I have or have not seen I have begun
to jot down the title and brief note of history after seeing it. :'(
Case in point---Valley of Elah--- I think I watched but have no clue. ;D
JOY
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Just catching up after a few weeks away from "fun" time on the computer:
regarding: The World According to Garp ... one of the most unpleasant books I've
ever read. I came close to throwing it out, which I never, never do ... and finally
put it in the library return box, where I often put mysteries, etc, which I've finished.
Our good news is as of next weekend, we're getting free movies-on-demand from
Comcast because we signed up for "triple-play" which is that we added telephone to
our existing service of Internet and cable TV.
What shall I watch first? Comcast provides a library of hundreds of movies on demand, which one can watch anytime, can pause, can watch over 2 nights, etc. This is particularly helpful because during baseball season ... Go Redsox ... my husband ties up the TV from about 8:30 on. Now I can watch half-a-movie before that, and finish it another night. I have such an old DVD player that I couldn't easily do that.
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Ties up the television during prime time for the entire baseball season?! I hope you enjoy baseball, too, Mippy. I'd have to go buy a second TV!
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Mippy, I wish I had the Redsox to watch. After forever without a ball team, Washington DC has finally got the Nationals, but I can't watch them because they're only on a sports network I don't get. And they're even worse than the old Senators I watched when I was young--won 3 games out of 15 so far.
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Hey, come to think of it, the movie "Damn Yankees" is based on a book, "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant" by Douglass Wallop. It resonates strongly for a DC native, loyal to the Senators through thick and thin. I watched the movie again a couple of years ago, and it holds up very well, although with some sexist assumptions. Gwen Verdon is magnificent.
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Hi, PatH ... who knew ... fellow RedSox fan!
We saw the wonderful stage play musical, Damn Yankees, about 4 years ago here on Cape Cod
at Monomoy Theater, where the actors are mostly college kids from somewhere in
Ohio ... cannot recall ... with sometimes a pro- for the lead.
We go to these plays almost every year, but that still leaves me with my ongoing
discussion of: which movie do you love that I should watch on Comcast? They
claim to have a library of 400 old movies, with new ones added every month;
we'll see in a few weeks when I return home from helping my daughter with
our 2-week old new grandson, Casey.
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Mippy, I don't know how old it is, or if it's on On Demand. But, if you haven't seen it (or not recently), be sure to watch "Second Hand Lion" with Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Haley Joel Osment. Magnificent!!!
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Thanks, Maryz, it sounds like a terrific choice! :D
If I were to suggest just one movie, in the books-into-movie category, I'd go for
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001). Did anyone else here like it? It's good enough
to see again.
Of course all the period movies a la Withering Heights, etc are fun, but I've seen
most of that genre more than once.
Pedln/Ann ~ too busy with Latin to make a suggestion here? (She and I
have been swamped with work during this final week of class with dear Ginny.)
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Second-Hand Lion and Corelli's Mandolin both -- wonderful.
The other night I watch Slumdog Millionaire, which is from a book or short story. Difficult to watch in many parts, but the way the story unfolded was fascinating. I didn't like it at first -- it took a little getting into, but I haven't returned it yet to Netflix, and may watch the beginning again. But once I got into it, excellent. Did any of you read R. Mistry's A Fine Balance when we discussed it a few years ago? That kept coming to mind often, during this film.
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(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/bookclubs/books2movies/books_movies2.gif)
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| How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Yes, Mippy, I liked Captain Corelli's Mandolin also. And when someone here or on SeniorsandFriends said the book was even better, I bought it. It is now residing on my TBR pile. I decided to read A Handmaid's Tail first.
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PEDLIN, I saw Slumdog Millionaire, and it wasn't at all what I expected. I agree, a bit slow getting into it, and harsh, but a really good movie.
I didn't see "Captain Morelli's Mandolin", partly because I'm not really a big fan of Nicholas Gage (I know! Heresy!), and partly because I was so bored by a film that I think was called "The Red Violin". I suspect the similarity in titles put me off. More of a subconscious reaction than a logical one, of course.
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Hi, Babi! I didn't like Red Violin, either. But the Corelli movie has nothing whatsoever
to do with it.
Has anyone seen the Marley movie? Not only did I read the book by John Grogan,
but I bought it as a gift for a couple of people. If you love dogs ... yada yada ... :D
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Babi and Mippy, I guess you have to be a violinist to appreciate The Red Violin. I haven't seen it yet (it's on my Netflix list), but my granddaughter (now a college freshman) has raved about it. She's studied violin for about 11 or 12 years now, and this year for a Music and Film Seminar at college, wrote a major paper (about 20 pages) about The Red Violin. I've asked her to email me a copy of it, but haven't received it.
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Ann/Pedln ~ Good morning! Yes, there is terrific violin music in the Red Violin film,
played on the sound track by Joshua Bell, but as I recall (watched it many years ago) the plot was not terrific. But each to his own ...
I'm still hoping to get a few more ideas of what to watch on Comcast's movies-on-demand, when I get back in a couple of weeks.
Hope everyone has a nice sunny spring week ahead!
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You could hardly say a plot existed in that move, MIPPY. I guess you did have
to be a musician, like PEDLN's granddaughter, and enjoy the beauty of the violin and the music so much you didn't care about the rest.
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I am not a violinist, but I absolutely loved "The Red Violin". There should have been enough plot for anyone, following the history of this one instrument through the centuries.
The movie of Corelli's Mandolin was severely panned, and made note of the fact that it didn't follow the book that closely. (Which movies ever do, really?)
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The movie of Corelli's Mandolin was severely panned, and made note of the fact that it didn't follow the book that closely. (Which movies ever do, really?)
Tomereader, how right you are. Most don't. I did see one long ago that stayed very close to the book (only one deviation that I saw) and that was Lawrence of Arabia.
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I came in this evening to ask if any of you are watching Maspterpiece Mystery this evening on PBS. Tonight is the first of three episodes of " Wallander:Sidetracked" with the Irish actor, Kenneth Branagh.
These episodes are based on best selling books by Henning Mankell -
Sidetracked, Firewall and One Step Behind Are you interested in a discussion of these thrilling mysteies?
SeniorLearn has been contacted by Masterpiece HGTV - offering us free sets of two lf these books if we are interested. (Masterpiece is one of our Reading Promotion Partners in the Library of Congress Center for the Book.)
If you are intersted in these books and chatting about the PBS adaptations, please post here and we'll open a discussion - and send you your set of novels.
I'm watching the first episode right now - Kenneth Branagh is Detective Wallender!
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Drat, I didn't even check to see what was on Masterpiece Theater last night.
I don't know if it aired here or not, but I certainly would have liked to see that if so. We had company - my kids and grandkids (first time I've seen them in years; they live in Canada), but I could have taped the show if I had known.
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JoanP ~ Hi, dear friend!
... oooops ... missed Masterpiece last night, but it might be re-played, I hope.
Yes, I think I'm interested, love Kenneth, former husband of Emma,
but may not have time to do anything in a reading group before June.
Do tell more about the "window" in which a group might discuss these.
If you need a snail mail address for me, please email.
Thanks much!
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Our PBS station is still out -- a good portion of southern Illinois lost power on Friday, including SIUniversity at Carbondale, where our PBS (even for SE Missourians) originates. I hope they rebroadcast, but they've got to get running first. MarjV talked about the Henning Mankell books over in RATW, and they sounded good. I've never read any, but would like to see the shows if they'r available.
A book/film I'd like to read/see is THe Boy in the Striped Pajamas. It's coming up on my Netflix queue, but I can't find that it has captions or English subtitles. Only Spanish is indicated. Have any of you seen it? Some of the reviews on Amazon pointed out aspects that would be well worth looking for.
Mippy, have you been finding good shows to watch with your new Comcast set-up?
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OK, we've opened a General PBS Masterpiece Discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=502.0) to determine if there is interest in the Wallanders -
This is the question in the header of the new discussion.
Would you like to form a Wallander Book/Film club? We could discuss the PBS adaptation of Henrick Mankell's novels and/or discuss Mankell's novels if you are interested. We can send you a set of two of the Wallander novels for the price of postage - if supplies last. Are you interested?
Since I had posted in several discussions about the series yesterday, I'm going to ask those of you who expressed interest to go into the new discussion, so all the information is in one place.
I'll be looking for you there, ready to take your orders! ;) Thanks!
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Well, I don't know about a Wallender club. After we finished the books, what would the club do? Maybe a PBS Masterpiece club would be more useful. I checked with my library and fortunately it does have the first two books, so I would not need one of the free sets to participate in
a discussion.
I checked and found that the PBS presentation was repeated at 2 a.m. this
morning, so it is now on tape. I'll be watching it at the first opportunity and get back to you.
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Mark.
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Thanks for asking, Ann /Pedln, but baby-helper duty has taken over my life.
It's absolutely wonderful helping with our new grandson, now a big 5-week old!
However, I was only home for 48 hours then returned to my daughter's house.
We watched the movie Marley (did I mention that last week?) and it wasn't as good as the book,
but the dog film parts were worth it to us, as we love big dogs. If anyone loves dogs, they ought to enjoy the film. Of course if you've read the book you know the (sad) ending.
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Went to see ANGELS AND DEMONS last night, but left after the first hour. The beginning of the film was interesting where you are shown the Vatican and the Vatican's archives. But after that it became pretty predictable and boring. Too bad, because I liked the book (IMO, better than his DaVinci Code.)
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Marjifay, in the movie did they tone down the constant beatings, etc. that Langdon received in the book? I read the book but thought, how could this guy survive and keep going with all that violence upon his person. A bit over the top, I think. Having said that, the movie trailers didn't impress me as being an interesting movie.
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Frybabe, up to the time when we walked out, Langdon hadn't gotten any beatings. Odd, it's been so long since I read Angels and Demons,
I don't recall him getting beaten. I just remember I was fascinated by the voting process for a new pope, and the description of the Vatican archives. Yes the book was pretty much "over the top," especially in the ending as I recall. I've checked it out of the library to reread. I shouldn't bother because I've got so many better books on my TBR list.
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Oh dear me, Marjifay. My brother was just saying recently that he'd never seen a bad Tom Hanks movie, and now you may be proving him wrong. I haven't read the book and probably won't see the movie until it comes out on DVD, but "boring and predictable" don't sound very promising.
That's pretty much the way I felt while watching "W" this week. Well, "boring and lopsided," she says liberally. Gave up and sent it back to Netflix before it was done.
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FRYBABE, I am often 'put-off' by the way films show their heroes receiving beatings that should put them in the hospital, yet they just drag themselves up and continue with their heroics. I find myself considerably cheered when I find one where the guy is human and actually winds up in the hospital.
Tom Hanks is certainly a fine actor, PEDLN, but even find actors can find themselves handicapped if the screenwriting is poor. I have seen that happen more than once.
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I think fine acting is what saved the film Doubt. I watched it the other night. It's based on a play written by John Shanley, who also wrote the screenplay and directed it. Meryl Streep was fantastic, especially when all you really see of her is her face and hands, as everything else is enclosed in her habit. Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who plays the priest she accuses of improprieties, and Amy Adams, the young idealistic nun, are also excellent. But I only gave it three (out of 5) Netflix stars. It was okay, but just didn't quite come up to snuff for me. There was much to consider in this film, and it does bear watching, but something is lacking. I don't know what. Without the outstanding acting it would have fallen flat.
I'm sure there are many opinions about this film. What are yours?
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I have DOUBT, the play, on my TBR list. Per reviews I've read, people who read the book/play were disappointed in the film. But I love Meryl Streep and didn't realize that Phillip Seymour Hoffman was in it, so with your recommendation, I'll watch it.
Speaking of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, I watched the movie CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR last night on HBO and loved it. Now I'll have to read the book by George Crile. In case I'm not the only one who's just now seen it, it's about a charmng, womanizing, boozing U.S. Congressman from Texas (played by Tom Hanks) who is a hero when his efforts to assist the Afghanistanis in their war against the Soviet Union are a huge success. How he does this is fascinating. Both Hanks and Hoffman were excellent.
As to 'W', I've never cared much for Oliver Stone's films and tend to ignore them. So I'll also skip this one on your recommendation, even tho' W was not one of my favorite presidents, to say the least.
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I just finished reading REVOLUTIONARY ROAD by Richard Yates. Interesting, but rather sad. Now I want to see the movie, which my library has on DVD. Has anyone read the book or seen the movie?
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Marjifay, I have done neither -- seen or read, but it is on my Netflix que. Since I'm currently involved in other books, I'll probably see before I read, just like with the Wallendar series. But that doesn't bother me, as the books are usually better anyway.
Last night I watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, from the book by John Boyne. I liked the movie, not the subject, and doubt I will read the book.
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Pedln, I'd not heard of the film (or the book) of THE BOY WITH THE STIPED PAJAMAS. I'll get the film. But probably will wait a bit, because the book REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, altho' completely different subject, kind of put me "thru the wringer." Need something a little more calming next. I have THE GREAT GATSBY on my movie que next -- an older and not a great movie, but I want to see what they did with the book.
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A conversation with JoanK this evening reminded me of "The Third Man". This was originally a novella by Graham Greene, appearing in 2 installments in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine; I read it there, and saw the movie when it came out. A year or so ago, I both reread the novella and watched the movie (Netflix has it). Both still seem good, and especially, the movie is still definitely worth watching.
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PatH, when I joined Netflix 4 or 5 years ago, the first film I requested was The Third Man, can still here that theme song in my ears. After reading your post I started looking for the book, but none of the libraries around here have it. And from what I read online, it was never really written to be a book, but was supposed to have been a screenplay. And many say the film is much better. Guess it's time to watch it again.
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I saw "The Third Man" so long ago, all I remember is a shadowy figure that must have made a deep impression on me at the time. I don't think I really understood all that was happening. I wonder if the Netflix copy has closed captioning? I would like to see it again.
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Babi, everything I get from Netflix has captions or subtitles. Yes, Third Man. I agree with you about the shadowy figure. Lots of fog? Did they go in the sewers?
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Fog, sewers, a Ferris wheel, all sorts of good stuff.
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Most do, PEDLN, but we've gotten a couple that did not. Most disappointing.
Still, I think I'll put 'The Third Man' on the queue and see how it goes. I would like to see if I can resolve the puzzlement from my previous viewing, now that I am older and more experienced. 8)
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Here’s a link to a review of The Taking of Pelham 123, and I don’t think there’s a spoiler there. I never read the book and I never saw the earlier (1974?) movie, but this apparently is an updated, modern technology version. James Gandolfini as the mayor of New York – that’s a switch. And I love this – in the earlier film, Walter Mattau played a character named Zachary G – now in this film, Denzel Washington plays the same character, but they’ve given him the name of Walter G. Ooh, I do love directors with a sense of . . . ..
The Taking of Pelham 123 (http://movies.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/movies/12pelham.html?8dpc)
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I read the Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 when it was published. I saw the original movie. Don't know why Hollywood thinks they have to re-make movies (to add in special effects, crashes and explosions; bad language)? Oh, I love Denzel, but the logic of this remake escapes me!
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Well, Tomereader, PBS does it all the time -- note their updates on Agatha Christies -- past and upcoming.
It's been 35 years since Pelham, and most likely a director's or screenwriter's dream to see how the scenario fits in a post Guiliani, post 9/11 world. And they're got a brand new audience that probably doesn't even know the earlier version exists -- and wouldn't relate to it if they did.
But, some things are sacred. Just don't let them update ---
Casablanca
African Queen
Sound of Music
and -- what else, what are your 'untouchables."
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Pedln, your three of course, and GWTW! The King and I. I'm sure there are others, but I can't think of them at this moment. Mebbe later.
Oh, and the one with Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster! (I feel sure they have already remade it, but anything couldn't compare to one scene (kissin' on the beach!) Wow!
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Tomereader : The Kerr/Lancaster was From Here to Eternity - and weren't they both in Elmer Gantry - another untouchable.
Though it's far too soon to remake it - Evita - with Madonna and Jonathon Price - I saw it six times at the movies and have the DVD .
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It was Jean Simmons in Elmer Gantry!
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But the Brynner/Kerr "King" was an update from the original with Irene Dunne. And the musical has been remade, with Jody Foster (?) as Anna.
And I do love the African Queen. But I heard somewhere that Sean Connery had bought the property. And, IMHO, he is more than welcome to do a remake - as long as he plays Charlie.
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I loved the African Queen with Humphrey Bogart.
As for Sean Connery, he was the best of the James Bonds, but IMO he hasn't made a good film since.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
marjifay, did you see "Finding Forrester"? That was a good film. And I liked his action ones: The Rock and the one with J. LOpez.
maryz, the movie with Jodie Foster was a remake, but no musical! I loved that one too. I may not have been around for the IRene Dunne one. (just probably haven't seen it)
My made up saying is: "There is no Bond but Bond, and Connery is his name".
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I don't see how anyone could equal the original "African Queen" We don't have a Katherine Hepburn.
And I'd add "The Wizard of Oz".
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Oh, yeahhhh, the Wizard of Oz! How could I forget that one?
And a big, loud NO on anyone doing the African Queen, don't care who might play "Charlie".
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Oh, I most definitely do not want to see a remake of GWTW. Rhett Butler is Clark Gable is Rhett Butler - and there is NO - NOT ONE - current "Hunk" that can duplicate that role!
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The only logic required to do a remake is: "Will the public come to see it?"
And obviously, we do. Look how many times Jane Austen and Agatha Christie have been re-done, yet I wouldn't miss a one!
Some themes have been overdone for me. I'm really tired of stories about
half-baked stories about King Arthur. :(
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Never thought I'd say this but Daniel Crain, IMHO, is the best Bond. Connery's Bond belongs the the age of Doris Day and Rock Hudson love stories (remember when?) but DC is a sexier, more dangerous, more intelligent but more visceral Bond. Two different animals.
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No, Tomereader, I haven't seen Finding Forrester. I'll look for it.
And I take back what I said, because I did like the film The Name of the Rose which Connery made after the all the James Bond films.
(I agree with your saying about Connery & Bond!)
A remake of a film I want to see is The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3, because it has James Gandofini from the Sopranos, and John Turturro in smaller parts. I'll probably be sorry because I really liked the original film with Walter Matthau, and haven't cared much for any Denzel Washington films I've seen.
Marj
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Really, Marjifay? I don't think I've seen a Denzel Washington film I didn't like,
though I admit I don't want to see the one about the big time gangster. I find
him to be an excellent actor.
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Well, Babi, that's what makes life interesting, isn't it? Not everyone agrees about a lot of things. I'm sure a lot of people agree with you re Denzel Washington's films.
Marj
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marjifay, I agree about "The Name of the Rose", but I had read the book, and it rather skewed my impression of the movie, even though my Sean was in it!! Ha Ha! He did a great job, and fit the part well. Think his "tonsure" was real?? LOL. When I saw my first Bond movie (1966, was it) (I had been reading the books from the time they were published here), and Sean popped up out of the water in those swim trunks...well let's just say I was in love! Should have still been sighing over Elvis, but this was a M-A-N, and oh so sexy! (Daniel Craig looks pretty great in swim trunks too, even to an old woman like me!)
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My estimation of Sean Connery and George C. Scott went way up years and years ago when I read that they are/were readers (and not just for movie character research).
Finding Forrester is something of a little known GEM in my opinion. The Hunt for Red October is one of my personal favorites. And don't forget The Man Who Would Be King, Medicine Man, and The Wind and the Lion none of which I have seen in a long time.
I remember Scott best for Patton, of course, and Dr. Stangelove.... Didn't he also play in a version of Beauty and the Beast or am I remembering wrong?
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To All: And as we talk about movies, it just dawned on me...see if you find it so...remembering older movies, and the studios' "star system", isn't it amazing that you seem to remember the stars of those films, but the supporting actors kind of fade into the background. Whereas these days, most of the supporting actors seem to hold a second-level star quality, and now those actors/actresses are coming to star in their own films. I know I'm not wording this the way I want to, but hopefully you all will understand what I'm getting at! Think Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Thomas Haden Church, Malkovich, etc. Even in secondary roles these actors stand out, and finally are being recognized for it. I appreciate them as they have labored long and hard for recognition.
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I agree, frybabe, about Finding Forrester being a GEM, and how could I have overlooked all the movies you mentioned, I loved every one of them, Red October specially. Wow, are we having a great discussion, or what? LOL
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Tomereader: Good point. Appreciation of directors has become a selling point, too. In the studio days the studio was the producer and set the tone of the product. Nowadays a package is set up, director, story, actors, etc, and then sold as a whole. Seems like a better integration of talents, personalities, etc. Of course the money men still have the last say, as always. Profit is the bottom line.
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Am loving the discussion. Interesting, all the different opinions.
Tomereader, I've never seen Thomas Haden Church that I know of. One of the sexier hunks IMO in secondary roles is Willlem Dafoe.
And some of my favorite movies have been those written/directed/acted by (dare I say it?) -- Woody Allen.
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Babi, I’m with you on Denzel Washington. I like him.
Tomereader and Jackie, good points about the supporting actors and the packaging of the film as a whole. And, I won’t try to name names, but more actors are also directing, with many good results.
Marjifay, I had to search Netflix for Thomas Haden Church because I didn't know if I'd seen him or not -- he was in Sideways. It takes me a while to learn names and faces of some of the more recent actors. Laura Linney is one I really like -- in Jindabyne and loved her in John Adams. (Must confess I've never seen a James Bond movie -- saw Connery in Hunt for Red Oct. & Murder on the Orient Express.)
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We first saw Thomas Haden Church in the sitcom, Wings, as the not-too-bright mechanic.
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Marjifay: I agree about Willem Dafoe as a great actor - hadn't really thought of him before as a sex symbol but can definitely see what you mean :D
I remember him best as Caravaggio in The English Patient and as T.S. Eliot in Tom and Viv but have seen him in a host of other films as well.
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Wings! I loved Wings.
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Oh, now I know who Church is -- I also loved Wings, one of the few sitcoms I watched besides Sieinfeld. Church was great as the mechanic. I'll have to get Sideways. Thanks, Tomereader.
Marj
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PEDLN, I'm amazed. I don't know how one could have avoided seeing a James Bond movie. They are so popular it's like saying one never saw a Walt Disney movie or read Harry Potter! You must have made a conscious effort to avoid them. ;)
I had to go look up 'Finding Forrester', but now I remembet it and I agree..it
was wonderful.
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Some of us are just slower, Babi. ::) The only Bond movies we've seen are those with Sean Connery.
And I didn't read any of the Harry Potter books until after I'd seen the first movie. Having said that, I've now read all the books, but have seen only 2-3 of the movies.
Obviously, we don't go to many movies. I'd go frequently or watch at home, but John's never been a movie-goer.
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Babi, I never read Harry Potter, or seen the movies, nor do I intend to
(LOL)
Marj
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I watch all my movies at home, MaryZ. On Demand TV or Netflix...it's all about
closed captioning now for me.
Whatever makes you happy, Marj; some probably consider Harry Potter too juvenile. Val and I found them highly entertaining.
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Well, I read the first Harry Potter years ago, but you all know so story -- so much to read, so little time. And I used to watch the movies with my grandkids when I'd go to visit. You've given me an idea, Babi. Now that they're all in high school or college, I think I'll ask on the next visit if I can take them home for a Harry Potter Marathon. I think they've got them all.
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Sounds like fun, PEDLN. Don't forget the popcorn!
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Golly, there sure seems to be a lot to talk about in Books and Movies these days. Werem’t we just talking about The Third Man? And here’s the NYTimes with an article about Graham Greene’s films, saying that he was “entirely comfortable with the movies.”
The Screen’s Seduction of Graham Greene (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/movies/14raff.html?hpw)
And Tomereader was talking about the talented supporting actors who have now come into their own. I just finished watching the 2001 production IRIS, about Iris Murdoch’s decline into Alzheimers. Kate Winslet had been nominated for BSActress with that one (and Judi Dench a Best Actress nomination.) Jim Broadbent won a Best Supporting Actory for his role as the aging John Bayley. I’m not familiar with him. What else might he have played in. The young John Bayley was played by Hugh Bonneville, and the name is familiar, but I don’t know what films.
(And, I must confess again, I don’t think I’ve ever read an Iris Murdoch novel. But that will change.) Which should be the first?
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pedln: Internet Movie DataBase (IMDB) has a very nice searchable database. To see what movies Jim Broadbent was in see here:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000980/
This is one of my main sources, along with Fantastic Fiction and Wikipedia. It's fun while watching a movie to look at IMDB and learn about the location(s), anachronisms, etc. Sometimes I get an urge to see, say, all the movies Christopher Guest made so I look him up and then start ordering the novies from Netflix, another of my primary sources.
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Pedln, I'm a rabid Harry Potter fan--I even stood in line at midnight for the last 3 books, along with the tired little kids and the excited teenagers. Do tell us how your marathon goes, and whether you get indigestion reading them close together. And if you don't already know it, don't let anyone tell you how the series ends. Of course a fanatic can pick holes in the movies, but they're very good. It fries me that the next one has been finished for some time and is being held back for reasons of commercial timing.
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I think, but am not sure, that Jim Broadbent was in "In The Bedroom" with Sissy Spacek, and may have had a nomination for that role. Again, I THINK. I'm almost never SURE! lol
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No, correcting myself, In the Bedroom was Tom Wilkinson. Another actor in supporting roles who is star quality!
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Jackie, thanks for the link. I see Broadbent is in Vanity Fair -- which is on my shelf, still unseen, even tho I picked it up on sale about two years ago.
PatH, you were probably in line with my grandkids. I don't plan to read the Potters right now, but would like to see all the films in order. But have too many other books to read right now, what with the PBS Agatha Christie series coming up -- just picked up two from the library today. And also a couple Henning Mankells, but not the three Wallendars shown recently on PBS. My two Seattle grandkids have a very kind next door neighbor, a retired gentleman. When the last book came out he knew that they had only one copy between them and that one of the kids wanted to read it at sleep away camp. He lent them his copy, before he even had a chance to read it.
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You'll have to form you own opinion, PEDLN, but I found the movie "Iris" to be most unpleasant and depressing. Then, reading one of her books, I found I didn't like that either.
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I found the film Iris to be very moving and brilliantly acted. Of course the subject matter - a brilliant woman suffering with Alzheimer's Disease - was harrowing and unpleasant. I've read several of her books and find I sometimes have to work at the philosophy they embody but they are worth it in the end. She won many literary prizes for her work. One of my plans is to read all the fiction she wrote in the order she wrote them - but not this week :D
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You might want to look in on tonight's episode on PBS Masterpiece - A number of us are enjoying the comparison between Agathie Christie' novels and the film adaptations.
We're all looking forward to the new Miss Marple in Agatha Christie's Pocketful of Rye.- an all new production with a new Miss Marple. Here is an interview with Julia McKenzie, talking of her role as Miss Marple - If you are hard of hearing, you will probably have some trouble hearing it - her voice is quite soft - If you can turn up your audio, you will probably have to do so.
Interview with Julia McKenzie - Miss Marple (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/marple/mckenzie.html)
Join the discussion here in PBS MASTERPIECE (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=617.120)
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I've got 'em set to record, Joan and am hoping there are no momentary power outages while I'm away from home. It'll be fun to compare Pocketful with the book, and I look forward to seeing a new Miss Marple.
Has anyone seen Jodi Picoult's MMy Sister's Keeper, which has just recently come out? What did you think of it? I havben't seen it yet.
Or, The Stoning of Soroya M I'm not sure of the details, but I think it's based on a journalist's porttrayal.
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I haven't seen the movie, JOAN, but I did see an article the other day that the
family is greatly upset because the filmmakers changed the ending. Whatever that was.
Do you see a similarity between film writers and reporters. If you can't get a good quote...make one up? Whatever will sell.
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Babi, are you saying tne Christie family was upset about the changes? That's surprising, because there have been so many changes and adaptations over the years. Look at what they did to the ones with Geraldine McEwan.
has anyone seen UP, an animated film by Pixar? I wasn't planning to, but after reading an article in the Seattle Times. There was an elderly (86 years) woman living in Ballard, what used to be the Scandinavian area of Seattle. All she wanted to do was live her life in her little house. And so, when the developers came she turned down their offers of $1 million, and stayed in her house while on three sides of her were built 5 story buildings. It became the Little House that Could. She had a good friend who did kind things for her and when she died her will bequeathed the house to him. Now the house has been sold to a man who has a motivational speaking business and he is going to raise the house up to the level of its surrounding buildings and will have his offices there with public access in the floors below.
In UP, the article stated, an old man tied balloons to his house, to keep it from the developers, and then floated away to adventures in other lands. Sounds like fun.
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Oh, no, Pedln. I'm referring to the one you mentioned:
Has anyone seen Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper, which has just recently come out? What did you think of it? I havben't seen it yet.
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Babi, Pedln - have you read the book? I've got about 100 pages left - cannot put it down. I'm told that those who didn't care for the way the book ended will like the movie ending better. Can't comment because I haven't finished the book yet. Must say, I can't put the thing down.
BUT - I do have to take care of business - and came in with this announcement this morning - Several months ago we had a vote for Individual Book Discussion Titles - and you all voted for Dickens' Mystery of Edwin Drood, which we hope to discuss in September - and Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book, which starts - TODAY!
Hope you didn't forget - we're waiting to hear what you think of Brooks' protagonist - Hanna Heath. If you haven't started the book yet, that's okay too. The author is travelling abroad on an international book tour this month, but promises to try to respond to your questions via email if she can. Please do come over and say hello -
People of the Book (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=680.0).
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Sources for Films from Books (http://www.library.sjsu.edu/research/web/iguide_subjectList.htm?t=41&catID=1044)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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Here's an example where the movie is better than the book. I just read C. S. Forester's "The African Queen", the basis for that wonderful movie with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. The movie and the book are pretty much alike most of the way, but the ending of the book is quite different, and less satisfactory.
An amusing difference is that the movie has bumped up the social class of the characters. In the movie, Rosie and her brother are Establishment, (probably bottom level) and Allnut is Canadian, hence hard to place, though he is obviously working class. In the book, Rosie is the daughter of a shopkeeper, and Allnut is a Cockney, only one level down from Rosie.
Who knows how the marriages worked out in either case. In the movie, they are left floating down the lake on a piece of wreckage, no clue as to what happens next.
The book is a good read, though, with lots of details about navigating the river and patching up the African Queen.
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PatH, you've just sent me looking at AMazon for African Queen DVDs. I think I'd like to own this classic, and that's definitely what it is. That looks like it might be a little tricky, as I don't want used, and I need captions or subtitles, but in English, please.
There was a bit of discussion among the reviewers about the imports, the Chinese subtitles, the region numbers, etc. And some discontent that US film makers haven't done anything about reproducing or remastering or whatever this classic, but have left it to non-US markets.
Guess I'll wait until I can hold it in my hand at the store.
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Browsing in the online New York Times can lead to many places, and to another site for Books Into Movies, on slow Saturday morning. This one turned up as I was checking out the review of a new film just opening in New York and LA – Paradise Travel – based on a same title novel by Jorge Franco, a Columbian writer. Sounds kind of dark. The book has been translated into English.
But that led to this Macmillan Pub. site to movie tie-ins from books (and screenplays).
More Books into Movies (http://us.macmillan.com/all/editorslist/General/AdaptationsBooksfromthePagetotheMovieScreen)
I didn’t care much for In Bruges, except for the scenery. But I am interested in When Did You Last See Your Father, based on the memoir by Blake Morrison. Has the film been released, starring Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent. (We talked about Broadbent not too long ago, but I don’t remember what he played in.)
Another surprise from this list was Jar City, based on the book by Icelandic writer Arnaldur Indridason. His works have been discussed on RATW, but I didn’t know a film was in the offing.
Seems to me I’ve heard of Snow Angels, from Stewart O’Nan’s book. Has anyone seen that?
Check it out. What have you seen and liked recently.
The other night I watched the German film Beyond Silence -- fantastic. Five Netflix stars. About a child, talented musician, whose parents are deaf. Don't know if it's based on a book. English subtitles. The parents are played by deaf actors, one French, one American.
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(We talked about Broadbent not too long ago, but I don’t remember what he played in.)
Jim Broadbent was talked about here for playing John Bayley in "Iris",but since then, the latest Harry Potter movie has come out, and he does an excellent job as Professor Horace Slughorn, a new character in this volume.
How good was the movie ("Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince")? I have a lot of complaints. They made the choice to go for gee-whiz flashy special effects over connected story telling, and added some new, unnecessary, bits to the story at the cost of leaving out stuff. But it's good enough that Potter fans will want to see it.
I suspect that anyone who hasn't read the book would have a lot of trouble making any sense whatever of the plot.
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And, PatH, a recent NTtimes article commented about the emphasis on alcohol and drinking, with parents wondering about the messages being sent to young people.
We all love Nora Ephron, right? And the words “food stylist” is part of your everyday vocabulary? And Julie Powell has always been a household word. Maybe not. But here comes the movie, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, based on her book about a year of cooking up every in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking, a combination of two true stories – hers and Julia’s.
And Nora Ephron? Director and screenwriter. And taster and approver of every bit of food cooked and shown in the movie. Here’s the link:
Julie and Julia Cook (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/29/dining/29movie.html)
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That's a great link, Pedln, especially to a foodie like me. The Washington Post had an article this morning connected with a preview of the movie. Opinions of her friends were divided as to how well the movie and Streep caught the spirit of Julia, but a lot of them thought they got it right. Interesting that you have to doctor a recipe to get it to splat properly when someone drops it on the floor. Julia worked for the OSS in Southeast Asia, she claimed only as a clerk, but the Post says it's now confirmed that she also did some spying. I like to think so.
From your link: "Mr. Flynn had to debone 60 ducks over the course of “Julie & Julia.” " Boy, I bet he was pretty slick by the end. I've deboned one duck in the course of my cooking career. It's not difficult if you started out as a Zoology major and took comparative anatomy, but it's picky and slow. I'd love to watch him in action.
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Drinking in the Harry Potter movie: I don't see it as an emphasis. The main drinking scene is one in which Harry watches while Hagrid and Professor Slughorn get drunk (they are mourning the death of Hagrid's pet giant spider). Harry is carefully not drinking, because what he really wants is to manipulate Slughorn into doing something for him, and the whole thing sends a message of how dumb it is to drink a lot. There is more drinking elsewhere, but it seemed pretty understated to me, and I didn't see it as an issue. I will surely see the movie again, and I'll report if I see it differently then.
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I suspect that anyone who hasn't read the book would have a lot of trouble making any sense whatever of the plot.
Thanks for the warning, Pat
Harry is carefully not drinking, because what he really wants is to manipulate Slughorn into doing something for him, and the whole thing sends a message of how dumb it is to drink a lot
.
. . . and for setting it straight about the drinking scenes.
Has anyone seen the film Lost in Austen -- apparently from a British TV miniseries. I'd never heard of it before. A modern girl switches place with Elizabeth Bennet and tries to help the Bennet sisters find husbands. Problems occur and she finds herself in trouble. It's said to be a fun, humorous show. A must for Austen fans, but enjoyable even if you're not. Son's family has it from Netflix, and I hope to watch it this week.
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Not about a book-into-movie, but a remake of a play-into-movie. Did y'all see that Steven Spielberg is going to make a modern version of "Harvey"? The cast has not been chosen, or at least not announced. I dunno about that. We shall see. Daughter says probably Tom Hanks would play Elwood P. Dowd. I can see him in that part.
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It's hard to imagine a cast that could do a better job than the one in the original Harvey : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_(film)
For some reason this link isn't working but I've checked it two times and it is the correct URL.
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Good casting, MARY. Tom Hanks would make a very good Elwood Dowd.
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Tom Hanks would, Babi, but right now I can't picture anyone other than Jimmy Stewart.
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Ah, Jimmy Stewart. I don't think he ever made a movie I didn't love.
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I just saw Julia and Julie which is based on the book (by the same name?) Not sure but the movie is really sweet, and Streep nails Julia Child amazingly well, that hunch over a piece of meat, she must have worked on that little mannerism in a sea of accurate takes for a long long time. It's perfect.
I had read the book by Child about My Life in France, the movie does a nice job of including SOME of that stuff but not all. Stanley Tucci does a super job of being Paul Child, but they don't mention his photographs for the book or some of his jobs in the movie. The book (My Life in France) gives a slightly different impression of his work but it's a small quibble, obviously they both supported each other, beautifully shown in the movie.
I haven't finished the book yet. A lot of critics (2 today, the Wall Street Journal and People Magazine as disparate as those might seem) seem to feel less Julie and more Julia would have been better, just a movie on Julia Child herself.
SPOILER:
The movie ends without her becoming a TV star and also raises the question that Child herself did not care for the blog of "Julie" on her project. I wonder if that's true.
What did you all think of the movie (or the book) if you read or saw either?
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It would be a little hard for Julia Child to have an objection to a blog since she passed away Aug. 13, 2004.
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GINNY, I posted on "JUlie and Julia" in the library, if you want to read that.
I just started on the book, and I'm finding some of the humor really crude and
Miss Powell's description of her lifestyle less than appealing. What kind of
image does it convey to write: "I love my husband like a pig loves shit."
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Frybabe, in the movie Julie kept hoping to meet Julia. A reporter calls her and says that Julia dislikes the idea or the blog (which apparently ?? went on before the book was published in 2005). But if it were only a YEAR? I am really confused over these elements.
I sat there the whole movie and thought but she was deceased when you wrote the blog and when you hoped to meet her. Apparently not? Apparently she was in her late 80's maybe 89 when the blog was going on. Did she die at 91 in 2002?
In Edit: Nope, wrong again: Julia Child: August 15, 1912 – August 13, 2004.
It's confusing, it really was, one of the confusing things about the movie.
Babi I'm still reading it also.
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Julia was alive during the blog which was earlier than that. It took over a year for the blog to be edited to the book, maybe more.
As I remember someone asked Julia about the blog and she was quite old and confused about what a blog was. I think she thought they were making fun of her , so she was short with them about not really wanting to meet new people.
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I've only read reviews, not the book, but am thinking that one of the reviews said Julie started the blog in 2002. So that would work for Julia having had a chance to see it before she died.
The reviews i read really tore Julie apart, saying she was very self-involved. And like the reviewers Ginny spoke of, would have preferred much less Julie and more Julia. The critics also remarked about the wonderful love story of Julia and her husband Paul.
I can't wait to see it, but will wait for the DVD. And maybe have a chance to read the book.
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So the blog is something that went on before the movie? The blog is not a result of the movie but a motivation to make the movie? And the book was written from the blog? Is this a first - from blog to book to movie? I don't follow blogs so I forget how long they have been around.
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Julia's cookbook was first; Julie wanted to cook all Julia's recipes, and blog about it; then they published Julie's book, and from that, we have the movie=Julia & Julie.
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I am about to read Harlan Coben's, Tell No One. Just on a whim, I Googled Coben and discovered that this book is now a movie. They apparently released it to DVD on March 31. Has anyone seen it? Looks like a low budget thing. Never heard of the leading actors. Didn't catch who directed.
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FRYBABE, Julie Powell started the blog at the suggestion of her husband, who
was trying to find something to hold her interest. From her book I gather she
is a rather mercurial person. She had become interested in an old Julia Child
cookbook, and decided to make that the theme of her blog., ie., she would make all the recipes in one year and talk about it in her blog.
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Yes, at the time of the blog, she was working part time , had a degree in writing and was convinced she was wasting her life. She got involved in the blog from her husbands approval of the subject and really blossomed.
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Frybabe, I saw the movie about a year ago in NY -- it's French, with English subtitles. At the time I had no idea that it wa from a book, and I've never read anything by Harlan Coben. I thought it was a good movie, good acting, suspenseful. Glad to know the DVD is out. I might want to watch it again.
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The other night I watched Lost in Austen, where 21st century Amanda Price slips through a door into Pride and Prejudice and changes places with Elizabeth Bennet. Some fans might be horrified at the liberties taken, but it's all in good fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I fell asleep and missed the ending, which I rewatched today. Be warned -- it is three hours long, so start early. (We didn't start here until after 10 pm, so no wonder the sandman came.)
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Pedln, thanks for the info on the film. I may just grab the DVD and share it with my sister. Already, I know she will just love the book and movie (she is a film junky).
Lost in Austen sounds like great fun. Three hours? I watched The Jane Austen Book Club a month or so ago. I liked that too.
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The New York Times today magazine has a gigantic article on Julia Child and how we've changed as a nation vis a vis cooking and cooking shows. I think it's not positive but have just started it. It does show a photo of Juila Chlid behind her counter cooking with a whole bunch of people squatting behind her, one is handing her a plate. :)
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AND the new issue of Time contains somewhat of a....unflattering view of "Julie," and the information that the Efron movie contains Julia Child's actual reaction and why, it's a bit different from the confusion on blogs that Frybabe posted, and more in tune with "Julie's" desire (to be famous and a writer) rather than the cooking part. What an interesting controversy.
Frybabe, let us know how you liked the Coben, I've never read one of his and he's all over the place now.
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Coben is an interesting writer. He writes a series about Myron Bolivar.. Who is a sports agent that gets involved in mysteries. Quite funny in spots and good. He also writes stand alones and they are much darker and generaly involve mistaken identites and revenge.. Very good.
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So far, I like Tell No One a lot. It is shaping up to be a bit gory which is not to my taste, but the story is so good so far anyway. In fact, since there was nothing going on at work on Sat. night, I read a little at the end of shift. Almost forgot to leave at shift end.
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I made a good start on Julie Powell' "Julie and Juliet", but decided not to
continue. I found that I liked Miss Powell less and less, so I saw no point in
making myself read all about her. I didn't like her attitude, her language, her
self-involvement... or her housekeeping! Anything so bad it makes your landlady break into tears when she sees what you're leaving behind? A stove
so filthy no one wants to touch it, and she's been cooking on it?!!
I'll go see the movie, since Meryl Streep is reported to be so good, but I'm
returning the book to the library today.
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Sounds like a wise decision,Babi. There are only so many hours in the day, so why waste them on something you don't like.
I've just finished watching The Miracle of St. Anna, about a group of African-American soldiers in a small town in Italy during WWII. I didn't realize at the time that it was from a book by the same name by James MacBride. I enjoyed the movie, but it was bloody at times, also confusing at times, (it jumped around) and having to get another disc from Netflix because the first one proved bad didn't help. Probably 3 1/2 stars.
Have any of you watched Netflix films on your computer or TV? While at my son's I watched Blame it on Fidel (a French film) on my laptop, and the family has their large screen TV hooked up to an old dead computer with a new motherboard, so they can see Netflix films. (We both have wireless routers.) If I had a VGA port on my TV all I would need would be a cable to connect to my laptop VGA port and bring in Netflix. But I don't have one and since Netflix can't stream captions or English subtitles yet it wouldn't be worth any investment for me. But Netflix sells something called a Roku ($99) and all you need is an Internet connection (don't need wireless) to download the films to your TV. They have English subtitles on the foreign films, and are working on technology to provide them on streamed English language films.
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I don't think I'd like watching a movie on my computer - screen too small. Plus we couldn't watch something together.
We just got the second Harry Potter movie,HP and the Chamber of Secrets . It's only for 7-days, so we'll can't dawdle in watching. ::)
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I don't think I'd like watching a movie on my computer - screen too small. Plus we couldn't watch something together.
Actually, Maryz, it's not too bad. I've watched on a portable DVD player before, and the laptop is bigger -- although mine is small, for travelling -- about 11 inches. My youngest and her partner don't have a TV, so I've watched films with them on their laptop. Of course, they let me sit in the middle, so I probably had the best view. :D
Enjoy Harry Potter. My DC grandkids generously let me bring all five of their Harry Potters home with me. I guess now that they're all teen-agers they don't repeat-watch as much as they used to. Though they'd all seen the new film.
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Ah, that brings back memories. Relatives next door had 'our' first TV, with it's
very small screen. I can remember both families gathered in front of it,
all hunched over and leaning forward to watch a wee Milton Berle!
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aahhh ~ Babi ~ Me, too, and do you remember My Little Margie? And being allowed to stay up late for Saturday night movies at 11 p.m. on that tiny screen?
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This is a bit off topic, but I have to tell it anyway -- going back to the early days of media.
One of my uncles by marriage was named Harry Johnson, and he loved to tell about when his family got their first radio. They turned it on, and the first thing that came out was someone singing a song that went -- "How do you do, Mrs. Johnson, how do you do?" Harry's mother just about fainted and said, "turn that thing off," and it was quite a while before they turned it on again.
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:D
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Sources for Films from Books (http://www.library.sjsu.edu/research/web/iguide_subjectList.htm?t=41&catID=1044)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Oh Pedlin, I did love that.. I can imagine their faces.
By the way we went to see Julia-Julie.. Meryl Streep is a wonder indeed, but Amy is too sweet to be Julie.
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I was just cruising the lists of recent books into movies.
Where the Wild Things Are must be a musical. Hope it does well.
I bought the book, The Alchemist, but haven't read it yet. I didn't see a release date on the movie.
The Last Templar as a movie was a bit weak, I thought. I think that is the book I bought several months back, still on my TBR pile.
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We just finished watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, #2 in the series. We're working our way through the movies, on loan from our library. They're such fun.
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I think everybody feels that way about Harry Potter, MARY. So what if it
is all about kids and magic; the books and movies are thoroughly enjoyable.
I'm eagerly waiting for the latest Potter movie to be released to DVD so I can
watch it.
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Babi, I am with you. I will get the latest Harry Potter, watch it and then I send it on to my grandson who is almost 8 and loves them..
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Our Jean was planning to see the new HP in I-max on Friday. I'll be "chatting" with her (via gmail) shortly. I'll post a review later.
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Jean's only comment about the new HP movie was "very good". That's pretty high praise from her. :D
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My grandson, STEPH, is in his late twenties, a fact which never ceases to
amaze me. All three of my grandchildren are old enough to have children of
their own, but not a one does. On the one hand, I am pleased none of them
rushed into marriage too young. On the other hand, I'm not getting any
younger and I'd love to hold a great-grandchild. :)
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Our sons both married late.. 30's rather than 20's.. One son has two children, but did not have them right away, So he is in his 40's with a 13 and an 8 year old. The other son did not want and does not have children.. So I would guess I will not get any great grandchildren..
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Enjoy the grands while you can. For most of their lives, mine have been far
away and I only saw them...or see them now....all too seldom. But they have
their lives to lead, and I'm proud of all (3) of them.
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By the way,, any of you that saw Julia-Julie.. I loved the small insert of her sister and her courtship.. The woman who played the sister is truly a funny lady. I have seen her in a number of small parts. She gave you with such a small part, the meaning of love and not having to do with who is tall and who is not.
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I saw a great show on TCM today, Geo Clooney's father - sorry i don't remember his first name - did an hour interview w/ Angela Lansbury and they talked about and showed clips from all her movies and her Broadway shows. It was really terrific. TCM than broadcast a marathon of her movies, Gaslight, her first movie when she was 17 is on right now, 8pm my time. i looked to see if they were repeating the interview, but i don't see that they are. I'm sure some of her movies came from books - maybe Manchurian Candidate?................jean
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That sounds interesting, Jean. Was/is the senior Clooney an actor too? Or involved in the film industry? I've always enjoyed Angela Lansbury. How old is she now? She certainly doesn't look aged.
Why am I thinking Gaslight was a silent film starring Charlie Chaplin? Was it? ???
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Here's the IMDb link for Gaslight. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036855/)
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According to imdb, Angela Lansbury was born in 1925, so she's 84.
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AL was only 17 when she did Gaslight and got a nomination for best supporting actress. I'm not sure how to read the chart in IMBd. I don't think she won. oh, yeah took another look, no she didn't win. The senior Clooney was in radio and local tv, i believe. .....................AL's mother was an actress for a few years before she had children and was apparently very supportive and helpful in AL's career.................AL was just so positive and kind in every comment she made about the various people Clooney asked her about that she had worked with...............The senior Clooney does many interviews on TCM and seems to have a wonderful grasp on movie history..................jean
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George’s father Nick Clooney has been a journalist, columnist, politician, in Kentucky and Ohio, and hosted the ABC game show The Money Maze. His sister is Rosemary Clooney. He spent the 2008-09 academic year at DC’s American University as the “distinguished journalist in residence.”
Has anyone read his 2002 book, Movies That Changed Us? No wonder he knows so much about movies.
And I don’t know my lights. Charlie Chaplin starred in Limelight.
Netflix has Gaslight, which has both captions and English subtitles. There are two Gaslights -- one in 1940 and the Joseph Cotton, Ingrid Bergman, A. Lansbury one in 1944.
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Thanks Pedin - interesting info.................yes, "Nick," I should remember that...........jean
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I saw that 'Gaslight' was on TV this weekend. I had no idea that it was part
of an Angela Lansbury film marathon. I didn't even realize Lansbury was in "Gaslight"; I only remembered Ingrid Bergman. I'll keen an eye on that
series; I imagine I will want to watch some of those old films.
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Angela Lansbury was so young in Gaslight. A totally different face when young..
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What channel is presenting the Lansbury film series? I haven't seen them
listed, but I haven't checked the late night shows. Maybe that's where they are.
Meanwhile, I see she is going to be doing a Broadway musical, "A Little Night
Music", with Catherine Zeta-Jones. A Broadway show, at 83!!! Heavens, the
stamina the woman must have!
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John's reading The Treasure of Sierra Madre. I don't think I knew that had been a book before it was a movie.
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Angela Lansbury was 17 when she made Gaslight. .................. The program about her and the marathon of her movies was on TCM, i think that stands for Turner Classic Movies......................jean
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Thanks, JEAN. Now I need to check and see if TCM is freely available or is one
of the Premium pay channels. Lansbury has had such a long career, but it seems she just missed being a big name star. I can't think of a movie in which
she starred, other than the 'Bedknobs...' one, that has survived as a classic.
I see from Netflix that she was in "The Harvey Girls", but she wasn't the star.
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Lansbury until the tv series was always considered more of a character actress. Very pretty, but never given much work.. I think she might have been the Mom in a picture.."The Manchurian Candidate" but not quite sure.
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TCM is a standard, basic cable channel. Should be able to get it if you have cable or satellite.
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yes, she wasa the Mom in Manchurian Candidate, altho she was only 4 or 5 yrs older than her "son," Laurence Harvey. She was also in The Picture of Dorian Gray and Death on the Nile and did the voices for a couple of very good animation movies. She had her best success, at least as awards go on Broadway in Mame, Gypsy and Sweeney Todd and others.
Here's a good bio.
http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0001450/bio
Jean
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I thought I remembered her in the Manchurian Candidate.. And did remember that she and the star were roughly the same age.. Still as I remember she looked right in it.
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It’s been a little quiet here, but here’s a film from a book that may surprise you, and a link to an article that will tell you all about it.
2009 is the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his “On the Origin of Species.” Lots of stuff going on in celebration of this. One that applies to us here is the world premiere of Creation, the first full-length film about Darwin for the big screen. And it’s based on a book called “Annie’s Box: Charles Darwin, his Daughter, and Human Evolution,” by Randal Keynes. Keynes is one of Darwin’s great-great-grandsons.
“Unlike most biographies of Darwin, its central event is not the publication of the “Origin,” but the death of Darwin’s adored eldest daughter, Annie, at the age of 10. She died in 1851 after nine months of a mysterious illness; at the time of her death, she was not at home, but in the English spa town of Malvern, where she had been sent for treatment.
Annie’s death is also the central event of this beautifully shot film. For “Creation” is not a didactic film: its main aim is not the public understanding of Darwin’s ideas, but a portrait of a bereaved man and his family. The man just happens to be one of the most important thinkers in human history.
At the same time, we see his view of nature — a wasteful, cruel, violent place, where wasps lay their eggs in the living flesh of caterpillars, chicks fall from the nest and die of starvation, and the fox kills and eats the rabbit. “
From the NY Times.
The Creation of Charles Darwin (http://judson.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/08/the-creation-of-charles-darwin/)
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Violent, undoubtedly. Survival does depend on a feeding chain among the wild.
It would be a very slanted approach, in my view, to portray only that aspect
of nature. However, if that was Darwin's view, it's only honest to say so.
I don't think I'd care to watch it, tho'.
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I think the focus of the film is not limited to his views of nature, but also about his family life and the impact of his daughter's death. She was his eldest and his favorite.
Have you all been watching the series about Inspector Lewis -- Inspector Morse's former seargent? They're excellent, and while not written by Colin Dexter, they're making me want to reread and view some of his works.
Another film from a book -- The Private Lives of Pippa Lee by Rebecca Miller. I'm not familiar with either book or film which is now showing at the Toronto International Film Festival. The lead is Robin Wright Penn, wife, now in the process of divorce, from Sean Penn. Miller is also the director of the film.
And here’s another book/film from the Toronto Festival – An Education, from a memoir by British journalist Lynn Barber, the screenplay written by Nick Hornby. Reviews are comparing the lead, Carey Mulligan, to Audrey Hepburn
What films are you reading these days?
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I recently saw an interview w/ Carol Higgins Clark on NJ PBS, she and her Mother Mary Higgins Clark have written some "Christmas mysteries" together. Her Mother lives in NJ and Carol grew up in Saddle River, which is why she was a show titled NJ Notables.
She said that the last Christmas book has been optioned for a movie and will be out for C-mas 2010. ........I wonder what happened to a movie of the Evanovich Plum series? Five or six yrs ago Evanovich said that she had an option for a movie and had on her website requests for who her fans tho't should play the various characters and that's the last I heard of it. I immediately tho't of Sandra Bullock to be SP. ............ hope it hasn't fallen thru..........altho it would be a great tv series. ....... jean
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Anyone who is being compared to Audrey Hepburn has my immediate interest,
PEDLN. Such a wonderful actress and gracious lady. I would love to see
her like again.
I'm also an admirer of Sandra Bullock. I will happily watch anything she is in.
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Jean, I'll bet there are a lot of books that give birth to movie rumors. A Mary Higgins Clark (and daughter) film ought to be good. I've read some of MHC, but not daughter. Did not know there was a film in the making.
Earlier this year there was something about The Lovely Bones coming out in film -- I think Bookmarks mentioned it. But I have not heard anything since.
What I'm really waiting for is the supposedly forthcoming production of Erik Larson's The Devil in White City -- about the 1893 Chicago Exposition and the serial murders that occurred at the same time.
Does anybody know?
One film, long anticipated (by some, a few ;D ) that is now on reel is Elmore Leonard's Killshot. I'm not a Leonard fan, but my f2f group read it a few years back because parts of the proposed film were to be shot in Cape Girardeau. There was much hoopla here, of course, when Hollywood came to town, but then everything came to a halt. Now supposedly someone has a tape of it or can get it, and the f2f group is going to view it at her house in December. We shall see. While reading the book, my group was quite impressed with the research Leonard had put into the town, especially the use of barges on the Mississippi.
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Would you believe I just spent the evening watching a film 'Anne of Green Gables' on TV. I thought it was excellent - haven't a clue who the actors were but they all suited their parts perfectly. Hadn't read the book since I was a girl and had never seen the film. Enjoyed it immensely. Nostalgia I guess.
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I saw a preview of Lovely Bones, so it must be coming sometime in the future.. I loved the book
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I did too, Steph, and remember when our late DL Lorrie led a wonderful discussion of it.
Last night I watched a film that I am not recommending -- Autumn Hearts, with Christopher Plummer, Susan Sarondon, Max von Sydow, from a book Emotional Arithmetic by Matt Cohen. (Have never heard of him or it) A group of former Holocaust victims are gathered together for a small reunion. The acting was fine, but it was one of those films where y ou needed a lot more background and past history of the characters, which may or may not have been in the book. I'm giving it two Netflix stars (which means didn't like it) -- it was okay, but there was something lacking. This was a Canadian film, and most certainly an Indie film. It reminded me of those films that use "lay" actors who don't have a script.
The NYT had an interesting article this morning about where films and the film industry, especially the Indie films, are heading.
Exploring New Routes to the Indies (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/13/movies/13darg.html)
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Speaking of Darwin's anniversary, Pedlin, here's another one: One thousand years ago this year, Al Hakim reduced the Church of the Most Holy Sepulchure in Jerusalem to rubble--ground level. The church foundation is believed to cover the site of Christ's crucifixion and burial. I can't think of a recent movie that celebrates (ahem) the event.
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Poor Jerusalem.. The religions have spent years tearing apart each others holy places.. The sins committed in the name of religion are numerous and horrible.
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Elizabeth, welcome to Books into Movies. We're glad you found your way here. An interesting anniversary that you spoke of. I didn't know that.
Steph, I think I'd have to agree with you about the sins committed in the name of religion.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Newest book to for sure make a movie would be the new Dan Brown..
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Watched The Other Boelyn girl, last night. I had read the book, but had not yet seen the movie. Does anyone know if the "mary story" has any validity? They rushed thru the Anne/Henry marriage pretty quickly. It seemed as tho the director suddenly realized that s/he had spent too much time on the pre-marriage segments and now had to finish.
The beach scene when Anne returned from France was almost identical to the opening scenes in The Lion in Winter.................the settings and wardrobe were beautful and very interesting to see. I did get a little tired of seeing Henry purposely striding down the hallways. But mostly the acting was good ...................jean
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Hmmm! I don't know, JEAN. From what you describe, I think I'd rather
re-view "Lion in Winter". I do get annoyed with movies that have to fill in
the plot with lots of 'striding down halls' blank spaces.
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Lion in Winter was a better movie, but the actors were better, so it follows the movie would be. I saw this one.. I have always been intrigued by the Boleyn family and the answer is yes... Henrys first interest was Mary.. But no idea whether Anne cared. At that moment she was enthralled by a Border lord named ( I think) Percy..
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Has anyone read anything by Susan Minot? Over the weekend I watched Evening from her book with the same title, with Vanessa Redgrave, Hugh Dancy and also in small roles, Glenn Close and Meryl Streep.
It was okay, jumped around a lot, but I enjoyed it -- probably a Netflix 3. Vanessa Redgrave is an amazing actress. She plays a terminally ill old woman and is still the star. Reviewers say the book is so much better. Well, sure, aren't they always.
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Oh good, movies too! That's a natural with this group of astute viewers. I've got the popcorn! Thank you Pedln for this expansion.
I've just seen (for the 4th time) Valentino The Last Emperor. I'm obsessed with it. It's fabulous. DID you see it and what did you think of it? The DVD has 4 I think bonus films on it, I've seen each about 5 times each.
It won 9 awards and was the highest rated documentary this year by far. JUST out on DVD.
Now a new movie, also highly acclaimed, has come out on Coco Chanel, is it a documentary, too? What IS it with designers in this depression? Is it like the last depression and the Ziegfeld girls? They are in Valentino, too.
I loved Valentino, barely knew who he was and it's absolutely charming.As it turned out I happened to stumble into his last 45th anniversary show at the Ara Pacis in Rome in 2007.
This is my photo but you can see the same thing in the movie: (http://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/ara2red.jpg) Funny, after waiting so long for the Ara Pacis to open, I was somewhat put off to see the fashion there, and he didn't want it there as he said he never liked the Ara Pacis and it turned out to be brilliant, I learned something from the experience, and he ended up liking it and showing Karl Lagerfeld around who also liked it. The movie's got a lot in it.
I can't run downstairs like that 77 year old man, I can tell you that, loved it, just loved it.
What a world he lives in, which he's created around himself. Have any of you seen it? It's hard to leave. :)
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I watched Some Came Running yesterday on TCM. It is from a James Jones novel.
The script was bad, but Frank Sinatra and Shirley McClain were good and fun to watch. Altho Vincente Minelli directed the movie, it had some strange action in it.
I have such an ambiguous feeling about Frank S. He was a good actor, but the stories about him make me think i would not have liked him as a person. Of course, there are stories of his generosity and kindness as well as his arrogance, bullying and mafia connections. He apparently was kind to Sammie DAvis and Mia Britt ( I don't think that's the way you spell her first name - i have forgotten) at a time when their marriage was controvesial. Dean Martin is not a good actor, but i like looking at him :P, and he does have a comic sense that i like. ........... jean
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Mabel: I feel the same way, almost guilty for enjoying his acting and his singing, since he was not at all a nice man.
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Face it, ladies. Talent is not confined to the pure of heart. Not that there's
too many of those around. Acknowledgement and appreciation of a gift is not approval of the bad behavior of the possessor. The talent doesn't excuse the
behavior, but the behavior doesn't negate the talent.
I think Frank Sinatra falls into the category of the survivor...the man who became what he was because he had to do so to survive and succeed. And where he could, it seems he put out a hand to help others survive and succeed as well.
There are many authors with rough and/or questionable backgrounds. The quality of their work still has to stand on its own merits.
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Well think about it a minute: why would you want to act, anyway?
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Talent is not confined to the pure of heart.
Babi, I love that. So true. And who was that bad boy of tennis? And just this week Timothy Egan at the NYT had his editorial about presidential secrets. Oooh, some of the things they said about other people.
You may have noticed in the heading, we don’t just talk books and movies any more. We all want to know all about all the things you view, and how you like them -- or not. There’ll be some other changes coming to the heading, including some new links.
Speaking of or not – last night I watched, but didn’t finish the Mayles documentary of the Beales of Gray Gardens. I think it will be my first ever Netflix 1 star – I really hated it. It just didn’t seem to be any more than a stream of consciousness. I’m still keeping the movie version of their life on my Netflix queue because I’d like to know more about their lives, just not from their mouths. Must admit, though, the wardrobe – sad, but interesting.
Ginny, interesting about the Valentino film. And thanks for the picture. He’s 77 and can run downstairs? Lucky.
Let's hear from you. What is everyone watching these days?
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I watched THAT FORSYTE WOMAN, the 1949 film with Greer Garson, Errol Flynn, Robert Young, and Janet Leigh. I had never watched a Greer Garson film, and this was an interesting one. Not a role she usually played. Errol Flynn was great as her cold, jealous husband, except I'd always heard he was gay, so that bothered me a bit as I watched him playing her husband. Robert Young IMO was very miscast as her lover, and it was a different role for him, as well as Garson. I hadn't recognized Janet Leigh until I looked at the cast list after watching the film, but she was also very good.
Now I want to read the John Galsworthy trilogy, THE FORSYTE SAGA (also made into a TV movie I had seen.)
Oh yes, and my son took me to the drive-in to see Bruce Willis's latest, Surrogates. Has anyone seen it, or am I the only one who likes Bruce Willis films? This was about a future world where people live in isolation in their homes and have robot surrogates do their work and interact with the outside world for them. I don't care much for these new sci-fi technology films (hard for me to follow, and I had a hard time figuring out who was the human and who was the surrogate.) I've seen better Willis films.
Marj
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Is Greer Garson the actress who said "I vant to be alone."?
My mother and aunt were always using that quote for some reason or other, usually when I was pestering them.
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/GretaGarbo.
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No, that was the Swedish actress Greta Garbo who said "I vant to be alone." I don't think I ever watched one of her movies for more than a few minutes. That's all I could stand of her acting.
Marj
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;D I knew Greer Garson was wrong, but couldn't think of who else began with "G"
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Marjifay, the Forsyte Saga is actually 6 books, but you don't have to read them all. They kind of shift down to later generations, and you can stop if you get tired of it. The first ones are the best. There were 2 TV series. I saw the first one many decades ago. It was a perfect job of translating book to screen. The second one got good reviews too, but I didn't see it.
I haven't seen "Surrogates", but I do like Bruce Willis. Checking his movies in IMDB, I see I've seen 12 Monkeys, The 5th Element, and 6th Sense. Maybe I like all his movies with numbers in them. I'm good on sci-fi, maybe I should see Surrogates, even without a number. Which Willis films do you like?
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Speaking of Sf are you watching Flashforward on TV? for 150 seconds, the same 150 seconds, the entire world blacks out. Ths is the story of the survivors.
Also on the SF TV front the BBC series Primeval has been renewed for two more "seasons". In this one there are intermittent gates called events to Earth's prehistory. They are discovered when these strange animals start popping up, first around a particular woodland outside London. Then rogue events appear and the situation goes downhill. Check this one out at Netflix.
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I enjoy Bruce Willis films, MARJ. They are brash and crammed full of
derring-do, but Willis looks tough enough to pull it off. "The Sixth
Sense" was a departure from his usual tough guy roles and gave him more
scope as an actor, IMO. It was a very good film. I'm planning on seeing
"Surrogates" when Netflix has it.
I've seen the opening show of "Flash Forward" and it immediately had me
thinking/talking about my ideas re. future events. I'll continue watching
it unless it turns into a soap opera with only that one SF event as a
starting point.
I'd never heard about "Primeval" until you mentioned it here, JACKIE. It sounds
interesting, tho'. I'll have to check Netflix for it.
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Oh I am too, on the death of John Mortimer, and he wrote other things as well, good writer.
Pedln!! At last, somebody who has seen one of the Beale documentaries, but you hated it! One star? Why? Did you find it exploitative? Did you know that when Big Edie died Little Edie would not allow the Maysles at her funeral?
What did you think of it, tell all!
The second film, The Beales of Grey Gardens, the outtakes and rejects from the original was it 1970's documentary I think you're talking about, presented them in a more positive light and in fact they were quite impressive as strange as that sounds. All that hit the cutting room floor.
What did you hate about it? Them? The way the movie was shot? The fact it was shot at all?
Do tell! One good thing it did was bring them help from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
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Armageddon, 12 Monkeys, The 5th Element, Mercury Rising, 6th Sense, Tears of the Sun. I suppose I could go on. Bruce Willis has been a busy boy. Looks like a bunch more coming in the next two years according to the IMBD list. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000246/
I was particularly fascinated by his drooling scene in 12 Monkeys. Not real interested in his Die Hard series though.
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Ginny, re: Beales. I had thought it was going to be the original documentary. It wasn't. It was left over footage from the original 1973 production. So, I was clueless about what was going on and the people they referred to, and to me it was just a lot of prancing around (little Edie) and talking about whatever popped into their minds.
Perhaps I'll try it again after I see the HBO film version which is on my queue. (After I watch the other 168 titles there :-[ )
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I guess my favorite Bruce Willis films were Pulp Fiction and Sixth Sense, both great. Also liked The Jackal, Fifth Element and his Die Hard films.
I see I missed 12 Monkeys -- will have to get that one.
Jackie, I saw the advertisement for Flashforward, but missed it. Do you or anyone know what night and channel it's on?
Primeval sounds good. I'll look into that one.
Marj
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Flashforward was on last night. See here: http://abc.go.com/watch/flashforward/235637?partner=rm&cid=KNC-rm+flashforward_title_fall_launch+google+flashforward
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Thanks so much, Jackie. Looks like I can see the first episode here after all.
Marj
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A good movie I got from Netflix: "Outsourced". A company outsources its fulfillment center to India, and sends a young manager to train his successor. Culture clash ensues. Terrifically funny, and sad.
A very clean movie, no killing, gore, cursing.
Also, "New In Town" with Renee Zellweger & Harry Connick,Jr. Predictable with slapstick comedy, and lots of funny lines. Also, culture shock from going to Minnesota from Miami (in the dead of winter). Not great filmmaking but totally enjoyable on the lighter side of the spectrum. Basically good, clean fun!
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Hi, everyone! Hi, Pedln, amica mea!
I guess all you movie watchers don't share a TV set with a husband who is into Baseball with a Capital B. We are watching the playoffs this week, followed by the World you-know-what, so no movies for me right now.
Friends and I were talking last week about the movie Marley!
Did everyone here see it? Like it? EA in our Latin class heard John Grogan speak in person in PA a year or two ago. I especially loved the Boca Raton parts because we've been to a few of the places in the movie. Of course, I assume it's not a spoiler to say the ending was not anyone's favorite part. But I'm a big-dog lover, so I loved all the dog scenes.
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Declaration of Independence, MIPPY. Smaller TVs are fairly inexpensive now. Unless you husband can't do without your 'participation' in viewing the baseball games, get one of your own and retire to another room to watch what you please.
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Babi ~ You are so sweet to write that, :)
but there's an unusual dynamic going on. My husband
suffered a severe heart attack last winter, so every moment
we spend sitting together ... boo-ing the Yankees, haha ... is a
treasured moment!
Movies can always be watched when it isn't baseball season!
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Ah, of course, that makes a big difference, MIPPY. I fully understand; enjoy every minute with your DH.
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Tomereader, thank you for your recommendation of "Outsourced". I read up on it and put it in my Netflix queue, it sounds great. Something like Gung Ho with Michael Keaton and the Japanese taking over a local automobile plant, which I loved.
If I could stop watching Valentino I'd be in good shape. I guess it's time to send it back to Netflix since my own copy has come. :)
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Val and I started watching a movie called "Tell No One". After a short while
we looked at each other and agreed it was really boring and watched something else instead.
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You won't be disappointed with Outsourced, Ginny. It has an interesting, unique plot. Very enjoyable.
Babi, I'm sorry you didn't like Tell No One -- that's based on the book by Harlan Coben. I liked it, but that may be in part because I saw it on the big screen in New York. Theatres here rarely show any foreign films with English subtitles, so I always try to seek them out when I go to the big city.
Has Girl with the Dragon Tattoo made it to the States, yet? I was so surprised when I found a trailer of it and it had subtitles (most of them don't). But they were in Swedish. PatW said her grandkids got a DVD of it from cousins in Sweden and it had English subtitles.
There will be some more changes in the heading -- look for a few new links.
I'm in the market for a new DVD player, and boy, have I learned a lot by checking out reviews, etc. My old one takes 2 minutes to show up on screen, saying "bad disc" and then another 2 minutes to load and start working. And if you stop for more than 15 minutes it won't pick up where you left off. I was half considering Blu-Ray, but they're still working on the technology and you have to update them with "firmware" every so often from you computer. And that seemed to cause problems for a lot of folks. Is it just because the age clock is ticking or are things getting more complicated? Am going to stick with plain old stick-it-in-and-watch for now.
MaryZ, you really have a gem with your Phillips DVR player/recorder with hard drive, etc. Nobody is making that sort of thing anymore, and if you can find the Phillips, it's price has more than tripled what it used to sell for. I hope my ancient VCR lasts because it would totally gall me to have to pay a monthly fee just to tape a program or two.
Remember -- there's another new Inspector Lewis coming on tonight on my PBS channels.
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My PBS station had two Inspector Lewis films on last night, probably because
they are playing catch-up. I watched the first last night and will watch the second today. I am still having so much fun with the little one-liner zingers
between Lewis and Hathaway. If you're not paying attention you'll miss them.
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I just saw the best film I've seen all year! My son took me yesterday to
Los Angeles to see a new film, A SERIOUS MAN, a comedy/drama -- Wonderful! But no wonder, since it's a Coen Brothers film. It will make you laugh and wince at the same time at all the things that happen to this poor man, and will leave you thinking for quite a while. The cast, altho' not well known, should all get awards. Don't miss it!
Marj
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Thanks, Marjifay, I'm a Coen Brothers fan so I'll be sure this one is on my list.
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I must confess I never pay much attention to who produces and directs the
films I watch. I'm just there to enjoy the story. Reading the posts from MARJ
& JACKIE, I decided to go check out the Coen Brothers.
Well, what do you know! I found some of my favorite movies in their list.
I really so need to start paying more attention.
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You’re one smart lady, Babi. Like you, I’ve paid little attention to directors and producers. Maybe it’s about time. Anyway, here’s a listing of their films, and a link to more about them.
Coen Brothers Films
A Serious Man (2009)
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Paris , je t'aime(2007)
The Ladykillers (2004)
Intolerable Cruelty (2003)
The Man Who Wasn't There(2001)
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Fargo (1996)
The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
Barton Fink (1991)
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Raising Arizona (1987)
Blood Simple (1985)
Coen Brothers (http://worldfilm.about.com/od/thecoenbrothers/p/thecoenbrothers.htm)
A Serious Man sounds like a good one. I'm going to put it on my Netflix list.
Take a look above -- thanks to PatW the heading has changed.
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Pedln, the reviews of "A Serious Man" make it sound like a good bet. The only 2 Coen brothers films I've actually seen are "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" (the Odyssey retold) and "Fargo", both stellar.
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Pat, I've seen those two, plus "No Country for Old Men". I now have a healthy respect for the
Coen Bros. I want to add "Serious Man" to my queue also. Maybe "The Man Who Wasn't There", also; that sounds intriguing.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Oh goody, can we rate these movies?
Coen Brothers movies are mixed, for me.
No Country for Old Men (2007) not bad, good acting, weird plot
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) one of the best, laugh riot!
Fargo (1996) The Best. Seen again, still good!
Barton Fink (1991) awful, don't waste your time
that was a surprise because I almost always like John Turratino
I hope the new one is up there with the best ... do tell ...
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I watched "Brother, Where Art Thou" twice. I never thought of myself as a
country music fan, but I really liked the music they used in the movie. The scene
where a large group of people were walking down to the river to be baptized,
singing as a choral group, was truly magical.
'Fargo' was such a departure from the usual country sheriff genre it bordered
on genius.
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Nobody has mentioned Raising Arizona. There are parts in that movie where I laughed til I hurt. Some of it isn't funny but on the whole it is a riot. Fargo, same.
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The title "Raising Arizona" is very familiar, but I honestly can't remember
whether I saw it or not. I may have just seen some of the ads.
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Just finished watching latest version of The 39 Steps which was screened locally tonight. Enjoyed it thoroughly - it kept the pace up - though there really wasn't any tension throughout. Wasn't much like I remember from earlier versions. Why do they tamper with the storylines all the time - Penry-Jones is certainly not going to oust Robert Donat or Kenneth More as my favourite Hannay but he was OK.
Also, last night we watched a DVD of the classic Casablanca - it never changes - these days I'm not sure whether the cast and crew were playing it seriously or not . Claude Raines was surely playing for laughs. So many one liners from them all - I'd forgotten what a great actor Paul Henreid was -
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Gumtree, I don't know the latest version of 39 steps,but the original version with Robert Donat was already a total tampering with the book (which is actually a rather slight plot). As you probably remember from Author Author, I am a fan of John Buchan--I'm not quite sure why--he's pretty corny and his politics and world view aren't mine, but he's good at telling a tale and catching you up in what he feels, and I've read pretty much all he's written with pleasure.
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PatH Yes, I know - very corny at times. I guess that the Robert Donat version is something of a classic and has become the yardstick we measure others by - and of course, Donat had Hitchcock at the helm. I know it's been a long time and perhaps my memory is not what it was - but I don't recall a suffragette alongside Donat ???
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Gumtree, I don't recall a suffragette anywhere. Buchan has some powerful women--the villainess in "Greenmantle", and the woman Hannay marries after "Mr. Standfast", but they all fit into the pattern of "powerful in their way, but the world is still run by men's rules".
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You thought so, too, PatH? I remember reading the '39 Steps', and being
disappointed in it. I thought it was supposed to be really good, but
maybe I just got that impression because of the movie publicity. I don't
remember actually seeing the movie, either.
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It seems to me that I've heard of 39 steps since forever, but have never seen nor read it. For some reason I thought it was a religious story, but from the way a few of described it, it sounds like a thriller. Guess I'll have to read it and find out.
I've had The Station Agent here from Netflix since mid-September. Just never felt in the mood. But I finally got a decent DVD player hooked up, so last night was the trial run. It was great, I loved it -- about a dwarf (played by Peter Dinklage) who loves trains. More than people. It was very much a film about the ways we shut people out, as well as how we open doors. Thomas McCarthy was the director, and I believe also wrote the screenplay. The film itself has received a variety of awards.
Has anyone seen Amelia? The NYT reviewer really panned it, but other than that I know nothing.
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Richard Gere and Hilary Swank are not my dream couple. I'll pass.
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Pedln, 39 Steps is a pre-WWI spy thriller. Although I'm a fan of the author, this book is rather slight, though it reads along OK. I don't care much for the movie.
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No I'm going to pass on the Swank/ Gere thing too. I hear a lot of people are planning the same, shame really, I guess.
_________________________
I'm still on a Valentino kick and yesterday thought it might be nice to read a book about him, so I went to Amazon and yes, there's one with interviews, etc., but I thought that looks like a coffee table book, I don't' need one that big, and looked at the price in passing. And looked at the price? And stared at the price! GUESS what the price of that book was?
Don't look it up, guess?
Slick glossy looking book, guess at the price?
Perhaps we should give a prize to the person who comes closest? I would say without going over, but there's no fear of that.
_________________________
So I won't be reading about him.
I first saw O Brother Where Art Thou in a class on the Odyssey, believe it or not and was immediately hooked on the music and the cleverness of it. A local musician was also in it. I got the sound track and still play it in the car, fabulous thing.
_________________________
Has anybody seen September Issue? It came here but left before I could get to see it, another documentary, this time on Anna Wintour, would love to see it, but maybe it will come out on DVD, I'm beginning to enjoy that experience more than the movie theater.
You can stop the action or fast forward it and see something as many times as you like, a different kind of experience. Which do you prefer, really? The theater or the DVD? I like the little players, mine has a 9 inch screen (do they make bigger ones? ) and sits in the lap, for all but a few movies it's perfect.
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I wouldn't buy that book. You don't even get FREE SHIPPING!! ;D
But now I know Valentino's last name.
I love seeing movies on a big screen, but the DVDs offer so many more choices, in additon to providing subtitles and/or captions. And it's a great way to watch some of those TV shows that were missed in previous years. Right now I"m working my way through Desperate Housewives and Boston Legal. Up until last week I really didn't know who people were talking about when they'd mention Jon and Kate -- plus 8. Reality TV. And Netflix has their first two seasons available, but I doubt I'll put them in my queue at #169.
But isn't it amazing how much is now available to us, in so many different ways, all because of technology.
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DVDs by a mile. The other features mentioned plus the biggie IMHO is the commentary. watching Waiting for Guffman on DVD and then listening to the commentary by Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy, the movie became memorable in a new way. Love the extras on DVDs.
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Pedln said: But isn't it amazing how much is now available to us, in so many different ways, all because of technology.
I love the way you can get repeats on the internet of programs you missed via UTube, et al. And I've found old television programs, like Jack Benny and other really old ones on UTube. And now CSpan's BookTV website is set up so you can watch programs you've missed.
Wonderful!
Marj
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Somehow I missed Marley and Me. When I saw the movie recently I loved it. How do the book and movie compare? The author has a new book out http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/john-grogan/longest-trip-home.htm by John Grogan.
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I wonder if I have C-Spans Book TV? I'll have to go check my listings.
I'd like to know what that's about.
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Babi, in our system, BookTV is on CSpan-2, generally only on weekends. Look online at booktv.org for the schedule.
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Thanks, MARYZ. I do have C-Span 2; I'll check the schedule for this
weekend.
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:-*
Joy
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Since we had a week of RAIN AND WIND ETC from the nor'easter aided and abetted via hurricane Ida ...I had to go out one day for some dr tests and thank goodness I had a warm jacket with a hood and longer length, The wind pushed rain sideways and it hurt to have it hit a bare spot,,anyway I had time (although I did lose power one evening ) to read a book from front to back Has anyone read The Time Traveler's Wife? I understand it is or will be coming out soon and is called a MAJOR MOTION PICTURE...
I wish I had a concise opinion but I kept changing my mind about how I viewed it ..There were parts I loved and other ones I just wasnt sure what the author was thinking ..BUT I want to see the movie because I have to know how they DID it! I would love to hear what those who read it has to say..anyone? annafair
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Hi, ANNA. I've been seeing quite a bit of ads and talk about "The Time
Traveler's Wife". I'm not sure if I want to read the book/see the movie
or not. What little I know about it leaves me ambivalent.
When you see the movie, let me know what you think of it. I'll probably need a strong recommendation from people with tastes similar
to mine before I tackle the book.
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It is a clever book but ......I can tell when a book captures me ...I dont peek at the ending to make sure it would be worth my time ....I peeked but still felt hmmmm which is why I am anxious to hear what other readers think,,,,I have some other new books to read but time seems to be moving FAST hugs to all
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Oh, my, doesn't it!! It seems I've hardly turned around each year before it's holiday season again. What happened to those endless days of childhood, when the next event took forever to get here?
Oh, I know. Then, I was just waiting for it. Now, I've got to get ready for them....all of them!
I guess I'll wait and see the movie. What I've heard about the book
makes me suspect it would only irritate me. :-\
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Anna, how nice to see you here. Like Babi, I've heard about the Time-travellers Wife, but have never put it on my To Read list. Perhaps the movie, when it comes out on DVD, but I've never really been drawn to books about the strange or impossible. However, your comments sent me looking for more, and Audrey Niffenegger, the author sounds most interesting. T-T W was her first novel, her second has either recently been published or is due out soon. But she is also an artist and will exhibit sometime this coming year in her hometown of Chicago. She's also created a visual series, The Night Bookmobile, for the UK's Guardian, and it will be published in book form next year. Here's her website Audrey Niffenegger (http://audreyniffenegger.com/)
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My ftf book club read The Time Traveler's Wife last year. It got mixed reviews from the group. I did not care for it much. My SIL really loved it and she and I usually agree; so maybe it was the mood I was in. I'll probably wait to see the movie until it comes to TV.
Sally
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Pedlin thanks for the link and after viewing her paintings the book I read is more understandable.....I know over the years I have written short stories and one was published in a works by the seniornet writers group and another won a first place at a writers conference...all of mine are on a disk but I have never tried to do anything with them...it would seem her mind is always busy and she has done something with it...and I have to admit my mind seems to be like hers...lol Strange ...I am glad I followed through on the email about the books discussions ...
My life has changed considerably since my companion of 8 years passed away Easter this year...he was ill most of those years and I could have suggested he return to his daughters in Iowa,,,but taking care of him gave my life a purpose and I felt God had sent him here to give him another 8 years of life and asked me to care for him..
Now my mind has become very active and I may write some more stories ..they come to me when I am ready for bed,,,,AUGH
My two HUGE Goldens keep me busy and awake since they will bark at me to let me know they need attention .I think I prefer a human at least they speak human and it is hard to converse with dogs they dont speak human and I dont speak woof.....I am glad to be here ....and enjoy reading everyones comments ...I SEE US IN MY MIND sitting around my dining table ,,yellow pads full of ink scratches of our thoughts...tea cups empty or still full of a delicious tea, crumbs from the home made cookied I have offered tomorrow I am baking wonderful chocolate chip cookies with pecan and walnut pieces....( I dont keep them but send them to friends from on line or neighborhood children ,,,baking cookies is a soothing way to help a day go bye and I often think of a story or a poem when I am doing so,, the aroma from the cookies and having a cup of tea with some oven warm cookies is my idea if bliss ...God Bless all :-)
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Audrey Niffenegger's latest is "Her Fearful Symmetry". I read it and enjoyed it much more than TTW. It, too, is filled with oddity. I read it right around Halloween time, and found that it fit right into that time period. A ghost story, to simplify. The locale is England and set near the "cemetary" where some famous people are buried. It made me want to visit England and see this burial ground.
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Interesting, PEDLN. I enjoy the strange, but have a lifted eyebrow for
the impossible. The proposition should be at least within the dim range of
possibility so I can relax and let my imagination roam.
Okay, Niffenegger's drawings are definitely weird. For some reason I
clicked on a pendant(?) held by a woman in one drawing and Surprise!!,
another drawing came up whose symbolism equally escapes me. A raven with a crown, a leash around it's neck held by a skeleton smaller than the raven.
Does anybody have a clue? FAIRANNA?
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Babi regarding your description of a drawing in Niffenegger's book: Could the raven with a crown reference the British crown? Remember they keep ravens at the Tower of London, wings clipped so they can't fly away. The myth is that if they fly away England will fall. That may explain the leash. Is it possible that the skeleton represents the Empire a mere skeleton of what it once was? Well, that is my interpretation without seeing it or reading the book.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/foodsbooks/christmasdivider9.jpg)
You are invited to a
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=978.0) for Book and Food Lovers
December 1 - 20
Guests will be YOU and authors of your favorite books that combine a good story with good tips on food. Do drop in and tell us about your favorite foodies, real and otherwise, be it Rachel Ray or Kate Jacobs or Tyler Florence or Joanne Harris. Who's your favorite cook?
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A very imaginative interpretation, FRYBABE. Who knows? I found it by
accident, clicking on an object in another drawing. I had no idea there
was anything there, nor do I know why I had an impulse to click. The mind can do very strange things.
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Babi, maybe there were subliminal clues in the painting urging you to click.
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Hmm, interesting thought, PAT. It was a medallion or pendant, being
dangled by a woman sort of hanging in air. Perhaps that made me
curious, but who would have thought to click on something inside a
painting?
I'm wondering now if perhaps other paintings I've viewed on-line could
have been seen in more detail by clicking inside the picture.
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Brace yourselves. This weekend's Wall Street Personal Journal calls it the time for Serious Movies for Grownups, that period at the end of the year when studios release the last of their Oscar ( and other award) hopefuls. And this year's selection sounds good.
Up in The Air starring George Clooney, due for release Dec. 4, loosely based on a novel of the same name by Walter Kirn. About a guy who goes from city to city firing people. That's his job. But when the economy tanked, the director had to make changes, including having real people who were really fired, incorporated into the script.
The Lovely Bones, based on Alice Sebold's novel, long-awaited, is due out Dec. 11.
And also on Dec. 4, The Last Station, about Tolstoy's final days, starring Helen Mirren and Christopher Plummer. That sounds like a lineup hard to beat.
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We have Cormac McCarthy's The Road, as well. We discussed this on SeniorNet. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/the-road-film-review-1004009191.story
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That's right, Jackie, though I think I will pass on that one for a while. I know both book and film have received a lot of attention, but post-apocalypse dramas are not my cup of tea.
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I just read that! Isn't it amazing how much older Helen Mirren looks in that get up than she does normally?
At any rate that looks good. I came in to say that I have finally viewed Outsourced, recommended here, it's cute. I enjoyed it, thanks for the recommendation.
One not mentioned here (yet) is Berkeley Square, I think it is, about 4 nannies in England, in 1902. I saw it for sale in one of the PBS catalogs and thought I'd rent it from Netflix and loved it. Very much like Upstairs Downstairs if the first two are anything to go by (there are 10).
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(http://www.christmasgifts.com/clipart/christmasholly7.jpg)
| We're looking forward to seeing you at the
Holiday Open House (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=76.0)
December 1 - 20
|
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Tonight we watched the old David Lean film A Passage to India and found it to be absolutely absorbing. Alec Guiness and Dame Peggy Ashcroft were at the height of their powers, Judy Davis just beginning and Edward Fox already the consummate actor. The Indian actors Victor Bannerjee and Saeed Jaffrey are better known today. I think I'll have to read the book again !
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Gum, I just now added Passage to India to my Netflix queue, and would you believe, moved it up to the #1 position. I'm just in the mood for something like that.
One of these days Netflix will figure out how to put captions or subtitles on their downloaded English language films, but the mood should keep for a week. Passage has just knocked Desperate Housewives down a notch.
The other night I watched Lakeview Terrace. Not particularly memorable -- a homeowner, a cop, disapproves of his new neighbors' interacial marriage, and attempts to drive them away. Three stars.
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Pedln: I do hope you really enjoy Passage - I did. The No 1 spot in my queue (not Netflix - we don't have them here) is Gran Torino which we missed at the movies - but there's still a big demand for it so I just keep waiting...
Next one for us is Girl With the Pearl Earring - maybe over the coming weekend...
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| (http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/kim/kimcvrsm.jpg) |
Coming Soon...KIM by Kipling ~ our January Book Club Online.
Let us know you'll be joining us in our discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=997.msg49658#msg49658). |
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Alec Guinness is one of the best, isn't he? Being an old movie, tho',
I wonder, GUM, did you notice if it had closed captioning? I'd like to see
the movie, but it is so frustrating to have one arrive..yay!!...and then
discover I can't follow the story for lack of the CC.
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I'm sorry Babi I didn't notice about the closed captioning - I've already sent it back so can't check either. The movie was made in 1984. Of course, in any case the Netflix stock would be different from Aussie stock.
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I've never forgotten the film Passage to India. Wonderful acting.
Turner Classics Movie channel will be showing RANDOM HAVEST soon with Greer Garson and Ronald Coleman. Have never seen it. The book sounds interesting too, and I've put it on my hold list at the library.
Have been listening to the old Jack Benny radio programs on my car's XM Satellite Radio channels, and he often had Ronald Coleman as a guest. He and Benny were wonderful and very funny together. By the way, I'll never be without XM radio -- wonderful when you're driving throught an area where all you can get is religious and country music broadcasts!
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Babi, Passage has CC and subtitles both. If it's on my queue, it has to have it.
I love to haunt the DVD bargain boxes, and yesterday at Sam's I found a goodie with four Turner Classic Movies, including Casablanca. I hadn't seen it in years. So this morning I thought I'd just check and make sure this bargain disc was of decent quality, with subtitles, etc. Well, I got so caught up in it that I watched the whole thing, marvelling at what a good film, what a great picture it was -- even in b & w, even without the special effects so common in today's movies. The acting and staging and script can't be beat. No wonder it's one of the top classics.
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Ah Pedln - I agree with all you say about Casablanca -we have a copy of it and watched it only a month or so ago. Brilliant - can't get over what a good actor Paul Henreid was and also how Claude Rains carried his comic part so well.
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Thanks, GUM. Unfortunately, I find that most of the BBC films do not
have closed captioning. It's a pity, since there are so many British films
I would love to see. Over here, CC has been added to most of the old
movies that are offered.
Oh, PEDLN says 'Passage' does have CC. Great! Thanks, P.
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This has been a banner week for movies for me. I did watch Passage to India -- wonderful. Glorious scenery and shots, good acting. Definitly a classic to keep.
Tonight I just finished watching Julie and Julia. Wonderful. Especially Meryl Streep in her role as Julia Child. I'll be very surpised if she does not get an award for her performance. I'd love to see her in a whole movie just about Julia Child. Though I must say, I think the critics have been a bit harsh with Julie Powell, so many accusing her of whining, etc. I did not feel that way, although at times I felt her appearance to be an intrusion. But that was just because Meryl STreep was so good.
Golden Globe nominees are out. Have you seen any of these?
Golden Globe nominees (http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/12/15/movies/awardsseason/1215-GG_index.html)
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Oh, my. Now I've got a list of movies to enter on my Netflix queue.
I've got books to finish. I've got presents to wrap. I must go grocery
shopping. Thank God today at least is clear and sunny! Where are my
track shoes?
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It's clear and sunny here too, but we got almost 2 feet of snow yesterday and the residential streets aren't plowed yet. Track shoes will be useless.
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I want to see Meryl Streep in It's Complicated, the new movie with Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin as well as Mary Kay Place who I loved in the 1970s TV series, Mary Hartman--Mary Hartman. Meryl Streep said she was surprised to still be working at age 60, but I'm not as she's such a wonderful actress. I really get tired of seeing all those old male geezers in movies with young dippy "actresses." Sad that there are few good roles these days for mature female actresses.
Marj
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I agree. But the fact that there are some really good ones around inspires producers to make movies for them.
My one complaint about Meryl Streep was that she was always suffering in all her movies. A new one would come out and I'd think "I know it will be great, but can I stand to see her suffer again?"
I'm so glad she has gotten away from that. I LOVED her in that ABBA musical (Mama Mia?)!! And I can't wait to see her as Julia child.
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I agree, JOANK. I've enjoyed seeing Meryl Streep in the movies she
has been doing lately. Much more fun!
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Wow I am so glad to see those Golden Globe nominees, I just saw Up in the Air yesterday along with It's Complicated, which I thought was OK, funny, fun, etc, but Up in the Air I thought was really something, I'm glad to see it leading the pack.
Also I see Grey Gardens nominated as Best Mini Series, with Drew Barrymore AND Jessica Lang as the Beales both nominated for acting.
It's also fun to see Meryl Streep nominated twice against herself, that should surely shorten the odds. :)
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Tonight I watched the Al Pacino film 'Looking for Richard' Hadn't seen it since it was showing in the movies and have been wanting to see it again specially since we read and discussed Richard III with Deems et al. I was not disappointed - brilliant. Many of the topics we discussed were raised in Pacino's film and made it seem like it was only yesterday that we were talking about and trying to nut out those self same issues.
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In surfing my premium channels, I ran across the subject movie and gave it a try. It certainly doesn't rate among the best I've ever viewed but it is interesting by virtue of an unusual quality that, frankly, didn't occur to me until the latter portion of the film. It stars Patrick Stewart and Kate Winslet. I would love to hear what others have to say about it.
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This movie, while not an award winning film, is a "must see", particularly for those who enjoy Anthony Hopkins. Don't let the title mislead you as it did me. It's all about a geezer achieving his dream.
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I saw "The Fastest Indian" and enjoyed it a lot. The extra about the making of the movie was fun, too- all the small parts were acted by people in this small New Zealand town.
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Loved Fastest Indian. It truly is a feel good movie about a dream and the life it inspires.
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JimNT--I watched "The Fastest Indian" a couple of years ago. I loved it. Anthony Hopkins is worth watching in anything, but I loved the sense of whimsey in this movie. I tried to watch "Little Children", but couldn't get into it. Maybe it was the mood I was in, but I did not finish it.
Sally
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Sally: Like the title, Little Children is a film about immature adults. As one of many examples, the Prom King agrees to meet his lover (Kate Winslet) but is distracted by his love for skateboarding. The entire movie centers around immature acts. Hilarious but also thoughtful.
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Welcome JimNT. I'm glad you and so many others recommend
the World's Fastest Indian, with Anthony Hopkins. Ihope no one is waiting for it from Netflix. I've had it almost a month, but have not had a chance to see it, what with the holidays and travel and all.
I'll probably wait a bit on Little Children, but definitely want to see It's
Complicated. Those of you who have seen both the recent Streep films, which one do you think is the best?
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Actually, I had a very mixed reaction to "Mama Mia". Much as I enjoy
Meryl Streep, the musical didn't work for me. I used to like them when
they were so popular back in the 40's and 50's. But now this one seemed so contrived and, of course, wholly unreal.
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Babi: My sentiments exactly. Since ABBA as a group was contrived, like the Monkees, and did not grow out of the association of the performers, it has lost much of its sparkle for me. When one thinks of the emotional intensity of musicals like Les Miz, Rent, Phantom, Chorus Line, etc, Mama Mia seems pretty feeble to me. Curious about Streep; my daughter can't stand her. She is not someone whose preformances I seek out, but I've always enjoyed watching her.
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Streep is simply an excellent actress. Her movies are not always ones
that I particularly enjoy seeing, but I know her own performance will be
'spot on'. I never watched "Sophie's Choice", for instance, despite the
rave reviews, simply because what I had heard about the story sounded
depressing to me.
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I just finished watching World's Fastest Indian, and I certainly agree with Jim -- it's a "must-see." It's definitely a "feel-good" show, but there is so much going on that it is not sappy, just very engrossing. Was Anthony Hopkins nominated for anythng for that film? I didn't realize it was based on real events. Towards the end of the film I kept thinking that one character looked quite familiar. Well, of course, it was Christopher Lawford (playing the part of Jim), and he looks much like his father, Peter.
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Pedlin: Thanks for clueing me in re Christopher Lawford. I missed that entirely though I'm sure he was listed in the credits. In fact, I didn't know that Peter has a son in films.
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See here: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm865508608/nm0492441
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My son and I are going to see Avatar today. Has anyone seen it (or plan to see it, LOL) We are curious because there's been so much interesting hype about it. We're driving to a town near here (Camarillo, CA) that has a great Mexican restaurant. So if we walk out on the movie, all will not be lost.
Marj
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Marjifay, I haven't seen the movie but my sister has as well as several of my co-workers. They all say it is great. Apparently you can watch it with or without the 3-D glasses.
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Thanks, Frybabe. Good to know that someone liked it that much. I'd heard that you didn't need 3d glasses (as back in the 1950s 60s.) We're going to see it at their IMAX theater. Will post my comments on it later.
Marge
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On HBO this weekend, I watched "The Soloist" with Jamie Foxx, which is a true story based on a book by the...journalist portrayed in the movie by Robert Downey, Jr. (can't remember his name - Steve Lang, maybe?). Anyway - it's about a reporter from the L. A. Times who becomes involved with a schizophrenic street musician. Although I don't care to read the book (too intense a story), the movie was very good.
Right after that, on PBS, I watched the classic Bette Davis movie "Now Voyager". Don't think I'd ever seen it straight through from start to finish. "Soapy" but a good antidote to "Soloist".
Babi, the absolute lack of intensity and reality is why I am such a fan of musicals - both old and new. I don't care to be "tied in knots" after I've seen ones like Les Miz and The Phantom - although I did like Chorus Line.
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How could you possibly be "tied in knots" after The Phantom?
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Steve Lopez is the journalist in The Solist. I read the book and saw the movie and enjoyed them both. Robert Downey Jr. is one of my favorites as is Jamie Foxx and the movie is remarkedly close to the book.
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I saw the Phantom some years ago at the National Theater in Washington, D. C. Great show, but I, too, wonder why you were "tied in knots." I suppose that each of us are affected differently. I knew a girl that cried throughout commencement exercises.
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Perhaps "tied in knots" wasn't the best description I could have used. That's as close as I can come to explaining the inner feeling I get from a movie or stage production in which the main theme is tragic and portrayed in a very dramatic fashion. I leave the theater feeling very tense. "Miss Saigon" is another one that affected me that way.
Jim, I've been known to shed a tear at similar events.
After having taken her to see "The Nutcracker" since she was 2, I could barely see through the tears as my beloved 12-year-old granddaughter danced in it for the first time, even though it was a dance studio production and she was just a blossom in Waltz of the Flowers. After four years in various roles, she now dances The Dewdrop Fairy role and I only get a little misty-eyed. :)
Just noticed your post about "The Soloist" as I was posting. I almost had the journalist's name right!! I thought Jamie Foxx did a fantastic job with his role.
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Thanks for the update about "The Soloist". I heard an interview with the author on NPR and Robert Downey, Jr, and Jamie Foxx are always worth watching. It will be recorded tomorrow. there's a companion pice, "The Making of the Soloist" coming on Wednesday on HBO AM so it's being recorded too. I always enjoy those "Making of . . ." programs.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I've had THE SOLOIST on my TB seen movies list-- thanks for reminding me! Sounds good, doesn't it.
I OD'd on movie videos over the Christmas holidays. My favorite rental store in North Hollywood closes down for two weeks, so we could have them at the same price for that lenghth of time.
The first was BRIEF ENCOUNTER (1948) with Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson, from a Noel Coward play, "Still Life." About two people (both married, but not to each other, of course) who accidently meet and fall in love. I'd seen these two actors in STAYING ON (1980), a sequel to Jewel in the Crown, in a very non-loving relationship, and wanted to see them in a loving relationship. Interesting contrast. Great acting.
Then I watched THESE THREE (1936) starring Miriam Hopkins, Merle Oberon, and Joel McCrea (with interesting bit parts by Margaret Hamilton and Walter Brennan). Also watch the remake of this titled THE CHILDREN'S HOUR (1962), with Shirley MacLaine, Audrey Hepburn and James Garner. Both directed by Willim Wyler from a Lillian Hellman.play. About how a vindictive bratty little girl's lies destroyed three lives. I'd seen The Children's Hour before, but just found out about the previous film. Excellent acting in both. Interesting to see how the story changes after 26 years, from a lie about a love triangle to a lie about an "unnatural" relationship between the two women. Miaiam Hopkins plays a young woman in the first film, then an older meddling aunt in the second. She's great in both parts.
Marj
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I saw an old Jimmy Stewart movie the other day,.."The Man From Laramie". Still really good. Jimmy Stewart is one who seems to remain
enjoyable no matter how old the movie is. Can you think of anyone
today who seems to fill the kind of place he did? I can't. Remarkable
man.
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My favorite Jimmy Stewart movie isn't one of his westerns, it's Bell, Book and Candle.
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I have several friends who adore old movies. With some few exceptions, like The African Queen and Gone With the Wind, I simply can't develop an interest in them. I've heard from several sources that the 1941 movie starring Orson Wells and based on the newspaper giant, William Randolph Hearst, is considered by many to be the best movie ever made. I've watched it at least twice and clearly remember the last word uttered as "rosebud" but I can't for my life remeber the title. In any event, I didn't find anything remarkable about the movie and have thus concluded that I'm devoid of any artistic taste.
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JimN, was it Citizen Kane? I never watched it the whole way through. Orson Welles is my favorite Mr. Rochester of all the incarnations of Jane Eyre.
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Thank you. I can sleep well tonight. Orson was a heavyweight in every sense.
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I've seen Citizen Kane a couple of times, but it's not one of my favorites. I'll have to get the Jane Eyre film in which he is Mr. Rochester. Haven't seen that one.
My son and I are addicted to old film noir films. Love some of the lines, such as, from "Cry Danger,":
"Do you always drink in the morning?"
"Listen, If you drink as much as I do, you have to start early!"
Or, from the Raymond Chandler film, "The Big Sleep," where Philip Marlow (Humphrey Bogart) says,
"He's so tough, he'd knock your teeth in and then kick you in the
stomach for mumbling!"
Marj
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There are many of the old movies that are seriously dated and seem rather silly now. I can't say I 'adore' them all, JIM, but some are 'classic' in the sense that the acting and the production pass the test of time.
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Maybe I should give old movies another try. I have found, as I'm sure you have, that movies deserve as much attention as books. I seem to be watching movies now more than once and seeing certain attributes I hadn't seen before. The settings for old movies have been a distraction to me because they are usually so unrealistic, but maybe I should consentrate on the plot, the lines, and the acting.
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Since the advent of color we have become jaded, I believe. Watching an old B&W movie I am struck by the detail the film reveals. An old Sherlock Holmes had one scene where there were several men with hats and overcoats. I noticed that each coat was distinctively patterned so that it was easy for the eye to differentiate between them. Opened my eyes to the importance of scenery design, costume design, lighting and camera work in a different way than in color. Makeup would have been critical, too, for B&W.
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" I have found, as I'm sure you have, that movies deserve as much attention as books." That's a very good point. It takes less concentration to watch a movie -- it flows by us whether we are paying attention or not. And with the wide availibility of movies on TV, we tend to undervalue even the good ones.
It's interesting: some old movies hold up very well and others don't. And I can't tell which will hold up.
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JoanK I agree that old and new movies can be and or often merely forms of relaxation; that we might sit through one without the least bit interest and forget about it immediately. I think that in watching movies we must be in the proper frame of mind to concentrate on every detail, meaningless or not, if we are to thoroughly enjoy the presentation. The same holds true with books. Recently, I read the Reagan Diaries and became bored with the repetiveness of activities but I was determined to finish the book. I did, but I didn't get any satisfaction from the content because I was thinking of the next book I've been wanting to read for some time. There are, however, bad movies and books but sometimes our own human frailties obscure our ability to judge the quality.
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I think that in watching movies we must be in the proper frame of mind to concentrate on every detail, meaningless or not, if we are to thoroughly enjoy the presentation.
I totally agree, with most movies. If I re-watch a movie, I often pick up a lot of details that matter and enhance.
It's interesting to see what old movies still seem good now. In recent watching, I felt "The Third Man" is still really good, as is "The African Queen", but "Rear Window" is poor.
Marjifay, if you want a really good "Jane Eyre", rent the 1997 TV version with Ciaran Hinds as Rochester. He does a wonderful job of showing the man's harsh, selfish nature (with redeeming appealing qualities).
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Thanks to those who mentioned "The Soloist" on HBO. I really enjoyed it and the short feature, "The Making of The Solist". Looking Steve lopez I saw he was on the staff of the San Jose Mercuey News. I can remember reading hisz farewell column, he was leaving SJ for Philly and The Inquirewr. Seemed to me he was travelling the wrong way but he found himslef in LA after a while. Making had interviews with Steve and Nathaniel. I'm glad I had the experience of watching this so, thanks again.
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PatH, I think that The Third Man was the first movie I requested from Netflix when I first started subscribing. I can still hear the theme song and hope that maybe my sheet music for it is still in the piano bench. Not sure I agree with you about Rear Window, but it's been a while since I last saw it. I've always enjoyed the Alfred Hitchcock films, but don't necessarily want to rewatch some of them. Certainly not Psycho.
Meryl Streep is certainly amazing. A month ago I watched this 60 year-old actress play a middle-aged Julia Child, a superb performance. Tonight I've been watching Evening (2007) and she plays a young 24 year-old bride.
I have found, as I'm sure you have, that movies deserve as much attention as books
I agree, Jim. They certainly are a legitimate art form. Well, most of them, some of them, anyway. Do you remember the "double features?" For the price of one ticket you would see one "good" movie and then another that was referred to as a "grade B." There would never be two blockbusters together.
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Pedln, I know that the music is still in my piano bench (no, I can't play it, my husband bought it). I love it. "The Third Man" was originally a story by Graham Greene, first appearing in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine where I read it before the movie came out. Recently, I both reread the novella and rewatched the movie. Both are very good, the movie better than the book. They're different, though. In the novella, the American Holly Martins gets the girl, at least for a while, with no long-term promises.
I also read the Cornell Woolrich story on which "Rear Window" was based when it first came out in EQMM, and in this case I think the story was better, but I haven't reread it to match rewatching the movie.
To complete the books part, I recently read C. S. Forester's "The African Queen" for the first time. Again, similar but not the same. The movie is really good, worth watching a number of times. The book isn't as good, though it has some interesting seamanship not in the movie.
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Pedln, I looked up Cornell Woolrich on Google. A lot of his books and stories made it into the movies. I remember listening to The Whistler when I was little. The radio show ran 13yrs. There were a number of movies based on The Mark of the Whistler.
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IMDB lists over 90 titles for Woolrich. One I remember liking at the time is "The Window" (1949). A young boy, notoriously untruthful, sees a murder. No one will believe him, but the murderers of course do, and are trying to get him and kill him. the suspense is heightened by the powerlessness of a child in an adult world.
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PATH: I remember that story, too. We must have read it about the same time. I always liked Cornell Woolrich.
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These Ellery Queen Mystery Magazines -- are they collectors' items now?
I'd never heard of Woolrich before, but he certainly wrote a lot of books. Our library has one -- Into the Night. And the old Rear Window video tapes.
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Reading good reviews of "The Soloist" on Seniors & Friends I recorded it and it was a fascinating tale of a musical genius who was eeking out an existance on LA's skid row. The story, based on a book by Steve Lopez, LA Times columnist, starred Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. Nathaniel Ayers, the musician, had been a student at Julliard when schizophrenia struck. The film presented his illness with sympathy and compassion. Incidentally I am reading The Caveman's Valentine which is fiction but features a schizophrenic black man who lives in a cave in a NYC park. The book: http://www.bookreview.com/$spindb.query.listreview2.booknew.2778 and the movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182000/
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These Ellery Queen Mystery Magazines -- are they collectors' items now?
Last time I checked, they were worth about $1 each, so someone wants them, but they're not valuable.
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In Mystery Corner, we were just talking about what I think is one of the most successful transcription of books into movies: "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency". If you haven't seen the DVDs, I highly recommend them.
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Well we got to see Avatar yesterday at the IMAX in Camarillo. It was interesting (to a point). But we did need 3-D glasses which were given us as part of the $11.50 ticket price. The 3-D was great -- fantastic, in fact -- very much better than the tame 1950s 3-D. And the scenes of the jungle and exotic animals and birds on the other planet were gorgeous. But I'm just not that much a fan of fantasy/sci-fi books or movies, so the 2-1/2 hours seemed a bit too long. Lots of action, more than I cared for. But I'm glad I went - my curiosity was satisfied.
Marj
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Forgot to mention that the previews showed the next 3D movie at the IMAX will be ALICE IN WONDERLAND with (who else?) Johnniy Depp as the Mad Hatter. We just might go see that, as it looked very good. I just re-read the book recently for discussion in another group.
Marj
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Marj, I think the special effects would be interesting, but I'm not a sci-fi fan either, and 2 1/2 hours would be a bit long. Especially if there were no captions, which I doubt there are.
Alice in Wonderland sounds good. I'd like to see that. My question would be, when the DVDs come (hopefully with captions or subtitles) can they only work on a 3D TV set or would you also get a pair of the glasses with the DVD. Somewhere, in one of the news colums they said that if you tried to watch a 3D production without the glasses (screen or TV) it would be a blurry mess.
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No, Pedln, there were no captions except a few here and there to decipher some of the dialogue of the people on the strange planet.
As to whether you can watch a 3D movie without the glasses -- I took my glasses off towards the end of the movie as my eyes were getting tired, and after a few moments I could see it just fine without any blurriness -- just no 3D effects. So I imagine you could see it on a regular TV screen, you just wouldn't have that effect. But it looked like a beutiful movie, and I don't think that would matter too much.
Marj
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Hmmm. At 2-1/2 hours, MARJ, I'm glad I've put it on my Netflix list.
It may be a long while before I get it, but I can at least break up my
viewing session into smaller chunks.
I hadn't heard about Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. He would be in his
perfect metier for that one. Another one to add to my 'send it when you
have it list' at Netflix.
Another reason for Netflix, PEDLN. The theatres don't use closed
captioning, but nearly all the Netflix films do. I'm glad you asked that
question about blurred vision with 3-D on the TV. And very glad to read
Marj's answer.
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Well, I just ordered seasons1 & 2 of The Waltons from Amazon -- rock bottom price for the 10 discs. But what an ordeal to get product info from them. (And half the stuff in my house is from Amazon.) E-mailing is just about impossible because any response says says that it comes from a "non-responsive" site. I wanted to know if the product had closed-captions. Finally after almost a week I received an email (non-responsive) that the product was shrink-wrapped and I should contact Warner Theatre. Oh sure.
Anyway, guess if they have CC or subtitles they'll certainly be a change from Desperate Housewives, which I'm received from Netflix, disc by disc.
Babi, I'll be curious to know how Avatar works on a TV, without glasses. A woman in my bridge foursome just saw it. Her opinion was similar to yours, Marj. She's not into sci-fi, but liked the special effects. Thought it was pretty long.
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Netflix sent me "Lost in Austen" and I couldn't turn the CC off! "Lost" is fun and I was really caught up in it until the disk got stuck. Maybe cleaning with a damp cloth will work; if not Netflix will send me another one when I send this one back.
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Jackie, to turn off CC you go into your TV Memu settings and turn it off there. (Or, some lucky people have a little CC button on their remote, which is a tad easier) To turn off subtitles, you do that directly to the DVD, usually with your DVD remote. What gets confusing now, is that many of the newer DVDs don't have CC, but have SDH, which is "subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing" and that (I think) comes from the DVD, and turning CC on or off on your TV wouldn't affect it. But, I'm not totally sure on that.
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JACKIE, there are little velvety cloths made for the purpose of wiping off
CD's. I don't know whether wiping with a damp cloth is a good idea or
not. My daughter explained, too, that the wiping should be done gently from the center outward, not a circular motion. It's a good thing I have
her here with me. No telling what kind of damage I would do with all
the new tech.
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The Netflix sleeves advise gentle washing with liquid soap or window cleaner. This has sometimes worked for me. I then rinse under a gentle stream of water. Babi's right about wiping from the center out.
Once I wanted to be sure that a badly defective DVD wasn't sent out again, so I put a sma piece of masking tape over the center hole, not touching any playing surface, with a note. I got back an email saying We believe you have tried to communicate with us, but it is not in a form that can be answered.
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PatH ;D
Sounds like their PR is okay. Not like some other places I know.
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I just got a letter from Netflix, inviting me to rejoin (I used to belong, and dropped it when I saw I wasn't using it). They offered me a service where instead of sending movies, they would stream them to my TV or computer -- any number of movies for $8.99/month.
Somehow, that doesn't appeal to me. I would feel I HAD to watch trhe movie in one sitting, but I almost always get interrupted.
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I didn't know about the liquid soap or glass cleaner, PAT. Valerie
probably does, tho'. I generally leave the handling of the DVD's to her.
I think she also notifies Netflix when a disc is flawed. Apparently
there is a way to do that, perhaps at their website.
I don't much like the idea of movies being 'streamed' directly to my TV
either, JoanK. But I would still watch them at my leisure. One can always
'resume' at a later time.
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Streaming or DVD -- the final product would be the same. I think. You could still stop in the middle of a streamed film, could you not? I've watched a few on my laptop and somehow Netflix remembers right where you left off. One disadvantage with streaming is that you don't have as large a selection, and for those of us who use captions, you won't find them on English language films. One on foreign films that have English subtitles. Netflix says they're working on this.
Streaming is no doubt the way of the future, but I'll stick with the DVDs until the entire collection is available, and the streaming can be done wirelessly without having to connect your TV to something else. Like right now, I can sit in a chair in my living room or on my front porch and watch one of those foreign films on my battery-run laptop. But I don't do it very often.
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I finally found a movie I saw several years ago and had confidently predicted it would win several awards. Lo and behold, I received the disc from Netfllix broken in half and must now await a replacement. In any event, I never heard about the movie again. So much for my ability to identify award winning movies. I've boldly made such predictions before and cannot remember a single success. I'm a slow learner.
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Don't give it a thought, JIM. Critics often praise things I don't
like, and vice versa. We all have things that appeal to us
particularly. There are any number of books that won awards
in the past that few people today ever heard of.
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A new site to me is "Rotten Tomatoes", a movie review site. They have awards each year, the Golden Tomato, with a companion award, The Moldy Tomato. Here is the page for 2009 awards: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/guides/rtawards/
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
An interesting site, Jackie. I need to explore it more. I’ve come across it when looking for individual reviews on Google, but never really understood how it worked. Wikipedia explained the categories – Certified Fresh (more than 75% positive reviews), Fresh (more than 60% positive), and Rotten (less than 60% positive reviews.)
Another study by USA Today in 2003, unrelated to Rotten Tomatoes, also produced similar results: "the better the reviews, the higher the box office". The newspaper found that, contrary to popular belief, film critics and moviegoers agree more often than not.[9]
fromn Wikipedia.
Guess I should have checked there before requesting Mr. and Mrs. Smith (A. Jolie, B. Pitt) from Netflix. Couldn’t get through half of it. Just plain boring. 2 stars. And Paraiso Travel didn’t fare much better, although I did watch it all. Columbian film. Three stars, which is okay. Maybe it was mood, but I just didn’t care about the characters.
On the other hand, last night I just loved the final of Return to Cranford, and wish there was more.
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Among my favorite authors is Cormac McCarthy. I found The Road to be outstanding and was looking forward to the release of the movie. It must be good because it didn't stay in the theaters very long. I have it earmarked in Netflix so as to get it as soon as it's available. If anybody has seen it I'd love to hear their take.
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It was a great book, JIM, but I'm not sure I want to see the movie. Some of the scenes were so grim to read, they are bound to be even more so to watch. That may be why it didn't stay very long in the theaters.
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Usually when a movie does not stay in theatres very long, is because it's not making money, (no one going to see it). I think word of mouth sank this movie.
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Jim: I'm a McCarthy fan also. His west is a grim place but his characters shine through the grit and grime, don't they?
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Last night I watched On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando and Eva Marie Saint. I really don't know if I ever saw if before or not, or had just heard a lot about it. But why is it considered a great film? I won't fault the acting, and I applaud the lack of profanity. For me, there wasn't that much of a plot. I compare it to another film, Casablanca, and for me there is no comparison. Casablanca is a great film and I'll watch it again. Waterfront, I won't say it was boring, but I doubt I'll watch it again.
What are your thoughts on some of these former greats? What makes a film lasting?
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Wasn't The Magic of Ordinary Days a book? Hallmark did a nice job presenting it on tv - was it on Sunday? ................jean
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I'm sorry I missed that, Jean. It sounds like a good one. Yes, it is a book by Ann Howard Creel, who is primarily a YA author. This is her first adult novel.
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I'm just beginning to catch up the posts after several weeks absence and enjoyed reading the discussion. Can't respond to all I would like to but there are a couple I just can't resist...
JimNT: I agree totally with you about Citizen Kane. I really can't see what the fuss was about. Maybe it was because Welles targetted a major public figure and perhaps showed him in an unsympathetic light.
I feel the same about The Third Man - it just didn't appeal to me at all - and I should say that I loved Joseph Cotton who starred alongside Welles in that one.
The Soloist and Brief Encounter are both on my rental Q - (we don't have Netflix here in the land 'downunder'but something similar).
PatH - Ciaran Hinds as Rochester gets my vote too - IMO he is always superb - He made a wonderful Henshard sp? in The Mayor of Casterbridge and was great as a villain in Veronica Geurin. As for the part of Captain Frederick Wentworth in Persuasion - he was made for it. You could say I'm biassed but he is such a good actor that his performances stay with you - well, with me anyway. ;D
I really came in just to say I watched Capote last night. Such a brilliant film - Phillip Seymour Hoffman does it again but I found the speech mannerisms difficult at times.
I first noticed him as an actor in Cold Mountain - he was so believable that I hated him.
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Gumtree, I agree with everything you say about Ciaran Hinds, especially about his performance as Henchard. He totally makes you see what that dark, partly unsympathetic character is about.
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Hesitantly started the John Adams series provided thru Netflix. I was pleasently awarded a well acted, informative film of the early republic. It was produced by Tom Hanks, et al, and stars Paul Giamatti. I think there are several discs in the series and I'm awaiting number 2. I highly recommend this little known (at least to me) series.
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Yes, Jim, Giamatti does a fine job, and also Laura Linney as Abigail. I borrowed the set from a friend and did not have time to finish it, but want to go back to it.
Right now I'm watching Possession, based on A.S. Byatt's book, but I think I"m not taking it all in. Perhaps it's the frequent and very short flashbacks that occur. I'm thinking I need to read the book first, and then watch the film again, more closely. I had it checked from the library, but then three reserve books became available before I even started. So instead, I'm now reading Byatt's The Children's Book.
Does Byatt always write about literary matters? Both Possession and The Children's Book seem to be about that.
Gum, I didn't realize that P.S. Hoffman had played in so many films. I liked him in The Savages and Charlie Wilson's WAr, as well as Capote. Will have to go back now and watch some of the earlier ones.
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Jim, I watched the John Adams series when it was on HBO. I thought it was excellent and that all the actors did a fantastic job. I would like to watch it again. I may have to rejoin Netflix !
Sally
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Pedln Seymour Hoffman played the kind of characters one doesn't really notice in a film except that he did it so well that they stay with one. I guess that finally the directors noticed how good he is too and started giving him the major roles.
I haven't read a lot of A.S Byatt but think she often uses literary allusions. I didn't care for the film of Possession which simply passes over a lot of the content (as films tend to do) there is just so much in the writing that needs to be taken in slowly and savoured.
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I gave up on the film Possession. Maybe someday, after I read the book. But am now watching one that came today from Netflix, The Laughing Policeman. I don't know how it ended up on my queue or who recommended it or what, but surprise surprise, it's a police thriller starring Walter Mathau, not exactly a new production -- 1974. I'm in the mood for some action, so will stick with this one. My favorite Mathau is Pete n Tillie, also starring CArol Burnett, but is apparently not yet available in DVD format.
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I love Walter Matthau, Pedln! Haven't seen Laughing Policeman. My very favorite of his is A NEW LEAF with Elaine May (1971) So funny!
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I saw an awful film last eve but with superb acting and a somewhat curious twist to a well-worn plot. It's titled Lymelife and stars Alex Baldwin, who I roundly despise despite his excellent ability to act. My purpose in mentioning this movie at all is simply to read your comments.
The movie is really not worth your time but, like me, maybe you were forced into viewing it, possibly at gunpoint.
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Shutter Island is soon to be released. I really liked the book (Dennis LeHane) and am anxious to see the movie. Did any of you read the book? If so, what did you think?
Sally
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You'll get no comments from me, JIM. After your review, I have no
intention of spending my valuable time on that move.
I've been seeing previews of Shutter Island, SALLY, and it looks really
weird. Didn't know there was a book. I think I'll wait and see what
kind of comments it gets before I decide whether or not to watch it.
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After having seen endless previews of Shutter Island on TV, I got the book by Lehane from my library. I enjoyed it, but was left with a feeling of "incompleteness" somehow. From the movie clips, I think they are going more for the scare tactics than the psychological scare!
And from reading the book, remember "all is not as it seems". At least until you get to the ending. And then some! I hope the movie doesn't do the book a disservice, because it was a nifty psychological thriller.
I will probably wait until it comes to DVD, and as my husband says, "it's not my kind of movie"! I don't mind a good scare, without the "slasher" emphasis though. The scariest movie I have EVER seen was Hitchcock's "Psycho", only the original, none of the follow ups were even close! Read the book, and wait until Shutter Island comes to DVD, then make your judgement, as will I.
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Tomereader, Psycho is one movie I never ever want to see again. I agree with you about "scariest." I saw it back in the 60's with my visiting mother-in-law, and remember the next day when a neighbor came and said, "think about it during your next shower."
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Psycho ruined showers for me for several years. Every time I closed the shower curtain I kept feeling like someone was on the other side with a knife!! The movie Jaws spoiled the beach for me for a short period of time. I had trouble getting in above my knees! I have a very active imagination. Now that I live alone I avoid "creepy" books. There are too many good books out there to fill my mind with more pleasant images!
Sally
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Seeing Psycho once was enough for me. and Hitchcock's 'The Birds' from a short story by Daphne du Maurier simply terrified me - all those sharp beaks - took me a long time to look at a kookaburra again with any affection. I've never seen Jaws - we have sharks in plenty along our coastline - they are a real and present danger to all swimmers and surfers (like me - ouch!) so I didn't fancy the film at all.
This week we watched The Hunt for Red October again after many years - was amazed at the 'presence' Sean Connery brought to his role - Sam Neill and Alec Baldwin were also pretty good as was Tim Curry from The Rocky Horror Picture Show fame.
Tonight we watched Miss Potter and loved every minute of it.
I missed it at the movies and hadn't seen it before. Great movie - Aussie director - Aussie wrote the music - need I go on?
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It was probably 20-25 years before I was able to watch Psycho again without losing sleep. I couldn't sleep for a week after the first time. In fact, it probably was 20 years+ before I even watched it again! A bunch of girls at work and I had gone to see it...bad idea! We were all freaked out! Yep, Jaws was a goodie. It still makes me jump when that shark comes up out of the water at the rear of the boat, and the guy says "we're gonna need a bigger boat".! Liked "The Birds" too.
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P. S. As far as showers, an even scarier thing for me is the scene from Bird On A Wire where Goldie Hawn is showering and a big roach crawls on her head! Ughhh, that both grosses me out and scares the crap outta me!
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I've never been a horror movie fan, so I have managed to avoid most of them with little effort.
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I can understand about the roach, TOMEREADER. It's unlikely one
of us will ever run into a homicidal maniac but the blasted roaches are
all too common.
I enjoyed an occasional good scare when I was young enough to think
nothing could happen to me. Now, I've lost my taste for horror and like
FRYBABE, I avoid them. Would not watch 'Silence of the Lambs' no matter great a movie it was supposed to be.
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Silence of the Lambs - I wouldn't watch it either Babi - Anthony Hopkins notwithstanding!
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No horror for me, thanks, but I do like mystery/thrillers, etc.
This is from Marcie’s post in the library. Lots of good news for film watchers.
FYI, If you go to the PBS website at Masterpiece (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/index.html#giveaway)
in the middle of the page, one of the blurbs let's you click to sign up for a giveaway of a set of Jane Austen DVDs. When you complete the form you can either sign up for the email newsletter that announces upcoming PBS programs or just enter the contest.
PBS is going to show an adaptation of James Buchan's The 39 Steps on Masterpiece Classic on February 28. Read more about it at 39 Steps (http://www.seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/39steps/39steps.html)
Written in the depth of World War I by British public servant John Buchan (later to become Governor General
of Canada), The 39 Steps was eagerly read by soldiers in the trenches, and since then has been adapted several
times for screen, most famously by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935. (A stage adaptation of Hitchcock’s 39 Steps is
currently on Broadway).
To make this experience even more enjoyable, PBS is offering our SeniorLearn readers a free copy of the book but for the postage. These free copies will be available to the first ten people who post a request in our PBS discussion at Masterpiece Discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1023.msg59466#msg59466) or who email JoanP at jonkie@verizon.net. Don't miss this one! We'll be talking about both the book and the TV show.
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Spamming...
As promised, the poll to determine our Spring Book Club Online in-depth discussions is now open - We will stay open until Feb. 26.
You may vote once.
Notice the titles in the Suggestion Box heading are linked to reviews.
Note the two different categories:
1. Your first choice
2. All the titles that interest you for future discussion
VOTE HERE - (click this link) (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X9T285W)
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I viewed the last of a three disk series last eve of Adam's presidency. This is a well done series with excellent acting. Tom Hanks was cited as one of the executive producers. I enjoy bios of American presidents and wonder if there are many others I've overlooked. Might anyone give me a clue? I am about to complete a very readable book titled What It Takes by Richard Ben Crammer. It's a tome, about 1,100 pages and has taken me sometime (I'm not a fast reader) but the content is so interesting.
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This might better belong in the "Mystery" group, but since it now has a movie made from it, I guess it can go here too. They have taken Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island" and made it into a movie. From the clips I have seen, they have used a "horror-type" theme, rather than the wonderful psychological thriller the book is. I think I will wait till it appears on DVD to see it. The book was good, but you had to pay attention, especially near the ending.
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Jim, did you ever see the one-man film, Give em Hell, Harry, starring James Whitmore as Harry Truman. It was truly remarkable and I do hope they bring it back in the form of DVD someday. It's apparently available on VHS.
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Harry is somewhat my hero. There were many great presidents and Harry certainly numbers among them. No, I haven't seen this DVD. I will immediately look it up on Netflix; they might have it. I've read practically every book on him and am particular partial to David Mc Collough's Truman. Thanks for the tip and should you come across a source let me know. Incidentally, last eve I saw with great pleasure What the Lord Made (sic) about a white doctor and his black assistant who together made a great medical breakthrough in the early forties. It's a true story. Bring along a box of Kleenex.
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Having seen trailers for Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" I'm going to give it a pass. It scares me; the make-up and costumes are not funny. Doesn't seem like a children's story.
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True stories that call for Kleenex always do appeal to me, JIM. I'll see if my library has it.
Thanks..
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We saw Shutter Island at a Drive-in Theater last night. Can't say I'd recommend it -- we were somewhat disappointed. A little too melodramatic and over-the -top hard to believe. But then I'm not a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio. Altho' he did a couple of good films, he reminds me of a young kid trying to look and act like a grownup.
Marj
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I only saw one Tim Burton movie in my life.....perhaps I should say, I only saw part of one Tim Burton movie. We walked out! Tim Burton is not on my favorite list and never will be so I don't expect to see how he butchered "Alice". And Johnny Depp does seem to seek out the bizarre roles, doesn't he?
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Haven't been to a drive-in movie in decades. I hope you necked.
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I have only seen one Tim Burton movie. Never want to see another! Too weird, and creepy.
Jim. I recently saw a movie on HBO. called "Frost/Nixon". I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are several movies about FDR and Eleanor. Cannot think of the titles right now. I also saw on about Woodrow Wilson.
I enjoy learning about all of our presidents. There are many programs on the History Channel, and the History Internatioal Channel. I get the military Channel, too. They have quite a few programs about different times in world history. A series I highly reccomend is called: "The First World War". It is also a book.
Sheila
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
??? I didn't know there was a drive-in movie left in the country!
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Joan K said, "Haven't been to a drive-in movie in decades. I hope you necked."
Well, that might have made the movie (Shutter Island) more interesting, but darn I was with my son! LOL! He and I pretty much like the same type of movies.
Yes, Babi, there are still a few drive-in theaters around -- three of them not too far by freeway from where I live. We like to go once in a while because you don't have to listen to rude people talking or chomping on food during the movie. And the sound now comes through your car's FM radio, not those old sound boxes. Trouble is, they show mostly loud action type films which I'm not too fond of.
Marj
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MARJ, I started to say drive-ins were also nice when you didn't want to get dressed up to go
out. But then it occurred to me that nowadays most people don't seem to feel the need to
get dressed up to go most anywhere. We'll march into a nice restaurant looking like we've
been out weeding the garden. :-\
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I watched SECONDS (1966), a John Frankenheimer film (he also directed The Manchurian Candidate). SECONDS was a very strange film I'd never seen before. Stars Rock Hudson, John Randolph and some minor parts by now well known actors (Will Geer, Murray Hamilton) It's about a middle aged man (John Randolph) whose life had become pretty blah, and he is offered a new life by a mysterious "company." For $30 K, they will arrange to "kill" off his current identity and make him into a completely new, younger man (Rock Hudson) with a new face, body, and a brand new life. He goes for it, but then....
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nowadays most people don't seem to feel the need to
get dressed up to go most anywhere. We'll march into a nice restaurant looking like we've
been out weeding the garden. :-\
Absolutely true Babi. Recently whilst staying with son in Sydney we decided on a movie and a casual meal afterwards. DH & I had a quick shower and changed. Son & DIL went as they were. Others at movie and restaurant were much the same - I wondered if it was meant to be Shabby chic or something. But casual attire sure has a lot going for it. Just think back to our young days when we went to the movies dressed up in our Friday night best. Suits and ties for the lads and good dresses, stockings, high heels and gloves for the girls. Spare me !
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Good point, there, GUM. I gave up pantyhose and high heels at the first practical opportunity.
Haven't even owned a pair of either for many years now, and am quite happy to be rid of them. :)
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Yes, they're a thing of the past for me too. I think I've got a couple of pairs of new pantyhose but haven't worn them in years. Must discard them.
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Remember girdles? Gad zooks, we wore them when we didn't even need them. And those iron maiden things that cinched you in, garter belts, crinolines -- how many did you wear at once. My uncle always said the main thing he remembered about driving me off to college for the first time was all the men who were carrying all these crinolines into the dorms. Ha. If our granddaughters could hear us they'd think we were talking about the 1500's.
I have given up skirts for the duration. Haven't worn one in years.
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Did any of you wear "Spring-o-lators", the 1950's version of stilettos? Oh - the hours I danced in those things (wearing my panty-girdle with the attached loop/button things to hold up my hose - and at least 3 crinolines) !!!!
Huaraches and soft moccasins were our version of Flip-Flops.
No wonder I have to wear ankle/foot braces now!!!
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How 'bout hats? Remember when the outfit to include a spiffy hat along with the girdle, high heels, nylons and gloves? I was watching a tribute to Billie Holiday/Lady Day on Ovation which showed her singing in clubs and the all the women were wearing hats!
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I remember dressing like that to go to a college football game!!!
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Pedln, glad to hear I'm not the only one who never wears skirts. I don't even own one anymore.
I used to love to get a new hat at Eastertime. I don't own one of those either.
I think black ladies still like fancy hats -- remember the one worn by the lady who participated in Obama's inauguration? Also, gorgeous hats show up on the heads of society ladies at the Kentucky Derby.
Marj
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You all are my kind of women! I was injured at work, and retired on a job related disability. I injured my back. Spent two years in a hospital bed, in traction. My husband was blind. We agreed that I would be his eyes, and he would carry things for me. We both laughed, as he helped me get into panty hose, when we were going out.
After my injury. I gave up on both skirts, and high heels. Frankly, I was happy to give up both. Do any of you remember saddle shoes? And circular skirts? Remember sock hops?
Sheila
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I volunteer at The Oklahoma History Museum, where a huge exhibit on Rock & Roll in Oklahoma opened last summer.
Last Fall, "The 50's" was the theme of our volunteer banquet. Without knowing what anyone else would be wearing, six of us chose to wear rolled up blue jeans, a man's white shirt (worn untucked), a small scarf around our neck, bobby socks and either saddle shoes or penny loafers - with pennies, of course. It was as if we were back in high school and had called around to be sure we were all dressing alike. :)
Oh - and four of us wore our guy's class ring on a ribbon around our neck!
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I'd forgotten about the girdle! And cinch belts around the waist.
Pretty hats are de rigeur at major race meetings here - the Melbourne Cup of course but lots of others as well. And at weddings too. I have plenty of hats with wide brims to keep the sun at bay whenever I'm outdoors. Very necessary!
Have given up on skirts but still have a few ...I think they're making a comeback.
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Hats! What about those awful veils with spots that danced in front of your eyes? Gloves! "A lady doesn't go downtown without white gloves". Skirts! I own some, but I can't think when I last wore any of them. I look dumb in hats, but I do have some wool watch caps for winter and some wide brims for sun.
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Crinolines? Cinches? Did you really, CALLIE and PEDLN? I've always
associated crinolines with the 19th century!
I still own a couple of skirts, but only because I never throw away
anything wearable. That doesn't mean I wear them. ::) I do go through
from time to time and give stuff away, tho'. And what isn't wearable
becomes rags, naturally.
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Absolutely, Babi! How do you think Elizabeth Taylor kept all those shirtwaist-style dress skirts so "swirly"? ;)
The first semester I lived in a sorority house, I shared a "single" room with a pledge. I, the member, slept in the room - she slept on the sleeping porch. However, we shared the closet, dresser, etc. I finally got tired of her piling her crinolines on my bed - and put them all out in the hall!! Fortunately, we always switched rooms/roommates at the beginning of each semester. :D
I once had a black patent leather hat that I wore with a black/white suit, white gloves and black patent leather pumps. If I remember correctly, that's what I wore to interviews with various school districts before I started to teach.
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"Pedln, glad to hear I'm not the only one who never wears skirts". No, I'm a mem,ber of the club, too. I have one dress that I wear to funerals, but I always have to buy new pantyhose to wear with it, because I run them every time I wear them.
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I kind of like to wear skirts - particularly in the summertime. They're so much cooler. But this under NO circumstances involves pantyhose. I quit wearing those many, many years ago. The skirts I wear are usually ankle length, and I wear socks with my sneakers (the only shoes I wear, except for sandals or flipflops in the summertime.)
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I'll bet you were stunning, CALLIE! And what could be more correct for
a proper teacher than black and white?
I own exactly three pairs of shoes, MARY, including a pair of 'walking'
shoes, aka 'sneakers'. I would like to have a pair of sandals
(NO thongs) if I could just find a pair with supporting ankle straps.
Seen any like that?
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I remember dressing like that to go to a college football game!!!
OMG, so do I! And for Homecoming your date would pin a big corsage of Mums on you. Weren't we spiffy?
And I remember how the Huaraches rubbed blisters on my feet until they softened and got worn in. And how we didn't dare show up at school in NEW saddle shoes. I always rubbed dirt on my new saddles before I wore them to school. My dad had a fit!
And I don't think I remember what a skirt felt like. ;D Is that the thing that when I wore it my Mom kept saying, "Will you sit up and put your knees together and try to act like a lady!"
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Yep, Phyll, that's what it was. But then...(drum roll) the mini-skirt came into fashion. And you'd better have those knees together then!
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Phyll, I forgot about the Mums (probably because I rarely got one :(). Always got a wrist corsage for dances because of the strapless gowns.
I vaguely remember an admonition for lady-like behavior - "Knees together, teeth apart" - or was it "feet apart"? I don't remember why either were supposed to be "apart" :-\
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Babi, I have my daily sneakers, and my "dress" sneakers - black SAS walkers. That's as good as it gets. ::)
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MARY ;D
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when i was in high school, i and most of my friends made our skirts out of 31/2 yards of cotton material, gathered at the waist and lots of crinoline under neath. We wore them w/ our cardigan sweaters turned backward and a small scarf around our necks, the knot turned to the side w/ a circle pin attached. That was the "formal" fashion to Callie's bluejean/bobbie soxer look...................
you may have discussed this before, but i heard someone say that Crazy Heart is from a book, does anyone know if that is the name of the book as well?........................jean
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Mabel: Check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Heart-Novel-Thomas-Cobb/dp/0060915196
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As written and directed by first-time filmmaker Scott Cooper
Crazy Heart is a 2009 American musical-drama film, written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb -- from wikipedia
Everything said on the media indicates that Jeff Bridges is a shoo-in for Best Actor. I have not seen it, know little about it. Some friends of mine saw it and are now wondering if they are too old for that kind of movie. :D
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Oops, I just lost my post. I think it's floating in cyberspace with other posts I have lost. Somehow I punched a wrong button. Most aggravating!!!
I saw the move The Blind Side last week-end. A real feel good movie. Well acted, good story line and a sense of humor. I'm not sure if it was a book, but it is based on a real life story. Treat yourselves and go see it.
Sally
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Looks like the media was right, PEDLN. Jeff Bridges won, and I'm adding the movie to my
queue, along with Blind Side and Up In the Air. I never watch the awards, since
in most cases I haven't seen any of the movies. But at least they do give me some idea of
which ones I want to order. :)
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Well, hubby and I had just watched "The Hurt Locker" yesterday afternoon before the Awards, and I took my morning newspaper and marked the categories/movies I thought would win. I picked all of the Hurt Locker winners, plus Best Actress/Actor/Movie/Director/Supporting Actress. I never pick the documentary movies, either foreign or otherwise because I never get to see them. I did see one however; "The Last Truck, The Closing of a GM Plant" I saw it a couple months ago, and it was so sad and moving to me, I was sure it would win. Not!
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I want to see Up in the Air too, Babi. And I've put a bunch of the others on my Netflix queue -- don't know when they'll get watched. Last night I started watching A Serious Man -- didn't know it had made the top 10 Best Picture nominations. Actually, I wasn't too impressed, and am still not quite sure what is going on. It's kind of weird. Not anything I'd expect to be nominated for Best Picture. Maybe my opinion will change after watching the entire thing.
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Watching the Academy Awards gave me a long list of movies to see.
I'd like also to see the documentaries and the short films. I hope HBO shows them.
Sorry you didn't care for A SERIOUS MAN, Pedln. I loved it. One of the best I've seen in a long time. Sort of a modern version of the biblical book of Job (Why me, God?), and so funny. I loved the answers the rabis gave him. I'm going to watch it again.
Marj
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Thanks for the commentary on "Serious Man", MARJ. I was wondering what it was about
after PEDLN mentioned it, and there you were with the answer. I might enjoy that one.
I'm frequently surprised by some of the movies that get nominated, PEDLN. So many
are selected that I don't care for at all. But no doubt other people do. Me, I like broccoli, I
just can't safely eat it anymore. :-X
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Well, Marj and Babi, movies are sometimes just a matter of mood. Maybe when I start watching again I'll enjoy A Serious Man. I'll admit, I was half thinking about my Latin assignment while watching. I alwaya appreciate your comments anyway.
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I gleaned some of the Oscar winners and nominees, too, to put on my Netflix queue. I ordered Up in the Air and Up...now there are two different types. Also, The Young Victoria. I love that type of period movie with the beautiful costuming. And, I discovered that a brand new Wallace and Gromit movie exists, A Matter of Loaf and Death. Can't wait for that one to come! Also, I ordered Helen Mirren in The Queen. It wasn't up for an Oscar this year (came out in 2006) but I haven't seen it and Mirren is a favorite of mine.
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I saw "The Queen" and thought it was superb. I don't think you'll be disappointed, Phyll.
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PHYLL, what is a 'Wallace and Gromit' movie? (Here I am, unabashed,
showing my ignorance again.) I'm trying to imagine what a movie entitled
"A Matter of Loaf and Death" would be about. Definitely sounds 'tongue
in cheek'.
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Babi, here is the trailer for "A Matter of Loaf and Death":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwQGXKOx_Yo
I am so happy to hear that there is a new Wallace and Gromit.
"Chicken Run" is similar in cartoon style and just as funny IMO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBPXVknON-4
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Ah, okay, FRYBABE. I don't know if I've ever seem one of W' & G', but I must say the
industry is making some excellent animated movies in the past few years. Adults can enjoy
them as much as the kids.
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PHYLL, what is a 'Wallace and Gromit' movie? (Here I am, unabashed,
showing my ignorance again.) I'm trying to imagine what a movie entitled
"A Matter of Loaf and Death" would be about. Definitely sounds 'tongue
in cheek'.
This can explain it better than I can, Babi. We've been fans of Wallace and Gromit since their first movie and are always impatient for them to make a new one but the movies are a very slow process and take ages to make. The figures are made of a type of clay and the movements are filmed painstakingly in a process they call Claymation. I think if you saw one you might be hooked. Children might enjoy these but they are really made for adults. Not that they have adult content, just that the humor is more on an adult level.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_and_Gromit
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I thought George Clooney's performance in Up in the Air was marvelous, wish he had won.
didn't care for CrazyHeart, but have to admint Jeff Bridges was very convincing. But the whole theme echoed the movie about Johnny Cash: singer turns alcoholic/addict;' saved by love of a good woman. At least in the old one we got to see June Carter Cash lobbing empty beer bottles at Johnny and Jerry Lee Lewis, and watch Johnny trash a motel rooom All Jeff Bridges did was throw up. always made the trash can or what the college kids call the Porcelain Altar though.
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The link certainly has high praise for Wallace and Gromit, PHYLL. Tho'
I would ordinarily think 'claymation' must be pretty stiff and juvenile,
it obviously is making an impact. I'll have to look into this.
Thanks for the link.
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I've tried to restrain myself but I just have to say that I can't stand Wallace and Gromit.
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George doesn't like them either, Gumtree, but I do. I don't think George cares for any of the new cartoons. He likes the old Looney Tunes and Disney (especially the original Fantasia).
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Frybabe: Now you're talking! :D
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I've tried to restrain myself but I just have to say that I can't stand Wallace and Gromit.
You don't need to restrain yourself, Gum. We are all different in our tastes....thank goodness! It makes the world, and these discussions, so much more interesting, don't you think?
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Have been catching up on movies we've missed - this weekend it was The Jane Austen Book Club - enjoyed it very much. The references to the books and characters and relating them to the movie characters were pretty well done but I think it would be a difficult movie for anyone who doesn't know JA's books.
And tonight a re-run of No Reservations - Catherine Zeta Jones and set in the kitchen of a good restaurant. I never cease to be amazed at the egocentricity of chefs. I like good food and I like good restaurants but the antics of some chefs have me in stitches.
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Gumtree, we read "The Jane Austen Book Club" on the old SeniorNet in 2004. Not only are there character correlations, but also some of the scenes are versions of scenes from the books. Fowler joined the discussion, and was both informative and lighthearted. She was at a book signing in Washington, DC about the time we finished, and met with JoanP, Maryal, Maryal's daughter Susan, and me afterward. She was both gracious and delightful; it was like talking with an old friend about books.
She has written other books , some very different. My favorite is "Sarah Canary", somewhat surreal, starting out in a Chinese railway camp in California in 1873, and ending up in San Francisco.
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Sarah Canary is an interesting name. I'm currently reading a Marion Bradley book with a
heroine named Truth Jourdemayne. Of course, her parents were highly irregular. ;)
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Missed the wardrobe discussion about girdles, etc. but my most embarrassing moment involved panty hose. Some years ago a colleague of my husband's invited us to his son's bar mitzva ceremony I knew getting dressed up was in order, but found a run in my last pair of panty hose: we stopped at the convenience store and I got a new pair; wiggled out of the old and int the new in the car. We parked in the temple parking lot and I got out, noticing that the other woment were dressed like empresses. One lady tapped me on the arm and said
"Did you drop your scarf?" It was the old pair of panty hose, stuck to the heel of my shoe! Of course I wanted to die. But tucked them into my coat pocket and soldiered on.
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Okay, embarrasing moments. Many years ago the church I attended decided to have the
ladies take up collection one Sunday morning. I was one of those asked to participate. I
cheerfully agreed and dressed especially nice. As I walked down the aisle, static cling from
the rug caused my skirt to draw up and cling to me like a wet t-shirt. After fruitless efforts to
get it to unwrap, I handed my collection plate to someone else and slid into the nearest pew,
red-faced. Never happened before or after. Go figure. :-[
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Yrs ago I saw the movie Pennies from Heaven and thought it silly and forgettable. At the insistence of son, I've watched it again last wk and then again last eve and made a 180 degree turn about. This movie is truly special and deserves one's rapt attn. Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Christopher Walken, and Vernal Bagneres are simply outstanding and the choreography masterful. It's set in 1934 Chicago and while it depicts the dark, depression era of that time, it does so thru music and dancing. It was a box office flop unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, and I cannot but help feel that it is a movie of enduring quality. Give it a try. I'll be watching it again and probably, again.
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JimNT: I used to 'hate' Steve Martin but over the years have grown to appreciate him. Almost all of his films have much more to say than appears on the surface. I haven't seen 'Pennies from Heaven' for years - Thanks for the reminder about it - I'll put it on my DVD queue - one day it will turn up.
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JimNT, I haven't seen many films with STeve Martin, but just did a Netflix look-up for Pennies from Heaven. And interesting to note, there are two film versions -- the Martin one and another that's a British miniseries with multiple discs and episodes.
I just finished watching Defiance, based on the book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans by Nechama Tec, a true story about three brothers who make it possible for 1200 Jews to live in the forests of Belurus, thus escaping being sent to internment camps by the Nazis. An excellent film, but quite brutal, with both man and nature conspiring to destroy the lives around them. In the March BookBytes that PatW has just sent out someone else mentions reading The Bielski Brothers by Peter Duffy.
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Was that a remake, JIM? I thought Danny Kaye was in the original
"Pennies From Heaven". ....Nope, checked, it was Bing Crosby. As I
remember, I was somewhat disappointed in that one, too.
Me, too, GUM. In his early career, I stopped watching anything with
Steve Martin. Now, though, I find his work much more appealing.
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Steve Martin has been one of my favorites for a long time but one has to preview some of his movies. My three favorites--Parenthood--Planes,Trains and Automobiles AND AND??? hmmm, what was the name of that one???? Didn't like "Cheaper by the Dozen".
I also liked John Candy movies and have never seen one that a kid could not watch. I really liked him.
The original Pennies From Heaven was with Bing Crosby, made in 1936: Link--
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028092/
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I liked Martin in "Bringing Down the House" with Queen Latifah. Cute
movie, nothing you'd have to ponder over, just some light-hearted silliness!
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Pedin: I haven't seen the British miniseries with Bob Hoskins but I plan to. Interesting side note: Pennies from Heaven got many rave reviews, with the exception of one party. Near the end there appears a scene showing a movie scene of Fred Astair & Ginger Rogers which serves as the backdrop for a Steve & Bernadette dance routine (confused?). Anyway, Fred trashed the movie terribly saying something along the lines that it was a disgrace to the poor people of that era. Fred, of course, was a master.
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I'm curious to know if anyone else has watched Rachael Ward's first feature film Beautiful Kate?
I thought it was a lovely moving film with a haunting soundtrack, but the subject matter(incest) has turned some people off.
! didn't know when I watched it, that it was adapted from an American book by Newton Thornburg - Cutter and Bone? Having trouble reading my own notes, they made perfect sense at the time, but now they're very enigmatic :).
Rachael has set it in the striking Flinders Ranges in SA. Sophie Lowe is stunning as Kate, and Ben Mendelsohn and Rachael Griffiths are fine actors. Why don't we see more of Mendelsohn, I wonder?
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Hi Octavia - Have been wondering where you were. I see you've a cyclone in the offing. Take care.
I haven't seen Beautiful Kate and probably won't - mainly because of the subject matter. As for Ben Mendelsohn - as you say he's good but not seen much - maybe over exposure when he was younger?
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And speaking of Ben Mendelsohn - we watched the David Helfgott story 'Shine' this evening - Ben played the young David. He really is an accomplished actor.
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Shine was a great movie, wasn't it?
I believe any subject is acceptable if it's handled well. All this recent publicity about Alzheimers has brought it out of the closet and made it something we can talk about.
My stepfather treated Mum's illness as something shameful and embarassing and refused to acknowledge it, so she never got the early help that could have made a difference.
Re Ben's early exposure, I spent some large chunks of my life totally isolated from any media, even radio. It shows sometimes :)
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OCTAVIA, that's an intriguing remark. Care to share the circumstances that isolated you from
the media? That's increasingly rare, since the media has become so all-pervasive.
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Babi, my husband had a road construction company and a lot of work was in very isolated areas of Queensland. It's totally changed now of course with mobile phones, satellites etc. but in the 60's, 70's and even 80's there were many areas with no reception.
I remember one job site(always set up in bushland) where the men lined a makeshift airstrip holding burning torches to guide the Flying Doctor in to pick up an injured man.
We did have the Flying Doctor wireless but that was only for medical business. They would relay telegrams though, which we dreaded. Interesting times!
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Interesting, indeed, OCTAVIA, and definitely for the young and vigorous. ;) Thanks for
sharing. I'm often surprised, and delighted, by the wide variety of backgrounds among
all the participants here.
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Octavia You made me think of how many times a worried Mum or Dad has lit fires on an outback station runway to guide in the Flying Doc to help a sick or injured child - or stockman.
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I was really impressed by the medical kit the Flying Doctors gave people. Everything from aspirin to scalpels, all numbered. The doctor would radio "give the patient 2 of no. 28 every 4 hours. No sitting around in crowded waiting rooms :).
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And who, I wonder, would be expected to use the scalpels? :o Amazing what you can learn
to handle if you must.
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And who, I wonder, would be expected to use the scalpels? :o Amazing what you can learn
to handle if you must.
Babi -Yes, in the outback it's often a case of 'needs must' I have personal knowledge of one incident involving an appendectomy performed in a very small, remote town on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. The surgeon was located in Perth and gave instructions by radio to a telegraphist who actually performed the operation in the Post Office of the town almost 2000 miles away. The patient lived to tell the tale.
There are many similar stories - some involve operations performed by non medical people in Antarctica but most such surgery is of minor proportions.
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A few years back we discussed the book about the doctor in Antarctica who developed breast cancer while there and more or less directed her own surgery, backed up by the Internet. Perhaps survival makes its own rules -- you do what you have to do.
I've been in a funk with recent movies from Netflix, rating the viewings with only two or three stars. Finally, saw Up in the Air the other night, and really enjoyed it. An interesting focus, kind of a feel good film even when it wasn't happy. Very realistic (yes), and full of surprises.
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Was that their rating, PEDLN, or the one you gave after viewing. I opt for the 4-5 star movies.
Of course, there are always some highly-rated movies that I still don't care for. It has occurred
to me that critics, who must view so many movies, may give a higher rating to a movie just
because it said something startling or somewhat original. (I doubt if there is anything truly
original left to do or say.)
"needs must", GUM, but my hat (if I wore one) is off to them, anyway.
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We just watched Up in the Air too, Pedln, and liked it. It was a bit sad, tho'. I like George Clooney. (sexy eyes!)
We just subscribed to Netflix. Don't know what took so long. Love to be able to call up a movie instantly. We were like kids in a candy store for awhile.
Just watched Bill Maher's Religulous and got a big kick out of it. But as an atheist, I like that kind of stuff.
Marj
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Babi, most of the time I don't pay attention to Netflix ratings before watching a film. My stars may be different from theirs. For me, three stars means, ok, nothing super,but not bad. Four stars -- very good really enjoyed it. Five stars --probably watched it all in one night, really super,"couldn't put it down."
I find that I do pay attention to the films Netflix recommends to me -- have picked up more than one sleeper that way.
Marjifay, I love Netlix, have had it for years, but it took along time for my kids to convince me. And tnen, like you, I wondered why.
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I loved Netflix when I first got it: used it a lot. After a couple of years, I found I wasn't using it anymore, and cancelled. But I think everyone who likes movies should give it a try.
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Netflix provides a lot of our entertainment. Umpteen channels on TV, and there are still many
evenings when everything I'm interested in is a re-run. Even channels like biography seem to
find only gangsters interesting.
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We've been watching (on Netflix) the episodes of House of Cards, based on books by Michael Dobbs, that were never played here in the states. I love Ian Richardson in this part and thoroughly enjoyed the first of the series that played on PBS back in the early 90's . I was surprised that there were two more seasons that were never offered here, but I found out why....they are really X rated! Don't know why they thought they had to go that way to tell a good story but I'm still enjoying Ian Richardson. He was a wonderful actor and especially good....and evil...in this story that tells how absolute power can corrupt absolutely.
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Thanks, Phyll, for your review of House of Cards. Sounds very good. I didn't know you could get TV series on Netflix. That's great to know.
Marj
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Phyll, I watched and loved House of Cards. I did not know other episodes were made. I really ought to join Netflix again just to get the later episodes. How are they listed? Didn't Ian Richardson's character give you the creeps? He was so evil!
Sally
-
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Marj, the TV seasons are a really nice part of Netflix. I first got hooked on them with a British sit-com that I'd never seen on US TV -- As Time Goes By -- with Judi Dench. So much fun.
Phyll --Re: House of Cards -- I don't remember any x-rated ones. Would that be disc III -- the final cut?
I was surprised when my son told me that his family was Law and Order from Netflix. There's not enough of it on TV? :-*
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I'll have to look into House of Cards. I like Ian Richardson.
Pedln, you've never seen As Time Goes By on TV? My PBS station runs that and a few others. Sat. night is Brit night here.
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The first season was called "House of Cards", the second, "To Play the King"; the third, "Final Cut". There was some nudity in To Play the King and some sex scenes and more nudity in Final Cut. I found them to be unnecessary to the telling of a good story but then...that is the way of television writers, isn't it? The whole series is made excellent by the acting of Ian Richardson but he also had a great supporting cast. I understand the British public was upset with To Play the King because of the way the character of the King (who was supposedly based on Charles) was portrayed. I really recommend it. It is more than worth the price of Netflix.
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I watched 'As Time Goes By' and thoroughly enjoyed it. It ran on PBS on
Sunday evenings, as I recall. House of Cards I didn't watch; the theme was
one that depresses and unsettles me and I saw no point in doing that to
myself.
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I tried to watch PBS' SHARPE'S CHALLENGE recommended by someone in this group. But I was lost right at the beginning -- didn't know who was fighting whom, and needed subtitles because of the British accents. But I'd like to read one of the books in this series, as it did look interesting.
I watched the 1974 movie, THE GREAT GATSBY, from Netflix, as I'm reading the book with another group. I didn't expect much, but was surprised to find I really liked the film. Good acting -- Robert Redford, Mia Farrow, Bruce Dern and Karen Black (how time flies...Karen Black is now 70 years old!)
Marj
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"As Time goes By" shows in a loop on our PBS stations -- they show all the episodes, then start again. I've seen each episode at least 3 times, but still watch it.
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Me, too.
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If you had been with us in the discussion of "KIM", MARJ, you would
have known immediately where you were and what was happening. That really added to my enjoyment of the show. It was India, on the
border between the British-controlled states and those still nominally
in the hands of the Rajahs.
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If you had been with us in the discussion of "KIM", MARJ, you would
have known immediately where you were and what was happening. That really added to my enjoyment of the show. It was India, on the
border between the British-controlled states and those still nominally
in the hands of the Rajahs.
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Thanks, Babi. Sorry I missed the KIM discussion And I have that book, but have never read it. Will get it out and read over the SrLearn discussion.
Marj
Babi said:
If you had been with us in the discussion of "KIM", MARJ, you would
have known immediately where you were and what was happening. That really added to my enjoyment of the show. It was India, on the
border between the British-controlled states and those still nominally
in the hands of the Rajahs.
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"Kim" is basically a book for youngsters, but grown-ups enjoy it, too, MARJ. If you have a
chance, by all means dust it off and give it a try.
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I usually despise romantic comedy but my dear wife got me hooked on one the other eve titled Family Man with Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni. I'm sure it hasn't or want win any awards but for an evening of sheer entertainment, I highly recommend it. I've always been a Cage fan although some of the scripts he chooses are not my cup of tea, and Leoni, well she's easy on the eyes. I would categorize it as sentimental and it has a fun plot.
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Yes, Marj, do give "Kim" a try. (I'm not a neutral observer; I've loved the book since I first read it as a kid, and picking it apart for the discussion only made me love it more.)
I finally got around to watching the 1950 movie of "Kim", with Errol Flynn as the horse trader Mahbub Ali and Dean Stockwell as Kim. It's not a particularly good movie, though it has it's moments, and it does a particularly poor job of the religious side and the character of the lama. But it was OK as light entertainment.
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Thanks, Babi and PatH. I will dust off KIM and read it. I bought it some time ago when I was reading TOURNAMENT OF SHADOWS; THE GREAT GAME AND THE RACE FOR EMPIRE IN CENTRAL ASIA by Karl Ernest Meyer. A great book BTW, as is Peter Hopkirk's THE GREAT GAME.
Marj
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Every time I come to this site I have to open another tab with Netflix. Jim, I just added Family Man to my queue.
And removed Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. Whenever I visit my New York daughter I always try to get my 'big screen' fix with a foreign subtitled film. This week's choices were Girl, Vincere (about Mussilini's lovers) and White Ribbon (Germany just before WW I.) Girl worked out best for us logistically.
I don't know how to rate it, have not read the book. The mystery plot, the acting, very good, interesting. But very violent, and a lot of sexual scenes. The three of us who saw it agreed that there was much that was extreme, that could have been left out, and it was a bit long. We all enjoyed the first part of the film, and the final scene was absolutely perfect. My daughter's friend, who had read the book, said she thought the movie was better than the book.
A good bit will keep you on the edge of your seat -- good plot development, but you will also say, "oh for heaven's sakes, why this."
Can you believe -- $12.50 for a 4:45 pm show? ($9.00 for seniors)
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Here is a website that my nephew put me onto today. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage It is about "tricks of the trade" that writers of fiction use. I guess that means literary devices. Oh, in case you are wondering why I put this into this discussion, we were talking about The Book Thief and the movie impending movie. Jason was interested in Death as narrator and Death's little asides and thoughts that are interspersed throughout the book. With a name like TV Tropes, I am guessing the emphasis is on screenwriting and books made into movies and tv programs.
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Fry: Just scrolling the index has me salivating. What fun to read through this. Thanks and thank your nephew.
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On the recommendation of a friend, I just read an autobiography titled The Seventh Muse about the rise from near poverty conditions of a young man to President of Auburn University. Quite a read. Short, succcinct, and a page turner. It's rated 5 stars on Amazon, if that means anything to one. In this case, I would agree.
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I wonder if there's any Doctor Who fans here? The new doctor(Matthew Smith?) is being touted as the best Doctor ever, although it'd be hard to top David Tennant. I saw Matthew in a British series about politics called Party Games, and he was quite good in that.
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JIM, do mention that autobiography over in Non-fiction. Ella would be
interested in that book, I believe.
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Octavia, I don't think I've ever watched Dr. Who, but I remember that my kids did (as teen-agers) several years ago, and liked it. I remember think that it was probably quirky or weird. Funny how we pick up opinions about something without ever really learning if they're on track or not.
The other night I watched an oldie and loved it -- Paper Chase with John Houseman and Timothy Bottoms. I'd seen it a couple of times before, but only remembered the final scene. I guess it was a timely choice, what with all the TV news about Justice Stevens retiring.
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Has anyone seen anything good?
The other night I watch Two Weeks with Sally Field. A well-done independent film about a terminally ill mother whose four children have come to be with her for her remaining days. It sounds depressing, but was not, and even had its humorous parts.
JimNT, Family Man is due to arrive today. Earlier this week I did watch another Nicholas Cage -- Bad Lieutenant: Port of New Orleans. I watched the entire film, but it was not my thing -- bad cop show.
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I'm a great admirer of Sally Field, both as an actress and as a person. I don't think I've ever
seen any role she didn't do well. Thanks for mentioning "Two Weeks", PEDLN. I'll add that to
my list.
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I watched Last Chance Harvey yesterday. It was okay - a mild movie to watch when you don't want to think too much or don't need a lot of stressful scenes.
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Frybabe, I guess you could also say that film is not real memorable. I went to check it out on Netflix and found I'd given it a 3 about a year ago. That's my designation for ok, not outstanding. Both Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson got Golden Globe nominations for their performances.
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The best movie I've seen in a while is The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. Did anyone see it and what did you think? The movie made me laugh, and cry and the fact that it was based on a real life story made it even better.
Sally
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I've got 'Blind Side' on my Netflix queue, SALLY. I've always liked Sandra Bullock's movies and
don't miss one if I can help it.
"Last Chance Harvey" certainly wasn't what you would call a fast-paced movie, but it left me
with a warm, satisfied feeling. It wasn't two kids falling in love; it was two mature, intelligent
adults. Different scene entirely.
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I saw Days of Heaven last eve and was treated to some of the most beautiful cinematography I've ever seen in a movie. A very young Richard Gere and Sam Shepherd comprised the cast but the scenery overshadowed the plot. It would do well to have a sub woofer to appreciate the wheat harvest machinery sounds. This one is dated but worth a look.
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Jim, I’m so glad you mentioned Days of Heaven. It sounds fantastic and is definitely going on my queue. This is what Netflix reviewers had to say --
This period film, set around 1916, is art in motion. What takes this movie out of the ordinary is the replacement of slick movie-making with artistic creativeness.
If Andrew Wyeth had been a filmmaker, his movies would have resembled Days of Heaven.
This is the best example of a narrative being told through imagery that I've ever seen.
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This is pretty old hat, both as to the book and the movie, but I recently watched the 1956 version of "Moby-Dick", with Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab. It seems better to me than I remember from 1956. Director Huston does a good job of capturing the mood and the point of the novel, Peck is great as Ahab, and Richard Baseheart does well as Ishmael. It sweeps along nicely, building well to the climax. Special effects aren't what they would be now, but who cares?
An amusing point: the only writer credited beside Melville himself is science fiction writer Ray Bradbury.
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Did Bradbury write the screenplay?
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Ray Bradbury screenwriter for Moby Dick? I looked it up and sure enough there he was along with John Huston and Norm Corwin who didn't get credited. Then I looked down the cast list and discovered that Joan Plowright played the part of Starbuck's wife. She also didn't get credited. I must watch this movie again. Haven't seen it in eons. I don't remember Orson Welles being in it, but there he is in the casting list as Father Mapple.
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Thanks for the recommendation, JIM. Sounds good.
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Was just watching Moll Flanders on the Independent Channel - the 1996 version, it was quite good, much better than the early version - this had Robin Wright, Morgan Freeman, and Stockard Channing. It was too hot and humid here today to any thing but be a coach potato. .......jean
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Those are some good ones, Jean. I don't think I've seen Stockard Channing since West Wing.
Has anyone been watching anything good lately? I still have Jim’s recommendation of Family Man here, but haven’t seen it yet. Last night I watched Matt Damen in The Informant – about the price fixing charges against Archer Daniels Midland. I always enjoy Matt Damen’s films, but some of them have plots that you really have to watch carefully, and such was the case with this one. For total relaxation I followed up on Ginny’s recommend of My Life in Ruins – lots of good Greek scenery and the many quirks of tour group tourists, and somewhere along the line I picked up How to Make an American Quilt – more quirky characters, including one played by Anne Bancroft.
Those of you who subscribe to Netflix, do you find that you pick up on their recommendations “based on your . . . etc.” For many years I saw very few movies, due to hearing problems, but am now picking them up, films from the ‘80s and ‘90s. A mixed bag – the goods and not-so-goods.
Has anyone seen Babies? I’ve saw the previews in NY and have seen the trailers. A photographer followed four babies from four different parts of the world through their first year. Awwwwwwwwww.
Babies (http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/movies/07babies.html?hpw)
This looks like a winner.
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I saw that promo, PEDLN, and I think I would love to see the film It opened around here this
weekend in time for Mother's Day. Of course, I'll be waiting to see if Netflix picks it up.
Though since the babies obviously aren't going to be doing much talking, CC probably won't
matter much.
I watched "The Lion in Winter" last night. Haven't seen it since it came out ages ago. Splendid
acting....terrible family!
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Hey, Babi. I watched bits and pieces of "Lion" too. I came in after it started, and played my usual game of "what film is this?" and all I could think of was Eleanor of Aquitaine. But it didn't suit the mood of the moment, so I switched to pure escapism with the library DVD of Frantic with Harrison Ford and Betty Buckley (who she?).
Somewhere I read that Babies has practically no dialog.
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Lion in Winter was a great film!
Pedlin asked if anyone chooses films to watch based on Netflix recommendations. I don't. I watch a lot of films after reading the book. I belong to several book discussion groups and get lots of good recommendations from people whose choice of books I like. I also choose from academy award winner lists, NY Times movie reviews, and friends recommendations. A group from which I've gotten some great suggestions, is the Constant Reader book discussion group.
Some films on my Netflix queue:
Tea With Mussolini
My House in Umbria
Notes on a Scandal (I read the book)
Brideshead Revisited (also read this)
In Bruges
In Old Chicago (1937)
Revanche (Austrian film)
Frozen River
The Ghost Writer
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
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I do sometimes get useful recommendations from Netflix, but more often, it's only amusing to figure out why they are recommending this stuff. For years they have been suggesting Miss Congeniality--I've no idea why, I'm definitely not interested.
Marjifay, which Brideshead Revisited is on your queue? I haven't seen the 2008 one, but the 1981 many disc version with Anthony Andrews, Jeremy Irons, and Diana Quick plus other greats is a remarkable job of capturing the spirit of the book. Just about everyone looks right for the part and acts right for the part. And because they have so much time, they present the book pretty much intact. It's a magnificent job.
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Miss Congeniality is a fun movie - just fluff, but lots of fun. We watch it on TV from time to time. You might like it.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I have the 1981 version of Brideshead Revisited (4 discs) on my Netflix queue, Pat. With Jeromy Irons, Anthony Andrews, etc. Wonderful. I've only watched the first two discs so far. They really brought the book to life. Great acting--yes, as you said, a magnificent job.
Marj
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Actually, PAT, 'Miss Congeniality' was a lot of fun, and an excellent
acting job by Sandra Bullock. I've seen it twice. That was when I really
first took notice of Bullock and I've been following her movies ever since.
Her current one is, I understand, based on a true story and is getting fine reviews.
It's called "The Blind Side" and it's on my queue.
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The first Sandra Bullock movie I remember seeing is The Net. They've been showing it on cable recently.
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My favorite Bullock movie is "While You Were Sleeping". And wasn't that her in "Practical Magic", another favorite of mine.
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Marjifay, you list looks great! I've seen all but the Austrian film and In Old Chicago. In Bruges is filled with cursing and very violent. While I have read Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, it is only recently out at the movie theatres, and I've not seen it yet. Book kept my interest though.
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Just watched "The Blind Side" yesterday with hubby and eldest daughter. (get your kleenex out) Wonderful film, Bullocks best role yet, but I like her in the comedies! Congeniality2 is not anywhere up to the original one. I also liked her in Speed (the original); The Net; Practical Magic and I think she was in Love Potion #9. Hope Floats is pretty good.
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I never heard of Practical Magic. She was good in Two Week's Notice too, and I liked her and Keneau Reeves in The Lake House. Oh, and I almost forgot - one of the very, very few Silvester Stallone movies I liked, Demolition Man.
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Forgot about "Lake House" - - I loved that too. "Two Weeks Notice" was funny, funny. Love Hugh Grant, also.
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I liked "The Lake house" too. Although, I'll watch almost anything with Keneau Reeves in it.
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Me, too!
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I see I've missed one or two Bullock movies. Hold on a sec, while I jot them down. :)
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Marjifay, that is a great list of films. I’ve seen quite a few of them. Loved the Anthony Adrews Brideshead Revisitied and also My House in Umbria. I was disappointed with In Bruges, good scenery, though. As for Girl with the Dragon Tatoo – it will keep your attention, though the violence and sex is really extreme.
Frozen River is on my queue too, but I don’t know who or what recommended it to me. Maybe Netflix. Now I’m waiting for the next five star film. For me, there’s only been about 5 in the last year -- Recent Five Stars –
Two Weeks
Paper Chase -- a golden oldie
Julie and Julia
The Station Agent
Beyond Silence (German)
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Thanks for the warning, PEDLN. I'll skip the 'Tattoo' film; extreme violence and sex really doesn't appeal to me. Hopefully the book is not
as bad; at least it's not visual.
On further investigation, I realized I had seen the Bullock movies I
thought I'd missed; I'd just forgotten the titles.
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Ahh, The Station Agent! Simply loved that film!
What is "Beyond Silence" about?
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Tomereader, Beyond Silence is about a hearing child whose parents are both deaf. Conflicts arise when the child is given a clarinet by her father's sister, who is a professional clarinetist. I found it to be a fascinating film. The actors portraying the parents were deaf, one French, one German, and the sign language used was German. It's a German film with English subtitles. Another interesting feature was watching the child grow into a young woman. Two actresses, but so similar in appearance you don't realize it.
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Babi, I did not enjoy "Girl with a Tatoo". It was too depressing, and had too much violence and sexual molestation for me. It put images and thoughts in my mind that I did not wish to be there! It was well written--just not my kind of book.
Sally
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JoanK quote
I liked "The Lake house" too. Although, I'll watch almost anything with Keneau Reeves in it.
me too and that was a really good movie. I have not read the book. I wonder if my Kindle has it.
claire
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Thanks for your film recommendations, Pedln. I saw the Paper Chase a long time ago -- I agree, a great film. I just haven't been too interested in watching Julie and Julia for some reason, but I added it to my Netflix queue, along with the other three I have not seen.
I've been trying to read with another group Thornton Wilder's novel, The Bridge of San Luis Rey, a difficult one to get through. So I put the 1944 film version on my queue, along with Our Town (the one with Paul Newman as the Stage Manager) which I saw before and read the play, and loved.
Marj
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It put images and thoughts in my mind that I did not wish to be there!
(SALLY)
Alas, yes. Once seen, there forever, and cropping up unwanted at odd
times. I've learned to censor carefully what goes into my mind, if at all
possible.
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I didn't know Paul Newman did "Our Town". Makes me want to rejoin netflix just to get it!
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Sally said: It put images and thoughts in my mind that I did not wish to be there! It was well written--just not my kind of book.
It would be nice if we could have only nice, pleasant thoughts in our head, wouldn't it? But I guess we'd then better not read the newspapers, listen to the television news, etc.
Marj
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Marj--that's exactly why I do not like to read about those things in novels. I get enough of it in real life. Most of my reading is done for entertainment and pleasure therefore I do not wish to read about sexual perversion, extreme cruelty, etc. There are too many books out there for me to enjoy!
Sally
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I read only local newspapers, the Salem and the Portland papers. (The Knights of Columbus had a spaghetti feed last weekend. $10!) Only watch News Hour on PBS. Listen to NPR which has a twice daily one-hour BBC World News.
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JACKIE, have you read a little book called "Lumby Lines"? You would love their newspaper!
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JoanK, I'm finding that I enjoy the TV programs that I get through Netflix as much as the movies. It's so hard to keep up with weekly TV shows, and this way there are no commercials. Of course, I'm a few years behind the times.
I'm getting a new TV DVD on Monday -- Ballykissangel -- has anyone seen that? I know nothing about it. And don't remember who recommended it.
You all are so smart and know all the shows, please help me out here. What is the name of -- I think it's a TV series from several years ago -- about a family, the setting in Seattle (I think.) The mother dies in a horrible crime scene, a son is severely injured in the same scene. There are both married and unmarried children. The dad later meets and starts dating a lady doctor. They ride bikes. I think Adam Arkin plays a son-in-law. (I tried looking him up, but there is so much.)
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Pedlin, the title of the TV show was "A Year in the Life". I think 1986 or '96. Arkin was, indeed, in it.
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Thank you tomereader. You are right and there is a brief article about it in Wikipedia. I was thinking I would like to see that show again, but there is nothing at either Netflix or Amazon. Maybe some day.
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I watched Ballykissangel and absolutely loved it. I think you will, too. I had forgotten all about it. Thanks for mentioning it. I may have to rejoin Netflix just to revisit programs like this.
Sally
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What an odd title....'Ballykissangel'! What on earth is that about?
We like watching old series via DVD also. There were some we missed or never heard of,
like the British 'Primeval', that we're enjoying now.
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BallyK, as the natives called it, is a town in Ireland and the action is very character driven. The acting is excellent, and the story revolves around all the characters in the story, a feminist pub owner, a priest, a female vet, a wealthy man who feels he owns the town, his two not too bright workers, and many more. If you get a chance you must watch this program. It will make you laugh and cry and keep you anxious for the next episode!
Sally
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You've sold me, SALLY. I'll look for it on Netflix. :)
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I watched Episode 1 last night, Babi. Very enjoyable, different. Sally has described it well. And it is captioned. At first I didn't think it was, but it is.
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Watched Foyle's war last night. I liked it, as usual. At the end, Foyle is off to America on the Queen Mary.
I hope they do the next episode on the Queen Mary! I sailed to England on it in 1963. Now it is berthed in Long Beach. My son and I did a tour of it last year: because I was a former passenger, I got royal treatmeent, and introduced to the current "Captain".
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I finally got through an entire Foyle last night. For once it held my interest. Miss Marple is up next. I will have to remind Mom. Miss Marple is one of her favorites.
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You sailed on the Queen Mary, JOAN! What great memories you must have.
Last Sunday's Foyle episode was especially good. Very complex plot that really kept me
guessing and totally surprised me at the end.
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JoanK, you set me to thinking about the Queen Mary last night. I've never seen it, but a couple friends of mine have been on it more than once. I think they were on its last voyage, but not sure.
But I was wondering, thinking about air travel all messed up because of volcanic eruptions. Are there any ships nowadays that make straight ocean-crossing trips -- without taking you on a tour?
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But I was wondering, thinking about air travel all messed up because of volcanic eruptions. Are there any ships nowadays that make straight ocean-crossing trips -- without taking you on a tour?
Good question, Pedln, I don't know of any.
I sailed on the Queen Mary too, in late September 1958, coming back from a year in Zurich. It was a very rough crossing. Bob stayed in the room for several days, looking pretty green. I'm pretty resistant to seasickness, so after half a day I was OK, but the dining room was pretty empty, and the shipboard social life was definitely minimal.
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Shall I chime in ... while we're off subject, on travel by ship. :P
In Sep 1966 we took a huge, supposedly stable ship across from NY to Naples, the Italian line's Michaelangelo. It was 6 days en route, and I was bored to tears. We were en route to Israel for my husband's year teaching at Hebrew University (in English) in Israel.
We had our 1 year old with us, and the ship's day care didn't work, because the "nice" Italian nannies let our daughter have all the candy she could eat, and she was sick.
I took something like Dramamine because the motion bothered me, so I slept in the daytime way too much ... out like a light on the medicine.
My husband worked ... he was writing a book ... so he didn't care where he was.
The waiter spilled OJ down my back at breakfast and did not say he was sorry, not even in Italian. But when I felt well enough to eat, I must admit the food was delicious.
Never again ... we flew to return at the end of our year, and shipped our stuff by freight.
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I wonder whether that particular Italian shipping line is still in business,
MIPPY. They didn't seem to have a good grip on passenger care and
satisfaction. :-X
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MIPPY: we were in Israel at the same time!! I wish I'd known you then -- I was in Beer Sheva, but I would have gladly made the trip to Jerusalem to see you.
The tour of the queen Mary tells how glamorous it was in first class. Maybe,-- Dick and I were in tourest class, and I was bored to death too. (It was Winter, and too rough to go outside, so we played scrabble the whole way. Except when Dick was seasick. There were days when I was the only person in the diningroom).
The others didn't miss much -- the English cooking was uniformly tasteless. But served in style! The waiter would approach with a silver covered tray, whip the cover off with a flourish, only to reveal a small dish of lukewarm canned fruit cocktail.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
[/
Oh, how disappointing! Surely the Queen Mary could do better than
canned fruit cocktail, even in tourist class. Was this, perhaps, during the
period when the British economy was so tight and rationing was still in
place? British cuisine has never been the best, even in good times.
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Okay, folks, clue me in. Have I missed a big event? I'd never even heard of LOST until last year because one of the grands had a DVD of it. But now Time mag. had a big article (which I missed because I gave it to a friend so she could read about Stieg Larsson). And the media had a big DO -- pre, and post the last episode. So what have I missed?
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"Lost" is so science fiction-y that I can't stand it. I watched some of the first season and did not continue. But apparently 10s of thousand of people loved it. Unless you really, really like science fiction, I wouldn't bother to rent it.
Speaking of being lost, I loved that Tom Hanks movie, the one where the FEDEX plane crashed, and he had the basketball "Wilson" as his "boy-Friday" ... that was Cast Away !
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The Cider House Rules was on TV this morning. I had seen a little of it before and would have liked to see the whole thing but didn't have the time this morning. In truth, I don't like to watch TV in the morning except for news and weather. Anyhow, it just now came to my attention that it was written by John Irving.
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My daughter loved "Lost" and watched it faithfully. I found it so complex and confusing that
I stopped watching it sometime in, I think, the second season, when the plot started going all
over the place. But it has been immensely popular, so, like MASH, the final episode was a big
event.
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Mippy and Babi, thanks for the LOST info. I'm not really into sci-fi, so will let that one pass for a while. No doubt at some point it will be available from Netflix, perhaps some of it already is.
Mippy, I liked Castaway. I like just about anything that Tom Hanks is in. Was BIG his first big film?
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I don't know the order of film without using IMDB ... Big was also wonderful!
Probably watched it three times, which is unusual for me.
As of last week, I now have Comcast On Demand, so there are a lot of movies to pick through. But RedSox ball games take the TV above all else these days!
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Lately none of my Netflix films have rated a 4 or a 5. I was beginning to get a complex, thinking maybe I just didn't know what a good film was anymore. Then last night I just happened to hit the beginning of The Best Years of Our Lives. No more complex. What a terrific film, and it doesn't matter that I watch it every couple of years or so.
Besides being a terrific film, it has a special meaning for me because when I was growing up in southern Wisconsin my family rented the "Bickel" house, boyhood home of Frederic (Bickel) March. My school sent him a congratulatory telegram because he had gone there too -- and had made his acting debut with "I'm gonna thit on a chair and wait for Thanta Clauth."
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Thanks, PEDLN, for that big grin I enjoyed with your post about Fredric March's 'debut'. We
finally got, and watched, "The Blind Side". It was great. I had expected to enjoy Sandra Bullock, but I very much liked Tim McGraw as SeanTuohy as well.
Leigh Ann Tuohy and Michael Oher were guest participants in a recent 'Extreme Makeover' house raising, and Leigh Ann is just as energetic and 'take-charge' as she is portrayed.
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Darn Drat and Blast.
I just wrote a spiel about "Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence" book by Laurens van der Post, and it floated off to Cyberspace. One of my favourite movies with David Bowie, Tom Conti, Jack Thompson and Riyuchi Sakamoto.
Another favourite "Atonement" by Ian McEwan. With Keira Knightley.
"The English Patient" by Michael Ondaatje with Ralph (Rafe) Fiennes, Juliette Binoche and Kristin Scott Thomas.
I just realised that all of the above have a "war" connection. Being Australian and a baby boomer I never truly suffered the consequences of war. I do not wish to offend anyone with my choices.
Recently - Avatar - a bit too long (not sure if it was a book either).
"Clash of the Titans" featuring Perseus (an Australian :D) Impeccable authorship - Greek myth.
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I haven't heard of "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" before, ROSE. What
was that about? Besides, apparently, some connection with war. I must
confess David Bowie is not a favorite of mine, perhaps because the first movie I saw featuring him I didn't like at all.
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The English Patient is also a favorite of mine. I liked the film better than the book, amazingly.
I hardly ever watch movies over and over, but found an exception last night.
Searched through OnDemand of Comcast, and watched African Queen.
What a classic! What fun!
Also love to see how they did special effects without computers in those days!
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Babi - Hi - Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence is set in a Japanese POW camp in Java. The date is c.1942. David Bowie is quite excellent in it. I saw him performing live - truly a once in a lifetime experience. In the movie David is an officer called Jack. He is a natural leader and runs foul of the commander of the camp, played very well also by Ryuichi Sakamoto, who according to my Japanese students is just as famous in Japan as David Bowie is in the West. The movie is not for the faint-hearted, but well worth seeing imho. Ryuichi Sakamoto is also a musician, I forgot to add. I haven't read the book, but intend to do so soon. Take care, from your Antipodean friend.
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Apparently Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence is not yet out on DVD. Netflix has some by the same director -- N. Oshima -- and show a list of some of his others that they expect to have soon, but Merry Christmas, M. . . was not included.
Last night I watched an Australian film, Walkabout. I'd heard much about it because some of our high school students read the book in English class, then saw the film. The plot of a brother and sister lost in the Outback is not straightforward. Parts a bit strange, almost mystical, but fantastic photography of the scenery and the natural life.
Mippy, some of those older films are so excellent. I'd love to see African Queen again. Casablanca is another one that can be watched over and over. In a series of comments about it, I remember one person saying he watched Casablanca once a month.
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Thanks, ROSE. There were quite a few movies made about war prisoners
after WWII. Especially the Japanese camps, which were particularly awful.
I think there is quite a bit of mysticism involved in 'walkabout', PEDLN.
It is an aborigine form of pilgrimage, where they follow paths, unmarked to
our eyes, which were laid down originally by their clan totem animals.
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Pedln and Babi
If you enjoy movies about Aboriginal culture, I can recommend "The Tracker" and "Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith".. I don't think "The Tracker" was a book, but "Chant..." certainly is, because I have met the man who wrote it. His name is Thomas Keneally. When "Chant.." was first released it had a preview in Brisbane (c.1974), where I live, and then promptly banned. I am glad I got to see it. It is very confronting but an excellent depiction of aboriginal / European relations at that time.
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Tahnks, Roshanarose, for those titles. I'm not familiar with either, but didn't Thomas Keneally alwo write Schindler's List?
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Movies & books into movies: Last night I watched "My Sister's Keeper", originally a book by Jodi Picoult. Wonderfully done! A real heart breaker. Excellent acting from all, better than I expected from Cameron Diaz (as the mother). If you've not read it, or seen the movie, DO! As well as I can remember the book (read a long time ago), the movie follows really well, so I don't think you need to read first, then watch. Watching it made me want to go back and re-read.
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Pedln - A quick search will reveal information about Thomas Keneally. He is quite a prolific writer. I met him in the 70s in a country town called Armidale, New South Wales. He is a small round man with a lovely smile and great humility. He wrote "Schindler's Ark" which Spielberg filmed as "Schindler's List". No idea why they changed the title. Evidently Spielberg didn't take his Director's fee for that movie. An interesting sideline - Keneally trained to be a priest before becoming a schoolteacher.
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Roshanarose:
Keneally "a small round man with a lovely smile and great humility"
He sure is just that. I think of him as being a good tempered and good natured man. And his writing captures the essence of his subject. He was a guest on Q&A recently and was obviously flogging the latest volume of his new history of Australia. Don't know what the title is.
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Oh, goody! There are seven Keneally books in my library. ROSE & GUMTREE, could you give me the titles of a couple of your favorites.
I have no idea, from the titles, what the books might be about.
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Thomas Keneally is a very uneven author. I'd suggest reading all about each book before you buy one, or if it's a library book, no harm done if it's not one of his good ones. Sorry I cannot recall which one was so disappointing to me.
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did someone here, (or in one of the other book groups)earlier today, say they got a Kindle version of "A Proper Pursuit" by Lynn Austin, and got it "FREE". My kindle shows a price of $9.99. How'd you get it free?
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Thanks Mippy - alas, when a writer is so prolific there is always a risk of mediocrity at any given time (or book). If any person here can name a writer who has written 20 or so books that all reach the apex of excellence, I will be glad if you can tell me who he/she is. Our appreciation of books is necessarily subjective, and this makes things even more complicated.
Although I mentioned Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith and Schindler's Ark, I have not read either of them, but have seen them both as movies, and excellent they are. So how about you read them and then I will try as well. I am just about to read "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel, which judging by its size will keep me out of mischief for a while.
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Well, I'll see if my library has "Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith" and start from there.
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You all have really broadened my movie education, and I'm recognizing more names than I used to. And last night I saw more than a few of them in the 1994 film Widow's Peak. Fun and relaxing for a summer night. Starring Mia Farrow, Natasha Richardson, Joan Plowright, and Jim Broadbent.
How did that get on my queue? I'll bet it was recommended here.
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Doesn’t this sound like fun – Mid-August Lunch – apparently not in theatres anymore, but soon to be out on DVD. Netflix has it in “save.”
As the Italian holiday of Pranzo di Ferragosto approaches, cash-strapped Gianni (Gianni Di Gregorio) gets help from his landlord, his friend and his doctor, who offer financial relief in exchange for Gianni looking after their elderly relatives over the holiday. Four mismatched Italian mamas at the same table make for an awkward, hilarious and touching mid-August lunch in this film festival favorite from Di Gregorio, who also writes and directs.
I heard about this from the Food news I get from the Seattle Times. Here’s the link and the recipe –
Pasta Al Forno (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/popcornprejudiceamovieblog/2011977347_a_delicious_italian_recipe_--.html)
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Went to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Swedish with excellent subtitles) last month, and loved it. In order to get as much as possible of the whole book in, they had to alter some things and leave out some things; but I thought they did a wonderful job and I loved the movie almost as much as the book. Have pre-ordered the DVD, which I am told will be shipped on July 6.
Have read Hollywood wants to make the movies of these books, as well, and that George Clooney wants to play the male lead.
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Hi MaryPage. I see you found your way over here. There are a few of us that toggle back and forth between the two sites. So, welcome here too!
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Hi, MaryPage and everyone. I seem to have lost track of this discussion so am posting to bring it up when I check new replies. I've just watched Possession (DVD borrowed from my public library) as we're discussing the book by A.S. Byatt right now: http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=81.0
Quite a few characters were left out or smooshed together or changed in other ways but I think that the film got much of the tone right and I loved Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle in the roles of the Victorian poets. Gwyneth Paltrow and Aaron Eckhart were very good in the roles of the contemporary literary scholars.
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We've all seen Frankenstein movies, some of them pretty bad, but have you ever read the book? It's quite different. We're going to discuss it in July. The prediscussion is here:
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1482.0 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1482.0)
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MaryPage: I was happy to read your review of the movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I'm a loyal Stieg Larsson, or more particularly Lisbeth Salander, fan and am about to complete The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, presumably his last. Last week while toting the conspicuously silver colored Hornet's book at Barnes & Noble a lady approached me and told me a story about the Larsson family offering Stieg's surviving, live-in, collaborator, a million dollars if she'd relinguished his PC. She said "No dice" leading all to believe that there is a fourth manuscript stored. This might be an urban legend but the lady was very convincing. We'll see.
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Jim,
The newspapers have been reporting the fourth novel as 3/4 finished. The fight over the computer and manuscript is a bit involved. The first article is rather extensive, but it gives a lot of background on Larsson and his live-in's involvement with the novels as well as why she does not want to give it up to his family. Very interesting reading. The second is a short article about some early unpublished writings that were found.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/magazine/23Larsson-t.html?pagewanted=1
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/08/unpublished-manuscripts-by-stieg-larsson-are-found/
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Thank you, Frybabe. I'm reading the cited articles now. Very interesting. I'm an avid newspaper reader but have missed these events entiirely.
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If you go to the NEW YORK TIMES and search Larsson, you will find simply heaps of articles and pictures. He was with the Love of His Life for 30 years, but, like many Swedes, they had never married. No children. He was not yet 50 years old! No will. He had no money to speak of. So he dropped dead quite suddenly and the law allowed his father and brother to reap the rewards from these 3 as yet unpublished though accepted for publication books! And they've made out like gangbusters! And he rarely had anything to do with them!
All Sweden is sympathetic to her.
I loved the bit about the book store clerk who said: "We're calling all of the books 'The Girl Who's Paying Our Wages These Months!'"
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was great! He titled it Men Who Hate Women. The Girl Who Played With Fire was fantastic! I have just completed reading The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest for the SECOND time in a week! Super incredible book, and I am in mourning that there will be no more; at least, not from him.
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"We're calling all of the books 'The Girl Who's Paying Our Wages These Months!'"
I love that. Reminds me of what some call Whole Foods -- whole paycheck.
I just read an amazing article about film critic Roger Ebert. All I can say is WOW! This article in yesterday’s Seattle Times – what an amazing man. As Ann Thomas says in her introduction of his forthcoming book --
"Cooking, for him, I think in the last few years has become a very selfless act," Thomas said. "This really tells you about Roger. He doesn't stop living, doing things or being interested in things or having a good time because in a way something changes. But Roger does not get discouraged. He has such a zest for life."
Not eating, but still cooking (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2012238984_apusfeafoodrogerebertcookbook1stldwritethru.html)
What is everyone watching these days? I just found HULU for the first time and enjoyed watching the pilot of GREEK on my computer. Believe it or not, captions are beginning to creep into some the these computer videos.
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Well, that's good news, PEDLN. Maybe soon I can stop reminding my
e-mail correspondents that it's pointless to send me videos. :)
I seem to be having a problem will very slow response on SL this morning. I don't know if the problem is at this end or their end.
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I hope things are faster for you now, Babi. I'm moving along fine.
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I've had that problem today too, Babi. It seems OK at the moment.
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I have had trouble getting from one discussion, to the next, today. Very, very slow.
Sheila
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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There seem to be a number of Internet outages today and response time throughout the Internet is somewhat degraded. See http://www.internettrafficreport.com/namerica.htm
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I had to leave this am and come back this afternoon. It may very well be weather interference. We are, after all, getting the outlying effects of the hurricane in Norther Mexico. Lots of rain and thunderstorms. Seems to be working find just now.
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I am so excited, because a book I simply adored (though not as much as the series of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), The Pillars of The Earth by Ken Follett, has been made into a mini-series film with some great stars. It is made for cable TV and starts July 23 on STARZ. I have not been subscribing to that channel, but called Comcast right away and they have switched it on for me for only $5.00 a month.
As I say, I am very excited!
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It looks like it has some good actors, MaryPage. They have a website at http://www.the-pillars-of-the-earth.tv/
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I got in on the middle of a movie I'd never seen on the Turner Channel -- THE LOVED ONE, a very humorous satire on the funeral industry, based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh. It's on Netflix, so I'll watch the rest of it. Great cast -- Robert Morse (How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, and lately in Mad Men), Jonathan Winters, Milton Berle, James Cobern, Roddy McDowell, John Gielgud and more -- even Liberaci!
Marj
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Goodness! I totally forgot "The Loved One" had been made into a movie, though I read the book eons ago. What does Liberace do?
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Oh, The Loved One made a great impression on me when I first read it. I don't think I've seen the film. I just found a clip from the film of Liberace as the undertaker in the funeral home at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oymjPBjYLQ
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The Namesake is on one of me cable channels this morning. I started to watch it, but I don't really care to watch TV in the morning. The book is still in one of my TBR piles. The good thing about being layed-off is that I am not spending on books to add to my TBRs so I am reducing my pile faster than I am adding for the time being.
Picked up Memoirs of a Geisha at the used book store yesterday. Seen the movie, liked it.
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That clip is a real howl, Ginny. Liberace is perfect in the part.
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The trailer looked interesting, Marcie, even without captions. So now I’ve got The Loved One on my Netflix. I once heard a story about Liberace, and assume it’s true, but I really don’t know. His parents were on welfare when he was growing up in Milwaukee. After he became well-known, the city of Milwaukee sent him a bill for the welfare payments.
Over the past few days I’ve watched a British miniseries, 3 episodes – Melissa -- with Peter Barkworth, adapted from a novel by Francis Durbridge. It runs much like a play, going from scene to scene, as though on stage. Melissa, the wife of an unemployed Fleet Street journalist is strangled one night, and all clues seem to point to her husband (Barkworth) who hasn’t a clue about how to confront the lies being told about him. Quite low-key, no violence, etc. Lots of twists and turns.
I’d never heard of Durbridge before, but he has quite a bibliography of novels and radio and TV shows, especially for his character Paul Temple, novelist and detective.
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Frybabe, re The Namesake -- both the book and film are excellent. Memoirs of a Geisha is in my TBR pile, too. Has been there forever.
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Pedln: The station replayed The Namesake later in the afternoon. By that time I was winding down, so I watched the whole thing. I did like it.
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"The Namesake" isn't ringing any bells. What is it about, please?
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Babi, it's a novel by Jhumpa Lahiri about an Indian couple who emigrate to the US and start their family life here. A wonderful story, both novel and film, about cultural and generational differences. Lahiri is mainly a short-story writer -- Interpreter of Maladies, and I think she has a new collection out. I think The Namesake is her only novel.
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Thanks, PEDLN. Completely new name to me.
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I didn'r realize that Jonathan Winters was in a movie!! A favorite of mine.
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Joan, Jonathan Winters has been in bunch of movies. Check his page on IMDb.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005565/
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It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, (etc) World!
One of the funniest movies ever and Winters is hysterical...........jean
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I don't think I've ever seen Jonathan Winters -- I don't recognizd him on that movie site. We lived in Puerto Rico for 10 years when he was pretty active on TV, but we had no TV.
What has everyone been watching lately? I finally saw The Blind Side and it was every bit as good as folks said it was. 5 Netflix stars. Did Quinton Aaron get any awards for his performance? I thought he was amazing. This was my first 5 star film in a long time.
Has anyone seen this new film that just came out -- The Kids Are All Right? It'll probably be a while before the DVD comes out.
And I'm waiting for Babies. The promotional trailer was a lot of fun, but I guess it's not the kind of film that brings in lots of box office rewards.
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pedln, both THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT and BABIES seem like interesting films. I just looked them up online. I'm definitely going to watch them on DVD.
In case you all haven't heard:
We're looking forward to three new Wallander (http://www.branaghcompendium.com/wallander.html) episodes with Kenneth Branagh in October on PBS. If you'd like a set of Mankell books (Faceless Killers, The Man Who Smiled, and The Fifth Woman) for only the cost of postage, please post in our PBS discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1300.160). Limited quantities. First come, first served.
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A British writer, Flora Thompson, wrote novels about two imaginery places in England in the mid-nineteenth century: a hamlet called Lark Rise and a small town called Candleford. The BBC has turned these into a television series, and I just purchased the first two seasons from Barnes & Noble online. They are titled LARK RISE TO CANDLEFORD.
I can report they are quite wonderful fun. Marvelous acting and superb costumes. Not intellectual, but good entertainment.
The Girl Who Played With Fire has finally come to Annapolis Harbour Center and one of my daughters will take me next Thursday. I am really looking forward to that! Critics have praised it. This is the Swedish version, with subtitles. They have not begun filming the Hollywood ones as yet. Dying to see for myself how they dealt with a lot of the stuff in the book.
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I hear it is very good, but VERY violent and graphic.
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I watched Lark Rise to Candleford on PBS. It was excellent and worth getting if you haven't seen it. Mary, did you read the books and did you like them??
Sally
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"Violent and graphic" is as good as a thumbs down for me. NO, thanks!
Those who saw "Lark Rise...", was it closed captioned? It sounds like
something I would really enjoy.
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I didn't see Lark Rise to Candleford on PBS. I don't know if it was ever shown in my area. It does sound good. Thanks for the information about it, MaryPage and salan.
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Babi, Netflix has seasons 1 and 2 or Lark Rise to Candleford, and they have English subtitles.
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Babi, I think you would really enjoy Lark Rise. I'm glad it's out on DVD as I will probably watch it again.
Sally
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Lark Rise to Candleford (so named because the young heroine, Laura, leaves her home in the tiny hamlet of farmfolk called Lark Rise for a job in her majesty's post office in the growing town of Candleford, 8 miles away) is, of course, spoken in British English and does have most excellent subtitles. You can also use your closed captioning system if you prefer. It takes place in beautiful Oxfordshire, per the books; but I did not notice where it was actually filmed.
No, I never read those books. Had never even heard of them, that I can remember. And yes, I do recommend the films. You will recognize a lot of the actors if you watch a lot of the British stuff on PBS.
My daughter and I went to see THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE this afternoon. We were going to wait until Thursday afternoon, but decided to do RAMONA AND BEEZUS then and go ahead to The Girl Who today. We both adored it. Keeps pretty close to the book, albeit they had to leave a lot of stuff out, just as they did with the first film, in order to get the main storyline told in a film of decent length. The ending was changed somewhat, but we could both understand why and did not mind. The difference was not substantive.
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Thanks, PEDLN and MARYPAGE. I'll add 'Lark Rising' to my Netflix queue.
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Mary Page, I'm glad to hear the good report about The Girl Who Played With Fire, although thinking about the first film in the trilogy, "adore" would probably not be how I would describe it. But, our local Cineplex has decided to broaden its outlook and carry more foreign films, and it's coming here Aug. 20. Probably the first foreign flick here since Pan's Labyrinth came out.
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Pedln, if you saw it, what did you think of Pan's Labyrinth? I found it very powerful and compelling, but almost unbearably creepy.
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My oldest son again talked me in to reading a Stephen King book. The Stand holds my attention but it's so lengthy I'm apprehensive it'll continue to do so. He's a "born again" King fan, having all first edition books King's ever had published. I read Dune last year and it was okay, but I'm not tied to any particular author. I would find it very difficult, if not impossible, to rank favorite authors. How does one compare Maryanne Robinson to Cormac McCarthy, both excellent writers and each entirely different? I did see an unusually good movie last week titled Winter's Bone, starring Jennifer Lawrence. If Lawrence doesn't get an Oscar for this performance, not to mention some great supporting performances, then the awards are a sham. Of course, I've never been right before.
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I really was uncomfortable with and disliked Pan's Labyrinth. Because of the rave critic's revues, I actually bought the DVD and viewed it that way. Quickly gave the film to my cleaning lady, after loaning it to one of my daughters and having her wish she had not seen it, as well.
The reason we felt we "adored" The Girl Who Played With Fire is that we enjoyed having the heroine WIN in the long run, albeit she was most certainly horribly used and abused. We, as women, enjoyed her refusal to be a victim and her determination to figure things out for herself and swat down and destroy the monsters. You go, Girl, ----- was my strongest emotion.
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I felt that way too about the books.
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Hi, everyone. Whether or not you've read the book, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, you've likely seen a movie version related to it. We're now discussing anything about the book or film versions in our final week of discussion of FRANKENSTEIN. You're invited! http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1513.200.
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PatH, I thought Pan’s Labyrinth was an excellent film, but very dark. Yeah, kind of creepy.
Jim, thanks for the input about Winter’s Bone. When I checked on Netflix I found it was based on a book by Daniel Woodrell – who has written a lot of novels. Never heard of him before. It’s interesting to come across these films made from novels and short stories that haven’t made the best seller lists. Schindler’s List comes to mind, as does Brokeback Mountain and The Emperor's Club.
Last night I watched I Am David, with Ben Tibber and Joan Plowright, among others, also based on a novel, North to Freedom by Anne Holm. It’s about a young boy who tries to make his way to Denmark after escaping from a communist camp in Bulgaria. The film has an interesting approach to dialog in the many scenes where the boy is alone. I really liked it and young Tibber did a fine job. Has he played in many films or on TV? This one came out in 2004, so he would be a young man by now.
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Pedlin: Please let me know how you like Winter's Bone. I, too, have never heard of the book's author but the movie will cause me to look him up. Again at my son's insistence, my wife and I rented The Book of Eli from Netflix. We made it to restaurant scene and I'll have to finish it alone because it's dark and futuristic, neither quality which attracts us. Nevertheless, he sees political ramifications which I must discuss with him. My wife gets a pass. Denzel Washington stars and I've seen few movies with him that I didn't like. This one appears to be among the few.
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I viewed The Book of Eli last eve in its entirety and must take a 180 degree turn in my opinion. While dark and violent, it's worth watching. For those whose viewing attention lapses at times, as mind does, there's a twist at the end but there are hints for the more astute viewer. Both Jennifer Beals and Denzel Washington perform creditably. Gary Oldman always plays the "bad guy" role enthusiastically.
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I can think of one example of Gary Oldman not being the bad guy. He was Sirius Black in the Harry Potter movies--somewhat disreputable, but not bad.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Daughter Debi and I went to see RAMONA & BEEZUS at the moving picture show and laughed and laughed. Don't know When we've had such a great time at a movie. The books did not come out in time for me to read them to my children, but I and my children read them to my grandchildren and are now reading them to the great grands. This movie takes in things from a number of the books. You will Love it!
Oh, and the child who plays 9 years & 3 months old Ramona, how old she is in the movie, though I think of her mainly as younger than that, well, this little actress is AMAZING! You just will not believe her facial expressions.
Go. Enjoy!
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"I am David" sounds very good, as does "Ramona and Beezus". Thanks for the posts, PEDLN and MARYPAGE.
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My son read I Am David when he was just a youngster. Now in his late forties, he still maintains it to be his favourite book.
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Watched the new episode of PILLARS OF THE EARTH on television tonight, and have begun to be disappointed in the extent to which they have changed the book as I remember it. It could be that my memory is faulty (could be? ha!), but I begin to talk back to the TV and say: "That isn't the way it was in the book!"
Oh well. It is still a good yarn and very well acted.
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MaryPage, I'm enjoying the TV version. I haven't read the book so can't make the comparisons.
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We're just home from Iceland and England. Drove around rural England, staying in B&Bs, etc. Loved it, of course. My husband's favorite, and in my top 2-3, was Old Sarum - absolutely fantastic! We don't get STARZ, but will need to reread Pillars, and get the films when they come out on NetFlix.
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Wow, Maryz, that sounds like a wonderful trip! You can watch the episodes of PILLARS OF THE EARTH online at http://www.starz.com/pillars
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Marcie, a Thousand Thank Yous for the link to the Starz website. I have bookmarked it and will be watching Episode One tonight - instead of playing endless games of on-line Solitaire.
How delightful!
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I can't play Solitaire online or I'll get addicted! Glad you found something else to do, callie :-)
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Maryz, I've always wanted to see Iceland. Was it good?
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Pat, it was terrific. We were on an alumni tour with Gohagan on a French ship (200+ passengers) - all very well run. The scenery is lovely, with lots to learn about the people, history, and geology/volcanoes, etc.
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It's not just solitaire, you know. There's Minesweeper and Scrabble, too. ::)
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Mahjong and Bookworm
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FreeCell and Spider Solitaire!
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MaryZ, what a great travel combination -- England and Iceland. It sounds like a wonderful trip.
Have you read any books by Icelandic author Arnaldur Indridason? Apparently his Jar City is in film (on demand from Amazon) but not yet in DVD format. I don't know if it's in English or in Icelandic with subtitles.
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Babi, Frybabe and TomeReader, Yes there certainly are other games on the computer. I thought it prudent to just mention one rather than confessing my "goal" of playing all 1million+ games of Free Cell in sequence (I will have to live well past the century mark to do so). :D ;D
Maryz, your tour of Iceland sounds fascinating. What did you see/learn about the most recent volcanic eruption?
I have also seen the original Old Sarum, as well as other ancient sites in the British Isles. I will never forget my first glimpse of The Tower of London - a view of Traitor's Gate from the river (on a supper cruise) - or placing my hand on The Rock of Cashel tower in Ireland and looking out over the countryside. What a thrilling chill to realize I was seeing the same view that real people saw all those many centuries ago.
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Callie, there was very little damage in Iceland itself from the recent volcano. They are a lot more worried about the much larger volcano nearby, Katla, and feel it will erupt in the not-too-distant future. They have incredibly sophisticated technology and sensors to make predictions - in the near time, but not very far into the future. The Icelanders are beginning to use their geothermal features to produce heating and electicity and have some very advanced equipment. We did get to see the island of Surtsey (formed in the 1960s from an undersea eruption) and the volcano on Haimey which erupted in 1973. Our trip expert was a geologist/vulcanologist who was very interesting and knowledgeable.
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Maryz, How interesting to have had a geologist/vulcanologist for a guide. Thank you for sharing with me/us.
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MaryZ: that sounds like a fascinating trip.
I'm not sure that I haven't already played a million games of Freecell. I'm scared to look. I'm absolutely addicted to that game.
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Has anyone tried the solitaire game called American Toad? No skill required to speak of, though memory helps, but quite addictive and good fun. I play it a LOT on my Nintendo DS Lite (made for old folk like most of us) while watching the news. I find I can do both without missing a thing.
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I play FreeCell for medical reasons. My knee locks up when I sit at the computer, engrossed in what I'm doing. Then when it's time to get up, whoops, that doesn't feel so good. So then I play FreeCell while stretching the leg. Works every time. :-*
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Pedln, I thought I was the only one whose knees went funny when sitting at the computer. ;)
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Pedlin: do you take a small drink for medicinal reasons, too? ;)
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We have just lost Patricia Neal. In addition to being a good actress, she did a heroic job of recovering from a massive stroke and resuming her career. I've got to admit that (sci-fi fan that I am) I think of her mostly for her role in "The Day the Earth Stood Still". I think she thought of it as slumming, but she did a good job, and it's classic sci-fi. Maybe I'll re-watch it (I own it) in memoriam.
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A loss to the acting world indeed. I first saw Patricia Neal in "Hud". I was quite young at the time but I loved that movie. I may be wrong but wasn't she married to Roald Dahl?
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Yes, roshanarose, she was married to Dahl. He helped her recover from the stroke, but in other ways was not a good husband, and they eventually divorced. I've never bothered to try figuring out the rights and wrongs of that one.
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I've never bothered to try figuring out the rights and wrongs of that one.
A hopeless and thankless task in any marriage, PAT.
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Reading a blog written by Ken Follett, author of THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH, on the STARZ website this morning, I was tickled to note this:
"Brother Cuthbert is Kingsbridge Priory's cellarer. He holds an important position in the monastic hierarchy. He's in charge of the community's food and drink, storing, organising and obtaining it, whether from outside - in which case he's responsible for getting best value from every farthing - or produced by the monks themselves. Kingsbridge isn't very successful in this respect, and sub-prior Remigius has no interest in improving the situation. Cuthbert, trying to perform his duties, would have been all too aware of that. He is encouraged by Philip who has already turned one run-down monastery into a going concern and hopefully will do so again.
By the way, Brother Cuthbert is played wonderfully by John Pielmeier. John is not only a terrific actor; he wrote the television adaptation, all eight hours of it, from my novel!"
.
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WOW! I am impressed. I've never heard of John Pielmeier before, but
believe me I sat up and took notice now. We don't get STARZ, but I'm
looking hopefully for it's appearance in Netflix.
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Thanks for pointing out the info about John Pielmeier. His supporting role in PILLARS has stood out to me. His website is interesting: http://johnpielmeier.com/common/11082/default.cfm?clientID=11082
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Rooney Mara (was in Nightmare on Elm St.) will be Lisbeth Salander and Daniel Craig (James Bond) will be Michael Blomkvist in the movie of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo that Hollywood is about to film.
I do not know anything about her, but just looked her up in Google Image, and she does look the part. Now, if she can ACT the part, this will be the role of a Lifetime for her!
He will probably be great in the part.
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Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig are not household words for me, so I really can't comment on those choices. But what I don't understand is why Hollywood feels it necessary to duplicate what the Swedes have already done. They want it less bloody, less sexual? Ha ha. If I were to play the female lead I'd sure be thinking what a tough act to follow.
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I agree with you; in my head forever Lisbeth Salander looks exactly like the Swedish actress who played her.
On the other hand, the Hollywood version will be seen by many many millions more people, so this Rooney Mara will wind up most folks vision of Lisbeth. That is why I hope she is up to filling the jeans & boots. I cannot TELL you how many people I have spoken with who adored the books, yet refuse to see the films already out! The lament most often is: "I don't know the language and I hate subtitles!"
I don't know a word of Swedish, really; though I did find out from the movie that we have a lot of words in common, or nearly so. The thing is, if you have read the books, you know PRECISELY what is going on in every scene, AND the subtitles are quite wonderful.
Bottom line, I was just too curious NOT to see the movies. For the same reason, I will pay my money and see the Hollywood versions, and, again I am just frightfully curious to see what they do with them.
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I admit I hesitate to see the movie, because I understand it's very graphic, and I'm squeamish. But I think I'df rather see that than the Hollywood version.
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There was some conversation about Michener a week or so ago on one of the discussions. Did anybody else watch the PBS Live at Lincoln Center broadcast of the current Broadway revival of South Pacific?
It's an incredible production, and what a treat to see it uncut and without interruption (except for intermission). Be sure to catch it if you can.
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Yes, Mary, I plan to watch South Pacific, and did remember to record it last night!
It might indeed be better than the older movie version!
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JoanK, the movies of The Girl Who are very graphic, but if you have read the books before you see the movies, you know how they end and you know that the good gal (and guy) triumph over the evil ones, which is one reason why, in this age of nasty usually winning, these books are so popular. I think of them in terms of the old Grimm fairy tales. Princess (modern style, mind, with tattoos and piercings), prince, evil out to do them in, but evil is outwitted and the prince and the princess retire to the turreted castle flying pennants on the hilltop (read $25,000,000.00 apartment in Stockholm.)
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Wowee -- today I'm going to the real movies. The Girl Who Played with Fire is in town. I don't know why they never had "Tatoo" but they didn't. The teenagers don't like that kind of film, I guess. Maybe they don't want to read subtitles. (It's hard to read and text at the same time ;) ) Eat, Pray, Love is on at the same time, so I'll offer that up to my friends as an alternative for them. I haven't told them "Fire" would be bloody and sexy. We'll see.
Last night I watched a really terrific Netflix film -- French. I've Loved You So Long (2008) with Kristin Scott Thomas. She's bilingual. Really fantastic. It's about two sisters, the elder (Scott Thomas) has just been released from prison, after serving 15 years for murder, and the other has brought her to her home and family. The format, with so many small scenes that just dissolve into each other is fascinating. The whole thing is so well done. No violence, no sex, just a true exploration of relationships. For Netflix -- 5 stars.
I had't a clue what Scott Thomas had played in before, but two that I'd seen with her were The Horse Whisperer and Tell No One -- a French mystery, based on the book by Harlan Cobden.
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I saw "Eat Pray Love" this past week. Nice entertainment for a summer afternoon. I didn't realize it's based on Elizabeth Gilbreath's memoir; apparently, she really did these things.
Reviewers have praised the photography and the acting - but really panned the movie. They probably don't read "fluff stuff" like Kristen Hannah, Debbie Macomber, etc. :D
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ohhhhhhh, Pedln. Tell No One was a book I could not put down. I hope they play it here (with subtitles, of course).
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Pedln, I will never forget Scott Thomas in THE ENGLISH PATIENT. Wow!
You will love the movie The Girl Who Played With Fire. They changed the end a little bit, but, substance-wise, it does not make all that much difference. Really, no difference. My daughter and I were disappointed they never let her mutter to herself, on the 2 occasions portrayed in the movie where she did it in the book, "Kalle ****ing Blomquist." Debi and I both got a kick out of her doing that, and no, we are NOT potty mouths, but she was a woman-in-love feeling rejected by this man and trying to escape having him in her life; so every time he pops up and comes, as it were, to her rescue, she mutters that until, really, it got to be funny. I think Steig Larsson truly captured what her mind processes would have been, and I think he had a great sense of humor.
I think it is Elizabeth Gilbert's memoire, Eat, Pray, Love. And I have read all of Harlan Coben's books and seen all of the movies made from them so far. Expect there will be more!
Frybabe, TELL NO ONE came out a couple of years ago or more. You will need to rent the DVD or something, as I very much doubt it will be back in the theatres. I loved the book, as well. The movie was extremely well done, but, as always, changed a bit.
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Kristin Scott Thomas is fabulous in almost anything she appears in. Obviously she is very selective of her roles. Mary Page, the English Patient was fantastic! One movie I enjoyed MORE than the book.
And another movie she was in, probably not your type of thing, with Harrison Ford, "Random Hearts". She did a great job in that also, as did Harrison Ford. (Strange not to see him in something that was not an action movie, like Raiders...)
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pedln - I am a Kristin Scott Thomas fan too. I came out of the movie "I've Loved You for So Long" in tears. Very emotional for me as it reflected some events I had experienced. I saw KST recently in "Nowhere Boy" a movie about John Lennon as a boy - before he became famous. KST plays his aunt. She is wonderful in it. But my all-time favourite is "The English Patient" in which she co-starred with my all time favourite man, Ralph Fiennes. I was in Heaven seeing them act together.
Last night I bought a newly purchased video "The Lion in Winter", a movie I had loved as a youngster. Sublime acting by Katherine Hepburn as Eleanor of Aquitane, although I think Peter O'Toole overacted just a wee bit. I had been on the trail of this DVD for a while. It was worth waiting for.
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Coincidence - I think we must all have posted about KST and "The English Patient at the same time. :)
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Kristin Scott Thomas seems to be a universal favourite - she crops up unexpectedly at times. Another film she was in was Four Weddings and a Funeral with Hugh Grant et al. I liked her in English Patient but preferred the book to the film.
Roshanarose - I loved that Lion in Winter too. Didn't think O'Toole overacted though it's been quite a while since I saw it. Hepburn was superb.
Watched Da Vinci Code on TV - what a hoot.
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I read "Eat, Pray, Love" and was curious as to what the movie might be
like. The book I wouldn't call 'fluff'. It was a very personal exploration
by a woman determined to find stable ground for her life. It took her down
some surprising..to me..roads. Not something I really expect Hollywood to
do well, tho' they can when they try.
ROSE, it seems to me Peter O'Toole has always come across as somewhat
larger than life. In some roles that works beautifully; in others it doesn't do as well.
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I think Peter OToole's best role was as Lawrence of Arabia - he was also good in comedy and rather suave in How to Steal a Million with Audrey Hepburn
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Don't forget Lord Jim. I only watched that movie once. At the time, I thought the movie a bit "dark" and I didn't like the ending. Never read the book.
Oh, and Becket.
Having read Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdon, The Mint, and his letters to Robert Graves, I would have to say that O'Toole did a suberb job of getting the essence of the man. It didn't hurt to have a suberb cast, exceptional direction, and that scenery.
I never cared for O'Toole's comedies though.
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Loved "Becket" !!
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Me, too!
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I sat up to way past the witching hour last week to watch again "Anne of the Thousand Days". Genevieve Bujold convinced me that she WAS Anne Boleyn and no other actor since has convinced me otherwise. Richard Burton as Henry was also convincing. Definitely an oldie but a goodie. Now on the trail of "Becket". Magnificent movie.
Somehow our own Eric Bana did not convey Henry VIII's complexity to me, although I enjoyed Natalie Portman as Anne in "The Other Boleyn Girl". I always see Eric kitted out as Hector from "Troy". He was very desirable in that film. I loved the way he wore his hair. Quite authentic, according to the Homeric styles of that age.
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It was Scarlett Johansson who most impressed me in The Other Boleyn Girl.
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I don't recall if I saw 'Beckett', though it's definitely the kind of movie I
would have tried to see. And 'Hector' was my favorite person in 'Troy'.
I hated it when he died; his character was the best of the lot.
I think I'll go see if Netflix has Beckett.
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babi - Eric Bana is the new Anthony Quinn for movies. His colouring and looks mean he can play anything from an Ancient Trojan to an agent for Mossad. His ancestry is actually Croatian / German. He started out on Australian TV as a comedian. He was good at that too. He also played a famous Australian criminal, he put on about 15 kilos for the role and had a permanent five o'clock shadow and tats. He was so convincing. A very versatile actor.
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I saw Eat, Pray and Love this afternoon. I'd read the book (I think) a number of years ago, but honestly don't remember it. I did like the movie, though - Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem...what's not to like?!?
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I love finding a truly versatile actor, ROSE. They are convincing, no matter what they undertake.
Russell Crowe seems to be another who can adapt convincingly to any role.
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Russell Crowe was pretty good as Jack Aubrey in "Master and Commander". Not perfect, but with a book character that has as many devoted fans as that one does, it's impossible to please everyone. It's like trying to play Miss Marple.
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Russell's first big movie role in Australia was as a white supremacist/Nazi lover called Hendo. It is evidently the movie that brought him to the attention of Sharon Stone. He went to Hollywood at her bidding and became a star. The movie I mentioned above is called "Romper Stomper" and Russell's acting ability is more than evident. Warning: if you want to see the movie be prepared for extreme violence and very adult themes. Russell is so convincing it is a bit scary.
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Yes, I remember Romper Stomper - it took me by surprise but I was glad to have seen it - my son was 'gob-smacked' to know we saw it - I think he thought we were a bit too 'young' Crowe was brilliant - but then he
often almost always is and he has a wide range - Jack Aubrey has been mentioned but think of the mathematician John Nash in A Brilliant Mind - then there's the reporter in State of Play - Gladiator Robin Hood and one of his early ones The Sum of Us where he played the gay son of true blue Aussie character played by Jack Thompson.
Just for the record Russell Crowe is only Australian by adoption - he was born in New Zealand. He's football mad and I think he still owns one of the Sydney rugby clubs which he took from down and out (in every way) to near top of the ladder. He did it with psychology and money.
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Gum - In a "Brilliant Mind", Russell is, well, brilliant. It is my favourite movie of his. The football team he bought with financial support from Holmes a Court is the Rabbitohs. I am not a fan of Australian football codes, I much prefer soccer. Gum - I hope your eyes are working better for you.
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I posted this in "the library" site, tho't some of you might like it also:
Steph, you mention our "teen-age reading," the first tho'ts that come to mind EVERY time i think of my teen-age reading was that i got hooked on sev'l fiction books w/ stories around Josephine and Napoleon. I guess because there were a couple of movies about them around that time (50's).
In fact, much of my reading came to books i read after seeing a movie - Battle Cry, Caine Mutiny, Man With the Golden Arm, some Mitchner books, and then of course, i would read other books by the same authors - Marjorie Morningstar and other Herman Woulk books, Frank Yerby books, Irving Stone books, Costain, John O'Hara (from the terrace - another great Paul Newman drama), etc. etc......there seem to be far fewer movies produced from popular fiction these days - or am i just not paying attention as closely? ...............jean
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Mistake alert: Sorry all. In my last post I meant "Beautiful Mind".
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Roshanarose That's OK - we knew what you meant.
Thanks for asking about my eye problem. It's improving but treatment is to continue for several more weeks. My ophthalmology guy and I are joined at the hip for the present.
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Just been reading thru these --don't often because I find peoples' opinions are SO individual that unless you know the person what they think means nothing in terms of what you might think--same goes for all these individual reviews for anything from cars to hairspray on the internet. ANYWAY, case in point....I agree Peter O'Toole pretty much always overacts ( but SO handsome when young) but so does Katherine Hepburn!! Can't watch the woman as I always feel she's such a phoney, sends shivers up my spine. Yet, obviously so many people think she's great.
I agree about the Swedish movie of Girl with the dragon tattoo--good movie. Am very slowly reading book 2, trying to savour it and not finish too soon--difficult, but I reward myself with a chapter (or so) a day....nuts....
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The movie "The Time Traveler's Wife" is on HBO tonight - 7:00 - 9:00 Central Daylight Time.
I've read the book and will be interested in seeing how the movie handles the "back and forthing" of the book plot.
Last night, I watched "The Heiress" with Olivia deHaviland and Montgomery Clift. I'm sure I've seen it before but this time, I was truly aware of how she even changed the pitch of her voice after M.C. deserted her. Very fine acting, IMO. No wonder she won an Academy Award.
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I hope you and your opthalmology guy are compatible, GUM. 8)
I can't agree about Katherine Hepburn, DANA. I can't think of a single
instance of what I would consider overacting. Are you aware she suffered
from Parkinson's during the last years of her career? It caused her
movements to be tremulous, and she wore high collars to conceal her
neck support, but she continued to act. I thought she was terrific.
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THE HEIRESS was one of my all-time favorite films.
I never cared much for Kathryn Hepburn's films. The only one I liked was AFRICAN QUEEN.
Marj
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Did either of you see the Katherine Hepburn-Spencer Tracy films? I don't
think I missed a one. They are classics.
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Upon reacquainting myself with Katherine Hepburn in "The Lion in Winter" what stood out for me with her acting was her eyes. Her skin so luminous, her eyes reflecting hatred and passion in equal measure during her dialogues with Henry. One moment her eyes were those of a panther ready to pounce and devour; the next her eyes were those of a smitten maiden as she remembered her love and lust for Henry. I had seen The Lion in Winter when I was relatively young and inexperienced. As an older woman I could appreciate her courage, her passion and ultimately her helplessness in the role of Eleanor of Aquitane. Not easily forgotten.
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I very much enjoyed all of the Heburn-Tracy films. I think that they were equally matched in all respects.
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Oh, I forgot how good Hepburn was in Lion in Winter. I just didn't care much for her comedies including the ones with Spencer Tracy. I preferrered both of them in dramas. About the only Tracy film I liked was Judment at Nuremberg.
Guess my taste in comedy was more the Marx Brothers kind, and later, Woody Allen. Tried to think of some of the other older comedies I really liked and could only think of Born Yesterday, Young Frankenstein, Dr. Strangelove, and Blazing Saddles. I didn't care for Charlie Chaplan but liked Jack Benny's films.
Oh well, be a boring world, as they say, if everyone like the same stuff.
Saw the last hour of the Emmy Awards. The only program I'd seen that won an award was Mad Men.
Marj
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I think the Hepburn Tracy comedies show their age these days. Spencer was always Spencer but I did like them in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and Tracy was brilliant in Inherit the Wind with Frederic March - another of my favourite all time actors
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I am glad that someone mentioned the Emmys of last night. I think that I have not seen a single one that won. Seems like HBO puts on the best,and I am not registered for HBO. I thought the emcee was, to say the least, NOT entertaining. Your opinions, please.
JOY
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Did Hepburn have Parkinsons? I saw an interview with her when she was older. Her head was shaking badly. The interviewer was staring at her, but didn't say anything. She looked at him and said "Don't worry: it's not going to fall off."
She went on to say that it wasn't Parkinsons. I don't know if that's true or not.
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The only regular show that I EVER watch is THE CLOSER on TNT. At least, I think it is TNT. I am not very good at all these initials, and do not keep my TV Guide here in my den/computer room.
I am nutz about Kyra Sedgewick, which is why I started watching THE CLOSER 5 years ago, and got hooked on the fun & crazy murders. For those who do not know, Kyra, one of Hollywood's most underrated yet best actresses, married to Kevin Baker, and who looks like she could be related to Julia Roberts, whose sister she played once in a regular film, plays the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department Major Crimes (i.e. murders) Unit, and she is famous for managing to "close" every case, thus the name she has earned: "The Closer." It is a highly addictive series, and I have watched every episode and purchased every season on DVD so as to see them again and again.
Well, I was watching Masterpiece Murder Theatre on PBS last night, a Lewis murder with great actors in it, when the phone next to my easy chair rang and I was really annoyed. Saw it was my Missouri daughter, so picked it up. She knew exactly where I would be on my telly, so she ever so quickly raced through: "Kyra Sedgewick just won an Emmy for The Closer." So I switched over just long enough to hear her acceptance speech and then back to my own show.
If you have, indeed, never seen THE CLOSER, you have missed a lot of fun.
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Kyra is married to Kevin Bacon.
If any of you have never seen "Temple Grandin", do try to find it on Netflix. I watched it on HBO, and the two female leads deserved their awards.
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I watch "The Closer" every week. I'm glad she won an Emmy!
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Joyous said, "I think that I have not seen a single one that won. Seems like HBO puts on the best,and I am not registered for HBO. I thought the emcee was, to say the least, NOT entertaining. Your opinions, please."
I didn't watch long enough to have an opinion on the emcee. Those shows are usually pretty boring, especially since I don't watch much TV. I just read the newspaper to find the winners.
But you can get all the shows on Netflix. I have a couple I want to get -- All Pacino in "You Don't Know Jack" (about Jack Kevorkian), The Closer, Breaking Bad, and Hamlet. I do watch Mad Men -- fascinated with it. My one and only crime show I watch and really like didn't even get nominated -- NCIS-- I love the subtle humor, and the acting is really good, especially David McCallum who plays the medical examiner and starred in "The Man from Uncle" series in 1964..he's an old man now (my age).
Marj
Marj
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JoanK, it's not Parkinson's. I saw an article recently (Dr. Gott) -- I think it's called tremor something. Two people from my church have it or something similar. One, a woman, her head shakes frequently. The other, a man, it's only in his hands. But you should see him carry two cups of coffee, not spilling a drop. Unbelievable.
MaryPage, where in Missouri does your daughter live?
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Tomereader, I too watched the film about Temple Grandin and thought it was amazing. See more about Temple at http://www.templegrandin.com/
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
You and my son would have a great time talking movies, MARJ. He is a
Monty Python fan, too, and has a great deal of the dialogue from those
movies memorized. I don't care much for them myself. I guess I like my
humor a bit more subtle. As for David McCallum, I've always loved him!
JOAN, I don't believe Hepburn talked about her illness or ever said just
what it was. She was a very private woman. The general consensus, based on her visible symptoms, was that it was Parkinsons.
Thanks for the tip, MARYPAGE. TV is rather slow this time of year; I'd
be glad to find another interesting show to watch.
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Kevin Bacon it is! My Bad!
My Missouri daughter lives in Kansas City. Actually, her mailing address is to Platte City, which is a suburb of KC. She teaches in what I believe is called the Park City school system; again, a suburb of KC. I get very confused. One of her daughters lives in North Kansas City, according to the Post Office, and one lives in St. Louis.
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Oh dear, I think I need to go to remedial actor class. There are so many actors/actresses mentioned here that I don't know. Now Russell Crowe I recognize the name, but wouldn't know him if I saw him on the street. David McWho? Kevin Bacon?
Now if you said Anthony Hopkins . . . . or Anne Bancroft . . . The other night I was checking to see if my DVD player was working okay, and just stuck in 84 Charing Cross Rd to test it. Hadn't seen it in years, but got so caught up in it I just had to watch the whole thing -- at 10 pm, which I never do. Soooo good. That's one DVD I'm glad I bought.
And one I'm glad I didn't buy -- just rented from Netflix -- Brooklyn's Finest. Horrible film, very bloody, language, nudity +, I don't know why I watched the whole thing. Not even a good plot.
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pedln, you've hit one of my very favorites! 84 Charing Cross Road. I own it, too. That was the first book I looked for when I got my Kindle, but it's not there yet.
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Ann Bancroft! i watched The Graduate last night - how much we all have changed and, of course, dear Ann is deceased. What a funny movie...........was it a book? .................jean
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The Graduate was based on a book by Charles Webb who has led quite an interesting life. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Webb_%28author%29
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Thanks again Marcie - i just thanked you for the medieval clothing site in "The Library" - ...........you're my reference librarian today...........lol....
If this is accurate, it is Wikipedia where anyone can post anything, i have to back off of some of my family members who i think are eccentric, these two/three have them beat by miles.
He declined an inheritance from his father, a wealthy doctor [1].
As of 2006, Webb has been with his long-term partner Eve for more than 40 years. Eve shaves her head and calls herself "Fred" in solidarity with a Californian support group called Fred, for men who have low self-esteem [2]. Fred is an artist and her work includes illustrations for Webb's 2002 novel New Cardiff. The couple have two sons, one of whom is now a performance artist who once cooked and ate a copy of The Graduate with cranberry sauce [3].
The Webbs removed their children from school so that they could tutor them at home. This was an illegal act in California at the time, and to evade the authorities they fled the state; at one point they managed a nudist camp in New Jersey. They also divorced - accounts vary as to why (it was not due to personal differences), either in protest against the institution of marriage [4] or against the US's lack of marriage rights for gays [5]. They sold their wedding presents back to their guests and having given away four houses in succession lived on the breadline, taking menial jobs as cleaners, cooks and fruit-pickers, working at K-Mart and living in a shack [6]. They currently live in Hove, East Sussex.
..jean
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You are very welcome. I am often intrigued by other participants' questions and want to find the answer for myself too :-)
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I was modifying my response while you were posting - sorry i missed that............jean
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:-)
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Sounds like they marched to different drummers.
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Sounds to me like they would have refused to march to their own
drummers. :o
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I just loved the movie The Graduate. I remember seeing it in the theater about 7 or 8 times after it first came out. I took my girlfriends, my boyfriend, and my two young sons to see it. After seeing it, my son, about 11 years old, said "He (Dustin Hoffman's character) is just like me." I remember thinking,"Uh oh, what have I done?" Then he said, "He asks lots of questions just like me." Great movie.
Marj
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I'm not a horror movie fan and I usually find so-called frightening movies boring. However, I recently saw The Last Exorcism, having chose it because it happened to fit my schedule on that particular afternoon and a sparsely attended movie in an air conditioned theater was very appealing. This is a well made movie with a believable plot that I found disturbing and frightening because I could foresee these events occurring. The setting is the backwoods of Louisiana, near Baton Rouge, If you've seen it or plan to, please comment. The title alone would usually turn me off but this movie was exceptional.
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JimNT, you're making a good case for my seeing it. If I do, I'll comment.
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I don't think it was a book, but if you get a chance, go see "Get Low". We've just gotten home from the theater, and it's terrific. Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek, Gerald McRaney, Lucas Black, Bill Cobb.
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JimNt: I will certainly have to look up that movie as I live in Louisiana---Baton Rouge-----and never heard of it.
JOY
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Jim : I read about that movie just yesterday in the New York Times online. It got a good review and I am looking forward to seeing it. One of the most interesting "horror" movies I have seen recently is "Let The Right One In", book is good too.
It might seem a bit odd that someone living in Australia should read NYT online, but when I was in NYC some years ago I bought the paper to read and loved the quality of the journalism. Much better than here. Later today we should finally know who our Prime Minister is to be. The final decision is up to three Independents.
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What is "Get Low" about, MARY? I've heard nothing about it. The cast
certainly rates attention.
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Babi, it's based on a legend/real story about an old hermit in the 1930s in TN who wants to have his funeral before he dies, so he can hear what people have been saying about him. Here's the link to IMDb..
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1194263/
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One up for the girls! Australia has its first female Prime Minister. I am happy.
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I've heard that, MARY, but always assumed it was just a story or joke.
Good luck to your new prime minister, ROSE. She's won a tough job.
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True Babi! She is cool under pressure and can out argue the boys in the Senate, no problem. A little bit of skullduggery (a polite term for backstabbing) preceded her becoming PM. The plot could have come straight out of Suetonius and the Julio-Claudians.
A bit like Mrs Thatcher who was always charming and graceful under pressure (splutter, splutter) Ms Gillard is quite the lady, and even took elocution lessons in order to rid herself of her VERY Strine accent. Of course, Gumtree, and I have impeccable diction.
Pedln - I love Anthony Hopkins too. Love his icy eyes and his, guess what, diction. Did you or anyone else see "The Oldest Indian"? Anthony was just gorgeous in it.
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:Roshanarose: I'd like our new PM a lot better if she were on the other side of politics. She's totally ruthless - the backstabbing of Rudd was truly foul play.
I have to say that my diction is fine - and too bad if there is an Aussie twang - I'm an Aussie!
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I stumbled upon "The Oldest Indian" by accident. It was a great movie and I don't know why it is not better known!
Sally
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I love the Aussie twang, GUM! Love the English accent, too. I think
regional accents add to the 'flavor' of a conversation. The only one
I find hard to bear is a high-keyed, nasal voice. It tends to scrape
the nerves.
I'll have to look up "The Oldest Indian" on Netflix. Sounds good.
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I think it is The World's FASTEST Indian. I just looked it up. It sounds interesting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World%27s_Fastest_Indian
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I'm not sure what it's called but its a good film and Anthony Hopkins does the part well. DH has the book somewhere around but I didn't read it.
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While looking up "The World's Fastest Indian" on Netflix I discovered that Anthony Hopkins had made the movie of one of my favorite books, "84 Charing Cross Road". Anne Bancroft and Judi Dench are in the movie, also. I don't think you can find a better cast than that so I'm excited to have it get here as quickly as possible. Bless whoever dreamed up Netflix!
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Phyll, as I've said before, 84 Charing Cross Road is one of my very favorites - book and movie.
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Gum - Don't worry mate, I'm proud to be an Australian too.
Freudian slip or something - perhaps I was getting it mixed up with the rock opera "The Oldest (and Silliest) Australian" with yours truly as the star.
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Well, I couldn't find "The World's Oldest Indian", so maybe I'll have better luck with the fastest
Indian. :)
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"Of course, Gumtree, and I have impeccable diction.
I'd like to hear you -- I've never known anyone with impeccable diction.
I saw the "Indian" movie and loved it. Especially the extra material that interviewed the NZ townspeople. I cant remember the name either, but I know I got it from Netflix, so they have it. If I could remember the name of the online site that tells you everything about actors, I would say look up "Anthony Hopkins" on it.
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It's Internet Movie Data Base,
http://www.imdb.com/ (http://www.imdb.com/)
and you could surely find it there.
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JoanK - Of course I was using my odd sense of humour and irony when discussing "impeccable diction". Mine certainly isn't, and I don't really know if Gum has impeccable diction either. Probably the most "impeccable diction" i have ever heard was from a fondly remembered colleague, David, who was an ex Oxford Don and who had had J.R.R. Tolkien as a lecturer. Listening to his voice was a most pleasurable experience. David was a true gentleman, a rare breed indeed. One day I will post in the Poetry discussion a poem he wrote for me.
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Wow! Tolkien as a lecturer. But I bet your friend didn't get his diction from Tolkien. Apparently J. R. R. T. used to lecture with his pipe firmly clamped between his teeth, and was barely intelligible.
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David loved him. Said he did smell of pipe smoke though.
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I would have loved him too. He was a remarkable man. His translations are world class, and his feeling for the power of myth and how to use it to make a compelling story make The Lord of the Rings superb.
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Ditto to PatH - Tolkien was one of a kind. Interesting about the diction - wasn't Tolkien raised in South Africa - born there anyway - so Tolkien's speech would possibly have had an influence from there.
I doubt I've ever heard 'impeccable' diction but occasionally there's a voice one admires.
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I thought Winston Churchill, Everett Dirkson, Barbara Jordan and Richard Burton all did a very good job of impeccable diction. There was one whose voice used to appear on the radio, as well, and I adored his way with words but, most unfairly, have forgotten his name. Lowell Thomas was not bad at all.
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I found it when I substituted 'fastest' for 'oldest', JOANK. It's on
my queue. Thanks for the hint about the NZ interviews. I've never watched those and would have skipped them if you hadn't spoken up.
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Barbara Jordan will always take first prize, as far as I am concerned. I loved hearing her speak in that well modulated, precise manner. Absolutely no way to miss-hear what she was saying!
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So true! So true!
I had her pegged back in, oh, was it 1973? To be the first female president of these United States!
Then she went and got, what? Muscular Dytrophy? MS? Something that put her in a wheel chair and out of politics. Our loss!
Well, not to mention hers.
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I googled and it was MS, MaryPage. Also, learned that her Keynote speech to the Democratic Convention in 1976 ranks 5th on the list of Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th century. That doesn't surprise me.
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Does thinking someone has impeccable diction depend on what part of the country/world you AND the other person come from? Do the British think any Americans have impeccable diction? G :D..........Jean
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She's not quite out of politics -- she's still in the Senate. Although I moved from Maryland four years ago, I still get campaign literature from her.
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Good question.
Barbara Jordan was from Texas, was never in the Senate of the United States, though she was in the Texas Senate. She died in 1998.
Perhaps you are thinking of Barbara Mikulski of Maryland. Now she IS in the United States Senate. She is no orator, but she is quite feisty and full of refreshing candor.
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Am I thinking of someone else???
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She was in the House of Representatives as a Congressman from Texas. She died in 2008. If she is still sending out literature, JoanK, she was even more powerful than I realized. ;D
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What is the name of the Maryland Congresswoman? Major Senior moment.
OK. I'm thinking of Barbara Mikulski, a Maryland Senator. My bad.
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Barbara Mikulski is the Senior Senator from the Freestate of Maryland in the United States Senate.
Jordan died in 1998. I Googled it.
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Barbara Mikulski is the Senior Senator from the Freestate of Maryland in the United States Senate.
Jordan died in 1998. I Googled it.
I looked again. We were both wrong. She died in 1996. But, what does it matter when? America lost a great citizen and a great voice when she left us.
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I absolutely agree!
And hey, I went back and looked to see how I could have been so mistaken. It was my eyesight. The 6 in 1996 looked like an 8 to my failing eyes!
Ain't being old a hoot!
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As Bette Davis said, "It ain't for sissies!" lol
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"Ain't being old a hoot!" HOOT, HOOT!
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I just read that the film actor, Kevin McCarthy, died at age 96. He was that good looking main character in the 1956 film, Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I put one of his last films on my Netflix queue--WESLEY (2009). It sounds very interesting, a film about John Wesley, the clergyman whose embrace of progressive social causes -- including the abolition of slavery -- had a profound impact on British society in the 1700s, igniting the Methodist movement. McCarthy has a small role as a Bishop Ryder. The movie gets a good rating at IMDB, 7.8/10.
Marj
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Does thinking someone has impeccable diction depend on what part of the country/world you AND the other person come from? Do the British think any Americans have impeccable diction? G :D..........Jean
That is an excellent question, Jean, and raises a whole host of possibilities. I guess impeccable diction is what is the easiest on one's ears. For me, at least, it doesn't have a lot to do with class, but perhaps choice of words and thought about those words is also part of it. We had an ex PM, Bob Hawke, who had a very Strine accent, yet he was exceptionally intelligent.
Australia does not have the variety of accents that the UK and US have, nor does it have class distinction to the extent of the UK. Here, for me it is easier to pick vocabulary differences, e.g. there are several different vocab differences between states for swimsuits such as cossies, togs, bathers, speedos (a particularly interesting expression and cause of much jollity between Aussies) swimmingtogs, swimmers and I have no doubt there are more. But although Kiwis (New Zealanders) have a very similar accent to ours, there are subtle differences that maybe only Australians can pick up. The poor Kiwis are teased unmercifully about these little differences. They say "six" for "sex", pin for pen and so on. I had a Kiwi friend who was always teased about her pins and sixes and she complained to me one day about how it was for her being surrounded by people "who ALL talked funny".
The down to earth linguists say enjoy and be proud of your accent, the purists say it doesn't matter what your accent is as long as you can be understood. You can see this leading into the argument that some foreign accents sound better to our ears than others, French for example. (see recognition below).
The UK also has a different regional accent for about every 3km travelled. I spoke to a relative from Mercia (Midlands)one night and I thought he was "putting on" his accent just for me. He sounded so different. It is said that the Cockney accent had the most influence on Aussie English because of Australia being a penal settlement and that most of the convicts came from the East End of London. Although, of course, I love "impeccable diction" I am no slave to it, and my accent is most certainly Australian. Just for the record my favourite accent in the US is Southern; and my favourite accent in the UK is Scottish followed closely by Irish (not UK). I think this is probably because I can recognise them. Most US accents sound the same to me, except for Texan maybe (Thanks Mr Bush). Irish and Canadian sound very similar to my ear. I could go on.... Can any of our US friends distinguish between regional accents and vocabulary?
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Roshannarose,
I can usually pick out the different U.S. regional accents. I am from TX and can usually tell E.TX from W.TX. I, too, find the southern accents most pleasant to my ear. There are definite differences between Boston & N.Y. It's sometimes hard to distinguish between Calif. and Florida. Tennessee & TX sound a lot a like--probably because most Texas originated there. Some of the English accents sound like a foreign language to me!
Sally
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Thanks for mentioning the movie about John Wesley, MARJ. I have a good biography of him. Didn't know there was movie at all, at all.
"Most US accents sound the same to me, except for Texan maybe.."
Rose, I think you must not have heard a native of New Jersey speaking,
or Georgia, or Brooklyn. It is entirely possible, tho', in this age
of mass television, the more distinctive accents perhaps are being
eroded away.
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We Tennessean/Texans probably have a hard time being understood ;) (grew up in Texas, lived the last 48 years in Tennessee). I love regional accents, too. I was born in St. Louis, and though we moved to TX when I was 7, I can recognize a SL accent usually. I definitely agree with a definite East TX accent (my parents and grandparents from NE TX, others along the Rio Grande). My favorite US accent, I guess, is what we have called "educated Southern).
We noticed the differences between NZ and Aussie accents when we were there. We thought it was interesting that the Kiwis and Aussies frequently couldn't tell if we were from the US or from Canada.
I think it's a shame that we (in the US, at least) seem to be losing regional accent. More and more of us just have "TV accents". (Babi, you got here just before I did, and mentioned the same thing.)
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I was often asked in Scotland if I was from the States or Canada. When I asked, people said that those from the U.S. had a harsher accent that most Canadians. I grew up in Kansas and though I have lived in many parts of the U.S. and picked up many regional speech mannerisms, I still have that mid-Western twang.
I like your term "educated Southern", Maryz. Here in NC it is a strong contrast between that and rural Southern.
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"Can any of our US friends distinguish between regional accents and vocabulary?"
I once lived in Brooklyn, briefly, and a friend from Virginia came to visit me. I introduced her to a Brooklyn neighbor, and they literally couldn't understand each other. I had to translate! But that is the most extreme difference I've encountered.
I once met a man at a party who claimed he could tell where anyone in America was born. He succeeded with everyone but me. He picked up the Ohio accent from my parents, but I've never lived in Ohio. I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. which apparently has no regional accent.
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I just received in the mail my very own hard-cover copy of 84 Charing Cross Road - which I promptly sat down and read. This is an edition that has an introduction by Anne Bancroft. She relates the story of how she happened to play the part.
She was sitting on the beach at Fire Island, and a total stranger stopped and told he'd just read something that would be a perfect part for her. She was at the same place the next day, and the same person handed her the book. Of course, she was enchanted with it. Later, her husband (Mel Brooks) with some of his Hollywood friends acquired the movie rights and gave it to her as a surprise Christmas present.
Isn't that a great story!
Now I need to drag out the DVD and watch the movie again.
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The movie is on its way to me, Mary, and will be here tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it.
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maryz, that is a great story. I've now got 84 CHARING CROSS on my TBR list.
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I loved the film Charing Cross Road. Thank I'll get it and rewatch it.
Just watched a very good noir thriller -- THE BIG CLOCK (1948). Great plot and very good acting from a great cast -- Ray Milland, Charles Laughton, Elsa Lanchester, Maureen O'Sullivan. Available at Netflex.
This was remade in 1987 as NO WAY OUT with Gene Hackman and Kevin Costner -- plot a bit different, but same suspenseful situation.
Marj
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Anything with that cast should be good!
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I loved 84 Charing Cross Road. Well, I mean, how could I not! But, I didn't even recognize Judi Dench when she first appeared on screen. Different hair color, different hair style, different kind of part for her. And, gosh, how times have changed. I found myself worrying that Ann Bancroft was smoking so much. I was forgetting the time period....did we really smoke that much all the time back then? Goodness!
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84 Charing Cross Road - great film - you've talked me into taking another look at it. I'll put in on my queue right now.
Last night we watched Mystic River for the first time. Compelling viewing even though I missed some dialogue here and there due mainly to the realism Eastwood was perhaps trying to convey. Hard on folk who are not truly attuned to all American accents. The film has a lot to say - some of it tragic. I think I'm still digesting parts. Apart from the indistinct speech, my only real criticism was that there seemed to be no comic relief throughout or maybe I missed that nuance.
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We think the Aussies say Feesh and Cheeps for Fish and Chips. To us an Australian accent is totally different from ours. It cracks me up when narrators on Audio books speak in either an Australian accent or a South African accent when trying to portray a New Zealander in the book. They more often sound like South Africans actually.
Carolyn
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Kiwilady Yep, you're right - Aussie and NZ accents are very different. To us, the NZ is more akin to the South African and sometimes it will take me a minute or two to work out which one I'm hearing. In any case, viva la difference
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How about that. I'd didn't know the accents were very different, but then I don't think I've ever talked to an New Zealander. As far as South African and Australian, sometimes I have to listen carefully. It isn't always easy to tell.
Speaking of - there is a South African student in my class. He sounds more English than South African. We all mistook him for English. I must here report a sad state of affairs. Mind you, these are college students. When he said he was from South Africa, more than one of the students wanted to know which country in South Africa he was from. :o
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I've had both Australian and New Zealander friends in the lab, but not simultaneously, and I would hate to be tested on the accents.
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I have two lovely South African ladies as friends. One, Babs, used to help me out as a tutor in the computer class I used to teach. The other, Caroline, was a teaching colleague. Babs left SA because she and her husband had divorced, and she had two teenage daughters and often felt unsafe. She told me that she realised that she had to leave SA when she checked to make sure her hand gun was in the glovebox. Babs actually called it a "revolver". Handgun and Babs do not go together at all. Anyway, Babs has a beautiful lilting English accent, and could not easily be picked as anything other than English. Caroline, on the other hand, has a slightly discernible accent. She jokingly corrects my choice of words. For example, I am most definitely not allowed to use the word "toilet", I must say "lavatory". And when preparing a cup of tea it is (according to Caroline) absolutely "not on" to pour milk into the cup first. She is such a darling, but lives a fair distance from me and we rarely meet. When we do we tease each other unmercifully about being Australian and South African.
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Ah, we all have our euphemisms. We don't say toilet here (Texas) either, but rest room or 'ladies room' in public. Of course if we're at home we don't say anything, just get up and
go. If there are visitors, a polite 'excuse me' is all that's needed.
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Does anyone besides me remember when Jack Parr got thrown off his network late night show (he preceded Johnny Carson) for a couple of weeks as punishment for mentioning "W.C." on the show?
W.C. stands for "water closet" in Great Britain, which is a toilet. Just about everyone (I never yet have run into anyone who remembers it who felt differently) was amazed the network, NBC I think it was, penalized him in such a harsh way. Me, I never understood them getting upset AT ALL!
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Yes, I remember. Ithink it was a joke about a wc that was the problem, although still seems over top, but we are judging from 50 yrs later.......jean
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Boy, you sure have to do a lot more than that to get thrown off the air now! ;)
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Perhaps I am not recalling it correctly but I don't think Parr was thrown off. I believe they censored his WC joke...that angered him and he walked off. I'm trying to google and find out what is the correct story.
EDIT: According to several Google sources that was it....he walked off because NBC censored his wc joke. I remember thinking it was all kind of silly. Parr was inclined to get overly emotional from time to time...even occasionally cry about something or other. He wasn't really one of my favorites.
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I loved to listen to Jack Parr. He had the most interesting guests of any of the talk show hosts, i.e. President Nixon playing the piano. You never knew what was going to happen on his show. Another talk show host I loved was Dick Cavett who was also a great conversationalist and had the most interesting people as guests, many of them authors. Nowadays, all most of the talk show hosts have as guests are so-called celebrities, usually big chested blondes you never heard of who can't talk about anything but their own boring selves.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I often use "loo", I can only figure it comes from "Waterloo". :)
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That's a good point. I have no idea where it came from.
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Good memory, Phyll, as soon as I read what you said I knew that was right, he walked off. Yes, those were interesting conversations and interesting guests on both Parr and Cavett. Guests were not just on to promote a movie or a book, and I think the conversations were not so scripted as many of them are today. Craig Fergueson comes the closest to Parr, although he is a comic and must be funny. Parr's genius was that he was the straight-man, not the comic during the conversations.......Jean
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I do agree with you about Dick Cavett. He was an intelligent gentleman and was able to carry on an intelligent conversation with interesting guests. I don't watch talk shows any more for the very reasons you mentioned, Marj.
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I totally agree about both Cavett and Parr. Yes, Parr was quite emotional, but he was one of the best interviewers I have ever heard/seen. And I really do think their shows attempted to bring us real entertainment and a chance to get to know important and interesting people. Today, the talk show people seem to want to sell us their own ideas about what we should know and who we should hear from.
Wasn't it also on the Jack Parr Show that we first saw and heard Carole Burnett? I remember her singing a song at the top of her wonderful lungs that she had written herself called: "I'm In Love With John Foster Dulles." As I recall, it was such a huge hit that the Secretary of State let the network know (The Washington Post had printed the story with the lyrics) he had missed it and wished he hadn't, so they brought her back again to repeat her big success at a time when he would be watching.
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I think Carol Burnett's first tv appearance was on the Gary Moore Show. She may have had an appearance on Parr before that, but having read a lot of biography about her I think she was called to NYC to appear on the Moore show.......Jean
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Looking on line for something about it, I found this in an extremely long piece about Jack Parr.
"Paar helped launch the careers of such performers as Carol Burnett, Woody Allen and Liza Minnelli, but his guests weren’t limited to the glitterati. He discussed religion with Billy Graham, visited with Albert Schweitzer in Africa, and talked politics with Richard Nixon, all before the transfixed eyes of the American television audience. He was an engaging and sentimental personality, who gained the immediate appreciation of his audience and his guests. Of him, Bill Cosby said, “I found him to be a very, very wonderful man, and intellectually funny — able to take a moment, realize it, and say something that was absolutely brilliant. He wouldn’t want to ‘play anybody cheap.’ He’s wanted to get the best out of each and every performer.”
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Here is another snippet from another site. I think Garry Moore came later in her career.
"Burnett bounced back with a parody pop song, "I Made a Fool of Myself Over John Foster Dulles," confessing her love for the utterly unsexy, 68-year-old Secretary of State who is now best remembered as the namesake for Dulles Airport outside Washington DC. The song became a minor pop hit after Burnett sang it on Jack Paar's Tonight Show in 1957.
"
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I loved watching Jack Parr - when Dad would let me stay up that late. My favorite guest was Malcolm Muggeridge. He also let me stay up to see Ernie Kovacs on occasion. I also liked Dick Cavett, and was disappointed when his show was cancelled.
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Carol Burnett -- Is she still active? I think the film I liked her best in was Pete and Tillie, with Walter Mathou.
Jack Parr -- is he the one who got into a bruhaha with Drew Pearson? Or am I mixing him up with someone else. At any rate, I never watched him much, too late at night for me.
In New York with SeniorLearn I had a chance to watch a big screen film with Joan Roberts and her daughter Meg -- French, with English subtitles -- Change of Plans, about the interacting lives of guests at a dinner party. It's one I'd like to see again, just to clear up some things, but, wonder of wonders, it does not appear in the Netflix database.
But here's one that does, but since it's opening sometime this fall, who knows when the DVD will be out. Remember the Scooter Libbly leak to Robert Novak, about CIA agent Valerie Plame? All because some folks were unhappy with her husband? With Naomi Watts and Sean Penn --
Fair Game (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/26/fashion/26Plame.html)
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Am dying to see that movie.
I own Ambassador Joseph Wilson's "The Politics of Truth," but I do not think I have Valerie Plame's book. Sigh! Too many books, too little time. Would that I owned Lisbeth Salander's photographic memory and ability to speed read!
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But not the rest of her character?
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Her intelligence and her loyalty. Otherwise, (shudder), nothing.
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Uh, who is Lisbeth Salander? Sounds like I ought to know already.
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The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
The Girl Who Played With Fire
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest
The girl who is paying the wages of all the book store clerks these days, has featured in 3 great Swedish movies and is about to feature in 3 Hollywood films, and the girl we will never hear from again as her creator died before he even held a single published volume in his hands.
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Ah, that explains why I don't know her. I didn't care for the one Wallender film I started watching, and the descriptions of his books told me they weren't the kind of thing I enjoy.
I don't doubt the man is a good writer since so many of you have said so, but I'd rather pass
on this lot.
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I think the main reason, and it is an emotional reaction, I admit, but the main reason I am so enthusiastic about Steig Larsson's books featuring Lisbeth Salander is that he really got it. He really dug how insidious the little mannerisms of men in daily life that indicate their mental dismissiveness of women having any significance, not to mention that awful slope we continually toil during our lifetimes while learning, either through ghastly first-hand experience, or by way of heartbreak recounted by our sisterhood, or through the media, about the myriad young women snared by the sex trade traffic all over this globe or murdered by their fathers, brothers, husbands, pimps or boyfriends. I have sobbed and sobbed reading about the young brides in India who are burned to death so their inlaws can obtain another bride and yet another dowry, and over women in Central Asia and the Middle East who are killed by their own families because they have been raped or have even given the appearance of having dishonored the family in some way. The baby girls smothered at birth, thrown out, exposed to the elements. Life is often cruel and unfair, but the bias against the sex I was born one of stuns me.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the Larsson trilogy and it seems we have beaten the novels to death. I did not get the least hint of some message re the biases of the sexes, rather merely good vs evil in some well written page turners. Anyway, on the light side, I saw Tuck Everlasting last eve and strongly suggest you consider it for an evening of light hearted, sentimental relaxation. Would you drink of the spring? I need to ponder that a bit.
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I read "Tuck Everlasting" some time ago, JIM. I gave it some thought and decided 'No; I would
not drink of the spring, but live my life'.
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Babi: My sentiments precisely. Earthly life is good, but it ain't a bowl of cherries.
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Life can be very hard, JIM, but isn't it good to enjoy the cherries along the way?
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Babi: Indeed it is.
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Tuck Everlasting sounds like it might be a good antidote (?) after watching two of the Larsson films -- have not yet read the books.
When in New York a few weeks ago I came across a pullout section in the NY Times listing all the movies coming out this fall. I wanted to save it, but it got in daughter's recycling pile before I realized. Now, of course, I can't find it on line. Has anyone seen it? Or, have you seen any of the new films that are just coming out?
How about documentaries -- have any of you seen any of the new ones that are being talked about. I really wanted to see Waiting for Superman, after hearing so much about it during NBC's weeklong discussion about education. For some reason, I thought it would be on television. Now I guess I'll wait for the DVD. Another one, big NYT review today -- Inside Job -- all about the 2008 financial meltdown, narrated by Matt Damon.
From what I understand, the latter is less biased than the former.
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I really don't know whether or not my ophthalmologist is exceptionally qualified or merely a "run of the mill" doctor but I don't care. He's an avid reader and we discuss books of all kinds while his waiting room fills with anxious patients. Last week he recommended "Cutting for Stone: A Novel" by Abraham Verghese and explained that it concerned the need for a more personal doctor-patient relationship in the medical profession. He was rather enthusiastic about the book so I immediately ordered it from Amazon. It's due in shortly. If you've read this book, please give me your comments. I'll read it anyway but I value the comments of other readers.
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Gosh, Jim, like minds. I'm glad to hear your doctor's comments. I don't remember who recommended this to me or where or if I read the review of Cutting for Stone, but just this week I downloaded it to my Kindle. I've got too many "must reads" on the docket right now, so it will be a while before I get to it, but I'm looking foward to it.
I watched two movies this week, both enjoyable, light feel good Netflix 4 stars --
City Island with Andy Garcia and Julie Margulies (and I didn't recognize her :( )
With my youngest now living in Brooklyn I'm always eager to watch just about anything with a New York skyline. Have flown over City Island the last two trips to NY.
It's Complicated with Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep. Streep is so alive and bubbly, you can't help but be caught up in it.
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Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese was terrific! There are some violent sections, but all in all it's one of the best novels I've read in the last few months! (and I zoom through maybe 12 novels a month).
My only question is why are we mentioning this here? Is there a movie connection? Should we post some of this in the Library? merely asking.
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I just saw the movie The Social Network. Really interesting story of the young man who started Facebook. The acting was great altho' there was not one character I liked in the movie, but it was so fascinating to watch and see what happened. Now I'm going to read the book by Ben Mezrich. Mezrich wrote another good book I read, 21:BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE, a true story of six M.I.T. students who took Vegas for millions of $$$. It was also made into a movie. I heard there was a better, more accurate book about Facebook by David Kirkpatrick, but Mezrich got there first, and that's what counts. Mezrich, also a young man, must be enjoying big bucks by now.
Marj
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Thanks for the Mezrich info, Marj. I now have both those films on my Netflix que, but if they start talking about probability, and profits etc. in the earlier film, the probability is that I won't understand it.
Mezrich graduated from Harvard in 1991 -- magna cum laude. Has written about 10 or 11 books. He's probably doing very well for himself.
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Here's that pullout section on fall movies from the NYT. September releases are shown and there's a sidebar with links to Oct., Nov., and Dec. It will be interesting to see which ones become the blockbusters.
Fall movies (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/movies/12sept.html?ref=movies)
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Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese was terrific! There are some violent sections, but all in all it's one of the best novels I've read in the last few months! (and I zoom through maybe 12 novels a month).
My only question is why are we mentioning this here? Is there a movie connection? Should we post some of this in the Library? merely asking.
Things come up wherever they come up, not always in the logical place. We recently had a discussion about poetry in one of the games. If such a discussion seems to me to be specially interesting, I often re-post my comments in the logical spot, or call attention to it if it isn't my post.
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Pedln: Thanks for posting the Fall Movies - something for everyone there - one or two have already opened here - so I guess they'll be our Spring Movies.
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12 novels a month?!! How do you do it, MIPPY? If I sit too long reading, I'm really
stiff when I get up. The frequent 'get up and do something else' is a serious
interruption.
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Mippy: You are absolutely right. My comments re Cutting for Stone: A Novel do not belong in this category since the book hasn't, to my knowledge, been made into a movie. Excuse me.
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Hey, JimNT, it's good to hear your thoughts wherever.
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Aside: none of this is about Movies, so skip if you wish
Hi, Babi ~ How? Speed reading is a blessing and a curse. When I read lite fiction, whatever that is, I let my mind float through the book, and enjoy it but usually don't remember much. And I love my new Kindle.
However, whenever I read non-fiction (usually one or two books a month) I do slow down. Right now I've started the newly released bio. of Geo. Washington by Chernow.
I've decided not to get non fiction on my Kindle, since it's difficult to back-track and reread sections, or to pick up the book months later to review something. During the discussion of the non-fiction, excellent book about New Orleans during Katrina,Zeitun, I tried bookmarks in the Kindle, but never used them the way you use tiny scraps of paper or post-it notes ... just did not help at all for me.
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Mippy, I'm glad to hear your comments about backtracking on the Kindle. You confirm my suspicions that it would play out that way for me.
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Mippy: Zeitun was another book recommended by my 0phthalmologist. I bought it, too, and am awaiting anxiously for delivery. Incidentally, the good doctor is from N'awlins.
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We just finished discussing Zeitoun here. I think you'll enjoy it; it's a very good job.
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PatH: I went back to August 31st and couldn't find any discussion of Zeitun but I might have overlooked it. Could you give me a lead, please?
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Jim, I'm not PatH, but here is the link to the Zeitoun discussion. Discussions that have finished are stored in Archives -- if you scroll the SL index, you'll find it towards the bottom. It was a terrific book and a great discussion.
Zeitoun discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1585.0)
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Back to the movies -- in today's USAToday there was a brief blurb about Dewey the Library Cat, the book, which is being made into a movie starring Meryl Streep -- and no doubt, Dewey. The article itself was to inform Dewey lovers that a sequel is on its way -- Dewey's Lives, or some such.
Somehow that doesn't strike me as a Meryl Streep sort of thing, but who knows. She does jolly and bubbly real well.
Re:Kindle -- I'm still experimenting and playing with mine, a Kindle3 or Latest Generation. One title I picked up quite early was Girl With the Dragon Tatoo. (am leading my f2f in Dec.) I was quite surprised to find out that the highlights or clips or whatever-you-call-ems of other readers, past and previous, were included on my Kindle, supposedly for my benefit. For better or for worse, I deleted them -- I think. There's a learning curve there, so I'm not sure.
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Pedln: Do not go near the Kindle. The Surgeon General has ruled it detrimental to ones health as documentation has shown it causes deterioration of the eye lens. Some have experienced severe depression, OCD, ADD, & AIDS.
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Jim, did you mean that as a joke (about the Kindle)? If not, where did you see that report. I can't find anything to document what you said.
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Yes, tell us more!
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I think the Surgeon General needs an attitude adjustment! Kindle causing diseases, poppycock. Of course we know that any new technology brings out the anti-science nuts, (how many of us now have brain cancer from using our cellphones?) Kindle might produce eye problems if one stays on it 24/7. But same for computer screen right? Bah humbug!
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The fact that the last item the Kindle is supposed to cause is AIDS should tell you whether Jim is serious. ;D
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Guess I'm not used to seeing Jim be so funny! LOL
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PatH & Tomereader have my number. I'm simply in love with hardcovers!
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Let's see.......I'm in love w/my iPad, I cld get AIDS by being in love w/ a person, therefore, I cld get AIDS from my iPad.........isn't that something like the logic we learned in philosophy class?..... ;D..........Jean
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Jim, I have a Kindle. Use it very little, love the feel, smell of a real book, yes, especially hard cover ones. I love book jackets, too!
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Mabel, I got my logic in high school geometry, and I would love to see my teacher laugh at your non-syllogism.
Jim, I too dearly love the smell and feel of a real book, plus the ability to flip back and forth, and fall asleep reading and not worry if it falls on the floor. But Kindle is invaluable for people with vision problems, or arthritis problems that make it hard to hold a book, plus it would make it easier to pack for trips, since you wouldn't have the weight of hard copies. So I suspect that somewhere down the line I will be very grateful for Kindle, but not yet.
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I still do 95% of my reading cuddled up, in my bed, at night, with a BOOK. And I also like the out of print and esoteric books that I now have access to on my "library on my lap," otherwise known as an iPad. It doesn't have to be one or the other. ........ Thank goodness......Jean
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Well said, Jean. I like reading on the Kindle, but hey, if I can get a book at the library, fine, or the used bookstore, great. For thick books you don't want to carry with you, it's wonderful.
Jim, shame on you. Just think how many man hours you might have had people spending in order to research your claims. >:(
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Well, since Pedln, amica mea, doesn't mind if we spend days and days away from talking about movies, here goes:
Jim, you naughty one, how can you put spurious research on SeniorLearn? Is it a joke? No no no no as my 2 year old granddaughter says to everyone, especially her baby brother. Do you go around telling people their computers are dangerous? A Kindle is a little computer!
I really enjoy my Kindle for lite reading. At last count, I've read about 70 novels since June. We still buy newly published non-fiction in hardback, as my husband and I often read the same book (he goes first, usually) and he doesn't want to borrow my Kindle. We often buy older non-fiction used, through either Amazon or AbeBooks.
The Kindle was a gift from my kids last June, by the way. What a great gift! Now that the price is down, do consider it for that special someone this year ... no, I don't own stock in Amazon ;)
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Yesterday I was hoisted on my own petard. My dear wife allowed me to choose the Wednesday afternoon movie we've come to habituate. The senior discount on Wednesday has played no small role in this development. I chose My Soul You'll Take in 3D. The PC review gave it 4 of 5 stars and I was influenced by the 3D since I haven't seen one for years. It was categorize as Suspense/Thriller/Horror and I was looking forward to a great afternoon of viewing a thrilling movie in an almost vacant theater. It was a huge disappointment for the both of us; boring, silly, devoid of any reasonable plot, and altogether a disaster. The 3D was of little help. My wife has assumed the movie selection role in our family. Save your money!
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Gee, Jim, don't hold back - tell us what you REALLY think. ::)
I love honest reviews! Thanks.
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Thanks for the thumbs-down, Jim. After just now reading the reviews on Netflix I know I'll never want to see it. I don't blame your wife for wanting to be the picker-outer :o
But what was interesting on Netflix -- the director was mentioned a few times -- Wes Craven -- and folks were surprised he had come up with such a bad flick. The name sounds familiar, but I can't place him with anything. How about you?
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No, but IMDB came through as usual. Think Nightmare on Elm Street.
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I think Wes Craven does most of all the "slasher" films.
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Good thing you gave your wife the job of choosing movies, Jim. (LOL) You should have read the poor reviews it got at Internet Movie Database! Too bad to waste an afternoon on such a bad movie.
I haven't seen a really good scary movie lately. Can someone recommend a good one?
Marj
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"Drag Me to Hell" is a horror movie I liked. Directed by Sam Raimi. I don't know your tastes Marj. An oldie but a goodie is "Relic". I have been reading "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and have found it to be a bit draggy in parts. I saw the movie a couple of nights ago (the Swedish and original version) and thought it was excellent. Very fast moving and cut out all the draggy bits. Some confronting scenes with the heroine - but I don't want to be a spoiler. Another movie I liked is "Let the Right One In" Swedish too, I think. Atmosphere spot on and based on a book which is also very good. There has been a recent remake of it released in US under another name, but the original is definitely worth a look.
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Thanks for the horror film recommendations, Roshanarose. I'll give them a try!
I've read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and have the Swedish film on my Netflix queue. Will add the other Swedish film you mentioned.
I watched a really good horror flick last year, scary and funny; I'll post it when I remember the name.
Marj
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Scary AND funny? That sounds interesting.
I haven't watched many horror movies -- get too tense. I got scared watching Goldie Hawn walk around a deserted library carrying knitting needles. (Can't remember the name of that one.)
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I watched Frida last night, and was surprised to find it interesting. I didn't know much about Rivera and nothing about Frida.
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I've put The Relic on my Netflix queue. It says "Availability Unknown" but hopefully it will show up eventually. I loved the Preston and Child book however, I suspect since it says the movie is based on the book that there is much that has been changed. I really like all of their books mainly for the descriptions of the areas where the story takes place. Thanks for the recommendation, Rose.
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I'm glad to hear you liked Frida, Frybabe. That's been one of those that I think I'll watch someday and then never get around to it. I always seem to find something else I think is better.
A few years back my favorite DC museum -- Natl. Museum for Women in the Arts -- had an exhibit with Georgia O'Keefe, Frida, and the Canadian artist who did a lot of trees, can't remember her name. Very interesting exhibit, representing all of North America.
Also: Babies came from Netflix yesterday. So I stuffed it in the computer and watched it there. Fun, maybe just a tad long, but cute, enjoyable. Now on its way back.
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I watched The Relic quite a while ago. I remember being disappointed that it differed quite a bit from the book. I don't remember it clearly but I think they completely left out Agent Pendergast!
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pedln - I laughed out loud at the "horror movie" you described as Goldie Hawn walking around a library carrying knitting needles.
marj - I am waiting patiently for that movie title ;-)
marcie - as I recall Agent Pendergast had not been invented as "Relic" was the first Preston and Child book written. My sister-in-law and I went to see Relic together and she loved it. Her occupation is Museum Curator.
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roshanarose, well I had to look it up. Apparently Agent Pendergast first appeared as a supporting character in their first novel, Relic, and in its sequel Reliquary, before assuming the protagonist role in The Cabinet of Curiosities. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Pendergast. Since he wasn't one of the major characters, I understand how the film folks wanted to simplify and leave him out.
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I loved Frida - have a copy myself and play it from time to time. Geoffrey Rush and Albert? Molina were super in their roles as was Salma Hayek sp? who played Frida.
Last night we watched Julie and Julia for the first time. Missed it at the movies but it finally came up on my queue.
We also recently finished watching the series House of Cards/To Play the King with Ian Richardson. It's just as brilliant as I recall from seeing it on TV.
Thanks for reminding me about Relic - I haven't read the book or seen the film so will put it on my queue...
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Gum, I loved the House of Cards series on TV -- that evil Francis Urquart (Ian Richardson) -- have rewatched part of it on Netflix. Still have to get the last one -- To Play the King.
I'm waiting for Monday's mail which should bring the recently released Italian DVD Mid-August Lunch. It's about a man who "baby-sits" a friend's mother and aunts. The review I read ages ago sounded good. We shall see.
About The Relic -- I'm not familiar with either the book or film and am not what you'd call a horror fan. Should I pass this one by or am I missing something good? :P
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The Relic was a good book, and I was excited when they said a movie was coming out. And as usual, I was totally disappointed in the movie. Nowhere near as suspenseful and "scary" as the book.
It's not one I'd call "terrible", but if you've read the book first, you will understand.
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Tomereader - Yes. I thought the book was good also. I liked the movie because one could observe the inner workings of a museum and the politics surrounding it. I didn't prefer one over the other.
pedln - If you have a large, ready to topple TBR perhaps you should put "Relic" about half way down.
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I liked Relic, the book. I am not a horror fan either. Don't ask me why I decided to read it. It probably had something to do with Ginny being such a Preston and Child fan that at her recommendation I gave it a try.
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We watched a remarkable performance last night in a wonderful movie made by HBO on Netflix. Temple Grandin. The actress in the lead role, Claire Danes, was wonderful. It must have been a very difficult part but she did it very well. I was interested in seeing the movie because my grandson has Asperger's Syndrome and I had read of Temple Grandin and her amazing life. I really loved this movie and recommend it highly.
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I think Claire Dane won the Emmy for that role, Phyll.......Jean
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Phyll, I saw the production of Temple Grandin on HBO and agree that it is amazing. I too highly recommend it. I read her book, "Thinking in Pictures," some time ago. It provides a lot of insight into how some people with autism see the world.
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Seconding (or thirding, LOL) these votes for "Temple Grandin". Amazing woman, amazing actress portraying her. While watching, I was thinking "this is Temple Grandin". the idea that it was Clare Danes never entered my head. Now, that's acting!
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And it would have been so easy to go over the top with that role. She deserved her Emmy. I looked up other movies of hers and found one of Romeo+Juliet with L. DeCaprio. I started to order it when I noticed it is in modern day setting. I just don't like Shakespeare adapted to modern.
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Phyll - Take a few hours out of your life and watch Romeo+Juliet. I am slightly biassed as the director, Baz Luhrmann, is Australian. Apart from that it is quite an extraordinary movie and Leo and Claire are wonderful as the young lovers.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
On your recommendation, Rose, I may try it but I really don't like Shakespeare adapted to modern. As I watch these people in modern dress and in a modern setting speaking Shakespearian English, all I think is "They wouldn't say that!"..."They wouldn't speak that way!" It is so distracting to me. But, perhaps the performances will draw me in and soon I'll forget the things that seem so out of place.
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I resisted Shakespeare et al in modern dress and settings until I saw Sir Ian McKellan's Richard III - brilliant brilliant brilliant. All the way through I kept saying to myself yeah/yeah that was OK but how's he going to handle 'A horse, a horse. My Kingdom for a horse'? - well, it just blew me away - the setting of ruined military ordinance simply gave the words another nuance of meaning. I've been a reluctant convert ever since but even so prefer the setting and dress to be in keeping with the time the play was set.
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I'm sold, GUM. I'm going to hunt that one up on Netflix.
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Oh, yes, I loved it also, Gumtree! He's amazing isn't he?
I agree than in general period costumes are the best. Modern dress seems to distract, in most cases.
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Sorry to be dim, but what is Netfix?
I used to have a subscription to the DVD/CD section of our public library - can you believe the genius council has now abolished subscriptions "because they are too cheap"? The only way you can now borrow a DVD is to pay the one off charge of £2.10 per item per week, which completely puts me off borrowing films I'm not sure about - whereas before I used to browse and try things on impulse, just as in the book library. Apparently the borrowing has dropped hugely, so how they think that is going to make them more money is anyone's guess. So much for public education, or indeed public anything. >:( (grumpy old woman....)
Rosemary
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Rosemary - you're an early bird. There's generally no one about when I come in at this time. I'm in Western Australia - our time is GMT+8 and I often post while others are sleeping.
I'll leave Netflix to be explained by someone who uses it. We don't have it here - but the brief answer is that it's an online DVD rental deal. We have similar outfits and I use one consistently. Movies of choice come by mail and go back the same way. cost is low and value for money IMO.
Bad news about your library raising the cost of movies etc. - Luckily our library services are all free - a total of 12 items (books, mags, CDs DVDs Audiobooks, music, etc etc) at a time for 3 weeks loan with option to renew for a further two period of 3 weeks each (unless item is requested by another reader). Computer use including internet access is also available free. The cost is borne by local council (from our rates) and Govt subsidy. It's the best library service on the planet largely developed because of our geographical isolation - an argument that is losing its punch these days with information readily available on internet.
Mippy & Babi I've talked myself into it and have put RII on my queue.
We watched Sleepless in Seattle last night - Can't believe Tom Hanks was ever that young - and that lean. Also watched Body of lies earlier this week. Russell Crowe was absolutely convincing - as always.
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Gumtree pretty much said it all. Netflix has a huge online catalogue, from which you construct your own queue, which can be rearranged at will. When they get a DVD from you, they send the next one. Turnaround is very fast--if I mail a disc on Monday I get the next one on Wednesday--and they are sent with postage-paid return envelopes, so it's no trouble. Price varies with the number of discs you can have out at once (I have 3) but is very reasonable. If you are set up for it, you can watch movies instantly on your computer, as many as you like.
GMT + 8. I'm GMT - 5, so with daylight saving we're 12 hours apart.
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Rosemary, what a shame about your library and the DVDs. I guess those of us who have really good library service don't always know how lucky we are. Our library uses a library tax and is governed by a board, so the city council can't dictate to it or cut funding or services.
Nevertheless, I subscribe to Netflix, and like PatH can have three DVDs at a time. Plus, I can watch as many as I'd like on my computer, but I rarely do that. My son and family have a less expensive subscription, but he has put his engineering knowledge to work and they can watch the Netflix films on their 52" TV. That would be nice, but I've got so many cords and wires already in the computer/tv room, and I don't need it. I have plenty to watch already.
I had been looking forward to an Italian film, Mid-August Lunch, about a man who, for a fee, is taking care of three older women as well as his mother. The write-up sounded good, but to me it was like one of those films where there is no script and the actors make up the dialog as they go along. It was OK, but . . .
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Thanks all. We do have a similar thing here called LoveFilm - I know many people do have membership, so perhaps I should look into it - but in the meantime I am going to tell our local councillor all about your various, much better, libraries. When the subscriptions were first abolished (by means of a tiny notice in the library - the librarians had had no prior notice and were as shocked as we were - and of course they had to take all the flak), lots of us complained, and were told that Aberdeen was the only library in Scotland to offer the subscription (it was £50 per year) - apparently that was a good reason to abolish it. And Aberdeen City Council wonders why it is bankrupt.
It's not so much the paying for LoveFilm that annoys me - I understand it's a very good service - but the constant erosion of public services. I am particularly sensitive about the library, as free access to books (and DVDs) seems to me a fundamental human right and a means by which we protect our freedom (after all, in some countries governments use control of the written word as a means of controlling the population). My parents were great library-goers - they could not have afforded to buy books - and I was taken to the children's library every Friday throughout my childhood. I did the same with my children, and my youngest daughter and I still visit the library at least once a week. Our Council has just closed one branch library, with more to follow - I went to the book sale that they held, and heard an elderly lady saying to the librarian that she would miss the library so much. Not everyone can just jump into the car and go to another one, and for many people it's the social aspect that is so important.
It is the same with swimming pools - the Council are closing them as fast as they can - the one I go to is very popular with older people in the day time, and they come for a good chat as well as the exercise. If the Council closes that pool, people will not only miss out on their swimming but also their social life - we are exhorted to get more exercise for our mental as well as our physical health, but apparently the Council is not going to facilitate this. Of course, private gyms are springing up everywhere, but not only are they costly, they are also full of stick thin people in leotards and spray on tans - I for one would much rather go to the council pool and see nice friendly people who don't judge you by the cost of your trainers or the size of your thighs.
Sorry, rant over. Maybe I should emigrate to Australia?!
Rosemary
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I love Netflix. I guess what really made that company into what it is was the invention of the DVD. They sure couldn't have done it with those old video tapes -- too heavy, slow and expensive for reproducing and mailing. I love the quick service and the no postage return envelopes, not to mention their tremendous supply of films as well as TV program series.
The only thing they don't have is a large variety of are the older films from the 1940s and back. Luckily for those of us who live in the Los Angeles, CA area, there is a great video store in North Hollywood which has the old old movies as well as the newer ones for rent. I just hope Netflix doesn't put them out of business as it has so many of the chain video stores.
Marj
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I live in a small town that is fortunate to have an excellent library (for its size) with knowledgeable librarians who are very friendly. The library is a service that ought to be provided free of charge for all. I see many small children who come from families that can not afford to buy books. Our children's librarian has many programs for children of all ages. Many families in this area cannot afford computers or internet access, so the computers in the library are really busy after school.
I grew up in the country in a small town. During the summer months, my mother (who was a teacher) took us to the library every 2 weeks to stock up on books. Having access to a library and helpful librarians has been a service that I never really appreciated until I was older. I just assumed that was normal. Now I am finding out that libraries around the country are having financial difficulties and many are closing. For a number of years now, I have been giving donations to the library for special programs and in memory of friends and family who have passed on.
Sally
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I hate it when the libraries are the first things to get shorted when times are bad. That's when folks need libraries the most. Our library is, unfortunately, a joint function of our city and county governments, and they're always squabbling about who should do what. And nobody ever wants taxes raised. So the library suffers.
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This is my first time on this site and the discussion of libraries made me realize how lucky I have been to have great libraries near me. I was such an avid reader that at age 15 I got a job at my local library and worked there throughout High School.
Noe in my city in California the days and hours of our library have been cut in half because of the lack of financed. Luckily I am now retired and can get there when they are open. Also the senior centers have hundreds of paperbacks that are free for the taking.
There are no video stores open anymore in my area (San Jose is a city of one million). The library stocks some but everyone I know has Netflix. They have thousands of titiles in every language and in every genre. For 9.99 a month I see every film I have missed and wish to see or those I loved as a child and am watching again.
Recently I watched "Lifeboat" a marvelous film from WW2. I saw it as a young child and looked at it now with adult eyes. I didn't remember that it was a Hitchcock film and had won so many awards. Tallulah Bankhead was marvelous. Do any of you remember her?
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I remember Tallulah, JUDE. She was quite a character. I went looking for some quotes from
her, but found them all unsuitable for polite conversation. :o
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I have a great granddaughter named Tallulah! We call her Lulu.
Bankhead was from one of the First Families of Alabama, I believe. Her father was Speaker of the House and her uncle was a Senator. She was one of the all time, Hall of Fame actresses. And yes, quite a character. She feared no man. Or woman.
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Not from a book (I don't think), but we just got home from seeing RED, with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich. A definite go-to-see movie - funny, lots of shooting and explosions, and great actors playing against type (except Willis, of course).
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Recently on one of our PBS stations I saw "You must Remember This:the story of the Warner Brothers, there are apparently 2parts. I saw the 30's and 40's and they announced there will be a 50's segment. It was really interesting. Clint Eastwood was the exec producer. You might want to check your local schedules ..........Jean
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Thanks for recommending RED, MaryZ. I adore Bruce Willis, and the movie sounds good with all those good actors.
Marj.
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RED sounds really good, MaryZ. And what an all-star cast. It's now on my N Queue.
Thanks for the heads up about the Warner Bros., Jean. I'll check it out.
Tonight I watched a film with no one in it that I'd ever heard about -- Welcome to the Dollhouse. I think I requested it because the director, Todd Solondz, was recommended. I have mixed feelings about this junior high film about a very troubled 7th grade girl. I almost pulled the plug a few times because it didn't seem real, but I found myself really caring about the main character. (3 stars out of 5)
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I agree, MARYZ. I always enjoy Bruce Willis, but we rarely see him playing a different type of
character. I think that's why I liked "Sixth Sense" so well.
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For the second time, I chose There Will Be Blood from Netflix. What a treat. I've seen many movies over the years but this one is truly special. Based on an Upton Sinclair book, Daniel Day-Lewis gives one of the most powerful performances I've ever seen. I realize this is "old" news as I know most, if not all, have seen this movie and discussed it many times. But I feel compelled to shout the glories of Lewis' performance. Humor me, please.
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Hi Jim
Like you, I thought DDL's performance in "There Will be Blood" was excellent. My only grumble is that I thought that the ending was a tad overdone. DDL's two best movies imh are "My Left Foot" and "Last of the Mohicans". "Mohicans" is one of those rare movies in which every actor gives of his/her best. A Masterpiece! DDL running through the undergrowth wearing a loincloth was a bonus ;-) And I particularly appreciated Wes Studi as Bagua (spelling?). I have been a great fan of his since, although he makes very few movies these days.
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Thanks for the comments and recommendations. Yes, DDL made his point long before the scene ended. I've seen My Left Foot and found it excellent. I've somehow managed to avoid the Mohican's but will put it my Netflix queue. I'm not familiar with the other actors but know from experience that so many excellent performances are made by "unknowns".
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If I saw "There Will Be Blood", I've forgotten. What is it about? It sounds somewhat ominous.
I'd like to find out a bit more before I add it to my Netflix queue.
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Babi, Netflix usually has a synopsis on the website, and (I think) some reviews, too.
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Babi: There Will Be Blood is the story of a driven oilman at the turn of the century who sacrifices anything and anybody for the sake of bringing in a successful well. Don't miss it or, if you've already seen it, see it again.
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I read the movie Oil! by Upton Sinclair before I saw the movie. Very good book. It made me want to read more about the oil scandal in President Harding's administration, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. The movie was a bit different fro the book, but very good also.
Marj
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My Left Foot is really an excellent movie! I'd see it again!
I haven't watch a movie in months. Now that I have the Directv
equivalent of Tivo, there's enough TV being recorded to use up all my evenings. My dear hubby doesn't like to watch movies at all (except oldies with Jack Lemon or similar ones) so we haven't watched a movie together in a long time. But no problemo, not complaining, still enjoy the comments here.
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Oil wells, huh? I am reminded of an oldie with Spencer Tracy and Clark
Gable. It may have been "Boom Town", or perhaps another title. Dated,
of course, but with those two...espc. Tracy...always superb acting.
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By all means, Mippy, keep enjoying the comments here, and let us know what's good on TV -- so we'll know which past season discs to get from Netflix. My 16-year-old VCR still works, sort of, so I do record a little, if rarely. Usually something like PBS Masterpiece.
What is it about some of these golden olden black and whites that make them so enjoyable to watch? Last night a watched The Young PHiladelphians (saw it a million years ago) with Paul Newman and Barbara Rush(?). Her name is vaguely familiar. And Billie Burke. Very enjoyable.
JimNT, I liked There Will Be Blood, but felt that some things just didn't fit right -- can't remember just what. But I do remember there were several comments from folks who were disappointed that so much of U. Sinclair's Oil had been changed.
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pedln: Remember the adage "Never read the book before seeing the movie and vice versa".
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"Never read the book before seeing the movie and vice versa".
Usually if I've read the book and then see the movie I've read so many other books in between that I've completely forgotten what the book was about that I enjoy the movie as a separate thing. so I never really have a problem. I very rarely say the book was better. Don't forget everyone that reads a book sees the characters looking differently.
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From the Seattle Times -- 10 of the creepiest movies ever for Halloween. I don’t know if I’ve seen Night of the Hunter, included in the list, but I remember my mother talking about it years ago, the evil Robert Mitchum with LOVE and HATE on his fingers.
Movies for a Scary Night (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2013275942_halloweenfilms31.html?prmid=obinsite)
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Thanks for that link pedln. Wondering why they didn't add "The Exorcist"? One of the few cases where the movie and book are equally good. I remember reading an adaptation of "The Exorcist" in an American Cosmopolitan an aeon ago. I rushed out to buy the book, but it hadn't been released in Australia yet (things were pretty slow in OZ in those days ;)). I waited patiently and the paperback copy still sits in my bookcase. Robert Mitchum was fantastic - did anyone see him in "Dead Man" with Johnny Depp?
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Has Johnny Depp been around that long? I thought Robert Mitchum died before Depp arrived on
the Hollywood scene. I think Mitchum was my first girlish love...and how long ago was that! ::)
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Yep, Babi. They were in the movie together. Listed below is the cast. I loved the movie for a couple of reasons: Iggy Pop is memorable; but Neil Young's soundtrack was sublime. The movie is not your average Hollywood version, but that only makes it better.
William Blake - JOHNNY DEPP
Nobody - GARY FARMER
Cole Wilson - LANCE HENRIKSEN
Conway Twill - MICHAEL WINCOTT
Thell Russell - MILI AVITAL
Salvatore "Sally" Jenko - IGGY POP
Benmont Tench - JARRED HARRIS
Big George Drakoulious - BILLY BOB THORNTON
Train Fireman - CRISPIN GLOVER
Johnny "The Kid" Pickett - EUGENE BYRD
Nobody's Girlfriend - MICHELLE THRUSH
Charlie Dickenson - GABRIEL BYRNE
John Scofield - JOHN HURT
Trading Post Missionary - ALFRED MOLINA
John Dickenson - ROBERT MITCHUM
Marvin (Older Marshall) - JIMMIE RAY WEEKS
Lee (Younger Marshall) - MARK BRINGELSON
Man with Gun in Alley - GIBBY HAYNES
Man at End of Street - GEORGE DUCKWORTH
Man with Wrench - RICHARD BOES
Old Man with Wanted Posters - MIKE DAWSON
1st Man at Trading Post - JOHN PATTISON
2nd Man at Trading Post - TODD PFEIFFER
Makeh Village - LEONARD BOWECHOP, CECIL CHEEKA, MICHAEL McCARTY
First Young Nobody - THOMAS BETTLES
Second Young Nobody - DANIEL CHAS STACY
Drunk - PETER SCHRUM
Mr. Olafsen - JOHN NORTH
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Our first movie "loves":
Anyone here fall madly in love with Shepard Strudwick? or Jeff Chandler? Loved those guys with silver in their hair!
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Don't know Sturdwick, but did love Jeff Chandler and Stewart Granger.
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Mitchum was listed way down the line, I see. I suppose that means this was a small role later in life for him. I see John Hurt is in there, too. Quite a cast, all together.
I don't know Sturdwick, either. Like MARYZ, I did love Chandler and Granger. What are some films Sturdwick made?
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Biography for
Shepperd Strudwick More at IMDbPro »
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Date of Birth
22 September 1907, Hillsboro, North Carolina, USA
Date of Death
15 January 1983, New York City, New York, USA (cancer)
Birth Name
Jr. Shepperd Strudwick
Mini Biography
Actor Sheppard Strudwick had dark, dignified, matinée-styled good looks but with a slightly shady countenance that may have prevented him from attaining top "leading man" stardom in films. Nevertheless he earned distinguished marks in a number of films and returned most frequently to his first love, the theater, throughout his career.
The North Carolina native was born Shepperd Strudwick, Jr. on September 22, 1907, the son of a cotton mill executive. The scion of a prominent family that settled in Hillsborough, his descendants were comprised of doctors, scientists, architects, actors and painters, one of which, Edmund Charles Fox Strudwick, a physician, earned distinction as the first president of the North Caorlina Medical Society. Following high school Strudwick attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with designs on becoming a writer. At one point he was on the editorial staff of his college magazine. In between studies he also joined the university's drama club, the Carolina Playmakers, and ultimately decided to switch his major to drama.
Appearing in a number of college productions before his graduation, Strudwick moved to New York in 1928 to pursue a professional career. Almost immediately he won small parts in two Broadway plays, "The Yellow Jacket" and "Falstaff," both starring the shows' producer Charles Coburn and his wife, actress Ivah Wills. He followed those with "Under the Gaslight" (1929) and "The Life Line" (1930). Throughout the 1930s Strudwick enhanced a number of Broadway and regional productions, notably "Both Your Houses" (1933) "Let Freedom Ring" (1935) and Shakespeare's "As You Like It" (1937), the last in which he starred as Orlando. The Shakespearean cast included his first wife, actress Helen Wynn, whom he had married in May of 1936. The couple later appeared together in a 1939 Broadway production of "The Three Sisters" in which he played Vershinin and she Olga. Helen became the mother of his only child, Sheppard Strudwick III.
In the late 1930s, at the age of 31, Strudwick was summoned to Hollywood with a strong theatrical reputation preceding him. MGM hired him and he eventually gained some notice for his debonair portrayals of Southern-styled gents. He tested, in fact, for the part of Ashley Wilkes in Gone with the Wind (1939) but lost the role to Leslie Howard. At MGM his first two roles were biographical shorts, portraying noted Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis in the Oscar-winning biographical short That Mothers Might Live (1938) and the infamous 19th century Mexican bandit Joaquin Murrieta (1938). He then began to go through the supporting paces in secondary feature films. These included the romantic comedy Fast Company (1938) starring Melvyn Douglas and a couple of popular film series' entries: Congo Maisie (1940) starring Ann Sothern and Dr. Kildare's Strange Case (1940) headlining Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore. His last picture for MGM was the aviation film Flight Command (1940) starring Robert Taylor.
Strudwick changed both studios and his marquee moniker in 1941 after signing up with 20th Century Fox. Given the more suitable "leading man" name of John Sheppard, he nevertheless continued to use his real name under the New York stage lights. Tall and aristocratic-looking with a sleepy-eyed handsomeness, he characters seemed to induce suspicion or skepticism as to their intentions. At 20th he demonstrated "second lead" potential opposite some of the silver screen's most beautiful stars of the time: Gene Tierney, Loretta Young, Claudette Colbert and Carole Landis among them, but was unable to rise to the top romantic star ranks. His best chance came starring as the acutely melancholy poet in The Loves of Edgar Allan Poe (1942) opposite Linda Darnell. Despite his abilities and fine work, however, he remained a second-tier performer.
By the post-war years, Shepperd was firmly entrenched in character roles, usually playing patrician fathers, corrupt politicians, reverends or sober-faced professional types. Parts in such film greats as Joan of Arc (1948), All the King's Men (1949) and A Place in the Sun (1951) came his way. A member in good standing at the Actors Studio, where he met his second wife, actress Margaret O'Neill, Strudwick went back to using his real name in both stage and film outings once his "leading man" chances had passed.
He made a strong return to Broadway in the 1950s in both comedic and dramatic productions including "Affairs of State" (1950), "The Bat" (1953), "The Ladies of the Corridor" (1953), "The Night Circus" (1958) and "Only in America" (1959). In 1962 he portrayed George in the matinée productions of the landmark Edward Albee drama "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" on Broadway and eventually took over the part in August of 1963.
Frequently on TV he was a regular dramatic guest player throughout the 1960s and 1970s on such shows as "The Twilight Zone," "The Defenders", "McMillan and Wife" and "The Name of the Game". He also joined the daytime drama circuit playing both stand-up gents and shady ones on such serials as "As the World Turns" (1956) and "Another World" (1964). He also had Emmy-nominated turns on the soaps "One Life to Live" (1968) and "Love of Life" (1951).
Sheppard capped his theatrical career with a Tony-nominated featured performance in "To Grandmother's House We Go" in 1981. Following his last acting part on a 1982 TV episode of "Nurse", Sheppard took ill and died of cancer in New York City on January 15, 1983. He was survived by both his son and his fourth wife, Mary Jeffrey, whom he married in 1977.
IMDb Mini Biography By: Gary Brumburgh / gr-home@pacbell.net
Spouse
Mary Jeffrey (1977 - 15 January 1983) (his death)
Jane Straub (1958 - ?) (divorced)
Margaret O Neill' (1947 - ?) (divorced)
Helen Wynn (10 May 1936 - ?) (divorced) 1 child
Trivia
Died almost six months before Ernest Graves, who was the first Victor Lord on "One Life to Live" (1968) before Strudwick took over the role in 1974.
Was nominated for Broadway's 1981 Tony Award as Best Actor (Featured Role - Play) for "To Grandmother's House We Go."
Producer David O. Selznick asked him to test for the role of Ashley in Gone with the Wind (1939).
The athletic-oriented actor enjoyed swimming and tennis along with reading (Hemingway and Steinbeck were his favorite authors).
Another member of his college dramatic club the Carolina Playmakers was bandleader Kay Kyser. He and Sheppard remained friends long after both made it to Hollywood.
There was no picture unfortunately on IMDb
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Alas, life is full of disappointments. After seeing There Will Be Blood I was certain that Daniel Day would rank as one of my movie hero's, and I still feel that he is a wonderful actor. However, James Fenimore Cooper's books should never be allowed to screen. The Last of the Mohican's movie was a monumental bore. I read the book some years ago and while I wouldn't rank it a classic, as many readers do, it was a fine book. I ended the evening watching Wesley Snipes couched in a multi story bldg taking potshots at people associated with the weapons industry. I thought old Wesley made his living using those weapons??
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JimNT - We obviously have different tastes in movies.
Babi - I did a bit of research on Robert Mitchum and "Dead Man". "Dead Man" was directed by Jim Jarmusch and released in 1995. Robert Mitchum died July 1, 1997.
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Ah, that explains why I'm not familiar with Sheppard Strudwick. By
the time I was old enough to go to movies and care who the actors were,
Strudwick was playing character roles. And his best work appears to
have been on stage. My introduction to stage plays was around age 8-9,
from a traveling troupe that came through once a year. If I remember correctly,
they were called the "Madcap Players".
Thanks, ROSE. I was sure it must have been late in Mitchum's life/career.
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I viewed The Diary of Anne Frank last eve. I've read the book and seen the movie some years ago, probably more than once, and I find it to be a very fascinating, but tragic story. I've never had the least doubt about the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime upon the Jewish people during the 30s and 40s while our country looked the other way. But that's another story. I seem to remember that the Anne Frank diary has been the subject of much research and discussion in the past but I can't remember if it has ever been officially documented by recognized historians. Have any of you some thoughts and references on the subject? I'm about to "google" it and hopefully find some data there.
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Jim, I've seen a couple of versions of The Diary of Anne Frank and we read the recently released "original" version of the book during one of our PBS discussions here in April when PBS broadcast a new production (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/annefrank/index.html).
There is some information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank#Denials_and_legal_action, with footnotes, about the diary's authenticity.
There are links to other resources on the PBS site at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/annefrank/index.html
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Marcie: Thank you. I did "google" the book/movie, but I wanted to know more and I'll review your references. The ink and paper Anne used were authentic for the period. Otto, her father, had the book published in 1947 which was hugely successful. Being a cynical old geezer, I couldn't help but wonder about his motivations. But given the pain and suffering endured by him and his family and friends, I feel a bit guilty about even the slightest doubt.
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Marcie, thanks for those links. And Jim, you got me looking too, to see what else could be found. If you google "Otto Frank" you may find some more, or perhaps you have. Amazon describes a book The Hidden Life of Otto Frank.
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Please Vote for Me.
Have you had enough of that? This is a Chinese documentary -- about three 8-year-olds running for Class Monitor of the Third Grade, complete with campaign committees, debates, earmarks, and of course helicoptering parents. Their techniques and language were fascinating. You definitely know you're in China.
I had read a short blurb about it in yesterday's NYT, and since it was less than an hour long, I streamed it from Netflix to my computer. Very interesting and sometimes a hoot. With English subtitles.
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Pedln, what a documentary. Thank you for mentioning it. I was able to see a bit of it on youtube. The 3 minute beginning is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCEB-uH49AQ and there is some back-room (backstabbing!) campaigning at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwARnU2xrao&feature=related. Gosh, the first taste of democracy
for the third graders is not so different from our own politicking.
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My wife and I saw the movie Hereafter yesterday. Kathleen Kennedy and Stephen Speilberg were two of the executive producers, directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Matt Damon. All the right names, huh? Damon played a reluctant pyschic and performed well, as I believe he usually does. The guitar music soundtrack was written by Eastwood and was beautiful. The movie has some slow scenes that I'm not sure could have been done better given the subject. Eastwood is a very talented man and seems to give his movies a magic touch. Despite the slow scenes, I think one should see this movie.
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Thanks for the review of Hereafter, Jim. I've seen some previews and have been wondering about it. It's good to know that you've given it a thumbs up.
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The friend who accompanied me to see Hereafter, commented that her daughter said it was "slow". However, she and I did not find it slow at all, and totally enjoyed it. It was, IMHO, sad, uplifting and thought provoking.
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Tomereader1: I enjoyed your review of Hereafter. Frankly, I fibbed; it was my wife who said there were some slow scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to view it again when it debuts on Netflix. I might not even invite my wife.
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:)
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It's on my queue now, Jim.
Here’s for the Harry Potter fans. Just how long would it take to watch all of them in one day?
Six in One Day (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2013399863_potter14.html)
I borrowed the grandkids’ DVDs and kept them a year. Watched two, guess I’m not a fan. Maybe I'll try it again when they've all left home.
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I'm definitely a Harry Potter fan, from the books first, and secondarily from the movies. Thanks, Pedln, for the link. I won't watch all the movies in one day, but maybe it's time for me to do some rereading in preparation for the very soon to be released next segment.
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We've read all the books, but have seen only 4 of the movies. We have the rest in our Netflix queue, so we'll be ready when the latest one is released on DVD.
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My husband has the dubious distinction of falling asleep in the first H Potter film.
I have read some of the books to my younger daughter - but a couple of years ago she decided that she had had enough of my reading aloud and wanted to do it herself; I was redundant :(. However, reading them aloud does draw your attention to the flaws - JK Rowling, whom I admire greatly for her achievements in the face of real adversity - has a habit of repeating the same adjectives over and over again, and as for adverbs! If I read that Hermione said something "shrilly" one more time......Someone once said that JKR "never met an adverb that she didn't like".
I have also seen some of the films at the cinema with the children. They are OK, but I wouldn't rush - although I have already agreed to take daughters to the latest, which is on general release here from Friday. My in-laws, who are in their 80s, absolutely love H Potter - they are into science fiction (mother-in-law is a great fan of Terry Pratchett, and despairs of me who can't stand him), so maybe that's why.
Does anyone else miss reading aloud to their children? I used to love doing the voices for characters like Ann of Green Gables until one of my daughter's friends told me that her Mummy did it much better!
Rosemary
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Question for all you H. Potter fans: Are any of the DVD's suitable gifts for grandchildren (ages 6-9)?
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PatH, I'm so glad to hear the next Harry Potter film will be released 'very soon'.
I'd about given up and decided it would never happen.
ROSEMARY, I suspect that being read to is somewhat like reading the book before the movie.
'Mummy' has her way of voicing the different characters and the young listener feels that is
the way they are supposed to sound. Other 'voices' don't fit, much like the characters in the
movie don't really look/sound the way we envisioned them from the book.
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Rosemary: My kids are beginning to read to me.
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Does anyone else miss reading aloud to their children? I used to love doing the voices for characters like Ann of Green Gables until one of my daughter's friends told me that her Mummy did it much better
If only ALL parents would read to their children, and talk about what they're reading. Talk about the pictures, talk about the story. As my mother used to say, it's important for their "reading readiness." Even when they are able to read, kids like to be read to. Improves listening skills, too. Adults, too -- I remember a college children's lit class, and the prof read The Trumpeter of Krakow to us.
I remember someone saying it was a lunch time ritual at their house. Mom would read aloud while the kids ate lunch. (That probably beats listening on the radio to Stella Dallas, a girl from a little mining town in the West . . .)
Are any of the DVD's suitable gifts for grandchildren (ages 6-9)?
Mippy, the first time I watched a Harry Potter years ago I thought it was scary, but I felt safe with granddaughter Lizzie who was about 5 then, and it was all old hat to her.
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Stella Dallas???? I don't remember her or the Green Hornet, or The Squeaking Door, or Jack Armstrong, The All American Boy, or etcetera.
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JimNT - :D. think I'll try suggesting that. My son's now ex girlfriend used to get him to read to her down the phone at night (they lived in different cities) - I always used to wonder why, as he is not exactly a fluent out-loud reader - then he told me it helped her to get to sleep!
When I was very small, lunchtime (or really, just after lunchtime) was Listen With Mother on the radio, which always began "Are you sitting comfortably? then I'll begin.....". Later it was Watch with Mother on the television, my favourites being The Woodentops and Andy Pandy. For my son it was Postman Pat (which I liked), for my first daughter The Tweenies (which were very funny if you were an adult) and for my second daughter, the Teletubbies, which I absolutely loathed, along with every other parent I knew.
I'm looking forward to reading to grandchildren one day, though by the time they materialise I'll probably be in my dotage....
R
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My grandson, who is not fond of reading, has become hooked on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, and i see there is a movie in the works. Oh, btw, he's 8 yrs old......jean
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I came from a family where reading aloud was a way of life. We didn't just get bedtime stories, we would also take turns reading aloud to entertain someone doing stuff like ironing, or just for fun. We worked through a tremendous number of books, some of them a bit too grown-up for JoanK and me, but I've always been glad for the start it gave me, and the fun it was.
Rosemarykaye, fortunately my children were almost grown up when teletubbies came along, but I tried to watch them once and didn't even last 5 minutes before the retch factor got too high.
I'm a huge Harry Potter fan. For the last 3 or 4 books, I even went to local bookstores to stand in line to buy the next book at midnight, along with teenagers and overtired younger children with their parents. (I also like Terry Pratchett, he's one of the funniest writers I know.) The latest movie will be released here Friday also.
In spite of your very justified complaints about Rowling's adjectives and adverbs, Rowling does read well aloud. When my husband was sick, he couldn't focus well to read, so I read all sorts of things to him, including the first 5 Harry Potter books (all that had been published at the time). It was interesting to see what books did well: Sherlock Holmes was good, but Agatha Christie was poor.
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You owe the author of "The Wimpy Kid" a debt of gratitude, JEAN. Thank goodness for
the books, whichever ones they are, that capture the imagination of a kid and start
him/her reading!
Agatha Christie made poor out-loud reading? I never would have thought of that, but
considering how pompous Poirot could sometimes be, I can imagine how he would sound
read out loud.
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I was surprised too, Babi. Perhaps my choice of which books was unfortunate, but Christie's prose seemed quite wooden when read aloud. I guess it's not so noticeable when read silently and rapidly.
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Am an unabashed HARRY POTTER fan, as well. The words she uses describe the story she is telling, and the story is the epitome of vivid imagination. She has also made up a lot of delightful words, and I am addicted to the clever game Quidditch, which bloomed totally from Rowling's head.
Two of my daughters (have 5) and I went to one of the book store midnight parties. Believe it was for book 4, the one that opens on June 21. Whichever book, we got there at eleven PM on June 20, and sipped drinks while watching the excited throng of children. First in line? A fortyish man, who bought 4 books and had them in 2 bookstore bags and was grinning from ear to ear as he made off with his (paid for them, of course) loot!
Have loved the movies, and will see movie number 7, part one, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving with a daughter and granddaughter I have seen every one with! We 3 generations are like the same generation when we take our traditional troop to the moving picture theatre for a new Harry Potter film!
And, of course, I own every movie on DVD.
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I remember seeing the first Harry Potter film in a holiday coastal town of about 100 residents. I even remember what I was wearing. In holiday mode I was wearing just a loungi (sarong I guess is what you would call it); knickers; rubber thongs and a suntan. It was a midday matinee and the majority of women in the audience were dressed similarly. The men were dressed in board shorts and rubber thongs, and the kids were dressed like the adults. My fondest memory of the film was the white owl (called Hedwig as I recall, altho I may be wrong) who delivered so many letters to Harry. I love owls - they are my totem I suppose.
My oldest grandson was frightened of Voldemort/Valdemort (unsure of the spelling) - he was just ten when he developed this fear. When he told me I took him aside and showed him a pic of Ralph Fiennes on my photostream on Flickr. I asked him what his opinion was of Ralph - Jack replied that Ralph was very handsome and had beautiful eyes. I told him that was what Voldemort really looked like - that it was all make-up that made him appear evil and as tho he had no nose. My grandson learned a lesson that day - that many things are never what they seem. He now sees through Voldemort's disguise and enjoys Harry Potter movies more.
I remember (and have never forgotten) a movie I saw when I was quite young about a puppet that was only ever seen in shadow terrorising a person/family. At that time it was the most frightening image I had ever seen, although I could never explain why. Does anyone else have similar disquieting memories of movies seen when young?
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roshanarose - I don't remember any frightening films, but when I was about 3 my parents saved up and bought me a life size Looby Loo doll (a character in Andy Pandy). they left it in the box and brought me into the room to open it - I opened the lid and ran screaming from the room. I remember it as if it was yesterday - the yellow sofa, the long brown box, and the scary rag doll face looking out at me. My poor parents were really hard up and had no doubt scrimped and saved to buy that doll, but I never liked it.
When we first moved to this house, Madeleine was also 3, and the horrible boy next door (long since moved away) put the severed head of his sister's doll into our sandpit. She was so traumatised I could cheerfully have severed his head in revenge ;)
Rosemary
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The little boy next door - the bane of many a toddler. He is most likely now a surgeon ::)
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;D what a thought!
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Oh, yes, ROSHANA. I well remember the giant tarantula that terrified me in a Tarzan
movie. Surprisingly, I was more angry than relieved when my mother explained that it
was a fake. I felt betrayed!
As for the brat who cut off the doll's head and left it in the sandbox, I can't help hoping
he didn't wind up a serial killer. Something like that is a big red warning flag to me.
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As a youngster, I loved the Tarzan movies and read the books with a flashlight under my bed covers when I was supposed to be sleeping. It never occured to me, but someone asked why Tarzan in the movies was beardless.
Marj
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Re frightening films, it's interesting how age affects ones imagination. About 1964 or 5, William Castle produced a movie starring Joan Crawford titled Strait Jacket. My wife and I saw it in Houston, Tx and witnessed dozens of people leaving the theater until only a handful remained. We were terrified too but were determined to see it through. Today that movie causes hardly a blip on our fright scale; in fact, few movie do frighten us if any. In a sense, I miss the fun of being frightened by movies. It was innocent fun and unlike the real life atrocities we are bombarded with today.
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Frightening Movies: I can remember one from when I was pretty young; Title escapes me, but I think it starred Peter Lorre, and was about a hand that crept around, and something to do with the piano.
The absolute scariest was when I was about 18-19 and "Psycho" came out. I went to the movie with about 3 or 4 other young ladies that I worked with. We stayed for the entire show, but I was so frightened, I couldn't sleep for several days afterward!
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It was several months before I could take a shower--had to bathe in an open tub! Psycho was a really scary movie.
Sally
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Tomereader - The Peter Lorre movie you mentioned:
The Beast with Five Fingers 1946
"
"There's some underhanded business going at the gloomy mansion of former piano virtuoso Francis Ingram (Victor Francen) in this mystery set in rural Italy in the early 1900s. Confined to a wheelchair and only able to use one hand to play, the bitter Ingram lives with his devoted nurse (Andrea King); an antiques dealer (Robert Conrad), and a craven secretary (Peter Lorre). When Ingram is killed in a mysterious accident, some dislikable British relatives (Charles Dingle and John David) come to claim the mansion, but find more than they bargained for when Ingram's disembodied hand starts crawling from the grave at night to play piano, and strangle horrified victims.
Robert Florey (MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE) directed this odd combination of "old dark house" mystery and rural Italian period piece. The highlights are Lorre's priceless scenes of confrontation with the disembodied hand, and the starkly beautiful photography that captures every creepy shadow from the fireplace's flickering flames. Max Steiner did the toweringly horrific score. Curt Siodmak (THE WOLFMAN) wrote the screenplay based on a short story by William Fryer Harvey."
Deliciously scary.
My daughter wouldn't drink milk for months after seeing "Alien".
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You never know how kids are going to take things. My aunt told the story of taking her 5-yr
daughter to see Godzilla, only to be horrified to find the monster picking up people from the
street and popping them in his mouth. She turned to her daughter, fearful that she had seriously
traumatized the child. My young cousin, however, simply popped more popcorn in her own
mouth and said, "Well, he got one."
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I remember going with a little friend in the summer of 1940 to the outdoor theatre at Fort Knox, Kentucky to see Dr. Cyclops, and being so terrified that I had to run into the ladies to get away from the film. I was 11. Betty Jane was a year younger, but she sat through it all! Well, we keep in touch still, and to this very day she is more serene than I!
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And does everyone remember the flying monkeys in "The Wizard of OZ"? I was about six, and I hid under the movie seat.
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Babi - Cute story about the popcorn. I went to see Jurassic Park, alone. My grandkids were just babies then. I pride myself on not being easily shocked or frightened in horror movies, but the scene where the velociraptors were chasing the kids around the kitchen absolutely terrified me. I looked around the theatre and saw the shining eyes of appreciative children. One little boy sitting next to me was saying "Hope they get those kids". Obviously a different sensibility from mine.
Ooooh yes JoanK those monkeys still scare me.
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Obviously, ROSE, that boy enjoyed being scared. I suppose it is thrilling, when you know you're
really perfectly safe. In my mind, now, something like Stephen King's books are much more
frightening. (Which is why I stopped reading them.) I know I'm in no danger from velociraptors,
but King's horrors emerged from quite ordinary things, and people, that one runs into every day.
Now that's frightening.
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Our son was 3 or 4 y/o when we took he and his older sister into Philly to see the play The Wiz. He got so frightened when the crazy monkies appeared that i had to take him out into the hallway until the monkies w ere gone. He sat in my lap for the rest of the show and kind of peeked at the stage. To this day he is like you Babi, he doesn't like any horror story that could come out of ordinary everyday life, altho he'll watch extraordinary things like monsters and aliens.......jean
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Whatever it is that makes people enjoy being scared, I lack it. I avoid horror movies like the plague!
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Babi, I haven't read Stephan King for years for the very reason you mentioned. I especially don't read or watch anything like that since my husband died 2 years ago. Much more scary when you live alone!
Sally
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This is a total change of subject. In the literary game "Author, Author", I had occasion to review the recent movie of "Beowulf", so I thought I might as well post it here.
A very high-tech movie was made of Beowulf three years ago. Although they shot most of the scenes live, they then digitalized the actors, which had the effect of making their faces look waxy and blunting the expression (if any) of their acting. There were also some unfortunate plot choices. The mother of the marauder Grendel is Angelina Jolie, dressed in nothing but gold paint and high heels. She looks pretty good, but hardly the "monstrous hag" whose blood melts the blade of Beowulf's sword as he slays her. A couple of times, for a moment or two, quality wins out, and you get the feel of the poem, but it doesn't last. But if you just want a flashy action flick, it's OK.
When I looked up the date of this movie in IMDB, I learned that there is a 1999 sci-fi movie, a post-apocalyptic retelling of the story. This I've got to see. It's in my queue.
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As I may have already mentioned, my mother sat up and watched Psycho alone in our (then) large old and very creaky house a few months after my father had died (I was 8 at the time). And as I may also have mentioned, I am most definitely not a chip off the old block - I avoid these things like the plague, and recall even being scared to go upstairs in that house after I'd read a Famous Five mystery :)
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I hear you, SALLY.
Let me know what you think of the sci-fi version, PAT. I don't think I'm at all
interested in the one you described. AJ in gold paint and heels, playing a 'monstrous
hag'?! No, thank you.
Oh, before I forget. My daughter Valerie doesn't usually care for the 'period' type English made
shows I love, but she did watch the first of the "Lark Rise to Candleford" series with me. She
is hooked, and loves it! We are watching the entire series, one disk at a time from Netflix.
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I'm kind of like your daughter, Babi. I'm not much for those period pieces, either. But, on recommendations from here, I've started watching Lark Rise and love it. I've seen the first two discs, and have the rest scattered through my Netflix queue. John watched one, but wasn't interested in seeing more.
We visited a friend in England last summer. She lives in one of those tiny towns in Oxfordshire, kind of like what Lark Rise might be today. She said that it was filmed in that area, but hasn't seen it to say if she recognizes any specific places. Maybe she'll get to it sometime.
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Rosemary, Psycho is one movie I don't ever want to watch again. It's interesting though, how culture adds new words and phrases to our vocabulary. Just hearing the words "Norman Brooks" brings an immediate image to mind.
I think I'll pass on the Beowolf, but have added the first Lark Rise to my queue.
Last night I attended the musical Side Show at my granddaughter's high school. It's partly based on the lives of co-joined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who at one time were the highest paid women performers in the US. They went on to Hollywood where they made grade B movies --Freaks (1932) and Chained for Life (1951). Netflix has both.
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Norman Bates? Bates Motel?
When I was working (before retirement) our office would have a Halloween costume contest, my last one : I was Mrs. Bates, with Gray wig, black dress, large plastic knife, and my cubicle had a neon sign saying Bates Motel, flashing Vacancy. It was a ball!
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I watched "Vertigo" again last night. I think the first time I saw it was in the 60s. It's strange how you remember the little things, like the coil of hair in Kim Novak's chignon that suggested a whirlpool. She was so beautiful and Jimmy Stewart fantastic as the troubled hero.
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I envy you your trip to Oxfordshire, MARYZ. What little I saw of the country in my
one trip to England wasn't nearly enough.
Wow!, Tomereader, you really go all out. A neon sign in your cubicle?!!
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Babi, it was just a plug-in sign, like neon, about 2 1/2' but really kind of set the stage so to speak! I also put an adjustable clothes rod that reached from one side of the cubicle entry to the other, and hung a shower curtain on it. Not too many folks were brave enough to open that shower curtain. Don't think I won first prize, but didn't need to, it was so much fun!
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It was very imaginative, TOMEREADER. I think you should have gotten at least honorable
mention. What won first prize, I wonder?
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I'm not sure who/what won first prize, but I think it was a "group" effort. Those usually always won, when an entire "team" got together and presented a...guess I'll say "skit" or "show". We had one where the guys dressed as pallbearers, and they built a cardboard casket, and were putting "someone" away, I think it was some sort of doing away with a particular "product" that we carried. Anyway, they were wonderful, even carried a boom-box with the "dirge" playing on it!
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You must have brought down the house, Tomereader. It sure sounds like a winner.
It's interesting, that of all the scenes in that film that the shower scene is the one that though the years, has evoked the most reaction from viewers.
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Yep, Pedlin, and that scene was the one that scared the "L" out of me! Halloween was a fun time at the place I worked, only time everyone wasn't backstabbing other departments. We all just kind of thought up something wild and scary and enjoyed ourselves. Of course, the catered meals were fun for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had some neat Superbowl competitions too!
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Roshanrose, there's something special about those Hitchcock/Jimmy Stewert films. I like all four of them, but Rear Window has always been my favorite.
Rope
Rear Window
The Man Who Knew Too Much
Vertigo
Are you all planning on seeing any films over the Thanksgiving weekend? I'm visiting son and family and their lovely 52" TV, but so far we've finished dinner too late to start anything. The TV has not been on since I've arrived.
I've just finished reading Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, and having seen the film last spring, I was really surprised at the book's ending. Now I have to watch the film again before my f2f book group meets next week to discuss the book.
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Don't miss reading the next two in the trilogy; each is more wonderful than the one before.
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I loved the other three Stewart movies, but I don't remember "Rope".
Does anyone remember Jimmy Stewart's first performance?
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"Rope" didn't register with me, either. Anyone know what that one was about? I'd go try to
find Jimmy Stewart's first film, but lately I find that side trips mean I can't get return here. So
annoying.
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Babi, just open another window and search there.
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JoanK, in "rope" two youmg men attempt the "perfect murder" of a 3rd, just to see what it's like. Probably reminiscent of Leopold and Loeb in the Bobby Franks murcer.
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There is a listing of James Stewart's filmography at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Stewart_filmography
His first feature film appearance was in 1935 in THE MURDER MAN, a 1935 crime-drama film. It stars Spencer Tracy, Virginia Bruce, and Lionel Atwill, and was directed by Tim Whelan. It was Tracy's first film in what would be a twenty-year career with MGM. Tracy plays an investigative reporter who specializes in murder cases, and involves a somewhat convoluted twist ending. It is most notable for being the feature film debut of James Stewart (who had previously appeared in a short film called Art Trouble). Stewart has sixth billing as another reporter.
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I just heard that Leslie Neilson passed away.
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MARYZ, I thought clicking on the http address bar and entering a new address was bringing
up another window. Is there another way to open a second window? Checking 'Help' was not
helpful. :-\
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Babi, I found the following on the Microsoft site
Open Internet Options from Control Panel or from the Tools menu inside Internet Explorer (open Internet Explorer; then click Tools on the menu). Click on the Advanced tab, and look under Browsing. There is a setting there for IE to reuse the window or tab, or open a new window.
Each time the IE icon is clicked on it is automatically set to open a new window of IE by default; also when you have an IE window open, a new window will open if you make sure the setting described above is set.
________________________
Babi, if you open a new window (or tab) after visiting a website, you can't get back to the website using the Back arrow since the new window (or tab) doesn't have the original website in its history. You would have to close the new window or tab to see the original window with the original site.
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Babi, I've found two ways from this site. If you click on your or another name, the info page for that person comes up in another window. Or you can just go to your start menu or however else you get a window and open another one. I usually don't have my windows full screen, so I can move the window around and get to my desktop shortcut. Any window you're not actively using can be parked down on the task bar and out of sight. Does that help? or just confuse you?
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MARCIE, I used the directions you gave me yesterday, but I will only know it works if I try it.
I appreciate you ideas, MARY. I don't know how I was pulling up info. and then backing up to
return to SL in the past, yet cannot do so now. I don't know what I'm doing that is different; I
have to suppose something changed. I don't see 'Home' on my tool bar, but there is a little
blue house that I must be it. It tells me that Alt + M will also take me 'home'.
Thank you both for coming to my aid.
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We watched "Up in the Air" with George Clooney on DVD last night. I saw in the credits that it was based on a book. Although we love Clooney, and he is a terrific actor, we thought this was a pretty depressing movie.
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Mary, I don't believe I ever heard of that movie. I did watch another Clooney movie that I kept missing - Michael Clayton. Very interesting. I really liked the scene where he and the horses were standing there staring at each other, that is until the car blew up.
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Michael Clayton is in my Netflix queue also. This afternoon we watched Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt). We saw in the credits that it was based on stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald. An strange movie to be sure, very long (2 3/4 hours), and a beautiful love story.
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MaryZ - I was confused for a minute (nothing new there :)) - I was thinking of the film "Up", which, so far as I know, did not feature the lovely George. "Up" was a brilliant film - the dog was so like our old Retriever that he could have modelled for it. Has anyone else seen it? The sequence at the beginning, explaining without words the old man's whole life story, is so touching - and the film also has a happy ending, essential for me these days!
Rosemary
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I'll have to add 'Benjamin' and 'Michael' to my queue. I'll skip "Up in the Air", since MARY warns
us it's depressing. Who needs that?!
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Rosemarykaye - I have "Up" in my queue, and am definitely looking forward to getting that one.
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Rosemary, yes, I've seen UP. It's a sweet, uplifting film.
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If the movie studios were trying to confuse the viewers, they did a good job, as "Up" and "Up in the Air" both were released at about the same time. Up being an animated film, and Up in the Air a (depressing) regular film. I enjoyed "Up" but not so much the Air one. For all you George lovers, skip Men Who Stare At Goats.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Thanks for the heads-up about Men Who Stare at Goats. I think it's in my queue - I'll remove it.
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Too late, TOMEREADER. I've already watched that one. ???
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My wife and I saw Stolen last eve and found it very engrossing. We thought that the direction of the paraell events could have been more clearly presented but, nevertheless, the movie was very good. It's available on Netflix. Incidentally, for those of you who prefer a "feel good" movie, this one addresses a disturbing subject and is not uplifting.
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Guess I'll pass on Goats, but Stolen is now on my Netflix queue. Thanks for the tips.
The new issue of Time Magazine came today with the Arts section talking about several films recently or soon-to-be released films. Have any of you seen Black Swan with Natalie Portman playing the part of a ballerina, or Another Year, starring Jim Broadbest and Ruth Sheen as a happy couple with a not so happy bunch of relatives.
I've just finished watching about half of a streamed Angels and Demons (complete with English subtitles --SDH) on my computer. I was tempted to shut it down after the first 10 minutes -- too much frenzied hokey, but the scenery and shots of Rome are great, so I'll probably watch the rest of it, even though I don't give a hoot about who are the good guys or the bad guys. I happened to like the DaVinci Code, but if you didn't like it, you'll really hate this one.
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We watched Angels and Demons a couple of weeks ago - I thought it was so bad I didn't bother to mention it. Da Vinci Code was much better but still only just OK.
Last night we put on Zulu - have meant to watch it again for ages.Great film made in 1964 - I thought it moved slowly at first but it held our attention all the way - maybe because it was an actual event that was not too over dramatised and they forgot to lay on lashings of blood and gore. A couple of notable actors Stanley Baker & Jack Hawkins did a great job. It was Michael Caine's first film and no wonder his career took off from then on - he was just brilliant in a couple of scenes. And Richard Burton's voice as narrator to start and end the film - and a good Welsh choir for a few minutes as well. Enjoyed it.
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We left the theater after about one-half hour of Angels & Demons. Awful movie. And I had really liked the book.
Marj
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A friend and I saw "Black Swan" yesterday. It is movie where you'd best take your Xanax before you go. It will pin you to your seat, and leave you catching your breath. Portman gives a bravura performance, and if she doesn't win an Oscar for this role, then there is no justice. A Warning: It is definitely R rated, sex, language, and some violence. A lot of what happens, happens in her mind, but we are subjected to what she perceives. It is NOT for the faint of heart, or the prudish.
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"Black Swan" is definitely on my must-see list.
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Thanks, Tomereader1, for your review of Black Swan. I've been a fan of Natalie Portman. She chooses unusual roles.
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And "Black Swan" is definitely on my 'forget-about-it' list! :o
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Thanks tomereader for the good news about Black Swan. It's in my queue for whenever it comes out.
A delightful Christmas film that I used to watch every year, and still have the tape (unfortunately from an era before captions) is Christmas Without Snow starring Michael Learned and that wonderful curmudgeon John Houseman. It's basically a story about a church in San Francisco that wants to perform Handel's Messiah for Christmas. Lots of wonderful music (though many reviewers complain about the quality of the DVDs Amazon has to offer) and much interaction among the various characters.
Amazon has a variety of DVDs for this show, and surprisingly, Netflix has it available for streaming, but does not have the DVD. So, if you're looking for a different kind of holiday feel-good film, this is it.
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Now, pedlin, let's don't jump to "good news" about that movie, be sure an re-read my comments/warnings. It is NOT for the faint-at-heart!
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Thanks to those of you who recommended 84 Charing Cross Road. I borrowed the DVD from my library and enjoyed the film very much. The Anne Bancroft character was funny and Anthony Hopkins was his usual charming self ("usual," that is, when he plays a charming fellow; not a serial killer).
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Marcie, you should definitely read the book, too.
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Thanks, maryz. I plan to do that too.
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Marcie, I agree, the book is good. there is also a sequel I think, when Helene Hanff visited London after 84 Charing Cross Road had been published. One of the people she meets during that stay is Joyce Grenfell, whose books I have mentioned before. I do recommend Grenfell highly - her collections of letters and her diaries are great reading. Her mother came, i think, from your Deep South - ? Virginia (her maiden name was Langhorne), and Joyce's father's family were all Christian Scientists, as was she. Her aunt was Nancy Astor, the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons - Nancy's husband, Viscount (Waldorf) Astor, owned Cliveden, and Joyce stayed on the estate for a while when first married. There is a biography of her which is good - forgotten who wrote it! - but I think the letters and diaries are best. One volume is called "Darling Ma - Letters to her Mother 1932-44", so it goes through most of the war (during which she carried on doing shows in London, plus "war work", and also travelled widely with her accompanist Viola Tunnard, entertaining troops stationed abroad.
we also have a CD of Joyce performing her own sketches, which is brilliant - very funny but also very moving in parts.
Rosemary
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You're right, Rosemary - I've just read another of Helene Hanff's books about that time called Q's Legacy. It's another lovely story about her experiences and interactions with the London bookstore.
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Many thanks, Rosemary and Mary, for those books to add to my reading list. They sound like ones that I will enjoy.
I just found some very funny videos of Joyce Grenfell at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clOdyzP9fcw
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Oh, they're histerical!! I like the "Eng Lit" ones.
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Yes, I love all of them!
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I've noted down Joyce Grenfell's name. I do hope I find some of her books; she sounds delightful.
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I saw The Next Three Days yesterday and found it entertaining. It's a Russel Crowe movie although Liam Neesom, et al, find their way into the credits. I wouldn't think this one will receive any special mention among the so called critics but it isn't a waste of time. I don't recall any blatant sex, violence or language scenes. The latter moments are tense and maybe a bit overdone but I left feeling I got my money's worth.
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The Next Three Days is on my queue, Jim.
I thought I kept up with films pretty well, but was really surprised yesterday to read - somewhere -- about a film that will undoubtedly, the review said, get an Oscar nomination. The King's Speech, with Colin Firth. About King George VI. Did he really stutter? The review referred to his wife as Elizabeth. I thought the Queen Mum was Mary. Was she Elizabeth, also?
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Pedln. the Queen Mother was Elizabeth, but being only a queen consort she doesn't count as a number, hence the current queen is Elizabeth II. Queen Mary was alive when my mother was a child, so I think she must have been the mother of the current queen's father - whenever you see a picture of her she is very tall, erect and sombre, always dressed in black - mourning I suppose.
Rosemary
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THanks for mentioning the film, pedln. I had not heard of it. I love Colin Firth.
There is some info about The King's Speech in a Wiki article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King%27s_Speech_%28film%29
The film applies the self-discovery trope as evinced by the play on words of the title, the idiom "The King's English", as a Throne Speech, and as the speech of the protagonist who would have to deliver one.
After the death of his father King George V and the scandalous abdication of his older brother King Edward VIII, Bertie (Colin Firth) who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth, the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue. After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill (Timothy Spall), the King will overcome his stammer and deliver a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle.[3]
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The King's Speech - looks interesting. It will open here shortly - in fact only yesterday I saw something about 'advance screenings' . Aussie Geoffrey Rush plays the speech therapist and I think another Aussie Guy Pearce plays Edward VIII who abdicated. Can't quite see Colin firth as King George VI though... The King really did have a speech impediment which at one time was quite severe.
His mother, Queen Mary was born Princess Mary of Teck - she lived at least until after Queen Elizabeth's (her granddaughter) coronation in 1952 or thereabouts. I remember seeing photographs of her with the rest of the Royals on the balcony of Buck Palace after the ceremony. She was just as Rosemary describes - tall and very erect, but I don't recall her wearing black. My memory of her has her always dressed in very elegant cream or ivory embroidered gowns - but she was often unsmiling. My mother admired her very much - I think the present Queen either takes after her naturally or has tried to emulate her behaviour. Queen Mary was originally engaged to marry the heir to the throne, Prince Albert who died from influenza or pneumonia - after his death she married his brother who became King George V.
For a time after Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne there were three women known as " Queen" - Queen Mary who was often referred to as the 'Dowager Queen' - then the former Queen Consort, Queen Elizabeth known as the "Queen Mother" and finally the present queen herself - Queen Elizabeth II.
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What I most recall about Queen Mary was the magnificent pearl chokers she wore. The chokers appeared to comprise of at least eight strands. Only a certain kind of woman could carry off wearing pearls, rather than the pearls wearing her.
Geoffrey Rush is a favourite of mine. He grew up and went to school in Brisbane, the city in which I now reside. To see him at his best imho please watch "Shine". A true story about a rather remarkable and most definitely unconventional Australian pianist. You won't regret the experience. Gum will help me here - was it Rachmaninov that his character played so brilliantly?
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Roshanarose~ Yep David Helfgott was a mean hand on the piano In the movie ShineThey focussed on the Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 2. and Geoffrey Rush was brilliant in the role. I happen to think Rush is brilliant and at his best in every role he plays. On occasion, Helfgott still plays piano at a pub in the Perth hills but these days he is far from his prime and still psychologically damaged. He grew up a mile or so from where I lived as a child. We heard him play in his heyday when he showed such promise and have always been saddened that he was just not strong enough.
And Yes, Queen Mary's pearl chokers and ropes were part of her persona. I doubt I've ever seen a photo of her without them - She collected jewellery like there was no tomorrow - more or less obliging people to give them to her or buying at ridiculously low prices. She had jewels set into magnificent brooches and tiaras. Most are now part of the Crown jewels but some are the personal property of the present Queen. There are also stories about her reappropriating collections of valuable items and returning them to the Royal collections. Of course, the great ocean liners we know as Queen Mary and Queen Mary II were named for her as was Queen Mary Land in Antarctica and I daresay other places as well.
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I am very close in age, I think a year or two younger, to Queen Elizabeth. I had a fascination as a small child with the then Princess Elizabeth and her little sister, Margaret Rose. They were often featured in LIFE magazine photographs and in the news reels in the movie theatres. Also often dressed alike.
Queen Mary, who was of royal blood, took it upon herself to personally train Elizabeth to be queen from 1936 on. There were a lot of little anecdotes about this relationship back then.
Elizabeth and Margaret Rose's mother, later the Queen Mother, was indeed also Elizabeth. She was Scottish and born Bowes-Lyon. Not royal. Her marriage to the second son, Bertie (later George VI) was a love match, and no one ever expected him to become king! And yes, he had a perfectly dreadful speech impediment.
The first born, whom the family called David, chose the name Edward when George V (husband to Queen Mary) died. Edward VIII. He was known and admired world over: handsome, charming beyond belief, rich, dashing, and Prince of Wales. Oh, and a womanizing bachelor. He literally traveled the world on behalf of his country.
In this country, our newspapers were FULL of the scandal of his preferring a twice-divorced American nobody from Baltimore. Much speculation as to what would happen. Important Brits quoted as saying he could not remain king if he married her.
But, except for royal and government circles in the know, the public in Great Britain knew NOTHING! The newspapers loved their king, and agreed to keep it quiet. So you can imagine the shock and disbelief when the king abdicated with his famous "The Woman I Love" speech! I can remember listening to it on the radio with my family. Americans were dying to know how it would all play out, and, while we felt the same way then about the scandal of divorce, we also felt a bit miffed that our American was considered unfit to be Queen!
It was all brand new, however, in Great Britain; and very upsetting. The new king was an unknown quality; though the little princesses were well known and loved.
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By the way, the film The King's Speech, is not about King Edward's famous abdication speech. Edward VIII had no speech impediment. It is all about his brother, Bertie, known as George VI. Except for his inability to speak well and his frail health, George VI was a hundred times the man his brother was; and his subjects came to realize and appreciate this truth. Especially during and after WWII. He died a much loved man.
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I remember reading the comment somewhere that having to be king ruined George V life (I assume he was ubhappy with the role). Have any of you heard that?
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JoanK - Yes I have heard that. Evidently he was painfully shy and the thought of appearing in public so often, terrified him. That's probably why he had Geoffrey Rush come in to work on his stammer.
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Yes, George VI really didn't want to be King - but he was true blue and I doubt anyone else could have done a better job in such difficult wartime circumstances. MaryPage put it so succinctly:
George VI was a hundred times the man his brother was; and his subjects came to realize and appreciate this truth
King George's wife, Elizabeth, the late Queen Mum once said of Wallis Simpson that 'that woman killed my husband' which perhaps refers to the stress being King placed on her 'Bertie' although in actual fact George died of lung cancer caused by heavy smoking. He was only 56 years of age.
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Heavy smoking is often indicative of a high level of stress, so... Maybe
there was a link between the two. It's easier to blame someone else
than to be angry with your loved one for a habit that took them away
from you so soon.
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And now The King's Speech is up for Golden Globe Best Drama. It's on my queue, as is The Social Network. And how about Mark Zucherberg being Time's Person of the Year.
Does anyone else feel like they're almost forced into becoming a Facebook member?
Have you seen any of the GG nominees?
MOVIES
Best Picture - Drama
"Black Swan"
"The Fighter"
"Inception"
"The King's Speech"
"The Social Network"
Best Picture - Musical or Comedy
"Alice in Wonderland"
"Burlesque"
"The Kids are All Right"
"Red"
"The Tourist"
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pedln, RED is the only one of those movies I've seen - and it's wonderful!
Did you know that True Grit was a book before John Wayne made the movie? I didn't until I read about it in the current Newsweek. That writer says the book is ever so much better than Wayne's movie. He also says that the new True Grit movie with Jeff Bridges is better than the first one. I'm looking forward to seeing that one (love Jeff Bridges), and have ordered the book from Amazon.
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Pedln - Alice In Wonderland is the only one I have seen and I thought it was pretty mediocre, but my daughter loved it and has asked for the DVD for Christmas.
Yes, I feel I have been forced into joining Facebook to find out what my son (who is away for a year) is up to - although my daughter says that no-one puts anything "real" on their "wall" - all the personal stuff is done by private messaging, which makes you wonder why they can't just use e-mail. I loathe Facebook - the public messages are so inane and pointless. I am amazed to see some people of my age being so active on it - they seem to have bought into this whole culture that assumes that people want to know what you thought of last night's X-factor, what you had for breakfast, etc.
R
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Didn't know that, MARYZ. It seems sacrilege against our beloved John Wayne, but I can believe the book is better, ..and possibly the Jeff Bridges version, too.
I'm with you, ROSEMARY. So many people seem to be desperate to make any kind of contact
at all, when it seems to me they avoid personal contact by spending all their time focusing on
the little pods in their hands. We are becoming more and more isolated. You see people everywhere with their attention focused on their little message machines while ignoring everyone
around them.
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Deviating from the theme, sorry but according to NYT there is a TV series called "Eagle Four". About four Afghan police, it looks quite interesting. I don't know the TV channel to tell you.
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Thanks for that Roshanarose. Very interesting. It’s partly US funded, TV techniques are taught by a TV crew from Australia. And it surprised me to learn that there is no Internet available in Afghanistan. I think the show is available only in Afghanistan.
Eagle Four -- NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/21/world/asia/21kabul.html)
Slilde show (http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/11/20/world/asia/20101121_KABUL.html)
Eagle Four -- hubpages (http://hubpages.com/hub/Eagle-Four-Afghanistans-24-Hit-TV-Show)
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Aha! Pedlin, as soon as you said the show was available only in Afghanistan, PEDLN, I was
fairly confident it was propaganda and we were involved. Apparently it is a good show, tho', and
serves as an educational tool for the police force as well as being popular viewing. I was shocked
to read that female police officers were afraid of being raped by their own colleagues! And not
at all surprised to learn that a somewhat similar real unit was effectively hamstrung by the
government after they had the temerity to arrest a government aide.
If we hope to see any major advances in that country, I think we should expect it to take a
couple of generations.
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If we hope to see any major advances in that country, I think we should expect it to take a couple of generations.
I think you're right on that, Babi.
I've been nursing a pre-Christmas bug these past few days, but finally felt up to viewing one of the Netflix DVDs that had accumlated here, and it was a Christmas one. The Family Stone -- did someone mention it here -- I have no idea why I picked it. About the Stone family, complete with parents, grown children, grandchildren, partners, lovers and all the family dynamics that go with a group of opinionated people. A little earthy perhaps, funny in spots, sad in others, but completely honest. Recommended. With Diane Keaton and Sara Jessica Parker, don't remember the male leads.
I hope you all find a holiday film to your liking.
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a group of opinionated people.
PEDLN, that to me is a warning that get-togethers are generally marked by arguments. Everybody has their own opinions, and rightly so, but 'opinionated' has somewhat the ring of 'constipated' in my mind, with the disposition that
goes with it. ;)
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Oh, I just loved The Family Stone. I have watched it several times now.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS !!!
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We were going to see the new True Grit movie after Christmas dinner yesterday. But we changed our minds when we got to the theater and saw the jammed parking lot and the line at the window. I don't like to sit next to someone I do not know at the theater. The last time I did that someone sat next to me and coughed and chomped on food all during the film. Disgusting. I would have left, but we'd paid premium prices to see the film. I only like to see a film in a theater when there is hardly anyone there.
Marj
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Marj, we usually go on a weekday afternoon, after a movie has been open for a couple of weeks. Usually there are only a handful of folks. I like to sit in the back row, so nobody can sit behind me and talk or kick my seat. ::) Also, those are the cheap showings.
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Marj - we have one independent cinema here in Aberdeen - it is great, rarely busy, no hotdogs, and you can walk to it - in fact it's much easier to do that as there is no parking anywhere near. I have a membership of it, which allows me slightly cheaper tickets and some discounts elsewhere, but even without that it is well worthwhile. They show some mainstream films but also a lot of less popular stuff - they have French seasons, seasons of particular directors' films, etc . If a film is on elsewhere I very rarely go to it - on occasion I do have to give in for some film that my children want to see, and I always regret it - the noise, the smell, the sheer rudeness of people spoils the whole experience for me.
Rosemary
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MARJ, that makes you the ideal person to rent movies and watch them
in the comfort and privacy of your own home. I have another excellent
reason: the movie theatres don't show closed-captioning.
ROSEMARY, membership at a movie theatre is a new idea to me. Is that
common in Europe?
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Babi - some of the independent ones do it. Ours is called The Belmont Cinema, but it is part of a group of independents called Picturehouses (www.picturehouses.co.uk). You can just "pay as you go" or you can buy an annual membership - for that you get a discount on ticket prices, plus 3 free tickets a year, plus some free previews, etc. You also get a discount at some local retailers who have joined the scheme - the ones I use most are the cafe opposite the cinema - another independent called Books and Beans (www.booksandbeans.co.uk)- it is a second hand bookshop + cafe, very popular, and the owner lives very near me, he is lovely - and also One Up Records (www.oneupmusic.co.uk), an independent record/CD shop (which is rare in this country and makes me think of The Vinyl Cafe books), again with a very nice friendly owner and helpful staff who don't look at you as if you have crawled out from under a stone if you are over 21 :). Of course by buying a membership you also help the cinema, which I feel is a good cause as they try to show independent films, old films, unusual stuff, etc - AND they don't sell hotdogs! they also have a children's club every Saturday morning when they do craft activities then show a children's film, and sometimes they manage to get directors in to do a discussion with the audience .
There is a similar cinema in Edinburgh but I have forgotten its name.
Rosemary
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Babi said, "MARJ, that makes you the ideal person to rent movies and watch them
in the comfort and privacy of your own home. I have another excellent
reason: the movie theatres don't show closed-captioning."
I agree, Babi, and that's why I joined Netflix. But I read a review of True Grit (In the Atlantic, I think), that said the best thing about the film True Grit was the gorgeous scenery and the background music score. And that is best in a theater.
We usually go on a weekday around noon or so, but my other son wanted to go with us and he can only go at certain times.
We'll see the movie when all the hype dies down.
Marj
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Rosemary, your membership movie theater in Aberdeen sounds wonderful. I'm surprised they don't have something like that here in the Southern California/Los Angeles area. I'll have to check and see.
There is a theater not too far from me that shows films that don't appeal to a wide bunch of people, and I go there sometimes. A while back they were showing all the films directed by John Cassavetes that I liked -- The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, A Woman Under the Influence, etc. Loved to see his wife Gena Rowlands in his films. Each time I went (during the daytime) I was the only one there. Great!
Marj
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Marj: I'd forgotten that you're in the LA area. I'm in Torrance. Not much of movie interest here -- just standard theaters.
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Yes Marj, I too love it when I am the only person there!
Just been watching "the 100 greatest musicals" on TV - part one today and the remaining 50 tomorrow. I am supposed to be turning out all my cupboards prior to moving house, so it was great to have this on at the same time. There were some wonderful old films - the old musicals were just so lavish, with their amazing dance sequences, huge sets - and quite a bit of synchronised swimming!
R
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My sister-in-law lives in Torrance - they go to movies nearly every week. And they often go to see "small" movies. I'll have to ask to see which movie houses they frequent.
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JoanK and Marj, I wrote my SIL, and this was her reply (re movies in the Torrance area)
We most often go to the AMC and Regal theaters since they are closest to us. Some times we go to the Pacific theater in Manhattan Beach. The Laemle chain is the one that has most of the Independent movies, but are so far away that we almost never go. The chains are starting to show more of the Indies.
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ROSEMARY, sounds lovely. I especially like the cafe/bookshop across
the street.
MARJ, I agree about the widescreen gorgeous scenery, but the music
would be lost on me. I did watch the musical version of "A Christmas
Carol" and was able to enjoy the dancing even without the music. All
the solos were a complete loss, tho'. I'm surprised that the theatre
remains open during hours when only one or two customers show up. It
must be a significant monetary loss.
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Babi said " I'm surprised that the theatre
remains open during hours when only one or two customers show up. It
must be a significant monetary loss."
They have several theaters under the one roof, not just the one I went to where I was the only one there.
Marj
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Ah, hopefully the other theaters had enough patrons to make the difference.
Patronage is so important. I've known a number of small cafes that served
really good food, but they didn't get enough regular customers to stay open.
I think in smaller communities like mine people tend to eat out less often. Just
an impression; I could be wrong. I notice there is only one multi-theater unit
in our area, too.
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Rosemary, great picture! It’s good to “see” you here. Interesting to hear about the theatre clubs --it sounds like some theaters are doing creative marketing. I seldom go to a theatre because I miss too much of the audio and the two theatre complexes in my town rarely show foreign films which would have subtitles. But when I have been, I’ve wondered how families could afford to attend very often, especially when you consider the cost of concessions as well. (We smuggled our water bottles and nibbles into the Stieg Larsson film.)
Marjifay, do let us know when you get to see True Grit. I’m part of that very small minority that never saw the first one, with John Wayne, so am looking forward to your thoughts on which is the better. The few reviews I’ve seen seem to favor the new one.
Stomach flu forced me to cancel my Christmas visit to my West Coast families, so my New York daughter came to me instead of visiting friends in Nag’s Head. A quiet, but pleasant Christmas. She was nursing a cold and I was recouping, so we played board games and watched DVDs from Netflix.
I’d had Winter’s Bone for a few weeks, but wasn’t sure I wanted to see it – just not in the mood for what I perceived to be dysfunctional down-and-outers. What a surprise! Jennifer Lawrence does a wonderful job as the 17-year-old Ree Dolly, searching for her dead or alive father, much to the consternation of her meth-producing neighbors and relatives. Almost a one woman show. I’m so glad I saw it. The author of the book, Daniel Woodrell, lives in West Plains, MO, in the Missouri Ozarks. Supposedly, Missouri is the meth capital of the U.S. I don’t know, but a law was passed here recently requiring a doctor’s prescription to buy Sudefed or Muscinex, that type of cold medicine, to make meth ingredients harder to come by.
The other film we watched was You Can Count on Me, with Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo which was okay, but not as good as Winter’s Bone. One might think they were both films with strong, determined sisters caring for their families, but I don’t thing strong is the right word for the Laura Linney film.
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Oh dear Pedln, I hope you feel better soon too - it seems like there hasn't been a family untouched by illness of some sort this holiday. My daughter is getting better but still has a terrible throat and cough. It does however sound like a very cosy Christmas, playing board games and watching DVDs with your daughter.
I have to say that (whisper it low) I would be most upset if they made Benylin a prescription only medicine here, as it is what I take if I am unable to sleep - I probably only take it about once every few months, and I only take the dose as on the bottle, but it does do the trick when all else fails. We already get an interrogation from the pharmacist when we buy it. We can buy very mild sleeping pills from the pharmacy, but I find they leave me feeling wiped out the next day, which Benylin doesn't. I have tried all the "natural" remedies and only wish they did work, but all the oil burners, lavender sprays, rescue remedy, etc, do nothing for me.
I do so agree about the cost of going to the cinema - and just about everyone apart from skinflint me seems to buy the hotdogs, popcorn, drinks and sweets from the concessions. Like you, I take in drinks for my children and sometimes a packet of sweets from the pound store.
Get well soon,
Best wishes,
Rosemary
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When we go to the movie theater, we go in the late afternoon ($6.00 here), and never buy anything else. We've never been movie snackers. Some of my swimming group goes on Tuesday afternoon when drinks and popcorn are $1.00.
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I once asked if the concession stand would sell a Senior Citizen a "child's" combo - and they would! It was just the right amount of popcorn, soft drink and a small bag of candy. I didn't take the toy. ;)
A friend who was with me said, "I would never have thought of doing that!" I told her the worst thing that could happen is that they would say, "No".
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Movie theatre prices here are fairly reasonable - for senior citizens anyway - but for a family 2 adults and 2 children plus snacks and maybe parking fees etc it could get pricey. The classic snack for us is the chocolate covered icecream cone - almost de rigeur - but the younger folk favour the popcorn and make a such a mess spilling it everywhere.
We have an excellent theatre group who as well as mainstream films bring us international offerings from around the world - regular festivals of French, Italian, British, Asian films - they host talks, sometimes get one of the actors or director to give a short talk with question time etc. They also bring us seasons from Covent Garden, the Paris Ballet and the NY Met Opera all in HD - the price for these is almost double the regular ticket cost but still not out of the question.
We still have some of the old open air movie theatres which were popular in the days before the drive-in. The open air theatres screen only during the summer and are a popular spot to take a picnic to have on the lawns before the show with a glass or two of wine. Funny sometimes to hear a cork being popped during a tense moment later the film as someone opens another bottle of the bubby stuff. We're lucky that our climate allows these theatres to thrive as it rarely rains during the summer - there's nothing quite like sitting under the stars on a balmy evening watching a good movie and sipping on something cold. I love the simple life.
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PEDLN, the 'old movie' channels are offering "True Grit" lately, probably
in response to the new film coming out. You could probably find it easily
enough. The older version probably seems 'dated' to the current generation. The older generation might hold a different view.
Meet another 'skinflint', ROSEMARY. I no longer go out to the movies, as I need the closed captioning, but I remember well the shocking mark-ups on the lobby goodies. I was perfectly willing to stick something in my purse for any hunger pangs.
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Gumtree, I like your idea of the simple life. :)
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MARY: thank you for the Torrance movie info. Sounds like the same theaters I go to. Except I didn't know about the one in Manhattan Beach. That's nearby, and we often go to the beach there to watch the surfers. It is the home of beach volleyball as well -- Southern California at its Southern Californyist!
If you're ever out here, visiting your SIL, let me know. We can get together. There's a kind of neat cafe/used bookstore, where people go, drink coffee and read the books. Some artists hang out there as well. Or we can go watch the surfers.
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My daughters and I went to see True Grit and I couldn't believe how packed the movie theatre was. It was the day after Christmas. I loved it, but I guess I am un-american as I never was a big John Wayne fan, but i dearly love Jeff Bridges and he excelled in this movie, IMO.
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JoanK - glad I "found" a new movie for you. I'll check in the next time we're out there - no plans at this time.
We might go see True Grit next week - or the week after that. Now we're getting into basketball season, and that keeps us busy. ;)
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The early John Wayne was definitely an American icon. I must admit that as he grew older, he might have done better not to try to dash up hills as if he were still a young man. Nevertheless, he was such a favorite that people still wanted to see him.
I'm looking forward to seeing Jeff Bridges in the role. He is a top-notch
actor.
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Alf, I never liked John Wayne, either! Just never went for the big macho man full-of-himself type! I have always felt Wayne was more the image of what every American male wished he were than what every American woman desired.
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Amen! Marypage. I prefer a man witha sense of humor, a la Paul Newman. Oh yeah, he looked better also - to my eyes........ ;).........jean
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AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH Paul Newman!
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And Aaaaaah.... George Clooney ditto.
R :)
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Okay, ladies, pull yourselves together. 8) Unfortunately, all the gorgeous men we sighed
over are now as old as we are, or older. :'(
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Well gorgeous George has certainly aged well ;D
R
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Granted. Can't argue with that, ROSEMARY. Who else do you think has aged well? (general
question)
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Well, I took Jean's advice and watched a Paul Newman that just happened to be here from Netflix -- The Verdict. A golden oldie and pretty much a one man show for Newman.
Gorgeous George is one year older than my son. I don't consider that aging.
I guess that leaves Robert Redford and Clint Eastwood. And then there's Martin Sheen -- I really liked him in the West Wing.
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I have had a crush on Ed Harris for a long time. Followed closely by Tommy Lee Jones. I just can't see what the fuss is about with George Clooney. If he asks me out I will just refer him to RosemaryKaye.
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I'm with you Roshanarose on the Clooney thing and Robert Redford doesn't appeal either- it's had me puzzled for years as to why everyone raves...
I like Ed Harris and Tommy Lee Jones too - and Willem Dafoe- all great actors But I don't have a crush on them.
For that , there was Paul Newman ... sigh
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Robert Wagner!! Has aged very well! Cary Grant aged very well. Newman, wagner, Grant, all gave us, in their movie roles, at least, a man with a sense of humor. That makes them attractive to me, besides how they look. I guess Clooney has done that too, but, ironically, one of the rhings that has turned me off of GC, in real life - on talk shows and interviews- he makes a joke abt EVERYTHING, it makes me feel like he's hiding himself behind the humor. However, everyone who has worked with him has said he's very nice - that's attractive too!
Oh! Yeah! Clooney's father has aged well, also! ......yeah, george is a little too young to talk abt how he has "aged". :)
Dick Van Dyck? Ozzie Davis?...........jean
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My crush is Richard Gere. I will watch any movie he is in just for him. The grayer his hair gets the sexier he is...at least for me.
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I loved the ones we no longer have: Yul Brynner! Charlton Heston!
jeriron, we shall have a duel over who gets Richard Gere! I am still madly in love with Sean Connery, even though he hasn't aged well!
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Sam Waterston is still here. He's a good guy. Is he acting in anything or just doing commercials?
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Sam Waterston was still on the original Law & Order, but I think that's over now.
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Oh, did anyone mention Tom Selleck?? Yumm!
Sally
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I like Willem Dafoe too, Gum. He was extraordinary in "The Last Temptation of Christ". It is a movie that I shall never forget. It was banned here for several years as it was considered "blasphemous", but you could borrow it in Indie video stores. Dan Brown reinvented the theme in "The Da Vinci Code"and no one even blinked. Times change.
Ralph Fiennes - Sexy and can act too :o
Some bad news today about another wonderful actor. Pete Postlethwaite died on 2/1/11 of cancer. A great loss to the acting world.
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I remember Pete P. from The Usual Suspects and The Shipping News. I see he was in Inception, too. Haven't seen it yet. He played some interesting characters.
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Just discovered that Anne Francis has passed away.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/04/arts/04francis.html
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I haven't heard of Anne Francis in so long I had supposed she was already gone.
In reading the list of your taste in males, it is clear that opinion is still
divided between dark or blond, rugged or classic. Naturally. Actually, I
like Clooney better now that he is older and not quite so, er, sleek.
Needless to say, people who are too 'pretty' know it, and tend to take
advantage of it. I approach with caution. ::)
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Love Tom Selleck in his new series, "Blue Bloods". Also, the one where is a Sheriff in a small N.E. town (why can't I remember names/titles like that?) Darn.
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Jesse Stone. Yes, I liked those. Too bad they didn't make a series based on that character. I don't watch Blue Bloods. Too many big city cops and CSI stories on already.
BTW, did you hear that the original Law and Order is ending? I haven't watched it in several years.
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I definitely prefer dark, craggy, and not too pretty or baby-faced.
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My forty yr old dgt fell in love w/ Sean Connery abt 10 yrs ago, I was surprised. .......Oh, Yes! Yul Brynner, so exotic, so unique, so sexy! I think he was my all-time favorite sexy guy.......altho Tom Selleck got my attention right away as the Salem man.........blondes, other than Paul Newman never impressed me....maybe they looked too slick.... ;D........jean
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In my early, early teenage years, I fell in love with Troy DOnohue and Tab Hunter! Grew out of blondes fairly soon after!
Yul Brynner, you got it right, exotic. Et cetera, et cetera!
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Buzz Lightyear is a hero in my eyes. That jaw! That chest! That immortality! That disposability!
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My fav was, is, and always will be Leslie Howard. Paul Newman comes in second. Howard was dead when I married The Love Of My Life, but I told Bob right up front that if Newman ever crooked his little finger and beckoned to me, I was gone!
Bob allowed as how he would take his chances, and so we were wed and lived happily ever after. Never even encountered Paul Newman. Sigh!
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Oh yes, Roshanarose! Disposability - such an asset :) - and much more fun than Woody - also dimmer, so easier to manage :D
I always thought Nigel in the Archers would be a good bet - rich, nice and worshipped the ground that the dreadful Elizabeth walked on - but the wretched writer has just killed him off, purely, IMO, to get good 60th anniversary ratings. Do any of you get The Archers?
R
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Hi Rosemarykaye - I hope that you are well and that the ice and snow are not inhibiting you too much.
I have never heard of "The Archers".
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Oh my goodness, Roshanarose! The Archers is a serial that has been on BBC Radio 4 every day except Saturdays since before I was born. It centres on the Archer family, who are farmers in the fictional village of Ambridge in "Borsetshire". There is a huge cast of other characters. The series was originally conceived to pass agricultural information on to farmers after the war ("an everyday story of country folk") - last week, on the 60th anniversary, there was a whole day of particularly iconic episodes on BBC7, together with interviews with some of the longest standing members of the cast, and it was interesting to note how much less didactic the programmes have become. Some of the old episodes are famous - most especially the one in which Grace Died - Grace was the new and lovely young wife of Phil Archer, and she died going back into a burning stables to rescue her horses (who escaped). It is widely believed that this episode was written to coincide with the first night of ITV (the first UK commercial TV station) in the 1950s.
The Archers has a huge following, several fan clubs, a section on the BBC website, etc etc. One of my earliest memories is of sitting in the Belfast sink in our old kitchen listening to the theme tune - tum tee tum tee tum tee tum - whilst being bathed by my mother; I must have been about 2. The evening episode still starts at 7pm, with a repeat at 2pm the next day, and a weekly omnibus on Sunday mornings - these days of course you can also catch up via the website.
And yes, to change the subject, our weather is dire - no snow at the moment, tg, but sheet ice everywhere, roads and pavements lethal. Thankfully i do not have to go anywhere apart from John Lewis's tomorrow - no driving for me.
Best wishes
Rosemary
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Mmmmm> I wonder how I missed out on hearing about "The Archers". My early memories of radio include listening to the eternal "Blue Hills" (which was Australian) and the "American Hit Parade" and there was also "Portia Faces Life" and "Dossier on Demetrius". I remember also being intrigued by Oral Roberts.
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Roshanarose I just picked this us from google but lost the reference
ABC Radio is credited with the longest-running daily serial, Blue Hills, written by Gwen Meredith. Blue Hills began in 1948, taking over from The Lawsons (1944-48), a serial by the same author. Blue Hills contained some of the most successful characters from The Lawsons and ran until 1976. In all, 5795 episodes of Blue Hills were produced.
I wonder if anyone actually heard all 5795 episodes.
Rosemary I'm sure the Archers were played on our radio - probably not all but some.
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Saw the new Coen Bros. TRUE GRIT film with Jeff Bridges last night in the theater. We all came away with the same feeling: We preferred the John Wayne film (and I am not a John Wayne fan). While the acting was good in the new version, we did not think it was better than the older film. And we all had a very difficult time understanding the garbled slurred language spoken by Jeff Bridges as "Rooster" Cogburn. I would not recommend the Coen Bros. film.
Marj
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Buzz Lightyear is a hero in my eyes. That jaw! That chest! That immortality! That disposability!
ROSHANAROSE! LOL!!
Sorry to hear that critique on the new 'True Grit', MARJ. I've been looking forward to seeing it. Actually, tho', since I rely on closed captioning anyway, the slurring shouldn't bother me at all. :)
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Yes, Babi, subtitles would have been very helpful for the new True Grit. And the movie seemed a bit slow until about half way thru, when it picked up. Because of that and the problem understanding what they were saying, I'd have walked out if I had been there by myself. I'll be interested in what you and others have to say about it. It has gotten great reviews at IMDB, but I wonder if a lot of those were by younger people who never saw the John Wayne version.
(I had not been to a theater to see a movie in a long time. Couldn't believe the matinee prices -- $8.50. I was expecting $4.50 or $5.00. Surprise, surprise. I think it's about $10 or more for an evening show. Back to Netflix, LOL)
Marj
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Marjifay, thanks for the True Grit critique. I’ve seen neither version, and have about 200 titles on my Netflix queue that I’d watch before viewing them. So guess it'll be a while.
I understand what you’re saying about theater prices, but I seldom go because I need the subtitles or captions. But I love to wander through BestBuy and think how neat it would be to have one of those big big screens on the free wall in my dining room and make it a dining/media room. I’ve already downsized to a smaller table. :D
Have y ou all been watching the stuff coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? My brother used to go every year just to look and also meet his sons there, but is skipping it this year. It looks like tablets are ruling the day, and some neat things are happening with TV also. It sure looks like everything is going at WARP speed. How does one keep up?
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I saw somewhere, might have even been here, that the author prefers this new True Grit movie because it is closer to the book. If I recall, he wasn't fond of John Wayne. The new movie sounds more, shall we say, nasty?
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Pedln said, "Have you all been watching the stuff coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? My brother used to go every year just to look and also meet his sons there, but is skipping it this year. It looks like tablets are ruling the day, and some neat things are happening with TV also. It sure looks like everything is going at WARP speed. How does one keep up?"
I don't keep up. I have enough trouble figuring out how to use my telephone's recorded messages thingamagig, and it's just an ordinary cordless line phone. I admire people who can figure that stuff out. Thank goodness my son is a genius when it comes to computers. I got a 6% score on a mechanical aptitude test when I was young, and I don't think I've changed much.
Marj
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Oh yes Marj - I have just had the usual cooking experience of not being able to match the right sized lids to my saucepans - and I've had them at least 10 years :(
That is how techincal I am.
R
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Marj - I forgot to say - I was supposed to be taking Madeleine to the cinema this afternoon to see the new Narnia film - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. When I looked up the times they had taken off the "normal" ie 2D version, and left us with only the 3D edition - the price for the two of us to go mid-afternoon would have been over £15 (it was not being shown by our local independent, so this was one of the chain cinemas).
Madeleine, being my third and a very reasonable child, said we should not spend that amount of money but should instead wait for the library to get the DVD - so we went to the library instead and borrowed the DVD of Ballet Shoes (BBC 2008 production, Emma Watson, Victoria Wood) plus some books.
I don't know how people face taking their entire families to peak time showings (the afternoon is supposed to be the cheap time).
Rosemary
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Awfully expensive, Rosemary. You have a very sensible daughter. I guess families do what you did and borrow the movie from the library. (Usually beats having people sitting behind you and having to listen to them crunch popcorn and talk.) I guess that when it's a movie we feel we must see on the big screen, we should wait until we hear reviews from persons or media that we trust. Altho' that doesn't always work, as I found out with True Grit.
Marj
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Marj - i remember saying before getting our first cd player that was only going to get it if they promised me that nothing newer was coming out in the next two yrs!!! Now i'd have to say inthe next six months!....whew! Things are just flying by..........jean
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I told my 14-year-old grandson I didn’t know what all the different I-things were – touch, phone, pod, etc. so he tried to sort it all out for me.
There are several types of I-Pods
I-Pod Classic is the oldest one with lots of storage
I-Pod Nano is smaller than the Classic, but with less storage
I-Pod Shuffle is the smallest I-Pod, without a screen, it just shuffles through your songs
I-Pod Touch is the newest I-Pod, with a touch screen, internet (via Wi-Fi), camera, and gaming
I-Phone is an I-Pod Touch, with a phone built in, and has the option of 3G, which is internet through cell towers
A Smart Phone is essentially a phone with internet, for the most part
Now one would think, with all these wonderful things coming out daily, that someone would have an on-the-shelf, buy-it-now DVR player/recorder that individuals could own, NOT RENT, and record what they wanted to watch without paying megabucks to cable and satellite companies. Something with a hard-drive recorder so you’re not having to mess with tapes and discs.
My favorite so far from the Electronics Show is the Baby Monitor. You can actually see baby, from another room, across town or wherever, and if baby starts to cry while you're at work you can actually sing to him via your cell phone.
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pedln - I liked the baby monitor, but for me it is a little late. I used to watch my baby daughter like a hawk. I was always relieved when she woke up. I realise now that whilst she was asleep, she was in some kind of suspended animation.
Thanks to the 14 y o grandson for his knowledge of "i".
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What a concise, good summary of the "I's" Pedln, thank your g-son for sharing his expertise....jean
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Thanks, Pedln. I agree that your grandson provided very helpful definitions.
A reminder that tonight many PBS stations will broadcast the first episode of Downton Abbey, a new series in the genre of "Upstairs, Downstairs." Join our PBS Classic discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2012.0). Read more at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/index.html
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A movie I have to recommend is THE STATION AGENT (2003), available at Netflix. Really great. When I read the IMDB summary, had I not gotten a recommendation from a friend whose film recommendations I take seriously, I'd probably not have watched it. So glad I did. Never heard of the actors (Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale), but I'm going to look for more of their films.
Marj
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I second your recommendation, Marj. A very nice, feel good movie.
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I would like a nice, 'feel good' movie. Thank you both for the
recommendation.
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Oh yes, The Station Agent is a wonderful movie. I don't give many Five Stars, but that one got it. I'm like you, Marj, the description didn't sell the title to me. But I'm sure glad I saw it. It's truly a winner.
Here's the Netflix blurb --
When his only friend dies, a young dwarf named Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) relocates to an abandoned train station in rural New Jersey, intent on living the life of a hermit. But his solitude is interrupted by his colorful neighbors. Finbar's new crop of friends includes a struggling artist (Patricia Clarkson) coping with the recent death of her young son and a talkative Cuban hot dog vendor (Bobby Cannavale).
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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And Downton Abbey was /is great. I hadn't planned to watch it, thinking it "just another period piece," but that isn't the case. I've never seen Upstairs/Downstairs, so can't compare, but the relationships shown here are fascinating. As is the whole realm of who inherits, class, etc. I must set the recorder for the next three weeks.
Just found this link this morning. If you've seen Part 1 there are no spoilers. If you haven't, you might want to wait.
Downton Abbey DVD Review (http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/downtonabbey.php)
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I absolutely adored Downton Abbey and cannot wait to see the rest of this series of episodes and to buy the DVD and see it again and again!
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Having the good fortune to have a DVR, I am presently watching Part I of Downton Abbey. Even the first 30 minutes of it is wonderful! I do have the Closed Captioned turned on, until I can get used to the rapidity of their speech, I will need it. Been awhile since I watched something with the various English accents. I understand the upper classes speech really well, but the maids/cooks get a bit "cockney" for my ear!
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After locating "The Station Agent" on Netflix and reading the 'blurb', I realized I have seen that
movie. It was very good, to my pleasant surprise, as initially I didn't think I was going to like it.
I had simply forgotten the title.
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I always use the closed captioning or the subtitles, whichever is available, and if both are I opt for the subtitles, both because I am getting quite deaf and because the accents can be difficult to follow. So happy you love the show as much as I. It was a smash hit in Great Britain, and I have read they are in the process of making a follow up series. Hurrah!
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I went to see The King's Speech with one of my daughters this afternoon, and it was SO good I plan to purchase the book! We were truly wowed!
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Oh my gosh, MaryPage. I didn't know the King's Speech was from a book. Did you get it yet?
This was asked over in the library ---
Wasn't it great when they made movies of popular books? Do they do that as often now? I know there is a discussion category of "books into movies." Maybe someone who goes to the movies more than i do can give an objective answer?
and this was my response --
I think they do, Jean, but sometimes they have other titles, sometimes the books aren’t so well-known. And there are sometimes films from the blockbuster books like the Stieg Larsson trilogy. Remember when Schindler’s List was such a hit? Most of us were unaware of the book with the same title by Australian writer Thomas Keneally. And then there is Brokeback Mountain, from a short story by (I think) Alice Munro. I’ve seen the film African Queen gazillion times, but have never read the C.S. Forester book. A fantastic recent film, and one I hope gets Jennifer Lawrence an Oscar, is Winter’s Bone from the book by Daniel Woodrell.
I could go on forever, because chasing down a film’s origin is a fun game for me. Just today, an interviewee in the NY Times said he had seen Mao’s Last Dancer and it was magnificent. It’s from the 2004 autobiography by Li Cunxin.
Bookmarks Magazine sometimes lists films being made into books and whe they’re being released. I’m waiting for Kathleen Stockett’s The Help, which is supposedly in production.
Have you found any good films from books recently?
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It is my understanding, strictly from what I have read, that the book came after the movie. The story began as a play. The writers had the story directly from the speech therapist's fulsome and detailed notes of the sessions and his lifelong (thereafter) friendship with the king. They wanted to tell it earlier, but some one, the Queen Mother herself? Someone asked them on behalf of the royal family to wait until Queen Elizabeth, mother of the present Queen, was dead. Apparently they (the royals) did not disagree with, or at least raised no objection to, the story itself. Royals usually keep their distance from and make no public remarks concerning this type of thing, but "Buckingham Palace" has been known to protest through a spokesperson when something really gets up their nose(s). In this case, the silence is almost an endorsement!
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=BOOK&WRD=the+king's+speech&page=&prod=univ&choice=book&query=The+King's+Speech&flag=False&ugrp=1
No, the piles of books awaiting me are just too high at present for me to risk toppling them with an addition. Later!
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Brokeback Mountain was from a short story by Annie Proulx.
I saw The King's Speech on Saturday. My word, was I ever wowed!
Performances by Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush was superb!! Can't wait till it comes out on DVD, so I can PURCHASE it. Gotta have this one in my collection. I sat there with tears in my eyes, and then there were the scenes where I laughed out loud. What a movie! Deserves Oscar for both men and best picture.
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I haven't been here for awhile. My 40+ y/o daughter saw the latest "True Grit" movie, and really liked it. I love Jeff Bridges, but have read enoough comments, to know that I don't care to see it.
When I was a young child. I liked John Wayne. That changed, when I realized that he never served in the military during WWII.
Yesterday I watched a new program on PBS, called "Ebert Productions". If you remember Siskel and Ebert, this is the same Richard Ebert. He and his wife are producing this show. There are two young people, maybe 30 y/o, are the critics. I didn't care much for them. However, it is my impression that Richard Ebert choses the movies being reviewed. They also have a website called: Ebert Productions.org
Sheila
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TOMEREADER, ohhhhhhhhhh, I so want to see "The King's Speech". Unfortunately, I can no longer enjoy a movie in a theatre. Sighhh Theatres are too noisy, as I am a bit hard of hearing.
So, until it is available on Netflix, I must wait.
Sheila
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Sheila, have you tried the assistive listening devices available in the theaters? They don't work for me anymore, but they used to be very very helpful, both for movie and for the stage.
I'm really looking forward to seeing the King's Speech when it comes out on DVD. Interesting, MaryPage, about the release waiting until after the Queen Mum died. I wonder how she would have felt about it.
I've seen two from Netflix this week -- The Kids are All Right -- it was okay, but I don't see how it got a Best Comedy from the Golden Globes.
The other was an Argentine mystery -- The Secret in Their Eyes. Again, it was okay. I think the film code in Argentina must be a bit more liberal than in the US. Neither was a WOW.
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What is "Winter's Bone" about, PEDLN? I rarely hear about a new movie until it's
ready for Netflix.
SHEILA, I can remember my Dad saying that one reason he enjoyed Audie Murphy's
westerns, is because you could believe he could actually do the things in the film.
With Murphy's war record, it didn't matter at all that he wasn't the tall, husky hero
type. John Wayne's war movies were very patriotic and served to keep up morale during
WWII.
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You are right, BABI, John Wayne was good for patriotism and morale. So many of the leading, male stars were in the military service during WWII, though. It seemed hypocritical of him, to STAR in movies about war, but remain a civilian. Just my reasoning. Sometimes, a bit wacky.
Yes, PEDLIN, I used the assisted listening devices for several years at the theaters. However, they haven't worked well for me, for the past couple of years. Also, the competition from people talking with each other, became too distracting. I wonder if the ushers, of the 1930s and 40s would help?
Sheila
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P.S. In addition, I now am in a lot of pain, from my old back injury. Walking is a real challange. I wake up in pain. It takes an hour, or more, for it to lessen enough for me to walk into my kitchen to make breakfast. So, unless I could find a parking place, in the middle of the day, close enough for me to walk from the car, into the movie, I would end up stuck in the parking lot.
Sheila
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I'm so sorry to hear your back is causing you so much pain, SHEILA. Have you tried using one
of those long support pillows at night. My daughter uses one and loves it. It does provide good
support for the back.
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Sheila I don't think it's wacky thinking about Jon Wayne. To me he was a fake patriot.
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Sheila,I understand your problem. No fun. But thank goodness for Netflix.
Babi, re Winter's Bone: It's about a 17-year-old girl who is responsible for not only her mentally ill mother, but a younger brother and sister as well, and is set in the rural Ozarks of Missouri, a very economically depressed area. The meth-making father of the family has a court date coming up and if he does not appear the family home will be gone. He has disappeared, and Ree, the daughter is treading where she should not, in order to find him.
Check the Netflix reviews. They are not spoilers and may give you more of an idea what the film is about.
It's not just in the Ozarks where meth is made. An apartment here in town caught fire because someone was cooking what he shouldn't. Our city council passed a law requiring a doctor's prescription for previously over-the-counter cold medicine.
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I saw Winter's Bone, and I guess they were good performances, but (to me) the movie was so dark and depressing that I would never recommend it to anybody.
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JERIRON, I don't think John Wayne could be called a fake patriot. He was a conservative in politics, and presented his views on integrity and his pride in America in many films. Actually, I think he did more for the war effort as a civilian and an actor than he could possibly have as an individual soldier.
Thanks for the summary on "Winter's Bone", PEDLN. Having just read a tragic tale of a 16-yr old girl (Little Bee), I think I'll postpone considering this one.
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Was it in here that someone mentioned Gloomy Sunday????If so,
MANY thanks! It was available at my library both as a book and a
DVD, so I opted for the DVD, and must say it is one of the very best
movies I have ever seen----set in Hungary when Germany was seizing all Jews there,so you have some WW11, Budapest scenes,
lovely piano pieces, and a LOVE story. Whoever mentioned it, I THANK you.
JOY
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Jeriron, I'm not familiar with Gloomy Sunday, but am still tense from finishing the book A Trace of Smoke, set in Berlin in 1931. Difficult times for everyone in the area.
This is from my local newspaper this morning. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the people in the southwestern quadrant of Missouri are thrilled with the praises Winter’s Bone is receiving, not to mention it’s four Oscar nominations. It almost sounds like a family affair, so many locals were in involved in its production. For some it was just a hobby, for others, a boost in their professional careers.
Area musicians such as Sisco have reaped rewards. Since appearing in the film, Sisco said her life has completely changed. She went from retired, teaching an occasional class at community college, to producing a successful soundtrack for the film and traveling for it, too. She was at Sundance when the film took top honors and recently returned from a film festival in Italy. "I'm so proud to have been a part of this and so proud to be an Ozarks hillbilly. People love us all over the world," she said.
Anyway, the article is kind of like a warm fuzzy.
Filmed in Forsythe (http://www.semissourian.com/story/1698345.html)
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Thanks to those of you who recommended THE STATION AGENT. I borrowed it from our library. I thought it was wonderful! The acting by the three main characters was fantastic and the story is so imaginative.
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Thanks, Pedln, for the link to that interesting article. I want to see that film and especially listen to the soundtrack.
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Winter's Bone - What a totally depressing movie!
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I agree, Tomereader.
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Thanks for the feedback, about my back pain. Yes, BABI, I do sleep with a body pillow. Without it, I do not think I would be able to even get out of bed! I have a doctor's appointment on the 12th and plan to have a long talk with her.
Thank God, for books, this discussion group, and movies. All of you are my social support group.
Sheila
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Let us know what your doctor says, SHEILA. It may be helpful to some others of us with morning backaches.
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Upset and discouraged today because I read an article in W magazine (nothing at all to do with G.W.B., for those not in the know) complete with photo of the Hollywood version of Lisbeth Salander in the front that gives details of the filming of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Not only does the Hollywood star not look as much like Lisbeth as the Swedish star, but -.-. they .-.- have .-.- changed -.-. the -,-, ending! A lot! Sob!
Had so looked forward, and now do not! NOT!
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Well, MaryPage, maybe that's how Hollywood wants to sell the film -- get everyone all hyped up about a different ending so they'll come to see what happens. Having seen the Swedish version before reading the book, I was surprised to find that the film ending was not the ending of the book. I enjoyed both the Tatoo and Fire films and the Tatoo book, but now cannot get excited about reading or viewing any more. They were good stories, but now Stieg Larsson seems so 2010.
Has anyone seen this past weekend's No 1 Box-Office hit -- The Rite, with Anthony Hopkins? I wonder if it was Hopkins, rather than the subject matter that was the draw.
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pedln, I won't be seeing The Rite. Much as I love to watch Anthony Hopkins act, I don't do that type of movie.
We saw True Grit this afternoon and really liked it. In the last month, I've watched the John Wayne version, read the book, and now seen the new movie. Aand I must say, I enjoyed them all. As we've talked about before, the scenery in the first one was SO not Arkansas/Oklahoma. And this scenery is much more Ozarks. I preferred Jeff Bridges in the Rooster Cogburn role, and liked the way Matt Damon did LeBoeuf. Check them all out.
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They were good stories, but now Stieg Larsson seems so 2010.
Pedln - perfect - love it!
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So I wonder what "is 2011" then? :)
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Alas, MARYPAGE, Hollywood has little respect for the writers'
original stories. They feel quite free to add or subtract whatever
they feel will sell more tickets.
Ah, early days, ROSEMARY. That remains to be seen, but I'm sure
those who produce the shoddier stuff will continue to do so. It did seem
to me that most of the top-ranking dramas of 2010 were heavy going.
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So I wonder what "is 2011" then?
Natalie Portman? Have you seen Black Swan? I have not, but a friend emailed me that she thought it was weird. But isn't Portman in another new film?
In the meantime, I'm flushing out an Amazon order with On Golden Pond, which should come soon. And am just about finishing up Season One of the Waltons.
The other night I watched the The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart, from Netflix, set in Budapest in I-don't know what year. A friend had said it was even better than You've Got Mail, its modern counterpart. I agree -- 5 stars.
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One of my friends went with her 15 year old daughter to see Black Swan (it has a15 certificate here). She was mortified by the lesbian sex scenes, etc and her daughter nearly died of emabrrassment. She said, "what does a film have to have to get an 18 certificate? cannibalism?"
I have this afternoon been to see "The King's Speech", it was lovely. Colin Forth - what an actor! What a man ;D ;D
I used to love The Waltons when it was first on TV, would love to see the early ones again.
Rosemary
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Pedln wrote, "The other night I watched the The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart, from Netflix, set in Budapest in I-don't know what year. A friend had said it was even better than You've Got Mail, its modern counterpart. I agree -- 5 stars."
I loved that 1940 Jimmy Stewart film. Much better than You've Got Mail!
Marj
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Marj - I couldn't bear You've Got Mail - but I think I was in a particularly cynical frame of mind when I saw it :) Sometimes I really enjoy improbably romances, but sometimes they just wind me up (just jealous really....)
R
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Well, the family relationships in Mail were interesting. Wasn't he close to being his "own grandpa."
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I went to see The Shop Around The Corner with a little friend when I was ten. Her mother took us.
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The movie reviews I read very carefully and thoroughly make it easy for me to decide whether or not to see a film. I knew from the very first review that The Black Swan would only upset me. I adore ballet, and am thrilled to have wound up with a niece who is a professional lead ballerina with the Stuttgart Ballet; but I am in possession of extra tender sensibilities and knew I could not stomach The Black Swan. Natalie Portman is a great actress and I applaud her for the work she put into it. I have no doubt she deserves every award in the book; but the movie would make me sick. At 81, I just don't need that. Long and short of it, though, I do not understand why everyone does not carefully check out the story line before going to see any movie!
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Me, too, ROSEMARY. Some of those idyllic romances have me so
envious. I have to sigh, count my blessings, and call on my reserves
of sensible doubt.
Congratulations on your prima ballerina, MARYPAGE. How lovely it
must be to see her dance. You are right about checking out movies
more carefully, of course. Too often if several people tell me a
movie was 'very good', I'm likely to order it without checking to
see exactly what it's about.
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MaryPage- Weekly a few of us go to the movies and I was dying to see Black Swan. My dear friend Isabelle who is a very busy, feisty, active 82 year old wanted to go with me. I told her that the movie entailed a few scenes that she might shy away from. After the movie, I mentioned to her that she had closed her eyes during a couple of the scenes and she said the same thing that you did: "I just don't need that." :o
I reminded her that she had been forewarned.
Yesterday I actually was thinking about Natalie Portman's depiction of this ballerina when I read this- I am paraphrasing here because my brain is mush:" It is not the art of the dance it is the passion of the dancer."
I really liked that as you could see Portman's passion (in more ways than one, I might add.)
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Having 8 children, I am firm in my conviction that we are each of us born with our basic personalities and are each different from the other, even in the same family.
I have one daughter who still, at age 56, gets nightmares if she has viewed a television program or seen a movie or read a book that has violence in it. She has tried mightily to overcome this, but violence done to people quite simply does her in. Most of us steel ourselves throughout our lives to not allow things to "get to us." We tell ourselves that it is not real, or, if it is, that it is over, in the past, not our fault, happening far far away and there is nothing we can do. This particular daughter seems to lack the gene to build a thick wall around her screaming-meemie reflex regarding pain or suffering.
Sometimes I think it might be better for mankind if we were all like this daughter!
I have never been to Stuttgart to see Elizabeth dance, but she has given me DVDs of her various performances. I did see her dance when she was at school with the Bolshoi in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth left home for good at age 12 to become a ballet dancer. Imagine! She loves it; that is the thing. Elizabeth is 27 now.
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One of my friends went with her 15 year old daughter to see Black Swan (it has a15 certificate here). She was mortified by the lesbian sex scenes, etc and her daughter nearly died of emabrrassment. She said, "what does a film have to have to get an 18 certificate? cannibalism?"
I have this afternoon been to see "The King's Speech", it was lovely. Colin Forth - what an actor! What a man ;D ;D
I used to love The Waltons when it was first on TV, would love to see the early ones again.
I posted here when I saw the "Black Swan" movie that it "wasn't a ballet movie to take your granddaughter to" (or daughter in your case) And that it had "sex, language, drugs and violence concerns. The film is rated "R" here in the states, and
I would have thought that was suitable warning!
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Tomereader - it certainly was, but it wasn't I who went to see it - it was one of my friends! I hadn't seen this friend for some time till this week. Now I've told several people to think twice - though i told my own elder daughter about my friend's experience, and she said, "no wonder Rose was embarrassed, it was because she was sitting next to her Mum" - ie she wouldn't have been otherwise!
By the way, have just realised there were quite a few typos in my last post - I do really know that it's Colin Firth - must have been overcome by the pleasure of seeing him ;D
R
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Rosemary, I have that same reaction to Colin Firth!!
I just meant my post for whoever might contemplate seeing the movie, not specifically for you, and I'm glad you passed the word. It's a shame that folks don't do more research before going to a movie. Now, word of warning for you to pass on...The new Portman movie is so far out of her usual bailiwick (romantic? comedy with that cipher, Ashton Kutcher) "No Strings Attached" that I don't intend to see it. A friend, who reviews movies locally, said it was totally (as the title implies) about sex with no committment, and discusses various sexual permutations, etc. Sounds like no redeeming social value to me!! Why Portman would give such a stunning, Oscar-worthy performance in Swan, and turn around and do a movie like this one, is beyond my ken. Oh, well. There is not a lot of awesomeness in movies nowadays anyway, The King's Speech being the exception to that rule.
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Tomereader - thanks for the warning, it sounds dire. I have just realised that I have for some reason been reading your screen name as Tombreader - I kept imagining you as some sort of graveyard haunting goth, and now I see it's just about big books!
Honestly, I should not be let out....
R
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Rosemary It's Ok for you to be let out occasionally, just make sure it is nowhere near graveyards. ::)
I haven't been to see a movie for weeks. An oversight which is due to what has been befalling my family, my city and my state.
Just off topic, but I can't resist it. Rosemary have you ever had "haggis in batter"? Evidently there is a shop in Edinburgh that serves this cultural treasure, and other such calorie laden treats. Bourdain recommends it. The shop is called "The Mermaid". Bourdain and Ian Rankin also visited a restaurant of a "famous" chef, who both of the men respectfully called "Chef". The "Chef's" last name was Kitchin. No seriously!! His establishment is also called "The Kitchin" and is somewhere near the water in Edinburgh. Or was it just raining? Anyway, Rosemary, I expect reviews of both of these salubrious, although somewhat different, eateries from you after you "settle". I must say that Edinburgh looks like the type of place I woul like to visit. Dark, dour, but fascinating, like the Scots themselves
As for Colin Firth - I am now going to have a cold shower. No seriously, I am!!! It is so humid here.
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Three weeks and three movies- The Kings Speech (my personal favorite), The Kids are Alright, (well done) and The Black Swan. I suppose that those three will be the last GOOD movies I witness for a while.
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Roshanarose - you have just given me my first laugh of the day (it's only 8am here) :D
No I have not had haggis in batter, but I have no doubt that it does exist. I'm afraid the Scots diet means that just about anything in batter exists. In Stonehaven (a coastal town near here) there is a chippy famous for its deep-fried Mars Bars, and I think last year they also did a deep-fried Easter egg :-\
There are some very good cafes and restaurants on the waterside at Leith and Portobello in Edinburgh. Leith is the old dock area, very run down, then huge building projects started in the boom times, most of these are half-finished, abandoned, blocks of flats - v depressing. There is, however, a small waterfront area that is really nice - I love the cafes down there. Portobello is Edinburgh's seaside. I don't know it at all well, but I have read that it has some good eateries. I will look up the Mermaid, and I think I have heard of that chef called Kitchin - will look that up as well.
Please do visit Edinburgh - I would love to see you. It's not all dark and dour - though the Old Town very much is - but it is very Presbyterian in parts. The New Town is very light and airy but still has that "dour" atmosphere that you mention. I think we have at last bought our flat; it is in Stockbridge, just down the (unfortunately steep) hill from the New Town, and near to the park, the Botanic Gardens, and plenty of little shops. I am trying to remember that these are all positives to stop me panicking about all the rest of it!!
Rosemary
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I am trying to remember that these are all positives to stop me panicking about all the rest of it!!
ROSEMARY, I think that is fairly typical of moving. There are always
compromises to be made, aren't there? I've found (many moves in
my lifetime) that the problem areas quickly become normal routine.
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Speaking of "fried things"...when we have our State Fair of Texas, I think everyone with concessions tries to outdo the other for items that can be fried. We have had fried candy bars, fried Coca-Cola, and so on. There is even a restaurant locally that serves fried pickles. (not just during the Fair)
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Fried pickles are pretty good - just VERY salty (at least the ones I've had).
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I must say that Edinburgh looks like the type of place I woul like to visit.
Roshanarose, Although it was many, many years ago (before the advent of fried Mars Bars, Rosemarykaye) I still remember the feeling I had when visiting Edinburgh. Not a I've been here before feeling, so much as I had come home - like I belonged there.
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Thanks Babi - I appreciate your support. I know you are right - in a few months we will be in quite another routine. At the moment I feel in a kind of limbo, wandering about thinking "I should be doing Something". I remember when a friend down the road moved - she only moved about 4 doors along, but she found it very stressful. I saw her a few days before moving day, and she said "I just keep buying bottles of g...." - I was waiting for the word "gin" - it turned out to be Jif (a cleaning product) ;D
Rosemary
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Rosemanry, after I sold the family home and moved to this duplex, I felt as if I were "staying here" - not as if I lived here. I said sternly to myself, "Self! You will wait for a year before you make another change."
Of course, long before the year was over, I felt very much at home and knew it was the best decision I could have ever made.
LOL at your misinterpreting what your friend was saying. In the USA, Jif is a brand of peanut butter
We are still having low temperatures but no more snow. I managed to get out and fill the bird feeders before the birds lined up on the window sill in protest. I looked as if I was off to conquer Mount Everest - with a snow shovel!! :D
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Thanks Callie, I am sure you are right - and well done on feeding your birds. I am often seen struggling out there with my packets of seed, suet, etc - I am usually wearing my dressing gown and wellington boots, as I feel so sorry for the poor things that I feel I should feed them as soon as I can.
Rosemary
PS What is a duplex?
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A duplex is two dwellings under a common roof - separated by a common wall (in my case, a soundproof very secure fire wall). In my area, the two dwellings (units) have been built separately and don't necessarily have the same floor plan.
Do you call these "attached houses"?
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Rosemary - I am not going to talk about moving house except to say that giving birth is a doddle in comparison.
As I recall "The Kitchin" was in Leith.
My favourite battered treat, which I diligently avoid, is battered sushi. You have no idea how good it is.
Happy Nesting Rosemary!
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I've discovered that Fried Green Beans are a nice substitute for French Fries as a side dish in restaurants. My rationale is that the healthy green veggie counteracts the "fried". ;)
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Good thinking, Callie :)
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Callie - we call them "semi-detached" (I think that maybe reflects our obsession with owning detached houses (ie separate ones) - they are seen as significantly upmarket.) We live at the moment in a terraced house - ie a long row of houses all joined by common walls (except at the end of course!).
Gryff Rhys Jones wrote a very funny autobiography called "Semi-Detached", most of which was about his upbringing in "rural" suburbia - although it was indeed a lot more rural in those days.
R
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We used to call them 'semi-detached' but nowadays the newer versions are called a 'duplex'. We still have lots of the old semi-detached ones in the inner suburbs and some terrace houses too although they weren't as numerous as were the semis. When I was a child it was considered perhaps 'lower-class' to live in a semi or a terrace as much of the areas where they were built had fallen into a period of neglect and disrepair with the buildings rented out. Nowadays they are both often seen as being upmarket especially when the new owners have spent a fortune making them habitable again.
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Oh, come now! Fried coca-cola? How does one fry a liquid?? ???
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No idea, but Nigella Lawson has a recipe for coca cola cake that's quite good.
R
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Can't wait to try -- Fried coca cola -- How????
And Fried Mars bars; I'll pass on the sushi, though I don't doubt your assessment, Roshanarose :D
But there's "fried" and then there's "fried," right? Some fried is better than other fried?
Gently fried? as opposed to "deeply fried?
And as long as it's a fruit or a vegetable, it's okay. Even weight watchers is saying 0 points for fruits and vegetables. I don't know about "fried" green beans, Callie, but I much prefer the "sauteed" green beans to the "cook 'em with ham until they're dead" method which seems to be preferred in my neck of the woods.
Finally watched Russell Crowe in Master and Commander last night, after picking it out of Walmart's Discount Barrel eons ago. Really enjoyed it, though I'd like to see it on a bigger screen. But I'm not so sure I want to get involved with all of Patrick O'Briens books.
Rosemary, Nigella Lawson has some good stuff, doesn't she. I'll have to track down her coca cola cake. It sounds so nice and moist and "plummy?"
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I don't know how they did it, and as I think about it, it may have been fried Dr. Pepper not coke, but same thing. It was the talk of the State Fair that year, and they even did a piece on TV news about how it was accomplished. Of course, I don't remember that part.
I love fried green beans.
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I enjoyed theMaster and Commander film - apart from Russell Crowe, I also like Paul Bettany who played Maturin. He's superb in almost every part he plays - as is Crowe. I've only read a few of the Aubrey/Maturin series but one day I hope to find time to read the lot from beginning to end ...
I enjoy watching Nigella occasionally. They put her on sometimes before the 7pm news so I'm making dinner with an eye of her as well. I just love those super rich recipes she does but wouldn't dare to eat them as a regular thing.
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Does anyone have the recipe for Nigella Lawson's Coca Cola Cake -- lots of talk about how wonderful it is, but not the recipe. I did find one that i copied, but it's all in grams and mililiters and I don't know how to translate.
Apparently this cake is also a Southern tradition, and I have found lots of places to go and eat it, but not the recipe itself.
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from "Southern Living" magazine:
Cola Cake
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon soda
1 cup cola-flavored beverage (Coca-Cola)
1 cup butter or margarine
2 Tablespoons cocoa (powdered)
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl; mix well and set aside.
Combine cola, butter and cocoa in a heavy saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Gradually stir into flour mixture.
Stir in buttermilk, eggs, vanilla and marshmallows.
Pour into a greased and floured 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Bake at 350º for 30-35 minutes or until a wooden pick (toothpick?) inserted in center comes out clean.
Spread Cola Frosting over warm cake.
(Recipe for this in another post)
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Cola Frosting
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons Coke
2 Tablespoons cocoa
1 (16 oz) package powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine butter, Coke and cocoa in a heavy saucepan.; bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat; stir in sugar and vanilla. Yield: enough for one sheet cake.
After spreading frosting on cake, sprinkle with 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
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P.S. I found several similar recipes in a Beta Sigma Phi cookbook. The only difference in ingredients was to use half butter/oleo and half Crisco.
Who mentioned Dr. Pepper? I found a recipe for Dr. Pepper cake that's different from the Coke Cake. Rather than take up space here, E-mail me if you're interested and I'll send it to you.
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Callie, I had a look at my Nigella Lawson book, and her recipe is broadly similar but there are no marshmallows and only one (large) egg.
She also suggests making Coca Cola cup cakes by putting the mixture into 12 muffin cases. I think you would cook them for a slightly shorter time, though she doesn't say so. You pour the icing on just after you take them out of the oven, then you can decorate them (if you wish) with those little Coca Cola bottle shaped gummy sweets. yes I know it sounds yuk, but my children beg to differ :)
The only other important thing to note is that it must not be Diet Coke!
R
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Rosemary, I heartily agree about it not being Diet Coke. I don't think some of the other "Cola" drinks would work as well, either - but I could be wrong about that.
I have another similar recipe (no Coke) which calls for the mini-marshmallows to be added with the frosting. Back in the day when I made this cake often, I would sprinkle on the marshmallows and put the cake back in the oven (turned off) while I mixed the frosting. The m-mallows became gooey enough to swirl through the frosting as it was spread on the cake. Yum!
LOL at your children's opinion of the gummy sweets! I'm sure my grandchildren would agree.
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I read every one of the, was it 23?, Patrick O'Brian books. Wonderful stuff!
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Thank you, Callie. NOt sure when I'm going to make, but I do have all the ingredients on hand except for the buttermilk, and I think you can substitute milk and lemon juice. One of the sites that TALKED about it said that. Anyway, it just sounds delicious.
MaryPage -- WOW, impressive. That speaks well for Patrick O'Brien.
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I read every one of the, was it 23?, Patrick O'Brian books. Wonderful stuff!
Me too, except for the unfinished fragment O'Brian left when he died. Yes, wonderful stuff indeed. The movie, named The Far Side of the World after the tenth book, doesn't take much from that book except the route of Aubrey's ship, but is a mish-mash of a number of the books. Fair enough. They worked hard at accuracy. Aubrey's ship is the Rose, a 1970 reproduction of an 18th century frigate. The interior of Acheron, the enemy ship, is computer generated from my favorite ship in the world, the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) and the business of Acheron's hull reflects the fact that Constitution's hull was constructed of live oak, a particularly tough wood. In spite of all their accuracy, including twisting the ropes of the ships the way it was done then rather than current practice, they couldn't trouble to check that Aubrey's wife Sophie was a blonde, and have him gazing at a miniature of a brunette.
Constitution appears in person in book 6, The Fortune of War, when she captures Java, with Aubrey on board (a historical battle). Constitution was built in 1797, and is still a commissioned ship in the US navy, supposedly still capable of sailing, though mostly moored in Boston harbor. If you like that sort of thing, you can tour her in Boston.
Never mind my hobby horse, even if you never heard of Aubrey or O'Brian, Master and Commander is a very good movie.
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Having learned about roasted vegetables, I gave it a try and I
must say roasted wins over boiled any day. So simple: spray
lightly with one of the cooking oils, sprinkle with your favorite
herbs, and stick them into the oven until tender. Great for squash,
carrots...that kind of veg.
Speaking of favorite Southern cakes, are you familiar with the yummy
chocolate lovers dream, the Mississippi Mud Cake?
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I too loved the movie and agree it was a story taken from a number of the books. There were things I enjoyed in the books that had to be left out, however; so would have preferred more movies. Especially enjoyed the life he lived with his wife and children when back in England. He certainly was not home much, but when he was I found it interesting.
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I just watched a very good film from Netflix, IN BRUGES, a 2008 UK film with some great actors including Colin Farrell. Funny, poignant, and suspenseful.
I just found that you can watch Netflix films with subtitles. Wonderful! I have a terrible time with British accents, and even some American films where they mumble.
Speaking of mumbling American films, there is a very funny parody of True Grit (I couldn't understand Jeff Bridges at all in that one), at YouTube, entitled "True Grit with Subtitles."
Marj
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I bought the DVD of IN BRUGES because that is one of my favorite places on the planet. The scenery was beautiful, but I hated the film itself. Too much violence. I loaned it to one daughter who has visited Bruges several times, and she agreed with me: loved seeing the city, hated the plot.
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I checked Netflix and realized I had seen In Burges and gave it 4 stars.
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MaryPage, it's been a few years since I've seen In Bruges, but I felt much as you did. Loved the scenery, but did not really care for the film itself. Maybe on a different day I'd feel differently. A lot depends on mood sometimes.
I saw Sideways when it first came out on DVD and didn't like it all, but so many people were raving about it, even my generation, that when it showed up in Walmart's bargain barrel I snapped it up, but haven't rewatched it yet. The plan is that I will study it to see what everyone is raving about.
I did watch over the weekend the first part of a delightful mini-series -- Dance to the Music of Time -- from Anthony Powell's books -- thoroughly enjoyed it. There are flashbacks, but this first disc is set among the British upper-class a few years after WWI. There are three more segments and I'm looking forward to them.
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Pedln, I'm so glad you are enjoying Dance to the Music of Time. You don't say if you have read the twelve books on which it's based. If you have, you know what a good job they are doing of accurately getting the spirit of the books. If not, it doesn't matter, it's still a really good story. The remaining discs are just as good.
I'm an Anthony Powell nut, and have read the twelve books more than once. You could quibble about details, but I think they did a remarkable job both of boiling down the plot into something intelligible and of appropriate casting. Have fun watching.
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Has anyone seen "Hereafter"? I do adore Mark Damon. He achieved adoration status because of his performance in "The Talented Mr Ripley". I didn't want that movie to end.
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Oh yes Pedln and PatH - A Dance to the Music of Time is one of my very top favourites. I have read all of the books, and also watched the series, and I loved them both. Simon Russell Beale, who plays Widmerpool throughout, is a genius IMO - and seems such a nice man too whenever he is interviewed. Lucky you Pedln, still 3 more DVDs to go and all of them wonderful.
Rosemary
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Your WalMart has a bargain barrel, PEDLN? I've not seen anything
like that in mine. If fact, several months ago they moved so much
around in the store that I'm only now beginning to know my way
around again. I kept telling them they should at least put out a
floor plan for the new arrangements so we could find things, but
my very sensible suggestion was ignored.
I haven't seen any of the films mentioned this morning. I need to find
out a bit more about them and see if I should add to our queue. (That
list is longer than my tbr list.)
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I think some stores deliberately make it hard to get around and find things. The idea is that if you go through a lot of departments you will make impulse purchases, but it doesn't work that way for me, it just makes me cross and tired.
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Just a couple comments on prev. posts: "In Bruges" - beautiful scenery, but the violence and cursing totally turned me off.
"Hereafter" with Matt Damon, saw it and enjoyed it. I think it's one that should be seen at least twice.
Got "The Talented Mr. Ripley" from Netflix. It actually was my first time to see the movie from beginning to end. I had seen parts of it, but I am kind of silly, if a movie is on, and is "in the middle" so to speak, I won't watch the rest of it. So I had seen several of the middle parts. Matt was wonderful in that, so much so that I just hated him! (translates into great acting)
Sideways - yes it was hyped hyped hyped. But it didn't do a thing for me, and one viewing was plenty.
I have never heard of "Dance to the Music of Time" but you all are making it sound so interesting, I may have to get it from Netflix (do they have it?)
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Well done, PatH, on comparing the movie to the O'Brien books as a mish-mash! My opinion, too! Not only have I read all his books more than once, but they remain at hand. Some nights my late-evening reading is too ... crime-solving-ish ... to get to sleep with, so P. O'Brien comes to hand again.
But despite all that, I enjoyed the movie Master and Commander!
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I own a boxed, 4 volume set of DVDs for A Dance to the Music of Time, and truth to tell, I don't remember a thing about it. Will have to pull it down and watch it again, unless I have not watched it at all. Thing is, it was on a shelf in my bookcase that holds all of my DVDs that is only for films I have already viewed. Maybe I haven't? Maybe I am suffering from short-term memory loss! Bummer! Will take a look at it soon.
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I consider In Bruges one of the worst movies I have ever seen. :-X
JOY
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Your WalMart has a bargain barrel, PEDLN?
They did, Babi, just a big wire mesh thing piled three or four feet high with DVDs. When it first caught my eye we had just been discussing the film The Emperor's Club, and there is was in the barrel and I didn't get it. And of course the next time I couldn't find it -- just stood there digging like a squirrel looking for nuts in a snowstorm. But I have picked up some others that way and now it's kind of a game -- what will I want to watch more than once, and how cheap will it be. My real bargain was a $4 number with Casablanca, Gigi, and two other films. Amazon, too, sometimes has great markdowns and I usually keep some in my cart there, just in case. If they're in your cart and the price goes down, they let you know. Likewise if they go up. Right now I'm keeping an eye on The Bourne Trilogy, but it has to drop a little more for old tight wad here.
PatH, I haven't read any of the Anthony Powell or Patrick O'Brian books and may have to let those pass me by. There's only so much time, right.
The Social Network just came out on DVD and is no 1 in my netflix queue. The note beside it says Very Long Wait -- I wonder how long.
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Pat said, "I think some stores deliberately make it hard to get around and find things. The idea is that if you go through a lot of departments you will make impulse purchases, but it doesn't work that way for me, it just makes me cross and tired. "
I'm with you, Pat. I'm not a "shopper," and when I do go to a store I know exactly what I want. If I can't find it quickly, or find someone to help me, I leave.
Marge
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Yes Pat - the ones that drive me nuts are those that have one "up" escalator, then you have to walk round to the other end to get the up escalator to the next floor. I'm sure they think you will pass things that you will then buy, whereas of course I just get cross and hot and more likely to walk out with nothing.
I recall my MIL telling me years ago that she could no longer be bothered with the queues in supermarkets and just got her groceries from the local (expensive) petrol station. At the time I thought she was mad - and needless to say I now think along very similar lines - it's all too much trouble ! Do you think we spend so many years running about like headless chickens when our children are little, that when they have grown up we just think "no more! now it's time for me!"?
Rosemary
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Amen, PATH. I do most of my grocery shopping at the smallest store
around. It may not have the variety of the bigger stores, but it
doesn't tire me out, either.
My real bargain was a $4 number with Casablanca, Gigi,and two other films.
Oh, wow! That was a great find.
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Tomereader - Thanks for that info about "Hereafter". I agree that one couln't help but hate Matt Damon in "The Talented Mr Ripley", but, oh! that killer smile and that coltish awkwardness (and those glasses!). I can see how the other characters could have been fooled.
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A great day in History! A great day for Egypt! People dancing in the streets all over that country and many other nations of the Middle East. Reminds me of V-J Day!
A reminder of what I hope will go down in the History books, though I feel doubtful: this was all begun by a YOUNG WOMAN with college degrees. She has generaled the whole peaceful protest. Hope she gets the credit, but, men being what they are, I doubt it. One can but hope!
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Did you notice all the children there -- waving flags, riding on shoulders, some in cars. Even if the very little ones won't remember the day, their parents want them to know that they witnessed history being made. So they can tell their children , "I was there when . . . .. ."
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MaryPage - there was a comprehensive coverage on the International TV channel this evening about the change of the guard in Egypt. The cynic in me tells me that the Egyptians have and long and rocky road to "Democracy" Western style. No young woman was mentioned.
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In every Friday Wall Street Journal Joe Morganstern has a column about current or upcoming films. I don't always get to it, but did read todays, and was happy to pick up on this excerpt.
Several weeks before it opened, I had a conversation with Rupert Murdoch, who popped a question familiar to movie critics: What should he see?
I suggested "The King's Speech," and, not wanting to spoil it with too many details, gave a shorthand description: Colin Firth as King George VI, who has a terrible stutter, and Geoffrey Rush as a raffish Australian speech therapist.
Yes, he replied, Lionel Logue.
"So you know the story."
Not the story of the movie, he said. "Lionel Logue saved my father's life."
When I responded with speechlessness, he explained that his father, as a young man, wanted passionately to be a newspaper reporter, but couldn't interview people because he stuttered. Then he met Lionel Logue, who cured him in less than a year.
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In his early days Lionel Logue taught elocution at a private school here in Perth, West. Aust. Needless to say, after his first address to the school assembly his classes were mobbed by eager students wanting to take his classes.
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Re:large vs small grocery stores, for 30 yrs Acme had a nice moderately sized store in the downtown section of our town. On my way home from work, i cld stop, park next to the store, run in and get something for supper, and, if i didn't run into and chat w/an acquaintance, i cld be out in 10-15 mins. About 10 yrs ago they opened a huuuge store outside of town, near a new Wegman's, and in a few yrs, closed "the little Acme" as everyone called it. Now there is no grocery store that can be easily walked to, or close to several small senior housing areas in town. So, the drug stores have begun to sell non-perishables, both of them are on Main Street and can be walked to. Three weeks ago Acme closed the " big" store on the edge of town!!! Anybody who was willing to fight the crowds and the loooong aisles, were going to Wegman's, which had better prices on regular products and all the exotic products you want..........since i was an Acme customer and i'm not a fan of those features of Wegman's, i've got to find a new store. So much for customer service, or chatting to tour customer's abt what they want. Nobody i knew wanted to see the "little Acme" closed.
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Isn't that the way of things, though. Sigh! I feel your frustration.
Here in Annapolis, I have no complaints; but picturesque and beautiful though it is, I would not live in one of the million dollar plus homes in our Historic District for anything. Yes, I would adore to live in one of those wonderful old houses, and yes I would love to be able to walk down to City Dock or the restaurants or little shoppes. But there is no grocery store whatsoever, not a mini convenience or 7/11 or you-name-it for miles and miles. You simply have to drive, and what is more, there is NO parking to be had anywhere downtown. Even a homeowner, except for the very rare driveway, has no quarantee of a space in front of their own (did I mention multi-million dollar?) home! It takes a special kind of person, and I am not one of those. But then again, I would not qualify for one financially. Sigh!
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Jean - the same thing is happening here. First all the big supermarket chains - Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, - all opened huge superstores to which you need to drive; now, they have all started buying up shops in the city centre and making them into "Tesco Metro", etc - ie the replacements for the corner shops they put out of business in the first place. Whilst it's handy having them locally, they do not have the personal service that the old corner shops had - they don't know their customers, and would never respond to a particular customer's request for a certain product - it's all distributed from a centralised depot. What's more, they charge more for the same item in one of these shops than they do in their out of town stores; I am fine with small independent shops charging more, but why should Sainsbury's need to do so?
R
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One time when i went to the " little Acme" for my big shopping trip, when i got to the cash register, i realized i didn't have my check book, and i had already been "checked out". I had been shopping there for at least ten yrs and it was small enough and had a stable enough staff that they did know their customers. When i went to the manager and asked if i could just leave my cart of groceries while i went home for my checkbook - i lived less than 10 blocks away, she said "take it with you, i know you will be back." Even tho i knew she knew me, even i was surprised. ..... Jean
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Something similar happened to me, JEAN, many years ago. I stopped
for gas a few blocks from my home, filled my tank, and then with my
mind on other things, drove away. I hadn't gone far before it registered
on me what I had done. I whipped the car around and returned, red-faced, to the gas station. The guy in charge just grinned and said, "I
knew you'd be back." Made me feel so much better.
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Babi, you were lucky. If you had not been a familiar face, they probably would have had your license number and then the sirens chasing you.
Wegman's -- I have heard of that many times, but have never seen one. Some authors have mentioned it in their books -- Margaret Maron, maybe? It is mainly a southern store, or eastern?
I have seen part 2 of Dance to the Music of Time. Still enjoying it and looking forward to part 3.
Did you all see Masterpiece Sunday night -- part 1, Any Human Heart? Based on a novel by Scottish writer William Boyd. Three actors portray the protagonist, Jim Broadbent his later years.
Last night I watched part of A Time to Kill. I think the book is one of Grisham's best, and it will be interesting to see how closely the movie follows it. I've seen several Grisham films, but not that one.
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I wrote a post this morning and it seems to have disappeared - however, I am so frazzled and fragile today (first day of packers, real start of big move) that I could easily have cancelled it myself ???
Anyway, what I think I said was - a few months ago my son had to visit a physiotherapist in Fort William (ie the Highlands, a long way from here) - needless to say he had no money. I called the physio and said I would put a cheque in the post but it might not arrive till after the appointment, especially considering the weather we were having at the time. The physio said "No problem - it'll turn up; we trust people in the Highlands". So it does still happen - but it wouldn't happen here, let alone in London, etc.
Rosemary
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Rosemary - We have all been there and know what a ghastly process it is. Even worse when no husband is around to help; mine - divorced; yours - at work. Shares the burden. Please take care, one step at a time and the heavy part will be over. Think of the adventures you will have in the beautiful city of Edinburgh when it is all over. Your own Scottish Odyssey waiting for you. Oh! I forgot - also your first battered haggis waiting for you :o
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Oh, no fear of that, PEDLN. I realized my mistake and was back at
the station before the guy could have finished that call.
I did start "Any Human Heart", but didn't stay with it long. I
really didn't care for it and decided I could find something better
to do with my time.
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Pedln, I have been watching Masterpiece for over 40 years, but I just could not like ANY HUMAN HEART. To tell the truth, I suspect strongly it was more the way it was filmed rather than the story itself. I gave up halfway through and, just like Babi, turned to something else: the book I am currently reading.
After you mentioned A Dance To The Music Of Time in here, I got my boxed DVD set out and last weekend watched it all. Four DVDs. Hours and hours. I had pretty much forgotten it, so I must have viewed it the first time not long after my husband died. What I saw and heard and read during that period is quite blurred in my memory cells.
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I ordered "Dance to the Music of Time" from Netflix. I haven't started watching them yet. They sent me the first two and then skipped over 3 and 4 to another movie. That makes me so mad. None of them were on wait so there was no reason to do that. I'm not sure I want to start them if I don't get the other two for awhile.
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jeriron, I think if you had them in order in your queue that they would send them that way. I have No. 3 here, and No. 4 is now first in my queue. Social Network has been first in my queue, designated "very long wait," then "long wait" and I see that they are now shipping it today. I just kept thinking they'd skip over it forever.
As soon as I finish A Time to Kill I'll watch no. 3 and send it back so Netflix can send it on to you -- though I'm sure they have more than one copy. :D
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I had them in order. Blockbuster would put a lock on a series and wouldn't send any of them if they didn't have all of them to send.
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I had a similar experience with Netflix and Dance to the Music of Time. They may not have very many copies. I didn't mind that much, since I'm so familiar with the books that a gap didn't matter.
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I finally started "Dancing to the Music of Time". I'm enjoying it a lot. I sent one DVD back and am going to watch the second one this morning. Hopfully they won't take to long to get the next two out to me. I read that some people were'nt happy that they changed the main actors in the last disc instead of just making them look older like they did with the other cast members. Does anyone remember that?
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jeriron, I'm glad you're enjoying Dance to the Music of Time. I sent Disc3 back this weekend, and Disc4 is on its way. Wouldn't you know my disc3 had some bad spots on it. I tried wiping and then washing it to no avail, but it wasn't enough of a problem to make me want to reorder. I sent it back with a note and an email message.
I did not know that they changed actors on disc 4. Hopefully I'll know who is who. :D
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Pedln - the one they don't change is the amazing Simon Russell Beale, who plays Widmerpol throughout the whole series. He is a genius. I don't think you will have trouble recognising the others, although I do feel the last disc is not quite as good as the rest. See what you think.
R
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Jeriron, I actually enjoyed the fact that they changed some of the main actors. I believe the man who is telling the tale from public school days onwards, Nicholas Jenkins, is THREE different actors. It not only did not bother me, but the actor who plays him in his older age is one of my very favorite actors, John Standing.
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Somehow Dance to the Music of Time has slipped under my radar - haven't read the books and don't recall seeing the series. But my library has the books -published in four volumes with three books in each. Volume 1 is out on loan so have ordered it and will get it when it is returned. I spent a little time browsing through some of the others - it looks like an enjoyable read I've got coming up... thanks for talking about it. Will let you know how I find it.
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Did anyone else see the news this morning in the financial pages? Amazon is now ready to go head-to-head with Netflix, streaming movies to your computer. Has anyone tried this?
Since I signed up for DirecTV, I have so many programs saved that I never watch movies.
However, I am saving all the episodes of EMMA on PBS to watch over the next few weeks.
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I had never heard of A Dance to the Music of Time before either, until reading about it here. I've finished the second DVD and am enjoying it. Now we'll see if Netflix sends me the next 2. Or skips over them for awhile.
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mippy, could you post just a teeny synopsis of this "Dance to the Music of Time"? Somehow I've never heard of it - - books or DVD. If this is so great, how have I missed it? What year was the movie (tv?)portion made? Was it a PBS Masterpiece series?
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A Dance to the Music of Time was a British television miniseries. It is based on a series of twelve novels written by Anthony Powell. It was first shown in the U.K. in 1997. It is 8 hours long. There are 4 DVDs in the boxed set.
Basically, it is a life lived out from the 1920s through the 1960s. Nicholas Jenkins goes from public school through middle age.
I do not remember it being on Masterpiece Theatre or Masterpiece Classic, but that does not mean it was not. I always watch Masterpiece, but then again, I have traveled and so forth.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give the story about a 5½. The acting at least a 9 in most cases. A couple of tens and a few less than others. Worth watching for the acting, costumes and some of the scenery; especially the works of art and the music. Oh, the music! It is a trip down Memory Path for me.
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Oh MaryPage - I would give the story at least 9 out of 10, the books are wonderful!
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Okay ladies, you've done me in! I have put these in my Netflix queue, and will check my libraries' website to see if they are available here.
MP if there is wonderful music from the 20's to the 60's, I'm all for it. I watched a movie the other day that had some wonderful 40's music in it (can't remember the movie title, ha)
Was it someone here who recommended "Starting Out in the Evening" with Frank Langella? I watched it this past weekend. Wonderful acting, rather slow plot, no gratuitous sex, only one time a curse word heard. Guess I would give it 4 of 5 stars. (note I said "gratuitous" sex. There is some, but within the framework of the story)
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Well I was wrong about Netflix. They are sending the last 2DVDs out today. So there won't be a big break in-between them. I have to agree with an 8or9 for the story. I always think it's funny that the rich never seem to work and spend most of their time drinking at parties or bars or some sort.
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Yes, or else they have pretend jobs - my daughter and I were just saying that about Carrie in Sex & The City - she writes some pathetic column in the paper when she feels like it, and on the strength of that can apparently afford Jimmy Choos and a brownstone apartment in NYC :)
I suppose that is at least partly what hacks Widmerpol off about many of his contemporaries - Stringham, etc - in the Dance. He sets out to beat them at their own game, but from the end of the books (which I won't reveal) it is hard to fathom exactly what Anthony Powell's attitude to monied privilege is.
R
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My Dance 4 disc came yesterday, but it will have to wait until I finish The Social Network – the Facebook movie, which I’m in the middle of watching for the second time.
Have any of you seen it? I watched it the other night, enjoyed it and found quite a bit of humor in it, but I had a bit of trouble at first, catching on to the flashbacks. And too, the captions, at first, seemed to move very quickly. So I read this really informative article, below, and then decided to watch again and pick up what I missed. Much easier, the second time around.
Mark Zukcerberg (http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/09/20/100920fa_fact_vargas)
I think it’s very well-done, and Jesse Eisenberg does a terrific job. He portrays the protagonist, a fictional Mark Zuckerberg, as an exceptionally bright, but very socially dysfunctional young man. (You don’t get this feeling in the article above. He’s more mature now and has abandoned his sophmore arrogance.) Justin Timberlake plays Napster founder Sean Parker, and Armie Hammer one of the Winklevoss twins. Yes, he’s a baking soda great-grandson.
I highly recommend it. But, if you haven’t felt like a dinosaur yet, you will.
BTW and off-topic – who is Lindsey Lohan? I know she’s on probation for double DUIs and may be headed to jail for stealing jewelry, but is there some reason we care?
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No, there's really no reason "we care". Her crap has been going on for about 2 years now, and she is a casualty of "celebrity". Google her, but there's been so much stuff going on with her, I wwouldn't attempt to post any of it.
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I do not have the yen for or habit of watching celebrities, and goodness knows these days I rarely even know who they are talking about, but I am a real news junkie, and watch Brian Williams, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, MSNBC and CNN and all of my local Washington, D.C. channels, and eventually something is said and shown of the latest disgraces of the pretty party people. When I hear mention of Lohan there is no personal interest for me, but my heart twists a little at the memory of the sweet little thing who played the twins in The Parent Trap, wasn't that the name of it? One hates to see anyone fall down the shute into a life of hell. Gosh, I am so old that movie was a remake of an earlier gem starring Hayley Mills as the twins!
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JERIRON, you do know, don't you, that you can go into Netflix, pull
up your queue, and move anything on it to the top if you wish.
Otherwise, Netflix just mails them in the order they were requested.
Amazon is never going to be a competitor to Netflix for me. I
don't want to watch movies on a computer screen! I want to sit in
my comfortable chair in front of a decent sized screen...with cc,
of course.
Oh, my, yes. The fascination with 'celebrity' escapes me entirely.
Apparently a great many do care; I just can't fathom why. Do we
have a social psychologist among us who can explain it?
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Babi
Yes I do know that. Right now the top 8 on my list have a long wait on them.
I feel the same about watching a movie on my computer screen. I have a big screen but my TV in the living room is a 50" screen so why would I want to sit and watch it on a computer. I would like to figure out how to get them sent from Netflix to my tv but haven't done that yet.
Right now I'm in the middle of two series. The 3 and 4 disc comes today from Netflix "Dance to--". and I received from Amazon the "Downton Abby" DVD I ordered. I started that last night and am finished with the first one.
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I just brought home from the library a set of five films by John Cassavetes, A Woman Under the Influence, Shadows, Killing of a Chinese Bookie and others. Can hardly wait to watch them.
I saw them all back in the 1970s for several Saturdays where they were playing in a small theater and where I was usually the only one watching them. Loved the various characters played by Gena Rowlands, Ben Gazzara, Peter Falk and others.
Marj
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I saw The Fighter in a theater yesterday. Wasn't sure I'd like a film about fighters, but I loved it. Christian Bale was great and so was Melissa Leo who played the family's mother. I hope she wins the oscar for supporting actress. I'm going to look for more films with her in them.
Hope Colin Firth wins for The King's Speech.
Tomorrow we're going to see Biutiful with Javier Bardem. Has anyone seen that one?
We wanted to see Winter's Bone, but for some odd reason it doesn't seem to be playing anywhere in the Los Angeles-Southern California area.
Marj
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Final comments on Dance to the Music of Time: the mini series was never shown in the US, much to my frustration. I didn't see it until I got it from Netflix. I wonder what they think of this sudden demand? I bet we're tying up their whole stock.
Gumtree, the books of the series go through an arc of quality, starting out mid level or not quite, reaching a plateau, then, in the last few, a low point then picking up a little. I started reading them when only 5 were out, and Bob and I eagerly awaited each new one. There is a huge cast, and people can disappear for half the series, then pop up in some odd way. Many of the characters are recognizably based on real people. I don't know who Widmerpool is, though. Rosemarykaye, do you know? Probably someone I wouldn't recognize, since I'm not that good at minor British political figures.
Now I'll shut up about my enthusiasm.
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Valerie and I have been watching a series called "Lark Rise to Candleford" for some time now. I can't remember if I learned about
it here or elsewhere on SeniorLearn. Now we're worried because the
series isn't finished, but we're not sure Netflix has the next couple of
seasons. We are quite wrapped up with some of those wonderful characters.
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I own the DVD sets for the first three years of Lark Rise to Candleford, and have Season Four on my wish list at Barnes & Noble. Wonderful series. Great acting and yummy costumes and sets. Millie is my favorite character.
Linda Bassett, who plays Queenie, is outstanding.
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PatH : Love your enthusiasm - keep it up! My library is now holding the first volume of Dance for me ... will pick it up this weekend or maybe Monday.
It's as hot as Hades here and there is no respite in sight - typical Feb/March weather although this current hot spell has been very prolonged and without a break for a day to two to recover energy.
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marjifay, you could probably skip Winter's Bone without thinking twice. Although the lead actress is excellent, the movie is depressing to the Nth degree. Once you've seen it, you will wonder why and most probably won't care to see it a second time. I wish I could think of whatever movie it is running around in my head that I could compare it to, but I'm not having any luck with that! Maybe someone who has seen it (Winter's Bone) can come up with the comparison I'm searching for.
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Tomereader, I don't know about the comparison, but I certainly agree with your assessment of Winter's Bone.
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PatH - no, don't shut up! It's my enthusiasm as well - I love the books and the TV series.
I wish I could look up Widmerpol in the book I mentioned earlier - "Invitation to the Dance" by Hilary Spurling - but unfortunately it is packed up in storage at the moment. I do recommend this book - I referred to it constantly when I was reading the novels - she cross references everyone and tells you lots of little snippets - very helpful.
When I get my books back, I'll try to remember to look Widmerpol up.
Rosemary
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I own that book too, but my memory is that she doesn't identify Widmerpool.
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Millie is priceless, isn't she, MARYPAGE. And after all these
stories, I am still amused to hear of one more thing that is
Darcy's "only weakness".
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I'm afraid I don't agree with Tomereader's and MaryZ's opinion of Winter's Bone. I liked the movie, not nearly as much tho' as The King's Speech, The Fighter and The Social Network. And I thought Dale Dickey, who played the scary old neighbor woman was terrific! It was just a small part, but I'd bet she'll be nominated for an oscar one of these days. She has done quite a bit of TV, including the My Name is Earl series. The only thing I noticed that didn't ring quite true about the film, was they did not have Missouri "twang" accents. I lived as a child in southern Iowa about 5 miles from the Missouri border, and even there they had that drawl. Anyway, I plan to read the novel from which the movie was made.
If you think Winter's Bone was depressing, don't see Biutiful with Javier Bardem. I really liked this film, but it made me feel almost guilty and certainly grateful for the way I am able to live. I thought Bardem and the woman who played his wife were excellent. I'd hate to have to choose between Bardem and Colin Firth for the best actor oscar.
Marj
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Thanks PatH and Gumtree for the recommendation of the mini-series and books of Dance to the Music of Time. I put the first volume, A Question of Upbringing, on hold at the library and look forward to reading it..
Marj
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I'm glad you liked Winter's Bone, Marjifay. I really enjoyed it, although initially I didn't think I would. Jennifer Lawrence did a wonderful job, almost a one woman show, and I was happy to see her get a nomination as best actress, though it's probably doubtful that she'll get it.
I've seen only three of the best picture nominees -- WB, Social Network -- liked it very much, and The Kids are All Right, which, after looking forward to it, I found to be a disappointment and don't understand how it managed to garner so many nominations. From what's been said, it sounds like King's Speech and Colin Firth, and probably Geoffrey Rush are all headed for Oscars. Maybe the other awards will be spread around a bit more. Tomorrow night should prove interesting.
The King's Speech DVD is due to be released mid-April.
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PatH - Wikipedia says Powell confirmed that Widmerpool was based on Col Denis Capel Dunn, under whom Powell had served at the Cabinet Office. Needless to say, I've never heard of him. I think Widmerpool is probably a lot more famous!
R
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I never heard of him either. What a way to live on for posterity!
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What about Colin Firth and Javier Bardem together in a movie? We would probably all faint. Tee Hee. There is something about Bardem's face that is almost reptilian, even primal. He transfixes me. In "No Country for Old Men" (which I have seen 4 times) he definitely "underacted" and therein lies his appeal, for me at least. It certainly helped that his costars were excellent. I can't bring myself to go see that movie he is in with Julia Roberts as I dislike her.
I haven't seen "The King's Speech" yet, but hope that our Geoffrey Rush wins an Oscar. Would it be his second or third? He got one for "Shine". Not bad for a boy from Brissie. My friend who I go to the movies with is on jury service all month so it is curtailing my movie viewing.
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Rush - a boy from Brissie?? He was born in Toowoomba wasn't he?
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I knew if anyone picked me up on that it would be you, sweet Gumtree.
He was born in Toowoomba but spent most of his life in Brisbane. He married Jane Menelaus (that name seems strangely familiar) who Mel Gibson had asked to be his bride. She is probably glad now.
Born on July 6, 1951, in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, but raised in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia after his parents (he an accountant, she a sales clerk) split up, actor Geoffrey Rush attended Everton Park State High School during his formative years. His early interest in the theatre led to his 1971 stage debut at age 20 in "Wrong Side of the Moon" with the Queensland Theatre Company
source: www.imdb.com
link: biography
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MARJ, they probably would have made a mess of trying to capture a
regional 'twang'. Most viewers probably won't be that familiar with
it anyway. Best to leave it alone than do a bad imitation.
I am eagerly awaiting the release of "The King's Speech" on DVD. It's
on my waiting list in Netflix. I'm glad to hear it should be available in
April.
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OK I have to admit I started losing interest in "Dance to the Music.." by the middle of the third disc. I felt like strangling the Pamala character (Miranda Richarson). She annoyed me to not end. The last disc had me trying to figure out who was who and not caring much about any of them.
I know I'm in the minority and maybe it's just because I can't seem to concentrate on things yet. Maybe later on I'll try watching it again.
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No Jeriron - it's not you - at least not IMO - I do think it goes off towards the end, although I still think the books are better. I need to watch it myself again, but I fear it is currently languishing in storage.
Rosemary
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jeriron, I have Disc 4 here, to watch when?? The first disc enchanted me, loved it, the 2nd -- not so much, then the third was fine, but still not as good as the first. We shall see.
A few months back, the first book A Question of Upbringing, was FREE for kindle, so I snapped it up. Just checked last night and it's back to its regular price.
I'm not sure about tonight -- that's a lot of sitting as well as a lot of peripheral stuff. Gets past my bedtime. I'll maybe watch parts and the rest of the time have a good book by me, or maybe work on my Latin.
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Pedlin
I'm glad I didn't say what went on in the last disc being as you haven't seen it yet. Didn't you feel the way I did about the Pamela character. Somewhere along the way I must have missed what her problem was. To me she was what people refer to as a B---h.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Jeriron - I don't think we ever find out what her problem is. I agree, she is a frightening person, but I do feel that Miranda Richardson was fabulous in the part.
Rosemary
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Well, that is what I meant about the story being a 5½ and the acting being nines and tens. Sorry, but well-written as it is, and fabulously filmed and acted as it is, I still strongly dislike the story re the lives these people lived. At least Nicholas himself was fairly normal!
Sorry, BABI, but I believe you got it wrong. I don't think Dorcas Lane ever says: "My only weakness." I remember it as: "My ONE weakness!" And yes, I get a huge kick out of that every single time; it never gets old.
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Ah, yes, you're right, MARYPAGE. My memory does play games with
me. It's my one weakness. ::)
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Babi, you're probably right about their not trying to imitate the Missouri twangy drawl in Winter's Bone. A bad imitatation would have ruined it for me.
By the way, speaking of imitation, have you seen the film, The Fighter? At the end of it they talk a bit with the real people on whom the film is based. You'll be amazed at the wonderful impression Christian Bale did of the actual person.
Marj
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Well, what did you think of the Academy Awards program?
I think it's much more interesting if you've seen at least some of the films. This year I'd seen most of those nominated for best picture.
I was so happy Melissa Leo won for best supporting actress in The Fighter, even tho' she blurted out a 4-letter word that probably offended some. Great actress, great film.
It was sad to see Kirk Douglas. You could hardly understand him (think he had a stroke), and he apparently thought he was funny when the audience politely laughed. Thankfully, someone finally escorted him off.
I liked the clothes more in the 1970s. Much more interesting and fun to see Diane Keaton in a man's suit and tie, Cher in a shockingly revealing dress, etc.
Marj
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The only movies I see any more are Netflix recordings with CC, MARJ.
The new top movies probably won't be available for a while yet. I
don't usually care much for boxing movies, tho, if that is what "Fighter"
is about. There have been exceptions, of course.
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The Onion reported that every Oscar Gift Bag included 10 get-out-of-jail-free cards, courtesy of the Los Angeles PD.
Marj
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Rose wrote, " In "No Country for Old Men" (which I have seen 4 times) he definitely "underacted" and therein lies his (Javier Bardem's) appeal, for me at least. It certainly helped that his costars were excellent. I can't bring myself to go see that movie he is in with Julia Roberts as I dislike her."
I didn't know Bardem was in a movie with Julia Roberts. What is the name of it? (I liked her in Erin Brockovich, and even Pretty Woman.)
Have you read the novel "No Country for Old Men?" Altho' the movie was good, the book was better and the villain (played in the movie by Bardem) was much more frightening.
Marj
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Last night was the first time in years that I've watched the Awards. You're right, Marjifay, it's more interesting if you've seen some of the films, and I'd seen three of them. But the repartee was fun to watch as well. Didn't you love it that Tom ?'s (King's Speech director) mother was the one who brought the play to his attention, after attending a play reading of it.
I had heard before that King's Speech couldn't be done until after the Queen Mum died, but didn't know until this a.m's WSJ article that it was because D. Seidler couldn't have access to Lionel Logue's notebooks about the king's treatment until then.
All those technical awards -- I can't keep them straight and don't know the differences between them, but am glad they have them to spread the glory more around. We probably won't remember the guys who won, but in their fields they'll be recognized and respected.
How many times did Anne Hathway change clothes?
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I didn't watch - don't even know whether they were shown here in Aust.
Just wanted to say that Shaun Tan who won for the Short Animated Film was a local from here in Perth (my hometown), though he now lives in Melbourne. Some years ago when he was just out of university and struggling a little he was commissioned to paint some murals in our local library - he did one rather fanciful one for the children's library section which the kids love and one more sombre one for the main library depicting the foundation of the local area and the people who pioneered the old district. I sometimes find myself absorbed in that painting instead of concentrating on the books. Obviously he is now going on to bigger but not necessarily better things but ... we discovered him first. :D
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Those paintings by Shaun Tan sound delightful, Gumtree. I never see the short films and documentaries, but I plan to do so this year. Several sound very interesting, including the one you mentioned and the documentary where the winner mentioned that of all those guys in finance who started this whole recession mess, not one of them has done jail time.
There is a theater in Los Angles that is playing these films, and I believe we can also now get them at Netflix.
Marj
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Marj, Bardem and Roberts were in “Eat, Pray, Love”. OK - pretty much a “chick-flick”.
I won’t be seeing The Fighter - even though I’ve liked Melissa Leo since she was in Homicide - Life on the Streets. I don’t like anything about boxing, and won’t see anything that pertains to it - never even saw any of the Rocky movies.
I’d like to see some of the short films, but nothing like that is ever shown in our area. Guess I could search out on Netflix if I had a clue as to what to look for.
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Thanks, MaryZ I'll pass on Eat, Prey, Love. The book and the movie sounded boring.
Re short subjects, documentaries, etc., here are the winners from the Internet Movie Database website. On Netflix, they seem to group them by date, i.e., 2005 Academy Award Short Films Collection. They'll probably eventually have a collection for the 2011 short films, documentaries, etc.
Best Documentary, Features
WINNER
Inside Job (2010): Charles Ferguson, Audrey Marrs
Other Nominees:
Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010): Banksy, Jaimie D'Cruz
GasLand (2010): Josh Fox, Trish Adlesic
Restrepo (2010): Tim Hetherington, Sebastian Junger
Waste Land (2010): Lucy Walker, Angus Aynsley
Best Documentary, Short Subjects
WINNER
Strangers No More (2010): Karen Goodman, Kirk Simon
Other Nominees:
Killing in the Name (2010): Jed Rothstein
Poster Girl (2010): Sara Nesson, Mitchell Block
Sun Come Up (2010): Jennifer Redfearn, Tim Metzger
The Warriors of Qiugang (2010): Ruby Yang, Thomas Lennon
Best Short Film, Animated
WINNER
The Lost Thing (2010): Shaun Tan, Andrew Ruhemann
Other Nominees:
Day & Night (2010): Teddy Newton
The Gruffalo (2009) (TV): Jakob Schuh, Max Lang
Let's Pollute (2011): Geefwee Boedoe
Madagascar, a Journey Diary (2010): Bastien Dubois
Best Short Film, Live Action
WINNER
God of Love (2010): Luke Matheny
Other Nominees:
The Confession (2010/IV): Tanel Toom
The Crush (2010): Michael Creagh
Na Wewe (2010): Ivan Goldschmidt
Wish 143 (2009): Ian Barnes, Samantha Waite
Marj
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Marjifay, thanks for putting that up there. I think it's easy to forget about the documentaries and other short films, especially the short ones. I'm going to put your list in my 2011 Folder, so I can find it again. Inside Job is already on my Netflix queue.
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Maryz - Yes that's the name of the film I was trying to think of with Bardem and Roberts. Eat, Pray, Love. I have no desire to read the book or see the film.
Marjifay - I must read the book you recommended. Looking at my TBR it will probably be in my next life :)
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Having not seen or read it, so talking completely out of my hat, I think Eat Pray Love sounds like a complete load of self indulgent twaddle. Some woman is rich enough to go round the world finding herself. Well good for her.
As you may be able to tell, I didn't sleep well ;D
R
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I didn't watch the Oscars, but my daughter always does with her inlaws, who are in the movie business. they always have a "watching the Oscars" party.
She told me a funny sstory. A couple of years ago she and another guest were watching an actress showing an unusual amount of cleavage. Guest pointed out that it was attractive, and my-daughter- the-doctor said that yes, but they were fake -- as a doctor she could tell. The guest made her tell her how she knew, and spent the rest of the program evaluating each woman shown: fake, real, fake, fake ...
Stupid me never thinks of the right questions. If I'd asked my daughter how she told, I would have watched the Pscars and played that game. now I'll have to wait til next year.
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My goodness - all these women who feel the need to have surgical "enhancement". it's sad really, though I agree - good game!
Rosemary
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I bought Dowton Abbey from Amazon and enjoyed watching it all one day to the next instead of one week to the next on PBS. I really really enjoyed it. I hated to see it end. They are going to continue haveing more I hope. I checked Amazon and there's no mention of a series 2 disc.
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From what I have read, I believe Series II of Downton Abbey has not begun filming yet. let alone being shown on the BBC, which will have it before our PBS does. And they don't release the DVD until after we have had a TV showing. The writer(s) only wrote a follow up because the mini-series was so wildly successful, both across the pond and here.
The writer for The King's Speech ran across the story and wrote it as a PLAY some 25 years ago. That is when he requested the Queen Mother's permission to have it produced. He did this as a courtesy; it was not legally required. She asked him to wait until after she was dead, as the memories were so painful to her. He honored her request. He had never expected her to live to be over one hundred! Then, after her death, I believe they produced the play and began to plan a film. THAT was when, upon interviewing Logue's family, the grandson said he had a box of stuff in the attic and he would fetch it down and they would look at it. What a treasure trove! Over a hundred handwritten letters from the King! Enhanced the rewriting of the script for the film considerably!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12127241
http://www.hulu.com/watch/219329/nbc-nightly-news-with-brian-williams-it-has-changed-my-life
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I wish all of the English series were as inexpensive as this one was .$16.99 was a good price for 3 discs. Most are anywhere from $30 and over and some are only for one disc. So I think that was a bargin. And it did have CC. So thanks MaryPage for letting me know that because it wasn't mentioned in Amazon.
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Bought mine from Barnes & Noble. Have a membership card there and renew it every year. Gives me 10% off right off the top PLUS I get oodles of coupons for 15%, 20%, 25% and more off in addition, by email. The membership costs $25 per year, but as I spend a lot on books, I save over $100.00 every year, oh, much more than that, with the discounts they give me.
Just love the Downton Abbey series!
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That sounds good. But for me I don't buy any books anymore ever since I got a Kindle. Anyway I enjoyed Downton Abbey and I'm sorry that it will be quite awhile before a second series comes out.
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Anyway I enjoyed Downton Abbey and I'm sorry that it will be quite awhile before a second series comes out.
Me too, jeriron. Actually, when the last part ended on PBS I felt a little had. Kind of "dirty pool" to end in the middle of the story. Truthfully it's probably not. Didn't we all have to wait to find out who shot JR?
Well, I finally watched disc 4 of A Dance to the Music of Time and was disappointed with it. It didn't feel like a continuation at all. Jenkins is reduced to the role of observer/reporter and the whole story is Widmerpools. I haven't read the books, so I don't know the whole story, but it seems like they tried to do too much in that last part. But, my library has the whole set, so some day in the future I'll try to watch it without breaks and maybe come to a different conclusion.
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The one and not only premier one o'clock Pirates of the Caribbean At World s End (http://www.filmtoday.info/films/2918/Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-At-World-s-End.html)
I like a lot and actively download out is Baise moi (http://www.filmtoday.info/films/11544/Baise-moi.html)
I'll watch "The Big Bang Theory" and "Accidentally On Purpose" if I don't change the channel, but I don't care about them either way and find them the very definition of "average". And I do enjoy "The Mentalist", though I don't think it's cutting edge television or anything and I push came to shove I would rather watch ABC's "Castle"
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Welcome, KEKARTERGY, to SeniorLearn and Movie and Books About Movies. We're glad to see y ou here. And thank you for the links to that interesting movie site. Are those Free downloads or do you have to have a membership, like with Netflix?
Do come back and tell us a bit more about yourself. You have an especially interesting name.
I've never seen Castle, but it has been recommended to me, so the first disc is on my Netflx Queue.
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Hi, KEKARTERGY! Castle is one of my favorites. I am also very fond of the CSI, CSI:NY, NCIS, Bones, The Mentalist, and Law and Order:UK. The Science Channel will be starting the Firefly series this Sunday. I think I am going to like that as well. The ID Channel had a program called Hardcover Mysteries on a while back. I really liked that, but it is not currently being shown. I hope they do another year in that series.
Pedln, I think you will enjoy Castle. Occasionally, a real live author shows up (Patterson, for one). There is a book (or books?) out under Richard Castle's name - a neat gimmick tie-in to the show. Speculation abounds as to who actually wrote it.
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I had no idea 'Richard Castle's books had actually been published. How
clever..well, the idea anyway. I have no idea about the books, of
course. Have you read one, FRYBABE?
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Not yet, Babi. I am still working down the stack of books I already have and the freebies from Guttenberg on my Kindle. I am trying not to buy many books this year until I can get a job.
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Very sensible, FRYBABE. And good fortune with your job hunt. Which
reminds me... When my daughter lost her last job, she found work in
customer service via computer, right here at home. She rarely has a
full 40-hour work week, but she does have a source of income. It
might be something you would like to look into.
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Thanks, Babi. Customer Service isn't my forte, but if I could get a proofreading or bookkeeping type thing from home, I'd like that.
Just got a call that they are taking Mom back to the hospital, again. This time she is sweating profusely and her vitals are low. Sue and I are thinking heart, but my BF says it could be an infection. Cross your fingers everyone.
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Frybabe - Your Mom has been having quite a rough time lately. My fingers are crossed for her. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well.
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Thanks, Gum. They've admitted Mom for more tests, her heart, lungs, etc. appear to be okay. The Dr. called with a few more questions and told me, so far, what she is seeing looks like "failure-to-thrive". Ominous EOL words. In the meantime, they are running more tests including thyroid function. Sue is a basket case and Barb (hopefully) will be coming down tomorrow. I am not a happy camper either. I thought Mom had a few more good years in her, especially since we moved her to the assisted living. She was doing so well there for a while. BTW, since this is the Movies & Books into Movies forum, is should mention that Sue and I had been set to visit Mom this afternoon for a movie and snacks.
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Frybabe - I am thinking of you and your mum. I can imagine how worrying it must be.
Best wishes,
Rosemary
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Frybabe, the doctor may be right, but you need to be wary to be sure she isn't making assumptions based on stereotypes, and is sensitive to what your mother is actually like. I'll be thinking of you.
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Proofreading doesn't seem to be big these days, FRYBABE, judging
from some of the books I pick up. Bookkeeping does, I believe,
have a lot of 'at home' business.
I'm sorry your Mother is ill. I know it must be frightening for
you and Sue. We're thinking of you.
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Frybabe, I'm sorry to hear about your mother's illness. And it's harder to bear when the doctors can't tell you what it is and what they're going to do. Our thoughts are with you. I hope she'll soon be back home so you can keep your "movies and snacks" date.
Last night I was in the mood for a thriller, so watched SALT with Angelina Jolie. It was okay, but not really my cup of tea. I prefer more dialogue and acting . This was what is described as action-packed. Lots of stunts, jumps, swinging from here to there. I haven't seen her in very many films, but am looking forward to The Tourist when it comes out on DVD. For the Venice scenes if for nothing else. And for Johnny Depp, too.
What are you all watching these days?
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I don't seem to get time to watch a complete film very often, but my daughters are watching the DVD of "Sherlock". We also bought the boxed set of Lord of the Rings DVDs for elder daughter's birthday. When we opened the package (from Amazon) inside we found a mini-speaker! Goodness knows how anyone thought that was a DVD.
Madeleine is in town right now seeing "I am Number Four" - whatever that may be.
I am watching South Riding on TV - I think it's the last episode tonight, and it's very good.
Rosemary
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A friend who saw "The Tourist" said it was, and I quote, "Wretched".
Of course, there's always Johnny Depp, who is not wretched!
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Madeleine's report on "I am Number Four" was lukewarm - not very good, but they enjoyed the popcorn and the subsequent shopping spree!
Rosemary
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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Rosemarykaye, I hope you get a chance to watch Lord of the Rings. I'm a total Tolkien nut, so of course I have quibbles, but I think Peter Jackson did a remarkable job of making visual sense of things I would have thought impossible to put on film.
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I agree with that PatH - I'm not a Tolkien freak as you would probably guess and I had a few quibbles too - but overall I thought the films were brilliant. My son, a Tolkein nutter had more quibbles than I but thought the production was great.
As a boy, this son destroyed a copy of The Lord by his constant reading and eventually would just take a section of it with him to read wherever and whenever he could. We bought him a new copy and gradually he acquired all the paraphernalia (calendars, T-shirts etc) that goes with Tolkein so that now he has quite a collection. We bought him a fine collector's copy of the books -boxed, rice paper, gold tooling etc. - he was pretty young and grubby at the time and I told he must never touch it without first washing his hands - One time I went to pick it up and he pounced on me straightaway and said I had to 'go wash my hands' first!
Kids, don't we just love 'em!
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Actually thinking about Tolkien - he was a fine writer which I think is sometimes lost in all the hoo-ha over the fantasy and the cult following. Of course his credentials are impeccable. I once did a comparison between Tolkien and Joseph Conrad focussed on their powers of description. I concentrating on how they could evoke a dark sense of one being menaced by the forest and conversely a character having a positive sense of well-being generated by the forest. They both knew how to write English.
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Gumtree - your son sounds just like mine. His copies of the novels have disintegrated and he's still reading them. He does have the DVD set but he took it off to Ardgour with him and Anna has suddenly decided she wants to watch them. I must say I have never read the books or seen the films, they don't really appeal to me, but I am trying to be more open-minded so I will maybe give it a go. At school the Hobbit was a set book, and I loathed it so much I never finished it - just read the notes and still passed the test, I'm afraid :o
I read somewhere recently that part of the key to staying young is to have an open mind and keep trying new stuff - that's part of my motivation for trying to read more widely. My mother has always read but for the past few years she has been in a complete rut of reading thrillers only. From time to time I pass her books that I have enjoyed, but they never seem to go down too well! My MIL is very well read but has now become so impatient that she just skims everything and usually then pronounces it rubbish. FIL is an avid non-fiction reader - he has diabetes so his sight is poor but he perseveres with a magnifying glass. We always know what to buy him for birthdays - he is a man after my own heart.
Anyway, have first got to go through the nuisance of having to return the weird speaker thing to Amazon - it came from Jersey for some reason, so now I have to get a customs declaration just to send it back! However, I think this is the first problem I have ever had with Amazon, so I will graciously forgive them.
Rosemary
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I can't imagine not enjoying "The Hobbit" and the 'Ring' trilogy,
ROSEMARY. However, if you have a preference for non-fiction, I can
see why you might find fabulous fantasy trying.
Valerie and I watched on of those silly movies yesterday, about
raising armies of the dead and that sort of thing. We were in the
mood for silly, but I did get annoyed to find the writers had
made an evil monster out of Imhotep! Imhotep!, a doctor, scribe,
priest, architect, and the prime minister of a pharaoh no one ever
heard of, while Imhotep is still remembered and admired. Annoyed
is not the word. I was shocked and scandalized! >:(
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Shocked and scandalised! Babi has spoken!
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::) Oh, all right, GUM.
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You guys crack me up! ::)
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rosemary, since you've just moved in Edinburgh, here's a link to a blog you might enjoy. http://dancingbeastie.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/saturday-night-and-sunday-morning-a-glimpse-of-edinburgh/ (http://dancingbeastie.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/saturday-night-and-sunday-morning-a-glimpse-of-edinburgh/) The writer lives in rural Scotland, but in today's entry, she writes about their weekend in Edinburgh.
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Thanks MaryZ - I've never seen that before. I would certainly agree about Edinburgh on a Sunday morning. I personally think Aberdeen is ten times worse than Edinburgh on a Friday or Saturday night, but then I have been cocooned in the New Town, which is hardly drunken yob country.
Babi - no, i love fiction, I just couldn't get into Tolkein - but I think I should give him another try. What I meant was, FIL and I are both book addicts.
Rosemary
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Babi - I think you are referring to "The Mummy". I bet you were scandalised watching all those zombie like worshippers of Imhotep, walking through the streets, chanting "Imhotep", "Imhotep" "Imhotep". Actually apart from the Imhotep business I enjoyed that movie a lot. It was pure farce. A send up of the Mummy movies of the past. At least it wasn't boring ;)
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Close, ROSHANA, but the one we watched was "Return of the Mummy". As you say, pure farce, but fun of the kid's Saturday matinee kind.
I do hope you try Tolkien again, ROSEMARY. You might like "Lord of
the Rings" better than the Hobbit. Tolkien's creation is magical,
beautiful, and full of wonderful characters.
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Babi - Next Saturday you and your daughter should sit down and watch "The Mummy" with the very adorable Brendan Fraser and the lovelier Rachel Weisz (sp?). It is a full-on hoot.
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Lord of the Rings is on a more adult level than The Hobbit, especially after you're well into the story. Tolkien knew the power of myth and how to use it effectively. But the books make you work hard. There is a huge cast of characters, and a complex background of myth, previous history, and geography to try to keep straight (it still works if you don't keep everything straight). And some people find they just don't care for it. but if you do care, it's a good, suspenseful quest/adventure story.
Just for the record, I tried unsuccessfully to read it about three times before, finally, I was ready or in the mood, and read the whole thing just as fast as I could fit it in, and have reread it several times since.
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PatH: That's something like my own experience with The Lord of the Rings - tried it a few times and couldn't really get into it then one day voila - couldn't put it down. But as you point out keeping content and characters straight takes an effort at least the first time around. I hope I live long enough to read it again - I've a long list of such books and they're all extremely long. :D
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Those who took part in the book discussion on "Empire of the Summer Moon" might like to know that the movie "The Searchers" will be on TCM tonight at 7:00 p.m. CST.
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Thanks, Callie. I did not read the book or participate in the discussion, but I may watch the movie tonight. For those like me, not familiar with either, here are two links that may be helpful.
The Searchers (http://www.filmsite.org/sear.html)
Empire of the Summer Moon (http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/printers-row/2010/07/review-empire-of-the-summer-moon-gwynne.html)
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I am going to try to watch the movie :The Searchers" tonight. I have a feeling I won't stay with it because I get really annoyed with westerns that were filmed at that time. Most indians were white men painted to look like indians which they never did. And the indians were always savages. It wasn't until recent years that that stereotype has changed.
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I suspect anything like this from 1956 is a vehicle for John Wayne and will take great liberties with the book.
I just looked at the link you provided, pedlin, and - just like the original "True Grit", it was filmed in an area that looks absolutely nothing like western Oklahoma/northern Texas where the true events it's based on took place.
Looks as if I'll be on my soapbox...again!! :(
However, I think the movie was mentioned a time or two during the discussion so I thought I'd say something.
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Well, if that wasn't the most contrived, cliched, bits-and- pieces-of-a-dozen-different-stories movie I've ever seen!!! Yuck!
I hope you didn't bother!!
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I saw that movie eons ago. Decades into the past. This week I have been glued to MSNBC from six in the morning until midnight watching the real life drama of Wisconsin. It boggles my mind and is almost too much for me to take in. Fiction seems trivial in times such as these.
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How do you manage that, MARYPAGE? Three hours of TV and I'm so stiff I have trouble getting out of my chair!
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Oh, I do not mean literally! I just mean I have all 3 of the televisions here in my condominium apartment tuned in to it. I keep on puttering and doing chores and getting up and down from my chair and doing my reading and talking on the phone and coming in here and running errands and falling into one of my old lady naps when esconced in my favorite chair. I, too, Must move every 15 minutes or so!
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Ah, now that sounds like my own routine, MARYPAGE. Up, down, puttering, puzzles, reading,
errands, chores and a nap. And laughing at the quilted pattern on my feet when they start
swelling in my house shoes. ;D
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In case anybody missed this PBS news
Downton Abbey Returns
to PBS in 2012
Good news for viewers who are suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal: the wildly popular Masterpiece miniseries will return with new episodes in winter 2012.
Julian Fellowes will continue as the writer for upcoming series, and members of the "superstar" cast have committed to the second season, among them Dame Maggie Smith. Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern will also return as Lord and Lady Grantham.
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Thanks, jeriron. It's good to know they're coming back. I just wish it was a little sooner. When they say "winter" I hope they mean January and not December.
Last night I watched Rachel Getting Married. Totally a waste of time. It was simply full of emotional upheaval in a dysfunctional family. Good to watch if you want to be put through the wringer.
On the other hand, the other night -- an oldie, but goody, The Pelican Brief with Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts. I've seen it before, read the book, and will no doubt see it again. Just a good yard with lots of activity.
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http://www.smittenbybritain.com/2011/02/second-season-of-downton-abbey
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Pedlin, "The Pelican Brief" is one of my all-time favorite movies, by that I mean, I watch it when it comes on TV, I have the DVD and play it whenever I'm in the mood for that type film. I've probably seen it between 25-50 times. I also love "The Interpreter", Nicole Kidman and Sean Penn. Watched that about 25 times. Don't know if it was ever a book, but still I love it.
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Tomereader : Pelican Brief didn't do it for me - film was great but haven't read it - I haven't watched The Interpreter 25 times as you have but I've seen it quite a few times. There was a realism in that and they didn't overdo the drama.
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Good grief, Tomereader--25-50 times. I saw Pelican Brief once. Don't care for Denzel Washington's films, altho I liked Glory, but that's just me. I know many think his films are great.
The most times I saw a film was about 8 times, in the 1960s, in the theater, and that was The Graduate with Dustin Hoffman. I grabbed everyone I could to see that one with me -- loved it. He did some good films once, including Tootsie. Don't care for his Fockers films.
Marj
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I, too, enjoy The Pelican Brief film. I've seen it several times when it's been on TV.
If you have a subscription to HBO, watch, starting on March 27, for a "mini-series" production of MILDRED PIERCE staring Kate Winslet. The "Making Of" half-hour video at http://www.hbo.com/mildred-pierce/index.html#/mildred-pierce/about/article/about.html (see the left column on the page) is very compelling.
I don't remember the 1945 film version starring Joan Crawford very well. Maybe I've only seen the famous clip that's been shown quite a bit of an especially emotional scene between Mildred Pierce (Joan Crawford) and her ungrateful grown daughter Veda (Ann Blyth).
I've requested the 1945 film version on DVD and the book, Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain, from my library.
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I will never forget the movie with Joan Crawford. I found it very, very depressing at the time, and I was only 15 or 16 years old, depending on the month I went to see it. I have seen the ads for the new one, but am left with absolutely no desire to see it. Still shiver at the bad vibes it left in me.
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I don't think I ever saw it because I never liked Joan Crawford. So I probably didn't. I will watch the new one though.
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Ditto, JER. But I don't think I'm interested in the new one, either.
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Product warning: It was one of those "you can't win no matter how hard you try" stories. It's a downer.
But then again, knowing Hollywood maybe they changed the ending this time. One can but Hope.
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Was it Joan Crawford who was the subject of Mommie Dearest?
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YES it was.
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Has anyone heard of or seen a film titled Gift to Stalin? It's a foreign film in both Russian and Hebrew, about a small Jewish boy who escapes death while being deported from Moscow to Kazakhstan. He's discovered by a railway worker who takes him to his small Muslim village where the boy is cared for.
Netflix apparently does not have it, at least not yet, nor can I find if it is on DVD. I don't think it is. I saw a short trailer this am and would definitely like to see it.
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For you movie buffs, here's one woman's list of the fifty best films re: women's history month. Some are apparently documentaries, but they may be available from netflix. Would you add any others even their wasn't a finite "50"?
http://www.mastersdegree.net/blog/2011/50-best-movies-for-womens-history-month/
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Jean, what an interesting list, covering many different situations involving women. I would add to it The Final Days of Sophie Scholl, about a young woman in Nazi Germany who risked her life to do what she felt was right. I've seen quite a few of the ones on the list. Really likedNot For Ourselves Along, about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and gave a copy to my daughter and granddaughter one year for Christmas.
Rosemary, I felt just like the woman in your youtube video as I went through every zipper in my unfortunately multi-zippered purse this am, looking for the envelope for the church collection plate. Of course they passed me by before I found it, having put it there last week so I wouldn't leave it at home.
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Pedln - that is just the sort of thing I do. I also do it with my passport - put it in some safe place in my bag, then have a complete panic when I get to the airport. And my daughters have lost count of the number of times I have turned out my bag looking for keys that turn out to be in my pocket, in the door, on the table, in the bathroom, etc etc.
Once, when my son was about 2, the collection bag came round at church and he stuck in his hand and took out as much money as possible :D
Jean - that is a fascinating list. I don't think I would have included Mona Lisa Smile. One that I would add is Thelma and Louise, and what about The Hours? Thanks for posting this.
Rosemary
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Elizabeth Taylor has died. She was almost 3 years younger than I, and I am feeling yet another huge gate clanging shut and closing me off from today's society.
I will always think of the twelve year old English girl who played in National Velvet. How we adored her! And WHAT a beauty. I never saw her in person, but a close friend (dead, of course) who did said that her eyes were actually a real amethyst. Imagine!
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It's just yesterday she was advertising perfume on TV. It does seem like the end of an era. None of the modern stars have the presence that she did.
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Rosemary - I did love this:
Once, when my son was about 2, the collection bag came round at church and he stuck in his hand and took out as much money as possible
My brother, his wife and three children aged from 10 to 4 were excited about their first trip to the US. They were going to Disneyland! The family had gone out for dinner to a steak restaurant and the waiter asked what they would like for dinner. Master Matthew, 6, asked for a steak. The waiter asked how he would like it. Matthew said "Cooked, please." Poor Matthew has never lived this down.
Ah Elizabeth Taylor. She and Ava Gardner were my idea of goddesses.
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My sons were not allowed to order dessert when we ate out - but that didn't apply when we were with their Grandparents.
Once, the waitress brought the menu for us to look over the choices. My then 9-year-old son asked what "Assorted Pies" were. When he heard that meant all kinds of pie, he shut the menu and announced, "That's what I'll have".
Only a firm nudge from Grandmother kept Grampa from letting him do so.
I wish I had a nickel for every time the grandparents told that story!!
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LOVE it!
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Smart boy, that Matthew. One wonders at some of those rare steaks.
Grampas and uncles, they sure are the good guys. I'll bet he would have loved it if the waitress had brought out a platter of pies. Good stories, both.
It's been a little slow for movies at my house. I did watch Cairo Time last week. There wasn't a whole lot to it, but it was just pleasant, and with much scenery and sights of Cairo and Egypt. I can't tell you who was in it because I didn't recognize the names, and don't remember them now. In a nutshell, a woman travels to Cairo to meet her U.N. diplomat husband, but he is delayed in Gaza. So another man, a friend of his, meets the woman and introduces her to the city.
My New York girls are visiting this weekend. They recommend a film Irina Palm, about a 50-something woman who turns to the oldest profession so that she can pay her grandson's medical bills, at the same time keeping this a secret from family and neighbors. Has anyone seen it? Does it have captions of subtitles?
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Pedln, I haven't heard of the film, Irina Palm. There is some info online about it but it may have some spoilers.
I'm going to watch the first episodes of the miniseries, Mildred Pierce on HBO tomorrow evening. It starts at 6pm in my area. I've borrowed the original Joan Crawford version and the book on which it's based, from my local library.
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Marcie, I plan of watching, also. It comes on at 8 p.m. here.
Sally
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Considering how many men seem to prefer young..and younger...women, I find it hard to
imagine a 50-yr. old woman making a great success of the oldest profession. Certainly not
enough to pay heavy medical bills.
From what I know of Mildred Pierce, I don't think I will want to aggravate myself that
much. :(
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I had never seen Mildred Pierce because I didn't like Joan Crawford. But I watched it on TMC last night and thought it was very good. (But I still don't like JC) I plan on watching the one on HBO tonight.
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I'm not a big fan of Joan Crawford either though I don't think I've seen many of her films. I've remembered her as rather cold and grim. I thought she was lovely looking in Mildred Pierce. I am going to enjoy seeing the differences between that film and the new HBO series.
So far, the HBO series is more faithful to the book, which I've just started to read. The cinematography is wonderful, as is all of the attention to detail, including the clothes.
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I am just about done reading Jasper Fforde's Something Rotten which is the fourth in the Thursday Next series. What a blast!
I was watching a rerun of one of those BBC shows where the Top Gear guys (or whoever) went to the US, bought junkers, drove from Miami to New Orleans and then tried to sell the junkers. Anyhow, one of the stops was a speedway. They had some big guy drive their vehicles around the course. One of the Brits called him Stig. Now I had seen the show before but the name didn't mean a thing until I now. Stig is a recurring character in the series.
Now for the real fun. Hamlet has been taken out of BookWorld and into the real world for a while. He meets all kinds of actors playing him in the real world. He studies all of them. His favorite is Mel Gibson (I didn't know Gibson did a Hamlet). As he is saying his goodbyes before jumping back into BookWorld he asks, "By the way, have any of you heard of this Branagh fellow?...He's just starting to get going. I've a feeling his Hamlet will be stupendous." I just love it - the quote, not Hamlet. Hamlet is not my favorite Shakespeare play.
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Frybabe, Fforde is really funny, isn't he. I had no idea that Branagh had played Hamlet. I googled it, and got a youtube clip that didn't impress me, but I've added it to my Netflix queue, since I really liked him as Henry V. Branagh is versatile--he did a great job as Gilderoy Lockhart, the vain professor in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"; in "Rabbit Proof Fence" he was the awful bureaucrat who was fixated on relocating the natives. In "Mary Shelly's Frankenstein", where he both directed and played Victor Frankenstein, he sometimes did a good job of catching some of the spirit of the book, though the movie is so viciously bloody that I don't recommend it to anyone who doesn't have a really strong stomach.
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I am afraid I never watched Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I'll have to check it out now that I know Branagh was in it. I didn't like the YouTube clips of Branagh's Hamlet either, although the one of him talking to the gravedigger wasn't half bad. He was just too, oh, non-dimensional or flat for me.
I had no idea that Jasper Fforde was so popular. Here is his website. Has anyone actually been to a Fforde Ffiesta? Anyhow, his Toad News articles crack me up. http://www.jasperfforde.com/index2.html
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Don't forget--Frankenstein is REALLY gruesome.
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Oh joy, just the kind of movie my sister likes. She probably has it in her collection.
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Frybabe - Mel Gibson not only did a Hamlet, it was filmed on location in Scotland, partly at Dunottar Castle, which is just south of Aberdeen and very dramatic. You can do a lovely cliff walk from Stonehaven to the castle, which can be seen from afar and is very impressive. The walk used to be literally along the edge of the cliffs - I used to do it years ago, it was often foggy and sometimes a deer would appear out of the mist. The Council has clearly decided that it was unsafe, as they have now built a proper path - it's still a good walk, if not quite so atmospheric!
http://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk/index.cfm
For some time afterwards, the props were left hanging about - it's that kind of place, all a bit eccentric and not at all National Trust.
Rosemary
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I haven't watched the clip you mention but I have to go against the tide - on the big screen the Branagh Hamlet was brilliant - as was his Henry V
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I think everything Branagh has ever done has been brilliant. My favorite was back in the nineties when he and his then wife Emma Thompson did All's Well That Ends Well. What a marvelous romp that was!
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FRYBABE, I loved the Toad News article. I'm still smiling.
What a gorgeous setting, ROSEMARY. Thanks for posting it. (It's as close as I'm ever going to
get, so I enjoy!)
Val and I watched "The Boys Are Back", starring Clive Owen and based on a UK sportswriter's
autobiographical book. I thought it well done, and managed to rise above the cliches that so
often accompany this type of story. Which is hard to do, when you're dealing with the loss of
a wife and raising sons alone.
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That castle looks like a hard place to reach, Rosemary, not to mention getting away from. But beautiful.
Babi, I just saw one that might well follow Boys are Back about a recently widowed father trying to keep up with the news of his grown chidren, something his wife always did for him. This was Everybody's Fine, with Robert DeNiro, Drew Barrymore, others. When his four children cancel out on a weekend visit, Frank, without telling anyone, heads out on public transportation to visit them at their homes spread out across the country . Pleasant, delightful. 4 1/2 stars.
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We watched a documentary on whaling, Into the Deep shown on Aust. TV tonight - it was brilliant. I daresay many of you have seen it. It documents the history of American whaling from 17 century on through to the glory days of the 19th century and combines the story of the whaleship Essex which came to grief in the Pacific after being holed by a spermwhale - and the fate of its whalemen - together with Herman Melville's experience of whaling and how that fed into his subsequent masterpiece Moby Dick. The extracts read from Melville and others were superb. The whole was narrated by Willem Dafoe. It kept us up late but was worth it. I'm just glad I don't have a copy of Moby Dick or I'd have it down and be browsing in it instead of going to bed. 19th century writing really gets to me. G'Nite.
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I saw that one, too, PEDLN. I was pleased that it mostly avoided becoming maudlin. But
then, I don't think DeNiro ever has wrong instincts about how to act a part.
That does sound good, GUM. I seem to have heard that title before, but I don't believe
I've seen the film. If it crops up somewhere I'll remember your thumbs up on it.
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I saw "Everybody's Fine" with DeNiro and enjoyed it. It was a remake of the Italian film with Marcello Mastroianni. I liked that one better,mostly because it took place in Italy. I would like to see it again but it isn't on DVD just VHS.
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Fair Game, with Naomi Watts and Sean Penn, is now out on DVD and I have just ordered it from Barnes & Noble on line. Can hardly wait to get it, as it is based on Ambassador Joseph Wilson's book The Politics of Truth. Rainy, rainy day here; a great time for watching films.
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Fair Game is #3 on my Netflix queue, MaryPage. I'm looking forward to seeing it.
Can you believe -- the classic Mildred Pierce is now a "very long wait" on my Netflix queue. I guess the HBO series has everybody wanting to see and compare the original.
I'm in the middle of an oldie -- The House on Telegraph Hill. Someon here must have recommended it. I'd never have thought about it on my own.
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The Ovation channel is showing a new Dr Zhivago. It looks like it's being shown as a serial..... Jean
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A NEW Doctor Zhivago! Oh, how I would love to see that!
Have you watched any of it yet? Who made it? Do you think it might be available on DVD one day?
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MaryPage
You mentioned that you ordered "Dalziel and Pascoe" series 3. I have looked all over and no one mentions CC or subtitles. Netflix does mention Subtitles but they don't have it yet. have you seen it someplace?
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I checked wikipedia and it says that a 2002 British television serial with Hans Matheson, Keira Knightley, and Sam Neill was broadcast by ITV in the UK in November 2002 and on Masterpiece Theatre in the US in November 2003.
It looks like the episodes are online at http://www.ovguide.com/video/doctor-zhivago-2002-e1-p1-922ca39ce10036ba0e11a5a2e49b8a0c
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MaryPage
I found that Dalziel and Pascoe has cc or subtitles. It was mentioned on BBC website.
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Thanks, Marcie. I could not get into that website, but if it was on Masterpiece Theatre here, I saw it. My short term memory is getting so bad. Besides, I thought this was a brand new one being shown.
I have the first two seasons of Dalziel and Pascoe already. They have the English for the hard of hearing subtitles thingy. Very satisfactory. The only ones I own which do NOT have any type of closed captioning whatsoever and therefore drive me MAD are my Ruth Rendell sets.
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Dalziel and Pascoe are new names to me, but the blurb on Netflix sounds good. Season 1 is now on my queue.
Isn't it funny how some of the golden oldies never get old, always have appeal. Now that I've finished with it, I can't say the same for House on Telegraph Hill. It just seemed dated and without any spark.
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Reginald Hill
http://www.randomhouse.com/features/reghill/bio.html
is my favorite author of British detective murder mysteries. His series about 2 detectives, Dalziel and Pascoe, is hilarious and intelligent. Not surprising, since Hill was a High School teacher and a college professor for years before he retired. The Brits have made heaps of these books into films, but the books are the best thing ever.
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I'll have to look up Reginald Hill. He's not one I'm familiar with and your description sounds
entertaining, MARYPAGE.
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He is very funny and very cerebral.
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I watched THE KILLING on AMC last night. They showed the first 2 hours of what is a 13 hour series. Only one murder, which takes place in the first hour. The rest of the series is spent on solving the murder. It is one of the best things I have ever seen on TV.
If you missed it, look in your TV WEEK or TV GUIDE or whatever you use. They are going to repeat it on AMC several times this week prior to the next episode on Sunday night at ten.
The acting and the reality are both stunning. It takes place in Seattle.
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MaryPage, I saw The Killing last night also, and thought it was excellent. I don't remember how I happened to know about it -- a review or blurb somewhere, but I had made a note of it. And then course, forgot about it until it was 20 minutes into the show. So I was glad they showed it for a second time and I was able to catch the beginning and see what I missed.
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I'll look for THE KILLING on AMC. Thanks for the info about it.
I also have enjoyed the Dalziel and Pascoe series on television. I'll have to look for the books.
I watched Episode 3 of Mildred Pierce last evening. I'm finding it very true to the book so far in most of the details and actions. The main difference, and it's a big one, is that Mildred's teenage daughter Veda seems more demonstrative of positive emotions toward her mother in a few scenes in the series than she is in the book.
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MaryPage, thanks for the info about the Killing. I've DVR'd it for later this week.
Sally
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AMC is repeating its first two (2) hours of THE KILLING on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week at different times. Check your guides to catch up. Then it will be a one (1) hour show for 11 weeks beginning this coming Sunday at ten. It is really good.
I watched THE BORGIAS on Showtime last night. Very, very good. I was tickled they showed the rite in which proof is required that the candidate for pope is not a woman. There had been a Pope John who turned out, at her death, to be Pope Joan! This series started on Sunday, but I do not get Showtime at home, and besides, I was engrossed in THE KILLING on Sunday. I spend Monday and Tuesday and sometimes Wednesday nights at a daughters (I am working in her husband's office), and she does get Showtime. I have read so many books, histories, fiction and biography, about them over my many years that to finally see a film is a true delight.
Oh, Marcie: if you have never read a Reginald Hill book about Dalziel and Pascoe, you are in for a BIG treat! Check out the list and begin at the beginning. The cases do not run from book to book, but the lives of the characters most definitely do.
http://www.mysterylist.com/hill.htm
http://www.twbooks.co.uk/crimescene/rhillme.html
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Okay, when I saw the ads for "The Killing" I decided I wouldn't like it. But with two positive
reports on it, I'll have to reconsider. I'm not sure whether we get AMC, but I'll ask Valerie
to see if she can find re-runs of the opening show.
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You probably do get it, Babi. It is a freebie for almost all of us. American Movie Channel is what it stands for.
This film slows the usual frenetic pace that takes place in a one hour film, from murder to resolution. Each hour represents one or possibly two days in the investigation. It is a quiet and slow film, and you have all the time in the world to enjoy the filmography of Seattle and the superb acting skills of this cast and to really get into the atmosphere represented. I cannot guarantee you it will be your thing. There are a lot of details about today's teen culture that really, really curdle my stomach. But it all feels very, very real; and I am hooked.
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thanks, MARY PAGE. I'm used to finding all my channels by their numbers, and frequently
have no idea which stations they actually are. I just tune in to Ch. 11/8/13/252, etc.
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MaryPage
According to the AMC web site "The Killing" was filmed in Vancouver. A lot of show that are supposed to take place in Seattle are filmed in Vancouver because it is much cheaper to film there.
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I'll tell you what "grabbed" me. The opening sequence, where the woman detective is directed where to find a body! I won't do a spoiler here, because a lot of you haven't seen it, but it was as gripping and scary as anything I've seen, and I was on the edge of the couch, all my nerve endings right at the edge of my skin! And then.... :-X
I wouldn't have known about the series, but I am in a Mystery Book Club, and we get group emails with interesting bits. So I DVR'd "The Killing" and watched "The Borgias" (another fine show). These cable networks are "killing" me, what with running two fantastic shows at almost the same time. >:(
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That is my feeling precisely.
Yes, THE KILLING grabbed me big time right from the first hour. I attribute it to the wonderful actress playing the detective. She stops and looks around and reminds me of nothing so much as a beautiful intelligent animal sniffing the territory for clues. You can SEE her mind working, she is that good!
And yes, The Borgias is great. Because The Killing and The Borgias both come at ten on Sunday nights, I am going to have to watch The Borgias on Monday nights at eight. No bad thing. The AMC network is re-running the Sunday night episodes of The Killing on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at different times so people can play catch up. Check your TV schedules.
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MP, I have to say that in each new program (or old one) they always put in a character that you would like to box upside their head! The detective who is supposed to be taking her place is such a person. Everyone here probably knows I despise the grungy look on male actors, and add to that his disgusting male chauvinistic attitudes, and smoking pot with the teens. I consider him terribly unlikeable, and wish they had found a better counterpart for that wonderful detective! Won't do me anygood to complain though, I guess they have to have their "anti-hero". Bah.
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I could not agree with you more!
I disliked his attitude from the git go in hour one/Day one. In hour two, Day two, I could have cheerfully throttled him, excepting that I would not have wanted to touch him. He is most definitely not within my range of admirable. That being said, the critics who have seen the whole series are raving about him. Can't figure it for sure, but I believe it is his acting they are het up over. If that is the case, then I should agree that he is good, otherwise how could he make me dislike him so?
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Good point, Marypage. We do have to step back sometimes and remind ourselves that
these are actors. The response they get from us is a strong indication of how good they
are doing their job. Who knows, he may be a fine fellow when he's at home. ;)
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I finally watched "the Killing" I have to agree it was very good. and I'm really waiting for next week. The new Detective was a royal pain but that was the part he is playing. You can see the expression on her face that she didn't like it at all. But if he hadn't seemed to go along with being one of the girls they wouldn't have told him about the "cage". Sometimes they need desperate measures to get what they want. Bad cop/good cop is used a lot.
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Yesterday Anna I went to see the film "Oranges & Sunshine". which stars Emily Watson.
It is the true story of how an English social worker stumbled upon the fact that thousands of children had been deported from Britain to Australia from the 1940s to 1970. They were mostly the children of "unmarried mothers" - the mothers did not, in most cases, want to give them up, they did not give consent for them to leave the UK, and they were never told where their children were. These children are of course now adults, and to hear some of their stories was immensely moving.
I think that, as a child, I was vaguely aware that this was going on - and I'm sure my parents' generation knew all about it - it is amazing now to think that people found this normal and acceptable.
Gumtree, Roshanarose - have you seen the film and if so what did you make of it?
We went to the matinee, so most of the other people there were of my age or older, and many were crying openly - I stopped myself for my daughter's benefit, but afterwards she said that she would have understood.
Rosemary
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This is the first I've heard of that, ROSEMARY. It's incredible. Were there families in Australia
prepared to take the children? I can't imagine how the government justified such an action. I
would have been crying, too. It's always distressing to hear of a parent losing a child; it's
something every parent can relate to.
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And also in Australia, they took Aborigine children away from their parents and raised them in government run orphanages in order to remove their culture and make them part of the white man's culture.
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Which is the same as the U.S. did to Native American children.
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Rosemary, I see that the film is based on Humphrys' book Empty Cradles, which must be self-published or something because the Amazon price is sky high. The DVD will be coming sometime.
MaryPage, have you seen the film about the Aborigine children -- Rabbitproof Fence? Outstanding.
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Rosemary: I'm not sure that Oranges and Sunshine has been released here yet -
And yes, the children were sent chiefly to Australia and Canada - some were taken without parental consent, others were abandoned children from institutions - most were from poor families. About half of those brought to Australia were sent to institutions in Western Australia. Barnado Homes, a Protestant organisation took many as did Fairbridge Farm School and various Catholic Church orphanages. There are many tales of neglect and abuse as some children suffered varying degrees of deprivation. Now as adults many of those children still suffer from the effects of their uprooting and the treatment they received. .
To be fair, I should also say that not all were deprived or abused. Today a large number of those children are well satisfied with their lot in life and are glad they were sent here admitting that in reality they had little chance of making as good a life in Britain. Some have become prominent in public life. I have myself met a number of them during the course of my life and have known a few quite well who I saw as normal, well adjusted and successful Aussies.
The British Government promoted the scheme chiefly because the children would no longer be a drain on its resources but once landed would become dependent upon the Australian Government who paid the institutions well for their upkeep. There has been a move toward financial compensation made by our Government as well as the formal apology delivered by our Prime Minister about a year ago.
It is of course, a sorry story and should never have occurred - the sins of our fathers.
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Rosemary - No. I haven't seen that movie. I cry just about every week watching "Bondi Vet" on TV. That feeling of seeming to be "unwanted" is very destructive to a child. It may take many years of nurturing, or none at all, depending on the child and to whom or where they are sent. The last movie I cried in was "I've Loved You So Long" with Kristin Scott-Thomas. I went with my daughter and we both needed our hankies.
Gumtree - I agree with you about the sins of our fathers.
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It looks like since the movie release they've come out with a new paperback edition of Humphreys' book, now titled like the film -- Oranges and Sunshine: Empty Cradles
Roshanarose --I've loved you so long --I really enjoyed that film -- about the sisters. Saw it last summer and gave it 5 Netflix stars. I'd forgotten that it was in French with English subtitles, but see that Scott-Thomas has starred in French films including Tell No One
Gosh darn, the day started out beautifully here, now it looks like we may be headed for a storm.
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Tell No One was sooooo great! Read the book first.
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I had no idea that someone did a movie of Tell No One. When I read the book, I couldn't put it down.
The local used bookstore book discussion group began discussing Harlan Coben's The Woods this past Tuesday. I was invited to join, but I'm already into four books and don't need another right now, nor am I sure I want to get involved with an f2f group. I have the book in my TBR pile.
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There is a new Upstairs Downstairs series that starts tonight on PBS. Learn more at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/upstairsdownstairs/index.html and join our discussion at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2012.160
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I watched it and loved it. Especially got a huge kick out of the next to last scene, where Eileen and Jean, who have owned Upstairs/Downstairs from the very beginning and own it still, sit and talk and Eileen cons Jean (Rose) into becoming Housekeeper.
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I enjoyed Upstairs Downstairs last night.
I DVR The Killing.
and Will watch Mildred Peirce on Demand.
Re On Demand: Although I get to see some shows I've missed I wish they would start adding more. Why aren't there any from ABC or PBS.
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I, too, enjoyed the new Upstairs Downstairs very much. Come, join our discussion at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2012.160
Many of the PBS programs are on demand, Jeriron. I find PBS in ON DEMAND/LOCAL/GET LOCAL or ON DEMAND/HISTORY & NATURE.
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really?? I have to check that out. I always just went into where the other channels.
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I don't think I've ever seen "Upstairs Downstairs." We didn't have TV in Puerto Rico, and then when we came to the States, not having cable, we could only get three channels. Would it be hard to follow the new series?
I just spent two nights watching Fair Game -- about the outing/disclosing of CIA agent Valerie Plame. Decided after watching it once, that I didn't quite know what all was going on, so watched in again. And it was worth it, as I have a better understanding of the politics involved. I thought it was quite good, and also think that Sean Penn did a fantastic job as Ambassador Joe Wilson, husband of Plame.
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I own the DVD of Fair Game. Have not found time to view it as yet; actually have quite a pile of movies I have not seen. That is why I buy them instead of renting them! I am very interested in seeing it, though.
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Sidney Lumet, the director, just died. I want to see some of his films I missed, like Long Day's Journey Into Night (1962) with Kathryn Hepburn; Equus (1977) with Richard Burton; Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Albert Finney.
Lumet did some great films, such as 12 Angry Men, The Pawnbroker with Rod Steiger, Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon with Al Pacino.
Ted Turner's Classic Movie Channel will be doing some films by him April 21.
Marj
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He died last Saturday; it was on the news. Won't rewatch his films because, while much of the acting was outstanding, and therefore the directing was, I disliked every single film I can remember, because of the subject matter. Don't want to be "entertained" with depressing themes. Enough in the news. When I settle down to enjoy something, I want it to make me feel good. True, Henry Fonda sure did convince those jurors, but hey, courtrooms and mebbe getting the death sentence are not happy events or venues for me.
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Well, I liked his films. I'm not one to watch "happy films." I like interesting films.
Marj
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Thanks, Marj, for the reminder about some of Sidney Lumet's films. I'll see if my library has them.
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You're welcome, Marcie. Enjoy!
I watched the film Doctor Zhivago for the umpteenth time yesterday on the Turner classic movie channel. Now I'm in the mood to re-read the book. Both are wonderful.
Marj
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Good morning – it’s a wet one here. Where is everyone? I hope you all have had some good viewing. After a couple of duds (Thank You for Not Smoking) and so-so’s (Made in Dagenham) I was beginning to think there was something wrong with me. Even my own copy of On Golden Pond didn’t seem the same. I thought I’d scream if Kathryn Hepburn called Henry Fonda “you old poop” one more time. But that one is still a good movie.
But last night, apropo of the times, with all the wedding hoopla, etc. I finally got to watch The King’s Speech. What a superb film, wonderful acting, great casting. What was not to love.
There was one line that was relative to something I’m sure many of us have been thinking. Elizabeth commented to Bertie that she’d turned him down twice because she didn’t want to be part of all the royal hoopla (my word, not hers) and then decided that because of his stammer he would never become king. Obviously, Kate Middleton has made her decision knowing William is in line after Charles, but I would imagine she did a lot of tough thinking about it. I wonder if after the first date she would think, “do I want a relationship here?”
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The child of my husband's cousin turned William down for a date at St Andrews, though I don't think that was why :)
My daughters still haven't forgiven her - "we could have been related to royalty!"
Although Kate does seem more switched on than Diana was at this stage, you do wonder if these girls are so young that they have not got a clue what it's really going to mean to them. I imagine that some of us think that about marriage in general - how can you know? But marriage into that family really would be something else.
Rosemary
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She isn't that young. She's 29. Diana was was only 20. That's young.
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And ENTIRELY off this topic, but one I feel I must address (LOL) not a movie, or a book into a movie, but a TV Series that I was only made aware of earlier this year..."Doc Martin" which airs on our local PBS station, and I have been getting each of the series from Netflix. I think this will be fifth season coming up, whenever that might be. But this is an hilarious, totally British, Comedy. Good stories in each episode, and good acting, plus gorgeous cinematography of that area of U.K. (which I will have to look up as my memory just went Pfffft). Cornwall!!!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
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Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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I don't believe we are getting that on my local PBS station. I'll have to keep an eye out.
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Tomereader - Yes, I agree, Doc Martin is wonderful. And quite addictive. I especially like where the cafe/restaurant is situated - looking out over the water. Reminds me of Greece. Martin Clunes who plays the Doc has also done a couple of documentaries and is barely recognisable as the ever so grumpy Doc Martin. His true self (well as true as a doco can depict) seems very gentle and sweet. He loves horses so that is definitely a plus.
I was even more addicted to "Hamish Macbeth". Ex-hub and I would be glued to the screen when that was on. The repeats are on too late for me now of Hamish - starts at 11.30pm. Is it on in the U S of A?
I haven't seen a movie for ages. I must make an effort to go out more.
Rosemary - I am rather curious as to why your relative turned William down? ???
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Yes, Roshanarose - and Martin Clunes also loves dogs, so all in all he's nearly perfect :)
According to her father - my husband's cousin - daughter turned William down "because he was boring". Ooops - it will probably be off with my head now...
Rosemary
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I enjoyed Doc Martin too - the repeat of the umpteenth series of it just finished screening here last weekend... Must admit the Cornish scenery is lovely - it's always summertime and the sea is always calm - maybe not quite the reality ...
Watched a couple of films - the McKellen Richard III which I loved first time around but on reviewing found it less than I thought it was... maybe my mood at the time.
Also watched Amadeus which I hated first time but this time enjoyed thoroughly and thought some parts were brilliant.
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I'll have to look that up, TOME. Some British series I love, others are a bit too 'broad'
for my taste. I prefer my humor a bit more subtle.
As to the young lady's indictment of Prince William, I would imaging being raised in the torpidity of royal protocol would make one rather stiff, socially. Pity. I do think....hope...that the infusion of fresh blood from the very activist Diana is doing the royal line a world of good.
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I think my PBS station ran a few Hamish MacBeth stories several years ago. I may have watched one or two.
Once again, I watched The Importance of Being Ernest. I just adore that play. My sister watched The King's Speech the other night and is raving about it.
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I adore Doc Martin as well. Seldom get to watch an episode, as it usually conflicts with something else in its time slot; but love it when I can tune it in.
And The Importance of Being Earnest is one I've never tired of. Have seen so very many different versions of it. One of the most modern and funniest starred Colin Firth, he of The King's Speech, some years back. Do look it up and see it, and, as is often a trick they play on us these days, DO NOT turn it off when the credits begin to run, because some of the very funniest scenes occur then.
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Yes, the Colin Firth "Earnest" is really good.
My favorite memory about the play occurred when I was watching it done by a summer stock theater at a vacation resort. In a scene (I think in the country, when "Bunbury" and Earnest are talking at tea) a cat wandered on stage. Without missing a beat, Bunbury waited until it got in reach, went on talking while he scooped it up, and rang for the butler (due to be rung for shortly) and handed him the cat. The butler looked pretty startled, but gamely went off with the cat and reappeared later on cue. The cat did not take a curtain call afterward.
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Interesting re how many stories, TV programs and plays we enjoy together.
It's also interesting about how plays etc that you study at University influence you, quite often due to the lecturer.
We used to have a different lecturer/prof for each different author/playwright. My favourite lecturer was a man called Dr Jim Sait. Jim was a gorgeous languid man, and his lectures were by far the most popular. Considering George Eliot was his specialty, this was no mean feat. When we got to "Middlemarch", Jim acted out the part of the tragic hero who couldn't have the married Dorothea. Big sighs were quite audible throughout the lecture theatre when Jim lay seductively on a chaise longue he had brought specifically to lay "seductively on". It was only the year after that we found that Jim was gay, but we all adored him, and it was admitted that he did seem a bit unattainable. I tried and tried to read Middlemarch, but for me, at least, it was not easy reading. But I did see an excellent TV adaptation of it and thought of the languid Jim.
This next story is a bit risque - if you are easily offended please do not read.
That same year I was reintroduced to Oscar Wilde. My mother had read me the "Happy Prince" when I was small and I loved it. I can't remember the lecturer's name for Oscar; but I can remember his appearance. He bounded on to the stage in full academic regalia. He had curly grey hair in profusion and a very ruddy complexion. The first thing he said sent a sharp intake of breath throughout the lecture hall. He said, "Always remember that Oscar Wilde lived by one maxim. Buggers can't be choosers". After that everyone used to attend the Wilde lectures - naughty kiddies that we were.
So impressed were we with "The Importance of Being Ernest" that we used to play act it at home with friends. I, of course, was Lady Bracknell.
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My favorite Oscar Wilde fairy tale was (is) The Selfish Giant. Made sure my children loved it and my grandchildren and now the great grands.
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I understand that "The Firm" which was made into a movie with Tom Cruise several years ago, is going to be made into a TV Series. I liked the movie and the book by John Grisham.
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That's interesting, Tomereader. I wonder if the series would closely follow the book? I liked the movie version. There is a little info about the proposed series at http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/28/the.firm.tv.series.ew/index.html
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Thanks for that info, Tomereader and Marcie. I think there'll be a lot of folks interested in that.
Lots of goodies coming up tomorrow night -- Another episode of The Killing on AMC, and then two new shows on PBS -- South Riding -- a three part series about a headmistress in Yorkshire, and a documentary about Irena Sendler, a Polish social-worker credited with saving over 2000 children from the Warsaw ghetto during the Holocaust.
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Roshandrose, the Hamish MacBeth series is available from Netflix. We LOVED the books, and have watched all the episodes on Netflix. And, we already have them back in our queue to watch them again. When we were in Scotland on an Elderhostel a few years ago, one of our stops was in the village where the series was filmed. :D
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I am quite addicted to The Killing. It has been interesting to me to read what the critics are saying about this 13 part film, as they all seem to be using the word addicted, as well.
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MaryPage, are you saying we won't know "who dunit" until the 13th episode? Oh dear, will poor Sarah Linden ever get to California?
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Maryz - Och! Aye! Was it Loch Dubh you ken?
I am not sure what Netflix is or if we have it in Australia. Strange thing about Robert Carlisle, he also makes a very convincing baddie. All round talent that lad has.
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Neflix is a mail-order movie rental. Order online. They have an incredible library of movies, documentaries, TV series, educational films, etc. Anyhow, here's what I found about the location of Loch Dubh..
The BBC Television series Hamish Macbeth was filmed over a large area of the North West Highlands of Scotland although most of the filming took place near the village of Plockton in Wester Ross.
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Roshanarose: Netflix - I use Bigpond DVD rentals - much the same as Netflix although not as many titles available. They're cheap enough and turn around time is excellent - We've used them for a few years and I've no real complaints -
Last night we watched Me and Orson Welles -It was OK - DH was rivetted by it - me not so much.
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I can't really explain it, but I'm looking forward to the end of The
Killing. Every episode seems uniformly gray...I suppose that's fairly
typical of Seattle....but I find it all depressing.
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The Killing is an American remake of a Danish movie/tv show. If you've watched any Danish films you find that a lot of them are dark and dreary and slow moving.
It's supposed to be Seattle but was filmed mostly in Vancouver.
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Yes, the outside scans of a city are of Seattle, but everything with the acting is Vancover. It is just make believe that it is Seattle.
Once upon a time, sometime in the last decade, they made a movie about Annapolis and titled it "Annapolis."
It was not filmed here. Not even for a minute! Philadelphia, I think they said it was. I refused flat out to ever see it, and never have.
I find The Killing an outstanding film, and confess I googled the Danish film and spoiler and found out who done it. Easier on my nerves!
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Many Thanks MaryZ and Gumtree.
It is cooling down over there yet, Gum?
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That's been my experience with Scandinavian films in general, JERIRON. It
also explains why I usually don't enjoy them and tend to avoid them. I can well
believe that living in so northern a climate, with so little sun, tends to make
one melancholy. 'Dreary' is the word.
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Well, Babi, I just heard today that my Seattle granddaughter, a graduating HS senior, will be spending her next four years in your neck of the woods, attending Rice University. She's serious, but not dreary :D , but will no doubt enjoy the change of scene.
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believe that living in so northern a climate, with so little sun, tends to make one melancholy. 'Dreary' is the word
Babi - you're so right! Just think of Ibsen :D
Roshanarose : yes days are a little cooler - night's too - had to unearth a cardigan this evening...
I'm not a fan of Gilbert & Sullivan but we watched the G & S movie - Topsy Turvy - almost 3 hours and it held us all the way as it did when we saw it in the theatre - interesting how they set the scene of the period with reference to electic doorbells, the telephone located within a special cupboard, death of General Gordon at Khartoum, a Japanese exhibition seen as something of an oddity ... Jim Broadbent and Timothy Spall were brilliant as was the actor who played Sir Arthur Sullivan.
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pedln, Congratulations to your granddaughter. John and I are both Rice alumni (classes of 1956 and '57). Neither of us are actual graduates, but we consider Rice our "official" college home. It's a gorgeous campus, and Houston is a huge, bustling city. She'll have trouble adjusting to the climate, but most folks do okay.
Babi, where is it that you live? We grew up in Houston, but left for Tennessee in 1962. (well, I just looked at your profile, and it says you're in Houston. How long have you lived there? The house I grew up is in Bellaire, almost at the corner of what is now Bellaire Blvd. and the #610 loop.)
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PEDLN, RICE U. has an excellent reputation. My daughter Sally graduated there.
A lovely campus, too, and close to many places of interest. It is fortunate
that your granddaughter will begin her sojourn here in the fall, tho'. It
will give her Seattle bones time to adjust to the climate change gradually.
I always feel sorry for anyone coming from up North to Texas in the summer.
They have no idea!
MARYZ, while I was born in Houston, I've mostly lived in small towns on
the edges. The best of both a big city and a small town. Deer Park, where I
am now, is on the southeast edge.
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My goodness, it's been a while. Where is everyone?
Have you been watching The Killing -- Sunday nights on AMC.
I've been following it and was really disappointed when I somehow goofed up the VCR recording of it last Sunday. But, low and behold,I found out by chance that they repeat the latest showing (Sunday) several times during the week, so was finally able to catch it.
I've had Wall Street Never Sleeps here from Netflilx for over a week, but have just not been in the mood for it. Has anyone seen it?
South Riding concludes tomorrow. I messed that recording up too, got it again in the middle of the night, but the tape was bad. I don't know what I'll do when my ancient VCR breaks down.
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I haven't seen the film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps with Michael Douglas, and after looking at the poor reviews on Internet Movie Data Base, I won't bother. One reviewer says
"A dull, boring excuse for a movie. I watched it for free from BB express and it wasn't even worth the time... Oliver Stone has reduced himself to trying to take a canned script, throwing in a pop star (Shia LaBeouf) and selling it for a serious movie. This joke of a movie is the pathetic result. Even from a pure entertainment value, the movie was terrible - I've seriously had more entertainment getting my tooth filled at the dentists' office."
I just watched a good Austrian film, Revanche, on Netflix. Next up on my queue is My House in Umbria with Maggie Smith.
The very best film I've watched recently was The Station Agent.
marj
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I have been watching THE KILLING. Top notch excellence.
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I've been watching The Killing. Haven't quite made up my mind about it; but it is keeping me guessing. "Who dun it"????
Sally
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I am really enjoying "The Killing"
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Marjifay, I loved My House in Umbria and it's based on a book (same title) by William Trevor. Has anyone read him?
Loved the Station Agent, too. Revanche? Will have to think about that one. Whenever I say "I don't want a book/film about a (in this case) prostitute" it turns out that it is really very good.
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Val and I started watching 'The Killing', PEDLN, but I'm going to let her
finish without me. The whole thing has been so dreary; it seems as though
everything is filmed in shades of gray. When I realized how reluctant I was
to see the next episode, I decided there was really no need to at all.
I think VCR's are pretty inexpensive now. Can't you get one for about $20.00
or so? I could be way off, here. Valerie does most of the tech. shopping now
and we're actually pretty low tech.
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My mother also recommended "My House in Umbria", she absolutely loved it - I was going to borrow it from the library, and at that very point the evil council stopped all of our subscriptions. As a result, their DVD borrowing revenue has plummeted. This is so typical of Aberdeen City Council that it no longer surprises us. I have not yet tried borrowing DVDs from my new library system here in Edinburgh.
Rosemary
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I've been watching The Killing also. I understand that it's supposed to focus on how the killing of the girl affects her family and everyone around her....the police, people who become suspects, community leaders and others in the community. It's more about how they react and how the killing impacts them than the revelation of the killer. That does make for a sad and tense atmosphere.
I'm looking forward to seeing the last episode of South Riding tonight too.
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Last night I watched part of the third Narnia film - Voyage of The Dawn Treader - with my daughter. She quite liked it, but even she balked at the over-use of special effects. It seems to me that the director of every children's film these days feels it essential to have protracted computer animated battle scenes, etc. I don't think the Narnia books should have been made into films!
Rosemary
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Marcie, I don't know how you felt about South Riding, but I must share my feelings. I saw the first episode and thought it well-acted, but kind of splintered in the telling of two stories at the same time. It was confusing to me. Unfortunately, I missed Episode 2. After last night, I was wishing I had seen it. They seemed to have flung bits and pieces of the story together, and ended it in a rush, which was not at all satisfying to me. I believe I was able, in my mind, to piece together what may have happened in Part2. But, gee whiz, for such a wonderful tale, why hack it up, then rush to a finish. Again, the acting was excellent, loved the scenery. Was this from a book? If so, I'd like to readit.
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Pedln, re your hesitancy in watching REVANCHE because of the prostitute, the part about the young prostitute takes up only a small part of the movie. Alex's feelings for her, and hers for him, are very poignant.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Tomereader - South Riding is from the novel of the same name by Winifred Holtby. It is very good:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/feb/19/south-riding-winifred-holtby-rereading
Rosemary
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I don't think the Narnia books should have been made into films!
Rosemary
I agree, Rosemary, which is why I haven't yet watched any of them. I'll succumb eventually, I suppose.
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thank you rosemary
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Tomereader, it is a shame when people go to a lot of trouble and expense to create a TV program that is really quite good, but is deficient only because it is compressed into an insufficient number of episodes. I guess it is too expensive to produce more. We probably should be grateful that the producers allowed three episodes of South Riding and didn't insist on squeezing it all into two (or one!)
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Just finished watching Castle. I was in shock at the ending, thought they had cancelled the show. Not so, it was just the season finale. What an ending!
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Frybabe, wasn't that something? I wonder if she will remember what he said - and/or if he will repeat it in the next season opener?
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Spoiler alert! For those of you who haven't watched the season finale of "Castle"---don't read! I, too, was shocked by the finale. What an ending! We know she can't be dead, can she??? I really enjoy this program and love all the characters in it.
Sally
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I've started watching "Lark Rise to Candleford" from Netflix. I only just finished the first disk but they have sent me the next two. There are 4 seasons so it will take awhile to see them all. I was going to buy them but I figured I might as well just rent them. They show them on my PBS station but I wanted to start at the beginning.
I've also been DVRing Doc Martin. They have an episode on Friday nights here.
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Depending on when you started watching Doc Martin, you can get all the Series from 1 to 4 from Netflix. Isn't this just the most wonderful show? My hubby likes it, which was a surprise to me, as he's not much into the "british series" thing, as I am. He just laughs and laughs, as do I. A friend clued me into this series late last year, as I had never heard of it. Now we clamor for Saturday night to make sure we don't miss it. On Netflix I am now on Series 3, I think. Should have another one coming with this week's shipment.
And as to the spoiler alert, Castle is another show we try not to miss. I was shocked, totally and thought my husband was going to become unglued!! No, no, they can't do that, he said. I told him it was probably just another "cliff-hanger" to finish the season. All I can say is, if it true, they'd better go ahead and cancel, as I will never watch again.
Network has also cancelled one of my "new" favorites, "Chicago Code".
Darn!!!
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It's on Saturday night not Friday like I said above. I looked at Netflix and It's the second season that they're showing here now. So I moved the first season up to the top of my Queue.
It's "New Tricks" That I DVR on Friday nights.
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I hadn't heard of Doc Martin. Thanks for the recommendation. My public library has the series on DVD.
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Doc Martin is fun - you'll enjoy!
Have just finished watching the four-part Portrait of a Marriage for the first time. Don't know how I missed it when it was shown. It's simply brilliant in what it does which is focus on the 'affaire' between Vita Sackville-West and Violet Keppel Trefusis and the effect that had on Vita's marriage to Harold Nicolson. I thought the two women playing the parts were superb though I'm unfamiliar with both as actors -
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My goodness, Gumtree, I've read the book, but had no idea that anyone had filmed it. Turns out Netflix has it, so now it's in my queue.
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PatH - Thought you'd have been all over it - it's in four episodes and runs about four hours.
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PatH - Thought you'd have been all over it - it's in four episodes and runs about four hours.
I would definitely have been all over it if I'd known it existed.
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I watched part of Doc Martin last night for the first time. No more--not another show about illnesses! Can't think of any subject I'd rather not watch stories about! LOL.
My favorites are Keeping Up Appearances and As Time Goes By. No doctors. No hospitals. No illness. Just fun.
Marj
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Marjifay - do you get The Vicar of Dibley with Dawn French? That is one of my favourite feelgood series. I also love Absolutely Fabulous, with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley.
Rosemary
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Rosemary asked, "Marjifay - do you get The Vicar of Dibley with Dawn French? That is one of my favourite feelgood series. I also love Absolutely Fabulous, with Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley"
No, I haven't seen them. I see they are available thru our Netflix, so I've put them on my queue there. Thanks, much.
Marj
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Rosemary - Good choices to recommend there. I also love "One Foot in the Grave". And of course the much viewed (by me and my students who adored it) "Fawlty Towers". Our favourite was the one about the hamster.
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I've been renting Lark Rise to CandlefordI've just finished the first season. I really am enjoying it. Dawn French is in that too. I never saw The Vicar of Dibley.It always seemed to be on too late at night.
PBS here is showing the second season of Doc Martin so I rented the first and it didn't have CC or subs.bummer..
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Valerie and I have been watching 'Lark Rise..' faithfully. We enjoy getting into it so much, we
both hate the idea that it will come to an end.
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The first 2 maybe 3 of the seasons of Doc Martin did not have Closed Caption or subtitles. If I remember, season 4 does. We were out to dinner this last Saturday and missed seeing Doc, and in my haste to get ready, forgot to set the DVR. I probably have that episode on the DVD that is waiting for me atop the entertainment center.
Off topic: My eldest daughter is getting married (2nd) in June, and we were going out to dinner to meet his parents! They were lovely, and we had a great time.
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I watched a couple of seasons of Lark Rise on DVD, after we got home from England. I never did finish watching the whole series. I thought it was okay, but not a must-see for me.
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A bummer about no captions for Doc Martin, jerion. I felt the same way about Cape of Good Hope (set in South Africa) -- and it showed up without captions too.
Wall Street Never Sleeps is still sitting around, unwatched. Maybe this week. It's a good thing Netflix doesn't have late fees.
I watched PBS Murder on the Orient Express last night, but I didn't like it as well as the version with Albert Finney and the all-star cast.
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Wow Tomereader - i can imagine that must have been a bit scary! sounds like it all went really well though. How are the wedding preparations going? Hard work? I can't imagine how I will ever get through either of my daughter's weddings (should they ever decide to get married) - I even cry at the weddings in films like Mama Mia and The Sound of Music ::)
Rosemary
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Rosemary, since this is her 2nd marriage, and his too, they are going for "basic". Only people present will be the couple, his parents and us.
Will be married in their church. No bridesmaids, groomsmen. No fol de rol at all. That is how they wanted it! And I am more than happy to go along with those plans. Will be a June wedding. June is going to be a real killer, hubby birthday is May 31, our anniversary 16th, daughter's birthday June 21, now the wedding on the 11th. Then we can rest till December!
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TOME: glad you and the other parents got on well. When I first met daughter's future inlaws, I vowed that unless they were axe muderers, I was going to like them. Our kids don'rt need the hassle of getting caught between sets of parents. Fortunately, I didn't have to make that effort -- they're very nice.
The rubber hits the road later, when the decision comes which families holiday traditions the new family will follow. Then later dividing up grandchildren time. So far, the children themselves have made reasonable fair decisions -- no problem.
And of course, where to live. The bride and groom come from opposite sides of the country. SIL very much wanted to live near his family in California. So, after school, that's where they went.
But when I was diagnosed with cancer some years back, the two of them said with one voice "we're moving!". "You can't do that!" I said. "We can't NOT do that!" they said. Within a week, they and baby were living a few minutes from me in Maryland. I'll never forget that.
A few years later, crisis over, they moved back to California. And now, I've moved to California to be near them. For the first time, they have both sets of parents nearby. So far, we get along fine.
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Tomereader - that sounds like my kind of wedding. We were married on the Isle of Mull and the only guests were our parents, my husband's siblings, and my best friend from Ireland. I really couldn't cope with all the razzamattazz that most weddings seem to involve. June will clearly be a big month for you!
JoanK - what a great family you have! It must be great to be near your daughter, and I'm sure she really appreciated your positive approach to her in-laws.
Rosemary
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So nice that you enjoyed meeting your future relatives, TOME. It is so pleasant to think that new relatives will also be new friends.
ROSEMARY, when my son was first married, they were rushed for time and said, "Don't worry, Mom! We'll take care of anything!" I will only say that the bridesmaids were still hemming their dresses on the drive to the church, and the best man forgot the license and had to go back home for it. Oh, my aching head. :-[
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Our four daughters had four different weddings - between 1978 and 1986. In the chronological order:
#3 married with 3 days notice (after a 3-month engagement);
#1 had the most traditional wedding of the day, white dress, bridesmaids, etc.;
#2 married six weeks later, with a much more informal version of the traditional;
#4 eloped.
We all survived, and only one divorce, #4 -the wedding that never should have happened in the first place - and she's blissfully divorced. Plus John and I have been married for nearly 56 years, and we eloped.
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MaryZ - how exciting! Can you tell us a little bit about your elopement? It sounds so romantic.
Babi - that sounds like some wedding - I can imagine my youngest having one like that - she has already told her sister that she thinks she had better not have any babies "in case I lose them" - Anna said "do you mean you might have a miscarriage?" - "no", replied Madeleine, "I'm afraid I might put them down somewhere and forget about them....." (she always has been a bit airy-fairy).
Rosemary
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Not particularly exciting, Rosemary. Pregnant at a time (1955) when that "wasn't done", so we went to the office of a justice of the peace and got married. Sometimes the right things happen for the wrong reasons. ::)
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MaryZ - it just shows that some things are meant to be :) Congratulations on having had such a good marriage - long may it continue.
Rosemary
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Not nearly as long as MaryZ (56), but hubby and I coming up on 50th next month!
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Tomereader - More congratulations to you! Are you planning a big celebration? We just celebrated my in-laws 50th - they don't like going anywhere, so we got them a hard drive DVD recorder (I think that's what it is!) and had a family party at my sister-in-law's house.
Rosemary
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No, big celebration! Probably a dinner out somewhere. This hubby also does not like "going anywhere", while the yen for travel eats at my innards! One of these days.... I want to visit the U.K.: Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland, Wales.
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Tomereader: My suggestion: LEAVE HUBBY AT HOME! Find a friend and travel where you want to go!! One of these days you may find you are too old to travel and you will be so sorry you did not go!
I am so glad I visited so many places around the world with friends as well as in the U.S. Wonderful memories.
Marj
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Tomereader - I agree with Marjifay - my husband likes travelling but will hardly ever tear himself away from work. I have had wonderful trips with girlfriends, both in the UK and in Europe, and have had a great laugh along the way.
And if you would like to come to Edinburgh, come and visit me! As we still haven't bought a house, I don't know how big the spare room is going to be, but you'd be welcome to it! And I have at least worked out where the major sights are now.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, we both love to travel, and now that we know where you are, you may find us on your doorstep some day (probably not at least until next year, though). ::) I'd love to get back to Scotland and the the Orkneys (I have a blogger friend there, too).
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Rosemary - What are you going to do when we all arrive at once? You said that you were married on the Isle of Mull - is your husband Scottish?
Tomereader - Travel alone or with VERY good friends. I always travel solo. I say VERY good friends as there is nothing worse than going to your dream destination and friend being grumpy and wanting to go somewhere else. I have been to Greece on my own twice and met great people whom I would not have met had I been travelling with another person.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Travel alone or with VERY good friends.
Very good advice, Roshanarose. Altho' I never had any trouble traveling with friends. I remember everyone wanted to spend a day at that big department store in London. I went instead to the British Museum by myself and loved every minute of it. (I hate to shop)
Marj
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Good points Roshanarose!
re my house - I think you will have to book... :D
re travelling - I agree; we had a really terrible holiday once when we went away with a family whom I had known for years, but whose children (who were the same age as mine and whom I had known since they were born) turned out to be the offspring from hell. However, I have been to Italy twice with a girlfriend and had a good time, and I have UK jollies with a very good friend with whom I have great fun, although we do always limit it to 3 or 4 days, which is probably enough (it's certainly enough for my liver). I am not as intrepid as you and am not sure I could cope by myself, although I can certainly see that you would meet far more people that way.
re husband - no, he is English not Scottish; we had visited Mull on holiday and thought it would be nice to get married there. My SIL was not happy (it was a freezing cold day in April, with snow blowing) but we enjoyed it!
Marjifay - Harrods or the BM? A day in Harrods would be my idea of hell. But as you say, you worked out a compromise. The only trouble with the BM, in my opinion, is that it is so busy - but the same is true of so many places.
Rosemary
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Harrods or the BM? A day in Harrods would be my idea of hell. But as you say, you worked out a compromise. The only trouble with the BM, in my opinion, is that it is so busy - but the same is true of so many places.
Harrods, Rosemary. (I don't know what BM is) I never did get to Harrods, but don't feel I missed much, especially when you feel it would have been a visit to hell. LOL
Marj
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If BM is British Museum, I'd be there. Like the Smithsonian, though, you can't do it all in one day. My sister, on the other hand, would opt for Harrods.
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Sorry yes, I meant the British Museum, was in a rush.... :)
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Here BM has another connotation.
" met great people whom I would not have met had I been travelling with another person. " I have the opposite experience when I travel with my son. He will stop and talk to anyone, so I meet people I never would have met by my shyer self.
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JoanK - Oh dear. I don't think I want to know what that is....
How lovely that your son can talk to people - two of my children are as consumed with shyness as I was and largely still am, and the middle one is only a bit more confident. However, I do find that as the years go by I worry less and less about what people might think :)
Rosemary
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Re travelling with others: The only people we travel with are John's sister and brother-in-law, and they feel the same way. We've gone twice with other couples who were (and remain) some of our oldest and dearest friends. But we won't travel with them again. Just different styles. We went with John's s&bil on our recent trip to Cambodia & Vietnam. We like to do a lot of the same things, but have no problems with going off on our own, either - that's what makes it work.
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"I do find that as the years go by I worry less and less about what people
might think."
ROSEMARY
And isn't that a blessing? 8)
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Absolutely Babi!!
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Definitely!
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Harrod's and British Museum - no contest there! I have no money and Harrod's is expensive. No point in self-torment by looking with your nose pressed up against the window, I say. I think some days the BM has free days, obviously days to avoid, but I would definitely make it a must see. I have been to the Smithsonian and had one of the happiest days of my life there. I am addicted to Museums. My favourites were the NASA one, the Geology one and my absolute favourites Modern Art. I have a pic of Mondrians, Picassos and Dali. They just shine in the original, no photo can ever capture their beauty and the skill of the artist. I esp loved the art books, but couldn't buy any as I knew I would exceed my baggage allowance. The Americans and the world deserve such a treasure as the Smithsonian. :D
A bit more about shopping. I have taken to going "pseudo shopping", at first a very frustratuing practice. The idea is to have no money (that part is easy) and spend a couple of hours looking at beautiful things that you want to buy. I also call it reconaissance shopping. By the time I get my pension and have my $2.50 spending money and DO go shopping, I have been cured of wanting, wanting, wanting. Sounds strange, but for me it works.
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Roshanarose, I completely agree - I don't go "real" shopping (as opposed to the never ending grocery shopping) often at all, but when I do I just browse around, think "oh that's nice", then go home. I often think if I had bought this or that thing, would it have brought me any lasting pleasure? And 9 out of 10 times, at least, the answer is not really. However, I can assure you that my teenagers do not find this method of any assistance :D
I don't know when you last went to London, but the British Museum is in fact free to enter - you only have to pay if you want to see one of the special exhibitions. There was a short period of time, a while ago, when the govt of the day brought in museum admission charges - there was a huge amount of opposition to this and eventually they were dropped. And I should think so too. There was something on the news yesterday about the huge rise in alcohol related hospital admissions - so if my taxes are paying for things like that, I think they should also be funding universal access to knowledge and culture.
I also loved the Museum of Modern Art in New York, but my favourite museum is the Victoria & Albert in London.
Rosemary
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When we were in London and because we had a limited time, we went to the Victoria and Albert and the Queen's Exhibit. I don't know where the Queen's exhibition was but at the time it featured Da Vinci's notebook drawings of his machines and the deluge, etc. At the Victoria and Albert museum, I irritated my sister to no end taking my time viewing the landscape paintings of John Constable and a few others whose names I have forgotten. I see that the V&A has transformed itself considerably since I was there. We did not visit the British Museum which bummed my out some. In deference to my sister's interest in Broadway, we went to see Man from La Mancha when Richard Kiley played the lead role. Do not tell my sister I actually enjoyed it. I am not a musical play or movie fan.
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The first time I was in London, I was determined not to set foot in a museum because I wanted to see all the "sights". I was also with my family, who weren't - and aren't - museum lovers.
The second time, I was with a tour group and spent a most delightful day at the BM - looking at things I wanted to see and for as long as I wanted to spend.
The Elgin Marbles absolutely took my breath away.
Having also seen the Parthenon, I wonder what would have happened to them if they had not been taken to England?
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The one time I was in London, we stayed in Russell Square, where the british museum is located, and I could hardly get my husband out of the museum to see other things. Wonderful.
Isn't the Smithsonian great! I used to work nearby: on my lunch I would walk over to the Mall, go in one of the buildings, spend 15 minutes looking at ONE THING(!) and go back to work. I realized I could do this forever, and not see everything.
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Joank - Good on you re going to the Smithsonian. I worked in London for many years (a long time ago!) and used to spend my lunch hours wandering about looking at the churches, going to the street markets or - esp if the weather was bad - going to the public library. When I worked in Campden Hill (between Kensington High Street and Notting Hill) I used to go to Holland Park and just enjoy the peace and quiet, although we were also blessed with a staff room where we could at least read novels, etc. In Cambridge I used to go to the Botanic Garden. It is so enriching to the soul to enjoy something beautiful, whether it be art or nature, for a little while.
I have never been able to understand those people who don't go out at lunchtime, even if only for a walk. At my last firm in Aberdeen, many of the secretaries simply sat at their desks and did on-line shopping in their lunch breaks - I was fortunate in being able to walk home, but if I hadn't been so close, I would still have pottered about somewhere. I suppose I always resented giving the firm any more of my time than I had to! My husband rarely takes lunch breaks, but when he does he runs up Arthur's Seat (the extinct volcano hill in Edinburgh) - each to their own I suppose!
Rosemary
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I loved visiting the Smithsonian museums. It's been awhile, but I still remember how amazed I was at how small Charles Lindbergh's airplane was. (I almost said Jimmy Stewart's LOL)
My friend and I are going tomorrow to visit a little ghost town in Southern California -- Randsburg. Never been there, but people still live there mining gold and running a couple of little stores. There are a couple museums near there we want to see also, with stuff from the Mojave Desert. (We're probably the only people who visit the Las Vegas area just to sightsee, but skip the gambling casinos.)
On the way home, we're going to stop at the little town of Boron (Twenty Mule Team Borax -- remember? They still mine it there). Also they have the best Mexican restaurant -- Domingo's. Don't ever get within 100 miles of Boron without stopping at Domingo's -- best food, service, and margaritas around. And dessert to die for of flan topped with whipped cream drizzled with chocolate syrup and a marachino cherry on top! OMG. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Hope everyone has a nice holiday.
Marj
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I remember Arthur's Seat. We went around it on the way to Holyrood, if I recall correctly.
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JoanK and I grew up in Washington, DC, and I thought of the Smithsonian and the National Gallery of Art as my own personal turf. It was a shock when I realized that mostly, a person had to pay to go into a museum. A childhood ambition was to slide down the banisters of the staircase in the National Gallery. It's a good thing I never got to try it. I probably would have killed myself. They are wide, elegant marble things, going down a very long way, with nothing to stop you at the end from sailing off to land on the marble floor.
Marjifay, do toast your friends here with your margarita (if you're having one). Or with your first bite of flan.
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Rosemary - Alas. I have never been to London. UK is the land of my ancestors, but evidently the lovely ivy covered villa my family owned in now no more.
Margarita and flan - I would be in Heaven!
I won't spoil everybody's day by giving my opinion of the location of the Elgin Marbles, but just to say that there is a place waiting for them in the new Athens Acropolis Museum.
Have a fine holiday. Lest we Forget!
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On my one trip to London I managed to visit both the Tate and the BM. By great good fortune
the BM was featuring an exhibit of gold work made, to everyone's amazement, by a nomadic
tribe. They were Thracians, from Bulgaria, and the work was beautiful. The big surprise was
that until these were found, it was also assumed that quality gold work could only be done by
settled peoples; certainly not be people who spent most of their time on horseback.
I also had lunch at a pub in Stratford-on-Avon, and found rotisserie broiled mutton and gooseberry tart to be absolutely delicious.
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Wow Babi, the exhibit sounds beautiful!
Growing up on a sheep station has put me off mutton for life. It was the only meat we had, apart from chicken on Christmas Day.
I've just started to read Ghost by Robert Harris and realise it must be the book that the movie Ghostwriter with Ewan McGregor is based on. I'm a fan of Ewan's so have the movie ordered on BigPond. If someone's read the book, is it any good?
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Octavia - I'm following you around today - Definitely with you in regard to the 'mutton' - not a favourite of mine - but spring lamb is another matter...
I like Robert Harris though haven't read much of his work - Pompeii and I have Imperium waiting on the coffee table - Review of Ghost sounds good so I guess there's another for my TBR pile. - Will also order the DVD from Bigpond- I like Ewan McGregor too.
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I saw the movie, and I will only say it had a most surprising ending. I will say no more. I didn't
realize the book was by the Robert Harris who wrote Pompeii and Imperium. It seems quite a
departure from his usual milieu.
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Pompeii was a magnificent book. We did it in our f2f book group and all were totally enthralled! Yes, Ghostwriter was done from Harris' "Ghost", which we also did in f2f. Loved that one too. I liked Imperium, but it was a bit dryer than Pompeii.
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I've never tasted mutton, but love lamb -- that's a real treat. We never had it growing up because my aunt, who did most of the cooking, didn't like mutton, and she wasn't going to fix lamb. Had my first lamb chops after I was married, and from then on it was everybody's birthday choice.
I really liked Harris' Pompeii, haven't read Imperium, The Ghost ( and the movie The Ghost Writer) were so so. I gave it three netflix stars.
What are the Five Star movies you all have seen? My latest are The King's Speech and The Social Network, and also a Robert DeNiro -- Everybody's Fine -- about a widower who sets out to visit his children because they don't come to visit him.
And I just returned Disc 1, Season 1 of American Dreams -- set in Philly in the 1960's, about the Pryor family and American Bandstand. Delightful, 5 stars. I took a chance on this one because it didn't say anything about captions or subtitles, but they're there.
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Pedln - the girls and I recently watched Some Like It Hot for the nth time, it is definitely one of our 5 star films. Also recently re-watched Vera Drake, another work of genius. Favourite film recently seen at the cinema would have to be Oranges & Sunshine. And another old favourite I have just thought of - Stand By Me - wonderful.
Rosemary
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Rosemarykaye, I hadn't heard of Oranges and Sunshine till now. I knew the story of the deported children of course, and had seen documentaries. I've just watched the trailer and I'll put it on my list.
It sounds as if I'll enjoy the movie and the book. I'm only a chapter into it, so far.
Gumtree, as long as you're not stalking me, I don't mind :).
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Don't worry Octavia, Gum stalks me too. She is like my "virtual conscience/editor". :o
Who doesn't love Ewan McGregor? The first time I saw him was in that UK mini-series "Lipstick on my Collar". I was smitten :-*
I was slightly put off lamb by "Silence of the Lambs". Now I can't stomach it at all. And since I saw what those abbattoir workers were doing to those poor cattle in Indonesia, I am now off beef. There seems to be many reasons not to eat meat at all. Price, source and origin are all factors. I love fish but for a big country surrounded by water our seafood is too expensive. I buy prawns sometimes, my cat Roxana Taj loves the tiny prawns. I adore oysters and try to eat them at least once a week.
A bit off-topic sorry ;)
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Gumtree, as long as you're not stalking me, I don't mind
Octavia
Don't worry Octavia, Gum stalks me too. She is like my "virtual conscience/editor".
Roshanarose
What have I done ? It's the time zone thing - I usually come in not so very long after the pair of you and sometimes there you are as the last post on every page I go into - but you've got to admit it Roshanarose - someone has to keep you in order ;D
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I hope you enjoy it Octavia - although "enjoy" is maybe not the right word - but it is a fantastic film. Emily Watson is a brilliant actress, and you do get the light relief of admiring David Wenham ;) - although since Anna pointed him out as one of the numerous people with strange names in the Lord of the Rings films, I'm not so sure about him..... ;D
Rosemary
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... just catching up ... and off subject ...
JoanK and PatH ~ So true about the Smithsonian. We lived in D.C. and suburbs for 16 years, and I've been to so many of the museums so many times, with and without the kids. If I still lived there, I'd pay to go again!
My best memory (from 1993, perhaps) is sitting and sketching one of the statues, wearing black, sitting on the floor, killing time during a slow week in grad school (Biology, not Art). A guy stood watching me for a while, then came over, looked over my shoulder, and asked if I was an art TEACHER ! What a nice thing to say! I'll remember that day for a long time.
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"The King's Speech" won high marks with me. I remember the DeNiro film, also.
Surprisingly good, considering the 'plot'. I would recommend either.
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Last weekend I want waaaaaaay back in time and watched ROBIN HOOD on Turner Movie Channel. The 1938 version with Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone and Olivia Dehaviland. Heaven! Went back to my 9 year old self and had a truly splendid time!
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Take note Gumtree, that I said "as long as", it was Roshanarose who actually accused you :).
Roshanarose, how did your cat get such an exotic name?
I've finished Ghost and was really into it.
Babi, I see what you mean about the ending, when I read the last page I just said"Ohhh!"
People online were saying Robert Harris is the master of mystery fiction so he's obviously written others.
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Gum said ".....someone has to keep you in order." Such familiar words that I have heard all through my life. I blame it on my Scorpio Rising. ::)
Octavia - Yes it is a beautiful name my cat has. She is beautiful to go with it. If you would like to see some pix of her (and many others) you can visit my photostream in Flickr. My name on there is karahaz. The origin of the her name is two fold. Alexander on his way through Bactria, northern Afghanistan today, took a liking to the local princess. She bore him a child. Anyway, the princess was called Roxane/Roxana. The second part "Taj" is in honour of a lovely little Afghan girl I know called Taj Gul. Gul means flower. I like to give my cats noble names, so they need to live up to them. Also I once had a friendly possum called Persephone.
Rosemary - David Wenham is one of those actors who turn up in all sorts of places. He also appeared in the Graphic film "300" with rippling solar plexus (which I think were moulded plastic). He is a bit of a dish and has a loyal following of admiring female fans here. Hugo Weaving, the other Australian actor in the movie you mentioned, has a very long and distinguished CV. I liked him in "Matrix"; "Priscilla:Queen of the Desert" and he was the King of the Elves ? in LOTR. Another Australian in LOTR was Miranda Otto.
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"I like to give my cats noble names, so they need to live up to them."
And do you find that works, ROSHANA? I tend to name my cats after some trait they exhibit. I've never
found any cat that lives according to any expectations other than its own. :)
LOTR is the only one of those films I've seen, but the 'king' of the elves I greatly
admired. Glad to learn who he was.
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Our cats were named after Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor, and I must say they are exemplary divas. Gracie is very serene, not unlike her namesake - Lizzie is a complete nutter who has already burnt her whiskers on the gas cooker, pulled out a lot of her hair, and swung perilously from a duvet cover hanging over the top banisters in our old house (ie three flights up). Last night she got shut in the cupboard and I was woken by Gracie wailing at 4am to let me know that I needed to Do Something.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, thanks for the film suggestions. I've added Some LIke it Hot and Vera Drake (how did I ever miss that one) to my Netflix queue (which now numbers 212). Stand by Me (seen years ago and now forgotten) is in my Amazon cart, to maybe be stuck in a future order. Maybe someday I'll decide to order popover tins, although most of the time the muffin tins work fine.
In spite of the many negative reviews and comments I watched The Tourist last night. I liked it and gave it 4 stars. I thought it was funny, and Johnny Depp is so "lovable?" Of course it's very scenic, but I kept wondering if it were really Venice or just good graphics.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
We got a dog back in 1969 who was half beagle and half pointer and we named her Elizabeth Taylor and called her Lizzie. She was a great dog.
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Rosemary kaye, I'm still chuckling about the antics of your cat :)
I've just been to see Roxane, Roshanarose. What gorgeous photos you have, I envy you for having these experiences. I'll go back and linger awhile later.
She certainly is an aristocratic lady. Born to rule :)
I just remembered one of my favourite movies, My Year Without Sex with Sacha Horler and Matt Day(Australian). Everytime I mention this movie to people I can see the change come over their faces. I have to say very quickly, it's NOT about sex. It's just a lovely warm story about family life, dealing with the stress of a mother recovering from a brain aneuryism.
Not depressing and not about sex. The goldfish burial was hilarious.
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Mmmmmm - Johnny Depp. I would like to hang him on a coathanger in my wardrobe and bring him out for special occasions (evil grin). Yeah - I am allowed to be sexist.
Babi - Despite having a beautiful name and looking like a princess, Roxana does not like to be tampered with. The last naughty thing she did was bite one vet assistant's stomach, and scratch the vet. At the vets they now call her Doctor Jekyll and Ms Hyde. That precious plump and fluffy ball of cuteness with those huge silver eyes is not always what she seems.
I have also had cats called Zenobia (a remarkable Abby); Fengari (Modern Greek for Moon); Seti (my Long lived Siamese - he died when he was 21) named after an Egyptian Pharaoh; Ripley (named after the heroine in "Alien" the brave Sigourney Weaver); and my darling Simbi (from Swahili for Lion - Simba) not the musical. I also had a cat called Oedipuss who I wrote about in an earlier post. I think that Zenobia certainly lived up to her noble namesake; and Oedipuss did love me.... As for Roxana Taj, she just tolerates me living in "her" space. She considers herself cat royalty, obviously. The other day I looked up a cat behavioural site about aggro pusses. Evidently these pusses take being "territorial" to the extreme, and may hiss and growl at their owners for no apparent reason. I spoke a bit harshly to her a couple of days ago about not eating all her food, and she hissed and growled and did a lot of lurking around. She does this, but knows that the punishment would be dire if ever she harmed me. Like a night outside!! Did I add that I love her :)
Thanks Olivia. A star she is. The Greek Pix are my pride.
Sex - what's that ??? ??? ???
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AH, ROSEMARY, you bring back a memory. Animals may not talk, but they most definitely
can communicate. Years ago we had an adventurous (unneutered) Tom cat. One day he turns
up at the front door, accompanied by a very pregnant, obviusly lower class alley cat.
He looked me straight in the eye and pled, "I'm responsible! You've got to Do Something!",
(to borrow your phrase).
I did take her in until the kittens were born and weaned, but she never became what you
could call domesticated. She left and I found homes for the kittens we didn't keep.
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Babi, that is a lovely story, and immediately made me think of The Lady and The Tramp - we love that film, especially the song of the Siamese cats ("We are Siamese if you please; we are Siamese if you don't please" - just about sums my two up :)
Rosemary
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I had an aunt who was scared to death of cats. Terrorized and traumatized was more like it. She had been known to stand on tables in public places if she saw a cat. And all her friends and family knew to keep their cats away from Aunt Kack. One time she went to a party and after laying her coat in the hostess' bedroom, came out and said, "your cat in there looks almost real" Oops. "It is."
We didn't have a cat, but when she was coming to visit us, I made sure my small children knew to keep the neighborhood cats away and out of sight. She had barely entered the house when my son, who was about 2 at the time, took her hand, led her to the patio doors, pointed, and said, "kitty, kitty, kitty." It's a wonder she stayed for her visit.
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Hugo Weaving doesn't seem to let himself be typecast: a cross-dressing entertainer, the wise and heroic king of the elves, and an outstanding classic sci-fi villain. He was great in all 3.
In LOTR, David Wenham's character (Faramir) marries Miranda Otto's character (Eowyn).
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Rosemary, that Siamese cat song is one of those tunes that get stuck in my head. Now I'll be humming it all day. :)
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MIPPY: where did you go to grad school. Maybe we crossed paths.
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off subject again, sorry
JoanK ~ I went to Georgetown Univ. for about 4 years, starting in 1980, in the Biology Dept.
That was not after college, but much much later. College was class of '62! We lived in the D.C. area,
some of the time in the city, some out in the MD suburbs. When my youngest went to off college, we moved to FL,
which was altogether about 16 years in the D.C. area.
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Mippy: at that time, I was at American University in the Sociology department, also living in the Maryland suburbs (North of Gaithersburg). Also returning as an older student.
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PatH and JoanK - How lovely you can spend a week together. I always wanted a sister, but got a brother instead. A very busy brother. He is three years older than I, and is still working, as is his wife. He lives in Sydney too, so is a fair distance from me. I hope you have a lovely time together.
We are Siamese if you please
We are Siamese if you don't please
We are former residents of Siam
There is no finer cat than I am
More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/l/lady_and_the_tramp/#share
Lady and the Tramp was one of my favourite movies too. I loved animal movies when I was small, but used to cry if an animal was hurt or treated badly in any way. I am still the same.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL9hooe-yKQ
I couldn't resist. I used to have a Siamese.
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Frybabe - thanks so much for posting that, I have just watched it (at 6.30am!) and it has already brightened up my day! I still think it's a brilliant feat of animation, even in these days of CGI, and the voices are just wonderful.
Roshanarose - I was and am exactly the same. I have never read Black Beauty, nor even seen Dumbo, and as for Bambi :'( If I am thinking of buying a book in a charity shop that looks like an animal might feature, I have to skip to the back and make sure there isn't a eulogy to it.
An author whom I read and read in my teenage years, and have recently read again, is Doreen Tovey. She wrote a series of books about her life in a Devon cottage with her long suffering husband and her Siamese cats. She had a number of these over her long life (she only died a couple of years ago if I remember rightly), and a donkey also features at one point. You either like her style of writing or you don't, but my mother and I absolutely love her, and I know she is immensely popular. The first one is called "Cats In The Belfry", and there are many others, including "Cats In May". They are very funny books, very warm.
http://www.life-with-siamese-cats.com/doreen-tovey.html
Rosemary
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I totally understand you, Rosemary. I saw the Yearling when I was a little girl and was absolutely traumatised.
I can't watch or read anything with animal cruelty in it. My sister wants to talk about it to relieve her anger and disgust, but I have to shush her.
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Rosemary - Thanks for telling me about that site. It is lovely. My Siamese, Seti, was a lilac point and was described by a friend as a "pearl" point. Seti was so faithful - all the qualities mentioned on the site epitomised him. He died when he was 20, and even then he didn't want to leave us.
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Have you all been keeping up with AMC's The Killing?
I understand the season finale is this coming Sunday. What do you think? Will they rap it up, or will it be another "who shot JR?"
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I have been watching The Killing. I think they'll wrap it up but I understand that the focus of the story is supposed to be the affects on everyone involved more so than a "who done it." My guess, and it's just a guess, is that it's going to be someone we haven't met yet in the story.
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Thanks for the link to the Siamese cat song, which I just sent to my daughter, who has 2 Siamese cats, Guinness and Tessy.
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This is not MEANT to be a spoiler, but in the event it turns out to be, please skip this re The Killing.
Early on I felt I could not bear to go through all the episodes and not know who done it. I always read the last chapters of a mystery before I read the whole thing. Living with suspense is not one of my virtues.
So I went on line and google searched the Danish version. It had been my understanding that the American one was the same, only 13 episodes instead of 20 and a different country and city.
In the Danish one, Forbrydelsen, which won the BAFTA award, beating out all of the British and American competition, the assistant to Rosie's father is the killer. Do you remember in the very first episode where he is quite nasty to some Middle Easterners they do a job of moving for, and if I remember correctly, he refers to them as "ragheads?" Well, apparently he thought Rosie was dating one and that curdled his senses and made him murderous. At least, that is how I read the plot outline I found of the Danish Forbrydelsen, and I watched The Killing for weeks thinking I knew who the killer was.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, I read to my great distress that the writers had CHANGED the killer in the American version just so no one would know until the last episode. If that is true, I know no more than you do as to who it is. The 12th episode seemed to end with the finger pointing to the city councilman who is running for the job of Mayor.
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MaryPage, my eyes are closed. I'll read your post next Monday morning. ;D
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I watched "The Killing" for several episodes, and then decided it was
just too depressing. My daughter is finishing it, tho'.
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I really like "the killing" and am happy to hear it's going into a second season. also that Rosie's parents will be in the second season as well. I. Didn't know that the killer was changed from the Danish show. I wanted to get it on DVD but Netflix doesn't have it.
maryPage did you see it or just read about it?
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Just read about it, and you know as well as I that you cannot fully trust everything you read on this world wide web.
I, too, tried to get the movie and failed.
Forbrydelsen: I have just read that the Danes DID have a second season of Forbrydelsen and are now into their THIRD. Maybe they will be available on DVD one day; who knows.
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It's going into a second season? I wonder what it will be about? I hadn't seen the second-to-last episode of this season until last evening. I can't believe who they are pointing to as the killer. I hope it's a mis-direction.
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Me, too, Marcie; I have been liking him.
Found no place American that sells the Danish series, but it is available here: http://www.bbcshop.com/drama+arts/the-killing-dvd/invt/fcd534/ and the price is too steep for me. Hoping though that I will get to see it one day.
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Ah ha! Just had a thought: I'll bet this BBC UK product is the English dubbed one that was so acclaimed in Great Britain and the DVD only works on their machines. For those of you who do not know, British DVDs do NOT WORK on our DVD players. They have to be re-somethingorothered to work on American machines. And my guess is that this has not been done yet, but WILL be.
And I expect that, at least at first, this English-dubbed Forbrydelsen, which they are calling The Killing even though the word really translates as The Crime, will cost the moon because it is 20 hours, less commercial time, long!
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There is an un-dubbed preview of Episode 1 of Forbrydelsen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLKqomHEkqY. The couple of minutes I watched was similar in plot to the English version.
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Marcie
Thanks for posting that UTube. It was interesting to watch.
MaryPage I've been considering getting a Region 2 DVD player. Then ordering Some DVDs from Amazon UK. They are usually a lot cheaper then they are here. It usually shows the price in Euros and I'm not up to what the exchange rate is. So still trying to decide if it's worth the trouble.
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You can go on line and google search Today's Dollar Exchange Rate and then find it from a list. If you order directly from Amazonuk, they will charge you the rate of the day you order.
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Thanks for the info MaryPage.
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jeriron, did you mention before that you use captions when watching DVDs? If you do order from the UK, be sure they have captions. The British are getting better about it, but they don't always include them.
Maybe it all depends on who puts out the media. I emailed Acorn Media complaining about the lack of captions for Midsomer Murders, and they wrote back that they now have them from Set No. 12 on.
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Excellent advice. I have had that problem, too. Closed captioning or subtitles are an absolute must for me now that I have gotten so deaf.
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CC and sub.titles are the first thing I check for on any DVD. I've noticed that Acorn is beginning to add CC to a lot of their DVds now. I guess they got the message.
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Oh, that's good to hear, PEDLN. I was interested in the Midsomer Murders and most irritated that they didn't have CC. I wonder if my library has continued taking buying them and has Set 12+? I do hope so. I'll need to check Netflix as well.
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http://blogs.amctv.com/the-killing/talk/2011/06/episode-13-open-thread.php
I am SO mad! The writers of THE KILLING, American version, must have decided their show was such a smash hit they would throw a wrench in the works and NOT let us know at the end of Day 13, as promised, who killed Rosie.
So now, instead of giving us the answers at the end of Season One for the Rosie killing and beginning Season Two with a brand new murder to solve, they are continuing the Larson murder over into Season Two. No wonder someone in here read that Rosie's parents were going to appear in the Season Two episodes! I couldn't figure that one until now.
Hugely disappointed and cross. Bah Humbug!
Wow! If you go to the AMC The Killing official site and scroll down to read all of the comments pouring in, everyone is mad. Blistering mad! I have not registered to comment, but there are plenty of people venting my own feelings.
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If any of you are as angry as I that AMC did not fulfil their promise and reveal the killer in the 13th (and supposed to be last episode), you can email your protest to:
amccustomerservice@rainbow-media.com
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Saw the movie SUPER 8 last night at a drive-in theater, because it had gotten super reviews.
Our verdict: AWFUL! Boring, dumb dialogue, dumb plot, lots of very noisy special technical effects. Perhaps 14 or 15-year-olds would like it. (We left after the first hour)
Back to the films on my Netflix queue.
I haven't watched THE KILLING. Sounds as if you were really into it, MaryPage. Too bad the ending disappointed you.
Marge
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I got Steve Martin's "Shopgirl" from Netflix. After 15-20 minutes, I quit - didn't care about either of the characters introduced by then.
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Mary Page, I am also furious. I couldn't believe the ending. Talk about false advertising!! They kept promising to reveal the shocking ending. Well, it was shocking. I couldn't believe they ended the season with a cliff hanger. We were promised an ending and didn't get it. Right now I am so disgusted that I don't think that I will even watch season 2. I feel duped~
Sally
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
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And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
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Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Your comments on The Killing remind me of "Who Shot J.R.?" on "Dallas". They got a lot of mileage with that cliff hanger!!
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But Callie, in this case THERE WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE a carry over cliff hanger. You see, several years ago the Danish television came up with a new and different format for a murder mystery crime show. That is to say, they made a 20 hour series to last for exactly 20 weeks; each hour representing one day in the life of the detective partnership (one male, one female, not related in any other way) while they were trying to solve the crime: i.e. figure out and prove who done it. The series was way over the top popular, and made its way with subtitles and/or dubbing into every other European country, including Great Britain. Wildly popular. Rave notices.
So natch the Americans wanted it, but their purchase allowed for them to do their own thing with it. So they wrote it into 13 hours instead of 20 and changed the location from Denmark to Seattle (actually filmed in Vancouver) and Americanized some of the names, etc. But bottom line, they were to wrap it up in those 13 episodes. And the series turned out to be excellent and extremely well acted. The female detective, in particular, is outstanding. Expect awards and prizes and great acclaim for Mireille Enos.
So came the night of episode 13, Day 13. We were all on the edge of our seats. And they in effect told us to hang on, they were going to continue this story over into a second season next year!
Everyone is quite seriously furious. The Danes are now into their Season Three, but each year (season) ends THAT crime story and reveals who done it. That is satisfactory. This is not.
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The article in TV Guide said that there will be a new murder in the second season. So I figure they will finish this one off near the beginning.
This was also said in the article.
We never said, "Who killed Rosie Larsen? You will definitively find that out at the end of episode 13, so don't worry about it. We never promised that.
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MaryPage, I understood that. It just reminded me of "Dallas" because of all the talk during the interim for that show's seasons. (sometimes my mind works in myterious ways ;D)
If the viewers were told there would be a solution and/or were familiar with the Danish version - then they are quite right to be furious.
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I haven't seen last night's performance, but have taped it. Too sleepy then.
But, am a vbit confused after reading comments here and then reading this from the NY Times .
How Councilman Darren Richmond (Billy Campbell), of Connecticut and Dartmouth, became the kind of widower for whom scotch was an inadequate solace, is left entirely to speculation. Instead we are asked to buy wholesale the notion that as Richmond maintained an impeccable public image, he was threatening (and ultimately drowning) young prostitutes who vaguely resembled his wife. Politicians manage secret lives all the time, as the news and “The Good Wife” remind us. But it is fair to say that it is one thing to be concealing a mistress in Argentina and it is quite another to be running a campaign while simultaneously conducting an alternative life as Jack the Ripper.
(As a matter of due process it should be said that the series satisfies conspiracy theorists with the .0009 percent chance that Richmond is actually not guilty. The sane among us will run, as they say, with the facts on the ground.)
Link to full article
Who killed Rosie (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/20/arts/television/the-killing-on-amc-solves-murder-in-season-finale.html)
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Callie, it reminded me of Dallas too - I know it's not the same situation, but I still have a laugh thinking about the "it was all a dream" sequence after they had renegotiated Bobby's fee. Dallas was one of my guilty pleasures. I think I might have to buy it on DVD to cheer myself up.
Rosemary
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I went to that link, MARYPAGE, and expressed my opinion. I was informed that server
address could not be found. Either my internet is messing up again...which happens often
enough... or they've already gotten the message and don't care to hear any more.
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I think they did, BABI; I think they did get the message and do not want to hear any more. I'll bet someone is getting fired. To say they did not promise us a solution on Day Thirteen is just plain not true.
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I too don't like what the director/writers are doing with the characters and the cliff-hanger ending to season 1 of THE KILLING. Some of the characters are morphing into other personalities, it seems just to add tension or red herrings. I feel like the audience is being toyed with. If it were a regular hour-long "formula" detective show, I'd expect that someone out of the blue really "did it" and wouldn't be upset about it but this show promised character development.
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I am in agreement with everything you have said, Marcie.
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Just read in The Washington Post that Mireille Enos who played Sarah Linden in THE KILLING is to make a movie with Brad Pitt. The name of the movie is World War Z.
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That should be interesting! :-)
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Looks like this series has opened doors for Miss Enos. I would like to
see her in something very different. My dominant impression of 'The
Killing', before I stopped watching it, was gray and grunge.
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Yes, Babi, Mireille Enos is very subdued in The Killing. From some of her online photos (http://www.google.com/search?q=Mireille+Enos&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=F1s&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivnsuo&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=mFwHTqCVI4L6swOGy52-DQ&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CBUQ_AUoAQ&biw=1478&bih=881), I think she as another sexy, sparkly side.
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http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0257969/
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The sexy Daniel Craig and the equally sexy Rachel Weisz are engaged. I am sure that wouldn't have happened if he had met me first. :'( Best wishes to them, and if you haven't seen it watch "The Constant Gardener" with Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz. Book by Le Carre.
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But George Clooney is back on the market, Roshanarose! There is still hope!
Rosemay
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Oh, my gosh, Enos is a Houstonian...and a beautiful, sexy-looking one
at that. I would never have suspected from watching the killing. Thanks
for the link, MARYPAGE.
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Oh, my gosh, Enos is a Houstonian...and a beautiful, sexy-looking one
at that. I would never have suspected from watching the killing. Thanks
for the link, MARYPAGE.
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My late husband and I went to see The Constant Gardener together; his choice of film. Sob! He loved it; I hated it. Acting superb, and she, of course, was glorious.
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MaryPage - I am interested. Why did you hate "The Constant Gardener"?
Rosemary - It is odd, I suppose, but George Clooney doesn't do much for me.
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Oh goody, Roshanarose - I'll have him all to myself then (when he comes to his senses and realises I exist, that is... :D)
Watched Four Weddings and a Funeral last night. Enjoyed it, but do find it hard to take Hugh Grant seriously these days -"Mr Public School and slightly nervous" does not really convince now we all know what he really gets up to....Loved the other couples though, and especially James Fleet, who played more or less the same part in The Vicar of Dibley, one of my favourite chill-out happy ending TV series.
Rosemary
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We're just getting caught up - watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I, last night. We've thoroughly enjoyed all the books and movies.
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The Constant Gardener frightened and depressed me. What can I say?
I love George Clooney all to bits (loved his Aunt Rosie), but he is not at all "my type."
I agree with Rosemary on Hugh Grant, although I did about forgive him all in that wonderful movie where he played the Prime Minister! Ha!
Also loved the Vicar of Dibley series and bought the DVDs.
I, too, just watched Part I recently in order to be all set for Part II. We shall miss Harry Potter. I just resent the h--l out of the fact he was not the invention of MY imagination! Three cheers for Rowling!
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MaryPage - you and I both! Why oh why didn't I think of H Potter? As one of my friends said, it's only a reworked boarding school story with magic!!!
I think the film you mean is Love Actually - which is another of my "feel good" films, though my favourite in that is of course the "baddy", Alan Rickman - he would certainly beat George Clooney in my top 10 any time!
I'm glad you like The Vicar of Dibley. I know it's all rather tame but I love it - and the parish committee meetings really do remind me of so many similar meetings that I've endured.
I haven't seen the Constant Gardener - it looks too depressing, although I loved Le Carre's spy series, and the TV adaptation of Smiley's People was brilliant - Alec Guinness, what an actor. I seem to recall that the late lamented Beryl Reid was also excellent in it. More recently the books have been serialised on the radio, and Simon Russell Beale, another fantastic actor was Smiley - I didn't think anyone would ever replace Alec Guinness in that role, but Russell Beale was wonderful.
Rosemary
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Gosh, I haven't heard anyone mention Smiley for years... Alec Guiness surely was the goods when it came to acting any part he undertook.
You can have all you want of George Clooney and Hugh Grant - they don't do it for me.. Alan Rickman is another story - all that intensity of suppressed emotion. He was great as Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility too. -
Constant Gardener was a little too realistic to make for comfortable viewing.
Watched Tea With Mussolini the other night - had forgotten how good it was - and what a lineup - Cher, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Joan Plowright, and Lily Tomlin. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli and writer was John Mortimer
- story was semi-autobiographical based on Zeffirelli's early life... interesting.
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Gum, I have always meant to watch that film - thanks for the recommendation, I will see if the library has it.
Rosemary
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I watched "The Constant Gardener" twice, mostly to see if I missed something the first time around. Figured out I missed out on "not seeing it." Such good acting though, but the film did nothing for me. Perhaps I should read the book and see how badly they screwed up the film! LOL
I thought of another wonderful English film, but will have to come back in as I can't think of the title. (isn't that just like me?)
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Join the club, Tomereader.
Gumtree, I'd forgotten about Tea with Mussolini. It's been eons since I watched it, and I don't remember a lot about it, but I do know that I liked it.
Another film set in Italy during the same period is The Garden of the Finzi-Continis, about an Italian Jewish family, and as I recall, in Italian with subtitles. Excellent film.
A check on Amazon shows "Tea" reasonably available, but "Garden" only from 3-rd party sellers for $90+. And on Netflix, it is a green SAVE, DVD currently not available. I wonder why.
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OK, had to go to IMdb, but found it! It was a made for TV movie, starring Maggie Smith. Very good indeed!
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I adored Tea With Mussolini. Have seen it at least 3 times, and could watch it again!
Judi Dench saving the paintings impressed me most.
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Still not thinking well, the Maggie Smith movie was "My House in Umbria". I tried to do a link from IMdB, but I'm not so hot at that either!
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I think the film you mean is Love Actually - which is another of my "feel good" films, though my favourite in that is of course the "baddy", Alan Rickman - he would certainly beat George Clooney in my top 10 any time!
Rosemary
Rosemary, I'm with you about Alan Rickman. His portrayal of Colonel Brandon in "Sense and Sensibility" makes it more truly a happy ending for Marianne to marry him. And back in the days when Harry Potter wasn't finished and we were still debating whether Severus Snape was going to turn out to be a good guy or a bad guy, one of my arguments for good guy was that Rowling had a lot of control over the movies, at least at first, and Rickman was cast as Snape.
Has anyone seen him in "Galaxy Quest"? It's a light-hearted spoof of the original "Star Trek" and it's fans. A bunch of washed-up actors whose careers consisted of a Star Trek-like show are abducted by aliens who think the show was real and want help in overcoming invasion by other aliens. It's pretty funny if you like that sort of thing. Not Rickman's usual thing, but he was obviously having a blast doing it.
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PatH - I'm going to look for Galaxy Quest, it sounds hilarious.
Tomereader - my mother has recommended that House in Umbria film to me, and Maggie Smith was in both that and Tea With Mussolini, wasn't she? So no need to beat yourself up! In my mind they are all jumbled up with The Enchanted April and probably any other film set in Italy (maybe not "I'm Not Scared" - a brilliant film, but rather different).
Rosemary
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Ah, yes, ROSEMARY. "Endured" is just the word to express my feelings
about committee meetings. I am quite happy to leave the whole scene to
those who adore leading committees.
WOW!, GUM, how could I have missed a movie with a line-up like that!
I've got to go find that one. "Tea With Mussolini", ...got it.
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Babi - happy to be of service - hope you enjoy it
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The past two night I've been watching Mao's Last Dancer, about ballet dancer Li Cunxin who came as a young man to the US for three months, defected, and stayed. The story-line is excellent, but what blew me away was the absolutely gorgeous, beautiful dancing, especially in Stravinkly's Rites of Spring.
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He didn't stay in US forever - He came to Australia as a principal dancer for the Australian Ballet located in Melbourne. Married an Aussie girl - also a ballet dancer - changed his career path to finance stuff - is a sought after speaker on the lecture circuit - does a lot of charity work for the hearing impaired - his daughter was born with hearing impairment. An all round good guy.
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Mao's Last Dancer looks beautiful, Pedln. See the trailer at http://www.maoslastdancermovie.com/. Thanks for the recommendation.
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I did a little survey of the shows listed tonight on my cable. NBC has the Macy's fireworks show, PBS is doing the usual Capitol Fireworks program, and History International is showing The Revolution series. No one else is running anything about the American Revolution, or the Declaration of Independence. I did watch, yesterday, a show about LaFayette. What and extraordinary man.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I watched Gaslight on the Turner Movie Channel last night. Didn't realize there were more than one in the 1940s. I prefer the one with Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, and Angela Lansbury as the devious little maid. (altho I don't care much for Bergman).
Also watched The Spiral Staircase with Dorothy McGuire, Ethel Barrymore and the great Elsa Lanchester. Very good.
Marj
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I just read the Mary Roberts Rinehart book by that name (the Spiral Staitcase). Is the movie based on that?
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Marj, I too didn't realize that there was another Gaslight film, a previous one, filmed in England in 1940. Wikipedia says that the first one adhered more closely to the original play on which both film versions were based.
Have you seen the original Gaslight? It was released in the U.S. with the title, Angel Street. It looks like it is available online at no cost from the Internet Archive nonprofit organization at http://www.archive.org/details/Gaslight_1940. I haven't seen that one.
I have seen the version of Gaslight with Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman. I read that it was 18-year-old Angela Lansbury's first role. She always looked older than she was, until her later years, when she looked younger!
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Oh, yes, JOAN. The movie was based on the Rhinehart book. Talk about oldies! 'Gaslight' is almost as old as I am; I suspect 'Spiral Staircase' is, too.
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Isn't the Rinehart book called "The Circular Staircase?" According to the Internet Movie Database, the film The Spiral Staircase was based on a novel by Ethel Lina White.
Marj
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Well, this is confusing. I've always associated the book, "The
Spiral Staircase', with Rhinehart. According to one note I'm looking at,
a movie of that name was made based on a novel "Some Must Watch", by Ethel
Lina White. I don't find that a movie was ever made from Rhinehart's book.
Obviously, way back when, the movie was advertised and I immediately confused it with
the book. Pity. The Rhinehart story could have made an excellent film, IMO.
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What an interesting discussion, and it has sent me searching -- both before and after getting my Gaslights mixed up with the Spiral Staircase. Here's my take
The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rinehart -- available free from the Gutenberg project. Written in 1908 -- about a murder and a bank failure.
The Spiral Staircase based on Ethel Lina White's novel Some Must Watch -- about a serial murderer who is killing girls with disabilities. Book is vailable on Kindle for $5.00, the paperback will cost you $85.89.
Anyway, it's always great to have such good film and book recommendations.
The film Gaslight is based on Patrick Hamilton's play. Hamilton is a British playwrite and novelist. He also wrote Rope, which Alfred Hitchcock's film is based on. Seen any good Hitchcock's lately? Did you see Hitchcock? ;)
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I'll have to read Rinehart's The Circular Staircase, as I know many liked her mysteries. However, the only one I've read, The Yellow Room, was so bad, I trashed it.
I recently watched the Hitchcock film Strangers on a Train, one of my favorities, with Robert Walker and Farley Granger. It also has Hitchcock's daughter, Patricia in a small, but good role. Another of my favorite Hitchcock films is Rope, also with Farley Granger.
Marj
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Last night we watched "The Queen" for the second time. Helen Mirren really is a genius actor, I started to think I was watching HRH herself. Also for the first time I saw the DVD "extras" (because, need I tell you, I didn't know they existed until my daughter showed me...), - fascinating interviews with Michael Sheen, whose portrayal of Tony Blair was also utterly convincing, Sylvia Sims (what a brilliant Queen Mother!), and the director, Stephen Frears.
It seems such a long time now since Diana died. My elder daughter was 2 at the time - she is 16 now! - and for my younger one this is ancient history, ie it did not happen in her lifetime.
Excellent film.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, I agree, Mirren's performance is superb, and it's a great film. Goodness! It has been a while.
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pedln said : The Spiral Staircase based on Ethel Lina White's novel Some Must Watch -- about a serial murderer who is killing girls with disabilities. Book is vailable on Kindle for $5.00, the paperback will cost you $85.89.
Did I read that right, pedln? That's the most expensive paperback I have heard of..... :o
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You know, I really liked Rhinehart when I was young. But as I reached a more critical age, it seemed to me her mysteries were predictable in one sense. The good guys were consistently upper class, and the murderer was the class equivalent of the butler.
I didn't know Hitchcock had a daughter who was an actress, MARJ. Or was that like one of his own cameos, inserted for the fun of it?
ROSHANA, with all due respect to Plato, after considering his question
for some time, I am forced to conclude that some things are so self-evident
they require no proof.
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I remember reading Rinehart back in the '60s. Had no idea that Circular Staircase was published in 1908. We were living in Puerto Rico then desperate for all kinds of books written in English. Our church library helped fill the gap, as members started donating their paperbacks.
I love any film with Hellen Mirren. What's that series she did for PBS -- as Jane Tenneman. I think I still ahve some on tape somewhere.
The other day I picked up a Dorothy Sayles DVD at the library -- three books with Peter Wimsey (Ian Carmichael) -- Murder with Advertising (still have to watch pt. 4), Nine Taylors (have read, but never seen) and I don't remember the last title. So far, so good.
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You'll like "The Nine Tailors". It's a super job.
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Pedln, I agree with PatH. I enjoyed the PBS Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey episodes with Ian Carmichael. It took a while for me to get used to Edward Petherbridge when he took over the role.
One of Lord Peter's cars is a 12-cylinder ("double-six") 1927 Daimler four-seater, which (like all his cars) he calls "Mrs. Merdle" after a character in Little Dorrit (by Charles Dickens) who "hated fuss". See a photo at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DaimlerDoubleSixCorsicaCoupe.JPG
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Yes, Babi, according to Internet Movie Database, it's Hitchcock's daughter. (She was also in Psycho) It says she was 23 when Strangers on a Train was made in 1951, but looks like a teenager. Have you seen the film? Very good, based on Patricia Highsmith's novel.
I agree with you, Rosemary, that Helen Mirren is so good in The Queeen you believe you're watching the real Queen Elizabeth. I see she played Harrison Ford's wife in The Mosquito Coast. I liked that film and have meant to read the novel by Paul Theroux. Have you seen her in The Comfort of Strangers? From the novel by Ian McEwan, one of my favorite authors. But, that film is dark, not for you if you only like cozy mysteries! But gorgeous photography of Venice.
Marge
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Marjifay - no, haven't seen either of those films and have never even seen a complete episode of Prime Suspect! I saw Mirren in Calendar Girls and Gosford Park, and have always admired her - she is such an independent, sensible woman as well as a brilliant actress. I also read about her campaign to get shops to stock dresses with sleeves - she rose even further in my estimation after that!
Rosemary
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Babi - I am glad you see clearly now and can perhaps divorce yourself from Plato. As for me, it is not so simple. Examples: Sometimes while I am asleep, or nearly asleep, my cat nips me to try to wake me up, not bites, just tiny little nips. There is usually a mark there when I check my arms in the morning. Two mornings ago I was dreaming and felt the nip quite keenly, it was a bigger nip than usual. I looked in the mirror, there was no sign of a mark. Another time, I was in a deep sleep but felt something move in the palm of my hand which was semi-clenched into a fist. I woke up with a start and there in my palm was a big, black spider, just regarding me. I threw it onto the bed. I then checked to get rid of it. It wasn't there. So now you know why I like ambiguity.
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Marcie - I am a bit of a car freak and that Daimler is something else. You would need an engine as big as a V12 to move the darn thing. Wheels the biggest I have seen on a car. Absolutely gorgeous.
Two of my favourites are both Jaguars : The legendary E Type (6 cyl and 12 cyl) and the XJS (12 cylinder). Dream cars.
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Oh, no! Groan! Dallas will be back in the Summer of 2012. TNT has started advertising it already. Give me a break.
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I just saw that commercial, Frybabe! And they've even resurrected the old cast. At least these old folks are getting some work.
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roshanarose, I love the look of Jaguars too. I think that Inspector Morse drove one.
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I always say that if a car has four wheels and actually goes it's good enough for me - but I do like a good comfortable leather interior and an almost noiseless engine - sleek lines and a perfect duco help too!
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ROSE, I do understand. More than once I have been wakened when the bed jerked
and thought one of the cats had gotten into the room. Nope, no cat. It's hard
sometimes to make a quick, clear transition from sleep to full awareness.
I'm with you, GUM. For me a car has simply been transportation. There was one car I
fell in love with, a Studebaker in a color like butterscotch fudge that simply seemed to fit me
as though it was custom made. I loved it. Unfortunately, my husband took it upon himself
to sell it without informing me. He also... Never mind. No point in going there. :-X
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BABI: it must have worked better than ouir old Studebaker: we couldn't go around the corner without it breaking down.
I'd love to see a movie of "The Nine Taylors" and actually HEAR the bells that they re talking about.
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Marcie - FYI Morse's beautiful Jaguar is a 1960 Mark 2. I am guessing it has eight cylinders rather than 12 but I am not sure.
www.morsejaguar.co.uk
Gum - the car you just described it the epitome of Jagism :D
Babi and JoanK - I always admired the Studebaker Hawk. Wanted a 1964 Ford Mustang badly.
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Thanks for that photo of Morse's jaguar, roshanarose. It's a beauty. I know nothing about cars and have always bought used inexpensive ones but I love to see "real" jaguars (those with that lovely jaguar hood ornament) on the road.
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Roshanarose Yes Jags are nice - though a bit low to the ground for this old lady. DH has always favoured BIG cars - I was broken in with a Humber Super Snipe - beautiful car - roomy, superb upholstery - had it for years - looking back it seems that nothing ever went wrong with it - great to drive - could powerslide on gravel. These days it's a now aging Beamer.
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When my children were younger we lived out in the country and had an ancient Landrover Defender whose rear door flew open at random moments just to add fun to any journey. The windscreen had no heater and I used to pour a kettle of hot water over it every winter morning. Rain came through everywhere, not least on your foot when you pressed the accelerator. My children loved that car!
Now we are about to move back to the country and are thinking of changing our current car - a Chrysler PT Cruiser- for another Landy, though this time it would probably be a rather more sedate Freelander. Unless anyone else can suggest any other good 4 x 4s that are not too big (friend has top of the range enormous Audi - I do not want anything like that!)
Rosemary
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You're moving back to the country, ROSEMARY? Do bring us up to date. We've
been following your house search with the interest of those who've 'been there'.
It was so much easier 40 years ago!
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Babi - we have had an offer accepted on a house in a very small village in East Lothian, which is the countryside to the east of Edinburgh, between Edinburgh and North Berwick if you look at a map. The house itself is only 9 years old, it is part of a small steading development next to a farm. It is about 5 miles from some larger villages/towns. However, nothing has been concluded so far as the title deeds appear to be defective! I just don't know how I always seem to hit on problem properties - I thought this one would be OK as it is relatively new. Our solicitor in Edinburgh is endeavouring to sort it out, but she is not getting much help from the other side so far. So we live in hope! I'll keep you posted! thanks for your interest.
Rosemary
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Rosemary - I can easily imagine you as lady of the manor and challenging drivers of smaller cars for your portion of the road. Long may you reign. But beware of hat drivers whose feet barely reach the pedals. Great news that you may soon be settled. I can sympathise with you about title deed problems. Believe me you are not the only one who has struck this problem which seems to be universal. The buyers of our last house found some sort of problem regarding a catchment (or something like that) on our property. They wanted $5000 off the price because of it. My SIL told us to just wait it out, in other words call their bluff. Fortunately, their desire for the house was greater than their greed, and they went ahead with the sale regardless, but it was very stressful. The Real Estate agent was to blame.
Gumtree - Yes I remember the Humber Super Snipe, big brother to the Hillman. The majority of solicitors in my hometown each had one, in the 60s as I recall. My daughter and SIL just bought a new Beamer and although extremely smooth etc. it is extremely small imho. Five people do not fit into it, it is made to fit just four. Bavarians seem to be shrinking. I agree that low cars can be a problem, and it can be very embarassing. One of my favourite Top Gear episodes devotes itself to the boys driving their supercars into Paris, and one of them getting stuck in a rather deep driveway in a very busy Parisian street. Classic! I don't watch it any more, it seems to have "done its run" so to speak.
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Isn't it frustrating, ROSEMARY? My own small tale of woe. After I bought this place, in due
time, a tax bill arrived that absolutely floored me. The previous owner had not paid his taxes in
years! Having not collected from him, the city/county now wished to collect his taxes from me!
I checked, and the title company stated there had been no tax lien on the property when I
bought it. So I spent the next few years adamantly insisting I did not owe those taxes. Even
the description of the property on the bill was wrong!
As it turns out, any taxes not collected within ten years lapse. It took me ten years of saying
"You're wrong", but I got there.
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That's awful Babi - and particularly wrong that the tax people should try to intimidate you into paying well done you for standing your ground. I'm sure a lot of older people would have just paid up in a panic - I know my mother would. Debt is such an alien concept to their generation that even when it's not actually theirs they worry about it.
Rosemary
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Thanks, ROSEMARY. I was fortunate that one young man working for the county quietly took
my side and gave me the information about the expiration date and encouraged me to continue
the resistance.
I do hate debt. There was a blissful period when I actually got out from under
ALL of it, but of course new emergencies do come up when there's no place else to find the funds. Even so, my debts are way below what appears to be the norm.
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Rosemary, I hope everything works out and gets settled soon for your home in the country. Living in limbo -- "yes it will, no it won't, etc." is frustrating and takes its toll.
Netflixers -- what do you think of Netflix's new game plan? There sure has been a lot of hoopla in papers like the WSJ and NY Times, on blogs, etc. A lot of unhappy people. Lots of comments. I agree with the guy who said, "I use DVDs and have always looked at streaming as kind of a freebie." As one who needs captions or subtitles, I've just been grateful. I'll cancel the streaming part of my subscription because I rarely use it at home, just sometimes when travelling when the grands are involved in something I don't want to watch.
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I've never used the streaming so canceling that part doesn't matter to me. Right now I pay $19.99 for 3 unlimited dvds. In checking the new pricing if I'm reading it right it will be $15.99 for 3 unlimited without streaming. So that ok with me.
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What does this streaming mean?
R
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What does this streaming mean?
R
I'm not sure of the technical details, but it essentially means that you can instantly watch a movie just by asking for it, either on your computer or, if you're set up for it, your TV. So if you click on the "watch now" button, you immediately start watching the movie, the same way we have watched the PBS broadcasts at times. It isn't downloaded, it just passes through.
Pedln brings up something important. If you can't get captions, they are cutting out some of us.
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I'm quite upset about the news that BigPond Movies, the Australian equivalent of NetFlix, will close in September. They've offered alternatives, but none seem compatible with my wireless connection, and if they were I imagine I'd have to get a more expensive plan to cope with the extra use.
I really don't want to keep driving backwards and forwards to a video store.
A pox on their house >:(
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
What a bummer Octavia. I hope you can find a suitable alternative.
I just got finished watching Johnny Depp's Alice in Wonderland. He is just so outstanding with his characterizations, very versatile.
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And on Rupert Murdoch's as well! How can he be so cavalier about sacking so many people just like that? >:( Despite what Gordon Gecko said, Greed is never good.
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I like Johnny Depp too, Frybabe. He has played a lot of strange characters.
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The phone hacking thing is absolutely huge here at the moment - News International is in deep do-do, and so they should be. They have been hacking into the mobile phones not only of celebrities (which no-one got too het up about apart form the celebs of course) but also murder victims (in one case this led to the parents of a murdered 11 year old thinking she was still alive), etc. Murdoch has turned up here apparently more concerned to save the skin of ghastly Rebekah Wade (his chief exec and editor of the News Of the World when most of this happened) than trying to investigate or to make any kind of amends to the families. She finally resigned yesterday - the public were about ready to eat her alive - and he has been forced to stop his bid to take control of the whole of Sky (satellite news networK). So much is coming out of the woodwork about the incestuous relationships between the media, the police (they are heavily implicated in cover-ups and backhanders) and the politicians - it's what everyone suspected all along but now they can no longer deny it. Horrible.
Rosemary
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Horrible, yes, and very, very messy. One can only hope when it gets all cleaned
up the country will feel it's a job well done.
I got your message, ROSEMARY, but did not have a return address. Briefly,
I haven't seen the page you refer to yet, but irregardless I am not one of those who can remove offending messages. One person I'm certain can is our administrator, MARCIE. Contact her and tell her where tha page can be found
and she will look into it.
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Tomorrow I get to see Johnny Depp's new movie, Rango. My BIL just picked it up. We also plan on going to the Old Country Buffet for dinner and then a trip out to visit Mom and Dad at the cemetery.
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Thanks Babi - I think several people have contacted Jane and she has removed all that stuff.
Rosemary
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Saw the movie Horrible Bosses yesterday in the theater. Starts off a little silly, but it gets better and had us in parts laughing so hard tears ran down our eyes. Been a long time since I laughted like that in a movie.
Marj
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Marcie and Jane. What would we do without them?!!
I don't generally care for 'silly' movies, but I would enjoy a good laugh, too.
I'll have a look at it. I wasn't aware Johnny Depp had another film out already.
I don't know what 'Rango' is about, of course, but I haven't seen anything of
his that he didn't do beautifully.
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Babi, I'll let you know when I get back this evening. All I know about Rango is that it is a cartoon about a lizard. I think I saw a trailer or something a while back that showed the liz in cowboy dress.
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Ok, here is my opinion of Rango. Story line, accidental hero, who fancies himself an actor, saves town from bad guys who cut off water to force inhabitants to sell out. I thought the movie as a whole was so-so compared to some other recent animated films. BUT, it did have its moments. I could pick out spoofs of several cowboy movies. Also, several music scores started out with several notes from well known pop songs, but then veered off just as the name of the tune started to form in my head. The best scene, as far as I was concerned, was the chase scene; cue The Ride of the Valkyries, and runaway wagon which was chased by various rodents riding bats. The best character, IMHO, was Bill Nighy playing Rattlesnake Jake. Even better was the documentary on how the movie was made. Hans Zimmer did the music score. He apparently attracted a lot of session players, and there was special attention to a trumpet player named Arthuro. Such was my afternoon.
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Hmm.. Since I wouldn't be able to hear the musical cues, FRYBABE, I'd miss out on all that.
Might be something I'd like to watch when I'm really fed up with adults. ;)
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Babi, the animation was wonderful. The animators did a marvelous job with body posture and facial expressions. In the documentary, they talked about the necessity to make Rattlesnake Jake's scales all move in a coordinated manner and the time it took. For this movie, instead of having the actors voice over separately and then put together, they had the actors all in the same room semi-dressed as their respective cartoon characters and act out the part to a degree. It reminded me of a play rehearsal. Alfred Molina, playing the part of the Armadillo who resembled Don Quixote, had even laid down on his back to play the scene where he was attempted roadkill. I would definitely watch it again. I think it is a movie that I would like better the second time, especially after seeing how it was done.
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You sold me, FRYBABE. I'll put it on my Netflix queue.
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You sold me too, Frybabe.
I think SeniorLearn is influencing Netflix. We were talking about Gaslight earlier. When I went to put it on my queue it said "short wait." Now, guess what it said just now when I put "Rango" on my queue. :D
Babi, Netflix just about gave me a heart attack the other night. I had been reading about some film and wanted to add it to my queue. When I tried to bring up my queue, it was only the Instant queue, not the DVD queue with over 200 titles on it. I tried calling them -- busy signal all the time. Finally was able to do a work around from IE "history" and bring up the DVD queue which I saved in a WORD file. Sure would hate to start from scratch, I wouldn't know where to begin. By MOnday morning it was all fixed. I don't know what happened.
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I think a lot of people who read the postings here in SeniorLearn, or even Seniors&Friends, go quickly to Netflix and order the films we talk about. They may not post here, but they do read here (IMO) and are anxious to see what we are talking about! I had the same "short wait" message on a film that was discussed here awhile back (Don't remember the title right now!) But the film did come up in not too long a time, and they shipped it. I'll go back and see what that was. The short wait message also occurs when a film has only "Just" been released to DVD, and Rango is one of those.
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I put Rango in my queue yesterday, and didn't get a "wait" notice. I didn't move it to #1, so that might have made a difference.
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Pedln, now when I go to Netflix it only gives me my instant queue. To get my whole queue, I have to click on "My Account", and then I get a page which has a tab for my regular queue. Grrrr!
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I had to go look to see what "Instant" was. I'd not noticed it before. The page I have in my favorites is the "Search DVDs" - so that's what comes up. Try doing that - or using "My Queue" for your favorite.
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So glad it got fixed, PEDLN. I'd hate to have to restore that long queue Val
and I have. We couldn't possibly remember everything.
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Rango has now advanced to "Long wait." ;D
I think some of the "wait" business is regional. Netflix must buy copying rights or some such when they get DVDs. The whole realm of media/selling/subscribing/downloading is sooo complicated.
There were tons of comments on WSJ and NYT when Netflix announced its price changes last week, for streaming and DVDs. I agree with those who said they always considered the streaming just a freebie to go along with the DVDs. It kind of was. But no longer. I always thought it would be fun to sit on the front porch and stream a movie, but I never did. Now I'm telling myself I'll stream a bunch until the prices change in Sept. and then cancel streaming.
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I think some of the "wait" business is regional. Netflix must buy copying rights or some such when they get DVDs. The whole realm of media/selling/subscribing/downloading is sooo complicated.
Maybe, but I've had DVDs sent to me from all over, including Hawaii. I've never tried streaming, not sure my lousy Earthlink DSL connection is up to it, but I guess now I should try it and see what I want to do from here on.
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The "kids" movie I want to see is "Mr. Poppers Penguins" I remember reading that as a child and enjoying it. Does anyone else remember it?
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My local paper is offering freebies to preview showings of a new film of Jane Eyre - director is Cary Fukunaga and Jane is played by Aussie actor, Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender is Rochester and Judi Dench plays Mrs Fairfax.
What really caught my eye was the actual number of films and other adaptations of this classic story that have been made ...
Jane Eyre has been adapted into 20 silent films, 27 talkies for film and television, 23 radio dramas, 48 plays and 8 musicals.
I don't suppose I'll win any of the freebies -The film is due for general release here on 11th August... has already opened in Sydney etc.
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Eight musicals? Wow!
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That's interesting that there will be another Jane Eyre film. I hadn't realized it was adapted so many times! I recognize Mia Wasikowska from the 2010 "Alice in Wonderland." I don't recall seeing Michael Fassbender in a film though I probably have. He's going to make a handsome Rochester although Rochester isn't supposed to be good looking. Oh well, Timothy Dalton was also a good-looking Rochester; also dark and brooding. ;)
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I see I'm a mere amateur of Jane Eyre, even though I've read the book a number of times. I've only seen 3 films, and I can't imagine it as a musical. My favorite Rochester is Ciaran Hinds, who did a good job of bringing out the harsh, selfish side of Rochester while still keeping him likeable enough to be sympathetic.
Gum, let us know what you think of the new film. I trust your opinion more than reviewers.
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PatH, I thought Ciaran Hinds and Samantha Morton were excellent in Jane Eyre. They made the relationship believable.
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Last night, we watched La Cage Aux Folles (1979) - the original film is in French (we watched a dubbed version). The Birdcage (1996) was a US remake (with Robin Williams and Nathan Lane). Both are wonderful movies, although we like The Birdcage better. I didn't realize until we were watching the pre-movie credits that it was based on a book by that name. I looked on Amazon, and it is listed, but they have no copies for sale. It'd be fun to read, if there were an English translation. ;)
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PatH: I felt something of a Jane Eyre novice too - Like you I've read JE more than once - much more than once - and seen as many of the films and TV adaptions as I could - I've several DVDs in my collection - but still fall a long way short of the total. I've never seen a stage production still less one of the musicals. - And just think - I've missed all 23 radio dramas. I ask you - where have I been all my life?
I agree you'd go a long way to better Ciaran Hinds in the Rochester role - I rather liked George C Scott too -he was more as I imagined Rochester when I was very young.
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Gum, I'll have to check out George C. Scott.
Last night I watched Ciaran Hinds in a rather different role--a designer of ladies' underwear in London just prior to WWII. This is "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day". Frances McDormand, an actress I admire, is Miss P, a nanny who has been fired one time too often, but manages to steal a job as personal assistant to an airheaded American actress involved in complicated amorous and professional problems. In a series of farcical scenes, Miss P tries to sort out the actress' complicated problems while dealing with her own feelings for Hinds. It's lightweight froth, but very enjoyable. Good period costumes and settings, too.
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PatH - I have seen the Miss Pettigrew film but I didn't like it - I think I am just too attached to the book, which IMO is much better.
Daughters and I are watching the DVD of the old BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice (Colin Firth and Jennifer Erlhe). It was much praised in its day - I missed it then - but we have, and daughters re-watch often, the newer film version (Keira Knightly, Judi Dench), and compared to that the BBC version now appears more than a little ridiculous. Colin Firth's acting (it was made some years ago) in particular is terrible - in fact we are having a lot of laugh out loud moments that the script writers definitely didn't intend us to.
Has anyone seen this new H Potter yet? I am supposed to take my youngest to it this week, but my parents in law have generously offered to take her when we visit them next month - they are HP fans and want to see it themselves - so I am trying to persuade her to wait.
Also, has anyone seen Fortunes of War, the TV adaptation of Olivia Manning's books? It was made years ago with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson, when they were still an item. It is meant to be excellent and I was wondering about borrowing it from the library. We like things in episodes.
It's the Edinburgh Jazz Festival at the moment; my husband is going to 7 concerts in 7 nights. I went with him to see Courtney Pine (jazz saxophonist from London - although he was actually playing bass clarinet) on Friday, but I really don't think I get jazz in large helpings - it just seems to go on and on ::)
Rosemary
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Rosemary: Jazz ...
seems to go on and on
and on ... and on...
Haven't watched the Colin Firth P&P for quite a while - I'll be scared to now just in case what you say is true...
I haven't seen Fortunes of War - but with Branagh and Thompson you probably can't go wrong. I might look for it myself - I read the books long ago.
PatH - I nearly swallowed my tonsils when I realised it was Ciaran Hinds in Miss Pettigrew - I just wasn't expecting him. He has a huge CV - stage and film etc - including Harry Potter no less...
I can't get the Jane Eyre thing out of my mind - if there were all those musicals why don't I know songs about 'the mad woman in the attic' or Jane or Mr Rochester or even St John Rivers and Mr Brocklehurst. The musicals must have flopped at the box office :D
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I have not seen the new Harry Potter yet, but daughter Becky and Great granddaughter Emily have. Becky reports it very good, though dark, both in tone and in actual photography. Neither she nor I like films which are photographed mostly in the dark. We like to be able to SEE what is going on! Becky felt they did an excellent job of aging the principal characters at the end. Emily, who is 17 and a High School Senior, adored the movie, says they did a great job of carefully following the book, but she thinks they did a really bad job of aging all but Malfoy at the end.
My oldest daughter's sister-in-law, a dear friend of mine, went with my Great granddaughter Brooke, 11 (her grand niece), and both loved it.
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Rosemary, if the book of Miss Pettigrew is a lot better than the movie, I'd better read it. I didn't even realize it was a book.
Gum, the last time I watched the BBC Pride and Prejudice I still liked it as much as ever. They had the sense to keep almost exactly to the book, and because it's so long, they didn't have to cut out anything. I'm an Austen nut. Nobody need pay too much attention to me.
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Thanks MaryPage - I am still hoping to be able to persuade Madeleine to wait until my MIL takes her :) I too don't like lots of dark and murky shots.
PatH - do read the book of Miss Pettigrew. It was one of the first ones republished by Persephone Press. Can you get it in the US? I lent mine to my neighbour (who is not a great reader) and she loved it so much she bought copies for all her friends for Christmas.
Rosemary
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I'm an Austen nut. Nobody need pay too much attention to me.
PatH Ditto - me too!
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Me, three! I have every video and DVD ever made of any of the 6 books. I never tire of a new version. though I am most fond of the old, black and white Greer Garson. Laurence Olivier, Edmund Gwen, Mary Boland, Maureen O'Sullivan, Ann Rutherford, Edna Mae Oliver version.
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Roshanrose posted this site in the "library". I tho't some of you may want to check out the 1001 movies to see before you die........:)
This site w/ movies, books, paintings, albums, classical music, eventually wines and buildings to see/hear/drink before you die, could take a year's time to browse. I think we could make up our own lists, i probably can't afford their wines ;D
http://www.1001beforeyoudie.com/
Jean
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MaryPage, how do you feel about the 1995 BBC version of "Persuasion" with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds? And, which versions of any of the books do you find particularly good?
Warning to all: roshanarose's site is a black hole which will suck you in and not spit you out for some time. But it's a lot of fun. People are talking about it in the Library.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
If I 'must' do all those things, then I might as well give up right now. No way on God's green
earth could I even make a dent. I'll just continue to take things as they come and enjoy what
I find,...or not.
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I have a favorite PERSUASION, but would have to be at home in Annapolis looking at my Jane Austen shelf and at the actors' faces as they appear on the outside of the film in order to tell you which I liked best. Right now, I am in Chestertown working (?) in my son-in-law's office, which I do 3 days per week. Will try to remember to tell you later.
I like the really long versions; i.e., the mini-series the BBC made are more enjoyable than the quickie Masterpiece Theatre offerings, because they give you more time with the characters. On the other hand, I adored Gwyneth Paltrow's EMMA, though it was a shorter one. That is, I thought she was a very REAL Emma. And Emma is my favorite of the six books Austen wrote.
All of Austen is so great that you hate any film to end. Except Northanger Abbey; I was never fond of that one.
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PatH - I think the Colin Firth P&P and the Ciaran Hinds Persuasion are the best versions of JA's novels for screen - probably followed by Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant's S&S (possibly due to the contribution of Alan Rickman)
I haven't seen the more recent Rupert Penry-Jones version of Persuasion though friends tell me not to bother - how do you feel about that one?
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Gumtree, I agree with your top picks for Austen-inspired films. I think Emma is a "tie" for me between the one with Kate Beckinsale and Mark Strong and with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam. The PBS version with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller is good too.
We talked about some of the PBS versions of Austen last year in our PBS Masterpiece Classic discussion. See the archive at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=1023.msg60046#msg60046
The 1970s and 80s BBC series of all six Austen books are good also.
I found the Pride and Prejudice with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier to be melodramatic in the style of some films made in the 1930s and 40s.
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Gumtree, I agree exactly with your opinion.
Is the Rupert Penry-Jones version of Persuasion the PBS one we discussed last year? If so, I wasn't all that impressed. They smoothed things over too much so everyone seemed the same. Captain Wentworth and William Eliot were almost indistinguishable, with no clear showing of what different types they really were. Admiral Croft was bland, no notion of what a bluff, colorful character he really was.
I've had mixed feelings about the versions of Emma I've seen. I should watch some again to remind myself what I thought was good and bad.
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Marcie and PatH So glad you agree - we seem tohave a consensus at least among ourselves.
I agree that the Greer Garson P&P was overly melodramatic but it was a child of its time so we can't expect anything else. The worst thing about it was the Gone With the Wind costuming - it just didn't sit well with JA to me even though I was pretty young when I first saw it.
I think I prefer the Gwyneth Paltrow Emma - possibly because of Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightly. And Miss Bates - the portrayal was beyond words.
I thought the spin off Clueless was an absolute hoot.
Persuasion is my favourite JA novel - I think because she got the male characterisations perfectly. Croft and Wentworth were perfectly delineated - as was Sir Whatsisname Elliot - Anne's father (senior moment here) and the other sailors had a realism about them too. I know I'll be taking it down from the shelf just to read a few pages...
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Last night Madeleine and I re-watched "Stand By Me" - what a great film that is. I remembered the pie-eating competition, the train on the bridge, and the scene with the leeches, but I had forgotten so much else. I also hadn't realised that the film was set in Oregon, which looks beautiful. What a great shame that River Phoenix died so young.
Rosemary
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Me four! And I like the Colin Firth version of Pride and Predudice. What am I not seeing?
(And I like all the Austen imitations: maybe I'll read anything to have more Austen. from Bridget Jones Diary to mystery stories with Elizabeth and Darcy as the detectives. We addicts will take anything to feed our addictions).
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And for GUM, have you read "Jane Austen in Australia"? More about early Australian history than about Jane, and not well written, but you might find it interesting.
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We've had Jane Austen movie discussions before, and one thing is constant: people feel strongly, but they don't feel alike.
But one thing is clear to me this time: I haven't seen either the Greer Garson or the Kiera Knightly version of P & P, and I've got to, because, for each one, I know a number of people who love it and a number who hate it. Time for me to figure out what I think.
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I still adore the Greer Garson version of P&P. AND I love the Knightly, which put a whole different look and feel and sound to it. I own them both and frequently show them to friends or kin.
Edmund Gwenn was my first ever Father Bennett, and he remains the perfect one no one else has been able to come close to.
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OK, I'll talk more after I've seen them. Which was the Persuasion you liked?
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I am home now, and since you asked I ran and got a footstool and stood so as to see up on my Jane Austen shelf. Apparently it was made in 1971 and stars Ann firbank and Bryan Marshall. 225 minutes long. I felt it the most true to the book.
Am also very fond of the Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds version, but not particular enamoured of the Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones. Actually though, I enjoy ANY version whatsoever as vastly superior movie-watching.
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And Catherine Hepburn did a truly AWFUL version (and I'm a Katherine hepburn fan).
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Roshanarose, my library system doesn't seem to have "Miss Pettigrew" for some reason, but Amazon has the Persephone Press paperback, so I've ordered it.
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Roshanarose, my library system doesn't seem to have "Miss Pettigrew" for some reason, but Amazon has the Persephone Press paperback, so I've ordered it.
Hi Pat - I think this message is meant for Rosemary, not me.
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PatH - what a shame, I have at least 2 copies and could have sent you one of them. Never mind, I do hope you enjoy it.
Our library didn't stock any Persephone press for ages - I think they only order from certain publishers - but in the end a few things did start to trickle through, including this, and Monica Dickens' "Mariana".
Rosemary
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Katharine Hepburn (our beloved Kate) never played in Persuasion. You must be thinking of some other film of hers.
http://www.destinationhollywood.com/celebrities/katharinehepburn/careerbasics_content.shtml
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Oops, roshanarose, I did mean it for Rosemary, and was thinking of her as I typed; I don't know how I managed to type your name instead. I was sleepy, and probably typing by reflex.
Rosemary, you would probably have paid as much in postage as the book cost me, but thanks for the thought.
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"Katharine Hepburn (our beloved Kate) never played in Persuasion. You must be thinking of some other film of hers."
Sorry my post was unclear. I meant "Pride and Prejudice". I think it was the director and costumers fault the movie was poor. She was dressed in outlandish costumes with sleeves so wide she had to go through doors sideways -- nothing at all like the clothes worn in Austen's day. The women looked so bizarre, it was hard to concentrate on what they were saying. And all nuances got lost between that and the distant photography.
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Was that on stage? Pride & Prejudice is not on Hepburn's movie list, and she was definitely not in the one I love so much: the 1940 Greer Garson, Laurence Olivier film.
http://www.destinationhollywood.com/celebrities/katharinehepburn/careerbasics_content.shtml
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PatH - No problem, sweet. The names are similar. Roesmary is just a lot younger and more beautiful than I. ;)
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Oh ha-ha :D :D
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Have you noticed? The movie version of "Help" is out, and the trailers look like
a lot of fun in spite of the more serious themes. I definitely want to see this one.
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Am I making P&P up? Senior memory? Maybe I dreamed it!
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Well, JoanK, you sent me searching, but I could find nothing to back you up. Sorry.
Babi, yes, I'm looking forward to the movie Help. Glad to hear it's out. I wonder how long before the DVD is available. My Seattle daughter is reading it now, and I noticed yesterday when at the beach at Wenatchee Lake, that one of the women sitting near us was resding it also.
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I went ahead and put it on my Netflix queue, PEDLN. So, whenever it's available
I'll eventually get it.
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When you see THE HELP in the moving pictures, be sure to look for the 7-layer caramel cake featured.
I don't know the whole story of how Caroline's cake got in that movie, but in it is!
http://www.carolinescakes.com/
Also look on, I think it is page 448, of the book THE HELP.
I have been buying cakes from Caroline for years now. She is located here in Annapolis, but is originally from South Carolina. I agree her 7-layer caramel cake is died and gone to Heaven; so is her coconut cake. But my favorite is called Montana Gold. Chocolate cake with caramel icing. Now THAT is a case of landing right on your feet in Heaven and spending a few hours there. I buy these cakes for all of the family birthdays. She has some of the MOST amazing decorations available.
So look for her cake in the book and the movie.
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You betcha, Mary Page. Don't they look good -- and they ship. Very tempting. That Lemon Raspberry looked absolutely scrumptous. When you first mentioned cake, I was thinking about that chocolate pie in the book. Not quite the same. ;D
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Love Carolines cakes. I was just looking at her folder yesterday and thinking about asking for one for my birthday.
Jean
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Have you all seen the documentary Babies, about the first year of four babies from different parts of the world? In Seattle last week, our 4 year old was wanting to peek at the grown-up show on TV and I was trying to lure her into the dining room to watch streams on my laptop. She kept running from one screen to the other until I finally tried Babies, which I'd seen before, and she was hooked. Me too. I think they've added more to it, or perhaps the stream had more than the DVD.
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I own the DVD of Babies, which I simply adore, and yes, they did add a lot to it that did not appear in the movie, to my joy.
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Rosemarykaye, I have now read the book "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day". I think if I had read the book first, I would agree with your reaction to the movie, but coming to it the other way around, I liked them both very much. If your copy predates 2000, you may not have the introduction in mine; "Miss Pettigrew" was an important part of the introducing writer's upbringing, and when asked to write an introduction, she tracked down the then 93 year old Watson and interviewed her. Like Edith Piaf, Watson has no regrets.
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One of my daughters told me she really liked Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love. I have not read it, but just now finished watching the movie of the same title. I doubt very much I will ever read the book. That movie was soooo bad, such a bunch of nothing. I don't know why I stuck with it for two days -- maybe just waiting for something to happen. The scenery, however, was great.
It's not my intent to offend anyone who really liked it. Maybe if I'd read the book first it would have made a difference. Usually my oldest daughter and I like the same books, although she liked Room and I did not.
Rosemary, I've put Stand by Me in my Amazon cart -- for someday when the price is right. I saw it years ago, but don't remember much about it, except that I liked it.
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I read and didn't care for Eat, Pray, Love. I thought the movie was boring, yet I stuck with it...I also read Room and did not like it at all; yet I finished it. Go figure.... I usually quit reading/watching if the book or movie isn't holding my interest.
Sally
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I imagine you two were expecting a plot and were exasperated when none developed.
"Eat, Pray, Love" is simply a narrative of a woman's search for the things that matter, and a
healing of her own wounds. No great climax...just a sense of a healing accomlished. It might
have helped to know in advance what to expect. I did enjoy both the book and the movie.
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Babi, no doubt reading the book as well makes a difference. I can't wait to see The Help -- wonder how long it will take for the DVD to come out.
Does anyone know of any other books that will soon be movies?
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Not that I'm aware of, PEDLN. But then, I tend to stumble acoss that sort of
information by accident, in passing, so to speak.
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"The Help" opens today. I hope to be able to get in for the first showing at 12:30!
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Wow! You are on the ball, TOME! Let us know what you think of it.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I'll be seeing The Help with some friends, but it'll be next week. I'd never go see a movie on opening day...too crowded.
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I'm back! "The Help" was wonderful! They kept wonderfully to the book, the acting was superb, and ohhh, the Oscar nominations it will get (and probably win several)!!
Fortunately for me, I have a 10 theatre Multiplex about 4 blocks from my house. I went up at 11:30, bought my ticket. Went home and ate lunch, and went back about 12:15. Guess the theatre was about half full by then. Had to sit through a multitude of "very loud" coming attractions, but the movie started just about on time. It runs 2hrs 25 mins. and worth every one! I was given to understand that a couple of the Dallas theatres were charging $10 per ticket. Mine was just $7.00. Get a friend to go with you, a relative, a co-worker, that way you can half the Kleenex tissues. It is definitely worth seeing again.
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Glad to get the glowing review, Tomereader.
Are you familiar with M.C.Beaton and her two series set in Scotland? We love the ones with Hamish MacBeth. BBC did a series of programs based on the books, with Robert Carlyle (the lead in The Full Monty). We got them from Netflix a couple of years ago, and decided to get them again. They're just as good. The programs were filmed in Plockton and Kyle of Lochalsh, towns we went through on our Elderhostel about 5 years ago, so that made them very special. They're good to read or to watch.
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That sounds great, Tomereader1. Really something to look forward to.
This week's Time Magazine (Aug 8?) has a very interesting article about Viola? Violet? Davis who played Aibileen.
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I am not exactly sure what the £/$ exchange rate is, but your cinemas sound very good value to me - here we would pay at least £6.50, more in central Edinburgh or London - I believe that is about $11, and that would be for an ordinary film, not a special premiere or anything.
Rosemary
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Alas. Remember when we were kids and could attend a Saturday matinee for
a quarter? Which we could usually find by digging around the sides of the
furniture? Ah, those were the days!
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Yes, the Saturday morning "pictures" were a major part of my mother's London childhood - must have been cheap because they were very poor. In those days even small towns had 2 or 3 cinemas. I suppose that is another possible cause of all this social unrest - everyone indoors with their DVDs, phones, etc and not meeting socially (except on street corners that is).
Rosemary
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My mother said she could only afford to send us to the Saturday morning movies every OTHER week. That would have been fine, if not for the serials that were part of the showing. Every week, Superman would end the serial trapped in a well or something: you had to go the next week to find out how he got out. But of course, we were never THERE the next week. In two weeks, we would see him get out of another jam (and into yet a third) so we knew he survived, but we never knew how!!
I was amused to see that modern TV picked up that formula (in a show called "24" or "24 hours" I forget). My daughter was addicted. Every episode would end with a character trapped, and it brought her back every week. She didn't understand why I thought it was so funny.
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Remember the half-price fares for movies -- ours were 12 cents if you were under 12. I remember once when I was probably in Junior High -- we had out of town guests with a son a little older than me. His dad gave him money for the two of us to go to the movies. But, not only did "tall" me have to pay for my own ticket, he was shorter, and got in for the kids' price.
When did they start turning on the lights and clearing out the theatre after each performance? Remember the days of double features ( one was usually referred to as GradeB) when you'd walk into the movie at any time and then just stick around later to see whatever part you missed.
Rosemary, your prices do sound higher than what we pay here. Last year in New York it was $34 for three of us, but that was a special theatre -- historic Sunshine theatre.
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Pedln, I remember sitting through 2 complete shows of the same movie when I was young. You are right; it just is not done anymore. I have no idea why not. They do turn the lights on, but I have never actually seen anyone asked to leave the theatre.
I saw Doctor Melissa Harris-Perry, who teaches History at Princeton and frequently appears on television, really bad rap The Help on TV last night. She said it was not the way it really was, and she very much resented that. Did anyone besides me hear this? It is probably available in Google Search Video; I don't know for sure, as I have not checked this out.
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I lived in a small town and it was 9 cents for the movie if you were under 12. Y
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Oops--accidentally posted reply before I finished. It was 15 cents if you were over 12. They always showed a double feature, a serial, and 9 cartoons. Very cheap babysitting for my Mom. My little sister and I were given 25 cents each and oh, the decisions we had to make over the candy counter. Those were the days when it was safe to leave your children alone at the movies and the Sat. a.m. movie was packed!
Sally
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The Help: I bet it's really hard to get something like that totally accurate. The Washington Post gave it a good review, especially saying that it was a good job of being true to the book, so that if you liked the book, you wouldn't be disappointed in the movie, as one often is. They did say (not sure if this was the book or the movie) that it left out some of the subtlety of the problems of the time.
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You can read about Melissa Harris-Perry here.
Perry on Lawrence O'Donnell (http://www.mediaite.com/tv/melissa-harris-perry-breaks-down-the-help-ahistorical-and-deeply-troubling/)
We had a guest author at our f2f group last week to talk about his novel Mortal Shield which was about government protective services in the state of Missouri. The author said he had drawn from events in other states, but included them in his story. I don't doubt that much the same happened with The Help.
As Pat says, it’s really hard to get something like that totally accurate. I found the book, for the most part, believable. Harris-Perry’s complaint seems to be that the film didn’t depict the “real” injustices of rape, lynching, etc. that the African-American community continually faced. But that’s not what the book was about. I haven’t seen the movie, but the book certainly depicts the fear that these women felt should they step or speak out of turn, it depicts their helplessness in the face of power.
There has been criticism about a talented actress like Viola Davis having to play the part of a maid. Well, that’s what the story was about and the fact that there aren’t more major roles available for African-American women past the age of 40 should not be placed on the shoulders of The Help.
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Right on, Pedlin.
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Exactly, Pedlin. "The Help" is about one segment of society in that era and I thought the book told the story well.
As for having Viola Davis play the maid, Aibileen...I think that character needs a strong skillful actress. The current issue of Time magazine says "her performance is sassy, soulful and dignified".
I have yet to see the movie. However, that description sound like the Aibileen I read about in the book (twice).
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Maybe they just turn the lights on so those who are ready to leave can do
so safely. On the other hand, with the tragic rise in the number of homeless,
they may just be checking to see that no one is trying to spend the day...or
the night...there.
I suppose it makes sense, PatH; 'subtle' can be dificult when the goal is
simply an entertaining movie. I like what PEDLN had to say about Harris-Perry's
criticism. The story is about African-American servants and their relationship
to their employers in 20th century South. I'm sure the professor can find all
the books she likes about the injustices she speaks of. Her criticism in this
case is really unjustified, IMO.
Oh, before I forget, SALLY... If you have an unfinished post or need to change
it for any reason, you can just click on "Modify" and the post will come back up
for correction.
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I read the first couple of chapters in THE HELP and decided not to finish it; thought it rather boring and couldn't see reading another almost 500 pages of servants talking among themselves. They say the movie is quite good, tho'.
I've been watching FOYLE'S WAR series thru Netflix. Very good.
Has anyone seen THE RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES? Someone at another group said she was surprised to find it very good. She said it had great action, with lots of fun nods to the original film and to Heston. Also excellent performance by John Lithgow, and the actors that played the main apes were magnificent. Might just go see it tonite at the drive-in (like drive-ins because you don't have to listen to others in the theater talking or rattling food wrappers, etc. Trouble is, tho' that most of the drive-in movies are loud, action types with little story)
Marj
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Gee, marjifay, I don't think there are any drive-ins left around here. Too bad.
The actor who plays the ape Caesar in Rise of the Planet of the Apes is Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and Kong in the recent remake of King Kong. He is good at this sort of thing because he isn't spooked by the electronic stuff you have to wear for CGI enhanced acting, or the extra work involved. He also plays ordinary roles, though, including Van Gogh in Simon Schama's Power of Art.
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I'm sorry you didn't care for Help, MARJ. As I recall, it was a bit slow getting
into it, but I did like it. Even more to the point, I believed it. I'll be waiting until
I get it from Netflix, but from all I hear the movie is quite good and true to the
book.
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I just got around this morning to looking at my Food and Wine, August issue. It has a short article about the food and six recipes from The Help.
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Was the 7 layer caramel cake there?
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Here's the recipe list:
Cocktail Meatballs
Classic Southern Fried Chicken
Curried-Egg Tea Sandwiches
Cucumber-Rye Tea Sandwiches
Tomato Aspic
Minny's Chocolate Pie
Black-Eyed Peas
Braised Collard Greens
German Chocolate Cake
Well, that's more than six. I forgot the recipes on the continued pages.
According to the article, The South's Real Star Cooks, almost all the cooks for the movie came from Greenwood, Mississippi. Mention was given to Marta Hall Foose (author of Screen Doors and Sweet Tea and A Southerly Course) who lives there and prepared the fried chicken dish for the film. Both she and other local cooks had parts as extras.
Here is a bit of history I need to check on. German Chocolate Cake. I always thought it was a German recipe. Well, it is, but not the country. It was named for Sam German creator of Baker's German Sweet Chocolate. Do they still sell that? I only know of Baker's bittersweet baking chocolate.
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Almost forgot. The article's reading list: To Kill a Mockingbird, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Meditations from a Movable Chair.
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Read the first two, never heard of the third.
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Ditto, Joan K.
Sally
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I hadn't either. It is a book of essays. The movable chair is a wheelchair. Here is a review from Salon.
http://www.salon.com/books/sneaks/1998/06/02sneaks.html
All three books listed in the Food and Wine article have some passages about food that must have interested the folks at the magazine.
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Can someone tell me what "Their Eyes Were Watching God" is about. I've heard of the book, but don't remember what was said about it.
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Babi, From the official Hurston website:
http://www.zoranealehurston.com/books/their_eyes_were_watching_god.html
The readers guide gives a plot summary.
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You do have to read it remembering that it was written in another time and place.
Another book that will real;ly knock your socks of is "Beloved" by Tony morrison. After I finished it, I felt like I'd been run over by a truck!
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JoanK - I remember trying to read "Beloved" but at the time I was going through quite a lot of emotional upheaval and the pain upon reading it was so acute I had to stop.
The same with "The Lovely Bones". I saw the movie and was completely bowled over by the acting. It all seemed like a terribly sad fairy tale, but when I tried to read the book I saw it very differently, indeed.
That feeling of being run over by a truck, or punched between the eyes, is what happened to me after I read about Father Time's solution to the family problems in "Jude the Obscure".
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All those recipes remind me of a tattered old book my mother used to have - "The Pilsbury Dough Cook Book" or something like that. I have no idea where she got it, but it was very much 1960s America - I loved reading all those (to us) exotic sounding recipes, and seeing the little drawings of the perfect housewives in their New Look style skirts.
We recently re-watched "Mona Lisa Smile", and the slides that the heroine shows when she is trying to shake the students out of their complacency reminded me of that book.
Rosemary
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Thanks, FRYBABE. That gives me a very clear picture.
I haven't read "Beloved" either, JOAN. I'm a little wary of the 'run over by
a truck' bit. Then, ROSHANA's remark about finding it so painful. I preferred
reading the painful stuff when I was younger and more vigorous.
Ads notwithstanding, ROSEMARY, no housewife in her right mind did the chores
in stockings and heels! :P
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Babi said, "Ads notwithstanding, ROSEMARY, no housewife in her right mind did the chores
in stockings and heels!"
Except, of course, Mrs. June Cleaver, the Beaver's mom in Leave It To Beaver! (LOL)
Marj
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No - but most of them wore housedresses and aprons...in the 50's, anyway.
By the 60's, we had all switched to jeans and loafers.
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And who was the mother in Father Knows Best? Didn't she always wear pearls?
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...let's not forget the twin-set which always had to be worn with pearls.
I had a next door neighbour once who did her gardening in real crocodile shoes. They were gorgeous stilettos, only about 3" heel though. I asked her about it once and she told me that she had had them for so long and that they had no signs of wear, so she decided to garden in them. Oh well.... they sure looked better than those hideous plastic clog like things. .....
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What on earth is Leave It To Beaver?
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It was a family type sit-com between 1957 to 1963.
http://www.tvland.com/shows/leave-it-to-beaver
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How on earth does one walk in the grass in stilettos?! Surely you'd sink in
three inches with every step. Let me guess; the area around all the flower beds
was paved. Then she could wear heels, and only have to worry about pads for
her poor knees.
"Leave it to Beaver", ROSEMARY, was a family-oriented TV series from way back
when. The family name was Cleaver, and the star of the show was a young boy
called 'Beaver'. It would be terriby 'dated' now.
-
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I never wore aprons; could not abide them. Except my daughters each in turn took 8th grade home-ec, remember that? It does not exist any longer in our school system here, but the thing is, each had to make their mother an apron. It was, thank the stars, one of those only-around-the-waist types, no bib, and they had 2 large pockets. They were pretty and each different and I treasured them, mostly unworn, for simply years and years. Have tossed them now, as you just cannot keep EVERYthing!
I never have worn jeans! Another item I could not abide. When my oldest daughter first entered High School, and I went in my car to fetch her one day, I noted every girlchild in the entire school coming out the doors wearing jeans and white shirts or blouses with their straight ironed hair long and parted in the middle. They looked like nothing so much as a hoard of Chinese Communists! My girls fought me tooth and nail, but I never allowed my daughters to wear jeans to school; albeit I did allow them otherwise. So, even on my very stringent budget, my daughters were well dressed, and two of them in turn were voted by the faculty to represent their schools on the Woodward & Lothrop Teen Board.
These days, I live in slacks; but never a pair of jeans and never any slacks with a zipper up the front. That has always meant "copying the males unneccessarily, as I lack their equipment" to me. Never have been able to figure out that zipper for women!
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you just cannot keep EVERYthing!
I'm still trying, MARYPAGE, but something has got to give!
You're a woman of very strong convictions, MARYPAGE. Now that they are grown, have you asked your daughters what it was like for them in high school, being the only girls dressed differently? I would be interested to know what they say.
I stopped wearing jeans as soon as my backside began to look awful in them.
I bought one pair a couple of years ago,as a matter of triumph!, because a long
term of being unable to eat much had gotten my backside down to reasonable proportions again.
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We often talk about it, Babi, and my girls are now very pleased I made them dress well and they had the experience of being on teen boards. It also was good for their college applications. They have since always been aware of and careful about their appearance. I think a lot of people who overdo the casual bit or latest crowd fads are unaware they sometimes disappoint or embarrass or even insult their hosts or friends or, and goodness knows this has happened to me more often than I am comfortable with, relatives!
American friends who have lived in foreign countries have admitted to cringing when they see the majority of American tourists abroad having no thought whatsoever as to how their unsightly getups insult the peoples of the countries they are visiting. The Ugly Americans!
I was raised to never go out of the house without looking neat and tidy. I was told I should not be in a situation where I would be embarrassed if I met the queen up the street!
Fat chance!
Only one day, in York in England, I did! Right on the edge of the road, I was, as her special vehicle (much lower windows) drove slowly by. I saw her right in front of me, and she saw me. Just a quick moment in time, but I was a right proper American tourist, I was! Did us proud, and my grandmother could smile in her grave.
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Just got the following email from Caroline of Caroline's Cakes about the movie THE HELP.
I wanted to share this over-the-top day with all of you.....
'The Help' opened August 10th in theatres across the country.
We were written up in The Post and Courier, The Charleston City Paper, and The Annapolis Capital.
NBC News here in Charleston is coming out to interview me for the 7p news.
Before every show I go down in front of the audience and say a little something about Caroline's Caramel Cake and how it happened to be in the movie.....that I was born in this Holiest of Cities, grew up in SC.........so I am legit......authentic.......that is very, very important in this land of The LowCountry.
Truly an out of body experience......will my feet ever touch ground.........
and now, The Washington Post wants to come out and do a story about us........AND......
Richard just called from Annapolis.........NBC News there is coming out to interview him for the evening news up in the DC, Baltimore Annapolis area........WooHoo!!!!
Thank you all for enjoying this cake-ride with me..............
Truly 'taking it to the 7th layer' here!!!
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Oh, that is super MaryPage. Did you know that the Caramel Cake was hers? The Food and Wine article didn't mention her. It focused on the Greenwood, Mississippi cooks. Was she on the set or just her cake? The article lead me to believe that all the food in the movie was made by Greenwood cooks. I hope some of the interviews make it to the internet.
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MaryPage - I hope this won't ruin our friendship - BUT I just love jeans. I would never wear them to work though. That is not the correct attire for teachers, although I did have a colleague who used to wear board shorts to teach.
I wore my first "zip up the front" pants after I had my daughter. It was an odd experience at first, but then I liked the way the zipper held my tummy in. I have a small behind but a big tummy.
Probably the most embarrassing experience I had with what I wore was when I had an entire class of Japanese students, male and female, and one Taiwanese man. They were fond of talking about the differences between Japanese customs and Australian ones. I always enjoyed these conversation and it was good for their speaking skills.
The Taiwanese man used to come to class in shabby attire and no shoes. I could tell by the looks they gave him that the Japanese students were horrified, as they have a bit of a "thing" about shoes and feet in general. One day we were talking about shoes and fixing the Taiwanese man with a steady gaze one of the Japanese girls proceeded to tell us that if you wore no shoes in Japan it was considered a disgrace and marked you as a beggar. The Taiwanese guy was unfazed.
One day I was in the city. It was a very very hot day and I was wearing a new pair of sandals. About one block away from the bus stop to go home, I took my sandals off. Normally I wouldn't do that, but this particular day I was in pain from my new sandals which had been digging into my feet. I had not walked two steps barefoot, when guess who came around the corner than half of the bloody Japanese class. They saw me and their faces said it all. We didn't talk about feet again in class.
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Well, since we had even less chance of ever meeting the queen here, my
grandmother had a different approach. "What if you were in an accident, and
everyone saw that dirty underwear?!" I didn't think that very likely, either.
I did learn to pay more attention to what I grabbed up in the morning, tho',
and that was well before my teen years. I was going to play and get dirty anyway,
right?
Oh, ROSHANA. Wouldn't you know? What are the odds that you would run into
any of those students at just that point, never mind a group of them.
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Roshanarose, we must always be friends; it is written in the stars. I could care less what you choose to wear. As for the bare foot event; that is those unseen but ever present gremlins at work; they do so love an irony.
Frybabe, I have neither seen the movie nor read THE HELP, but Caroline of Caroline's Cakes has her emporium (2 of them right next door to each other, in fact) right here in Annapolis, Maryland. She moved here with her husband eons ago, and missed the cakes from her Charleston, South Carolina home. So she always brought some back in her car after a visit down there. Well, her friends and neighbors began to rave after being served a piece, so they begged her to let them pay for her to bring a cake back to them next time she went. It got so she was making trips JUST to get cakes. Apparently the cook was one who worked for or had worked for her family; I forget the full story. Anyway, she would come back with a CARLOAD of cakes and sell them. Finally she got the recipes or the cook or something, again I forget the details, and she started her own business; first out of her home and then in 1 store and now in two. I am an avid customer, and signed up for her emails. I have never met her. I DID know about the connection with THE HELP, because of these emails. More than that, I cannot telll you. But every one of her cakes is to die for: my favorite is called Montana Gold.
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Babi, I got something like that. It was not "dirty" underwear, but raggedy or with holes in. It was: "Never wear your underwear with holes in it out of the house or yard in case you get hit by a car!"
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Oh gosh do I ever remember the admonition not to go out of the house with holey underwear.
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I love my jeans also! Dog hair doesn't stick to them like they do to a "woven" pair of slacks, they wear forever and once broken in, they are soooo comfortable! Of course, i never wear them for anything other then casual wear. They are the great American artifact!
Jean
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Me too - live in them, especially now we are out in the country - when I get up in the morning I just think "which pair of jeans?" (ie the ones with a few holes or lots...). As you say Jean, they are so great with animal hair, and also for crawling around on the floor looking for books, etc. I don't know where I'd be without them, they are so forgiving.
I have one newish pair from M & S that I keep for "best" :)
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Now that I think of it, MARYPAGE, holes in the underwear sounds familiar and
was much more likely. My Mom didnt leave dirty clothes lying about.
And if it isn't hair from dogs, JEAN, it's claws on kneading cats. It's not
hard to tell I have cats in my house. They can't get their claws in my lone
pair of jeans so easily.
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Oh yes Babi! Kneading cats - used to be the bane of my life when I was at work and had to wear tights! I am pleased to think that I probably won't ever have to wear those instruments of torture again. Cats can knead away on my jeans and I don't even mind.
Rosemary
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Has anyone seen Life During Wartime? I've always liked Allison Janney (West Wing), but just couldn't get into this film about three sisters and their relationships with the males in their lives. Maybe I didn't give it a chance, maybe it was supposed to be funny and I didn't get it, or maybe it was just too weird for my taste.
And checked out from the library, The Weight of Water, acually two stories in one. The historical murder I could watch, but not the sex-pot in the modern day part.
So now I've episode one on my Good Wife disc.
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I'm just back from seeing The Help. I thought it was a terrific movie - very well done, and very true to the book (as I remember it from having read it a while back). Great performances, wonderful music. I loved the "old lady" parts played by Sissy Spacek and Cicely Tyson.
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So in what part was the 7-layer caramel cake featured?
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Sissy Spacek is an old lady?!!! How time flies! I still think of her as the young girl in Badlands.
Rosemary
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Spacek is 62 (according to IMDb, born in 1949), with a great make-up job, plus early 1960s hairdo, glasses, and clothes.
I don't remember hearing about the caramel cake. The dessert in question was a chocolate pie.
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This new TV show isn't based on a book but I found the script/dialog very intelligent and witty. It's on BBC America and it's called THE HOUR. It's set in 1950's England as a new "news" program is about to go on air. It's got murder, intrigue and romance, against the political and cultural backdrop of the 50s.
I found the first episode on my cable ON Demand (the series began broadcasting on August 17). I'm hooked and can't wait to see more. There is info about the series at http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/444/index.jsp
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I'd be very interested to see it, IF it passes off 'On DEmand' and IF it comes close-captioned. BBC is getting a bit better about that, I believe.
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Babi, Netflix has it -- or will, when the DVD is available. Don't know about the CC. It does look good, doesn't it. I'd like to see it too.
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Babi, I looked up BBC America and the FAQs say "As of January 2006, BBC AMERICA is proud to announce that all of our programming line-up features closed captioning, in accordance with digital cable and satellite channel guidelines. We are aware of how important closed captioning is to many of our viewers and are pleased to offer this service. "
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HURRAY!!! I'm so pleased to hear that, MARCIE. So, 'The Hour' will have
cc, since it is a new show. The date of Jan. 06 will give me a guideline in checking
out BBC productions. Thanks so much.
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I just watched the very first hour of THE HOUR on ON DEMAND. They also offered a number of short clips about the show, the show's writer, the 2 principal characters and the actors who play them. Really good, but a bit confusing. I'm sure it will all get sorted out. Some really outstanding and well known British actors show up for bit parts.
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Lucky you, Mary Page. I'm looking forward to seeing that.
According to Amazon, The Hour DVD will be released Sept. 27. And I see it has moved up a bit on my "saved" Netflix queue.
Earlier this week I watch Cedar Rapids -- two stars, probably should have been 2 1/2, as I did finish it. Basically about a bunch of immature-year-olds at an insurance convention, lots of Middle School bathroom humor.
Last night I watched Jumping the Broom, funny and enjoyable, about the Martha's Vineyard wedding of an upper class African-American bride and her groom from blue-collar Brooklyn. The innuendos were much more subtle than those in Cedar Rapids. Several years ago there was an enjoyable TV miniseries The Wedding, also set in the African-American conclave of Martha's Vineyard -- based on the book with the same title by Dorothy West. I was hoping it was also available on DVD, but could not find it.
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immature-year-olds
What a great phrase, PEDLN. :D
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Last day to vote on which classic to read next.
VOTE HERE http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2395.80 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2395.80)
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I want a good movie, a really great movie. Something that makes me say WOW! I'm reading some good books, but for movies, I'm hitting the dog days of August.
Last night I started watching Cracks, a thriller based on a novel by Sheila Kohler, set in an isolated girls schools on an island in the UK in the mid-1930's. I'll finish it tonight, but it's very very very dark, more horror included than I had expected. The P.D. James novels don't seem to be captioned except on Masterpiece, otherwise I'd opt for one of them, or maybe a Dennis Lehene. Any suggestions?
And then there is The Adjustment Bureau, which I watched based on the column below by a local minister. I don't know. Aside from the message, there isn't much of a story line.
The Adjustment Bureau (http://www.semissourian.com/story/1750935.html)
BTW, who here bought the Donna Leon Brunetti films? I'm interested, but would like to email you about them.
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Pedln - I know it depends entirely on your mood, but here are some of my favourite films:
The Magdalene Sisters
Oranges & Sunshine
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Some Like It Hot
Mamma Mia
I'm not scared (this is in Italian with subtitles)
The Silence of the Lambs
The Blues Brothers
Little Miss Sunshine
Buena Vista Social Club
Vera Drake
Meet Me In St Louis
Up
Stand by Me
Best In Show
The Queen
Hilary & Jackie
Wallace & Grommit - A Matter of Loaf & Death
Jungle Book
Rosemary
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What an interesting list. I've seen about half of them.
My favorites:
The River Runs Through It (has the best scene I've ever seen in a movie)
The Color Purple (not for the faint of heart)
Winged Migration (it was so beautiful, it made me cry)
Le Miz (the old PBS version)
Anne of green Gables (PBS)
Pride and Predjudice (the one with Colin Firth)
The Wizard of Oz
West Side Story
Ladies in Lavendar
Singing in the Rain
You can see, I like musicals. Some of the old musicals go in there too. I've probably used up "The Wizard of Oz", "West Side Story" -- I've seen them 20 times.
For a "yes, I've come home" movie, I'd say "Anne of Green gables".
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Pedln
I bought the Donna Leon movies. 1-4 from amazon and 5-8 from mhznetworks.org/shop/
Amazon didn't have all of them. They are region1 with English subtitles. I really enjoyed them. Beautiful Venice.
Here's my Email if you still. Want to ask me anything else
Jerironhahn@comcast.net
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Oh yes - I forgot some of those!
I would definitely add Pride & Prejudice, but for me it would be the Keira Knightly version. Also, I agree, The Wizard of Oz, Singing in the Rain and High Society should be in there, along with Carousel and It's a Wonderful Life. I too love those old films and musicals. And I've just thought of another good film - Roald Dahl's "Matilda".
Anna and I were talking just yesterday about books and how your parents influence your interest in them so much at an early age, and it reminded me of the narrator's voice in the scene in which Matilda (whose parents of course do not influence her at all) discovers the public library - it goes something like "These books taught her a powerful thing; they told her she was not alone."
Rosemary
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Joan - I've just thought of another one! Muriel's Wedding, with the wonderful Toni Collette and Rachel Griffiths.
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MaryPage, hope you are safe and not being blown away there in Maryland.
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Pedln - a couple of good Australian movies which may have made it to the US:
The Year My Voice Broke (my favourite)
Muriel's Wedding (as suggested by Rosemary - very Australian, just great)
Japanese Story (also with Toni Collette)
The Tracker
My Brilliant Career
Anything with Sam Neill, although he is a Kiwi
Death in Brunswick
Mad Max - parts 1 and 2
Picnic at Hanging Rock
Various others
The Year of Living Dangerously
Atonement
Tess of the d'Urbervilles
Far from the Madding Crowd
The French Lieutenant's Woman
Out of Africa
The Talented Mr Ripley (or anything else with Matt Damon - although there may be a few exceptions.)
The English Patient
Harry Potter's
The Constant Gardener
There is a great BBC series called "The Tudors" made for TV that will keep you busy
Both "Elizabeth" movies with the incomparable Cate Blanchett
"Notes on a Scandal "- seeing Blanchett and Judi Dench act together is like a dream, although the subject matter is quite alarming
Yesterday I read in NYT online about some famous Horror Directors' favourite horror pix. "The Exorcist" got the most votes and "Chainsaw Massacre" was second. Not necessarily recommending these, depends on your taste. Not to forget "Alien" and "Aliens". If you like real life horror "Wolf Creek" takes a lot of beating. I don't scare easy in scary movies, but I sure as hell was with this one.
I agree with Rosemary's list especially with "Silence of the Lambs". An extraordinary book and film.
Your choice of Alfred Hitchcock's movies. I mentioned some time ago that I had seen "Vertigo" recently and enjoyed it immensely.
Two French movies I have enjoyed are both comedies: "The Visitors" and "The Closet". I am not a great fan of Depardieu, but he is hilarious in the Closet, along with Daniel Auteuil.
Now, after you have seen all the suggestions we have made, you have to tell us which movies you liked and why. :o
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Great suggestions Roshanrose - I would definitely add Picnic At Hanging Rock to my list.
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I'd take Death in Brunswick off - couldn't stand that one!
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I must weigh in lest we forget one the all time great movies; A Man for All Seasons. What a joy to see a great story accompanied by such great acting. The movie is dated but the memory lingers.
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Yes, A Man for All Seasons was brilliant - Paul Schofield if I'm not mistaken and I think Aussie Leo McKern (who later played Rumpole).
The play by Robert Bolt is worth the read to ponder the implications of the dialogue.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
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Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
What interesting lists, and how little we overlap.
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Jim and Gum - "A Man for All Seasons" is indeed a great movie. Last time I saw it listed in my TV guide it was on at 1.30am!!! I did manage to catch "Anne of a Thousand Days" with Richard Burton and Genevieve Bujold recently and that was very good, but not as good as I remembered. Likewise "Camelot" with Richard Harris. It all seems so fake now, and definitely overexposed. I think it was Helen Mirren who appears as Morgana in "Excalibur", which is much more to my taste.
Talking of Paul Schofield - he appears in one of my favourite movies with one of my favourite actors, i.e. "Quiz Show" with Ralph Fiennes, another recommendation for Pedln.
Rosemary - What is Mamma Mia like? Everyone assumes that I must have seen it because it is about Greece. The truth is I have an aversion to Abba, always have. Maybe I can block my ears.
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Yea! Leo McKern. I don't remember him in A Man for All Seasons, and I didn't know he was an Aussie. How about that. He was great in The Prisoner, and fantastic as Rumpole. I have the entire series of Rumpole on DVD, well, my sister has it right now. We were watching it on Sue's big screen TV when I picked up Mom and had dinner at her place. Sue continued to watch the series after Mom passed. I should ask if she is done yet.
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Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. And it’s so much fun to see what everyone likes.
I may just watch Muriel’s Wedding on my computer today – the streaming has subtitles. Will give it a try. And I’ve got Vera Drake and The French Lieutenant’s Woman in my own TBWatched basket. Glad to know they’re highly recommended.
Rosemary, I loved The Queen. That’s one I want to own if the price gets right. And I liked I’m Not Scared. One of the few times I’ve thought the movie better than the book.
But I had to laugh at one of your other suggestions – The Buena Vista Social Club. I’ve seen it, and doubt I will ever watch it again. My daughter was working in Guatemala (teaching Mayan women how to make solar ovens) and I had come to visit her. So, we were in Antigua, Gautemala for a view days, and one night she said, “let’s go to the movies. There’s this film I want to see.” So we went to this sort of mall, got our tickets, went into this small, airless, hot room, sat on a broken down sofa with about six other people and watched The Buena Vista Social Club on a 25” TV. My daughter loved it.
Winged Migration is in my queue, JoanK. And Roshanarose, I’m going to check out your list of Aussie films. I’m not familiar with Toni Collette. My very favorite Aussie film is Rabbit-Proof Fence, but I also like Jindabyne, with Laura Linney. And Whale Rider – or is that New Zealand.?
Many thanks. If I follow your advice I shouldn’t have anything to complain about. Will put A Man for All Seasons on my queue right now. That one sure looks like a winner.
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We watched The Queen this weekend - excellent. Pedln, Whale Rider is about New Zealand - very good movie, as I remember.
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"Quiz Show" was directed by the same man who directed "The River Runs Through It", Robert Redford. I almost put it on my list as well. Redford is a wonderful director -- all his (directed) movies have the same characteristic: every character, no matter how minor or unsympathetic, has at least one moment when you can really understand who they are and how things feel from their point of view.
I wish he had directed many, many more. I think only "Ordinary People" and the Tony Hillerman mysteries on TV (not as well done as his others).
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I have a very hard time picking favorite movies, because there are so many dearly beloved ones I might forget to list!
Most movies I have seen have been very mundane or too ghastly.
I have loved the Forsyte Saga, both the 20th and the 21st century versions.
I have loved everything Judi Dench was ever in.
I have loved every film made of a Jane Austen book.
I loved Anne of Green Gables and all of the Shirley Temple (childhood) movies.
I loved every movie Greer Garson was ever in, and loved her Pride & Prejudice best.
Remember Mrs. Miniver?
I loved Sargeant York, The Guns of Navarone and Stage Door Canteen and other great World War II movies.
The Wizard of Oz and Snow White and, oh, time to go home from work! No electricity still at my home! More later.
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Maybe, just maybe, my all time favorite movie was THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY. Certainly, if number of times viewed counts, that would be the big winner. Splendid film.
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Isn't it nice, PEDLN, to think that culture has reached even Antigua? ;)
That is a very interesting observation re. Redford as a director, JOANK. Now I want
to go find out just what he has directed and whether I've seen any of them. I would
like to watch them with your comment in mind.
MARYPAGE, would you believe I've never even heard of "The Gods Must Be Crazy"? What
was it about, and who played in it?
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Oh, Babi; I know you well now, and you would LOVE it!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gods_Must_Be_Crazy
http://video.barnesandnoble.com/DVD/The-Gods-Must-Be-Crazy/Marius-Weyers/e/43396061088?itm=1&usri=the%2Bgods%2Bmust%2Bbe%2Bcrazy
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Here is Roger Ebert's review, in which he calls The Gods Must Be Crazy "a nice little treasure."
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19810101/REVIEWS/101010333/1023
Doesn't ANYone here remember and love this movie? Am I a weirdo, or something? All of my still-living-at-the-time aunts and uncles and cousins adored it and led me to it. My children love it. I'm feeling polka-dotted here until someone else chimes in. Please!
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I remember it, MaryPage - it is certainly incomparable, in the literal sense of the word. Absolutely delightful!
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I remember it too MaryPage - We saw it several times and loved it more each time. I break up every time I think about the Coke bottle falling out of the sky and the little guy's reaction... ;D
Those who like musicals might remember Evita. I was dragged kicking and screaming to see it because it starred Madonna. I saw it six times at the movies and have watched it several times since on DVD.
I was also impressed with Chicago with Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta Jones
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mary and Gum!
My fondest memory of the movie is when the schoolteacher arrived at the village in Botswana and the villagers all stood outside their round huts and sang her a welcome. It was not only National Geographic perfect documentary-style, but the singing was beautiful and I wanted to cry.
And then, I remember her standing at the bus stop and those 4 giraffes looking over the thorn bushes at her.
And that jeep going up the hill and down the hill and up the hill and down the hill, with the scientist chasing it with that rock to put behind the tire and stop it.
Oh, and the classroom scene where he was so befuddled (and a Ph.D yet!) by his crush on the teacher that he screwed up Big Time and all those children laughing and giggling at him.
It was, sigh, a lovely movie. I'll have to pull out my DVD and watch it AGAIN!
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I remember the movie, but it certainly didn't make that sort of lasting impression on me. I think I've seen it twice.
Gumtree, I simply love "Chicago". I saw it in the theatre when it first came out, bought the VHS tape, when it graduated to DVD, bought that too. I have the soundtrack album, too.
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Tomereader: Yep, I've got the DVD of Chicago and watch it now and again - love John C Reilly as Amos Hart
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I checked Netflix and saw that I haven't seen "the Gods" so I put it in my Queue. Marypage have you seen the sequel too?
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Thanks for reminding me about The Gods Must Be Crazy. I loved that quirky movie! I also loved Whale Rider, Anne of Green Gables, and many others you have mentioned. When my ddh and I left the movie Chicago, we sang some of the songs all the way home, and he hardly ever sang and usually did not care for musicals!! Such a warm memory for me.
How about African Queen, and Casablanca?? I've seen both many times--I always get caught up in them. A couple of other movies that I get "caught up in" (although, I probably wouldn't put them on my all times best list) are Shawshank Redemption, Fried Green Tomatoes and Shirley Valentine!
Sally
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I haven't been on for a few days, and look how much I've missed. I also liked "The Gods Must Be Crazy" very much, saw it again a few years ago, and still liked it. When it came out, my husband had a Nigerian post-doctorate fellow working in his lab, and we asked him if rhinoceroses really trampled out campfires. He said yes, they do, but something about his expression made us think he wasn't telling the whole story.
"The African Queen" has been almost unavailable until recently, but now Netflix has it. It can stand a lot of watching. This is a rare example of a movie being better than the book. The book is OK, and has some really good descriptions of the seamanship involved, but the plot isn't as tight, nor the ending as satisfying. Besides, the book doesn't have Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. ;)
Another one that can stand a lot of rewatching is "Moonstruck".
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Every woman in my family was like "Miss Daisy", although they would have smacked anyone who dared to call them a "doodle"! :D My favorite line from "Driving Miss Daisy" is her sotto voce "Oh dear, I think I might spit up" when she saw her son/dil's house decorated for Christmas.
I loved Jessica Tandy.
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Some really five star films here -- The Gods Must be Crazy, African Queen, Casablanca. I guess for me they're 5 stars because they're films that you can watch over and over again and never tire of them.
And Driving Miss Daisy and Steel Magnolias, too. Callie mentioned her favorite line from Miss Daisy and MaryPage hers from TGMBC. What are some other scenes or favorite lines?
One that always makes me laugh when I think of it is from Sleepless in Seattle when the SIL/BIL come to visit and the two guys get all maudlin and hammy when the SIL mentions An Affair to Remember.
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My favorite line, a word actually, from "Driving Miss Daisy" is the wealth of feeling that Morgan Freeman can put into the single word "yaasm".
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Oh yes! I had forgotten Fried Green Tomatoes, Shirley Valentine and Steel Magnolias. Tried to get my daughters to watch the latter but they couldn't get over the hairstyles! Which reminds me, I also loved the original Hairspray.
One of my favourite lines is at the end of Some Like It Hot, when Jack Lemmon tells Oscar (?) that he is in fact a man:
"Well, nobody's perfect" (or something like that....)
Roshanarose - you asked about Mamma Mia. I and my similar aged girlfriends all absolutely loved it, but Anna (aged 16) thought it was ridiculous (ie middle-aged women dancing about and singing, also getting off with younger men). My husband didn't even want to start watching it - but he can't stand any musical. For me it's a great deal of fun, but you must remember that I have never been to Greece and it's probably a huge travesty of the real country (there are lots of Greek "peasants" who join in all the singing - there is a scene when Meryl Streep leads every woman in the village, singing and dancing, down to the quay, and they all jump in). It's all a big fantasy - eg Meryl Streep is apparently on her financial uppers, but still manages to have a lovely old inn on a beautiful Greek island - but somehow this doesn't bother me half as much as it would in some other films. Colin Firth, Piers Brosnan and Julie Walters are all hilarious.
I think you have to be in the right mood - do watch it one day and tell us what you think!
Rosemary
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Rosemary, that's my favorite line from "Some Like it Hot" too.
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Jeriron, yes, I did see the sequel to The Gods Must Be Crazy. It was good, but not great. I have not, of course, seen the several sequels the Chinese made!
Sally, WHALE RIDER is one of my all-time favorites, too. I just cannot remember them all to list them.
PatH, I had forgotten about the rhinos and the campfires. How COULD I! It was one of the most hilarious parts of a very funny movie.
Rosemary, I loved, loved, loved STEEL MAGNOLIAS, but hated Mamma Mia.
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I've placed the first "The Gods Must Be Crazy" on my Netflix queue. The blurb describes
it as a popular 'cult' film, which normally does not interest me. But the description of
the plot does sound like it could be fun, and several others here loved it. That's good
enough for me.
Oh, yes! Moonstruck! And "Steel Magnolias"; what a line-up of top-flight actresses!
ROSEMARY, "Mamma Mia" was a musical in the old tradition, with entire neighborhoods
out in the street dancing. My Dad didn't like them either because they were so unrealistic.
Actually, if you don't love singing and dancing for it's own sake, they are pretty silly.
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My favorite line, a word actually, from "Driving Miss Daisy" is the wealth of feeling that Morgan Freeman can put into the single word "yaasm".
And his chuckle!
The final scenes, in which he is tenderly taking care of Miss Daisy in the nursing home, are so poignant.
Rosemary, I'm 75, I've always loved Abba music - and I'll see the movie and the stage production of "Mama Mia" almost every chance I get.
Musicals aren't supposed to be heavy drama, IMO. I want to feel like singing and dancing myself after I've seen one - whether it's a movie or on stage. Certainly not true with ones like "Les Miserables", "Miss Saigon" or "Phantom of the Opera".
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Babi, I think it quite unfair, albeit true, that if a film is an independent or a foreign, in the case of The Gods Must Be Crazy, a foreign, it gets called a "cult" movie if it becomes popular. I had to go to downtown Washington, D.C. to an ART movie house to see The Gods. The place was PACKED, and it had been in town long enough by then for all of my family to have gone to see it. The first cousin who dragged me there had already seen it! She was perfectly happy to see it again.
Hollywood just cannot envision any other than their own movies being worth the price of admission. But how about that Greek one about My Fat Greek Wedding? Was that the name? Never on Sunday?
The Gods was made by a South African. In English; it is not dubbed or subtitled. They speak English down there! It is a comedy, for the most part. It is just a whole lot National Geographic. There is scenery in it to die for, and the cinemaphotographer was outstanding. All of the talent was outstanding. If I sound sarcastic when I say there IS talent in the world besides American and British, I feel that way; but not towards you. Please do not take my attitude personally. I have a chip on my shoulder for the writer who dismissed it as a "cult' film, therefore discouraging the American public. The only reason so many in this forum HAVE seen it was, I just betcha', because someone told them it was wonderful. It was almost entirely word of mouth that sold this movie!
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Personally, I love independents and foreign films. How about you? Which ones do you remember?
Fanny & Alexander? Babette's Feast? Oh, how I loved that one! The Night Of The Shooting Stars? A great treasure. Raise The Red Lantern. The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. Amelie. Jean de Florette & Manon of The Spring. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!
How about Never On Sunday?
Two of my all time favorites are A Town Like Alice and Whale Rider. Both from Down Under.
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The Gods was made by a South African. In English; it is not dubbed or subtitled.
Just for the record,for those of us who need to know, it is captioned and subtitled in more languages than I can count.
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And NEVER dismiss the "original" in Japanese of "Shall We Dance"! It was remade over here with JLo and Richard Gere, and had none of the sweetness of the original.
And another all time favorite, foreign movie "Mostly Martha" (in German). Netflix calls it Emotional, Romantic, Understated. It is all that, and naturally Hollowood (sic) movie makers felt they had to Americanize it. As "No Reservations". I will say that Catherine-Zeta Jones and Aaron Eckhart (Yummy) did a great job in it. See them both.
Mostly Martha was the first foreign language film that I "caught" my husband watching... He had never done so before. So the both of us watched it all the way through and from that point on, he enjoys a foreign language film with me when I watch.
Let's don't leave out any of the cinematic "jewels" IMO: Out of Africa, Gladiator, Gone With the Wind, The English Patient, Lawrence of Arabia, oh my! When I buy a movie for my collection it must be either: Cinematographically beautiful, or just plain old fun to watch again and again, (We won't go there, 'cause most of mine aren't "books into movies" per se) or a movie where the acting simply blows you away.
"Bridge on The River Kwai" is one of those for me.
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Callie, my daughter and I saw Chicago together, and we danced up the aisles in leaving the theatre. She and I usually enjoy the same type of movies; however, she loved "Mama Mia" and bought the DVD for me, and I didn't like it at all. Gave it back to her. The two of us have sort of a motto: "Got to have me some action movie!" Our collections duplicate a lot in that genre! Not open for discussion, but as an example: Die Hard. Now, are we just the silliest gals! But we also share our love for chick flicks!
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I'm sorry, Pedln; I did not express myself correctly. I was trying to say that The Gods was originally made in English, and not in a foreign language with dubbing or subtitles. I find a lot of people, and I am not one of them, dislike watching foreign language films even if they are dubbed or they can choose English subtitles.
I did not mean to say the film is not available in many languages and with subtitles or closed captioning.
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Tomereader, I liked "Chicago", also. Who knew Richard Gere could tap dance?
I think I liked "Mama Mia" so well because of the scenery and the music. However, I thought Meryl Streep went beyond silly (as she did in that movie with Alec Baldwin when I swore I would throw my shoe at the screen if she took him back!) and the actress that played the daughter overdid wide-eyed cute. I really don't watch it 'every chance I get" but it's one I don't mind watching again.
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Callie - I agree about the daughter, she was very irritating indeed - but I enjoyed Meryl Streep, silliness and all, and I did love Julie Walters and the other woman, whose name I have of course forgotten.... ???
Rosemary
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Christine Baranski. She's a regular on the t v show "The Good Wife" and plays a very proper lawyer.
I might have been more annoyed with Meryl Streep's silliness if I didn't admire her so much for being such a good actress.
The movie in which I threatened to throw my shoe (much to the embarrassment of the friends with me) was "It's Complicated."
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I've seen quite a few foreign and independent films, and greatly enjoyed most of them.
For some reason the word 'cult' in re. a film stirs up images of crowds of fans with things
sticking through their lips, noses, eyebrows, etc. Very unfair, I'm sure. I don't think
even Hollywood still believes they've got a corner on film-making genius.
Beautiful scenery is always a strong draw for me, too. I love the opportunity to 'see'
those places, wherever they are,
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I love to watch Meryl Streep in any film she does. To me that's a very good actress because she can do anything and do it well. So many actresses and actors play basically the same character in all the movies they do. That doesn't take too much talent.
I liked Mama Mia. I like musicals and I liked the music from that film. It was a fun film and you feel good after seeing it.
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Jeriron - yes, that's exactly why I loved it, it made me feel good, and made me feel that middle aged women can still have fun (even if it is all a fantasy).
I think Meryl Streep is brilliant. I also admire her for keeping her private life private - one of the few actors whose family is not plastered all over "Hello", etc.
Rosemary
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The Classics Club has a winner! Plutarch "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans". But our job has just started. We have to pick 4 selections to read in October. Who do you want to get to know better: Caesar? Cleopatra? Cicero? Come help us decide at http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2395.80 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2395.80)
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
This is great! You reminded me of so many films I didn't put on my list and should have. "The Gods Must Be Crazy", definitely. "Driving Miss Daisy", "Moonstruck".
And some I forgot: "Jesus Christ - Superstar" (the original, NOT the more recent remake) or "The Amazing Technicolor Drean Coat" and for light ones, how about "When Harry met Sally." or the one where Billy Chrystal is on a dude ranch with Jack Palance -- what's its name?
And I'll stick "March of the Penguins" in there, too.
I had forgotten what reeeally good movies I've seen.
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I loved Mama Mia. My SIL and I usually agree on movies. She didn't like it at all. She also did not like Moulin Rouge, which I liked very much. Another musical that makes me want to sing and dance is Fiddler on the Roof. "If I were a rich man.......".
Sally
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But Salan, that one always makes me cry as well - when the mother sings the song "turn around and you're three, turn around and you're four..." - oh dear, I can even feel a lump rising in my throat as I type! How fast the years fly by, and how soon our children are grown :'(
Rosemary
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I think that is what made the movie so great, ROSEMARY. It had everything!
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I agree. And Isaac Stern dancing on the roof was the cherry on the cake!
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I always get teary-eyed when I think of Tevye, whose life's desire was to sit at the table with the learned men.
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(Tevye)
Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?
(Golde)
I don't remember growing older
When did they?
(Tevye)
When did she get to be a beauty?
When did he grow to be so tall?
(Golde)
Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?
(Men)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze
(Women)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
(Tevye)
What words of wisdom can I give them?
How can I help to ease their way?
(Golde)
Now they must learn from one another
Day by day
(Perchik)
They look so natural together
(Hodel)
Just like two newlyweds should be
(Perchik & Hodel)
Is there a canopy in store for me?
(All)
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
I can remember well, my second husband, David, listening to the recording of Fiddler On The Roof one Sunday afternoon and when the words "when did she get to be a beauty? when did he grow to be so tall?" were sung, the tears were flowing down his cheeks. I will NEVER forget that. David died in 1997, and in all I have had 3 husbands and lost each to a different type of cancer.
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That is sad, MARYPAGE. Facing that kind of loss is bad enough to endure once. Please
consider yourself hugged, {{ }}
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MARYPAGE - So sad in every way. Add my hug to Babi's {{ }}
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And mine.
Rosemary
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Well thank you all. Gosh, I didn't mean to go all maudlin on you!
Speaking of books into movies, I saw the new Inspector Lewis on Masterpiece Mystery last night, and it reminded me strongly of my favorite of Dorothy Sayers books: GAUDY NIGHT. I saw the film done of that, as well. The Sayers was better (but of course!) than the Lewis, but this new one is very enjoyable and not to be missed.
A gaudy is a college feast at Oxford. Remember the song we used to roar out at the top of our (in my case, most unmelodious) voices? Gaudeamus Igitur.
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Is that the same one that goes "Gaudete, gaudete, Christos est natus?"
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I remember having heard "Gaudeamus Igitur" sung, but had no idea where it was from or
what it means. (Still don't know what it means, for that matter. Would one of you brilliant Latin
scholars please illuminate me?)
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I remember it from one of Tom Lehrer's songs, but I'm sure he was being quite irreverent when he used it. You could google it to see what shows up.
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Very sensible, MARYZ. I will do just that. Who knows what treasures await! :)
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It's a drinking song. Gaudeamus Igitur -- therefore let us enjoy ourselves. Or let us rejoice.
I don't have the words in front of me, but basically, do it while you're young, before you're an old man.
I love the melody, the rhythm and the forcefulness of it. It makes you want to march around the room, holding your glass on high. MaryPage, thanks for defining "gaudy." Interesting.
MaryZ, we had a Tom Lehrer record back when -- The Boy Scout Marching Song, I Hold Your Hand in Mine Dear -- sure weren't what you'd think.
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Pedln: We still may have that Tom Lehrer record... ;D
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We have CDs with all the Tom Lehrer songs - from the original records through those he wrote for Laugh-In. What an incredible wit! We knew somebody years ago who had been in one of his math classes at Harvard.
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Hi; just getting in here again for a brief moment. Thanks, Pedln, for explaining about the drinking song. It is a university student drinking song, and in my day was sung loudly and with the spirit Pedln describes EVERYwhere. Different songs are popular these days. Different times.
Rosemary, I guess you have figured by now it is NOT the one you were thinking of. Not a speck of religious sentiment involved in this one!
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;D
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Looking up 'Gaudeamus', I was able to recall where I had heard it. I could practically
hear the lead in "The Student Prince" singing it again. As I recall, he was in a pub
frequented by university students, so it was nice to learn that the song celebrates being
young and..more or less...carefree.
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My wife and I, along with two very dear friends, saw a movie last Sat eve that I thought was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It starred Robert Duvall, who I think is great, and Lucas Black, and was titled Seven Days in Utopia. The three of them thought it was absolutely wonderful and throughout dinner, at a very good Italian restaurant, I feared that one if not all three would jump upon the table and shout the glories of this cinematic disaster. I was able to avoid sharing my true feelings by saying that the scenery was beautiful. The point of this story is simply this: Should one hide ones feelings in the company of those you love when it is abundantly clear they so sharply oppose their views? Incidentally, I will definitely continue to see Duvall movies but will NEVER subject myself to miserable acting of one Lucas Black.
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Thanks for your comments, JimNT. Like you, I tend to go see anything with Robert Duvall, and had seen the previews for this one. Guess I'll pass on this one.
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JimNT - I always tend to say what I think about films - but as the only people I go to the cinema with are generally my daughters, I am not too bothered whether they agree with me about things like Harry Potter or not!
I do remember going to see "Minority Report" - a film that I absolutely loathed - with a Dutch friend who has quite strong views on most things ;D - I didn't say too much about that afterwards - she thought it was great.
Rosemary
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Jim, why should you hide your feelings while they express theirs. Intelligent discussion with counter-viewpoints is usually illuminating.
Your comments sent me to Netflix to see what the film is all about, and was interested to see that it is based on a novel.
It is also a sports movie about golf based on the self-help novel by David A. Cook, "Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia". Cook is a sports psychologist, who also happens to be a devout Christian; thus the reason for the faith-based slant of this movie.
Netflix.
Most of the reviews here were positive, as were most of the Amazon reviews of the book.
The film’s religious aspect is held in check until the last third, at which point “Seven Days in Utopia” swoons into its own solemn sanctimony.
NYTimes
The Huffington Post said that "Seven Days in Utopia is a week too long." (I did not read that review.)
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Thank you all for your thoughtful replies and review reports. They were all interesting. As for Amazon having favorable reviews, I am not surprised.
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My father was a golf professional in the days when their purpose was to teach people how to improve their swing, whatever, rather than make millions on the golf course. He turned professional when he was 18.
His favourite joke was one I always remember.
Two guys were playing golf on a Monday. A funeral cortege passes by, and one of the gents removes his cap and observes a minutes silence. The other gent is impressed by this mark of respect and compliments his partner on what a lovely gesture he has made. His friend sighs and says: "Ah yes. She was a good wife".
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Thanks Rosharose, very appropo. And it reminds me of another, similar.
My Fair Lady had recently opened on Broadway to sellout crowds. Getting tickets was impossible. A friend who was there noticed an empty seat, right down front and center. And it stayed empty through the whole performance. She was seated not far away, and at the close asked the woman sitting next to the seat about it. "It was my husband's seat, " she said, "but he died." My friend was sympathic, then asked, "Couldn't you find anyone to come with you, to share the ticket." "Oh no, they're all at the funeral."
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:D
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I loved that, Pedln.
Yesterday, I saw the new Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris. Wonderful! Allen is back in top form with this one, altho' he isn't in it, just wrote and directed. A lot of the people in Hemingway's memoir, Moveable Feast, which I am re-reading, are in it -- Hemingway, Gertrude Stein (played by to perfection by Kathy Bates), Picasso, Matisse, Satre, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda. Perfect casting and acting. I think it should be nominated for an Oscar. And certainly whoever did the costumes should definitely get an award. You should really see this one in the theater - you need a big screen to really enjoy the gorgeous cinematography of Paris.
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Marjifay, Midnight in Paris sounds wonderful. I look forward to seeing it.
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Me too - sounds great!
Rosemary
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It does sound good, Marjifay. After reading your comments about Moveable Feast, I was thinking that David MuCullough's new book -- The Greater Journey -- was also about that group, but I see now that his people visited Paris earlier.
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One of my daughters spent her Junior Year in France attending the Sorbonne. She, of course, rushed to see Midnight In Paris. She reported that the story was so so and contained some errors, but the journey through her beloved city was wonderful beyond words. She plans to buy the DVD just to travel those streets and parks again and again, as she does in her memories. Debi teaches French (and sometimes Spanish and Latin) and heads the Language Department at a private High School here in Annapolis.
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I just ordered a "Paris" film from The Criterion Collection -- The Red Balloon. My kids loved the book and the film when they were young. Criterion was having a 75,000-seconds sale (no, I didn't do the math) because they got 75,000 likes from Facebook members. I probably should have my head examined for what I think is extravagance, but ordered Walkabout and The Golden Age of Television, which has five films including Marty and No Time for Sergeants.
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I still remember "Marty" fondly.
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We mentioned The Gods Must Be Crazy a few weeks back, and now I find myself wondering if anyone got it and watched it for the first time, and, if so, did you enjoy it?
Back in the nineteen seventies sometime, the man who created The Gods, Jamie Uys of South Africa, won a prize for Best Documentary with the splendid Animals Are Beautiful People. I own that DVD, and watched it again recently before passing it on to one of my great granddaughters. It is a truly amazing film.
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That sounds like a good one, MaryPage. Just checked the Netflix review, and while I don't watch many documentaries, I added that one to my queue.
BTW, did you Netflix subscribers get the word that the DVD part of Netflix will soon be called Quickster? I think Quickster is more appropriate for the Streaming part of the company. Streaming is faster than the mail, right?
I wonder how the supposed upcoming post office closings will affect something like Netflix/Quickster.
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Won't y'all share - even if you do not stay around to chat in Talking Heads it would be so great to have as many of us as possible list our favorites in 20 Questions - it really is a way we get to know each other a bit better -
Here we are http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=2510.msg129764#msg129764
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"Animals are Beautiful People" sounds like something I'd enjoy, MARYPAGE. Thanks
for mentioning it.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
You would! You would! I just know you would!
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It's now on my queue, MARYPAGE.
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Oh boy, the weekend coming up, thin-crust pizzas in the freezer, salmon salad ready any time, and DVD heaven at my fingertips. What to watch first --
Several here recommended The Spiral Staircase earlier, and it has now arrived from Netflix, as well as a French film, Entre Nous. And I had another oldie, American Flyers (Kevin Costner), on my queue but it has become unavailable, so I bought it. Just an old cyclist at heart, I'd seen it years ago. And The Red Balloon, a lovely tale about a magical balloon flying about Paris. We had the book when the kids were little. I wonder if it's still available.
Now, I'm searching for a title -- maybe you can help me name this film or made-for-TV movie.
The setting, I think, is Vienna around the time of the Cold War. A small American boy has become separated from his parents. His father may be a diplomat, I can't remember, and authorities fear the boy may be in danger. The child is in an amusement park. The authorities slip someone into the park to watch for the boy, and she silently gives him a different hat to wear.
Does this ring bells for anyone? It was a good movie as I recall.
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Pedln, I'm glad you mentioned the films you are going to watch. Of the ones you mentioned, I've only seen THE RED BALLOON (which I remember being as whimsical as the book).
I looked up a bit about the others and they look good too. I'll try to see them. Entre Nous sounds especially appealing. I read an interesting review that came out when the film did in 1983. See http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9F03E7D71138F93BA35753C1A965948260 but only if you don't mind finding out what the film is about.
Your description of the film you are looking for doesn't ring a bell for me....but it sounds interesting too!
I hope you enjoy your DVDs and pizza!
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Pedlin: I'll trade you my some of my chicken soup and pile of books for some salmon salad and a DVD.
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Marcie, thanks so much for the link to the review of Entre Nous, about two French women friends in the aftermath of World War II, which I read and appreciated. I’m not sure how Entre Nous got on my queue, whether it was recommended by Netflix or by someone here at SeniorLearn. But I could swear that that’s the title that was on my queue. Imagine my surprise this evening when I started watching the film and saw that it was about a young Columbian woman, living in New York City, trying to survive and make a life for her two young children, after being abandonded by her husband. The title – Entre Nos. What a difference one letter can make. I’m assuming the English translation for both films is something like Among Us or Between Us.
Entre Nos is short – 81 minutes and is very well done. It was written and directed by Paola Mendoza, who also plays the part of the young mother. It is worth watching and I do recommend it. There are subtitles for the Spanish dialogue, and I was going to complain about the lack of such for the English dialogue, but am keeping quiet after seeing what this family went through. The film is based on a true story. (And there is little English dialogue.)
Netflix does not yet have the DVD for Entre Nous, although Amazon has had it for a long time, but does have it in its data base as a “saved” film.
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Beatrice Adela Lestrange Bradley is an elderly private detective and polymath psychoanalyst in a series of 65 novels by Gladys Mitchell (debuted 1929). Diana Rigg starred in a 1998-1999 BBC television series based on the books.
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MaryPage, Netflix has them -- the Mrs Bradley Mysteries. I always liked Dianna Rigg when she hosted Masterpiece Theatre.
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I like Dianna Rigg too. I think that some time ago PBS showed a few Mrs. Bradley episodes which were good.
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Gosh, Diana Rigg - haven't thought of her for a while! In my childhood she was always Mrs Peel in the Avengers - every man's secret fantasy, all black leather and mystery :)
http://www.frodisman.com/riggpic10.jpg
Rosemary
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I loved "Avengers". Mrs. Peel was everything that I, mild-mannered and rarely assertive,
was not. ;D Now, excuse me, I've got to go look up "polymath".
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Who didn't love Mrs Peel? That lithe body encased in black fabric and the grace and movement of a cat. All of Steed's companions after that didn't quite live up to her. Purdie was Joanna Lumley - do you remember? I saw Joanna on TV last week as she travelled to find the source of the Nile. Fascinating documentary, very well made, and Joanna well out of her "Ab Fab" Pats mode with no make-up and hair askew. Joanna still looked great, she has good bones (as they say). Diana Rigg also married James Bond - but it was a very short marriage.
I did happen to see Ms Rigg in the Mrs Bradley Mysteries but I was disappointed. The mysteries fell somewhat flat, but of course she was fantastic. Those clothes, hats etc. She seems to fit nicely into any role she plays.
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Last night BBC4 (the only decent channel and therefore - wouldn't you know it? - the one the BBC wants to cull) - showed one of those Mrs Bradley episodes followed by an interview with Diana Rigg. I wish it had been the other way round, as I would have loved to have seen the present day interview, found the Mrs Bradley thing pretty awful, could not keep my eyes open so had to go to bed before the interview.
We have just bought a new TV which purports to let you watch BBC i Player (ie the catch-up service) on it (rather than on your computer screen, which does not appeal to me). Needless to say we haven't set it up yet, but if we manage that this w/e I might be able to watch the interview on that. If our signal is good enough - which is a very big IF out here!
Rosemary
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ROSHANA & ROSEMARY, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who didn't care for the Miss Bradley
mysteries. I felt so disloyal!
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I'm sure you liked all her other stuff, Babi - and I'm sure she'll forgive you! the thing I really didn't like was all the little "asides to camera". And the plot was so silly - I know Miss Marple also manages to interfere in police business, but somehow one doesn't object to that.
Rosemary
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Rosemary - You have my empathy regarding setting up TVs etc. I am one of those "suckers" who always buy furniture that needs to be assembled at home, complete with instructions that seem to be written in Chinglish. My daughter bought me a bookcase (Yes my TBR finally toppled) for my birthday and amid a lot of cursing and screws being put in the wrong place, I am assembling it on my own. I figured if I could put together my TV bench, which is about 6' long I could assemble this bookcase. Wrong! I have finally worked out that I need to buy a battery operated screwdriver so there is no possibility of dislocating my shoulders when I am required to put in screws at an impossible angle. Who needs handymen? I do.
I know that most of you have seen the TV series and movies about Elizabeth 1. Yesterday I found The Glenda Jackson version. She truly is an amazing actor. I have finished two episodes and look forward to another two tonight.
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Ah, yes,ROSEMARY, but Miss Marple was so tactful and polite. She always deferred to the
police...while subtly dropping them hints. ::)
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Rosemary, a BBC i player? Would that be something that attaches to you TV and lets you get the Internet there, rather than the computer? For streaming movies?
w/e -- weekend? :)
roshanarose -- a battery operated screwdriver -- sounds wonderful, I think I've seen those.
Actually, I think anything that's going to be set up here will be wireless. Just turn it on and point. Screwdrivers, too.
Has anyone seen the film Sarah's Key? My f2f group is reading the book, which I am getting a lot out of. The reviews of the film are halved, with positive comments for the 1942 settings, and somewhat negative ones for the contemporary, 2002 part. I don't find that divisiveness in the book.
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Pedln - BBC i player is a sort of store of BBC programmes, so you can watch them later on-line on your computer (provided your signal is good enough to stop the pictures "freezing" every 10 seconds, as ours tend to). They keep the programmes available for a few weeks I think. I haven't ever used it because I really don't think I would enjoy watching Tv on the laptop, but now you can instead feed it through the TV if the TV has the right bits. I am told that this thing we have just bought (and which is still in its box...) will do this, though of course it is still dependent on the wretched signal - and for that we are all dependent on the hub at Direlton, a couple of miles away from here. The hub belongs to British Telecom, and unless and until BT decides to upgrade it, our signal is going to remain decidedly iffy, no matter who our provider is - it all has to come through that one hub (unless you pay for special satellite service at £100 per month...)
I think some of the commercial channels also have similar catch-up services, but as yet I have no idea if you can get them through the new TV, or only on your computer. No doubt my daughters know all about it.....
Yes, w/e = weekend :)
Rosemary
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We saw "Moneyball" the other day. I didn't realize it was based on a nonfiction book. It's a good enough movie - Brad Pitt is very good - and it's an interesting true story about the Oakland Athletics. Not one of the top 10 movies of all time, but a good afternoon or evening out. Long, though, at 133 minutes.
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Pedln - Yes the battery (LithiumI)operated screw driver is charging as we speak. It has 4 different chucks that may be fitted. It looks a bit like a Luger pistol and I fancy myself as Jamesina Bond when I hold it, loaded. I did learn to shoot once, it was truly a lot of fun. I was best at clay pigeon shooting with a shotgun and also lying on my tummy shooting at distant targets with a .22 rifle. I would NEVER EVER shoot a living thing.
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Roshanarose, my SIL, who has built some of their furniture in his spare time, swears by battery operated screwdrivers, and recently gave me some advice about what to buy (haven't bought it yet).
You're so right about rifle shooting; it's fun, and doesn't have to have anything to do with killing anything. I was on the women's rifle team in college, and it was really positive experience. The team closeness is different from other sports, and totally non-violent. Everyone I've talked to who has been on a rifle team feels the same way. I wouldn't kill anything either, and don't own a gun.
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PatH and pedln - The aforesaid screwdriver is currently on the floor looking at me with its (green) baleful eye. It has been fully charged and is now ready to be used. I haven't used it yet, as the instructions said to buy those plastic eye protectors. I will keep you up to date as I intend to finish assembling my bookcase tomorrow. My daughter's birthday party today, although she was born on October, 4 and mine last week (26the September) have made for a busy week.
And I have to study up for my Latin class which starts again next Wednesday.
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Roshanarose, you share a birthday with my youngest daughter. Another daughter is the 30th, and my husband was Oct 6, so there was always a birthday traffic jam. The new granddaughter was due the 26th, but came early, spreading things out a bit.
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Roshanarose - HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Rosemary
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Roshanarose: What Latin class? Do tell!
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Happy Belated, Roshanarose, and yes, what Latin class?
PatH, I don't think I've ever even held a rifle, let alone shoot one. My brother, on the other hand, loved guns. He belonged to the Rifle Club in high school 60 some years ago. Can you imagine any high school having a rifle club these days? He never went hunting, so his targets must have been "targets" and tin cans. I think I'll email him and ask.
MaryZ, I'd never heard of Moneyball, but the trailer on Netflix looked good so I put it in my queue for whenever the DVD is released.
I finally broke down and bought The Bourne Trilogy, and watched "Identity" last night. I do like Matt Damen. Hope he won't be perpetually cast into spy movies.
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Roshanarose, Happy Birthday, though I missed it.
I have relatives and friends with birthdays all around yours, but not on the actual date. I KNEW you were a rarity!
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Pedln - "can you imagine any school having a rifle club these days?" - well yes, Madeleine's school - which is one of the old-established Edinburgh fee-paying schools - has an Armoury room where they keep the guns used by the Army Cadets. In 4th year senior (next year for Madeleine), every pupil has to participate in either Cadets, RAF or Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Shooting is part of the cadet training. (This Armoury is of course kept locked and fully alarmed and the alarm is linked directly to the police station.) Shooting is still a common "activity" in British public (ie private) schools, many of which have shooting ranges. I don't think, however, that you would ever get this in any of the state schools.
When we lived out in the country my son had a friend whose father used to do a lot of clay pigeon shooting. He let Freddie and Sam launch the pigeon (or whatever it is you do with it) - they thought it was wonderful. They also rode on the top of Landrovers. Luckily I didn't know about any of this until after the event :)
Rosemary
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Luckily I didn't know about any of this until after the event :)
Rosemary
There are a lot of things I could say that about. ;D
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Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes - You are all very sweet.
MaryPage - Thanks so much - I have never been called a "rarity" before.
Gumtree and pedln - Re the Latin Class. It's a bit of a doddle really. This is mainly because so much of the vocabulary is understood. The book has "Language Notes" at the end of each chapter :)It is Latin as taught to secondary school students. We only have one and a half hours a week, and it is often just having fun. The coursebook used is Cambridge Latin Course, Book 1, Fourth Edition. This book and approach couldn't be more different to the way I learned Greek at Uni. In Greek the main emphasis was/and is always on grammar. This Latin book is much more user-friendly. It uses the situational/topical approach - thus, the chapters are entitled Familias, In Villa, Negotium, In Foro, In Theatro, Felix, Cena etc. The story is about one Familias and is set in Pompeii. The last Chapter is called Vesuvius. I have seen a lot of textbooks in my language learning and teaching career and this one is very good for the absolute beginner. It has lots of pictures 8) whereas my Greek text had none. I like it.
Rosemary - Thanks for the coloured text. It didn't go unnoticed.
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Roshanarose - when I did Latin at school in the 1970s, our harridan of a Latin teacher used to allow us to do the Cambridge Latin project on Friday afternoons as "recreation"! The rest of the time we stuck to some ancient Latin textbook from the 1930s, full of verbs and nouns and all that stuff - and NO PICTURES! As I've mentioned before, if we got something wrong that very book would often come hurtling towards our heads. Ah Miss Edmunds, I have no fond memories of you whatsoever ;D
Rosemary
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Rosemary - Miss Edmunds sounds ghastly. I guess I was lucky at Uni, the teachers though somewhat strict used to give the best parties. Home-made dolmades, moussaka, galaktobouroko, papoutsakia and other such delights. Also fancy dress parties. Our Head of Department used to just read Greek to us and our homework was to translate it and give it to him - bloody difficult - but he made the best raki / ouzo prawns this side of the equator for the end of term parties, and always free grog. We were happy to forgive him. Ahhh Petraki!
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Rosemary and Pat...AMEN!!
ROSHANA, if I had attended our university, I suspect I would have wanted to study Greek.
I would have been terrible, of course; I never mastered rules of grammar in English. Nevertheless, I always seemed to know how to write it properly despite that gap, perhaps from
reading good literature so much. Whatever the reason, I was in the top 2% in English when I
started college, so I guess I didn't feel the 'rules' were all that necessary.
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The Latin 101's here use Cambridge I and it has much to commend it -- the pictures, the interesting Latin readings, the background information that is in English, and the word studies. But, unless the teacher is someone like Ginny, who always goes above and beyond the book, and introduces additional grammer from day 1, I think it would be a horror to teach from.
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Yes, Ginny uses the Cambridge as an Introductory Reader but as Pedln says, augments it with masses of supplementary material and from day one there are rigorous grammar exercises. It certainly takes everyone more than one session per week to cover the ground.
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I recently finished watching "An Angel at My Table." It is a dramatisation by director Jane Campion of the three volume autobiography of New Zealand author Janet Frame. Originally produced as a television miniseries, the film, as with Frame's autobiographies, is divided into three sections, with the lead role played by three different actresses who portray Frame at different stages of her life. The actresses were amazing. The film was somewhat difficult to watch in part 2 during much of which Janet Frame was in a mental institution because of misdiagnosed schizophrenia. On the whole, the film is a positive portrait of a very resilient creative person. I would recommend it. I haven't read the books. I looked for the film because I admire the work of the director.
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marcie - I agree a movie well worth seeing. Have you seen "The Piano", another Campion creation?
Good on Ginny for the supplementary material. When I was teaching Modern Greek I used to supplement it too. Lots of History of the Language, pix, websites and what have you, I had to go a bit easy on the grammar though, as it tended to frighten many of the students. But I subscribe to the view that you MUST know grammar if you are to learn and know the language. Actually, although I haven't used it yet there is a supplementary web site for the Cambridge. Just now I am too busy to use it and am happy to just build my structure and vocabulary up. Ablative scares the daylights out of me as it isn't in Greek grammar.
Babi - I know that you wouldn't have been a failure, because I had not studied Grammar until I started to learn Modern Greek either. I learned pretty quickly though, I had to. All the other students had studied at least one other language or had it as their L1. I came top of the class through sheer determination and a healthy dose of competitiveness. I can thank my brother for that last quality.
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Marcie, I've just checked Jane Campion on Netflix and am happy to note that I already have An Angel at my Table and Bright Star (about Keats) on my queue, and waiting for the DVD release of Portrait of a Lady. I remember seeing The Piano years ago and have a copy of the screenplay on my shelf.
I've never read any of Janet Frame's works, and had never heard of her until several years ago when I took a commercial canoe trip in the Adorondacks. My tent mate was a grad student writing a disseration on Janet Frame.
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roshanarose and pedln, I've also seen The Piano and Bright Star and Campion's early film, Sweetie.
I just finished watching director Cary Fukunaga's adaptation of Jane Eyre. I liked the version very much. See a clip with Judy Dench as the housekeeper and Mia Wasikowska as Jane at http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2011/sep/08/jane-eyre-mia-wasikowska-video
The DVD commentary by Fukunaga is interesting. He gives a lot of technical details about lighting, etc which I didn't fully understand. He mentions Jane Campion in his commentary.
How interesting, pedln, that you met someone writing a dissertation on Janet Frame.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I appreciate your thinking so, ROSHANA. It would definitely take an excellent
teacher like Ginny to accomplish it, tho. :-\
"The Piano" is the only one of those films I've seen and I'm afraid I didn't care
much for it. Is it typical of Jane Campion's films?
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Babi, I have negative sensiblities about THE PIANO, as well. The filming was magnificent, the acting superb; but the story left me quite depressed. I do not enjoy depressed. Ergo, I have skipped Campion's further movies. If anyone can assure me one or more of them will lift my heart, I will change my mind.
Pedln, I am SO impressed by your canoe adventure in the mountains. My favorite mountains. I am too old for that sort of thing now, but would have loved it at one time. So, have to admit, I am not only impressed, but terribly envious. Good On You!
Marcie, I am glad to hear you liked that Jane Eyre. I had skipped it as making up just a rather overwhelming number of versions I have viewed, but with your input, I will catch it soon. I can get it as one of the FREE movies on my On Demand from Comcast!
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I think (hope) you will enjoy the new Jane Eyre, MaryPage. It starts out of chronological order, unlike the other versions I've seen, but I think that works. If you see it, let me know what you think.
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For a change, how about Movie into book. Did any of you see the movie "Erin Brockovich" with Julia Roberts about a single mother who becomes an environmental activist? The real life Erin Brockovich has written a mystery story, "Rock Bottom" about a murder in the background of an environmental problem. The main character is obviously Brockovitz after the period of the movie. In an interview, she says she realizes that fiction is a way of reaching a lot of people and making them more aware of environmental problems.
It's light reading, but good.
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And Erin Brokovitch is right, isn't she, JoanK. Fiction is a way of reaching people. I'll be looking for Rock Bottom.
MaryPage, my trip into the Adirondaks was at least 15, maybe 20 years ago. (have to check my Quicken file). The company was Outdoor Adventures for Women over 40, founded by Marion ? who said she went up in hot air balloon on her 65th birthday. It was a wonderful trip, there were about 7 or 8 of us, including Marion. And I learned very quickly that a POND is not always tranquil and gentle.
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a POND is not always tranquil and gentle.
PEDLN, you amaze me. I thought ponds were quiet and serene. Currents barely move. Was
it the wind stirring up this particular pond?
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That's what I thought, too, Babi. This one was the size of a small lake.
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Re: The Piano
MaryPage - I know a few people who didn't enjoy the movie either. But as I watched it somehow my senses were heightened and I could easily discern the beautiful scents of the NZ rain forest. To me the movie touched on the primeval, especially Harvey Keitel as he appeared to be close to elemental. Hollie Hunter was superb. Her senses were so attuned to her environment, to the extent that she was prepared to be guided by the earth, and the forests that surrounded her. New Zealand can have that effect on you, as can my fair land. I have been to NZ twice, and as I am very sensitive to environment my senses were on full alert the whole time. I prefer the North Island, up around the Bay of Islands. Also loved Lake Taupo, Mount Ruapehu, and the wild East Coast beaches where I think the Piano was filmed. We stayed at Waitangi for several days and travelled around the area. Waitangi is where the Treaty was signed between the Maoris and the Pakehas (English). Lawrence Durrell writes about "The Spirit of Place". If I could write as well as he, it would be easier for me to describe the whole country, the movie, the spirituality of the place and so much more. I am afraid I don't do it justice. Y'all really need to visit (and see me on the way) 8)
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roshanarose, I know what you mean about NZ - although we liked South Island better. There are definitely places here in the States that are full of the spiritual presence of history - some of our favorites.
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ROSHANA, reading your lovely post, I can't help thinking that you are the one who
is close to the elemental and tuned to the environment. You seem so aware of the
'spirit of place'. Not bad at writing about it, either.
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Maryz and Babi - thanks for tuning in :)
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Roshanarose, re The Piano, I did say the filming was gorgeous; it was the story and only the story that depressed me. Feel as you do about this planet; enjoy and revere every type of scenery.
Have a granddaughter in New Zealand as I write. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri and has already been there for 2 weeks and will have one more week. She attended the World Cup Rugby game between New Zealand and Canada in Wellington last week. Have always wanted to go there myself, but never made it, and now it is too late. Will travel no more forever, to adapt a phrase.
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MaryPage - "I, too, will travel no more forever" apart from within Australia. I just can't cope with the long flight to Europe or US any more. If I had the money to travel first class it would probably be a different matter.
Gumtree - How long does it take to fly from Perth to Sydney?
Following link gives more info about the Treaty of Waitangi
www.nzhistory.net.nz/category/tid/133
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MaryPage, I feel about the Piano much as you do -- gorgeous filming, depressing story. But certainly magnificent cinematography. Do you remember if it got any awards for that?
A few years back I saw the Australian film Jindabyne, which I liked very much and it made an impression on me. The only familiar (for me) actor was Laura Linney, whose performances I always admire. Roshanarose and Gum, is Jindabyne near either one of you? The song about the Jindabyne Fair frequently runs through my head.
I got to thinking yesterday, has anyone heard about when we're going to get the second season of The Killing -- with M. Enos, et al. What network/channel was that on? I keep thinking PBS, but I know it's not that.
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Well, it won 3 Oscars. Mebbe this tells which; mebbe not!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107822/
Roshanarose, my attitude precisely. If I could afford First Class, mebbe I'd fly to Florence, Italy. Even better, if I could afford to hire one of those private jet companies! Way to go!
Nope. Looked it up. Holly Hunter won Best Actress and Anna Pacquin won best supporting and the film won for best screenplay.
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"The Killing" is on AMC. But I couldn't find when it comes back again.
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I couldn't find out when THE KILLING will resume either. Since the first season started last April. I'm assuming that season 2 will be sometime near that timeframe in 2012.
I did find the following info about the series, which is based on a Danish series:
"Sud also points out that only 13 days have passed in the show’s story since this high-profile murder investigation started. Though she won’t give any spoilers (including whether Sarah Linden’s next case is based on season 2 of Forbrydelsen, which jumped forward two years and centered around the murder of a female attorney), Sud does promise the Larson case will be solved next season. Sources say the likely plan is to launch a new mystery near the start the season and have the two cases overlap before switching over entirely to the next case — thus avoiding a full-fledged storyline stop and restart."
See the article at http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/06/19/the-killing-season-finale-two/
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Ha! Just another sales gimmick to assure them an audience for the beginning of the NEXT season! I still feel betrayed.
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pedln - Re Jindabyne. Jindabyne is to be found in the snow fields of New South Wales in the Snowy River region which is about 3 hours from our capital, Canberra, ACT. The surrounding countryside reminded me of my home town, Armidale, NSW, which is also high country. Gorgeous in Spring and Summer, bloody freezing in Winter. I would say that Jindabyne is closer to Brisbane than Perth, but that doesn't mean it is nearby. I would guesstimate about 2 days (or more) drive from Brisbane. Gum would probably prefer to fly.
I agree the movie "Jindabyne" is very good with an excellent cast. I thought that Jindabyne was depressing, but don't let that turn you off it. It's just my opinion. The film also has a score and a song by Paul Kelly, one of my favourite songwriter/performers in Australia. Below I have included the wiki link to Jindabyne and the song from it. My apologies to those who don't appreciate wiki, but imho it had the best description of Jindabyne.
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jindabyne,_New_South_Wales
www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/3530822107858585006
This song needs to be heard to appreciate its true pathos. I have just given the lyrix.
The "meanings" of the song as interpreted by listeners can be found by scrolling down. I could have done without the first one, though. BruceBayliss is right on the money.
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Thanks for the song words link, Roshanarose. Interesting comments there, too. I either didn't know or had forgotten than the film Jindabyne was based on a Raymond Carver short story titled "So much water so close to home."
On the news this am it mentioned Sony has the rights to produce the film Steve Jobs, based on the Walter Issacson biography due out later this month. To be produced by Mark Gordon, whose earlier work included Saving Private Ryan.
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Last night I pulled out my DVD of the movie RECOUNT. The further away we get from those dramatic events during the closing months of 2000, the more the whole thing seems to jell into a coherent story. I feel this has been true of my perspective of History all of my life. Basically, facts that get left out of newspapers, news magazines, radio and television at the time of any event or series of events finally find their way into the holes in the story until such a time comes about when we can actually see the whole thing from every angle and understand better what human passions have wrought.
There have already been over 30 books written on just this small time in history. I expect that election will continue to fascinate and generate books long after I am dead and forgotten.
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Here is Paul Kelly singing the song. (it cuts of in the middle of a phrase, but near the end. you can finish it yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMqDUETmekA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMqDUETmekA)
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Slipping in another Australian segment.
Evidently Spielberg has recently finished directing "War Horse"
The woman who trained all the horses for the main role is Australian. Her story was on TV last night. Between her sad life, remembering how horses have suffered so much in war, and the woman's love for one of the horses in the film (called Abraham), I went through several soggy tissues.
www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/michael-morpurgo/war-horse.htm
I am a bit torn about seeing the film though. Movies about horses make me very sad, and just now I am trying to remain happy. Don't get me wrong - it's not that I am unaffected by the terrible consequences of war on people, it's just that horses are my Achilles' Heel.
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Roshanarose - I could not possibly watch War Horse, even though I know it's said to be wonderful. I haven't even ever read Black Beauty. Like you, I want to keep my spirits up - it's not that I don't know all these things happened, I just don't want to read about them. Maybe I was traumatised by Bambi :)
Rosemary
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Oh, dear, ROSEMARY. You would not like the TV show, "Animal Planet" at
all. It's based on the work of the SPCA, and shows the actual work taking
place. I like to see the animals gotten out of bad situations, treated, fed,
healed, comforted and found new homes. BUT, seeing the situations they
come out of can be shocking, even horrendous. It's hard to believe people
can be so ignorant, or callous. And the homes of the hoarders...they aren't fit for people, never mind pets. Some of them are beyond salvage; they can
only be condemned.
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Babi - we have something called Animal Hospital, presented by Rolf Harris - it shows you the work of the RSPCA (I think, haven't seen it for a while). I don't actually find that so bad to watch, because most of the cases do have good outcomes. In one of the episodes, an RSPCA officer found a Staffordshire bull terrier (the yobs' dog du choix at the moment) locked up in a cupboard under the stairs of a block of flats - she only found the dog because other people complained about the barking. When they scanned the dog it had been microchipped - they traced the owner, who turned out to be a very nice lady from whom the dog had been stolen. She lived alone and had some health problems, but was able to look after the dog fine. To see the two of them reunited was just wonderful, you certainly could tell that the dog had a happy home.
It is truly terrible what some people do to children and animals. I also feel very strongly that some dog breeders are very much to blame, in selling these poor Staffies to such dreadful people. I wish the RSPCA had more powers to punish them.
Rosemary
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Wow, sometimes I think I've been living under a rock. Until now had never heard of War Horse, didn't know it was a book by M Murdago(?) and it was a play that got FIVE Tonys and now it's a Steven Spielburg film. Has it been released in the US?
The reviews at Netflix are fascinating, a variety of comments, including one like yours, Rosemary, with reference to Black Beauty. Too sad. Another read the book 25 times. Another comment that children who like horses should NOT see this film. I'll add it to my queue, but no doubt it will be a while before the DVD turns up.
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Yes, pedlin, "War Horse" is a book, I downloaded it to my Kindle, but haven't finished reading it (got so many more I'm trying to read!). It was also that wonderful Broadway Play (CBS Sunday Morning did a piece on it and how they made the (I will say "Puppets" but they're not, they are life-sized, with men inside who do all the walking/etc.; made with metal framework and leather) beautiful to behold them working, but also sad as they portrayed the "bad" parts too, you could see how they slogged thru mud on the battlefields, etc. I would love to see that show live. I will be going to see the movie when it comes out!
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Pedln, is there room under your rock for me?
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I saw the "trailers" for the War Horse movie recently - not something I want to see, either. Scenes are just too graphic these days. I didn't know the back story.
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Now I'm remembering I saw the NYT description of the play, and the clever costuming and staging. I'd forgotten the name. It was really impressive, but left me feeling it might be too strong for me.
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I just saw the trailer for the WhiteChapel series. It will start airing on October 26 on BBC America. It revolves around someone recreating the Jack the Ripper murders and the police who are trying to catch the killer. Looks like it ran in the UK in 2009 and 2010. It stars Rupert Penry-Jones who you might remember from the lead in the recent TV Movie (I believe PBS aired it, if I am not mistaken), 39 Steps.
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There are laws in the States now imposing various fines,ROSEMARY, and even imprisonment for
proven cruelty. The difficulty often lies in proving intent when it comes to cruelty.
It may have been sheer ignorance. Then, aside from the laws concerning care of animals,
activities like cockfighting and dogfighting are illegal in most States and carry much
heavier penalties.
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Yes, Babi, like one of the pro football players who spent 18 months in prison for dogfighting. Apparently he is now an animal welfare activist. One would hope so.
Just saw somewhere, Season 2 of Downton Abbey begins Jan. 8th. Guess I'll refresh my memory a bit and view at least a few of the episodes -- from Netflix.
I'm not familiar with the WhiteChapel TV series. Is it historical (time of Jack the R) or set in modern times? Oops -- just checked Netflix -- modern. DVDs not yet available.
Poetry lovers might be interested in a Korean film, Poetry. Watching it was kind of like watching paint dry, but still caring about the characters and wanting to know was going to happen. A grandmother who is beginning to "lose words" decides to take a poetry class to enhance her life. The film moves between class sessions and the woman's everyday life as she works as a maid and cares for an obnoxious, troubled teenage grandson.
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PEDLIN: that sounds interesting. Life in the slow lane -- I know it well!
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Where is everybody? Been watching playoffs? Now the series? I may have to watch the Cardinals beat the Rangers tonight. At least for part of the game.
Last night I started a Japanese film -- Yasujiro Ozu's: Good Morning Set in suburban Tokyo in the 1950's. Two young boys nag their parents to get a TV until they are finally told to be quiet. They take the order seriously and adopt a vow of silence, which causes all kinds of problems at home and in the community. Also shows the effects of gossip and misunderstandings among the residents.
Was it here that someone first mentioned The Hour? It's a TV series? BBC? It's a mystery about a BBC News Team in London in the 1950s, including murder, hanky-panky and class differences. I've just watched the first three episodes and immediately put the next three at the top of my queue. A really good show. Does anyone know, is the new season currently showing on TV?
Do any of you have problems keeping characters straight or differentiating the different characters. I'm running into that with the housewives in Good Morning -- they seem to look alike, but I also have the same problem with US or British films when there are say, two tall, dark and handsome male characters.
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Pedln - I invariably get characters in films muddled up, so many of them look almost the same to me. It's even worse in some radio plays, the voices are just so similar.
Rosemary
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Me too.
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Me too. It must be some kind of ploy for directors to have cast members look alike. It sure is confusing.
Pedln, I recently watched the first season of THE HOUR on BBC America. It was great. The actors were all wonderful. I'm looking forward to more.
BBC America has some good shows. Others I've watched/am watching include Torchwood, Law & Order: UK and Luther. Primeval Season 5 premiers Saturday, November 12. Frybabe, WhiteChapel sounds like another potential good one.
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Thanks for mentioning Primeval, MARCIE. Val and I enjoy that one.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Pedln, I am the one who raved about The Hour. I watched every single one on my Comcast Infinity On Demand, because I do not subscribe to whichever (I forget) channel it was originally shown on. No, from what I recall reading (don't count too much on my recalling, as it is winding down considerably and getting quite out of order, but they tell me there is no warranty and I cannot purchase a newer version), they have not yet finished filming new episodes for a second season, and, of course, it will be shown in Great Britain before it becomes available to our televisions.
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There is a little bit about the planned season 2 of THE HOUR at http://www.hitfix.com/articles/bbc-2-renews-the-hour-for-a-second-season. I hope that that BBC America will air it next year.
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Ah, MARYPAGE, don't we wish we could purchase newer versions of a lot of our 'systems'! ::)
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Ah, yes!
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Thanks, Marcie, we can hope that the second season will cross the pond. Not a sure thing, apparently. I'm awaiting the Netflix DVD with the last three episodes of Season 1 -- in the mail.
So what's everyone been watching lately, both old and new?
Rosemary, a while back you mentioned Stand By Me being a favorite in your family, and I found the DVD in the bargain bin. Finally watched it last night, a good one. Interesting themes there -- friendship, lonliness, prejudice. I wonder if any of the actors playing those boys have continued acting. The only name I recognized was River Phoenix, and he is no longer with us.
The other night I watched The Ledge. A cop, who has just found out he is not the biological father of his two children, is called upon to persuade a prospective "jumper" not to jump. Lots of flashbacks as the jumper tells the cop all that's happened in his life. I didn't like the film at all -- 2 stars, then started looking at reviews on Netflix and 90% raved about it. If you've seen it, what's your take?
Finished the Japanese Good Morning. LOved it, 5 stars. Didn't start out that way, but somewhere in the middle "I got it."
Frybabe, Netflix says the DVD for the first season of White Chapel (modern Jack the R?) is coming out Nov. 15.
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Is anyone watching the new mystery series on PBS "New Tricks" (as in teaching an old dog new tricks)? A bunch of retired policemen are formed into a unit to solve cold cases. Funny and good.
Why don't I ever think to tune into BBCAmerica?
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I haven't heard of New Tricks, JoanK.
As for BBC America, I watched the first episode of White Chapel last night. I liked it very much.
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When does New Tricks come on, JoanK. I haven't seen anything about it. I, also, forget to check on BBC. I think it is mostly because they are carrying series that I am not familiar with. I tried a couple, but they had been running a while and it was too confusing getting in on the middle.
Sally
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Sally, I don't think you would have any trouble following "New Tricks" - it has been running here for some time, I have only seen the occasional episode, usually when visiting friends, and I've always been able to catch on (and believe me, I am always the one who can't follow plots - I've never watched or even read a Rebus story without being as confused at the end as I was at the start...)
Rosemary
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I like New Tricks..I've been watching It for awhile now. Here it's on Friday at 8pm. PBS
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Alas, to quote the Google source -- "New Tricks is currently not showing on TV in Missouri."
But it is available from Netflix. I don't know why so many people hate that company. I love 'em and hope they don't get hated out of business.
My cable plan does not include BBC AMerica, but again, Netflix usually has what I want -- most of the time, more times than not.
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I also enjoy "New Tricks". And you don't really have to follow from the beginning. Each story kind of stands alone. Now the main characters seem to have back stories that would benefit from watching from the beginning.
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Thanks for mentioning New Tricks. I'd never heard of it. I'll try to find out if it's offered on my PBS.
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"New Tricks" has been on in Australia for a couple of years. It's quite tongue in cheek about age, which I enjoy and the characters complement each other very well.
We have an old series of "Prime Suspect" on now. The storylines are so taut and well-written, and Sgt Otley is so sinister in a reptilian way. He outacts everyone, except, of course, the incomparable Helen Mirren.
Happy days "Midsomer Murders" is back next week, and for the first time "The Killings" is starting next week as well. Maybe Her Majesty told the Australian TV networks to get their act together.
;D
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pedln - You may also enjoy the DVD "Japanese Story" made in Australia and starring Toni Collette. It seems a bit rough at the beginning but improves, a lot like many Australians actually. If you take the time to know us, well.....
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:) , roshanarose.
That Prime Suspect -- the old series? with Helen Mirren as Insp. Jane Tennison? What was her name? I saw it listed on one of the cable channels and was wondering if it was an old or a new series. They were very good. I think I still have some on old VCR tapes.
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Oh Toni Collette is wonderful - I absolutely loved her and Rachel Griffiths (another great actor IMHO) in Muriel's wedding.
Rosemary
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I doubt if it's a new series, since the last of the old ones, a few years ago, had Tennison retire, not in very good shape.
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It is an old series, but it doesn't matter to me as it runs rings around any of the new series. Yes. Jane Tennison is her name. In the one I saw a couple of nights ago she found she was pregnant to an American guy who had a wife and four kids back in the States. Tsk Tsk. The major problem for Jane in her working life is she never knows whether those she works with her are for her or against her. Little wonder she burnt out. As Neil Young says "Better to burn out than to rust..."
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I very much liked the old series with Helen Mirren, but I'm enjoying the new American version
as well. If I have this correct, the female detective here is named 'Timoney', and she has the
same problems with old boy colleagues who try to dismiss her. She does a very good job
of ignoring them and proving herself.
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I am watching the brand new PRIME SUSPECT American series, and liking it very, very much.
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I was watching a terrific, suspense drama the other night, and darned if I didn't fall asleep before the ending (we'd been on a long drive and I was really tired). Thank goodness it's available at Netflix--can hardly wait to see how it ends. UNDERCURRENT (1946) with Katharine Hepburn, Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum and Jayne Meadows in a debut role for her) I'm not a Hepburn fan, but she was really good in this, as were the others.
Marj
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I don't remember seeing the one you say that Helen Mirren got pregnant with a US Man at the end of the series of the UK. "Prime Suspect". Here in the US at the end it just shows her walking away from the Police Station after solviing the last crime.
I think that Masterpiece Theatre is going to start them up again soon.
I don't much care for the women that is playing the part in the US one that just started.
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Do you all love "Doc Martin" as much as I do? Series 1 tjhrough 4 has showed here on PBS, but my daughter just told me that there are some episodes from Series 5 on U-Tube.
What channel airs the American "Prime Suspect"?
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Yes, hubby and I both love Doc Martin. I don't know when Season 5 will begin. They are really into re-runs right now on PBS.
Prime Suspect airs on NBC network on Thursdays.
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I have watched the US version of "Prime Suspect", but like Jeanne I don't particularly care for the woman playing the main role.
Jeanne - The episode I saw last week with Helen Mirren wasn't the last of the series, I got the feeling it was quite an early episode as Tennison and Otley seemed quite young-ish.
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MARJ, I think you may be the first person I've ever known who wasn't an admirer of Katherine Hepburn. I think she was a great actress, so I've probably seen the movie way back when. Liked Robert Mitchum, too,..mostly because of that deep chest and voice. ::) I don't remember the movie now, of course. I think I'll look it up on Netflix, too. Did you notice if it had closed captioning?
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I haven't seen all her films, Babi, but the only films I liked Hepburn in were Lion in Winter and African Queen. (I also don't care for films with Spencer Tracy, LOL) As to the film UNDERCURRENT, I could not see at Netflix where it has closed captioning (but I'm not sure where to look for that info.)
Marj
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Undercurrent does sound good, and yes it has subtitles and captions.
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I loved Katherine Hepburn because she was so feisty; both in the movies and in real life.
And I do love the new woman starring in the American version of Prime Suspect. I do not think of her as taking Helen Mirren's role, because this is supposed to be a different woman in a different city and a different time. I think she is a very good actress and I love, love, love her hat!
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The beloved SPENCER TRACY?!! BLASPHEMY!, MARJ. ;)
For some reason, MARYPAGE, that hat reminds me of Sherlock Holmes deerstalker. Sort of
an identifying trademark. She sets that hat at a cocky angle, raises her chin, and coolly
goes about her business while ignoring the buffoons around her. Fortunately, not all of
them are buffoons. I am thoroughly enjoying the whole thing.
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I like the so called American "Prime Suspect". But it can't be comparied to the English one. No one can top Helen Mirren in that show. Also I wish her hair wasn't always such a mess.
I noticed in this weeks PS she didn't wear the hat (unless I got used to seeing it) but I think she was holding it in her hand. There was so many complaints about it that maybe they decided not to us it.
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I love her hat! And like most of you, I feel that Helen Mirren and her version of Prime Suspect was and is terrific. But this is a new locale, a new detective and whole different types of cases. The buffoons remain the same whether U.K. or U.S. --- boys will be boys, huh? LOL
P. S. I love her hat!
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Precisely my feelings, Tomereader! I just flat out do not compare the two shows. Helen Mirren was incomparable, but hey, that was a British series with British & Scottish accents and locales and a whole different set of characters and plots.
This American series has our accents and locales. The only likeness, the ONLY one, is that of a female detective meeting with humongous resentment from the male status quo.
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I loved Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect, and I am enjoying the series now running. I think they have done a good job making the program just different enough that I don't find myself comparing the two. I have loved Maria Bello ever since I saw her in The Jane Austin Book Club. I loved that movie. Have any of you seen it?
Sally
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Today's Thursday, so Prime Suspect is on tonight? I watch very little network TV, but will track this down on NBC and tape it. If it's a different show, different setting, different characters, why do they still call it Prime Suspect?
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Oh wow, I just found the Prime Suspect website and the previous episodes are there for the watching -- WITH CAPTIONS. Oh bless you NBC, I'll love you forever.
Prime Suspect on TV (http://www.nbc.com/prime-suspect/)
No time today to watch the show,but after a few minutes of the first one, I love Jane. What a gal.
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I would hazard a guess, Pedln, that they purchased the name from the Brits because they wanted a similar series revolving around a female detective being a great case solver and being deeply thwarted and resented by the all male cadre around her in her work environment.
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"Bones" has its season premiere tonight.
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I am watching this week's episode of PRIME SUSPECT on NBC tonight. Have become addicted to it.
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Watched part of the "Bones" premier episode. It had the most awful, grisly corpse that they've had in seasons. I had to switch channels for a few minutes. I don't much care for the fact that Bones is pregnant with his baby, and I wish they'd both quit being such self-important babies and get on with this new life they are taking on. I think the show was much better when there was simply "chemistry" between the two of them. This may be a harbinger of the end of the show. That usually happens when the two leads "hook up".
I DVR'd Prime Suspect, and will be watching it today.
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I saw the film ANONYMOUS yesterday in the theater, and I agree with Roger Ebert's review -- Even if you know little about Shakespeare or the controversy over who was the actual writer of the plays, you will enjoy this marvelous historical film. Wonderful acting, including Vanessa Redgrave as the elderly Queen Eiizabeth. And the actor who plays William Shakespeare is hilarious!
This film takes you back to the London of that time with the splendor of the court, a very realistic Globe Theater where the groundlings who watch the plays can almost reach out and touch the actors, and the appalling poverty of the city with the streets ankle deep in mud. Lust, jeolousy, intrigue... What more can you ask for? See it!
Marj
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Thanks for the revue Marj. I was wondering if it was going to be any good.
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Marj - It is on my list. There will be a movie soon about Edgar J. Hoover with Leonardo di Caprio as Hoover. Should be interesting. di Caprio is a fantastic actor imho.
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I'd like to see that one, MARJ. Of course if you just saw it in the theater, it
will probably be a while before Netflix picks it up.
I must have missed something last season, PEDLN. I don't remember our leads getting
together in their personal lives. A baby seems rather sudden. No doubt Valerie will
remember and can remind me. We have it on tape, but a lot of what we tape we save
and watch when my older daughter can join us.
I've seen the previews on Hoover, ROSE, and I didn't find them enticing. I agree DiCaprio is
a great actor, but Hoover grew to be such a horror I think I'd rather not watch it happen.
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I must have missed something last season, PEDLN. I don't remember our leads getting
together in their personal lives.
I think they were talking about Bones, Babi. Can't help you out there as I don't watch that one. Can't keep up with them all.
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I was invited to a Film Critics screening of J. Edgar. It was a good film, and for someone who didn't know a lot about Hoover, I discovered he was a nasty man. Not only in his personal life, but with the programs he instituted. He seemed to thrive on celebrity's misbehavior. Clint Eastwood did a good job directing, as usual. DeCaprio was excellent. The film was a bit long, and utilized quick flashbacks a bit much. Edifying! I have requested a book on JEH from my library.
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Pedln, I too was surprised with the season opener of Bones. I thought I misses something from last year. In fact, I thought they must have cancelled it because it is so late for a season opener. It was just happenstance that I caught the trailer for it the other day.
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Fry: you must have missed the last minute of the last episode last season, when Bones tells Booth she's pregnant and he's the father.
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Either that, JoanK, or I forgot (a big possibility).
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Here's some info from the Executive Producer of Bones about the baby storyline. His description of their plans for the story makes Bones and Booth having a baby a bit more "acceptable" for me ;)
http://spoilerjunkie.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/bones-season-7-spoilers-brennan-booth-really-having-a-baby/
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I have a lasting image of J. Edgar Hoover from Vanity Fair. It was a caricature of him flouncing around in a tutu wearing black fishnet stockings sporting an after-five shadow. Amazing!
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Here's some info from the Executive Producer of Bones about the baby storyline
Marcie...
Uh, MARCIE, you forgot to include the 'info'. I can't help wondering if our lead is pregnant, so
they had to introduce this story line.
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Yes she was pregnant. She's already had the baby over the summer break. But they are continuing the pregnancy for a while on the show.
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oops, sorry. Here is the site with the Q&A with the producer of Bones: http://spoilerjunkie.wordpress.com/2011/05/20/bones-season-7-spoilers-brennan-booth-really-having-a-baby/
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To anyone who has read the John Sandford "Lucas Davenport" books, I just want to say that if you were expecting last nights TV presentation of his "Certain Prey" with Mark Harmon to carry even a smidgen of the books, surprise. This show was, IMHO, awful. It was overly violent (but it was about a hit-woman), it was filled with obscenities, which I did not expect on the USA Network, and was so bad, after I watched the first 30-35 minutes of it, I switched back to the football game! Who knows how it ended, and as for me, who cares. Even Mark Harmon was not good in this role, the gal who played the "heavy" was over the top, but by George, I kinda liked the "hit woman". She didn't chew the scenery and went about her "work" in a determined manner, although 5 or 6 or 8 shots with a pistol, close-up, for me, that was overkill. As you can tell, I don't recommend this movie, and don't let it chase you away from the actual books if you haven't read 'em!
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I also want to see the J.Edgar film directed by Clint Eastwood. Saw the preview and it looks good, even tho' I'm not a fan of DiCapprio (I liked a couple of his films, but he looks to me like a kid trying to play a grown man.)
I have a couple of books about Hoover on my TBR list: YOUNG J. EDGAR; HOOVER, THE RED SCARE AND THE ASSAULT ON CIVIL LIBERTIES by Kenneth D. Ackerman. Per Publishers Weekly review, "examines the "red scare" hysteria that swept the country in 1919, and the notorious Palmer Raids, a series of raids and arrests ostensibly designed to rid the country of anarchists and Communists. Tho' many at the time believed J. Edgar played only a small role in the raids, in fact they were organized by him, then only a 24-year-old Dept. of Justice agent with an uncanny ability to please his superiors, a preternatural ability to attend to detail and a dangerously distorted moral compass."
Also the bio of him by Curt Gentry, J. EDGAR HOOVER; THE MAN AND HIS SECRETS.
Marj
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I was also disappointed, Tomereader, in the CERTAIN PREY TV movie with Mark Harmon. I really like him in the NCIS TV series and was looking forward to the movie. I watched less than an hour of it and turned off the TV. I haven't read any of the Lucas Davenport series by Sandford but will get the book, just to see if it's as dumb as the film. I've had Sandford's CHOSEN PREY on my bookshelf for ages, unread.
Marj
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MARJ, do you remember Audie Murphy? He always looked like a kid, and
shorter than all the other guys. But my Dad used to say he could always
believe Murphy in his 'hero' roles, because the man had proved what he
could do as a soldier. Congressional Medal of Honor, no less.
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On second thought, I think I'll hold off on watching the J.Edgar movie. Just read the review in Salon Magazine where the reviewer said, "it’s a boring and silly movie, which features Leonardo DiCaprio bumbling around his dreary, post-Victorian suite of offices, looking worried under a mountain of latex and makeup (when he plays the 1970s-era Hoover) and talking in one of those unplaceable, old-timey Northeast Corridor accents."
I'll wait to see what Roger Ebert and others say about it.
Marj
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Roger Ebert seems to give the J. Edgar film, and Leonardo DiCaprio, more than passing marks. See http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111108/REVIEWS/111109973
The NYTIMES gives a positive review too. See http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/11/09/movies/j-edgar-starring-leonardo-dicaprio-review.html
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Thanks, Marcie, for the reviews of J.Edgar. I'll probably end up seeing it. I've liked most of the films directed by Clint Eastwood.
Marj
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This coming Saturday night the LIFE channel is going to show a movie of a Jodie Picoult book called Salem Falls.
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I'll be waiting for the DVD of J. Edgar, but friends of mine saw it over the weekend and liked it. The only thing they didn't like were the many flashbacks. As my friend said, "he had hair, then not so much, then hair again." :) I always get lost in lots of flashbacks, so a DVD will be good -- can watch more than once if needed.
MaryPage, thanks for the info about the Jodi Picoult. If I were going to be in town I'd watch it or tape it, but definitely will start checking Lifetime's programming a bit more often.
And thanks to those of you who brought up the American Prime Suspect. That's a good show.
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I think that some of you have been watching Whitechapel with Rupert Penry-Jones. He and the other cast members are great in the series about unusual crimes and the British detectives who investigate them. This first series was about a Jack-the-Ripper copycat. I can't wait for the second season. It's been on BBC America.
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You mean there is a second season of Whitchapel? I missed last week, fell asleep on it at the beginning.
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Yes, there is/ has been (?) a season 2 in England. See http://www.tv.com/shows/whitechapel/episodes/
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I have heard some find PIcoult's books depressing, despite being well written. I knew nothing
about Salem Falls, but found a couple of reviews.
Salem Falls tells the story of a man who is trying to outrun his past but
is caught up in a modern-day witch hunt spurred on by a group of teenage girls
with a secret.
Picoult's new novel [Salem Falls] is a story about rape and reputation,
loosely based on The Crucible.
Having already watched one story this week about a horrible teen and her brutal games, I don't think I have the stomach for another.
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I quit reading Jodi Picoult because of that very reason, Babi. She is a good writer, but most of her books are depressing to me. I don't need that in my life! Her themes are usually "trendy".
Sally
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Speaking of horrible games, I've just started reading "The Hunger Games" because my f2f group is reading it for December. There was a bit of a trailer showing on TV yesterday, so I guess it's coming out soon. It's definitely a teen novel, and has received many accolades. I'm not sure it's quite my thing -- post Apocalypse books usually are not. It will be interesting to see what folks think of the film.
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(sigh) Neither teen novels nor post-apocalypse stories appeal to me at all. I think I'll just ignore
this one.
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Remember, Salem Falls on the Lifetime channel tonight.
I watched the new Harry Potter movie, the very last of the series, on DVD last night. I was extremely disappointed. For much of the time, the screen was so dark I could not see ANYTHING of what was supposedly going on. I do not like to strain my eyes on a dark screen with sometimes little pinpoints of light. The story line was fine, but both this movie and the Part I of the last book last year had ghastly cinemaphotography. Did anyone else hate it as much as I did? Mind, I am a Big Time Harry Potter fan.
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If anyone likes Woody Allen films as much as I do, PBS TV is doing a two-part documentary on his films as part of their American Masters series, Sunday and Monday nights, Nov. 20 and 21, from 9 to 11 pm. Some of my favorites of his films: Crime and Misdemeanors, Love and Death, Bullets Over Broadway, and of course Annie Hall. Oh, and also his latest, Midnight in Paris.
Marj
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MaryPage, I haven't seen the last two Harry Potters yet so can't comment.
Thanks, Marj. I like Woody Allen films very much.
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I watched Part I last night, MARYPAGE, to remind myself of what had happened before we get Part II. I thought the cinematography was quite good, tho' of course there was much less color than usual. I felt that was in keeping with the 'dark' times
everyone was living through.
Without my glasses, tho', it would have been difficult to see detail. You would
want to be sure there was no glare on the screen, too. That always makes viewing
more difficult.
I do acknowledge Woody Allen's genius, MARJ, but he's simply not my cup of tea.
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Babi wrote, "I do acknowledge Woody Allen's genius, MARJ, but he's simply not my cup of tea."
I understand, Babi. Lots of people are not fans.
I introduced him to my sons when they were young and they are now big fans. Interestingly, they are now also fans of 1940s music, which Allen uses in many of his films.
We all went to see him not long ago when he was in Southern California with his jazz band.
Marj
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I finally got to watch Nights in Rodanthe the whole way through. It was okay. I am not that fond of Richard Gere. Diane Lane sure has a large repertoire of facial expressions, doesn't she? I didn't mind it so much in Under the Tuscan Sun, but it was certainly overstated in Rodanthe to my mind.
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I saw the new film, J EDGAR, yesterday. My advice: Don't waste your money to see it in the theater! We left before it ended. A dreadfully boring, boring film.
It started out with his early life as tho' it might become interesting, but after that it just dragged on and on.
Marj
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The reactions to J Edgar seem to be a mixed bag, Marjifay. I don't think I want to read about him, not sure about a film. He's certainly not at the top of my list for either.
I saw my first Woody Allen film the other night -- Vicky Cristina Barcelona. I don't know about "genius" but I did enjoy the film, especially the scenery.
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I haven't seen that one, Pedln. After seeing the PBS documentary on Woody Allen's films, I want to see all those I've missed. Do see his Midnight in Paris--wonderful!
A bit off topic, but I was just reading about Allen's and Mia Farrow's son Ronan (who goes by the last name Farrow), age 23, who was just awarded a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford. He plans to get a doctorate in International Development. He was a child prodigy who graduated university at age 15 with a double major in philosophy and biology. Then went on to Yale and got his law degree. Has been working for the State Department as an advisor on global youth issues.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
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And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
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Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
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Fascinating! Thanks for that tidbit. Genius does beget genius.
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Wow, that is imressive, MARJ. I want to remember that name, Ronan
Farrow.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronan_Farrow
Good grief! He is not out of his twenties and has already written more than most people do in a lifetime, let alone what he has DONE!
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Wow!! It will be interesting to see where this young man will be in five or ten years. There is no doubt we will be hearing more of him.
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I watched the film of the newish JANE EYRE last night. Got it in the Red Box (Netflex) at my grocery store. Cost me all of $1.06 to view it! I had not gone to the movie when it was in the theatres, as I have seen every Jane Eyre ever done on film over the years, and there must have been a dozen or so. Each one has had a slightly different take on it, but most have been quite good. If I love a story and have read it more than once, as is the case with this great classic, I dearly love seeing the different films. I can highly recommend this one. It, once again, has a slightly different take and has changed a bit here, twigged a bit there, but none of it annoying at all. The very best thing about this one is the cinemaphotography. THAT is OUTstanding! The young woman who plays Jane Eyre is quite amazing, as well. And of course, last but not least, it has our very favorite Dame Judi Dench as Mrs. Fairfax, the housekeeper. I don't need to mention she is great in the part, because your own experience of her will assure you of that.
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Jane Eyre was a favorite in my childhood. My mother loved it,and read it aloud to us (we were a reading aloud family; this was a usual sort of thing for us to do) and I've read it myself several times, the last just 2 or 3 years ago. It holds up well. I have only seen a couple of the film versions. I liked Ciaran Hinds as Rochester--he did a good job of bringing out the harsh, selfish side of the man--but the Jane seemed a little too subdued. Sounds like I should definitely watch this one.
MaryPage, which is your favorite film version?
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I didn't realize that there had been so many film, tv, radio and musical adaptations of Jane Eyre. See the mid to bottom of the wikipedia page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Eyre#Motion_picture_versions_.281910.E2.80.931926.29
I too enjoyed the 2011 production directed by Cary Fukunaga, starring Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre and Michael Fassbender as Rochester.
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I do not have a favorite, but will always first think of the Orson Welles version when Jane Eyre is mentioned, as that was the first one I saw. This new one satisfied me very much.
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Sounds good, MARYPAGE. I'll add it to my Netflix list.
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Goodness, that's a lot of versions.
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Went to see the movie."The Descendants" with George Clooney. Very good. Scenery was worth the price of the movie, along with George.
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Glad to hear from someone who's seen the movie, JEANNE. From the
previews I've seen on TV, it looked a bit on the slapstick and pratfall side.
Can you tell me what you liked best about it? Besides George, of course. ;)
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I'm glad, also, Jeanne, to hear your positive comments about The Descendents.
These past few weeks have not been good ones, but things are looking up and I'm ready for the holiday season. Please forgive me if I repeat myself.
Thank goodness for films when we're feeling down and out. I pulled out Sleepless in Seattle just for pure escapism and it worked. Since then I've seen Sarah's Key, which I thought was excellent, but I wondered if that was in part because I read and enjoyed the book.
And an all-time favorite not seen very often, Cinema Paradiso.
Has anyone seen Blue Valentine? Supposedly it's gotten some good reviews, but I just couldn't get into it, so sent it back to Netflix unwatched.
Someone here first mentioned Monarch of the Glen which my library had. I loved the first episode and was ready to watch the whole thing, but the discs were bad, so I'll wait and get it sometime from Netflix. Thanks to whoever recommended it.
I'm getting caught up on Boston Legal, but have 5 Days of War and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan on hand for watching sometime in the next week or so.
What are you all watching these days?
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Sorry you've been having a rough patch, pedln. Hope things are better now.
I think next up on our Netflix queue is the last Harry Potter.
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Glad things are looking better for you, Pedln.
I haven't seen Blue Valentine. But the title reminded me of another film, one of my favorites, Shirley Valentine. I loved that movie. Think I'll watch it again.
Sleepless in Seattle was also one of my favorites.
And thanks for recommending Cinema Paradiso. Just put it on my Netflix queue.
Marj
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I watched Steven Kings "Bag of Bones" on TNT and still don't understand what I was thinking. It was awful. I never read his books either. It seems to me that movies made from books on Lifetime and and now TNT usually are dreadful no matter who the actors are. They always seem to come across as what years ago were called B movies.
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I think what I enjoyed most about "The Descendants" was the way it took you into the Islands of Hawaii. I have been out there and it was made out in the areas. I even remember the Streets, beaches and most areas shown. Does not have much of a Story to it but along with looking how good George looked and where it was made. That is what I enjoyed. My daughter was with me and she liked it for those reasons. It does hold your interest. Hawaiian Music was very good also. (It was stormy and cold here and so it warmed us up.
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I can understand that, JEANNE. Sort of like my disliking to read books set among snow and ice
in the winter time. When the room is chilly around the edges, I prefer to read about warm, sunny settings.
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CHARLIE ROSE is going to have the folks who made the new American version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo on his show tonight on PBS.
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MaryPage - there was an interview with the director on Front Row (Radio 4 daily arts programme) last night. He sounded incredibly modest compared to the usual. He was speaking about the challenges of filming in the Swedish climate - he said if the actors look cold that's because they were. I don't know if this will work, but it should be a link to the 'listen again' option for the programme (it isn't too long - the interview is probably 5-10 mins):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0184v39
Rosemary
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Thank you for that, Rosemary.
I was fascinated to finally hear some of the score, as they were talking about it last night and it sounded most unusual.
Charlie Rose had the director and the 5 major actors on for a whole hour.
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MaryPage, did he say why he wanted to do a US version so soon after the original came out. I have nothing against new versions of the same show, but really can't figure out why this director wanted to do one so soon, especially with so much positive publicity for the Swedish actress.
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I am surprised too about the English version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo coming so soon after the excellent Swedish series, which I actually have watched a couple of times (Netflicks!).....very unusual for me. I think the Swedish films are brilliant adaptations of the books (but I can't imaging enjoying the movies without having read the books), and having the language be Swedish with subtitles makes the experience better, more authentic, and who gets to hear Swedish very often. Its an added bonus to hear how it compares to English.
I will be looking forward to the English version...on netflicks of-course, I don't remember the last time I went to the movies. I have a short attention span I guess....I like to watch for about an hour, then I get bored, no matter how good the movie!! It has been such a pleasure to stop the disc or download whenever I choose and then go back for more the next day. About an hour is ideal viewing time I think--tv series are great!!
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Dana - I agree, that's why I so enjoyed the DVDs of the Brideshead series, A Dance to the Music of Time, and The Jewel In The Crown - an hour is great to watch in bed before you go to sleep.
Rosemary
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That question was never brought up.
I myself find, however, that the vast majority of spoiled and unadventursome Americans refuse to go to a foreign film with subtitles. Flat out refuse. One of my daughters is adamant about this! Blows my mind!
I have always loved foreign films, even back when subtitles were not available! Some of them were dubbed back then. Some not.
I think also we have a very ugly national characteristic these days of feeling if it is foreign, it cannot be good. I think that film made in India that won the Academy Award Oscar may have done a little to alleviate that attitude; but not much!
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I've just came back from seeing Cowboys and Aliens with my sister. It was kind of disappointing (I liked Rango better). Daniel Craig was magnificent in his role, but any half decent actor could have done Harrison Ford's part. The part seemed a bit less than his capabilities. Could it have been a case of too many bosses? There were five screenwriters and six producers, not counting Spielberg.
The movie was based on a graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. I looked him up. The man certainly likes comic books. He is chairman Platinum Studios which has control of lots of comic characters being developed for or used in TV and movies as well as publishing comics. Previous to that he was involved with Marvel Comics and even helped to found a comic company which was later bought by Marvel.
My sister tells me that Johnny Depp is playing Tonto in a new Lone Ranger movie to be made. A guy named Armie Hammer is playing the ranger. I never heard of him, so I looked him up. He is part of the Armand Hammer family. Nice looking. He played Clyde Tolson in J Edgar.
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I was just catching up on some of Anthony Bourdain's new show, Layover. The New York episode includes Bemelman's Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. Has anyone been there? http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/carlyle/dining/bemelmans_bar/ Bourdain stated that it is practically the only place you can find Ludwig Bemelman's (Madeline children's series) art on display. Bourdain also stopped it at Strands, St. Marks, and Kitchen Arts & Letters bookstores. I know many of you have been to Strand, but what of the other two? Not unsurprisingly, Bourdain adores Kitchen Arts and Letters which specializes in his favorite subject.
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Never heard of the show Layover, Frybabe. Where can it be seen?
I was happy to hear that Woody Allen's picture, Midnight in Paris, the best movie I've seen this year, has been nominated for a Golden Globe award.
Glad to see that Glenn Close and Meryl Streep, (both actresses over 40 years of age!) have been nominated for their roles in Albert Nobbs and The Iron Lady. Don't know what Albert Nobbs is about, but The Iron Lady is about Margaret Thatcher, a movie I definitely want to see.
Marj
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Marjifay - I heard Meryl Streep being interviewed about that film on Front Row - she is just such a great person, so normal, modest and sensible, and such good proof that all these 'celebs' who bang on about the press invading their privacy have brought it on themselves - we know next to nothing about Streep's family, do we? We just admire her work and attitude.
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I was surprised to learn that Streep has (3) daughters. I knew she had one because Mamie Gumm has been in several TV programs. The other two and Mamie look just like Meryl.
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Rosemary said, "we know next to nothing about Streep's family, do we? We just admire her work and attitude."
That's how I feel, Rosemary. And I feel the same way about authors. I don't want to know something bad about them that would spoil my reading of their books.
Marj
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Marj, Anthony Bourdain's show is on the Travel Channel. If you have Comcast you can also find it in the On Demand section. The show is not as outrageous as his No Reservations was. It focuses on places one might have time for and are worth visiting while on very short visits to various cities. http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/the-layover
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I watched a DVD last night. Never heard of it before. "Wide Sargasso Sea" is the name of it.
It ties into prior to "Jane Eyre" Was a BBC from a book written by Jean Rhys. It is about the first wife of "Mr. Rochester". Remember the one locked in the Attic . Worth Watching.
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JEANNE: "Wide Sargasso Sea" is based on a book by Jean Rhys (sp?). A strange, haunting book. I didn't know it had been made into a movie.
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Rosemary--I did enjoy listening to that radio 4 half hour. We always listen to radio 4 when we go back and I'd forgotten how much I miss that kind of radio. Here we have NPR which I enjoy, but it doesn't have that British wit and lightness--how could it tho, it's after all not British! (they do BBC
in the middle of the night which is good if you wake up)
I jotted down all the crime writers to explore, and I did enjoy listening to Virkram Seth--has anyone talked about A Suitable Boy here--its a great read, I've put it on my to read again list because I don't remember much about it except I really enjoyed it--not much use, that!!
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JoanK
the movie was a little strange also. I may read the book if I can find it in LP. at our library just in Paperback. (Never read them).
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Frybabe, That should be an interesting combo for a Lone Ranger film. I don’t think I’ve seen one since the old b & w’s of yesteryear. Armie Hammer played one (maybe both) of the Winkle-something twins in last year’s The Social Network (Facebook ) They are the ones who were suing Mark Zuchenberg..
MaryPage, as one who needs subtitles, in any language, I say let those narrow-minded folks miss out on good films if they so choose. But do remind them of how they have benefitted Finnish children. Finnish children don’t necessarily watch more TV than other kids, but more of their TV is in a language other than Finnish, so it’s subtitled. And some educators have said that’s one reason why they are world leaders in reading skills.
Some good films have been mentioned here. I’m looking forward to Albert Nobbs and also The Iron Lady and have just put them in my queue.
Anthony Boudrain is only a name to me now. Need to start learning more about him.
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I did not know that, Pedln! Fascinating!
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I've just finished watching the 60 Minutes segment about Meryl STreep. She is something, isn't she. Really fantastic. Can't wait to see The Iron Lady.
So sorry to hear about Thatcher's dementia. I did not know that.
Does anyone know what The Killing, season 2 will begin? I see where Mereilll Enos won a Golden Globe award for her role. Another well done program to look forward to.
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Even though the end of season 1 of THE KILLING was crazy, I'm looking forward to season 2. It's said that filming just started on season 2 and it will "return to AMC sometime in the spring of 2012." See news about the series at http://screenrant.com/the-killing-season-2-plot-story-characters-yman-141448/
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
if it is foreign, it cannot be good. Mary Page
I think it's a matter of where it's coming from. We have no problem at all
with foreign wines, cheeses, fashions, etc. But some of the things the more
recently industrialized nations are putting out do seem to have a very short
lifespan. I had a Chinese room heater that quit 'rotating' the second time
I turned it on, and now has quit putting out heat. I just got it last Christmas,
so it was in use for a total of about five months.
I think Ford agreed to do the movie with Craig more as a favor to the producers, who thought the Craig/Ford combo would be popular. And of course, it will no doubt get a large viewing. I plan to see it myself, but at least FRYBABE's warning will lower my expectations a bit.
Johnny Depp as Tonto I do not want to miss. It should be hilarious.
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Dementia. It is so strange how it seem to get to people one doesn't expect. I have had 3 friends. All well educated. Worked in professions came down with it. I helped some at the Nursing home my last friend was in until she died. Many of the people with it were from the area. Professors, Doctors etc one lady had been in a high position at the big University out East. Some from our Univ. in town here. One would think that all the studying, reading, keeping brain active would stop that from happening. I don't believe that medical are any closer to knowing what causes it. Do say that it will tripple the people getting it by 2025
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JEANNE, do you suppose it might be related to the fierce competition in
academia and many of the professions? If I had to always be on the alert,
always on guard, I think over time I'd get a bit crazy, too. It's bound to do
something to the 'wiring' eventually. This is purely speculation, but I suspect
people who are more relaxed and 'laid back' would be less susceptible.
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I just saw Descendants starring Geo Clooney and it didn't occur to me until well after the movie that the plot involves one central idea and that all other events are simply supporting incidences. Certainly most others reached this conclusion well before I, but many times subtleties, if they were in fact subtleties, whiz beyond me undetected. It was a well done movie and well acted. I would dearly love to hear from those having seen it. I continue to read that the movie has a lock on one or more academy awards.
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I just scanned a few recent pages of comments and found several comments about the movie Descendants and here I thought that I was the first person in the USA to see the movie. Has anyone seen From Here to Eternity?
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I doubt you will find very few people who have not seen. "From here to Eternity" Back then it was thought of a a Risky movie. Said to have sex scenes that should be banned.
Now look at what is shown in the movies. Also the language that they can now use.
The words " I don't give a dam" in Gone with the wind was taken out in some showings.
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JimNT - I was told as a youngster that all love scenes in movies were governed by the idea that each "lover" (ooooh that was a loaded word back then) had to make sure that one of their feet was firmly on the ground. From what I recall of "From Here to Eternity" the lovers, carried out their love scene actually lying on the beach. Shock - Horror.
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As a child, did you ever read "tell all" magazines like "True Vonfessions"? each story had a picture in front of the couple kissing. You could tell without reading the story how far the couple were going to go by how near to horizontal they were in the picture.
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Actually, my reference to From Here to Eternity was merely a poor attempt at illustrating that thinking my seeing Descendants was something newsworthy after having seen the many early references to it on preceding pages. Incidentally, From Here to Eternity might have been "Risky", it was in fact " considered risque.
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You've convinced me, JIM. I'll add "Descendents" to my Netflix queue. No
telling how long it will be before it becomes avaialble, tho'.
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Now how many remember the movie "THE OUTLAW" with Jane Russell? Talk about Risque. I have a copy here as I collected Black and White VCR. for years. Put it in for about 10 min. awhile back. So Corny.
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I remember both movies - and wondering what all the fuss was about (I was very innocent! ;)).
Not sure I actually read "True Confessions" - but one friend had an older sister who always had that type of magazine and Movie Magazines around. When she wasn't home, we sneaked a look.
When I baby-sat for one family and the kids were asleep, I read "Forever Amber".
My mother had a 3rd edition copy of "Gone With The Wind" and I read it every summer.
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My youngest daughter use to sneak (True Confessions) under her mattress. I could never stand them
I think that "Forever Amber" was the first one I hid in order to read. "Tom Jones" was another one.
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As a graduate student, I earned money working on a "content analysis" of "True Confessions" from the 1930s to the present. I had to go to the Library of Congress to get the old copies. so I would be sitting there, in the Jefferson Reading room, surrounded by scholars with their scholarly tomes, with my garish pictures of men and women kissing. I wonder what they thought of me.
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I wonder what they thought of me.
JOANK
I'll bet it would be amusing to know the answer to that one, JOAN. ;D
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JoanK, that's funny! Who needed that information...and why? Who would think the Library of Congress would have that kind of material!!
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The Library of Congress has a copy of everything that is copywrited. They don't try to judge quality.
It was a study of how attitudes toward sex as expressed in the media have changed. In the 30s, any woman in the story who had sex outside of marraige was either struck by lightning or fell off a cliff. The man involved felt a passing sorrow. by the 70s, the woman was only ostracized, and the man's sorrow was deeper.
Interesting that in the 30s, even though this was a "trashy" magazine, the stories were substantial, contained quite a bit of technical or historical information about their subject, and were quite long. By the 70s they had been "dumbed down": short, easy to read, with little content other than the soft porn.
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JoanK, although I knew the L of C has every book that has ever been put into print, I just hadn't thought about a collection of magazines covering that long a period of time. Comparing that subject through the years would be an interesting project. What happened to the information you gathered?
One of my "dream jobs" would be to research something at the L of C.
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It went into a graduate student's thesis. Unfortunately, she became seriously ill, and I don't believe it was ever published.
I loved my time at the L of C, both then and doing research for my own thesis.
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Daughter Debi and I are going to meet for lunch and a movie on Thursday. The movie will be the new American version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Two hours and 40 minutes!
We loved all 3 books and feel cheated that there will be no more of them. We went to all 3 movies and bought the DVDs. The Swedish movies, that is.
Now we are quite excited about Thursday's treat.
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MaryPage: I have done the same; reading the trilogy and seeing the Swedish movies. I'm looking forward to the American versions and your take on how well they stand up to the Swedish.
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I am too. I get lost in Daniel Craig's eyes. Soppy, eh?
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I would agree. Pretty soppy.
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Cheeky Girl ;D
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Meant to be!
Went to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Debi and I would not have missed it for the world, and we would happily trot off to see a dozen or more versions. Me, I would like to see a mini-series so they could do it without leaving out so much.
We agreed that on the whole, the Swedish film was better. However, as great as Noomi Rapace was in the part of Lisbeth Salander, Rooney Mara WAS Lisbeth Salander. I swear. Dying to see what each of you think.
The so called music, which to my ear was screeching metal, and the graphics at the beginning of the film were ghastly. Now I defy each of you to think otherwise! Ghastly is what they were and are.
But the film was great fun. Of course, the American Hollywood changed the book quite a bit, which the Swedes did not. Oh, the Swedes had to skip some stuff; the book is huge. So did the Americans. But I was not big on the changes. Also, we saw A LOT more sex and nakedness in the Hollywood version. Kind of icky.
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I carry earplugs w/ me all the time and utilize them at movies and even concerts. I can still hear the music, but they take that loud edge off that often hurts my ears.
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Just thought I'd mention, for those who intend to watch the new film Iron Lady with Meryl Streep about Margaret Thatcher. CSpan's BookTV program is airing an interview with Thatcher (originally viewed some time ago) about her 1993 memoir "The Downing Street Years." It will be shown December 31 at 6 pm Eastern Time. There is also a link on the BookTV website so you can watch it at your leisure.
Salon Magazine reviewed the film Iron Lady. They said, "The ferocious former prime minister becomes almost likable in "The Iron Lady" -- because it ignores her ideas."
That's why I thought hearing Thatcher herself might be interesting -- I imagine she'll voice plenty of her ideas.
Marj
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Jean, I'm the same way with earplugs - standard in my purse.
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It is just hard for me to believe that Margaret Thatcher is now suffering from Alzheimer's. Such a smart lady in the past. I thought that at one time they said it was her husband who was showing signs of it.
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In The Washington Post today, Sunday January 1, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is once again Number One on the top ten Fiction bestsellers. It is the 116th week it has been on the best seller list.
The Girl Who Played With Fire is Number Three this week. It makes the 61st week on this list for that book.
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Doesn't it always happen, that when a movie comes out from a bestseller,
more people want to read the book? And then people who read the book
may be interested in seeing the movie. A nice, very profitable, cycle for all
concerned.
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Sounds like you've got that right, Babi. That's a good cycle.
I read the first Stieg Larsson and saw the first two Swedish movies, but now have no current desire to see more. I think I was as caught up with the saga of Stieg Larsson as with his books.
The family four-year-old got the Mary Poppins DVD for Christmas, so I watched it twice after a long hiatus. What a super film. It's perfect, has everything. What's the most recent film you can think of that even comes close? Not necessarily animated, just excellent.
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Definitely not recent, but the one film I can think of that holds up so well is The Wizard of Oz. I just found out that a friend (who is 60!) had never seen it. I couldn't bear the thought, so ordered her a copy. Each time I watch it, I'm amazed at how well it was done with the technology of that time.
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Yes, it's amazing how well Wizard stands up to time and repeated watching.
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And think how enduring "The Sound of Music" is. So many of its songs I can still 'hear' when they come to mind. "The hills are alive with the sound of music, the songs they have sung for
a thousand years!"
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Yes, you are all so right -- Wizard of Oz and Sound of Music will endure forever, along with Mary P. They're up there with more than 5 Stars.
I don't think I've seen any 5 Star films lately, occasionally 4 stars. But I think my last 5's were The King's Speech and The Social Network, though I don't see the latter with such enduring qualities.
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I remember so very, very well taking my daughter Becky to see The Sound of Music for her fourteenth birthday treat. That was what she requested, so that was what she got. My kids also got whatever they wanted for their birthday dinner. Becky wanted pork chops and not to have to eat anything else. Rebecca was not fond of vegetables, especially green ones. So that was the birthday made most memorable because Becky ate 8 port chops all by herself. With a little apple sauce and nothing more, until the ice cream and cake.
Yep, memorable. We all of us remember that. And Becky had her 59th birthday last month.
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MaryPage, what a fun memory. 8 porkchops! That must make for good family conversation.
I like to watch musicals over again, such as My Fair Lady and Gigi, for the music. I enjoy Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers films for the dancing. I also like to re-watch Jane Austen adaptations. I guess that Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle is my favorite. I took a film class in college that got me very interested in "foreign" films by directors such as Michelangelo Antonioni, Federico Fellini, Jean Renoir and François Truffaut, among others. For something completely different, I enjoy science fiction films. I think that Samantha Morton was fascinating in MINORITY REPORT. I would give 4 or 5 stars to many of the above.
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Marcie, have you ever watched any Iranian films? I’ve seen a few directed by Bahman Ghobadi or Majid Majidi and thought they were excellent. I give Majidi’s Children of Heaven 5 stars, and his Color of Paradise 4 stars, along with Ghobadi’s Turtles Can Fly.
I think taking a college film course would be a fine thing to do. My granddaughter has done that, found it very worthwhile and not very easy.
Two others I found outstanding are After the Wedding (Danish) and Beyone the Silence (German.)
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pedln - I saw and enjoyed "After the Wedding" as well. The cast were so right for their roles, especially Mads Mikkelsen who is one of my favourite actors.
Although it horrified many people (esp when a woman won Best Director for the first time in history)I thought the film "Hurt Locker" was a masterpiece of filmmaking. The hero, or anti hero was quite superb as were the other actors. Who can forget when the daredevil bomb defuser grabbed hold of a visible wire on a mine, and at least eight wires radiated from it all around him. Gritty, gory but great.
Bertolucci is one of my favourite directors, and so is Scorcese. The Italians are so talented in so many ways.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Here's a new candidate for the WORST film made from a book -- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
It's 120 minutes and I can't believe I watched the whole thing, wondering the whole time, am I stupid, have I missed something that everyone else thinks is wonderful. When I finally finished (I took two evenings) I went to see what other Netflix viewers had thought. The only ones who liked it were those who had NOT read the book, everyone else disliked it. Supposedly this Wayne Wang is a good director, but not for this. They incorporated a modern day scenario which I guess was supposed to parallel the story of Snow Flower and her friend. It didn't work.
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Thanks, Pedln, for the suggestions for Iranian films. I'll look for them.
The trailer for Snow Flower and the Secret Fan looks lovely but I trust your judgement that the film doesn't work.
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Valerie and I saw those trailers, too, and thought we would like the film.
I'll tell her what you found, PEDLN. Perhaps, since we have'nt read the book,
we might decide to try it, anyway. (Actually, haven't even heard of it as a
book.) Do you think you might have found it more enjoyable if you hadn't
read the book? It can be annoying when you come expecting one thing and
find they've give you something else entirely.
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Babi, I really enjoyed the book, though some parts were almost dreadful in the extreme, particularly thinking of the foot-binding. The enjoyable part was seeing these two girls growing up together. This was missing in the film and I found the modern scenes quite distracting.
But I've since found a really good one -- Margin Call with Kevin Spacey. Started watching last night and will hopefully finish it tonight after Investment Club meeting, and if I get my Latin assignment finished. This is the story of what happened on Wall Street with all those layers of very risky mortgage pieces. I'm not understanding it all, and will probably watch it twice before sending it back to Netflix. It's being called a "thriller," and I think it is.
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Well, as you are participating in an Investment Club, you probably understand
what's going on in "Margin Call". I suspect I would be sitting there saying, "Huh?" ??? I know zip about higher finance.
We will be watching "Snow Flower..." eventually. Valerie put it on the queue
last night.
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I'll look forward to hearing what you and Val think about Snow Flower after you've seen it, Babi.
Today I got the DVD for A Woman of Independent Means, starring Sally Field and based on the epistolary novel by Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey, who in turn based the book on the experiences of her grandmother (or maybe Great-grandmother), Beth Steed. It's set in the first half of the 20th century, from before the Great WAr up to the 50's or 60's. I loved the book and was looking forward to the 1995 film. But no captions, no subtitles. Maybe someday The Criterion Collection will take it on when they do their remastering, whatever that is. All their new productions will have subtitles.
Has anyone heard anything about what's coming up for the Oscars? I wonder what will be this year's big blockbusters. Will we have another King's Speech?
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Babi, if you've read a newspaper or listened to a new program the last four years you wouldn't have any trouble with Margin Call, just a few jaw droppers or eye openers for those of us unfamiliar with the corporate world, particularly investment banking. There is a financial crisis and a ton of people are going to get fired -- and an outside firm is hired to come in and do the firing. Then the company must save itself, but lose its soul. Rather numbing, but absolutely fantastic, and you're wondering which lamb will be led to slaughter. Good performances by Stanley Tucci and Kevin Spacey. Only one meaningful female and I forget who it was.
What was that other film about a man who spent his career flying from place to place firing people? Was that the one with Tom Hanks?
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Or was it George Clooney?
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George Clooney - "Up In The Air"
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In my company. (Now retired) there was one man. His job was to go to all the Corporate offices and fire people.
Use to be awful when people saw him coming into the building on a Friday.(Day he fired.). No Warnings,they were just escorted out without anyone seeing. He had any checks they had coming with him. These were mostly Management and Exec. jobs. Married, children, did not make a difference.
When I was leaving I spoke with him about how people felt. (I always got along with him) 20 years. He told me. One day Jeanne, this will happen to me by my successor once I reach a certain age. He was right. It did.
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Jeanne said, "In my company. (Now retired) there was one man. His job was to go to all the Corporate offices and fire people."
What a fun job, eh? Sounds like the one Mitt Romney had, altho' I doubt he did the firing personally. But he made millions doing it and seems proud of it.
Marj
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Really, MARJ? I find that a rather chilling thought. What kind of president would he
make, I wonder, from that kind of background. Ruthless? Practical? Hmm... :-\
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The comment Romney made was yet another one of those sound bites taken out of context. He did not choose his words wisely however. I saw more of the comment. He was talking about health insurance and his support of insurance portability. His "love to fire people" was in reference to the ability to change carriers if you don't like the one you have. He should have said companies not people. Sounds kind of Freudian though, doesn't it?
I get the impression that Bain Capital is a private equity group that specializes in "distressed" companies. There are a group of corporate leaders that have become known for their abilities as "turnaround" experts. They are often hired for a relatively short period of time as corporate CEO's to revamp and improve a company's image/business. Having done that, they are then replaced with someone who doesn't have that nasty cost and people cutting image. In other words, turn-around experts do the jobs that no one else wants to touch to get the company viable again. Corporate raiders, on the other hand, buy enough shares in a company in order to influence or push their own agenda. Ray Elliot, who recently left Boston Scientific, is a turnaround expert. Carl Icahn is a corporate raider.
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I just finished reading the PBS transcript of the Shields & Brooks segment on last night's Newshour. They were saying that most people( including me) don't understand the type of LBO (leveraged buyout) company that was the BAIN company. They also said that in the short-term, there were probably job losses, but in the long-term a plus in job creation. They didn't feel that Romney was doing a good job in rebutting all the attacks about this.
The financial world really does seem complicated. I would agree, Frybabe, that Bain appears to be more turnaround than raider.
The Help has been No. 1 on my queue for weeks. Netflix isn't kidding when it says "very long wait." I've got American Pastimes here and part of Desperate Housewives Season 3. If anyone knows of anything good coming on tonight, please post it here.
Also, on the Amazon discussions, a lot about viewing using Amazon Prime. Do any of you use it?
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The two Black actors in "The Help" won the best actress and best supporting actress Critics Choice Awards.
Jean
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Here's a link to the ballot for the Golden Globes Award tomorrow night. And Viola Davis from The Help is a nominee for best actress
Golden Globes Ballot (http://www.nbc.com/golden-globes/exclusives/2012-golden-globes-ballot.pdf)
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Valerie and I just got our copy of "Help" yesterday. We saved it for today to
share it with my other daughter. We'll return it promptly, PEDLN. so you can
move up in line. :)
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Thank you, Babi. :D
Is this exciting or not? -- from the words of Random House --
Kate and Kenneth (http://www.wordandfilm.com/2012/01/kate-winslet-to-join-kenneth-branagh-in-guernsey-literary-and-potato-peel-pie-society/)
And did anyone else see that bit about the next The Killing Season starting April 1?
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Wow! That would be "casting" at its very best! Hope Kenneth decides to act in it as well as direct.
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I can see Kate Winslet in that role. I'm so pleased someone decided to try
filming the story. Mustn't expect to see it anytime soon, tho'.
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Saw a promo for "One for the Money" on TV. Heigl has the wrong voice for Stephanie Plum! I don't like it already, and I haven't even seen it.
We Evanovitch addicts are still going to make plans to see it together, and maybe have a Stephanie Plum dinner (pot roast and pineapple upside-down cake. Evanovitch's latest book has a calendar with national pineapple upside down cake day on it, but I've forgotten when it is).
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That sounds like a really fun thing to do, JoanK. If folks are planning dinners and stuff I might have to break down and read one. Have never read an Evanovitch, no particular reason, just haven't. Is One for the Money her first one? Is this the first Stephanie Plum movie?
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pedlin: yes and yes.
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Yes, I'm glad that Kate Winslet will be in the POTATO PEEL LITERARY SOCIETY. What a sweet book - and I saw the IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS and UNBROKEN will also be made into movies. VERY GOOD BOOKS!
People are reading, I hope!!! Or going to movies anyway.
I saw IRON LADY yesterday and agreed with the critics that the film dealt too long on Thatcher's Altzheimers and her old age. And I didn't like the way it was filmed with bits and pieces going back and forth of her life; I think it all took away from her career as Prime Minister.
BUT WHAT A MASTERFUL JOB OF MAKEUP THEY DID WITH MERYL STREEP!
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saw the IN THE GARDEN OF BEASTS and UNBROKEN will also be made into movies.
Ella, I'm glad they'll be made into movies, but I wish they'd continued with the plans to film Larson's Devil in White City. At one time it was on the docket. I'd prefer it to Garden of the Beasts. I haven't read Unbroken, but understand that it is excellent.
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The Oscar nominations are in. See http://news.moviefone.com/2012/01/23/oscar-nominations-2012_n_1224812.html?1327412698&icid=maing-grid7
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Marcie, thanks so much for directing us to that link. I'm printing that out and using it to update my Netflix queue.
Has anyone seen The Artist? Someone mentioned it here the other day. Is it entirely a silent film, or are the silent clips just part of it? Some of us here usually need captions or subtitles, and I was wondering if this would be one where that wouldn't be necessary. The USA Today had a blurb about Jean Dujardin, nominated for Best Actor, and referred to the film as silent.
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The Artist is both "silent" and in black&white. My friend who has seen it, says it's wonderful.
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Ah, me..two of those films I've seen; two I have on my queue, some I've
never heard of. What is "Albert Nobbs" about? Or, "The Tree of Life"? Who
is "Hugo"? I'm so behind-times! :-[
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Babi, I just caught the tail end of an interview with Glenn Close about Albert Nobbs. As best I can tell she plays a character who, in order to survive without going into prostitution, disguises herself as a man and gets a job as a waiter. Looks interesting.
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Thanks, FRYBABE. I like Glenn Close, and it does sound interesting. Though
I don't really see why the character couldn't have more easily gotten a job
as a waitress. I assume the story will explain that.
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Babi, it looks like a period piece. Not sure why not a waitress unless the only choice was a barmaid who would likely double as a prostitute or get hit on constantly. I may look into the story line a little further if I have time (and remember).
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Glen Close was in the stage production of Albert Nobbs in 1982 and was working to get it to film for several years. It's based on a book by George Moore (1852-1933), apparently out of print for years, but has now come back. It's also available for Kindle (and I would assume Nook).
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Actually, he goes into "service" as a Butler. (Think DowntonAbbey, LOL)
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Thanks, Tomereader, for the info. I am going to look into getting it for my Kindle. Glenn Close did express her excitement and pride in being able to bring this story to the screen.
I see Phyllida Law is in the cast. I remember her from countless TV programs.
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Well, I saw Iron Lady yesterday. Sorry to say, it won't be on my list of the best films of 2011. Streep is a good actress, but I got tired of so much of the film being about her elderly, confused life. But, now I want to know more about the Falkland Islands and the war over them - just vaguely remember it. Also want to read her book, THE DOWNING STREET YEARS.
I can't say there are very many of the Academy Award nominations I want to see.
Marj
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I downloaded a free copy of "A Story Teller's Holiday" from the University of Toronto. Wikipedia has a notation that it includes the Albert Nobbs story. I haven't yet loade it onto my Kindle. I did take a look at the PDF version but it has no TOC. Everything is numbered chapters. I tried to leaf through it, but didn't see anything that included the name Albert. Will let you know if I actually find it in there somewhere. At any rate, it looks like an entertaining read.
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Thanks for all the input on 'Albert Nobbs". (I keep wanting to say 'Alfred'!)
I will be adding it to my request queue.
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Saw One for the Money today. It was entertaining. None of the characters were as i pictured them while reading the books, but they grew on me. Debbie reynolds was a Jewish grandmother, not an Italian grandmother and she was all glammed up, w/ perfect eye shadow and nicely coiffed hair, not good at all. It's a shame, Grandma Mazer should be a hit of the movie and a great character.
I didn't like Joe at first but he did grow on me. Ranger was much too smiley and as my friend said "not intimidating at all." Benjamin Bratt was my image. However, both of those guys were nice eye-candy. Mr. Plum said all the few lines he has in the books, but didn't give me enough of a sense of grumpiness. Of course, there wasn't a lot of time to get all the characters in . It wasn't as good as the book, but i laughed outloud a couple times and it stands alone, if you haven't read the books, i think you would still find it entertaining.
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I couldn't picture Debbie Reynolds as Grandma Mazur. Sounds like they changed the character to fit her.
A bunch of us want to see it together, but we're having trouble getting everyone together. It's like herding turtles.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
JoanK.
Do you enjoy going to the movies with a group? Seem like years when working we did a lot of things with a group but now I like to just either just one to see a movie and that is is we are having either lunch or dinner first.
My best time now is to go to a 1pm show middle of week and then very few people are attending. I have my favourite seat. Most people have to go close to screen and I am very far sighted and have to go far back to Back row. Was hard to get others to do that.
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I've gone with a group, but I like to go by myself. And like you, I'm far sighted and want to sit in the back row. Also there's nobody behind you to talk or kick your seat. The 4 p.m. movie in our area is the cheap, lightly attended showing.
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I saw Hugo (In 3D) yesterday. The cinematography and special effects were magnificent. Set in beautiful Paris. But we thought the story itself was kind of boring and dragged along a bit too much. If it had not been in 3D, we'd probably have walked out about half way through. (But I'm sure we're in the minority -- it rated 8.2/10 at Internet Movie Database website.)
We're trying to see all the Oscar nominated films. So far, Midnight in Paris is our favorite.
Marj
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It's like herding turtles.
JOANK
;D
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Since i'm in a wheelchair, I have to sit in the wheelchair row, which is further toward the front than I like. I feel like the movie characters are looming over me. The idea of those huge TV screens they have now gives me the willies!
But I'm lucky they HAVE a wheelchair row.
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I am curious about the cost of seeing a movie for a senior in the US/Uk/NZ.
I joined the DENDY Club yesterday and it only costs $7.50 per movie. I can also take a friend who will only have to pay $7.50 as well. In Australia this is a pretty good deal, that's why I am curious as to what seniors pay in other lands.
JoanK - we say "like herding cats". No less problematic than herding turtles, only with a lot more action :o
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roshanarose, the cheapest showing for movies in our area is from 4-6 p.m., all ages for $4.00. That's cheaper than their usual senior rate (I don't know what that is).
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I have looked up the prices for The Filmhouse, a popular independent cinema in Edinburgh. They are:
Matinees: £5.60 full price. £3.60 concessions (over 60s, students, etc)
Evenings: £7.50 and £5.50
I converted these prices to US dollars as:
$8.85/$5.69
$11.86/$8.69
The evening prices at the Odeon in central Edinburgh (this is a chain) are £8.55/£6.90.
Now that I live out in the country, I rarely see a cinema film, as by the time you have added a £6.60 rail fare (or the diesel for the car) on, it is not a cheap outing. However, many of the local villages around here do show films once a month or so in village halls, etc - obviously there is not the choice that you get in town, and the films they show are older than the new releases, but I think it's a great idea and I intend to support it. Mostly if we want to see a film we watch it on TV or get the DVD from the library.
Rosemary
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Most of the larger chains are $6.00 matinee. On Tuesdays, $5.00.
Joan, the Regal Cinema chain (multiplex) here has at least one of the screens with an upstairs section (you take the elevator up) and it has space for at least two wheelchairs, and two regular seats on either end, for whoever accompanies you. My friend who uses the "Lark-type" elec. cart and her hubby use this area, and I can sit with them if there are no others with carts/chairs, when we see the Met Opera Live in HD. It is wonderful...way up, but perfect view, great sound, but not overly loud (during the opera).
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As a senior i paid $8.50 for the matinee, altho i could have gotten groupon tickets fir $6.00. I too am farsighted and like sitting toward the back, when my friends and i went on Mon, 2 of us sat further back than the other three and yes it is hard to get us together, seems we would have an easier time finding a time since none of us are "working", but some of us are just as busy as ever...... ;)
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My daughter gets all kinds of special deal tichets: otherwise it would be about $8.50. Here, there is a wheelchair row about a third of the way back: blank spaces for the wheelchair with seats next so I can sit with whoever I came with. But I rarely go anymore.
I like "herding cats". Much more lively.
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And even harder to catch for herding.
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:D Absolutely. Ohh those cats! Last night I dreamed that their were four adorable lion cubs (the size of kittens) on a corner of one of the busiest intersection in my city. The interesting thing was that they had an acacia tree to climb on and check out when it was safe to cross the road to buy some sushi :o
Thanks everyone for the information about cinema prices in your areas. I sometimes wish I didn't have to be such a nitpicker about money matters, but since I gave up work I have to be.
The Australian dollar is currently enjoying near parity with the American dollar. As for the English pound, I think it will be higher in value for a long time to come. I bet the Brits are congratulating themselves on never having taken on the Euro. The Greeks believe that they would be better off with the drachma now. Not saying that their financial woes would have been any different though. In 2004 when I visited Greece they were all appalled by what the Olympics had cost, and all I spoke to about the Euro wanted the Drachma back. Είναι αύτη η ζωή. ie C'est la Vie.
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ROSEMARY, again you have raised up an old memory. Back during WWII, we lived in a 'village' established for workers at a torpedo plant. They would have movies on occasion at the community center. I think admittance was probably a nickel, or maybe a dime, and the films were mostly for the children. I was about five, and this was my wondrous introduction to film.
ROSAHANA, you do have interesting dreams! Lion cubs, trying to cross the street to buy sushi! I would love to sit down with you and try to untangle that one!
I thought countries competed to hold the Olympics, because it brought
in so much income. In addition to the honor, of course. Does anyone know whether the Olympics really help or harm the local economies? Or was the Greek event perhaps poorly managed?
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Our ticket prices are for seniors $5 if before 6pm. Now if a special one that additional $2.50
No I like the idea that is up where my friends live in Yorkshire UK. On a Wednesday afternnoon Senior showing are 3 pounds but they get coffee and biscuits served. Nice.
Now our theatres (Most of the 15). We have wheelchair openings at both ends of the rows for about the Back row forward about 8 rows. I think it has gotten to be a Law in our County. When it comes to serving people with disabilities our city was voted no one. Our University also . amazing how much we have done last 10 years.
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" I sometimes wish I didn't have to be such a nitpicker about money matters," Tell me about it! I think most of us Seniors in this country are in that situation.
Here in the US, laws about the handicapped are often (not always) state laws. I found out the differences when I moved from Maryland (DC area) to California. There, I always had to call ahead to find out if someplace was wheelchair accessable, and half the time when they said it was, when I got there, it wasn't. Handicapped parking places always had non-handicappeed cars in them.
Here in Southern California, I can go anywhere whithout calling, and have never been turned away. And never seen a car without a placard in a handicapped space.
I think the difference is in enforcement, not in the laws themselves.
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babi - I have always had strange and vivid dreams. I often dream about snakes and lions in particular. The Indians say it is good luck if a snake bites you in your dream, I think Freud says it is a sign of sex/sexual frustration. Others say snakes symbolize enemies. I haven't check out the symbolism of lions yet. That's why I like Plato's quote below. My waking life is a whole lot less interesting than my dreams ;)
babi - I have also done a bit of a whip-around on the Internet to see if the Olympics were part of Athens' financial catastrophe. Indeed they were/are:
"2004 Athens Olympics cost nearly $11 billion by current exchange rates, double the initial budget. And that figure that does not include major infrastructure projects rushed to completion at inflated costs. In the months before the games, construction crews worked around the clock, using floodlights to keep the work going at night.
In addition, the tab for security alone was more than $1.2 billion."
The Athens Olympics was one of the biggest games regarding the number of competitors. Housing them would have been very costly.
Many of the Ancient cities and sites were spruced up for the huge influx of Olympics' visitors. Towns like Marathon and Olympia were but two of these.
A new Airport was built, also a new Metro (fabulous), a new bypass highway, and a new transit and light rail system to shuttle people from one Olympic venue to another.
But, even with this huge expense, many pundits say that the Olympics were just a part of Greece's financial crisis. It is difficult to find out exactly what WAS. One hears all kinds of stories, but the media is not to be believed on this matter, evidently.
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ROSE, my suspicious mind can't help thinking that fiasco indicates
either very poor management, OR, some people have gotten much richer off the whole thing.
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babi - methinks you are so very right! ::)
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Well you can imagine how most people here feel about the ridiculous amount that the coming Olympics are costing us. But you have only to open your mouth in comment and some politician will shoot you down in flames for being 'unpatriotic'. As you say Roshanarose, it'll all be about somebody's profit.
Rosemary
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Well, Netflix for three DVDs at a time is about $17 with tax, but my popcorn is cheaper, bathroom breaks are easier, and if I fall asleep they’ll let me in the next night for free.
JoanK, in spite of it all, I think we’ve come a long way with facilities for handicapped. Assistive listening in theatres, curbless sidewalks at intersections, lifts on buses – NY is great with this. Years ago I read Journey by Robert & Suzanne Massie, about their son’s hemophilia. The public schools didn’t want him, nor did Radio City Music Hall want his wheelchair.
I came across this while looking for Time’s Dickens Top Ten List -- Time Magazine and Time Entertainment’s contest about the Best Oscars of All Times. Beginning tomorrow you can vote each weekday for what you think is the best Oscar.
Best Oscar Contest (http://entertainment.time.com/2012/02/03/announcing-times-best-best-picture-bracket-vote-on-oscars-greatest-film/)
What nominees have you all seen for this year? I’m still waiting for The Help – Babi, have you returned it to Netflix? I’m going to write them and tell them that my friend from Texas got her copy almost a month ago. ;D
Last night I finally got to see my first film from that long list of nominees, and was slightly shocked. THIS – The Tree of Life – is an Oscar nominee for Best Picture? If you’ve seen it, what’s your take? I don’t know what I was expecting, but it is a very different kind of film. (Maybe I was getting it confused with another recent film – The Tree) Afterwards I started reading reviews and it appears to be one of those films that people either love or hate. I give it three Netflix stars – for like. I didn’t dislike it, but didn’t love it either, and doubt that it will get the Best Picture Award. Though Terrence Malick could very well get one for Best Director.
Awards Night is three weeks from tonight. Who and what is going to win?
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The Olympics have a spotty financial history: several of them have been financially disasterous to the hosts. I remember years ago, when the US hosted one, just after one that had been particularly bad, and hearing about all the cost cutting of non-essential expenses (like not hiring celebraties) that were done to prevent this. I hope the English organizers have their eye on this.
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Good luck with that, PEDLN. Actually, I put my name on the list
as soon as I heard the book had been filmed. I've never heard of
"The Tree of Life". But then, since the list goes back to 1923
there will probably be a good many I've never heard of.
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There was a wonderful program on PBS last night about the Underground Railroad. It was based on a book by an operater of one of the biggest stations in Philadelphia. He kept a journal of the people who pssed through, and their stories. This was a very dangerous thing to do: if it had been found, he and his fellow "conductors" would have been toast. After the Civil war, he published his notes as a book, which I was able to get for free on my kindle. William Still "The Underground Railroad"
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Thanks, JoanK - I've just gotten that for my Kindle, too.
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It's rough letters and journal notes, not a polished book, but it gives the feeling of the times. The story of the mother, who knew she could not escape with all of her four children and had to decide which ones to leave behind brought tears to my eyes.
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Where is everyone? It's been a while -- has anyone seen anything good recently? How are you coming along with watching all the Award nominees, Marjifay?
I found The Help online for $9, so snapped it up. After reading the comments about movie theatre prices, it seemed to be just a tad more. Hope it comes before the Awards
This morning I watched an interview with Max Von Sydow who is up for Best Supporting Actor in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. His is a non-speaking part. Has anyone seen this? The film itself sounds like a winner, is up for Best Picture, and is from a book. von Sydow is 82 years old, is a French citizen and makes his home in Paris. I didn't catch it all, but he said something about really being too busy to work much because of all the good books to read and films to see. It sounds like he'd fit in well here.
Just realized I have Beginners here from Netflix, so tonight will watch Christopher Plummer who's also up for Best Supporting Actor.
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Hi Pedln -- I've seen about all the Oscar nominees I want to see except The Ides of March. Was disappointed in Hugo (except for the 3D cinematography) and The Iron Lady.
Still want to see the foreign film nominee (from Iran), A Separation, which is supposed to be very good.
The best film I've seen lately was The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (American version). Very good. I'd read the book and also seen the French film version. The gal who plays Lisbeth was excellent. Christopher Plummer has a main role in this also --he's really busy for an old guy, isn't he?
Marj
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marjifay - Your comment about Christopher Plummer reminded me of an old joke told by David Niven. My enduring memory of Christopher Plummer was in the play "Oedipus Rex". He was so good.
David Niven was in the lift of a posh hotel in Paris. He was going out to dinner and had preened himself accordingly, and thought that he looked rather spiffy. The lift stopped to allow another guest in. She was a very attractive brunette. David gave her one of his most charming and disarming smiles. She looked closer at him and gasped: "Weren't you David Niven!"
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;D
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Ouch.
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Roshanarose :D
Speaking of David Niven, years ago I read his memoir, The Moon's a Balloon. An interesting bit there showing some differences between UK English and the English slang in the US. Niven was making arrangements to meet a woman for lunch or tennis or whatever, and said, "OK, I'll come by and knock you up." Obviously there was a bit of a misunderstanding at first.
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Pedlin.
Yes, I left many people with a gaping mouth when I first came to the US. One of the 'Knock you up" expressions I had used for years without thinking anything wrong with it.
In my part of Lancashire they were still using that service way into the 1960s My family use it daily as a child.
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JeanneP - I just looked up Lancashire on Wiki and realised, not for the first time, how little I know about England.
Talking about misunderstandings with words, phrases etc., I was interested in seeeing the variety of foods and food names in the Lancashire entry. I liked this one:
Fag Pie: pie made from chopped dried figs, sugar and lard. Associated with Blackburn and Burnley where it was the highlight of Fag Pie Sunday (Mid-Lent Sunday).
Maybe from faggot for a small piece of wood. But in my younger years when I used to smoke (shock! horror!) and my cousin and I would retreat to the outside toilet to have a "fag" (a cigarette). It now has other meanings, as I am sure you know.
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Rochannerose.
Yes, Even thought England is such a small country. It was amazing how little we knew about other counties. Londoners to us in Lancashire were like foreigners. Lancashire being pretty close to Scotland then we did know a little about them. Why even we lancashire and Yorkshire were so different.
Now people travelled so much and TV came in showing everywhere. Just not the same.
Now lookout though if at a Soccer Game. Bitter enemy's
I don't hear them Mention Fag Pie and more. There are lots of special dishes that only seem to be known in Lancashire. I still cook that way.
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Roshannarose, -- from "Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit BAg" -- which I learned as a little kid when my mother would sing it on long car trips. -- "While you've a Lucifer to light your fag, Smile, boys, that's the style."
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JeanneP - My father was born in Bromsgrove, not too far from Birmingham. He didn't remember anything about it as he and his family came to Australia when Dad was 4. Dad still retained a bit of an accent, or rather pronunciation on different words. He always said "orf" instead of "off", and "reesoles" instead of "rissoles". What I like about England is that all the places are so close together in terms of travel time. In Australia it is not like that at all. Our cars get much more wear if we travel a lot. For instance, if you want to drive from Sydney to Brisbane it is about a fourteen hour drive. It should be really done in two days for comfort and safety. I live in Brisbane, and if I want to visit a friend who lives on the other side of the city, the drive would take me about 2 hours+. Set out early on a camel, we joke!
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Just for You pedln :) WWI Marching Song.
Pack up your Troubles
First Verse
Private Perks is a funny little codger
With a smile a funny smile.
Five feet none, he's and artful little dodger
With a smile a funny smile.
Flush or broke he'll have his little joke,
He can't be suppress'd.
All the other fellows have to grin
When he gets this off his chest, Hi!
Chorus (sung twice after each verse)
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag,
And smile, smile, smile,
While you've a lucifer to light your fag,
Smile, boys, that's the style.
What's the use of worrying?
It never was worth while, so
Pack up your troubles in your old kit-bag,
And smile, smile, smile.
Second Verse
Private Perks went a-marching into Flanders
With his smile his funny smile.
He was lov'd by the privates and commanders
For his smile his funny smile.
When a throng of Bosches came along
With a mighty swing,
Perks yell'd out, "This little bunch is mine!
Keep your heads down, boys and sing, Hi!
Third Verse
Private Perks he came back from Bosche-shooting
With his smile his funny smile.
Round his home he then set about recruiting
With his smile his funny smile.
He told all his pals, the short, the tall,
What a time he'd had;
And as each enlisted like a man
Private Perks said 'Now my lad,' Hi!
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I just saw a blurb on the net that Judi Dench has macular degeneration. I am looking forward to seeing her in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Also in the cast are Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Penelope Wilton, and Tom Wilkinson.
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Judy, Maggie and Penelope in one movie? I can't wait!!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
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Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Yes, I'm kind of excited about it. Here is an extended trailer. Opens in theaters May 4.
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thebestexoticmarigoldhotel/
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Theaters here are all ready running the trailer. What a contrast between Maggie Smith's character in this one and Downton Abbey!
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Roshanarose, thanks. :D
Oh boy, Golden Girls, Cocoon and what else, all rolled into one. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel sounds like it will be Nol 1 on my queue someday. What a cast.
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I look forward to it as well and all. Shades of Tea With Mussolini, Ladies in Lavender, Enchanted April and so forth and so on. I never tire of this type of film.
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Oh it looks GREAT - and it opens here on Friday. Enchanted April is one of my favourite films, as is Ladies in Lavender.
In our Radio Times there are little interviews with quite a few of the cast members. Apparently Bill Nighy had to learn to ride a motorcycle for the film - with Judi Dench on the back, riding side-saddle. He said he wasn't worried about his own safety, but he knew that if he killed Dame Judi he'd never be able to set foot in England again.....
Rosemary
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Bill Nighy and Tom Wilkinson aren't too shabby either.
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Too right Roshanarose - looking forward to it...... ;D ;D
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I brought up our Local library and most of the DVD you are mentioning above the have already. Some have a pretty long waiting list but they go through them fast.
I have been putting in "Masterpiece Theatre" and amazed at how many DVD they do have along with many other British movies. I think that I watched 6 last week. 4 of the DVD were from Catherine Cookson books that I had not seen.
Better do some housework today.
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Apparently The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is from a book written by Deborah Moggach and titled These Foolish Things.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2105615/Best-Exotic-Marigold-Hotel-review-Dame-Judi-Dench-magisterial-best.html#ixzz1nKBmp5U2
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Housework?, JeanneP. What's that?
I've never read or seen any Catherine Cookson, but I see Netflix has a lot of her DVDs, so will follow up sometime on your suggestion.
I've got two others here from Netflix but I think they're pretty dark, and wonder why I chose them -- Taking Shelter, watched part last night and it tenses me up, something ominous is going to happen, I'm sure. The other is Contagion and I just can't bring myself to watch it. Has anyone seen it?
So, are we all set for the Academy Awards Sunday night?
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Finally saw The Help yesterday. I thought it was quite good and true to the book. I have it from the library and will watch it again before i return it. I thought the acting was good by the main characters. The only criticism i have is that the white characters were overly insipid and obnoxious, so stereotypical. Altho that's the way she portrayed them in the book, seeing the behavior on the screen made them seem really overdone.
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Good point, JEAN. Perhaps I simply never moved in those social circles, but I don't recall ever
seeing that kind behavior. Of course, we never had a maid, either. Yet there is no doubt that
the Southern servant generally had a lousy life of it.
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Just popping an "oldie but a goodie" for you to check out.
There is a most delightful Australian movie I am sure all you here would enjoy. It is called "The Dish" with Sam Neill. It is about one of those dishes they put up to search space and is based on a true story, ie Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon. It has one of my favourite movie moments in it, but I won't tell so as not to spoil it for you.
http://thedishmovie.warnerbros.com/
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That sounds like something to put you in a good mood, Roshanrose. I'll put it on my queue.
Has anybody seen The Artist? or Hugo? They seemed to walk away with the most last night. Is Hugo a 3D movie? Can you watch it without it and still get enjoyment?
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Pedln, a friend and I saw Hugo in 3D. The cinematography was wonderful, but the story got kind of boring after about a third of the way thru. We stayed to the end but felt like walking out long before that. I would only recommend it for the 3D effects.
Haven't seen The Artist yet.
So far my favorite of the nominated films was Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.
Marj
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I've only seen two of the nominated films; I plan to see some of the others. I was surprised
to see Meryl Streep won best actress. She is a great actress, I know, but every comment I've
read here about the film was negative.
I suspect 'Artist' won because is was so different. A black-and-white silent, in these days! Well
done, obviously. Val and I plan to put it on our queue and see if we think it deserved 'Best Film'.
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Babi said, "I was surprised to see Meryl Streep won best actress. She is a great actress, I know, but every comment I've read here about the film was negative."
Meryl Streep was very good in the film, but the film itself was disappointing. Too much about her retired years when she was old and becoming confused, and not enough about her years as PM. I have bought her book Downing Street Years (a biggie) to read about her earlier years.
I noticed how affectionately she spoke about her husband in her Academy Award speech. Per IMDB, they have been married to each other since 1978. Unusual for most celebrities.
Marj
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I didn't see the ceremony, but I have heard Meryl Streep on the radio, and I am always really impressed at how she has a 'normal' family life, and keeps it largely under wraps. It just shows that these celebs - like the ghastly Beckhams, etc - who moan on endlessly about press intrusion actually court it - Streep has just said 'no' and has concentrated on being an actress rather than a Famous Person. I admire her hugely. Another actress who has done that is Julie Walters.
Rosemary
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I am going to ask my son to try to get The Dish for me to watch.
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My History Newsletter had a column that reminds us of a previous film about maids in the 60s South, The Long Walk Home w/ Whoopie Goldberg and Sissy Specek. The column gives an interesting contrast between the two films. I don't think either film was supposed to be a docuumentary of the period, but Long Walk did provide more factual information about the period. Long Walk is no longer available for sale, but netflix or your library may have a copy.
http://hnn.us/articles/will-helps-oscar-revive-interest-long-walk-home%20
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A very thorough article, Jean, and it sounds like a very worthwhile film. Unfortunately, Netflix does not have it in hand. You can put it on the "Save" queue. I know I've seen it in stores, probably in the "bargain barrel," but now that it's unavailable through places like Amazon, B&N, etc. it will no doubt be hard to find. I wish I'd known more about it earlier.
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MaryPage - Good for you and your son re The Dish. See if you can pick my favourite scene? I think you know me well enough :D .
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I saw The Long Walk Home years ago. Good film.
My son has tried, but he cannot get The Dish. I have tried to buy it, but do not want to pay nearly fifty dollars for it!
I will find a way to view it eventually.
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Now the "Dish " our library has it. I just put my name in.
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MaryPage - That's a real shame. I will see if I can find a copy and send it to you. Problem is that the DVD set up may be different there.
JeanneP - Have fun.
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Well, I finally saw the movie The Artist tonight. My view of it: They really needed the cute little dog in that film. Maybe that was what pursuaded the judges to give it an award. I can't believe it beat Midnight in Paris.
Marj
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DVD will not work in UK that are from USA. Also I received a VCR of a wedding and it would not work here either. Did have it transfered but was expensive.
I took some DVD over just 2 years ago. Also some CDs. CDs sounded like the chipmunks. Funny. Strange that our DVD will play in Germany.
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Marjifay, I just watched Midnight in Paris the other night. So wonderful, so delightful. Five Netflix stars. It has been a long time since I've rated a Netflix film 5 stars. This is one to watch more than once. I'm so glad it got an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Believe it or not, this is the first Woody Allen film I've seen.
The Artist arrived in town yesterday, and since it won't require captions or subtitles, I'm looking forward to seeing it in a theatre.
My library has The Dish, so I've got it on hold. Unfortunately it does not seem to have The Long Walk Home
Last week I watched Contagion, after having avoided it for several days because I was afraid it might be horror/sci-fi. It turned out to be quite a medical thriller, about tracing the origins of an epidemic. Maybe a little bit overdone in some parts, but good entertainment. I gave it four stars.
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Hi Pedln - thanks for the recommendations. Hope you enjoy the Dish. It is so homespun. You will understand what I mean when you see it.
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Do you think 'Contagion' was as good as Andromeda Strain, PEDLN? I love that one,
and have seen it three times.
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I haven't seen Contagion, but I have seen both versions of Andromeda Strain. I liked the original better.
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Babi and Frybabe, I haven't seen Andromeda Strain, nor have I read the book. Will have to keep your recommendations in mind.
I can't tell you which is better. I tend to shy away from things that I think will be sci-fi. Contagion is not sci-fi, very realistic, and at times, scary.
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I use to love Scary movies. Had not seen one in a few years. the other night I got a DVD at the library. Put it on. The type were people buy old property. Move in with one 8 year old child. After about 15 min. I was sort of scared with it. Turned it off. Had sort of Rats eating on people. Won't try those type of movies again. Can't believe I no longer love them.
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My sister is the one who likes horror movies. Not me. What I find annoying these days is that the original idea, name and formatting of a lot of channels has gotten corrupted. The SciFy channel is mostly horror flicks now. The AMC channel which always showed old movie period, has started showing TV series - the same ones everyone else has had on for several years. The science channel had added some SciFi shows, History channel now shows very few actual history related shows. History Channel International changed its name and followed suit. The Green channel is more ancient Egypt and paranormal than anything else - no green in sight. There are some channels that have stayed true to their name and original format, like National Geographic, Animal Planet, Smithsonian, Military Channel and DIY.
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There's scary, and then there is horror. I avoid horror movies; generally really
gross.
Too true, FRYBABE. With so many channels competing, many have had to resort to
whatever seems to attract the most viewers, or what they can afford. Like re-runs.
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I can't believe it beat Midnight in Paris.
I’m with you there, marjifay. I can understand Best Actor, Best Director, but not Best Picture. I’m glad I went as I don’t often get to see big screen, but I sure didn’t come out raving. No doubt I had different expectations. I thought there would be more dancing, and I expected some kind of tribute (that’s not really the word I want) to silent movies of the past. Someone who is really a student of films and filmography, etc, will probably find a lot more in the film than I did. The beginning was good, the ending was good, it was kind of long in the middle.
JeanneP, you’ve got to tell us the name of the horror flick so we can either rush out to find it, or avoid it.
I got The Dish from the library, and doggone if the disc isn’t damaged. Couldn’t close the DVD drawer.
Has anyone seen Dear Frankie ? It’s one of the few fourstars on my Netflix Queue, and I don’t recognize the names of any of the actors. Set in Scotland. It may be a Canadian film, I’m not sure. 2004, has good reviews on Netflix.
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Oh, Frybabe, I SOOOO agree with you!
Arts & Entertainment used to have such great shows. It was like PBS only with ads. You could see such wonderful classical and modern stuff. Now it is nothing. Just reruns. I guess it is a matter of finances.
Same with the History channel. They used to have really good, informative and accurate stuff. Now, again, it is reruns and it panders to the lowest sort of mind set with just an awful lot of superstitious nonsense and myths that have long since been discredited.
And the Discover channel was chock full of really amazing, fascinating science. Again, it is now almost as bad as I hear Jersey Shore is. Mind, I have never watched Jersey Shore, but I am sure not interested in show after show after show of men racing madly around in big trucks or fishing in rough seas.
I counted upon those wonderful channels at one time for my continuing education. What a disappointment! What a let down!
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A & E and The Learning Channel were the first of the PBS like channels to offer quality entertainment and educational programming. Discovery was not far behind. The Learning Channel was by far the first to recreate itself into something other than it's name implies.
The Science Channel's Through the Wormhole just opened its new season last night. Unfortunately I kept falling asleep on it. I will have to catch in on a rerun or on On Demand.
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I've noticed the same with the History channel, MARYPAGE, and it is most disappointing.
When we first got ATT, I was looking forward to the Discovery channel as well, and that
has also been disappointing. Any time one of you finds something really good on either,
please post about it. It would make such a nice change.
I'm not sure we get the Science Channel, FRYBABE. I'll have to take a look.
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Well, Babi, pseudo-science has encroached on the Science Channel some nights, but they still run a lot of programs that are good. Aside from Wormhole, there is The Universe, which I think, is all reruns now, Science of the Deep, Prophets of Science Fiction (Isaac Azimov, Arthur C. Clark, Robert Heinlien, Phillip K. Dick, George Lucas, Jules Verne, and H. G. Wells this season), Steven Hawking's SciFi Masters (which I haven't seen yet, but looks like dramatizations of SciFi stories rather than documentary), and Secret Life of the Brain (I was watching this one this morning). There are a few technology programs like Modern Marvels and How It's Made for techno buffs.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Flixfind (http://www.flixfind.com/Weblog/)
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Upcoming Films from Books (http://www.abebooks.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/18/10-upcoming-movies-from-books-im-excited-about/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
-
Frybabe, I recently found Prophets of Science Fiction on my cable "on demand." The series is interesting and thought provoking. One that I watched recently on Isaac Asimov showed how he grew up reading about dangerous robot-like creatures taking over the world but they he reinterpreted robots benignly, helping mankind. The episode said that John Campbell, the editor of Astounding Science Fiction (the magazine to which Asimov submitted stories) was the person who recognized that Asimov had included in his early robot stories three laws of robotics which all robots must obey. John Campbell helped Asimov to make them explicit.
For those of you who are not science fiction fans, ;) the three laws are:
1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.
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I found "Dear Frankie" at my library on DVD
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Was HAL a robot?
There is a movie out called "Trout Fishing in Yemen". Anyone seen it? Ewan McGregor. I am going to see "Coriolanus" on Monday, mainly because I can't resist Ralph Fiennes.
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While HAL wasn't technically a robot, I'd say that his artificial intelligence was closely aligned with the kind of potential intelligence in robots that many people fear.
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I would be paricularly inerested in 'Prophets of Science Fiction', FRYBABE. It is
fascinating how much of our present day science was foreseen by these men, long before
it's time. I have come to the conclusion that mankind can imagine a thing, he can
eventually bring it to pass.
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There is a movie out called "Trout Fishing in Yemen".
Hopefully not to be confused with Richard Brautigan's "Trout Fishing in America."
Just looked the film up on Netflix -- DVD not yet available. The title appears to be
Salmon Fishing in Yemen
They're members of the same family, aren't they? Trout and salmon?
With Ewen McGregor and directed by Lasse Halstrom (My Life as A Dog)
Should be a winner
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Yes I think so - but although I haven't read the book, I believe that this story actually has nothing to do with fishing.
Rosemary
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What a coincidence! I just ran across that title while looking for something else this morning, Pedln. I remember thinking there are salmon in Yemen?
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I'll bet there aren't!
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It seems strange, but trout and salmon are indeed related. If you're lucky enough to live where you can get steelhead, it looks like salmon, but tastes like both trout and salmon combined.
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pedln and pat - Thanks for letting me off the hook (oooh awful pun). I just shouldn't rely on my memory.
If you want to see the best trout in the world go to New Zealand, North Island, around Lake Taupo and Rotorua. They are enormous!!
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Which reminds me I recently heard a twist on an old saying. "If you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. If you teach him how to fish, he'll spend the rest of his life out on a boat drinking beer." :D
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Now they were showing the making of "Salmon fishing in Yemen" and I believe it is showing them fishing. Seems to be about a English men wanting to start in Yemen with the Prince (I believe the ruler is). Want's to show what the youth of the country could be doing instead of wanting to fight etc.
Could be I misunderstood the plot as I was away from the TV.
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Roseheanna
Now the Ralph Feinnes that you say you like. Is the the Feinnes that was so mean playing the Commandant of the Concentration Camp in "Schindler's List?" I hated him. Can't stand to watch him since then. There are 2 Feinnes Brothers I believe.
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JeanneP - Ralph Fiennes is an incredibly versatile actor. He can be so gentle (see "The English Patient" and "The Constant Gardener"), but so menacing as you say in the movie as a Nazi captain. But then there are not many men who have played Nazis on screen who are particularly likeable. Ralph also plays the part of Voldemort, the terrifying villain in the Harry Potter series. He doesn't look his best in that part. He has no nose! His brother is Joseph Fiennes who was in "Shakespeare in Love".
I feel the way you feel about Ralph, in regards to the actor (Benedict Cumberbatch)who plays Sherlock Holmes in the latest TV version. He was such a b.....d in Atonement that to see him makes me feel quite sick. Also Stanley Tucci who played the paedophile killer in "Lovely Bones". I reason that they must be great actors to play these villainous parts so well. I think they are brave too. Not worrying too much about turning off their fans in the audience. Another case in point is "Seven", a very dark movie indeed, with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt as two cops and Kevin Spacey as the particularly frightening killer. I could name many more. However, I don't think John Wayne ever strayed far from his typecasting though :o
I think it is often, but not always the case, that seeing the actor for the first time as a villain can turn you off him/her. "Schindler's List" although the name of the film, is actually not the name of the book. The book is called "Schindler's Ark" by Thomas Keneally. I have met Tom Keneally and he is a lovely, very modest man. He is an ex-priest.
Babi: "If you give a man a fish, he'll eat for a day. If you teach him how to fish, he'll spend the rest of his life out on a boat drinking beer." I like it! :D
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I laughed out loud when I first heard it, ROSE.
I find that I do not have the 'Science Channel', but I do have some channels that offer good
science-oriented shows. National Geographic is one. Yesterday I watched a documentary about
a young American man of Mongolian ancestry who came up with the idea of locating the
forbidden tomb of Genghis Khan. The Khan had the entire territory declared forbidden ground
for 800 years, and that command has been honored ever since.
By a happy circumstance, that 800 years was completed, and this young man persuaded an
impressive team of experts to go with him to locate that tomb. They would not be permitted
to dig, but with today's modern scientific equipment, they could locate and get a clear idea of
anything buried. It's amazing what they were able to do. I recommend the film highly.
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I had gotten the film "Hugo" from Netflix. My dear good friend had not yet seen it (even though she reviews film for a local paper), so she said she would prepare lunch if I would bring the dvd. What a wonderful, decent movie. It is 2 hrs 7 minutes, but worth every one of them. Pause for a bathroom break, and you'll be fine! LOL.
I mentioned to her that "isn't it amazing that in a single year, we have three movies with Paris backgrounds: Hugo - set in Paris, pays homage to "film"; "the Artist, set in Paris, paying homage to silent film and "Midnight in Paris" set in, duh, Paris, and pays homage to literary figures (mostly). She hadn't thought about that. Quirky of me to catch it, and I havent' even seen Artist or Midnight.
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Babi - Thanks for the information about Genghis Khan and his 800 years. I have always wanted to go to Mongolia. Many of my refugee friends from Afghanistan can trace their ancestry back to GK and his garrison who stopped over around Bamiyan (I think) on their way to plundering Europe. GK had a maxim - he would warn the city that if all the inhabitants did not surrender that he would attack them and kill every last man, woman, child and animal. At least he gave them a chance which is more than one can say about a lot of modern marauders.
I will most certainly keep my eyes open for that documentary.
Has anyone been watching "Homeland"? Raw but compelling.
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Know nothing about 'Homeland'. What is that about, ROSE? (It may have been mentioned
before, but if so it didn't 'stick'.)
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I've heard of Homeland, but don't know anything about it. Most of my TV shows have been coming from Netflix. A little older, but no commercials, and don't have try to keep up every week. But last night a friend emailed me and said Harry's Law was coming on NBC at 7 pm. We'd been talking about Kathy Bates earlier in the week, and if she hadn't emailed me I would have forgotten all about the show. I've always liked Kathy Bates, but think I'll have to watch a few more Harry episodes before I can say more about this show. She seems pretty glum.
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Rose: I have a documentary movie about a blind American musician who went to mongolia to participate in a "throat-singing" compitition: a traditional Mongolian form of music where the throat becomes a musical instrument. It shows a lot of the country.
If you are a fan of the eccentric Nobel-Prize winning physicist, Richard Feynman, he went to Mongolia (don't know if he played his drums there) and the makers of this film found, in the Mongolian town where they were a sign "Feynman Lives".
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JoanK, I remember seeing a documentary about Richard Feynman's attempts before he died to get to Tuva to hear the Tuvan throat singing. I also have the book, "Tuva or Bust," that includes a recording of throat singing. There is a video of the throat singing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY1pcEtHI_w (the throat singing comes a minute or two into the video).
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We usually watch "Harry's Law", PEDLN, though I do have mixed feelings about it. I usually
enjoy it once we get into it, but I'm never particularly eager to see them. Definitely
some ambiguity there.
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I adore Kathy Bates, so of course I wanted to watch Harry's Law. I tried it several times, but the fact is, I still Adore Kathy Bates, but I cannot stand that show and will no longer even attempt to watch it.
So sad.
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I'm kinda with you, MaryPage - but we've still watched it. It may go the way of whatever that lawyer one with Calista Flockhart in it was - got just too weird, so we quit. Of course, Harry's Law probably won't last that long, either.
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Thank you for that recording of throat singing. Different, isn't it.
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Yes, I loved that Calista Flockheart series for so long. Then it started getting more and more
crude and distasteful. I wonder whose bright idea that was? I stopped watching, too.
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Calista Flockheart -- Ally McBeal?
I watched a film earlier this week, realized I had missed quite a bit or at least didn't catch on to some of the happenings until towards the end of the film. So I watched it again, entirely, and loved it. Fireflies in the Garden. The only actor I really knew was Julia Roberts, who played the mother. Wonderful acting on the part of all the cast. Lots of flashbacks, but second-time around everything just fell into place. A family story, father/son conflicts. Highly recommended.
Have you seen films that you had trouble understanding? That you needed to watch more than once to know what was really happening?
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Yes! What leaps to mind is a film a number of years ago "Gospard Park". I saw it three times before I got all the nuances of the plot.
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Julia Roberts is a favorite of mine, but I hadn't heard of that one, PEDLN. I'll definitely be looking
that one up. Thanks for mentioning it.
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JoanK, you know, I saw it (GP) once, but didn't really like it. And so many others did like it. Perhaps it was all a matter of not catching what went on. Maybe I'd better watch that one again.
Babi, apparently Fireflies came out in 2008 or 09, but either wasn't shown in theatres or it bombed in theatres. Not sure, but the DVD was just released this year.
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I now have Series 3 of the "In Treatment. "4 disc each running 4 hours. Just like the other 2 Series. Very good. I could watch Gabriel Bryne in anything. Like us, he is now getting to show his age more.
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Never heard of Fireflies in the Garden until I read it here. However, our library does have it. I am in hold position #71.
While at the library, I picked up a 4-Disc copy of How the States Got their Shapes which apparently was shown on the History Channel. Have only watched 1 disc so far, but it tells of little known facts about each state both its geography and its history. Should be required watching for all of us who are fuzzy in geography.
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dean, we saw a few of those programs about the states - all very interesting. Guess I should put that in my queue.
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Yes, i love the "States" series. It's both fun and educational. History Ch shows parts of it on a regular basis, thank goodness. Maybe it's entertaining enough that people will watch and learn - children and adults. I wonder is teachers are using it.
Jean
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I bought that book, HOW THE STATES GOT THEIR SHAPES by Mark Stein. Shows the outline of each state in the section that tells about it, so you can see exactly what he is talking about. Very interesting.
Marj
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JoanK - What is the name of the documentary you mentioned, please?
JeanneP - Gabriel Byrne is one of my favourite actors too. That beautiful, craggy Irish face. Have you seen the Australian made movie "Jindabyne". It stars Laura Linney, Gabriel Byrne and Deborra-Lee Furness (Hugh Jackman's wife). Jindabyne is a town near the Snowy Mountains. If you have not seen it, please do. The theme song and the movie itself are evidently both based on a novel by Raymond Carver. I am feeling a bit maudlin, because the last time I discussed this movie was with my dear mate, Gumtree. It was one of best Australian movies on her list too. We put together a list of them. Love you, Gum.
Babi - As you probably know I have a taste for the meaty. Meaty is what "Homeland" is. I think the red-haired anti-hero is British, actually, although he plays an American in the series.
The best description I found of the series is on Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeland_(TV_series)
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Thanks for the link, ROSE. It sums up the program very nicely.
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roshanarose, I saw Jindabyne a few years back and really enjoyed it, one of my favorites. As for HOmeland, I guess I'll be waiting awhile as I don't get Showtime and Netflix does not have the DVD yet.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
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Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
ROSE: sorry for my bad memory -- what documentary was that?
I saw the author of "How the States Got their Shapes" on book TV. fascinating!
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JoanK - No worries. Your quote:Rose: I have a documentary movie about a blind American musician who went to mongolia to participate in a "throat-singing" compitition: a traditional Mongolian form of music where the throat becomes a musical instrument. It shows a lot of the country.
Babi and pedln - I am glad you enjoyed the movie, Pedln. As you say "a favourite". There is another movie I always get mixed up with Jindabyne and that is "Lantana", also very good. Jinmdabyne reminds me a bit of where I grew up, in Armidale, NSW. Very cold, but not as much snow as Jindabyne. Babi - You are most welcome.
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I never heard of Harry's Law, but then I don't watch much TV, except movies. What channel?
I watched a movie from the Classics Movie Channel the other night, Girl with Green Eyes (1964), starring Rita Tushingham, Peter Finch and Lynn Redgrave. Loved it! A young naive Irish country girl moves to Dublin and becomes involved with a much travelled older man. A sweet, somewhat sad, but often humorous, story about loss of innocence. I'd watched it long ago and liked it because it was so different and more interesting than the Hollywood movies.
Marj
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Roshannarose.
I just got through watching Series 3 of "In Treatment" As usual just could not stop watching until the DVD ran out (Each one of 4 ran 4 hours. Really enjoyed but did convince me that there would not be a "In Treatment 4". Just by how it ended and how Gabriel's frame of mine was. He looked so tired in it.
Now last night I watched him in a movie. called. P.S. Laura Lindsey was in it. Was very good but sort of like it was from a scene in "In Treatment" to me. Will say more if you say you have seen it.
I will try and find Jindabyne. Sounds interesting. I try not to miss any Australian Movies or many books by writers from There That I like. Will check on Homeland also.
Weather getting nice here and so should be working outside. No excuse of cold weather. Keep making them because of all the good books and DVDs I order
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I can't find the movie. "girl with green eyes" anyplace. Is that the full title?
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Marjifay, Harry's Law is on NBC - right now showing at 8 pm ET on Sunday.
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Yes, Jeanne, "Girl With Green Eyes" is the full title of the movie. It's a 1964 British film. You can get it from Netflix. It's also discussed on IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base). I had no trouble finding it, but if you can't find it by title, look for it under Rita Tushingham's
name in 1964. You probably won't recognize Tushingham's roommate in the movie, a very young Lynn Redgrave who is just great. BTW, it's from a novel by Edna O'Brien, "The Lonely Girl."
Thanks, MaryZ, for the info on the TV program, Harry's Law. I'll look for it on Sunday.
Marj
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I had a lovely time last night. Watched the 1944 JANE EYRE with Orson Welles and Joan Fontaine. I remember thinking she was the most beautiful thing in this world, but last night I found her quite wooden. Still lovely to look at.
All black and white, of course. Actors and actresses I had not seen in years and years and years. It was on TCM. Rather depressing to think they are all dead. The later Jane Eyres have been a huge improvement on this one; but I did enjoy seeing it one more time. The most poignant moments were seeing 11 year old Elizabeth Taylor. She was not known yet, this was pre National Velvet, and was not even listed in the front credits with Margaret O'Brien and the rest. Tears O'Brien was quite good, actually. I always liked her. Is it O'Brien or O'Brian?
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Tomereader, I just finished watching Hugo last night. Loved it, and will no doubt want to see it again, but not right now. You mentioned the three "Paris" films from this year and I have now seen them all. Midnight in Paris is still my favorite. (My NY daughter, visiting here last week, said she and her partner hated it. Can you believe?)
I thought that Hugo was much more a tribute to the films of yesteryear than the Artist. I liked all three films, but The Artist is #3 in that list.
Roshanarose, I just ordered Jindabyne from Amazon -- I think their last one. Long story. Cheap film, but then I order enough to get free shipping. Must stop doing that. But I'm looking forward to also receiving Out of Africa, After the Wedding, and Rabbit-proof Fence. Keeping my fingers crossed on the latter, as it didn't say captions.
Some friends and I were going to watch The Help DVD and then go out to dinner, but the hostess, who has HBO called and said Game Change was showing this afternoon, so we'll watch that instead. I'm looking forward to it. We've been talking about it someplace around here.
MaryPage, interesting about the children in that Jane Eyre. I just looked it up on Netflix and you're right, Elizabeth Taylor wasn't even mentioned.
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I remember seeing that Jane Eyre years ago and really liking it. Now the cameras do so much more with close-ups that you feel you are more inside the characters, though.
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I am dying to see Game Change.
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The Classic Movie Channel was showing Jane Eyre (1943) the other night, but I did not watch it. I loved the book, and just could not picture Orson Wells as Rochester (Yuk).
Actually, I don't want to see any movie of the book -- prefer to keep it in my imagination.
I did watch the film, Devotion (1946) which was an interesting story of the Bronte family, starring Ida Lupino as Emily and Olivia de Havilland as Charlotte, with Paul Henreid as the man they both loved.
Marj
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I didn't watch that Jane Eyre either, MARJ. I have been pleasantly surprised many times,
tho', seeing and old movie, to discover how handsome an actor was as a young man. Orson
might have surprised you. 8)
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MaryPage, I've just finished the book, Game Change, and really enjoyed reading it. We don't get HBO, so I have the movie reserved on Netflix in anticipation of its release on disc.
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Game Change was fantastic and I want to see it again. I was especially impressed with Julianne Moore, who played Sarah Palin. (A few of Tina Fey's bits from Sat.NightLive were also included in the film.) All through the show I kept asking myself, "Is all this true, can it really be true?" Particularly interesting were her relationships with McCain's staff. They really bent over backwards, that's all I can say. I've never been a Palin fan, but she was shown in such a poor light here that I think it would be very painful for her or anyone in her family to view it. I did a little research when I got home and read one statement saying that neither Palin nor McCain have seen the film. That's kind of hard to believe.
The film is adapted from the book with the same title by Mark Halperin (NBC) and I-don't-remember. The book is in three parts --1)Obama/Hilary primary struggle, 2)McCain/Palin campain, and 3)Obama/McCain -- with the film adaptation coming from part 2.
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I have seen a lot about Game Change on the TV, both discussions about the book when it came out, and now about the movie. I will purchase the DVD when it finally comes out.
Over and over and over through my many years I have heard reporters ask celebrities they are interviewing what they are reading. I particularly pay close attention when they ask actual presidents this, as I think in the case of our presidents it is of historical interest. Of all the presidents we have had in my lifetime, I do not know of any who had as tall a pile of books on their TBR stack as Bill Clinton! Apparently he is a whiz of a speed reader! Anyhoo, I thought nothing of Katie Couric's asking Sarah Palin what she reads, and will never forget the sick lurching in my stomach when I saw Sarah's "deer in the headlights" stare at Katie. Truly, if any single one of us in here were asked that question, we would be able to respond at the drop of a hat! I was so embarrassed for Sarah that night, and I did wish the question had not been asked so that she had not had that humiliation.
That being said, I hate hearing history rewritten and the Palin party painting it that it was a set up and Couric was out to "get" her. Katie Couric is too much of a professional to be out to "get" anyone. I just bet Katie was uncomfortable about Sarah's humiliation, as well; and she may well wish that question had not been on her list.
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MARYPAGE, I am one of those who have held a low opinion of Sarah Palin since she first came
on the public scene, for more reasons than I would want to go into. I was horrified to think she
and John McCain might win the presidential campaign, and that John McCain's poor health might
leave us with her as our President. God help us!!
I have seen nothing reported since that has caused me to change my estimation of her potential as a national leader. This latest bit of news merely strengthens that view.
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It is disturbing to me to think that anyone aspiring to the Presidency would not be a reader. Reading is important in so many ways besides for knowledge or relaxation. One of the thoughts I heard expressed long, long ago (I forget who or where) was that in order to better formulate your own beliefs and opinions, you must include in your reading your opponents views and beliefs. You are then much better able to formulate and rebut an opponent's views and strengthen or modify your own.
A line I have never forgotten: "You learn by books!" (Ringo Starr, from A Hard Day's Night). I am curious to know if Mr. Starr is a real reader or if that was just a movie devise. At any rate, that line has always stuck with me.
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Books have been the dearest possessions in my life since I was a toddler. Books have given me comfort and vision when there were no humans available to fill these needs. I cannot imagine living a life without books.
But in all fairness, we are all different. I did not and do not want Sarah Palin elected president of these United States; but for a myriad of other reasons. Think about it. Haven't you had the experience of people who were not readers BUT excelled in practical thinking and connecting the dots and getting things done and promoting good will to all? I have.
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You make a good point, MaryPage, and your comments made me think of a book I'd read years ago, Reversals by Eileen Simpson. She didn't learn until her late teens or early twenties that dyslexia was the cause of so many of her school problems. All she knew was that reading was so hard, writing too. But she could study a foreign language. She married (and later divorced) a poet -- John Merrimam? and went on to become a psychiatrist.
When my daughter visited last week I suggested she take some books back for her partner -- we enjoy similar books -- and Judy said, "she can't read for a year." I guess not. In addition to working three 12 hour nursing shifts a week, she's also doing clinicals working towards nurse practioner certification.
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Oh, mercy! But then, young people always believe themselves indestructible. And thank heaven, up to a point I guess they are. It's marvelous how a youngster can play themselves into total exhaustion, throw themselves on the ground for 15 minutes rest, and be ready to do
it all over again! I hope the young lady is able to keep to her doctor's advice for her eyes sake.
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Babi, I think the eyes are okay. It's more a lack of time for any kind of "frivolous" activity like reading a good book just for fun.
This must be a bonanza week for good viewing. Inspector Lewis is on tonight, maybe reruns, but who remembers everything. Tomorrow – double bonanza with the PBS Great Expectations and the first of AMC’s The Killing, second season. Something will have to be taped and I’ll have to be here to tape it as the trusty VCR now reverts back to 1992.
Do you research films before you see them, do you view cold turkey, or are you somewhere in-between? I’m now doing the research as I’ve seen a few these past two weeks that I wished I’d known more about them before watching. The Last Station, about Tolstoy in his declining years. It would have helped to know a little bit about the Tolstoyans and some of the issues involving Tolstoy and his wife. Excellent casting here – Helen Mirren, Christopher Plummer, and Paul Giamati. Moneyball with Brad Pitt. What do I know about baseball statistics and what happened in Oakland? Very little. And Hugo, which I loved and will definitely watch again. A little more background about George Melies will show things to watch for in the rewatch.
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pedln, that's a great question. I usually watch films without researching the background "history." After I watch a film, I am sometimes inspired to learn more about the topic/background. I do sometimes look into the director or an actor before I watch a film.
In addition to a new PBS GREAT EXPECTATIONS and the first episode of season 2 of THE KILLING, HBO has the first episode of season 2 of GAME OF THRONES on Sunday night at the same time!!
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Well, that's better than permanent eyestrain, PEDLN. All the same, a bit of light
reading could be a great rest from all the hard work and study. Great Expectations
for me; I really developed a strong distaste for "The Killing".
I only research films when I've heard/read differing opinions on them. I miss one
of my old film critics; I could always count on liking the ones he panned! ;D
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I finally watched my DVD of Midnight In Paris last night, and enjoyed it very much.
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If you get a chance, take a friend or a relative and go to see "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen". A beautiful movie, appealing to adults like us, touching, funny, great acting and cinematography to knock your socks off! 5 Stars for this one!
Kristin Scott-Thomas, noted for her wonderful dramatic roles, takes a comic turn in this one, and she is hilarious! Watch her "mow people down" figuratively, spin doctor extraordinaire, and tossing in those hilarious lines. On the big screen in the theatre, you are painfully aware that she is not aging well; all her wrinkles show, but you want to thank her for not succumbing to the "botox/plastic surgery" trend, and looking like a normal, natural woman and not like a plasticized android!
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"Salmon Fishing...." is on our Netflix queue, TOME, but heaven only knows how long it will be
before it's available. Thanks for your review; I'm really looking forward to it now.
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Babi, I am sure it will be several months before Salmon Fishing comes to Netflix. It is still doing a thriving business in the theatres. I would say a couple of months at the least. But it will be worth your wait. Now the English + Scottish accents may give some a hard time, but hopefully the ClosedCaptions will be close enough to what they are saying to hold your attention.
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I haven't seen :"Salmon Fishing movie" here yet. Surprising as we have at least 2 big theatres with about 12 movies showing in each one. Will look out for it. Sounds to be a good one.
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"Salmon Fishing...." is on our Netflix queue, TOME, but heaven only knows how long it will be before it's available. Thanks for your review; I'm really looking forward to it now.
Ditto, Babi. It will no doubt be a wait, but in the meantime The Descendents and Iron Lady DVDs are coming out very soon. War Horse, also. So there will be some of the good ones available to watch. Does it seem to you that there has been an abundance of really good stuff to watch this past year?
DVDs (and streamed films) seem to come out much sooner than they used to. A sign of the times, I guess, as many people are investing in home theatres. Not so many going to the theatres
Did anyone see The Killing, season 2, episode 1, last night? I watched it and taped Great Expectations. Now, -- watch GE, part 1 or wait until next week when the whole show is taped?
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The Descendants has been out for a while now, and I watched the DVD a couple of weeks ago with a daughter and a granddaughter. We all disliked it intensely, albeit we each adore George Clooney. We thought his acting really stupid in this one, and the movie left us depressed.
Do not want AMC to know it, because am so mad at them still for not ending the last season of The Killing by letting us all know who done it, but I DID watch The Killing last night. Great Expectations was never a favorite of mine, and anyway, know I can catch it in reruns over and over again.
They are STILL dragging out the truth about who killed Rosie. In the original Danish story, can tell now, Rosie's father's assistant in the moving business was the killer. But last night he shot the guy, Richmond?, who is running for office and then shot himself. So he did not do it in the American version. Heard the Americans changed the storyline quite a bit, but was unaware it was to this extent. Do not now have a clue, but am still furious with AMC. And while crazy about the actress playing the detective, am getting a bit bored with her popping that chewing gum and letting her kid eat all that fast food.
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The Descendants has been out for a while now, and I watched the DVD a couple of weeks ago with a daughter and a granddaughter.
MaryPage, I think Netflix has something in their contract with movie companies that they will not make DVDs available until after they've been out a certain length of time. Sorry you didn't like THe Descendents, I can't comment otherwise until I've seen it.
I loved Midnight in Paris. My daughter said she and her partner absolutely hated it.
Interesting about the differences in the Danish and US versions of The Killing. I think we all probably suspected Belko at one time.
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TOME, it has happily been my experience that English, as spoken in England, that is,
lends itself to lipreading very well. I can always tell when an actor is speaking
with an English accent just from the way the form certain words with their lips.
I've even been able to state that some word in the CC is not the word spoken.
Scottish, I'm not sure about. Have to wait and see, but thankfully the CC's are
there to help.
All those are on our queue, too, PEDLN. Valerie watches the movies with a pen and
pad handy, to jot down the titles of all the movies that look interesting in the
previews. What, exactly, are 'streamed' films? ???
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Babi, sure wish I had your lip/speech-reading skills.
re: streamed films. Remember in the "olden days" before Netflix had a meltdown, you could watch their movies on your computer, just like watching U-Tube or a news video. (The problem for those of us who need captions was that the films didn't always have captions or subtitles. Netflix always said "we're working on it.")
Now these same streamed films can be shown on TV, with the films coming in via a multitude of different ways; hooking the TV up to a computer, using a wireless router, Blu-Ray players are coming out with direct attachments for Netflix and other similar companies, something called Roku which goes direct to Netflix, etc. etc.
Amazon streams videos now, just like Netflix. Hulu and Hulu-plus, iTunes, also.
I guess a simple definition of streamed films would be -- direct from cyberspace to your TV (and/or your cellphone, iPad, computer, whatever). Supposedly all this is the voice of doom for DVDs and they will eventually go the way of tapes.
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Well they won't disappear here yet, as although in theory we can get streamed films, in practice our signal is so poor that they would break up all the time. It is irritating, we are only 20 miles from Edinburgh, and although we do live in the country, it is a well populated and busy area (most of the population commutes into the city), but the telecommunications are dreadful. Our phones do not work properly, our internet is so slow is sometimes feels like it is going backwards, and as for streaming of films - no chance, no matter how much you pay nor who your provider is. The Scottish government has recently announced that it is going to roll out a lot of money to improve these services in rural areas - but guess what? this rural area does not qualify because it is too affluent!
Rosemary
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Alas, PEDLN, it doesn't work with people who talk rapidly or tend to mumble. Did you
notice there are people who can talk barely moving their lips at all?!
Viewing streamed films sounds like more trouble than it's worth. I'll be content with
my DVD and Netflix. Hopefully, they'll stay around at least as long as I do. ;D
Congratulations, ROSEMARY. Didn't realize how affluent you were, did you? ::)
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I think that people who talk without moving lips must be a Texas Habit. I had a hard time with my 3 grandsons there all time they were growing up. Now their children do the same thing. like they mumble.
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I just realized that Whitechapel, Season 3, started last week on BBC America. I watched the first episode "on demand" on my cable. The case in episode one is the slaughter of four people at a tailor’s fortified workshop. An expert in the myths and legends behind unexplained or violent deaths, is retained by DI Chandler as the team’s historical adviser. He believes that the huge archive at Whitechapel station will provide the necessary insight into this baffling crime that appears to echo the Ratcliff Highway murders 200 years earlier. The conclusion of the 2-parter is on in my area tonight.
Two more 2-part cases will follow in the weeks ahead.
I really like the protagonist DI Chandler. He is inexperienced, suffers from OCD and is an educated, upper-crust young man placed as the superior of some older, more experienced men who have been trained "on the job." In season 1 he was given his assignment as the supposed final step before he was fast-tracked for promotion. The case which turned out to be a copy-cat Jack the Riper, did not go smoothly or well. At the end of the case, he remained to look after his mortally wounded second-in-charge while the "Ripper" escaped and later committed suicide. He wasn't promoted but he asked to remain in his present job, so that he could learn more about detective work.
This season he is continuing to earn the trust of his team and is trying to know them more personally. He is still having trouble with his OCD and is inability to relax among others.
See http://www.bbcamerica.com/whitechapel/ for more about the series.
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Interesting premise, MARCIE. The OCD could really hamper him, or it could help him be really
persistent in pursuing a criminal. Maybe both. Is it only available here On Demand?
I think I know which channel here has BBC , though, so I'll try there.
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Babi, I watched the episode "live" last evening on BBC America. I only had to watch the first part "on demand" since I missed it live last week. The show has some humor too re what happened when he got the courage to ask the lovely coroner's assistant(?) on a date.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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Marcie, I found White Castle on BBC and DVR'd it for future viewing. Was it the second episode? How many episodes are there?
Sally
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This season of Whitechapel, season 3, has THREE 2-part episodes. They just finished the first episode (part 1 and 2). Next will will start the second of the three episodes for the season.
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I watched the first White Chapel and then forgot it existed. Either I wasn't interested or something else was opposite that I wanted to see. I can't believe they are starting season three already.
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I'd forgotten about too, Frybabe, after the first disc. But that's all that's available from Netflix right now. Is the second season out on DVD?
I was browsing the links in the heading above this week, and one of them is from BookReporter with quite a bit about films from books, and also TV shows. They mentioned "The Firm," shown on NBC on Saturday nights. Remember Grisham's The Firm, published several years ago? The TV series picks up with the same characters 10 years after the book ended. Has anyone seen it? I hope to give it a try tomorrow night.
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Pedlin, "The Firm" is not all that great.
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No luck so far, MARCIE. I pulled up the BBC channel for, I think, our local station but
was not able to locate this show. Obviously, even if I find it I will have already missed
at least two episodes. I'm going to check Netflix under "Whitechapel" and see what I find.
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Thank you, Marcie. Thanks to you, I watched the first 2 episodes of this season's Whitechapel on On Demand on BBC America.
I, too, had forgotten about the series from last season. Gosh but it is a nuisance being my age! I had a fairly remarkable memory when I was young.
I like the actors, especially the young man who plays the detective; but all the actors are really good. I do not understand the series reaching so hard to be spooky. The crimes are bad enough without them trying to add all of that unworldlyness to them. I particularly did not get that scrabble, scrabble, scrabble business that made it seem as though either a human were given the ability to reduce itself to something small that could climb walls and get into houses through cracks OR there was some kind of small mechanical device being operated by a human to get in and let the operator in or something else otherworldly. Did that bother you at all? Did you even notice it? In the end, it did not even seem to apply to what was going on!
And yes, the minute he hit his date's apartment, the mess just really drove him nuts. Would have me too and all. I do not suffer from OCD, but am really quite obsessive about neatness and cleanliness. Quite!
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Babi, in my area BBC is on Comcast channel 162. I don't know if that has any relation to your area. It's ok if you missed the first two episodes for this season (season 3) since the case will not be related to the next 2 episodes. They will have a new case.
MaryPage, yes, I thought that scrabbling speeded up "lizard-type" movement of that man that they kept showing between scenes was very weird. And you're right, that it turned out not to be relevant. (He wasn't some kind of X-Files mutant).
Yes, the apartment of his date was extremely messy and she was smoking non-stop too, in the kitchen. He got out of there as fast as he could!
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It'll be a while before that episode makes it to Netflix, but the bit about the messy apartment is certainly realistic. Several years ago I belonged to a Parents Without Partners group. One member was a young woman with two little boys, a very nice person, but her house was the biggest mess you'd ever want to see. Always. I remember some man in the group telling me that he had dated her, but just had to stop because the house was so bad.
Another 5-star film -- my cup is running over. Dear Frankie. Did someone recommend it here? Set in Scotland, a 9-yr-old deaf boy is writing letters to the father he does not remember -- "Dear Da" and Da is replying. Someone is lying, but truth will have to come out because the child has made a bet that will cost him dearly if he loses. A delightful film.
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Went to see Mirror, Mirror today, and adored it. A great take on Snow White. Julia Roberts absolutely delicious as the wicked queen. The young Lily Collins who plays Snow reminds me of the young Audrey Hepburn. This movie is a ball of fun, and there are simply heaps of terribly funny references to other famous films, other famous people, and other film roles played by this cast.
Does anyone besides me think Mare Winningham, who plays the cook in Mirror, Mirror, looks related to Lea Thompson, who plays Kathryn in Switched At Birth? I think they could play at being related, even if they are not.
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MaryPage - Like you I like that young detective. He seems so ingenuous. I like the part where he went to his "Gentlemen's Club" and was upbraided by another gentlement for looking so unkempt (he was actually looking like the policeman he is).
I have seen that ingenuous and unkempt detective in a series in which he was so sharp and decisive you would hardly recognise him. It is an ABC series called "Spooks" and the young detective plays a top MI5 operative. He is quite excellent in the role. "Spooks" by the nature of its theme has quite a few of the actors come to an untimely end, and the young man in questiion was one of them :(. I read somewhere that "Spooks" is shown under a different name in the US.
I looked up "Whitechapel" and found out that the young detective's real name is Rupert Penry-Jones. When I was at school las century anyone with a hyphenated name was considered to be a bit "posh". Another thing about Rupert is that he looks a lot like my ex-husband (whom I still love). Sigh!
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Pedln, Thank you for the recommendation of "Dear Frankie." I've just put it on hold at my library.
MaryPage, now that I think about it, Mare Winningham and Lea Thompson do look very much alike.
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Ooooooo! Penry-Jones. That's right, I forgot he was in WhiteChapel. I saw him in 39 Steps. He made a favorable impression.
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Whenever someone I really like dies in a role, ROSE, I like to console myself
with the thought that he/she asked to be 'cut' so they could accept another
role. Or the current contract was terminating and they wanted to move on.
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Good advice Babi. It is often the case though that the "new" actor is not as good (or as cute?) as his predecessor. Doctor Who could be the exception to this though. The good thing about "Spooks" is that the boss has been a constant and he is an excellent actor.
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Was it here that I heard about My Dog, Tulip? We got it from Netflix and watched it this evening. What a charming, quirky, fabulous movie! Many thanks to whoever mentioned it!
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Never heard of that one, MARYZ. Val and I generally love good animal
stories. I'll look it up.
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Re A Man and his Dog films I really suggest this film. It is one of my favorite films. Netflix has it.
Umberto D.
Bankrupt and lonely, an old man (Carlo Battisti) considers committing suicide. Since he has only a devoted dog and a maid (Lina Genneri) as his companions, things look bleak -- until one day when the old man's luck changes, giving him new hope. Director Vittorio De Sica's touching portrait of one man's effort to retain his pride in the face of adversity is a treasure of Italian post-war cinema.
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MaryZ and jeriron, I've never heard of either of those, but they both sound good.
I don't know when I'm ever going to get to see The Help. Two friends and I were going to watch it and then elected to see Game Change on HBO instead. We were set to watch it last night and then go out to dinner. But I also brought along from Netflix The Descendants and My Week with Marilyn, and suggested we watch the Netflix double header and just order in pizza. Which we did and we all really liked The Descendants, thought George Clooney especially did a great job. Maybe it was the timing or double headers aren't such a hot idea once you're a "senior," but none of us liked My Week with Marilyn. I know I dozed a little bit, the others found things to do in the kitchen. We just found it boring.
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pedln - I have avoided seeing My Week with Marilyn as I have it in my head that Monroe would be a very difficult person to portray. I am sure Michelle Williams does a good job, but she seems somehow too small to play Marilyn. It hasn't anything to do with her stature though, but more her lack of presence.
I also haven't wanted to see The Descendants as I am completely over George Clooney who I don't fancy much as an actor. Oooohhh. I can hear the complaints, just my opinion.
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No complaint from here, as I agree with you!
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I think that the only thing I like about George are his Eyes. Beautiful. Many more men actors I like better. Just liked the movie for the Photography of the island.
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I went to see Salmon Fishing In The Yemen and adored it. A great romantic comedy. Saw a wonderfully long preview of The Great Exotic Marigold Hotel, too. It looks beyond wonderful. Can hardly wait! Also, there is a new Diane Keating romantic comedy coming. Darling Companion.
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Oh lucky you, MaryPage. I wonder how long it will be before those two -- Yemen and Marigold -- come out on DVD. They'll be at the top of my list for sure.
No movie and dinner get-togethers on tap for this week, but last week we saw The Iron Lady. Meryl Streep was just outstanding and I could surey understand how and why she got best actress. And in my post-movie research I was so pleased to see that the makeup artists for this show also won Oscars. They certainly deserved it.
The film was good, very flash-backy. And in the beginning I was a little confused about some things. I won't rave about it, but will recommend it. What I wished while watching was that I had looked about a little bit about Margaret Thatcher beforehand, like a chronology of her political life, and who her contemporaries, other than Reagan, were in the rest of the world.
In the future, I'll do that for any type of biographical film.
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That's a good thought, PEDLN. It would be helpful, wouldn't it, to know some of the background of a person before you go see what a screenwriter has done with their bio.
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I heard about My Dog, Tulip here (I think). We watched it last week, and absolutely loved it! Then we found out it was based on a 50-year-old book. Haven't read that, but our daughter has it out of the library. Has anybody here read the book?
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I just finished watching Midnight in Paris, on DVD from our library. I enjoyed it very much. There were times when I could picture Woody Allen speaking the lines he wrote for Owen Wilson. They are very different but I think that Owen was charming in the role and played it very well.
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Was it here that someone mentioned San Juan de Marco (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112883/)? Definitely one to look for - a funny, quirky movie. Thanks for the recommendation.
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I love Don Juan de Marco. I think everyone was very good in that film. I really like Johnny Depp.
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I just read where the actor Tommy Lee Jones was honored at Harvard Univ. with a Harvard Arts Medal in a ceremony hosted by fellow actor John Lithgow. Both are two of my favorite male actors, and both graduated from Harvard.
I see that Tommy Lee Jones has just finished a new film LINCOLN directed by Steven Spielberg, and based on the book by Doris Kearns Goodwin which we read here not long ago. Jones stars as Thaddeus Stephens, Daniel Day Lewis is Lincoln, and Sally Field is Mary Todd Lincoln. That's a film a want to see as soon as it's in theaters!
Marj
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Me, too.
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The TBS or TBV list is soon going to overtake the TBR list.
I think My Dog, Tulip was mentioned here, MaryZ. I'm not familiar with Don Juan deMarco, but it looks good.
Marjifay, thanks for the info about Spielberg's Lincoln. From what I read just now, it looks like it will be released late 2012, after the election. One comment said to watch it be in the Oscars 2013. Now, I haven't read Team of Rivals. Those of you who have, what would you recommend -- read it before seeing the film, or read it after? That one thick book.
And then there is The Conspirator which takes place after the assassination, with a focus on the trial of Mary Surrat. Directed by Robert Redford.
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All very exciting here as Colin Firth ;D and Nicole Kidman are currently filming in Edinburgh, and are next week coming out to North Berwick to film some more. It's for something called The Railway Man, about a Scot who is haunted by memories of being forced to work on the Thai/Burma railway during the war:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-17870048
May have to have a 'casual meander' through N Berwick one day next week!
Also in Edinburgh, a film is being made of Ian Rankin's book, 'Doors Open':
http://www.ianrankin.net/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=162
Rosemary
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Mary Todd Lincoln is not presented in a very good light in what history I've read
that touched on her. It would be interesting to see what Sally Field makes of her.
I tend to see Field more as a humorous character; hardly Mrs. Lincoln's type. Still,
Sally Field is an accmplished actress. I would expect a good performance from her
anytime.
Oh, how exciting, ROSEMARY. I hope you do go; you can ell us anything of interest
you see. I'm not one to follow the lives of celebrities (same old) but a chance to
see a pair of good actors at work would be enthralling.
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The infamous Death Railway. The Japanese treated their conscripts abysmally to say the least. I have seen an occasional reference in war documentaries and the movie Bridge on the River Kwai. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
BTW, did any of you know that Bridge on the River Kwai was written by a Frenchman? Has anyone read it? Is the new movie based on a book? I didn't see any mention of a book in the article.
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Apparently there is a book by the same name by Eric Lomax, a British soldier who was one of those captured and working on the railroad. He had always had a passion for trains and made meticulous drawings of the railway while imprisoned. Suspected as a spy by the Japanese, he was tortured.
Rosemary, I think just about anything with Colin Firth has got to be good. I hope you get to do your "casual meander."
I tend to see Field more as a humorous character
That's interesting, Babi, I tend to see her as a "strong woman" type.
It's good to know we have some good films to look forward to, those mentioned here recently and the ones in Yemen and the Marigold HOtel. It's nice to have some interesting entertainment that's based on substance, not fluff.
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Sally Field was good with comedy (Soapdish was great!) but she does strong women dramatic parts very well also (Not Without My Daughter, Norma Rae). I hate it when good actresses get pushed aside after 40. It will be interesting to see what she does with the Mary Todd Lincoln role.
I hope this year's films will be better than those for 2011.
Marj
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Pedln, I doubt if it makes much difference if you read Team of Rivals before seeing the Lincoln movie. They are two mediums and likely to be different. And the book is so long, they'll undoubtedly use only a portion of it. (Just as the movie East of Eden used only part of Steinbeck's great novel, but the film was also great.)
I told my son about the film Lincoln. He said he'd wait for the reviews because he thinks Spielberg is only good at directing Science Fiction movies.
Marj
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I told my son about the film Lincoln. He said he'd wait for the reviews because he thinks Spielberg is only good at directing Science Fiction movies.
That's interesting, Marj, I think he'd run into a lot of argument there.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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marj, tell him to look again re Spielberg. Click here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Steven_Spielberg_films) for a list of his films which include the Indiana Jones movies, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan. Definitely not all SciFi.
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Now for some reason I just can't think of Colin Firth in that kind of a movie. I am sure he will be good but most probably be all Muddy and thin and awful looking in it.
2 men on my Street growing up In UK came back home after being a POW and working on that railroad during the war. Was awful to see them. Never the same. And then my girlfriends sister had become Engaged to a man prior to him going into the service. He was a POW also. same place. When she knew he was coming home she arraigned her marriage to him. Was told to just wait awhile but didn't.
He again never got over it. Use to scare us . He ended up in a Mental Hospital and they were divorced later. They had been POWs from 1939 to 1945. long time.
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Has anyone here seen "Tree of Life" with Brad Pitt? Does anyone know what the movie was about? I have never seen such a waste of money put on film. And to think there were several nominations for the film on the Oscars.
Dumb, dumb, dumb.
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The POWs were treated very badly by the Japanese. My former step-FIL missed the Bataan Death March by one hour. When he came back from the war he was skin and bones. They had to remove half his stomach because of the damage.
Does anyone remember the movie King Rat? The author, James Clavell, was a prisoner in the Changi prison camp in Singapore. That was supposed to have been one of the better prison camps. The novel was inspired/based on his experiences as a POW. It was Clavell's first novel, I believe.
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Rosemary, I do hope you get to saunter by Colin Firth!
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Well Marcie, I will be going up to N Berwick later on for shopping, but if they're filming today they'll be almost swimming along the streets - it's pouring and blowing a gale. I expect they're safely tucked up in the Macdonald Hotel.
I haven't seen the films about that Japanese bridge, but I have read JG Ballard's book 'Empire of the Sun', which was graphic about the POW camps. Terrible, and I imagine they treated the soldiers much worse.
Have not seen The Tree of Life, but it's amazing what gets nominated for awards sometimes, both in films and books, don't you think?
Last night I watched a documentary about Ewan McGregor taking vaccines up the Congo River as part of his UNICEF ambassador role. It was very interesting - Congo apparently has a 90% vaccination rate, which must be pretty good for a country like that. The worst thing was seeing how the Bantu people exploit the Pygmies (I think they are called something else now but unfortunately I can't remember what) and treat them as slaves, and what devastation is being caused by alcohol being given to these poor people instead of proper wages. But UNICEF seemed to be doing a good job, and I do think Ewan McGregor has his heart in the right place. I don't think I'd go up the tiny tributaries of that river in a hollowed out tree trunk, then walk through swamps, to get to remote settlements, even if I was being filmed.
Rosemary
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Very true, MARJ and PEDLN. Sally Field has handled serious drama beautifully, and
probably is as strong as the women she had depicted. I suspect I am influenced by
my first introduction to her, as the 'Flying Nun'. In truth, she is a superb actress
and handle any role, imo.
There is also the fact that Mary Todd Lincoln is, for me, one of the more unlikable
historical figures. Which of course is grossly unfair. Judging people by what later
historians write is not the most reliable yardstick.
I sometimes suspect that critics don't understand a film either, but figure it must
be very clever and original and they ought to like it. They nominate it, thinking
it will make them appear brilliant and clever.
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Tomereader wrote, "Has anyone here seen "Tree of Life" with Brad Pitt? Does anyone know what the movie was about? I have never seen such a waste of money put on film. And to think there were several nominations for the film on the Oscars.
Dumb, dumb, dumb."
I'm glad I didn't waste money on it. LOL. I didn't think it sounded like something I'd want to see. I've not been too enthralled by Sean Penn's films.
Marj
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Empire of the Sun was a stylized account of Ballard's own experiences, and everything he wrote shows the unhealed wounds from that time.
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marjifay, in actuality, Sean Penn only appeared in the last few minutes of the film, and we still don't know what or who he represented. (My hubby, my daughter and her hubby were watching with me...and they seemed to think he was the grown up, mistreated son. ) We were all puzzled and decided we would never watch it again, and that it was the worst movie we had seen. My wallet is so happy that I didn't spend money to go see it in the theatre!
Other than the cinematography in the earliest scenes, the other Nominations were probably just payments in kind to the producer (Pitt), director (?) etc.
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MaryZ: love your tag:
"Everyone, in some small sacred sanctuary of the self, is nuts. -Leo Rosten"
So true. I like Rosten.
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Still Pouring down here today. Watched a DVD which I had been wanting to watch but had to wait until in the mood. It is as gloomy as the weather but worth watching. "God on Trial" the name. Again I learned more about Jewish History past that I had not read or heard before. Makes a person think about truth and fiction that appears in most religions.
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JoanK - glad you like it - it was a "thought for the day" on Wordsmith a while back.
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Hey! Hey! Hey!
If you are able to stay up late enough tonight, DO catch Charlie Rose on Public Television if he is carried where you are. He is on at eleven P.M. on both of our PBS channels: Washington DC and Baltimore.
His first guest is Dame Judi Dench talking about her movie coming out this month: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It is a comedy with Maggie Smith and many others of our favorite British older actors. I can hardly wait!
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Thanks for the recommendations, MaryPage.
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Marjifay, I did watch The Tree of Life a few months ago, don’t ask me why. I was one of the dumb ones who stuck with it. When I started looking at reviews AFTERWARDS, I found that most gave up after about 20 minutes. (Like I did earlier this week with Jane Austen In Manhattan) At the time, I think I had it mixed up with another new film The Tree, which I’m due to get from Netflix shortly. After viewing, my thoughts were that the picture could never get an Oscar, although it could be possible for the director, Terrence Malick. I guess it’s one of those you either hate or love, with very few lovers
I remember seeing Empire of the Sun several years ago, and I think that Criterion has recently come with a remastered edition. Not sure about that. William Woo, who used to be editor of the St. Louis Post Dispatch (the first not named Pulitzer) was born in Shanghai and as a young child came by ship to America with his mother, right at the end of WWII. Several of his columns would remind me of Empire of the Sun as he wrote childhood experiences and the trip to the States. I often wished he would write a book or at least compile his articles into one.
Kathleen Turner was on Morning Joe this morning talking about her new film, The Perfect Family, about a woman who wins the Catholic Woman of the Year award and then must deal with the knowledge that her family is not Perfect. Has anyone seen it? I’m not sure if it’s out yet or not.
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I watched the Charlie Rose interview with Dame Judy - and kept muttering, "Shut up, Charlie - and let HER talk!!"
Fascinating clip/review of her films; I had no idea she began at such a young age.
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Thanks, Pedln, for mentioning Kathleen Turner's film The Perfect Family. Looks as if the film will be out this week, in Los Angeles anyway. I see that John Ritter's son, Jason, is also in it. I loved Turner in Peggy Sue Got Married, War of the Roses, Serial Mom.
Marj
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Tonight on CHARLIE ROSE he is going to talk about the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel again, this time with both Judi Dench and the film's director.
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MaryPage, I can't wait for that DVD of Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. And apparently it is doing well in the locales (12 cities) where it has been shown. The article below describes how it has held its own when up against the so-called blockbusters.
Best Exotic (http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/story/2012-05-10/marigold-hotel-succeeds-in-avengers-shadow/54866796/1)
"We weren't afraid of The Avengers," Gilula says. One reason: "There hasn't been a film that catered to sophisticated tastes since the Oscars." Nor are they scared of Friday's arrival of Dark Shadows with its vamped-up Johnny Depp, as Marigold Hotel expands this weekend into 61 cities and 177 theaters supported by revised TV spots that tie in with Mother's Day. "The exciting thing is, its core audience is potentially much larger," says Gilula, especially as word of mouth builds
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And if that is not enough for you, keep these up and coming "art house" films in mind.
Smaller films could be big this summer (http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/story/2012-05-16/blockbuster-alternatives-smaller-summer-films/54866790/1)
And here's a link to one of them that we'll probably be hearing a lot about near next Oscar season, about a six-year-old Mississippi girl named Hushpuppy. Be sure to watch the trailer.
Beasts of the Southern Wild (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/beasts-of-the-southern-wild-trailer_n_1472103.html?ref=entertainment)
What have y ou been watching recently? Last week I saw In the Land of Blood and Honey, Angelina JOlie's first stab at directing. I gave it three Netflix stars. I didn't dislike it, but it was very very bloody, cruel, more sex than necessary. Made me realize how little I know about what happened in Bosnia between the Serbs and Muslims.
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Thanks for those articles, Pedln. Beasts of the Southern Wild especially looks interesting to me.
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Thanks for those links, PEDLN. I'm definitely going to get on the list for at least two
of them. "Beasts...", definitely, and "The Intouchables" looks intriguing, too.
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They are making a movie here in town these days. It is to be called “Better Living Through Chemistry” and centers around a corner store on our State Circle which has, throughout living memory, housed a gentleman’s uniform and dress clothing store that recently succumbed in our current economy. The movie people have converted it into a drug store (I guess that is where the “chemistry” comes in?), and are, according to our local newspaper, thrilled with this locale.
We have a number of circles here in Annapolis. State circle encircles our State House. Annapolis is the capital of Maryland and our State House is the oldest of continuous use here in the United States. For 9 months, we were actually the capital of these United States and the Treaty of Paris was signed here by George Washington. That treaty ended the Revolutionary War.
So, while I have no idea whether Better Living Through Chemistry will be any good or not, you can see my beautiful little city that way. Annapolis is special!
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What fun to be able to watch it happening! A movie about Jackie Robinson is to be filmed here this summer. It stars Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, so everybody is all agog that he might be spotted.
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MARY: what fun! Annapolis is a beautiful town; I'm surprised it's not used more often.
The apartment complex I lived in while looking for my condo was used as a movie setting: I'm told my bedroom window was featured. It's a gangsta movie, so I've never seen it. The super told me it was fun at first to have the movie people there, but they got awfully tired of it.
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"Better Living Through Chemistry" was a DuPont slogan at one time.
Not much on the movie in IMDB yet, but I see they have Judi Dench and Ray Liotta in the cast. Looks like they are putting it into the comedy/drama category. Trophy wife, affair, sex, drugs, murder.
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"Trophy wife, affair, sex, drugs, murder". In other words, just a day at the office.
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;D
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I didn't know those things about Annapolis history MARYPAGE. That's certainly something to
be proud of. The only pictures I recall seeing re. that city are those filmed around the
Naval Academy. That's certainly a lovely place.
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http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdstatehouse/html/home.html
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Oh, thanks for the link to the picture, MARY. How strange; the brick building and the white
tower don't seem to belong on the same building. It looks rather like one of the lovely coastal
lighthouses, standing just behind courthouse.
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That's a lovely picture, Mary Page. All the times I've been to DC, I don't think I've ever been to Annapolis. Maybe I'll just drive myself up there sometime and take a tour.
Re: the upcoming, now out, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I broke down and downloaded the eBook. I've enjoyed it so far, not quite what I expected -- am trying to figure out who's who -- Judy, Maggie, and Penelope. And the dirty old man? A bit more earthy than I expected, but shucks, we old folks aren't prudes.
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Pedln, a tour of Annapolis, a very old Colonial town, is well worth while. So are tours of our United States Naval Academy and St. John's College, both of which are right in downtown Historical Annapolis.
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A beautiful picture of a beautiful building. Neat that they caught it at a time when all the trees are encased in ice. It's sights like that that make me really miss Maryland.
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I have been watching the 2008 BBC TV mini-series of Little Dorrit (story by Charles Dickens), from Netflix.
Wonderful acting and story!
Marj
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Marj, I really liked that adaptation of Little Dorrit too. There is a video preview and lots of information at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/littledorrit/
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THIS IS THE DAY I am off to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!
Charlie Rose had Bill Nighy on for an hour night before last, and he was fabulous. I have now seen 3 full hours about that movie on the Charlie Rose show alone! One hour with just Judi Dench, one with Judi and the director and Tom Wilkinson, and the last with Bill Nighy. Bliss!
Will let you know how it went.
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Thanks for mentioning those Charlie Rose shows again, MaryPage. It looks like they are available online at
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/12357
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/12334
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/12350
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The movie was great. I had expected a comedy rather in the Noel Coward or George Bernard Shaw or Oscar Wilde tradition. Not so. There were a lot of terribly funny lines, and lots of people laughed out loud a lot. I laughed out loud twice; really, really tickled, I was. I also expected a beautiful travelogue of India. Not so. I think it was all filmed in Udaipur.
India wise, in the beginning the camera does some stuff I hate; i.e., going hand held and all up and down and every which way. I fear they were trying to give the impression of zillions of people going every which way, but it just made me uncomfortable. Other than that, though, the photography is superb and the vistas to die for. I especially liked it when Judi Dench was walking through the town. Slowed the pace and allowed me to look around better. I like slow. A lot.
Well, the story is a real slice of life; that is what it is. Underneath the gaiety is a lot of drama. Very profound. Not enough time to really get deeply into the 7 English characters, but they do a good job with the time they have. I was quite satisfied at the end, albeit feeling quite sobered. They do not cut you any slack about being old, that's for sure.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
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MaryPage, I was looking forward to your thoughts about the film and am delighted to see your critique here. I'm about halfway through the book, enjoying it, but thinking , knowing the cast, that the movie may well be better than the book. If you don't think you'd be giving secrets away, could you tell us the first names of the characters played by Judi, Maggie, Penelope and Bill. I think I know Bill's character, but am having trouble with the others.
Can 't wait to see the film, someday. Is it just us -- I'm really hyped up about this film -- or could this be the big hit of the summer?
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Thank you very much, MaryPage, for your insights and comments about the film. Pedln, after you see it, let us know if you think it's going to be a hit!
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Pedln, you are asking names from an 83 year old (next week) woman with a huge forgettery, but I'll try another approach than names:
Judi Dench is the narrator and she plays the woman just widowed and apparently her husband gambled or something, they don't stress what at all, and she has nearly nothing left and does NOT want to go live with her son. She goes alone to India.
Maggie Smith plays a woman who spent her entire life working for one family. I gather she was their housekeeper. They have let her go, due to her being too old, in their opinion, to be useful. She has no funds and no family AND she needs a hip operation. She is a hoot at first, but then she comes into her own and really shines at the end.
Bill Nighy plays Penelope Wilton's husband. She plays his wife. Apparently they have been married nearly 40 years and have one daughter in whose planned business start up they invested, or he invested, both of their retirement accounts. All was lost. So it is that they are off for India. They are the only couple of the 7 British who fly off to a new life in India.
That's all you asked for.
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Thanks, Marcie, for the link to the PBS previow of Little Dorrit. It's quite a long series, as there are 4 discs from Netflix, each with several episodes. Don't know whether my interest will hold up thru all of them, but so far it's fascinating.
I don't watch much PBS TV -- find it mostly boring. Actually, don't watch much TV. Do like the Terry Gross Fresh Air program and Garrison Keillor's show on Public Radio.
Marj
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It has not opened in my town yet. Can't understand why.
Last night I watched a DVD that was over 3 hours long. (In 3 parts). Really enjoyed it.
Was a BBC name of "Daniel Deronda" The actor that is in Downton Abbey. Hugh Bonneville. Really a nasty person in this one. Amazed at how short a person he is.
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Really, JEANNE? I don't remember Daniel Deronda being a nasty person, but then all I really
remember is a boat full of people heading off to a new life. As best I recall, this was because of
issues of religious persecution. Have I got it all mixed up with something else?
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That's what I was beginning to suspect, thank you for that review and telling us who the characters were, MaryPage. Those of you who read the book, do you recognize any of the book characters?
MaryPage, what is the name of the character if you can recall that the young Dev Patel plays? I can't see his character in the book. He can't be the manager, is he "Sonny?"
I'm going to see it Wednesday, it sounds completely different, to me, with the possible exception of the Judi Dench character, could that be Evelyn, if you read the book?
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A lot of theater owners do not want to book The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel because they think it is a movie only the ancient will go see and they want to draw in the younger crowd with their numbers and their money and their habit of snacks and drinks, etc.
You and your friends and neighbors can call and ask if it will be shown; tell them you are planning to go see it.
We have a humongous retired crowd (simply heaps of Admirals) here in Annapolis, so I think that is why we got it.
I think this is one reason Judi Dench came over here and has been working so hard to promote the film. If you have been paid, at age 77, to do a film about people your age, you have to be anxious that the producers make their money and don't LOSE money. I also think this movie will garner a lot of awards, but that still won't draw the young.
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No. Danial Deronda was a good guy. The Part that Hugh Bonaville was of the womans husband. He was the nasty one.
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Sorry, Ginny; you posted while I was writing.
I did not read the book.
Yes, Patel plays Sonny. In the movie, Sonny is one of 3 sons who have inherited their father's run down hotel. The other two sons are successfull business/professional men and have no interest in the place. Sonny advertises it and is running it, but not with great success. Gosh, but that young man can act! He is beyond marvelous.
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Yes he is good. Thank you. In the book Sonny is quite different. So we have two different entities here. I look forward to the movie, if, for nothing else, to see what the movie makers thought should be made of it.
Is there a character called Norman in the movie, do you recall? I hate to dump all these questions on you! Norman did live with his daughter and son in law, a doctor?
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I rather expect the book went into a whole lot more detail about the individual lives of these British elderly who went to live a life they could afford in India. I do not recall a man with a daughter and son-in-law named Norman. Tell you what: you can Google the movie cast and find out. I'll do that right now and come back here.
OK, yes, there is a Norman, and he is played by Ronald Pickup. I got to know nothing whatsoever about him in the film except that he was old, charming, and hoping rather desperately that his sex life, which seemed to be all over in England, would not be so in India. There are a couple of really funny scenes featuring him, and he is a nice addition to the group.
As I say, Google "Cast of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and scroll down and it will tell you ALL.
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Ah, thank you, JEANNE. Glad to clear that up.
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That's a good idea, MaryPage, why did I not think of that? Thank you.
Obviously Norman's end is not the same. :)
It appears to me, having read the book, that other than the concept of nice elderly people (one of whom in the book is 73!) going to live in India, there's nothing actually that resembles the tone or plot of the book, that is, it's not more detail but it's a different story entirely, but I'll find out Wednesday. I'll go right now to IMDb.
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I look forward eagerly to your viewing the film and then giving a comparison. Since I have NOT read the book, I cannot do this.
But to repeat: the movie is beyond wonderful. So true to what it is to be in our age group.
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The Marigold film must be quite different, the only connection being the "nice elderly British people" who go to India to live in a rather run-down hotel. Norman is BIG in the book -- at least throught the first half, which is about where I am. He's probably the main reason I call it "crude, rude, and lewd." I think Maggie Smith has a hip problem in the film -- don't know if that makes her Evelyn or not. It seems as though the film characters may be quite independent of those in the book. But with such a talented cast it can't be anything but a hit. So, I'll have to wait for the DVD, and the powers that be had better include subtitles or I'll have a hissy fit. (I still haven't forgiven them not including such in Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont.)
If you haven't seen Mrs. Henderson Presents, with Maggie Smith, it's available on Netflix, as are several years of Judi Dench in As Time Goes By.
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I saw 'Mrs Henderson Presents' at the cinema when it first came out, but I didn't think it was very good at all. Loved Judi Dench in Ladies In Lavender, Iris and Pride & Prejudice.
Rosemary
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WARNING; THIS IS A SPOILER. DON'T READ IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW.
Judi Dench plays the main character in the film. A widow who feels she has never been brave or made a single decision on her own, she now enjoys brave and actually finds WORK, paid work, right there in India! She also finds real love and companionship.
Maggie Smith plays a forcibly retired housekeeper with a bad hip. She has surgery in India and eventually gets out of the wheel chair. She also does a 180 and comes to love India and she, almost single handily, saves the hotel! She had been feeling bitter and depressed at no longer being viable and being unappreciated and thrown away. Now, bringing all of her decades and decades of experience and talents for running things to the fore, she proves an old lady still has what it takes!
Tom Wilkinson plays a reknowned judge who was raised in India as a boy. He is the only one of the 7 who has ever been to India previously. Having left the Love Of His Life behind years and years ago when he returned to England, he is now unwell and goes back to find that person. He does, and dies.
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MORE SPOILERS:
Bill Nighy plays a long-suffering, very decent and amusing human being who has, out of a sense of loyalty, put up with an extremely nagging and complaining wife for almost 40 years. His sense of Duty is overwhelming, and his life has been All About Her and all about their daughter. He and his wife, Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey!), invested all of their retirement in a start up of their daughter's. She promised all would be well and they would get their money back. It was not and they did not and they wind up in India. Penelope winds up the only one of the 7 who returns to England. She literally gives Bill to Judi at the end of the movie.
The Norman character finds someone to love him and lives happily ever afterwards with her at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The part played by Celia Imrie (have I got that right?), who I have seen a bazillion times in the BBC stuff and I just adore her, she is a hoot and a half and you can tell at the end that she is in her element, so to speak, and is going to be just fine. Probably wind up marrying a gazillion dollars and become the final owner of the hotel, or some such! That last is my own take.
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Wasn't that aggravating, PEDLN? I had so looked forward to watching "Mrs. Palfrey..."
only to find it had no closed captioning. I saw most of the 'As Time Goes By' episodes;
loved them.
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There is a book with the same title, Babi, by Elizabeth Taylor (not the actress). I started it and then got waylaid into something else, probably a library hold, and never went back to it. Will have to try again someday.
MaryPage, what a dilemma -- to be spoiled or not to be spoiled. ;D
Last night I watched Tinker, Tailor . . . . and almost turned it off after the first 20 - 30 minutes. I didn't know what was going on, nobody was saying very much, lots of stills of faces just looking. But then I decided to go with the flow and get out of it what I could. Finally could determine which face went with which suit, could even determine which scenes were flashbacks. No doubt I missed some of its significance. It was okay, so so, glad I didn't pay money at a movie theatre to see it.
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hahaha, MaryPage, thank you. It bears absolutely that I can see no resemblance to the plot of the book save the names, some of them, possibly, and the idea of going to India to live out your golden years. There's no job for Evelyn, no daughter start up, the themes and plots of the book are simply absent and new characters have been added to the movie, important ones in the book left out, Maggie has no operation and is not in a wheel chair and poor Norman (spoiler alert!) does not end up happily (and that's putting it mildly) in the arms of his love. Not by a looonggg shot. :)
No resemblance whatsoever except for the title and the old folks going off to a retirement home in India.
Thank you.
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Ginny, I am absolutely dying to hear how you feel about the movie once you have seen it. Is it playing near you?
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Well, Ginny, that may take the cake for book and movie divergence. It reminds me of Under the Tuscan Sun which I thought quite different, except that I don't remember any characters missing or added to that one.
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I went to see The Hunger Games on Friday. I was really interested in finding out for myself which was better: the book or the movie. Most had told me the book, but my great granddaughter Brooke, age 11, assured me the movie was better.
The book, as is most often the case, wins with me. Now I will give details: but with another SPOILER warning:
The gal who plays the main person is just fine in the part. So is the boy who plays Gale. I did not much care for the actor who plays Peeta. He was not bad, he just did not appeal to me as filling my image of Peeta.
The little sister and the mother were too bland. Really disappointing. The way the movie portrays EFFIE, the over silly scheduler, it would have been so very easy to both costume and play the part. Whoever the actress is, she must have pull with the director, because she is really bad. And, except for one pair of false eyelashes, she is too washed out looking. In my estimation, this part would be hard to over do. Color it way, way underdone.
On the whole, I liked the movie. They had a lot of stuff that must have been extremely difficult to portray. I was disappointed they never showed the bread for Katness which was sent by District 11 after Rue's death. I thought this extremely important to the entire plot. Also, the movie has Katniss start the revolution during the games by making a hand gesture. That was not in the book.
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I think one of the main problems with reading a book and then seeing the film is that
we form our own images of the characters. If the film version is different, we feel that
it's wrong.
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No resemblance whatsoever except for the title and the old folks going off to a retirement home in India.
by Ginny
Actually the British title is something like Those Foolish Things. It's just been since the film release in the US that the US title is the same as the film.
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HAaaaaaaaaaaaa Ok one less resemblance, thank you for that reminder, Pedln. The new edition has Judi Dench and some of the other characters including Dev Patel on the cover, which is in slick, nice marigold orange, and the title of the movie.
MaryPage, I am going Wednesday to see the Marigold movie, it will be very interesting, apparently. :)
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Well, OK by golly, we count for something -- a viable audience.
Older Faces on Screen Draw an Overlooked Crowd (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/24/movies/older-faces-on-screen-draw-an-overlooked-crowd.html?_r=1&hpw)
Ginny, did y ou like the movie?
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Thanks for the link to that good article, Pedln.
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MaryPage and Pedln: believe it or not, and I don't, apparently the movie owners in the two towns I am nearest decided to yield to the common wisdom about the limited audience it might draw (they need to read Pedln's article), and not stock the movie: it's not playing. Men in Black 3 is playing, sometimes 3 shows in the same theater but Marigold is not playing and not "coming." So I haven't seen it.
I have a feeling it will be part of the in flight entertainment in July, Virgin Atlantic has a lot of movies still playing in the theaters on their flights, so maybe there's some hope to see it then. We don't have a lot of choices here, and I'm not going to drive to Charlotte or Atlanta (it's not in Asheville, either, apparently), to see it, but they have been talking about it quite a bit in the newspaper, and bothering to rate it (2 stars) and we all thought without really checking that it was here, without pausing to consider!! Duh!! Who knew?
It's not here! If it comes I'll see it and report back, phooey!
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How disappointing! And it's so difficult (at least it is for me) to hear/see those films on planes. Presumably the DVD will appear eventually.
Rosemary
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Exactly, ROSEMARY. The public movies are useless to me, in any case, and Netflix will send me
the movie as soon as it's available. I will enjoy it just as much watching it later.
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What dumb marketing on the part of the theatres. Write 'em a letter, Ginny. All they need to do is add a special showing for their "limited draw" audience -- 11 am. The limited draws will have finished their morning ablutions, can come to the show, go out for lunch afterwards, and go home and take a nap. ;D And the theatre can show Men in Black the rest of the day and evening.
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I am depressed to hear there is no place at present that Ginny can go to see Marigold; but possibly that can be remedied. It is wonderful to see on the full screen, so if ANY of you have the chance, see it in a theater. But getting the DVD will be a treat, as well. I plan to buy it.
Shocked to hear it only ranked 2 stars. The acting was SO MUCH better than anything else out there. I think someone in their thirties or forties who does not like slow movies about the really old was bored by it; that's what I think.
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I just got the book from my library. Even though I live in a small town, our library is really good about ordering books that I request. My SIL saw the movie in Austin, TX and loved it! She & I both are lovers of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, etc. It may be a while until I get to see the movie.
Sally
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MaryPage, I agree with you about the rating (though I haven't seen it yet) - if you read the Guardian newspaper reviews, for example, they don't like anything unless it's got an incomprehensible (or no) plot and is subtitled from Japanese.
And even if the reviewer wasn't trying to look highbrow, it's so true that different things appeal to different age groups - my 17 year old didn't like Mamma Mia at all ('it's not very realistic' - not like her favourite Lord of the Rings then!), but I absolutely loved it. She also found the DVD of the TV series of Brideshead Revisited 'boring' whereas everyone I know of a similar age to me adores it. I think I would rather eat cold porridge than see 'Men In Black' ;D
Rosemary
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My sentiments exactly, Rosemary (re: Men In Black).
My daughter had coerced me into watching MIB, the first one, when it came out. I thought it was the most pointless thing I had ever seen! But there have been many since then that beat it out for pointless! (Almost everything on the big screen today, in fact!)
I guess my only recommendations lately, for grown-up movies, would be "Hugo"; "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and more current, "Bernie" which is a movie that will probably only appeal to us Texans, or maybe other small-town, Southern-ish populations. And big city, pseudo-intellectuals will laugh, roar and make fun of us. But hey, anyone watching "jersey shore" or "housewives of New Jersey, have no room to laugh at us! LOL I am seeing "Marigold" on Saturday with my dear friend who reviews movies locally here, and has already seen it, but wants to share its lovelieness with me!
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I saw and loved Salmon Fishing On The Yemen. You have to really have a rather laid back, English appreciation of humor to really dig that movie. Since that is precisely my own sense of humor, I, of course, adored it.
I get madder and madder when I fume about The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. For one thing, if it does not make money those actors have acted in their last movie. At least together. Each may, or then again, may not, be called on when an ancient grandparent is required by a script. For another, it is a generational thing and I cannot get TOO mad, just too, too sad, really. I mean, the differences in the generations are HUGE, and it is now our GRANDchildren who are setting the pace. If it does not have SEX, and lots of it, VIOLENCE, with guns blazing away, and car or plane races between the good guys and the bad, with heaps and heaps of incredible and impossible technology and science fiction thrown in, oh, and nudity; the movie is no d**n good!
No sex in Marigold. Just yearning for it and some real love and real romance. No violence. No technology, none whatsoever. Sigh. I agree with you, Dear Rosemary.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I just bought Marigold for my kindle (since we're going to be traveling). The movie is already on my netflix list.
It's not just movies that ignore us oldsters. Check out the TV programs and the products they advertise. Harry's Law has been cancelled. Look at the ads on CBS Sunday Morning - you know they cater to older viewers - one of the exceptions.
Our granddaughter-in-law works for an ad agency - and is a lovely (and very loved) young woman. We were talking about advertising once, and I mentioned a particular commercial that I thought was really awful. I couldn't understand why the agency didn't fire the person who thought it up, etc., etc. DIL replied - that's one of our (she and our grandson) favorite commercials - we think it's hysterical.
And there it is in a nutshell.....
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Too true MaryZ - our afternoon TV has nothing but ads for life insurance, step-in baths, chairs that help you get up and funeral plans. Funny how they all disappear by 6pm - presumably that's when we're all supposed to be going to bed ;D
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I'm finally going to see "one for the Money", the Evanovitch movie. friends are coming over tomorrow night bringing popcorn and the DVD!
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At Last "Maragold Hotel" opened today in town. None of the Large theatres getting it but a small one "The Art" has it. I usually see their movies anyway. Quaint little place.
Last night I watched a good DvD that I got at the Library. All who enjoyed "The Help" will like this one."Cora Unashamed"
Will be staying in tonight. Out all day in 91 deg. So beat.
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I appreciate everybody's kind thoughts and you won't believe this, I just this minute got a call and guess what?
Believe it or not, and I don't, NOW it's coming as part of a promotion on Memorial Day Weekend, despite it's not listed yesterday as "coming," apparently it's coming! It's some kind of a promotion nationwide, so it appears that once again a bunch of us will set out on [ in Edit: Saturday a week from now ] and try to see it. :) If it's still here.
This is getting ridiculous, but I am glad to see it, finally. My curiosity is really up after all this discussion.
It will be interesting to see how big the audience is!
I have to tell you tho that I love the movies on Virgin Atlantic, you've got 6 hours to kill (assuming it stays in the sky), and it's really nice to have them start and stop when it suits you, with your own little moveable screen, hahaha (I'm easy) and I really have seen some fabulous ones that way, of movies I would not normally get to see unless they are on DVD, or maybe even think I might WANT to see, which turned out surprisingly good.
I saw both the new Paul Giamatti ones (which never came here at all) last year and am hoping to see some I've missed this time. They offer 50 films and all kinds of other stuff, here are some I am interested in seeing from their current list of 50 (for May) , without the foreign films listed:
J. Edgar
The Iron Lady
Hugo
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Descendants
Contagion
The Artist
Albert Nobbs
Martha Marcy May Marlene
Johnny English Reborn
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (I saw this and it was great, I'd see it again)
Moneyball
My Week With Marilyn
Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
War Horse
We Bought a Zoo
So that's 18 moves all but one unseen by me, and 6 hours to view them in. :) I hope they keep The Artist, and the Margaret Thatcher one and the Albert Nobbs as well as the Sherlock Holmes, for July, I'd really like to see them.
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Oh, well, I recall my Dad also didn't like musicals where everyone on the street
suddenly breaks out singing and dancing. Obviously would never happen in the real world. Most of us just enjoyed the singing and dancing, and ignored the contrived set-up. Fantasy, however, is supposed to be incredible, so that's okay.
Haven't heard of "Bernie", TOME. What is that about, other than small town South Texas? (Of which I am both.)
Gee, GINNY, I'm envious. I wish they had had those lovely movies and other
pleasantries back when I could still travel. But then, I can now watch my favorite
films from my armchair, and with tea if I like. Most likely, tho', it will be diet Dr.
Pepper and snack mix. :)
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Well to me, Babi, you've hit on the best place of all to see a movie: home. I'd much rather see it at home. On Netflix. Sometimes it's only a couple of months before it comes out on DVD. Some of the ones I like come very fast on DVD.
The reason those 17 are not seen by me already is my dislike of movie theaters, period.
If I want to, at home, I can replay it to catch something, or rewind it or even fast forward thru the scary parts, the sound is not earsplitting, the screen is not big, but neither is the price of drinks and popcorn, and hopefully the seats are not as dirty at home, the floor not sticky at home (hopefully) nor is there the danger of some unpleasant encounter/ noise or even worse encounter as has happened here in the past. In fact ever since some idiot here shot up a movie theater I've entered them with one eye on the movie and one on the other theatergoers.
An airplane (what you have to go through to even get on one and the danger once there in so many areas ....I'm reading Cruise Attitude by a flight attendant just published in 2012 and it's an eye opener, I recommend it to anybody) is NOT the best venue to see a movie! I'm just saying if you have to fly, Virgin makes it as palatable a trip as they can.
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HURRAY for the armchair theatre! You are so right, GINNY. Not to mention we can stop the movie for a minute if I have a comment, or one of my daughters thinks of
something the wants to tell her sister, or just to go get a drink. Unsurpassed convenience!
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Ginny, I would definitely watch Hugo -- it's fantastic. You might just want to read a little bit about George Melies beforehand as you will then recognize certain things in the film.
I wouldn't waste time on My Week with Marilyn.
Re: others on your list that I've seen --
The Artist -- great acting by both male and female leads; the show itself did not thrill me
The Descendents -- Enjoyable, good acting by G Clooney
The Iron Lady -- Meryl STreep was absolutely fantastic; worth seeing for the make-up alone. I wished I had looked up a little bit about Thatcher's time in office.
Moneyball -- okay, I enjoyed it, but won't rave
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy -- one of the DVD advantages over theatres -- if y ou didn't catch something, you can easily rewatch. I really enjoyed this film the second time round. Some of these flash-backy films have you wondering a bit in the beginning.
MaryZ, looking forward to hearing your thoughts about the Best Exotic book. I've just about finished the Kindle version.
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Haven't heard of "Bernie", TOME. What is that about, other than small town South Texas? (Of which I am both.)
Back in 1997, in the small Texas town of Carthage, Bernie Tiede was arrested for the murder of the wealthiest widow in town. Bernie was an asst. funeral director in town, but much more than that. He was much loved by all the townsfolk, whereas the widow seemed to alienate anyone she came in contact with. Those are the beginning and ending "bones" of story, but it is what came in between that gives heft to this tale. It was originally written about by Skip Hollandsworth in Texas Monthly in 1998 titled "Midnight in the Garden of East Texas". The film stars Jack Black, Shirley Maclaine and Matthew McConaughey along with dozens of East Texans.
Babi, if you can get the May 2012 copy of Texas Monthly, it will tell you all about how this story/screenplay/movie came about. A "darkly humorous tale" (per TM and the filmaker, R. Linklater). It is darkly humorous, and if you are a "small town Texan" you will laugh your way through the entire show! The way Linklater set up the film, with cut-ins of actual East Texans having their say about both Bernie and Mrs. Nugent! It may be that only "us Texans" can appreciate this, with the drawls, seemingly "small mindedness". It is actually a laugh-a-minute, but one word of caution, skip the first few minutes or linger in the lobby, as the opening scene has Bernie discussing some techniques with mortuary science graduates. Not "gross" by any means, but if anyone has experienced recent loss, it might/will be disturbing. Jack Black gives a wonderful performance, and Maclaine is so hateful in the role, you'd like to shoot her yourself.
I'm unsure if there would be access of some kind to the original story by Hollandsworth in the 1998 Texas Monthly but I'd like to read that too. Hope I haven't rambled too much, but this was such an awesome movie, I hated to give it short shrift.
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I mentioned that Marigold Hotel started here yesterday in a small theatre called "Art"
Just read that it will be shown on 35mm film. Story will be the same but I am sure that the colouring will not be as good as the original. Many of the movies shown here at the Art are on 35mm film. Specially the Foreign ones. Much cheaper to run them. It is a old theatre now owned by one young man. One can buy shares in it as he is trying to buy new equipment so that the newer type films can be shown on same film as the big theatres. I would rather it stay quaint.
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Tomereader, that sounds like such an interesting film. I love quirky films, ones that are a bit different. I wonder if it will ever come here? Maybe on Lovefilm - the membership for which I still haven't activated! Will get Madeleine to do it for me when she comes back :)
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I will address this, specifically to Babi, but for anyone who is interested:
The Texas Monthly magazine can be accessed on the web at texasmonthly.com and on the home page there is a block to the right, in color, that says Archives and Back Issues. The original article about this story is by Skip Hollandsworth; you click on his name and scroll down to the January 1999 issue and read the whole original article. Also, I believe the current issue, May 2012, his article about how the movie came about, may also be on there. "Lights, Camera, Carthage".
Hope anyone who is interested will visit that website.
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Oh, TOME, I do hope Netflix has "Bernie". It sounds like great fun! Meanwhile, I
will happily look up Mr. Hollandsworth in the Texas Monthly archives. Thank you so
much!
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Just ran to the bank, Already 90 here at noon. So off the the Movies. One of the Larger theatres in town decided to run"Marigold Hotel" and so will go to it instead of the ART. Most probably $2 higher but it is closer to me.
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I have just returned from seeing "The Best Incredible Marigold Hotel". Wow, ladies, an absolutely SPLENDID movie! From beginning to end. I feel sorry for those of you who will have to wait for it to come to Netflix. The acting was awesome, Bill Nighy gives a beautiful performance...but I can't stop with him, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Dench, the irrepressible Dev Patel as Sonny. Top notch performances! Worth the wait, (if you have to) the price, everything. See it! ;D
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Oh, Tomereader, I am so glad Someone in here has been to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in addition to myself!
I got a bit weary from praising and describing it. Don't forget the wonderful performances by Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton and Celia Imrie, as well!
Yes, I am truly gratified that you loved it, as did I. I plan to purchase the DVD as soon as it is available.
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It good to know that the bigger theatres are getting the word, JeanneP. I hope you enjoy the performance as much as Tomereader and MaryPage. As for the book, I"m keeping quiet until I finish it. It is NOT the movie.
The other night I went out for dinner with friends, and when we finished it was still so early we decided to watch a movie. (Usually if we wait until after dinner some of us get too sleepy.) But I had the DVD from Netflix -- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close -- withTom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow, Viola Davis and a marvelous child actor Thomas Horn. Has anyone seen him in anything else? He plays the part of Oskar, a child who lost his father in 9/11. Wow -- what a powerful film, with its focus on a very courageous boy. It had two nominations for the 2012 Oscars -- Best picture, and Best supporting for von Sydow, who does not speak. I'm surprised Horn wasn't up there. I understand there is a book, so am adding to the TBR list.
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Pedln, I found a wonderful article about Thomas Horn at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/12/PK5D1MKVEM.DTL&ao=all
I hadn't realized that he lives right across the bay from San Francisco, California.
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I went to see the 4pm showing of "Marigold Hotel" Yesterday. It is really good. A little noisy which most moves showing India are. Such a crowded place.
They are right though about it not making money. It was in the 2 level theatre and was only 20 people in to see it. 14 with silver hair and seniors.
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A great article, MARCIE. I'm sure I saw this young man on Teen Jeopardy; I never
miss Jeopardy if I can help it. I wonder if he will continue with acting? He seems
to have a broad range of interests.
4pm is not the busiest time for theatres, JEANNE. It's generally the time chosen
by people who want to avoid crowds and/or save on cheaper tickets. Hopefully, there
were much larger crowds later in the evening.
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Marcie, thanks so much for that fantasic article. The young Thomas comes across as almost a twin to Oskar in the film. It's interesting how much searching went into finding just the perfect lead for this show.
JeanneP -- glad you enjoyed the movie. Can't wait to see it. I think Babi's right about the scheduling. Those weekday matinees rarely fill up, but isn't it a nice time to go.
It rarely happens, but I have no Netflix films on hand. But did tape last night's episode of The Killing, so have something for this evening. I may have to give up on that one as I'll be gone the next three Sundays and my still working ancient VCR won't let me set the timer. IT goes back to 1992.
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Do you have cable ON DEMAND, Pedln? You can't miss these crucial episodes of THE KILLING, when we're going to find out who did it!
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Marcie, if you remember, they were supposed to reveal the killer to us last season and instead left us with a cliff hanger. I was so upset that I almost didn't watch this season. But I have been watching and am getting a little tired of the depressing unsmiling faces. If they leave us with another unsolved mystery; I really will quit watching.
Sally
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Salan, You are right. The ending of the first season was terrible! I'm sure that the killer of Rosie Larsen will be revealed at the end of this season (only 2 or 3 more episodes to go!). I haven't heard any news yet about there being a third season.
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There is always this big gap and 'end of season', isn't there? All you favorite
shows disappear for the summer, and you have to wait until the summer fill-ins
start and check out the pilots for any new stuff. We saw "Common Law", a new show,
and found it amusing. I don't know either of the leads, but I like them both.
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I'm emeshed in "Deadliest Catch."
And "Drop Dead Diva" starts again next week. (quite a combination!)
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Last night was an awful night...The Hatfields & McCoys and the one about Hemingway (?) were on at the same time. My dvr will record two shows at once, but you cannot watch anything else while that is happening. I was lucky and found a later air time for Hatfields, so I think I got them both. Who knows? After a bit I shall go and check the DVR list and see if I did.
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I just discovered that Tom Hooper, Oscar-winning director of The King's Speech, is directing a film version of the musical Les Miserables, to be out in December of this year.
It's got an all-star cast...singing. See an article at http://atlanta.metromix.com/movies/article/les-miserables-sets-actors/3074534/content
There is a video mix that features some of the cast members singing. They are not singing songs from the film...just other songs that show their vocal talent. It's at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDK-kwVFkMA&feature=related
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Can't wait for "Les Miserables" to come out in anyway they want to do it. I must have seen the Stage show 4 times. Watched the small theatres here in town and the University put it on. I have 2 copies of the Orig. Stage show. DVD on all the time. Same with the Andrew Lloyd Webber shows. Collected all of them.
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I have the PBS version, on both VHS and CD. Love "Les Miz".
Of the Webber, I have "Joseph". Want to get the original "Jesus Christ. Superstar" it's MUCH better than the more recent version IMO.
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I didn't know they'd made a new version of "Jesus Christ, Superstar", JOAN. I still remember
some of the great music of the original, and how real and human his followers were.
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The "new" (some years old now) version is set in subway tunnels or someplace like that. The old one was filmed in Israel, in the Negev, not far from where I used to live.
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One should always try to buy the Original shows. Either the ones on the Opening in London when it comes to Lloyd Webber or the New York openings on others. Some you can buy are made from the On The Road Shows. Not the Original Casts
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Thanks to the wonderful month of May including both Mother's Day and my birthday, I received a pile of Barnes & Noble gift cards and I got 4 new DVD sets in the mail from that source yesterday.
Roshannarose recommended JINDABYNE, so I have that. I also have CASE HISTORIES, the series about Jackson Brodie by Kate Atkinson. Her writing has really grown on me, until now I am a huge fan.
I have FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN with Julia Roberts and Emily Watson.
Finally, I have COMMISSARIO BRUNETTI from the books written by Donna Leon.
Looking forward to some pleasant hours here!
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Have a ball, MARYPAGE! :) Let me know what you think of "Fireflies in the Garden". I really
like Julia Roberts, but I haven't heard much about this one.
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I love the title. When I was little, fireflies were very much a part of summer, and they've almost disappeared.
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Not totally. I've already seen one this year.
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Come to my backyard, there are 100s! I think they must like the honeysuckle! :)
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I have finally managed to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel in a pretty full theater of us oldsters.
I loved it. It's a splendid movie and I would recommend it to anybody.
It had no resemblance to the book whatsoever, except the name of the hotel and some of the characters names but that was about it.
If a person wants to enlarge their experience with the movie don't read the book, it's nothing like and you'll be disappointed.
It was a personal joy to see wrinkles on older women and men, and faces not made up for the cameras. A total delight to see people as they really are, there's nothing wrong with wrinkles.
Loved it.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I have seen Judi Dench in a couple of movies in the last few weeks. She is beginning to look her age now. Glad they don't go in for all these face lifts. Has even let her gray hair show.
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Can you believe I finally set up LoveFilm (like Netflix), made my list of 10 films, let daughter choose a couple - and what are they sending me first? THOR!!!!!! So much for a good film to watch at the w/e :)
Luckily have a whole evening of BeeGees tributes recorded. She can watch Thor when I'm finished.
Rosemary
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Netflix does allow us to move a film to the head of the queue if we like. Otherwise, they will
send books in the order requested, as available. I like being able to order a new film and they
will put it on a 'hold' list until it becomes available. That way I don't have to wonder how many
films I wanted to see and have forgotten. ;)
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I haven't seen the Marigold Hotel movie yet but I just finished watching In Custody which makes one feel one is living in the middle of India. That's probably not the point of Marigold Hotel tho! Anyway, I've been treating myself recently to all the Merchant Ivory movies (thanks Netflicks) and this one is just marvellous--a story about a guy trying to preserve the work of an Urdu poet. Doesn't sound exciting and its in Urdu (or Hindi? not sure, but the poetry in in Urdu). You are plunged into the middle of an alien yet familiar fascinating world. The music is beautiful and the people are just super. This is an absolute total thumbs up as that film guys says.....5 stars.....
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Watching Eat, Pray,Love on Encore. They are eating, eating, eating in Italy! The spaghetti looks delicious! I'm so hungry!
Jean
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I still haven't ever tasted one of those famous Italian gelatos. I feel so deprived! :'(
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Oh Babi, that's a shame - the lemon and the raspberry ones are so delicious. We have some Italian ice cream shops here, as many Italians stayed in Scotland after the war - Luca's in Edinburgh, Nardini's in Largs;
http://www.nardinis.co.uk/icecream.html
and several others.
Rosemary
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I remember living as a kid in a small town in Scotland, Blairgowrie, there was an Italian ice cream parlour, Visocchi's by name. Each of the small neighbouring towns had one too--Dellaquaglia's in Alyth, Pacchito's in Coupar Angus. They all had indoor (had to be, being Scotland) eating areas with those cast iron tables and chairs, or booths, and served the ice cream in those round metal dishes on stems, with long spoons. Each of the 3 had different tasting ice cream, one was more fluffy I remember and yellower, that was my favourite--Dellaquaglia's, that was !! Worth a bike ride to Alyth.
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When we lived in brooklyn, we lived between a Jewish neighborhood and an Italian neighborhood. to our right was great Jewish deli: to our left was great Italian ices. Lemon was my favorite.
You cant get either near where I live in California. but a yearlong supply of great fruits and vegetables makes up for it.
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I remember growing up In Lancashire, UK. We had 4 Italian Ice cream shops along with at least 3 who use to come around the nabourhoods with their Ice Cream Carts. Loved those the best. Most of the families were deported back to Italy when the war started. I think just one family remained in UK. 2 came back after the war. Started Italian Cafe
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(sigh) ROSEMARY, it's really no help knowing where to find Italian ice cream in
Scotland. Now, if you happen to hear of one convenient to Deer Park, TExas (SE of
Houston)...... :-\
JOANK, sounds like an ideal spot to me. I can't find a good liver pate anymore. Love
it served with a good crusty ciabatta.
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I just watched an interesting movie from Netflix that won the 2010 Oscar for best foreign language film (Argentina), THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES. (Very few movies get such high ratings at IMDB--8.2/10)
At first, a couple of times I wanted to throw in the towel on it because of what I thought were rather odd or unbelievable things (i.e the murder suspect is chosen because of the way he looks at the victim in several group photos). But I was fascinated by the film and kept going, and was so glad I did. Great acting. Such interesting complex characters. And the ending was perfect. This is one I'll not soon forget. Has anyone seen it?
Marj
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Babi.
But Texas does have the one famous Ice Cream. Made in Brennen. I love it but hard to find in many places out of Texas. Eat lots of it when I am down at Daughters
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Oklahoma based Braum's (have their own dairy and production plant) beats Texas' Blue Bell just as badly as we usually beat Texas in football. <giggle>
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Uh oh, Callie. Now you are getting in dangerous territory!! Hard to beat BlueBell in my opinion. Yummm! Speaking of Yum. I went to a farmer's stand this week-end and picked up some southern cream peas, fresh okra, fresh tomatoes, green beans and cucumbers. I couldn't find any shelled cream peas, so I spent the week-end shelling peas, but oh were they good. They are so hard to find and had not had any for years. I feasted on fresh cream peas, okra/tomato gumbo, green beans and corn bread. Plus I have some in the freezer for use later. I am feeling very righteous and sooooo healthy!
Sally
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Salan, that all sounds so good. I had corn bread once when a girl from Texas was in our National ChildbirthTrust group (that's how long ago it was!). It was so delicious.
I remember shelling peas as a child - I think we must either have grown them or they must have been cheap then, because we had them often, and we wouldn't have done if they were expensive. Frozen peas are all well and good, but fresh from the pod is quite a different experience, isn't it?
Last weekend we finally had some strawberries from Perthshire (traditional soft fruit growing area of Scotland) rather than the imported ones from Spain. They were wonderful. I have planted 2 blueberry bushes this week and am hoping they do well because in supermarkets blueberries are ridiculously dear. However, I've now read that you really need 2 different kinds to get the best results - mine are both exactly the same, so I will perhaps have to get a 3rd one. Complications!
Rosemary
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My blueberry bushes were what I missed most when I moved after my divorce. I hope they grow well for you Rosemarye. My two favorite varieties were Coville and Ivanhoe.
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The never let me Shell peas growin up. Said I ate way to many while doing it. I still have a problem of eating peas or corn when I am cooking frozen ones on the stove.
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O.K. Rosemary, you HAVE to explain the National Childbirth Trust group??? I can't even guess what it might be.
Jean
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Here is a different way of funding a movie. I ran across this article when I was looking up Armin Shimmerman (Quark in Deep Space Nine) to see what he was up to these days. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/blog-post/space-command-bold-revolution-collaborative-filmmaking-blasts-hollywood-41026
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Kickstarter is actually a nifty way to fund any sort of project. (I know about it because my SIL used it to fund a movie about being adopted.) It doesn't have to be art--it can be anything. You put a presentation on the site, say how much money you need, maybe exactly how it will be spent. You then have a time limit to raise it. Anyone can contribute any amount. It's done through Amazon payments, and givers are not charged unless the entire amount is raised, so no money is wasted, and the only one who sees your credit card number is Amazon, who probably has it anyway. Large sums can be raised $5 at a time.
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Oh, yes, JEANNE...Bluebell Ice Cream. It's available in all the store, but now has
some worthy competitors. Still not the same as the Italian ices, so everyone tells me
who has eaten one.
Oh, yes, SALLY! I do miss the days when I traveled on my job, and could find fresh
fruit and vegetable stands in the countryside. I liked black-eyed peas, fried okra
and cornbread. Fresh tomatoes on the side, not in my okra.
Okay, I guess we need to find movies featuring food, just to keep this all legit. :D
Would you be interested in "Food", a documentary exploring the dangers of the food
being offered to us? Or perhaps, "The Adventures of Food Boy" Um, maybe not.
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PatH, I haven't explored Kickstart. Interesting that it is associated with Amazon. Apparently there was a 1953 TV series called Space Command. Don't remember seeing it, but William Shatner and James Doohan were in it.
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Films - 'Chocolat', 'Ratatouille', 'Babette's Feat', 'Julie and Julia', 'Charlie & the Chocolate Factory', 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe'....
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Marj, THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES sounds interesting. I've found that my library has it so I'm going to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Saw PROMETHEUS in 3D yesterday. (My son took me as a surprise) The 3d effects were great (and were subtle which I liked because the effects didn't interfere with the story). The movie itself I'd give only a 3/5 rating, although Roger Ebert loved it (but he loves too many movies, IMO). I'm not really a big Sci-Fi movie fan.
We watched a couple of interesting previews: LIFE OF PI, showing him in a row boat with the tiger! Also 3D. How they made this look so real, I can't imagine. I think I might just re-read the book and watch the movie.
And the other was the preview of ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER. I think I will read the book. Never thaought I would until I saw the movie preview. Someone said there is actually some good history in it. Can you imaging what old Abe himself would say about the book and movie? He liked jokes, so he might just get a kick out of it.
Marj
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Ahh, fresh peas. Like everyone else we had a "victory garden" during WWII. And Pat and I always had to shell the peas. Then mom would say "you've eaten so many, they're not worth cooking: might as well finish them." Didn't figure out til we were grown that that was how she got us to eat our vegetables.
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Marj, I saw a preview for ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER on TV. I laughed at the title. I too am intrigued, especially since Rufus Sewell plays a lead vampire.
I found the book at our library and am reading it. So far I'm enjoying it and finding a lot about Lincoln's early life.
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My sister saw Prometheus the other day. She said it was just okay; this from someone who usually praises every movie coming down the pike. Usually, if she really likes one, I can count on not liking it or giving it an okay but not great shakes rating. I thought, okay I might like this one since she was so-so about it. An online reviewer started out saying he really liked it, but then proceeded to qualify that with some things that made the movie sound like it was rather uneven in quality through the movie. I hear the music is very good as are the special effects. Generally, if a reviewer doesn't like something I will. I am a bit perverse that way I guess. ;D
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JoanK said, "Pat and I always had to shell the peas."
Reminded me of a joke I heard on the XM old radio program yesterday on the Abbott & Costello show:
Costello: Excuse me, I have to start the cannon in the kitchen.
Abbott: Cannon? What are you talking about?
Costello: I have to shell some peas!
(Okay, so their writers were terrible...)
Marj
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Frybabe, I think I'm like you. If a reviewer does or doesn't like a film, I have to see if for myself to decide.
Marj, LOL. That sounds like Abbott & Costello.
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To me, it depends upon the reasons they give for panning a film.
I feel I can decide on the story line and acting myself, but if they cite too much sex, bad language or violence, I feel alerted to the fact that I would not want to see that movie.
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Exactly, MaryPage, sometimes the reasons are more important than the rating.
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At the library the other day I picked up a 2 part dVDs of "Dr.Martin,the Movies. So good. must have made them prior to doing the Dr. Martin Series. Shows first how he went to Cornwall and then him deciding to return. Little things different. He was Dr. Bradford in these. Getting a Divorce and ended up buying a Farm.
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But Doc Martin has never been married.
There is something I am missing here. Just don't understand.
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MaryPage - in the current episodes, that are showing now on PBS, Doc Martin has married and has a baby.
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On the 2 movie disc that are out before the show starting as a series it show things a little different. He had not quit surgery because of the blood and he was married but his wife slept with 3 other doctors. Shows him going down to Cornwall to forget all for awhile.. His name was Bradford on them. He sort of fell for a women with a 7 years old son. Then his wife divorced him.
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I think I will simplify matters by simply viewing the series, and skpping the movie. ;)
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I watched from Netflix the movie Inglorious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt and Christopher Waltz (who won an Oscar for his performance as the Nazi Colonel Landa--fantastic actor). Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino (what a great imagination he has). Wanted to see it because I wanted to see Michael Fassbender who played the robot in Prometheus. Another very good actor. Great movie.
Marj
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MaryZ, I know that Doc Martin and Louisa have the baby, James Henry, and that eventually they marry. But what I was exclaiming about was that as far as I can remember from watching the series from the git go, he was never married BEFORE going to Cornwall. He having been married was never, ever mentioned.
One of the most memorable episodes is when that crazy woman holes up in the castle tower and swears she will kill herself if Doc Martin does not love her. So, with his new Aunty and darling Louisa down below with him, he carefully tries to think what might placate her and cause her to NOT kill herself, and he looks directly at Louisa and, for the very first time ever, describes how he feels about her at the top of his lungs shouting up so the crazy woman will think it is for her.
Masterful acting and masterful writing, IMHO.
He was a surgeon in London and turned out to go into a seizure and faint every time he saw blood, so he gave up surgery and escaped to his Auntie Joan in Cornwall and turned out their doctor was retiring and he took the job and Bob's your Uncle!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
LOveFilm has just sent me 'The Help' - (after I worked out that you could give your list high & low priority markers, so I moved all Anna's choices to 'low' - you would if you could see them). Looking forward to seeing this film, though maybe I should have read the book first?
Rosemary
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rosemary, the movie is close enough to the book, so you don't really need to read it first, although it's not a bad idea. The book is not too awfully long, and you could probably get through it before too long. Do they have a time limit on LoveFilm? NetFlix doesn't, and you can keep as long as you need to.
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Rosemary, I had read The Help before I saw the movie. After I saw the movie, I read the book again. Then, as it happened, I saw the movie again. I thought the movie was very close to the book, and I don't know that it would matter which you did first. But, as Tomereader said, it doesn't take long to read the book, so.....
I grew up in the South and know about that time. I'll be interested in hearing your take on it.
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The must have decided after making the MOvie "Dr Martin" that it was so well received they decided to go ahead and do the series. The did change it a little. You should try and find those first 2 dics of Dr. martin -Movie. It explains a lot before jumping into the series.
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Here is a write up of the Doc Martin. The Movie I have been talking about. Prior to the series.
He goes to ... a coastal village to reassess his marriage and his career. In Doc Martin and the legend of the Cloutie, he resorts to camouflage, ...
Publisher, Date: Silver Spring, MD : Acorn Media, [2011]
Description: 2 videodiscs (162 min.) : sd., col. ; 4 3/4 in.
Summary: In Doc Martin, the doctor flees to a coastal village to reassess his marriage and his career. In Doc Martin and the legend of the Cloutie, he resorts to camouflage, subterfuge, and folk magic to get what he wants.
0
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Sounds good. I'll have to rejoin Netflix.
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Here you go; read all about it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Martin
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Oh my word, I nearly fell out of my chair!!
I hope this is something Wiki is right about:=
Doc Martin is a British television comedy drama series starring Martin Clunes in the title role. It was created by Dominic Minghella[1] after the character of Dr. Martin Bamford in the 2000 comedy film Saving Grace.[2] The show is set in the fictional seaside village of Portwenn and filmed on location in the village of Port Isaac, Cornwall, United Kingdom, with most interior scenes shot in a converted local barn. Five series aired between 2004 and 2011, together with a feature-length special that aired on Christmas Day 2006.
Port Isaac? Oh MAN, I spent a week there one summer, walking what we called Hell Walk on the cliffs to Port Isaac, I must get the films so I can visit it vicariously again. Absolutely gorgeous scenic area, best nougat at the local candy store I ever ate in my life. And the seafood! You go down to the one (at the time) restaurant with a few tables and the cook decides, based on what they bring in before your eyes, what to cook that night, we had mussels the like of which I've never had again, absolutely unbelievable place. I didn't go to dinner the first night and so some of our group got chatty apparently and told the waiter I was not feeling well. The next night at we sat on the quay I guess it is watching the fishing boats come in, it seemed half the town turned up to inquire if I were "better." I thought for a minute I was in Wonderland. What a place, what an experience. The streets! The houses coming right into the one lane streets!
That entire area is full of National Trust houses including an entire village on a little inlet as we walked down, and a small castle/ folly, Doyden Castle, for rent. That was the property we rented, Doyden House, sitting on a cliff overlooking the sea, had a seagull every morning who had been named by previous tenants, very tame, according to the Book of Visitor Comments left.
Will never forget that walk. This is a bad photo of a print I got when there, coming into the city from the Hell Walk along the cliffs. :)
(http://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/port_isaacCornwall.jpg)
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Hmm, I think you hooked me, MARJ. I'll have to add 'Inglorious Bastards' to my queue.
And I'm looking forward more and more to getting the first of the Doc Martin series,
MARYPAGE.
Oh, GINNY, I am so envious! I've had a good life, but I often wish I'd been able to travel more
and see more of this beautiful world. I did have the good sense to treasure what I did see. :)
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Ginny, that picture looks just like Port Wenn as we see it on Doc Martin!
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The house that you see the edge of on the right of your photo looks like Doc Martin's house in the series. Looks like you have to see the series.
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If you've ever read MCBeaton's books about Hamish MacBeth, you'll love the BBC series based on those characters. There are 3 years of programs and they're available from Netflix. We didn't know about them until we went through the the town of Plockton in the Highlands of Scotland (on an Elderhostel) and were told that was where the series was filmed. They're great programs.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111993/
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All of the tv programs and films that you all have mentioned here recently sound good. I'm going to see if my library has any of them.
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What is the title of the series, MARZ. Is it called 'Hamish McBeth'?
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I was able to request from our library "Inglorious Basterds" and the first episodes of both "Hamish Macbeth" and "Doc Martin." I'll have plenty to view during the summer. There are only a couple of things on TV that I watch now.
Speaking of TV, did any of you see the season finale of THE KILLING?
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Ginny.
There is a shot in the Doc Martin series of just that showing on your card. That part if house over on right side is the one he shows living in in the series. On the film prior he bought and live and a farm.
I have tried finding the film "Saving Grace" so far not found it. Maybe never went to DVD unless it is the same one called. "Doc Martin-the Movie"
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Don't know why we never visited Cornwall and Devon in the UK as I was growing up. Love to do it before I quit going over. Guess we always went North instead of South.
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I spent 3 nights in Cornwall back in June of 1971. Loved it.
Ginny, the Doc Martin shows are great to watch just for the scenery.
Speaking of scenery, I recently purchased 2 of Donna Leon's Commissario Brunetti movies. They were made by the Germans, but have English subtitles so they can be sold here. Both movies were really great, the Germans do a fantastic job, but the scenery is incredible to behold just all by itself! Venice, Venice, Venice! Heaven!
Though I'd rather live in Cornwall. We stayed in Fowey, which is where Daphne du Maurier lived.
You can buy the movie SAVING GRACE from Barnes & Noble.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-saving-grace-brenda-blethyn/3996645?ean=794043514227
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We were not part of a tour back then in 1971. We were entirely on our own for a glorious month in England and Scotland. We rented a car in London and traveled down to Cornwall. We started up in the northeastern corner and followed the coastline right down to Land's End (where we ate a pasty each, and did not like them!) and then followed the southern coastline right around to Fowey.
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MaryPage, I spent many childhood holidays in Fowey, as my mother's oldest schoolfriend moved there from London with her family. They had a house right on the Esplanade. I absolutely loved staying there - the river was so fascinating, the countryside so beautiful, and I used to walk across the fields to the beach at Polridmouth.
Happy memories.
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Until I visited Fowey, Rosemary, I had never viewed a tidal river over a period of hours and seen the amazing transformation. It amused me to see the little boats down in the mud, and all headed in one direction, during one meal in the restaurant attached to our hotel, and then, during another meal the same day, seeing them bob about in deep water and all headed in the OTHER direction. Do you know what I mean? I don't feel I have described it very well, but it truly excited me at the time.
By the way, we were astonished to find that particular restaurant outstanding. Thinking we were going to experience mostly the bland, dull food the Brits are famous for in most places on the island, we were certainly delighted with a number of great feeds we had in unknown little spots. There was one in Sussex, as well, where I had the very best fish soup I ever had in my life. Sob! I've been searching for its like ever since!
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You probably have to start with fresh-caught British fish.
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Marcie, I watched this season's The Killing. What a disappointment! I should have known better after they way they Didn't end it last year. What did you think?
Sally
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Sally, I agree with you. I did not think that the persons who were in on the killing were plausible. And they must have gone through everyone at one time or another as "red herrings." Also, the new mayor is now one of the "good ole boys" too. The way they ended it was terrible!
I hope it doesn't have a second season.
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I thought this was the second season of 'Killing'. I stopped watching it somewhere during the first season. Really did not like it at all, at all.
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Mary, I'm glad you enjoyed your meal in Fowey. There are many good restaurants in the UK, but also an awful lot of terrible ones. In Aberdeen there is a fish restaurant called The Silver Darling (the traditional name for the herrings). It looks out across the harbour. The fish there is absolutely amazing.
I used to love watching the river traffic at Fowey. Big china clay boats would have to come up the estuary; they could not navigate it without a pilot boat, so they would hoot their horn to get one to come out and lead them in. One day one hooted whilst the pilot boat man was at lunch. He did not rush to assist, so the china clay captain thought he would just do it by himself. Predictably, the boat was grounded, and all the locals had a good laugh at that captain's expense.
We used to take the little passenger ferry boat across to Polruan and go for walks along the cliffs there - there is a particularly lovely garden on the headland that is sometimes opened for charity:
http://www.headlandgarden.co.uk/
There is also a pub right on Polruan harbour that used to do great 'ploughman's lunches'.
Rosemary
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I think we were in Cheshire when we stopped in a pub and had our first Ploughman's Lunch. Cheese and pickled beets and bread is all I can remember now. Not in a sandwich; they were on a plate and you ate them any which way you wanted.
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I think I saw "Saving grace" years ago, but don't remember it well enough to remember the doctor. Was that the one where she was growing weed?
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Yes, it was a screamingly funny comedy and the lead actress is the one I most remember and didn't she win awards for her role? I do not remember a doctor at all, and I remember feeling a sense of shame because I found the movie so uproariously funny despite pot being the main subject. I'm SUCH a prude!
Anyway, after a couple of hours of Doc Martin tonight, I came here and looked at a map of Cornwall and what do you know! Port Isaac, where Doc Martin is filmed, is almost in a straight line across Cornwall from Fowey, where we stayed. Port Isaac is on the North Cornwall coast and Fowey on the South Cornwall coast, but right directly opposite one another.
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Oops, Babi, you are right. I should have said, I hope there is not a THIRD season of The Killing.
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The garden is lovely, ROSEMARY. Back when I could still travel, gardens were one
of the sights I liked most to visit.
Our first Doc Martin dvd just arrived. I'm so looking forward to seeing it. Now I'm
interested in seeing "Saving Grace". There was another movie by that name that I'd
seen, but it was not this one. The one I saw was about a woman whose Amish nieces and
nephew are left orphans and she is named guardian.
From what I've seen posted, MARCIE, I gather there will not be another season of 'The Killing'.
Even if they do resurrect it, we can cheerfully ignore it. :)
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Lovely photos, Rosemary. When I visited Edinburg years ago in September, I think, I remember the ocean as beautiful, but cold and wild, not calm as in the photos.
I think the most beautiful garden I've visited was in Victoria on Vancouver Island in Canada. Just gorgeous!
Marj
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Bob and I visited the Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Quite beautiful, I have seen lovlier gardens; but they were spectacular.
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I've seen the Butchart garden as well. My ex-DIL lives there, as do my Canadian grandkids.
I regret that I missed seeing any of the English gardens. My only trip there was in January.
Ah, well. I can still enjoy my bougainvillea and the crepe myrtle. Hardly a 'garden', but still a
pleasure to behold. And of course, the links to beauty that I find here.
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Babi - sorry to be so long answering your question - we were out of town over the weekend. Here's the Netflix link to Hamish MacBeth (http://dvd.netflix.com/Search?v1=Hamish Macbeth&oq=hamish&ac_posn=2).
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I agree, Babi, bougainvillea are so beautiful. I had to look up crepe myrtle and it is also lovely. We have bougainvillea here in So. California, along with so many beautiful plants. Right now the magnolia trees are blooming all along--of course--Magnolia Street.
I miss lilac bushes in the Midwest and lilly of the valley, lovely and fragrant.
(Don't know what this has to do with movies, but ...)
Marj
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Yes, someone called into our local gardering show and asked about growing lilacs here in Southern California. No go -- they just don't do well (I forget why, now).
Not a loss for me, since that's one of the lovely flower scents that I'm madly allergic to. Jasmine is another, and it's put in all kinds of products now.
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Lilacs need some cold winter. Chattanooga is right on the edge. Nashville is at a slightly higher latitude, and they'll do nicely there, but they don't do well here.
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I like Lilacs, but only outside. Their scent is just to overpowering in a room, almost nauseating in a small room.
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We don't have lilac in this hot section of the country either, I'm sorry to say, but the
crepe myrtle is a similar tree. We have the same 'kissin' cousins' plants in our
southern azalea and the northern rhododendron.
We got onto flowers from gardens, which in turn developed from the scenery in Doc Martin.
Doc Martin, I sorry to say, I could not watch as it had no closed captioning. Bummer. >:(
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Finally watched 'The Help' last night - really enjoyed it. Of course, I have no first hand experience of any of the things it portrays, so I've no idea how accurate it is, but I thought it was a good film.
Madeleine is studying the Vietnam War at school, so I am trying to think of films she could watch, as she really knows very little about it, and I only remember it dimly. Have come up with The Quiet American and Good Morning Vietnam. Any ideas? (NB she's only just 14.)
Rosemary
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We Were Soldiers with Mel Gibson. It was about Hal Moore during the Nam War.
Here is Moore's bio from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hal_Moore
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Thanks Frybabe for recommending the film, WE WERE SOLDIERS. I've added it to my Netflix queue.
I can't recommend any films/books except a couple of not so well known ones for adults that I liked;
GO TELL THE SPARTANS (1978), a little known film starring Burt Lancaster and some other excellent unknown-to-me actors. It tells the story of a group of military advisors at the beginning of our involvement who find their struggle against the Viet Cong to have similarities to that of the doomed French who had fought at the same site. Based on the novel by Daniel Ford, Incident at Muc Wa.
A DANGEROUS FRIEND, a novel by Ward Just. Set in Vietnam in 1965 showing how little Americans understood the Vietnamese and the situation there at that time.
Marj
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Babi, Doc Martin DOES have closed captioning on my PBS channels, and I am lucky enough in this Washington DC, Baltimore MD megalopolis to get 3 public television channels: WMPT, which is Maryland Public Television and comes from Baltimore and WETA which is meant to be Washington, but actually broadcasts from their Virginia suburbs, and WHUT, which is Howard University Television and is located in DC on the campus of Howard U.
So I get Doc Martin on both WMPT and WETA, and at different times, which is wonderful. But Babi, BOTH channels have the closed captioning, so I cannot for the life of me figure out why yours does not!
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We've lost the wonderful, funny, insightful Norah Ephron. I liked all of her movies......Sally Met Harry, Sleepless in Seattle, Heartburn, etc. How sad, too soon.
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Thanks Marj and Frybabe, I will have a look for those.
Jean, I know. I remember seeing Meryl Streep in Heartburn years ago.
Great woman, RIP.
Rosemary
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Very little seems to have been written about the Viet. war. Just like we were not told very much about it. Believe to many people thought the War was a real. Cock up . Should never have happened and so kept quiet. Will not find much about it in the History books in years to come.
Think same thing will happen about the one we have going on now.
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JeanneP wrote, "Very little seems to have been written about the Viet. war. Just like we were not told very much about it."
Gosh, Jeanne, it seems to me a lot has been written about it. Just for the heck of it I went to my list of books, sort of a "to-be-read-perhaps" list, some of which I've read, and copied those pertaining to the Vietnam War. The above/below means where I need to look for a short description of the book:
VIETNAM & VIETNAM WAR, books about:
The Best and the Brightest by David Halberstam, above; (I own)
A Better War; The Unexamined Victories and Final Tragedy of America's Last
Years in Vietnam by Lewis Sorley, above;
The Communist Road to Power in Vietnam by William J. Duiker, above;
A Dangerous Friend by Ward Just, fiction, above;
Death of a Generation; How the Assassination of Diem and JFK Prolonged the
Vietnam War by Howard Jones;
Dereliction of Duty; Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff
and the Lies That Led to Vietnam by H.R. McMaster, above;
Dispatches by Michael Herr, above;
Ho Chi Minh; A Life by William J. Duiker, above;
Fields of Fire by James Webb, above
Going After Cacciato by Tim O'Brien, above
Hell in a Very Small Place; The Siege of Dien Bien Phu by Bernard B, Fall, above
In the Lake of the Woods (fiction) by Tim O'Brien;
In Pharoah's Army; Memories of a Lost War by Tobias Wolff, above;
In Retrospect by Robert McNamara (I own);
The Last Valley; Dien Bien Phu and the French Defeat in Vietnam by Martin
Windrow, above;
Lessons in Disaster; McGeorge Bundy and the Path to War in Vietnam by Gordon
Goldstein, above;
The Lotus Eaters (a novel) by Tatiana Soli, above;
The Making of a Quagmire; America and Vietnam during the Kennedy Era by
David Halberstam, above;
The Man From Saigon; A Novel by Marti Leimbach, above;
Marigold; The Lost Chance for Peace in Vietnam by James G. Hershberg, above
Matterhorn (a novel), by Karl Marlantes, above;
Once Upon A Distant War; David Halberstam, Neil Sheehan, Peter Arnett -- Young
War Correspondents and Their Early Vietnem Battles by William Prochnau,
above;
On Strategy; A Critical Analysis of the Vietnam War by Harry Summers, above
Pol Pot; Anatomy of a Nightmare, by Philip Short (re Cambodia), above;
A Rumor of War (a memoir) by Philip Caputo, above
The Rise and Fall of an American Army by Shelby Stanton, above;
Saigon (a novel) by Anthony Grey, above;
Secrets; A Memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers by Daniel Ellsberg;
Street Without Joy; The French Debacle in Indochina by Bernard B. Fall, above
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, above
Triumph Forsaken; The Vietnam War, 1954-1965 by Mark Moyar, above;
Vietnam; A History by Stanley Karnow, below
Vietnam; The History of the Unwinnable War by John Prados, below
Vietnam; The Necessay War by Michael Lind, below
We Were Soldiers Once and Young by Harold C. Moore, below
Marj
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There are probably lots more just dealing with the peace movement protests and riots during that period. I stayed away from the hippies and the protesters - didn't agree with much of that. But then I also very heartily disagreed with the government for drafting our guys into an undeclared war. It was okay with me as long as it was voluntary, but not when it was forced. If you are going to draft someone into a war, then it had better be formally declared a war. I don't think there were many people who didn't know at least one person who died in that war.
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MARYPAGE, with the DVD's, the film on disc either has closed captioning or does not.
The television channel has nothing to do with it. PBS must have added closed captioning
for their presentations, but I've never seen it offered on my local PBS.
I was startled to see how homely Doc Martin appeared. Those low-set, prominent ears
were distracting. I can only assume the guy must be a great actor, since he's surely
not sailing through on his good looks. If I could have watched the show, I would probably
have quickly gotten accustomed to the ears. :)
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I would love to get Inspector Morse from Netflix but none of them have captions although they did on tv. I have to agree doc Martin is pretty funny looking.
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I call Doc Martin plug ugly, but he does grow on you over time, and in the end you become so very fond of him. He is a good man and a thoroughly kind man and very brilliant and the very best possible doctor. He just totally lacks social skills and cannot get it in his head why he offends so many people.
If a thing is a certain way, he will out with it; even though your mother raised you to NEVER be so blunt with people, Doc Martin believes everyone wants the truth.
Sometimes I roll on the floor laughing at the results!
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And they've done something to the ears to make them stick out like that. I've seen the actor in other things where his ears are normal. Still doesn't make him handsome, mind.
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I remember, when I was commuting to work on the subway. Since i got on at the end of the line, people had their choice of seats, and tended to sit in the same seats every day. I often sat opposite a man who had ears like that. He was literally the ugliest man i've ever seen. I had to work to keep myself from staring at him, poor man. But then I noticeD he wore a wedding band. Never mind how ugly he was, someone loved him
(the feminist part of me thought "yeah, an ugly man can find love, but if he had been a woman, she would have been doomed!")
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Joan - ;) i find myself saying things like that about overweight male actors on tv.
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JoanK, you are so right. There was a woman who worked in one of the stores in Aberdeen, who had a very large birthmark across her face. You knew that she was indeed 'doomed' - but also that it would not affect a man's life in quite the same way. I really hate this pressure on women to conform.
I did, however, find an interview with Martin Clunes, from which you will see that (a) his ears do indeed stick out and (b) that he had a horrible childhood - thanks to boarding schools, the tormentors of so many upper middle class children in this country:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8770624/Martin-Clunes-tells-of-boarding-school-beatings-and-childhood-traumas.html
Rosemary
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Not necessarily 'doomed', I would hope. A 'marred' woman would doubtless not
be looked at by those males who feel they can 'do better than that'. But a homely
man who is ignored, or worse, by the pretty young things, might be happy to find
a loving woman who is less than physically perfect. And of course, there are many
women who are able to live quite happily without a man around.
Having said all that, I still agree that the double standard on physical expectations
annoys me as much as it does the rest of you.
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I don't subscribe to HBO, but my On Demand is allowing us to see the first episode of THE NEWSROOM, so I just watched it and found it very, very good and, just as was true with The West Wing, the sentiments and opinions expressed closely match my own. That in itself is exhilarating.
I instantly knew Emily Mortimer, who plays MacKenzie MacHale. Do you remember the wonderful writer Rosamunde Pilcher? She wrote The Shellseekers, and never wrote a book I did not love.
Well, the Brits did a mini-series of her COMING HOME over a decade ago. Both the book and the film were superb. And Emily Mortimer played Judith Dunbar, the lead. If you never, ever read Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher; do! And get the DVDs of the film! You will enjoy many happy hours.
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I watched 'Newsroom' with my son when he visited last weekend, and It was very good.
Some fine acting. The writer is apparently one my son thinks highly of. I'm afraid
I've forgetten the name already. (Don't tell him. :-[I'll look it up.) Ahh, yes...
quick check revealed the name Aaron Sorkin. I understand he's written a number of fine
films. Does anyone know if he's written any books?
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You all have really covered the territory. I feel like I’ve been away forever. So many good ideas here.
Babi, thanks for the heads-up on Newsroom. I’ve added it to my Netflix queue, but guess it will be a while before the DVD is available. HBO puts out some good stuff, and I’m glad Netflix eventually has the DVDs available.
That’s an interesting list, Marjifay, the books about Vietnam. And I should make a point of reading some of them. We were living in Puerto Rico during the time of the war, no TV, and were really quite insular, not paying much attention to the rest of the world. There were protests on the university campus and attempts to burn down the ROTC building, but I think our exposure to what was going on was quite limited.
Marcie, I missed the last three episodes of The Killing. Who did kill Rosie Larson?
Not in a sandwich; they were on a plate and you ate them any which way you wanted.
MaryPage, I’m not a sandwich person, and that’s the way I like to eat lunch.
After seeing all the recommendations for Doc Martin I just added the 2001 disc, the pre-quel, to my Netflix queue. Is that the place to start?
The other night I watched Albert Nobbs, the one where Glenn Close plays a male waiter. I loved it, wonderful acting on the part of Close and some of the others. What women had to do back then, just to survive.
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I would not think the so called pre-quel a good place to start; but that is just my opinion.
You see, the prequel is about a Dr. Martin Bamford, or something like that, and is played by the same actor, Martin Clunes, who plays Doc Martin. And it is about doctoring in a village in Cornwall.
But the prequel was just a stab at doing a show about such a doctor in such a place. The idea became a solid one only when they changed the name and the fictional history of the doctor in question. THAT series really took off.
Same actor. Same county. Different doctor. Our Doc Martin is Doctor Martin Ellingham.
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MaryPage, did you happen to see the "Behind the Scenes" program on the Doc Martin series? It played last Saturday here. Little bits by the actors, director, etc. And they all say that Martin Clunes is hilarious (in real life). Couldn't tell it by watching the show, could you?
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I did not. I was without television, telephone or internet all weekend due to the horrific derecho we had race through these parts Friday night.
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Ohh, that's right! Sorry. I had been meaning to ask you if your area was in the path of the derecho. Should have known it was. Did you suffer any damages, other than being without power?
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Actually, PEDLN, Newsroom is being broadcast as a series right now. We get each show recorded weekly and watch it at our leisure. If one of your stations is carrying
it, you needn't wait for Netflix.
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Tomereader, I was never without power, thank goodness. Over a million homes here were. Half of my own community was, but I got lucky this time. After having been 8 days without power last summer, I feel it is time for a break for me. There are power crews from as far as Canada working 16 hour days, including today, to repair our extensive damage.
I was without COMCAST. I have cable, internet and telephone in a bundle from them. Nothing I could do. I called all of my children on my dang cell phone, which I hate but they insist I have, and I am on the family plan with my daughter Debi here, and let them know. Several had already tried me on my land line to see how I was, so they were relieved when I called. I had my radio and CD player and plenty of good books, but I hated missing DOC MARTIN. Debi told me both episodes shown here Saturday evening were repeats, and told me which ones they were. I could remember them both quite well.
Yes, it was a derecho. Pronounced de - raych - oh. There is a long article in the Annapolis paper today saying we can expect a lot more of these storms and fires and droughts and so on, all due to global warming.
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For those who don't mind a movie in a foreign language, but with sub-titles, and can get out to a theatre in your area that runs "indie" films, by all means go to see
"Les Intouchables". (translates to The Untouchables) A true story about a quadriplegic and his most unusual "home care" nurse. If you can't get to a theatre showing it, when the dvd comes out, rent it! You will laugh (I mean laugh, as in guffaw, roar, ROFL) and you will cry. This is a beautiful movie and don't let the NY Times movie critic spoil it for you if you look that up on line. I know I am always (it seems) recommending movies that are outside the Hollywood mold. This one is worth your time and the price of admission.
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Babi, I think Newsroom is on HBO, so I'll have to wait for Season one to come out on DVD. It's sounds good.
Tomereader, we get a foreign film here about once every five or ten years, so I'm waiting for The Intouchables on DVD. I saw a trailer of it somewhere and really liked it.
My friends and I went out for an early July 4 dinner and then watched Netflix DVD The Ides of March, starring George Clooney and Ryan Gosling, directed by Clooney. Very timely, as it was about life on the primary campaign trail. Though fictional, this was supposedly inspired by an aide in the Howard Dean campaign of 2004. We all loved it and I give it five Netflix stars. I left the dvd with my friend and after the rest of us left she watched it all over again. If you've seen it, what did you think of the ending?
Tried watching The Newlyweds over the weekend. Sorry, but no thanks. Two Netflix stars for "didn't like it." Maybe I'm just too old.
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We watched the DVD of the new version of John Le Carre's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy this week. Must admit I had to stop half way as it was so late, but I thought it was excellent. Madeleine and my husband watched it through to the end and enjoyed it - she is going to watch it right through with me again, as she has not read the books and wants to get it all clear in her head.
I never thought anyone could replace Alec Guinness as Smiley, but from what I've seen so far Gary Oldman has managed to make the role his own, and the other actors are also very good - Colin Firth in quite a different role from his usual, Toby Jones also excellent as Percy Alleline - Kathy Burke even manages to take on the role of Connie that was so much Beryl Reid's own.
Looking forward to seeing it through again.
Have also borrowed 'The Kids Are Alright' from our library - anyone seen it?
Rosemary
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I can't personally recommend "The Kids Are All Right". I rented it, tried watching, 'bout halfway thru, I decided it was not for me. My daughter even bought the DVD, and decided it was not for her either. Can't fault the acting (Benning is always fantastic). I would be careful about letting your teenager view it.
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Thanks Tome - great to have some first hand advice. I will maybe watch it in bed tomorrow night and see what I think - it'll have to be good to stop me falling asleep!
Rosemary
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Rosemary, I saw Kids All Right some time ago and really did not find it memorable. Just so-so, and I'm surprised it got as many awards and nominations as it did.
But, that being said, you might find the NYT article below interesting. That topic was in the news when the film came out, and maybe that's why it got so much good publicity.
Donors provide many siblings (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/05/children-of-sperm-donors-may-have-many-siblings/)
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Pedln, that is an interesting article. 150 children by one donor!!! That seems outrageous.
There is a positive review of THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT in the NY TIMES at http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/07/09/movies/09kids.html?pagewanted=all. It expresses my general thoughts about the film.
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MARCIE, I don't remember what brought it up, but I was thinking a bit on that subject not
long ago. My thoughts were more along the line of supposing every prospective mother would ask for a donor of above-average intelligence, good health history, successful and possibly talented. Some preferred physical characteristics, such as 'tall', perhaps. Why not?
But that would probably mean a few top contenders would be used frequently. I wonder if
that means the donors would come in often to contribute, or whether one donation produces
enough sperm for widespread use.
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A donor goes in at different time. I believe that the sperm just used once. Thing is the clinic do keep the names of those donors that they think are Ex. candidates. Many University students go in often. One way of paying their expenses. Some men have been know to have donated many, many times and theirs used. That is where a problem may come in. Many children out there now with same father. They could meet without knowing they had same D and A. Marry and have children. Would pay I think that if a couple meet and both know adopted then they should have a D and A test done. Be safe.
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I have a friend whose father was a doner. She really wanted to know who he was and resented the law that let the father hide his identity. She and others were in a group who were searching for siblings.
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There was a documentary on the Telly about a year ago. This man agreed to them giving out his name if people trying to trace. It ended up with about 7 young people getting to meet with him and each other.
Seemed to have worked out O.K.
I believe that it can't be done until a child gets to be over 21. If much younger then women would be claiming for Child support.
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Thanks for that info., JEANNE. I'd never thought about all those
potential problems. Think of what a mess it could make in a criminal
case.
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Babi, I've been reading backwards and you've answered a question for me. I watched that stand-alone Doc Martin prequel and enjoyed it very much. And as someone has said, he's a kind man and his appearance does grow on you.
I want to watch the series now, and could not find evidence that the first disc had captions. Guess it doesn't. But it looks like the powers that be, actually a different DVD company, wised up and put them in for subsequent discs. So, those of you in the know, can we jump in with Season (or series) 2 and not be too confused?
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I think it would be okay to start with Season 2, you won't be too confused. I had gotten them all from Netflix, but for the life of me, can't remember if #1 had captions. I will throw in this little intriguing ?fact? or not: Sometimes when I would be playing a DVD, I would use the Remote for either the DVD Player itself, or the TV's own remote to program in Closed Captions. A couple of times, when I did that, I actually got two different CC's showing on the screen. That was not necessarily Doc M, but definitely a British program, where the CC is always a big help with the dialogue. My tv's remote shows a button for C.C.; the DVD remote shows button called "subtitle", and the remote for my Dish, you use the Menu button and then press several buttons to get to the CC "on, CC off" screen, and then Select. I have no idea if any of this would work for anyone, especially if you have all your visual equipment programmed into the one Remote Control. But it is just a thought.
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Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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I'm watching and enjoying a very interesting British TV mini-series (from Netflix) of Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth (2010). Stars Ian McShane, Matthew MacFadyen (both excellent. I loved MacFadyen in the Little Dorrit mini-series), Donald Sutherland and many other good actors. Read the book years ago.
Marj
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PEDLIN: I couldn't remember where Season 2 started, so I looked at a copy of the first episode. I think you'd be fine with Season II, with a little bit of background.
I've provided that background below. Those who want to watch Season I. please skip.
Doc Martin is a surgeon who suddenly developed a blood phobia. He's moved to this small town in Corwall as a GP. He is a great doctor, with no clue how to deal with people. He's always making people mad.
He and a teacher Louisa, are attracted to each other, but every time they start to get close, Martin does something rude. At the end of season 1, after working together to save a life, they finally kiss. Martin then starts giving her advice about how to cure her bad breath.
At the start of season 23, Louisa is still mad at him. His finds his receptionist has left, and he has a new receptionist.
You'll meet the other characters. If you're a Britcom fan, you'll recognize some of them. His Aunt Joan was in Waiting for God, and Louisa was in The Vicar of Dibley (don't know why the church connection)
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Marj, I am glad you are enjoying Pillars of the Earth. I watched it on TV.
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PEDLIN, thanks so much for the up-date. I'll definitely be interested in watching Doc Martin if
there is closed captioning in the second series.
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For those who like Cranford (I assume this is the same Cranford): http://manybooks.net/titles/gaskelleetext96crnfd10.html
For those who like Benjamin Button: http://manybooks.net/titles/gaskelleetext96crnfd10.html Apparently this is a short story. How did they make a movie out of a three page story?
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JoanK, thanks for the background info on Doc Martin. I'll add Season 2 to my queue.
Tomereader, I have my TV permanently set for captions, and sometimes if a DVD has both subtitles and captions I'll end up with both. Not a problem, I just click the remote to off the subtitles, leave the captions. It used to happen more often. I think more DVD producers are now using SDH subtitles as opposed to captions -- something about the caption (line 21) being incompatible with HD -- high definition. I don't know, but I get either captions or subtitles for most of what I want to watch, so can't complain. Except for our local jerky TV channel KFVS that has the worst captioning in history.
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I've seen some incredibly bad captioning on TV. nonsense words that nmake no sense at all.
Babi: let us know how you like Doc Martin.
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Frybabe, here's a link to "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" -- the 3-page book. I don't know if it's the site you found. You accidentally pasted the same link twice in your post #2764
http://manybooks.net/titles/fitzgeraldfother08benjamin_button.html
I found a copy of the screenplay/script at http://www.visualhollywood.com/movies_2008/curious_case_bb/script.pdf
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I don't know what our problem is, PEDLN, since we don't have HD, but on our TV the
captioning no longer synchronizes with the speaker. I'm reading the lines before the
character gets there. It's annoying, but as I don't know what I can do about it, I try
to ignore it.
I will, JOANK, but that will be a while. We have a pretty long queue.
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oops! Thanks Marcie. Here is the short story. http://manybooks.net/titles/fitzgeraldfother08benjamin_button.html Imagine expanding a three page short story into a whole movie. I haven't seen the movie. There seem to be mixed reactions to it.
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Well, I finally watched 'The Kids Are Alright' - or rather, the first 15 minutes of it.
I think I must be an all-time prude, but quite frankly I was shocked by the amount of explicit sex (gay and straight); much of it seemed totally gratuitous, and I was particularly taken aback because the film only has a '15' certificate in the UK, and many '18' cert films have far less in them than this did.
Took it back to the library, and if I'd had time to wait to speak to the library lady I think I would have told her that I thought it should have a warning on it.
Even putting the sex aside, I could not warm to either of the lead characters - and I usually love anything Juliane Moore does. As for the sperm donor 'father', he was so irritatingly 'cool' that I just wanted to shake him.
Mrs Grumpy Old Lady signing off for today... ;D
Rosemary
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Not "grumpy old lady" Rosemary, I think I also watched only 15, maybe 20 minutes of it, and was totally turned off. I don't remember if my daughter said she watched all of it, but she did say she certainly didn't like it. She's in her 40's and is definitely not a prude.
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On to another movie now: I got "Albert Nobbs" from Netflix. Started watching yesterday, and can truthfully say, I have never seen a more boring movie. And Glenn Close, who is usually one of my favorite actresses, did not give an Oscar nomination performance. IMHO. Stood in a corner or off to the side, totally motionless, and could've been mistaken for a mannequin at any point. (dvd does have captions, BTW) When speaking, she was almost inaudible. On to the most boring part...I turned it off at about 45 minutes into the film and sent it back. The other DVD I had was "Bertie & Elizabeth", which was well-acted by the actors portraying the main characters; very good cinematography. This was a PBS Masterpiece film, I think, but can't remember which year. I understand it is available for purchase. This was a precursor to the marvelous film "The King's Speech", and they rather danced around Bertie's stutter in this one.
The actor who played "David" was so into his role, you just wanted to rap him upside his head, and Wallis too! So, one out of two flicks being worth watching is good odds, I suppose! Can't remember which are my next two dvd's from my queue.
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I have. "The kids are alright" waiting for me to pick up. Will give it a try. I didn't watch very much of "Albert Nobbs" Not worth the time.
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Well, JeanneP, if Albert Nobbs was not worth your time, "The Kids Are All Right" will certainly not be worth your time! For two entirely different reasons though, as I stated in my Post 2772 above!
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Those of you who have watched disappointing films lately should see the new French film, The Intouchables, which we saw yesterday. You won't be disappointed with this one!
It's based on a true story of a very wealthy man who has become a parapalegic after a glider accident in the French Alps. He's become depressed, hating to have people sympathizing with him, and he is looking for an aide to assist him with living (he has no feeling from his neck to his feet). Along comes this young black man, just released from 6 months in jail, typical hood from the projects, not wanting this job, but through funny circumstances, he is hired. The men are so different, but each learns from the other and they become good friends. Great story and acting, much humor. Hope it wins an oscar.
For anyone living in So. California, we only go to the Regent Theater in Laguna Niguel. They show great films -- but for adults. No loud action technical crap for kids, just good films.
Marj
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My next two Netflix discs are: "The Yankles" a comedy about an orthodox Jewish baseball team; and "Safe House" - - yep, gotta have me some "action/thriller".
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Marjifay, I think I posted about this over in Seniors&Friends, or maybe here several sessions back. It is indeed a wonderful movie, and would be deserving of any Oscar noms. It is difficult for most here to see movies like this, because they show mostly at the so called "art houses", and we have to wait ages for the movie to get to DVD. This is one that I will be buying though. I laughed so hard, and cried at the end. Best film all year.
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Yes, I did post my reaction about Les Intouchables over in S&F, here it is:
For those who don't mind a movie in a foreign language, but with sub-titles, and can get out to a theatre in your area that runs "indie" films, by all means go to see
"Les Intouchables". (translates to The Untouchables) A true story about a quadriplegic and his most unusual "home care" nurse. If you can't get to a theatre showing it, when the dvd comes out, rent it! You will laugh (I mean laugh, as in guffaw, roar, ROFL) and you will cry. This is a beautiful movie and don't let the NY Times movie critic spoil it for you if you look that up on line. I know I am always (it seems) recommending movies that are outside the Hollywood mold. This one is worth your time and the price of admission.
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Pleased to hear that, TOME. Ordinarily I like Glenn Close, but the previews I saw of
Albert Nobbs did not inspire me. I took it off my queue (placed there after the Oscar
awards). Glad now that I did.
I also appreciate knowing what "The Kids are Alright" is like. I definitely would not
want to waste any time on that one.
"Intouchables", now, that sounds like a real winner, MARJ. I assume it has English
subtitles? I'm going to go ahead and place it on my Netflix 'saved' queue.
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Yes, Babi, The Intouchables, has easy to read English subtitles. I think you will like it.
Marj
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Have any of you been watching Longmire on A&E? It is about a sheriff in Wyoming. I am enjoying it very much and have checked out the first book in the Longmire series: The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson. Are any of you familiar with this author?
Sally
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Not familiar with the author, Sally, but I do watch the TV show. I like it a lot.
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One of our dear friend's last name is Longmire. She sent us a copy of the first book and told us it was going to be a series. We've read a couple of the books, and are enjoying the series. A good western, with an older, flawed hero.
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"The kids are Alright" is ready for me to pick up tonight at the Library. Will not give it much time if I don't like it. I just like Julianne Moore so much.
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Three positives for Longmire. I'll have to check that out.
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Make that 4.
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Thanks for the recommendations of Longmire. I checked my cable "on demand" and see that they've already removed the first three episodes from the listing! I can start viewing now with episode 4.
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I found it! I don't know which episode this is I'm starting with, but it is set to record
Sunday mornings.
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Babi, sorry - new programs of Longmire are on A&E Sundays 10-11 p.m.ET.
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Longmire is also repeated several times during the week. I usually record it for a later time; since there are several programs that I like during sunday prime time. Although our PBS station is pledge driving AGAIN the next several Sundays; so I'll probably watch it from 9-10 cst the next few weeks.
Just watched the pilot for Political Animals on USA. A lot of good actors in it and I enjoyed the first episode although they had a few explicit sex scenes that I could have done without. Why do they think that kind of thing makes a program more interesting????
Sally
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The Longmire series I'm taping is Sunday @ 8:30 am, MARY. I'll have to check and
see if it's also on 10-11pm, and if it is the same episode. And at 9:30 I like to listen
to Ed Young, Sr. He's a good Bible teacher and the perfect 'church attendance' for me
now.
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Last night the first 'Shrek' was on TV, so daughters & I watched it - first time for me, certainly not for them. Really enjoyed it - so clever, and Eddi Murphy brilliant as the voice of the Donkey. Just shows good clean fun can be smart, entertaining and good for all age groups (though I know my mother wouldn't have been able to follow it without subtitles - I think I missed a few one-liners myself.)
Thanks for the tip about The Untouchables - looks good, I will try to get it from LoveFilm. We have just received Mississippi Burning - an old film I know, but one that I think elder daughter should see, especially as she' s so into politics/sociology, etc just now. A different slant from The Help will be interesting for us both, as I last saw Mississippi Burning many years ago at the cinema.
Rosemary
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Babi, I just looked up Longmire on my online TV schedule and it looks like they're going to repeat the PILOT next Sunday (7/29) at 7 pm. on A&E. I don't know if I can keep up with more than one or two weekly shows. Am going to try to keep up with Sigourney Weaver in Political Animals.
Went out for dinner with friends Friday night and then we watched War Horse. It's a fascinating film, but brutal in parts. Some of the story line might be considered a stretch, but all in all a worthwhile film to see.
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In anothyer discussion, we were talking about motorcycles, and a number of people remarked how much they enjoyed "The Worlds Fastest Indian" wit nAnthony Hopkins. The Indian is a cycle, and Hopkins plays an old geezaer in new Zealand who fixes an old one up with whatever junk he has lying around and wins a prestigious race.
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Oh, my, PEDLN, Val and I have a whole slew of series we watch. Not always the same ones; she enjoys some I don't care for, and vice-versa. Then she and her sister enjoy dancing and talent shows. Since I can't hear the music, they naturally don't have much appeal to me now. Coincidentally, just last night while waiting to fall asleep, I found
myself remembering some of the old voices I loved so much. Simon & Garfunkel,
Neil Diamond, the 'crooners', Presley, and others. Hmm, I note a definite preference for the baritone voice in that list. ;)
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I don't know if this was a book, into a movie, but Just discovered a terrific little film, shown on satellite TV the other night. I had never heard of it, but since it starred Morgan Freeman and Virginia Madsen, decided I would DVR it. Very, very cute, funny. Freeman portrays a writer, of Western novels, wheelchair bound, who is determined never to write again, and just as determined to drink himself to death. Peopled with some interesting peripheral characters that help to drive the story in a better direction. Watch for it on your satellite/cable channel or order it from Netflix.
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Tomereader.
And what was the name of it? Sounds interesting.
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I only realized (too late to modify my post) that I had left the title off.
It is "The Magic of Belle Isle".
At present, since it was only made in 2012, you can pull it up on Netflix, but it shows "Availability Unknown". I put it in my queue anyway, in case I want to rent it when it is available.
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Morgan Freeman is always good. I'd like to see that one. "The Magic of Bell Isle"..thank you.
I'll put it on my queue, too, and we'll hope for the best.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
That sounds like a winner, Tomereader. I've just added it to my queue.
Salmon Fishing on the Yemen is in the mail, so Netflix tells me. I feel lucky, as it was listed as a "long wait."
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Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is here, but with the Olympics going on full speed ahead, I don't know when I'll get to watch it. I taped Masterpiece's Lewis last night, have given up on Sigourney Weaver in Political Animals -- after too shows it just didn't seem new or inticing.
I've seen lots of trailers of The Campaign, and Will Ferrell was on Morning Joel last week. It'll be a while before it's a DVD, so guess I won't worry about it for a while.
I think I must sit down with a mathematician to figure out how to get the most bang for my buck with all these paid TV options, cable, satellite, etc -- especailly when you live in the boonies and there's not much competition.
Watched Room With a View just before the Olympics. Gorgeous scenery, nice quiet undemanding piece.
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A bit of male nudity too, if I remember rightly.
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I'm watching a delightful movie on IFC, Strangers in Good Company. A group of older women is stranded in the Canadian woods when their bus beaks down. It is lightly scripted, the writers gave the cast an outline and they took it from there, reminiscing about their lives. Here is the wiki description.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Company_of_Strangers
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That sounds really good. What is IFC?
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Independent Film Company
I just discovered that one of the women, Mary Meigs, wrote a book about the movie and her life titled In the Company of Strangers. Amazon has copies and reviews.
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That does sound good. I wonder how a 27-yr. old jazz singer wound up in that company?
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I remember seeing this years ago, back in the late 80's, early 90's, and being disappointed. However, all the reviews I now see are excellent, so I probably missed something, and will have to give it another try. But I have never been a fan of unscripted film with non-actors.
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Today's Flavorpill newsletter has several good behind the scenes photos of some movies. The best was the cast of Marie Antoinette still in costume lolling around between filming, with Marie Antoinette using a cell phone, and her lady in waiting drinking a coke. Funny.
Sorry, I don't know how to make a link to Flavorpill.
Marj
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I finally took a break from the Olympics and watched Salmon Fishing in the Yemen last night. (I'd been feeling guilty holding it because when I received it from Netflix it was still considered a "long wait.")
I'll give it a 4 star rating. The focus is on Ewan McGregor and Emily Blunt who are working for a rich fly-fishing sheik who wants to bring salmon fishing to Yemen. Kristin Scott Thomas plays a determined press secretary who wants to make her boss look good. I had to play the beginning scenes over a couple of times to make sure I knew what was going on. There's romance, there's humor, but I wouldn't call this a comedy. There's lots going on here, and I found I really had to pay attention. Beautiful scenery in spots.
I found out at the end that it is based on a book of the same name by Paul Tarday, which, according to Amazon, is somewhat epistolary, made up of emails, memos, reports, ect.
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Pedlin, I've read the book and am looking forward to seeing the movie.
The book was very good!
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I saw the movie when it first came out, and loved it. I would call it a romantic comedy. The humor is the tongue in cheek British type, which is my favorite. I do not like the broad American type of humor. I do love clever things, and there is nothing clever about most American scripts which are supposed to be funny, but the Brits are masters.
Yep, I loved it.
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My experience, MARYPAGE, is that British humor can be clever and subtle, and it can also
be definitely slapstick. The big, bosomy, in-your-face blonds were much in evidence,
complete with not at all subtle sexual innuendos. And of course, America produces both
kinds, too. I will admit, when it comes to the low-key delivery that you almost miss,
the British are the best.
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Callie, I'm glad to hear you liked the book. I thought about adding it to my Kindle, but oh dear, there are so many unread ones on it already.
MaryPage, you are right, the Brits are wonderful with the subtle, clever humor. I don't think I'll ever forget Maggie SMith's "What's a weekend?" It always makes me laugh out loud.
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I don't know if this is from a book or not, but....
Because of the Olympics and then watching what we recorded while the games were on, we‘re just now getting around to watching our Netflix movie.
It was a repeat for us, but Saving Grace (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0195234/), a 2000 British movie, is one of the funniest movies ever. The Brits do this offbeat humor SO well. And there are certainly some familiar faces in the film - folks who have gone on to bigger things. Craig Fergusion, late night TV host, has a big role. Martin Clunes, Doc Martin on PBS, has another good role.
If you get the chance, check this one out.
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MaryZ, thanks for that. It sounds like a good one and I've added it to my queue. Netflix didn't show anything about captions (for those of us who need them) but Amazon did, so I'll give it a try.
I'm having trouble coming up with really good titles right now, so appreciate your suggesion. The last really good ones I've seen were War Horse and Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, and even that last one wasn't as good as I was expecting.
A Separation is coming up on Netflix next week. It's an Iranian film, I think and Oscar nominee for Best Foreign last year, and my NY daughter raved about it.
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Have finally caught up here and put Strangers in Good Company which I never heard of, at the top of my queue in Netflix, how did I miss that? It seems right up my alley along with Marigold Hotel (the movie). Thank you for talking about it here.
While I was in the UK there was a lot of talk about the older movie goer and how the Marigold Hotel had struck gold and we could expect to see a lot more like it to this important focus audience.
There have always been some with that focus along the way, wasn't there one with Edward Fox about a long summer at the lake? I enjoyed that thing, I really like him, and of course there have been others, but I'm excited to hear we may at last have something for us to enjoy as well. I also rewatched before I left The Man Who Went Up A Hill and Came Down a Mountain, an old thing, old old, with a young Hugh Grant, but for some reason at the very end (don't turn it off, when over, there's a surprise right at the credits) it always makes me cry.
But on the flights I got to see the latest Robert Downey/ Jude Law Sherlock Holmes, and I loved it. I have the first one but didn't care for it, it's quite a departure from Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. The first one is dark, and confusing. I still think Rathbone is the quintessential Sherlock Holmes but this new pairing, the second movie, is so good I've seen it 3 times. It's a different Sherlock, and I like him, and Dr. Watson, too. Especially Moriarty, this one is perfect, Jared Harris.
One point the DVD makes in one of the behind the scenes thing is how faithful it is to the book. I didn't remember that type of action or character, but when Robert Downey turned to the camera and said "it's in the book," I thought, I've been wanting to reread "the books" for some time, now's the time, and so began A Study in Scarlet as I've got a huge book with every Sherlock Holmes in it, in the order they were published, and I have to say I'm enjoying them no end.
The physical description of Sherlock Holmes fits Basil Rathbone more than Robert Downey, unless Downey is over 6 feet tall as Rathbone was. And I came on this startling thing when Holmes and Watson are just moving in together and getting acquainted:
Homes says "Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning," which I thought was interesting and caused me to question some of my latest escape reads. hahahaa
Then he says this:
I consider that a man's brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things, so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it. Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect order. It is a mistake to think that the little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.
I figure that's what's wrong with me! The attic room has no elastic walls! hahahaha
Watson goes on right after this to make an astounding list of what Holmes does not know, it's full of humor, Downey was right in that. I'm enjoying it tremendously. The book has 1122 pages, and it's an old book, so the printing and binding and page edges are satisfyingly like the experience we used to have as children. So here a new movie has caused me to revisit the old original books, and I'm enjoying the experience no end. :)
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I envy you your fun, Ginny. I've reread all the Sherlock Holmes stories so often there are no surprises left. But you can't believe everything Holmes says about himself--he sometimes pulls Watson's leg.
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Ginny, yes, Edward Fox – A Month by the Lake. I just checked him out on Netflix and found that I gave the film 5 stars a few years back.
Sometimes it seems forever between 5-star films, but last night I saw one. French, with English subtitles – My Afternoons with Margueritte (2 t’s, mind you.). Such a delight, and the leading lady is 95 years old. She comes to the park every afternoon to read and that is where she meets Germain, an illiterate handyman with a total lack of self-esteem. But a friendship develops as she begins to read to him. The first scenes were somewhat loud and brawly and I thought “I don’t know about this.” Not to worry, as characters change and develop, or perhaps it’s that hidden attributes are uncovered. There are flashbacks, or rather sub-conscious images. A feel-good film depicting the power of friendship, love, and literature.
Homes says "Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning," which I thought was interesting and caused me to question some of my latest escape reads. hahahaa
I don't think I'll pursue that, nor the elasticity of my brain :)
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Last night I watched The Hunger Games. It was worth watching..not as good as the book, but imo movies are never as good as the books.
Sally
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I think I remember that episode from the Sherlock Holmes story. Holmes has just listened,
with interest, to an explanation of the planetary system. On conclusion, he nods and then
remarks that he will now do his utmost to forget every bit of it. He didn't want to fill
his brain with useless information.
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I can sympathise with that. These days I often feel like my floppy disc - or whatever it's now called - is full :D
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Salan, even though The Hunger Games is categorized as a young adult novel, I liked the book very much. It's part of a trilogy. Here's a synopsis from wikipedia for those who have not read The Hunger Games: "It is written in the voice of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, where the countries of North America once existed. The Capitol, a highly advanced metropolis, holds hegemony over the rest of the nation. The Hunger Games are an annual event in which one boy and one girl aged 12 to 18 from each of the twelve districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death until only one person remains." I haven't seen the movie yet. The trailer made me think that it doesn't capture the book as well as it could. I'm glad to hear that you think the movie is worth watching.
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Last night Madeleine & I watched 'Murder on the Orient Express' - I remember going to see this at the cinema when it first came out, so I was surprised by how poor the acting now seemed. David Suchet was still good, but a lot of the supporting cast were awful! Hugh Bonneville (of Downton Abbey) turned up as a rather cockney steward - I suppose that wouldn't have jarred so much if Downton wasn't so fresh in my mind, but it wasn't the only thing. Poirot is turned into a devout Catholic and shows none of the humour that makes him human in other films.
Isn't it funny how time changes our views on things?
Rosemary
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I saw that version too, Rosemary, and agree with your assessment.
A new series, COPPER, begins on BBC America tonight in the U.S. I don't usually watch a lot of crime drama so I'll have to see how I like it.
The clips show the excellent BBC production value of great photography and staging. COPPER is BBC America's first original scripted program after previously only airing shows from the United Kingdom and co-productions.
From the official website at http://www.bbcamerica.com/copper/about/
From Academy Award® winner Barry Levinson and Emmy® Award winner Tom Fontana, “Copper” is a gripping crime drama series, set in 1864 New York City, filled with intrigue, corruption, mystery and murder. Kevin Corcoran (Tom Weston-Jones, “MI-5″), an Irish-American former boxer turned cop, returns from the Civil War to find his wife missing and his daughter dead. Corcoran seeks justice for the powerless in the notorious immigrant neighborhood of Five Points. Bonded by battle to two Civil War compatriots – the wayward son of a wealthy industrialist and an African-American physician who secretly assists the forensic investigations – Corcoran is thrust into the contrasting worlds of elegant and corrupt Fifth Avenue, and the emerging African-American community in Northern Manhattan. The three men share a secret from the battlefield that inextricably links their lives forever.
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Sounds intriguing.
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Rosemary, I saw that version and agree with you. I felt like Poirot was completely misrepresented.
Sally
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Rosemary, I think it would be hard for any version of that film to beat the 1974 production with Albert Finney as Poirot and an all-star cast that included JOhn Gielgud, Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and so on.
Marcie, they were talking about COPPER on Morning Joe the other day and it sounds good. But I don't get BBC America with my cable.
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Pedln - THANK YOU - the penny has just dropped! The one I saw ages ago at the cinema was the Albert Finney version! no wonder I didn't remember any of the David Suchet one! I will try to get the Albert Finney one from LoveFilm so that Madeleine can see it. I read a couple of reviews of the David Suchet one, and at least one said that the director had tried to make it fashionable and 'edgy' and had thereby ruined it.
Oh my ageing brain cells!
Rosemary
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MARCIE, did the trailer at all explain the idea behind this annual slaughter of youngsters?
what was all that in aid of?
We've got the first two episodes of "Copper" recorded. Now I'm eager to get into them. Sounds fascinating!
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I see that COPPER is available at Netflix (4 discs). I'll give it a try.
I just watched a fascinating film from Netflix, THE YACOUBIAN BUILDING, after reading the short novel by an Egyptian writer, Alaa Al-Aswany, which was a best-seller in the Arab world. Set in Cairo in the 1990s, it tells the story of several people who live in the building along with the corruption, sexual repression, religious extremism of that country. What an odd culture. They constantly mention God, i.e. Alah wants this, Alah abhors that, but they then go ahead and do exactly what they want, that is, the upper class does. The lower class people are not so lucky. Parts are sad, like the young man who is very smart and desires to be a policeman. He passes all the written tests, but when he gets to the oral examination they ask "And what does your father do?" He tells them his father is a janitor. They then dismiss him abruptly, and he knows he can never be a policeman. And your heart aches for the women in the film. You can't help but care for the people and their problems and struggles, but thank Alah you don't live there.
Marj
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Babi, the annual hunger games (sort of a gladiator fight to death by two representatives from each district) are held to reinforce the Capitol's hold on the 12 districts...in remembrance of a previous rebellion against the Capitol by a 13th district, that was destroyed as punishment. The fighting in the book takes place in a sort of Star Trek holodeck world with different areas that provide shelter or danger, harmful or helpful plants, potential weapons, etc. I found it quite interesting.
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Babi you have a good memory, it was the subject of the Solar System which Holmes said now that he did know it he would do his best to forget it.
I'm reading it at a snail's pace, enjoying the wonderful writing, the humor and the characterization. We all know the stories (or we think we do) but the writing is just wonderful. Pat, I'm so much enjoying the humor and the way things are expressed. It's almost like reading it anew.
I'm enjoying looking up words, too, which I normally don't have to do: portmanteau. I knew it was a suitcase of some sort. Then I just remembered I have another annotated volume, with an introduction by John LeCarre ("Dr. Watson doesn't write to you, he talks to you, with Edwardian courtesy across a glowing fire.") oh man, and the original illustrations, and wonderful background. When this book came out in 2005 it was the rage to end all rages, and I never read it. It's a study in itself but A Study in Scarlet is not included as it was not in the Strand Magazine. But it's so full of background and the history of Sherlock Holmes.
I am loving it.
:) Pedln and Rosemary.
A Month at the Lake, that's it! I just saw Hope Springs and I thought Tommy Lee Jones did a great job. There also appear to be quite a few movies coming up before December that look promising.
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Boy, talk about punishment 'unto the third or fourth generation', and then some. So, it's a
way of keeping the 12 districts cowed. I can see where it would be interesting, tho', to see
how the combatants cope and the skills that allow them to survive. My ideal ending to the
trilogy, tho', would be for all the survivors from 20 years of so of combat to unite and tear
down the government. Thanks for the explanation, MARCIE. I'll probably try book one for myself
now.
GINNY, the really old stuff is well planted. It's the new stuff I have trouble assimilating. ??? ;)
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" it was the subject of the Solar System which Holmes said now that he did know it he would do his best to forget it".
OK, now I have to tell my Sherlock Holmes joke again (It's the only joke I know!). Skip this if you've heard it.
Holmes and Watson go camping. Holmes says "Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what it means."
Watson looks and says " I see hundreds of stars, just like ours.
And around those stars are circling thousands of planets just like ours.
And on those planets could be tens of thousands of life forms just like ours, trying to communicate with us."
"No, you idiot" says Holmes. "It means someone has stolen our tent."
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Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Shriek!! hahahaah Love it. I can't tell jokes or remember them, that's so cute, maybe I can remember it 5 minutes.
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LOL. JoanK, that's a good one!
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I watched the first episode of COPPER on BBC America. It was okay. I'll give it another episode to see where it goes.
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Marcie, I watched Copper and felt the same way. It could turn out to be really good, but they could carry it too far with raw sexuality and "grittiness". Let's hope they don't. I like the setting, time period and characters.
Sally
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I watched Copper too. I'm up in the air about liking it or not. It looks like it's going to be pretty violent. I'm so used to watching British detectives where they don't carry guns and most of the victims aren't killed with guns. And do I really care how the cop looks naked???
I really must be getting old.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
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And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
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Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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GINNY, you should have met my ex. He remembered every joke he ever heard, and could match a whole room full of people joke for joke. I swear he had thousands of them. :-\ :-[
I see we are pretty much in agreement on the new 'Copper'. Like Marcie, I'll watch at least
one more before deciding if I want to continue. I feel it does accurately reflect the police
departments of that time, and has the potential to be an engrossing series. We'll just have
to see if hey can do it.
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When I first heard about Copper my thoughts jumped to Matthew Pearl and his Boston "cop" in The Dante Club -- the time period and all. But, from what you've all said, guess not. :(
They're on my far distant Netflix queue, so will wait until then.
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Well the time period and the area of NY makes it very depressing. Certainly not like the Lewis series that takes place in Oxford. It's like watching Oliver and how most poor people lived. It makes you wonder why they came from where they lived because they probably weren't much better off here.
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"And do I really care how the cop looks naked???
I really must be getting old."
Maybe he just didn't look that good. ;) I think the Brits think that we Yanks won't watch if there isn't sex and violence. Then why do they think British shows are so popular here.
I couldn't find Copper on my BBC America. But the cableman came to hook up my new TV, and I realize I have two stations BBC America, and BBC America HD. They have different programming. I must have looked at the wrong one. When is it on again?
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Joan, here is a link to the schedule for COPPER. You should be able to see the first episode ON DEMAND on your BBC America station. It's under "Other TV Networks" in my On Demand Lineup.
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Joan - I don't think it's us - we are always told that US sponsors are the ones who pull the plug on anything they think people might find 'offensive'.
I heard a radio programme at the w/e that reunited some female singers of the 1960s - among them Sandie Shaw (who was not very nice), Jackie Trent, Helen Shapiro and Petula Clark. Clark said that when she first sang in the US, she was asked which male singer she would like to sing with. She chose Harry Belafonte. That was fine, but during the televising of the show they did a song that she had written herself and which she found very emotional. At one point she touched Belafonte's sleeve - and the sponsors apparently went nuts and pulled the show.
I know that was the 1960s, but I think we - rightly or wrongly - are maybe still under the impression that things are different in the US.
Rosemary
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That's interesting Rosemarykaye. The show did air, but it is possible that some stations or syndicates chose not to air it. Here is the full accounting: http://www.pophistorydig.com/?tag=harry-belafonte-petula-clark
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Oh, Lord, I wish I could 'pull the plug' on some of our more offensive shows. Of course,
things that put me off are thoroughly enjoyed by others, and I wouldn't want them making the decision on the shows I prefer. So, to each his own seems the only reasonable solution.
Things are very different now, ROSEMARY. While sponsors went nuts over a little thing such
as you describe in the 60's, it is now very common to see programs featuring mixed marraiages/
relationships. No one turns a hair,...except, no doubt, some diehard old timers with the old
biases too deeply etched to discard.
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"I know that was the 1960s, but I think we - rightly or wrongly - are maybe still under the impression that things are different in the US."
It's a "glass is half full (or half empty)" situation. Things are so much better than they were, but we still struggle with the legacy of racism, and have a long way to go. I did my dissertation on occupational segregation (by gender and race) and it is still a maor problem. For example, it's very difficult for Black men to find employment, no matter how well qualified.
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We have two large Hospitals/Clinics here in my town. Believe there are over 1000 doctors now. Very few are African American, as they like to use. I do notice now that must be at least 40% of them Indian or Asian.
I wonder why at times, as many of them have skin darker, do not speak very good English the way that the Americans can understand. Me being British seem to understand the ones from India O.K.
But things have changed a lot since I came. LOts of mixed relations. (not the Indian or Asian) but the Black race and mixed children very high.
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Well, it's been a while since anyone has been here. I guess because of the convention and so many other things going on -- no time for movies? I've been catching up on some of the TV Netork shows, like Boston Legal and Desperate Housewives. The first Homeland disc is no. 1 on my queue, but there is also a very long wait.
But last night I watched one that I'm sure was recommended here, and many thanks to whomever recommended it. Saving Grace, about a well-to-do middle-aged widow who was left destitute when her husband, who had mortgaged everything, died. It was great, funny and enjoyable. I didn't realize it was a Dr. Bamford film, but it was a small role for Martin Clunes and the film did not focus on him.
So what have you seen that you liked? Has anyone seen Beasts of the Southern Wild? I saw somewhere in the news that said that little girl may be the youngest (5) to be nominated for an Oscar.
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pedln, I'm the one who mentioned Saving Grace. Glad you liked it. It's one of our favorites, and we never fail to laugh out loud.
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The films we have had from LoveFilm recently are Good Morning Vietnam, The Help, andMississippi Burning. I had forgotten how violent the last one is, but such a good film (although I appreciate that I don't know much about what really happened). Madeleine watched it with me and liked it - I think I was more upset in the worst bits than she was.
Rosemary
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It's surprising what kids can take in stride, isn't it? I well remember the story of my young cousin
watching Godzilla grab a human off the street and stuff him in it's maw. Her response, as she grabbed
another handful of popcorn, "Well, he got one." It is my opinion, on consideration, that the young
are too inexperienced to relate to some harsh material. To them, it's just a story...fiction. It takes
maturity and experience to know how real and terrible life can be.
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Very good point Babi. I do think I've become more and more easily upset as I've grown older, and seen so many bad things happen (and really I've had an easy life compared to so many people.)
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Don't you think a lot depends on what the kids perceive as real and what is make believe? They've heard stories of talking animals, fairy tales, etc. So they think every made-up story isn't real.
I've only seen The Help, out of the three you mentioned, Rosemary. I broke down and bought it, so maybe will watch that again soon. Will pass on Mississippi Burning, not sure about Good Morning Vietnam.
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Me, too, ROSEMARY. Still, none of us reach our age without knowing grief, pain or trouble.
Sadly, we can't even claim never to have been wrong. :-[ (Tho', come to think of it, I have met one
or two who take that stance. )
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When I was a youngster, and my mom would take me to the movies, or when we finally had TV, if something upset me, she would always say "It's just a movie--make believe". I think we may have gotten used to having our fears/sadness over-ridden by this tack, but now that we are older, we see more things in the media and in real life, that simply CANNOT be placed in that category...it's just a movie, i.e. pictures from Katrina, hurricanes, tornadoes, battlefield news clips, etc. I know that I am very sensitive nowadays, whenever I see one of the motorcades carrying a fallen serviceman to his hometown, I cry. When they show pictures of a young child who currently is suffering from, or has passed on from a hellacious disease, I cry. All manner of news stories which we are peppered with every day, school shootings, parents who kill their children, then themselves, cut me to the quick, and I say, "why, why, why"; knowing that it is not mine to know why.
Life is "definitely NOT a movie" anymore.
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My attitude is that at 83 I have seen more sad and awful and so on and on than anyone should have to experience in one lifetime. Actually, my preference would be that we never have to experience bad things at all. But I cannot arrange these things.
However, I can make the decision that movies and television shows are to be for my ENTERTAINMENT and/or learning, and nothing more. And I have made that decision. And I watch nothing violent, rude, crude, unrefined, full of sex and/or bad language. I have to be very careful about "funny," because what I find amusing is mostly cerebral compared to the loud unkindnesses that the younger generations appear to find hilarious.
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Mary, I completely agree with you. I got Mississippi Burning from LoveFilm because I felt it would be educational for my daughters - and I do think Madeleine learned from it. Anna - the elder of them - refused to watch it.
I think we are now going to have a spell of light entertainment - can't be too 'heavy' all of the time.
Rosemary
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TOME, one of my most painful memories after 9/11 was seeing a newsclip of a woman dancing
in the street with glee over the news. I thought, "How can you! I grieved whenever I heard
of the death of one of your children; now you dance over the death of hundreds of ours."
I only hope she had just heard of the destruction of towers, and did not yet realize the mass
slaughter.
MARY, I feel the same way about choosing what I watch. Once an image is in your head, it's there
forever and can return unwelcomed at any time. I can also choose to think on, and re-live, all the
good, and happy, and fun times. I'm glad to say there were many of those as well.
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Finally got around to watching Julie and Julia. Not bad. It was kind of sad that Julia Child did not like what Julie was doing.
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My perception in watching "Julie and Julia" was that Julie was so self-absorbed and self-serving I found her barely tolerable myself.
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Yes, I think she was a bit obsessive about it. I wondered why she wanted to do 524 recipes in 365 days. Is that how many recipes were in the book? There was a snarky remark about Republicans that was out of place IMO. Just an okay movie overall.
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Babi said, "I feel the same way about choosing what I watch. Once an image is in your head, it's there forever and can return unwelcomed at any time. "
I've seen many scary movies, but the only one I still remember is the scary witch in the Wizard of Oz. My aunt and uncle took me to see it on my 5th birthday.
Marj
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Has anyone seen any good movies currently running in the theater? I need an excuse to get away from this heat into an air-conditioned theater.
One that sounds good is a comedy, Safety Not Guaranteed, about three magazine employees who head out on an assignment to interview a guy who placed a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel. The ad said, "WANTED: Someone to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. You get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED. I have only done this once before." Has anyone seen it?
Marj
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I never heard of the movie, Marj, so I Googled it. It seems to get a pretty good rating from those who have seen it. Looks a bit quirky. IMDB rating 7.6. Rotten Tomatoes give a 92% on the Tomatometer and it says 88% of viewers liked it. Roger Ebert even has nice things to say about it. With a budget around 3/4M, it has grossed over $3.5M so far.
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marjifay, you might like Hope Springs (Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep). We saw it a couple of weeks ago.
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An intriguing title, Marjifay. I've not heard of it before. Hope Springs, yes, looking forward to that. Can anything with Meryl Streep not be good?
The NYT has a lot of info about movies being released this fall -- I suppose in time for Oscar consideration. Here's a slide show with clips from about 30. I'm looking forward to the one with Laura Linney and Bill Murrary -- featuring FDR -- something on the Hudson.
Movie Listings (http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2012/09/09/movies/moviesspecial/20120909_MOVIELISTINGS.html)
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MARJ, if it's hot enough you don't need an excuse. If you don't like the movie, you
can always take a nap. ;D
From what FRYBABE found, it sounds like "Safety Not Guaranteed" is pretty good. I'm
willing to give it a try.
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Thanks, Frybabe. I'm going to see it ("Safety Not Guaranteed") I'm in the mood for a comedy -- not for what I call an "old lady's" movie. LOL
Marj
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My movie reviewer friend had complimentary things to say about "Safety Not Guaranteed". I haven't seen it yet.
I watched Julie & Julia the other day, and although I had tried to watch it once before and didn't finish it (for the reason Babi stated: self-absorbed Julie) but this time I watched the whole thing and it was worth it just to see Streep "being" Julia Child! What a wonderful actress.
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Thanks MaryZ, but "Hope Springs" does not sound like my kind of movie. I looove Tommy Lee Jones, but I heard even he said this was not a good role for him. I like him in his movies Men in Black, No Company for Old Men, Cobb, The Fugitive, etc. Did you know he graduated cum laude with a degree in English Literature from Harvard?
Marj
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Babi said, "MARJ, if it's hot enough you don't need an excuse. If you don't like the movie, you can always take a nap."
Very good. LOL. Yes, and I probably would if it was as bad as the latest Batman movie we went to the Drive In Movie to see. Fell asleep during the first half hour, and we left soon after.
Marj
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And did you know that Tommy Lee Jones was Al Gore's roommate at Harvard and they are still great friends?
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No, didn't know that, Mary Page. Interesting.
Marj
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Many of you have chatted off and on about Doc Martin. My PBS station has never carried it -- until tonight. They are showing the first to episodes; so you know where I will be this evening. Looking forward to it.
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Our daughter has just discovered doc maRtin and is avidly watching all the old episodes on her computer. They're also available on Netflix.
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"I've seen many scary movies, but the only one I still remember is the scary witch in the Wizard of Oz. My aunt and uncle took me to see it on my 5th birthday."
I was about six. I still remember, that I crawled under the movie seat to hide. Don't remember whether it was the witches or the flying monkeys that did it.
As an adult, I've seen it, maybe 10 times. Can't see Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr too often!
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Just noticed Marj and Mary's sayings. I always wanted a drink with a little umbrella in it, and have never had one! But I've sure enjoyed Leo Rosten. Got myself and friends kicked out of a restaurant for laughing too loud at "The Joy of Yiddish". (maybe if they hadn't kicked me out, they would have given me a little umbrella. Oh, well -- I guess you have to choose your pleasures).
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I did think, from the reviews I saw, that Tommy Lee Jones seemed out of place in the "Hope
Springs" role. But that's probably because he usually plays very different roles. I'll be
interested in seeing how he does in this one. It's not a bad idea to get out of one's
comfortable niche once in a while, and stretch a bit.
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Have Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep ever starred together before? That's interesting about his college roommate, MaryPage.
Last night I watched a very good foreign film, The First Grader, based on a true story about an elderly man who wanted to attend school in Kenya. He had lived through brutal times before Kenya achieved freedom, but now the government was providing education for everyone, and by golly he was going to learn to read. But the school was already overcrowded with so many children, he was first told there was no room, then he did not have notebooks or pencils, then he had no uniform. A wonderful account about perseverance.
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We just finished watching a rather gripping movie, quite by chance. I just finished looking it up and it was made in the early 90s, so I expect everyone knows about it already---Gloomy Sunday.....
German/Hungarian, set in Budapest in the 1930s about this love triangle and a song that sends people to suicide (apparently true and sung by Billie Holiday at some point). Then the Nazis intervene, but I will say no more because that would spoil it. I'm not much of a movie fan and I didn't really think I'd like this one at all...BUT....its very atmospheric and really quite gripping, so I would like to recommend it highly and ask if anyone has seen it and what they thought??.
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Thanks, Dana, for recommending "Gloomy Sunday." Sounds interesting. I've Netflixed it.
We saw the movie from Netflix, "Saving Grace." I didn't expect to like it, as my son couldn't finish it ("too silly," he said). But I liked it. Yes it was kind of silly, but in a good way that made me laugh. I loved the two old ladies in the store trying to wait on a customer, but unable to stop giggling after drinking hemp "tea."
Marj
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If any of you like noir films, I watched a terrific 1952 film on PBS TV Saturday nite, KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL. Really good acting by John Payne, Preston Foster, Lee Van Cleef (a great villain from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, among others), and other actors. It will keep your eyes glued to the screen. Is available from Netflix. I don't watch much PBS, but will have to start looking for their Saturday night movies.
Marj
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I wasn't aware of any Saturday Night movies on PBS, MARJ. Perhaps my channel doesn't have that programming. I'll
check to make sure. Saturday's TV line-up tends to be pretty much what I think of as 'filler' material. It would be nice
to find a good film.
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Same here Babi. However, PBS has started showing a program called Land Girls. It's about WWII women's recruits who were sent to farms to replace workers who were off fighting in the war. I've only seen 3 episodes, but they've been good. I must have somehow missed it when it began.
Sally
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Found an interesting website devoted to documentaries, apparently all free to watch. Not unsurprisingly, it is called http://documentary.net/ I don't have time to check it out this morning, but it looks like real documentary shows, no reality type shows. Check out the about us page.
PS: it even has one featuring Terry Pratchett talking called "Choosing to Die" about medically assisted death.
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Thanks Frybabe, that looks really interesting - I have bookmarked the site.
Rosemary
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Me, too, FRYBABE. I want to watch that "Shining Light" video about the Philippines. BIG QUESTION: Are these docs
closed captioned?
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Babi, I am guessing that most are not. After a search on the site the only thing I came with when I typed in "closed caption" was an instructional encouraging producers to use subtitles and closed caption and instructions on how to do so. I will look some more later.
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Re closed captioning, I'm finding that, at least on some DVDs, when I turn on closed captioning on my TV set, the DVD shows the captions.
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Indeed, Marci. I think I have mentioned that a couple times previously. Maybe folks don't realize that their TV remote usually has "closed captioned" on it, as well as the DVD player having CC.
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Except when my daughter is watching TV alone late at night, our TV always has the closed captioining on for me. In
return, I use the 'mute' button when she's working.
Don't put yourself to any more trouble, FRYBABE. That plea to producers is evidence enough, I think.
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I could not LIVE without Closed Captioning and/or Subtitles in English for the Hearing Impaired.
Could not. Period!
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I have started watching the English Detective series "The Last Detective" on streaming. I always wanted to see it on DVD but there is no CC. There is on streaming from Netflix. I watched another show that way as well. I'm wondering if CC is being done to certain streaming ones because the Caps are in yellow and at times difficult to read because of the background but most of them are ok.
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That's interesting, jeriron, that you have captions or subtitles on the streaming, but not the DVD. It's usually the other way around, and was why I chose DVDs when Netflix went to two price systems. At the time the captioned streaming options were quite limited, mainly because they had technology to work out.
I finally got around to watching Hannah and Her Sisters. Guess I'm totally out of the loop, too old, or something, for in spite of all those awards, I didn't like it at all. It took me three nights to get through it. I loved Midnight in Paris (my daughter hated it), which was my first Woody Allen, Hannah was my second. Somewhere along the way I picked up a DVD of Manhattan, haven't seen it yet. We shall see.
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I just don't "get" Woody Allen. "Hannah" never made any sense to me. But maybe I'd like "Midnight in Paris."
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I loved Annie Hall when I first saw it at the age of 17, but I do think I would probably find it pretentious and silly now. At that age, I thought Diane Keaton incredibly cool, and all Allen's little witticisms about relationships seemed like pearls of wisdom - nowadays I would want to tell him to 'get over himself' :D
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I know Woody Allen is a genius, but like most of you, I, too, 'just don't get him'.
I did watch "The Hunger Games" and thought the whole idea was handled well. Decided to read the book
as well. I've started on that, and I'm finding it very well written. I'll probably wind up reading the entire
trilogy.
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I read the book Hunger Games because my f2f did it. When I told my DIL, her reaction was "Why?" It was absorbing, and as Babi says, well-written, but not my cup of tea. However, I do like Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, so may break down and get the film from Netflix.
Do you remember a few years back about some town where a high school clique had all committed to getting pregnant? In Massachusetts? Not sure. Well, now there is a French film just released, based on that situation, but set in France. 17 Girls is the title.
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I'm a big Woody Allen fan and loved Midnight in Paris! I love his sense of humor. Some of his stuff is great, some so-so, but IMO better than a lot of what you see on TV or movies. I took my two sons to see his films when they were young, and they are also now fans. We all went to see him and his jazz band when they were in So. Calif. not long ago. My sons became fans of 1940's music by watching the Woody Allen films because he uses a lot of that era's music.
Marj
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I've read the HUNGER GAMES trilogy and just want to alert you that the books get darker and sadder.
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I've seen "Midnight in Paris" twice. First time just to see what the hullabaloo was all about. Second time, my hubby was watching it, so I did also. I was not enthralled. However, I think I would have enjoyed the movie a lot more if not for Owen Wilson. I simply cannot abide any movie with him. It's just one of those "snap" things that befall me once in awhile, where I cannot make a "connection" with the celebrity; i.e. Adam Sandler. I think the premise of "Midnight" was interesting and informative, if we could only have had a different male lead actor.
I am also one of those folks who does not "get" Woody Allen. And as far as tagging him with "genius", that does not fit with my definition of "genius".
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Lots of people whose opinion I respect really like Woody Allen. I believe there's something there, it just appeals to a side of me that doesn't exist. :-\
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Just finished watching from Netflix one of my favorite TV series from the 1970s, Hart to Hart, with Robert Wagner, Stefanie Powers, Lionel Stander, as their friend and butler, Max, and their little dog Freeway. (Talk about going from one extreme to the other, i.e. Woody Allen to Sidney Sheldon) Read that Lionel Stander's film career was sidetracked in the 1950s by the stupid McCarthy hearings when it was disclosed he had been a member of the Communist Party. The series was always fun and exciting.
Marj
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Marjifay, that sounds like something I'd like to see. If you still have the Netflix disc could you check to see if it has captions or English subtitles. Both Netflix and Amazon say Portuguese subtitles. They don't mention captions.
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Pedln, I checked the Hart to Hart DVD, and it looks like there are only Portuguese subtitles. Isn't that crazy? Why Portuguese? But we couldn't even get the Portuguese subtitles to appear.
Marj
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Thank you so much, MARCIE. I am definitely not happy with "darker and sadder". I
appreciate the warning, and will go not further in this series.
That's interesting, TOME. I notice there are some physical similarities between Owen
Wilson and Adam Sandler. And one if a comedian and another has been referred to as a
'comic actor'. Perhaps all this reminds you of some negative situtation in the past.
I remember I took a dislike to the name 'George' because I so disliked a boy of that
name in high school. Strange the things that stick in our minds.
it just appeals to a side of me that doesn't exist.
Love that, JOANK!
I remember 'Hart to Hart' fondly, MARJ., and was so disappointed when it shut down.
I was so annoyed to read that it was because Stefanie Powers wanted a raise, and
the producers didn't want to give her one. Since she was carrying her role quite as
well as the star, Robert Wagner, I thought her request was fair and reasonable.
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Returned home from a 2 week holiday Sunday. Turned on TV and after 5 min. went blank. I mean Black with no snow or anything. Checked all out but looks like time for another TV. Seems my monitor acting up also. They put new roof on while away. My bank balance will look bad end of this month. Trip was fun, TV old and roof now good for 10 years and so no complaining.
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I like your attitude, JEANNEP. That's the way to do it! 8)
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Wouldn't bother me if my TV went black. Nothing on it worth watching, except a few movies that I can get from Netflix. I don't even watch the local news anymore, as it's mostly about car accidents, murders, and dumb doings of so-called celebrities. I get my news from the internet newspapers and the weather channel.
Marj
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Sunday night CALL THE MIDWIFE on PBS is supposed to be outstanding. They adored it in Great Britain.
January 6 Downton Abbey comes back.
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I am trying to cut back expenses. Toward that effort, I ordered a Ruku 2 box which will hook my TV to the internet wirelessly. If it works, I am going to dump Comcast TV and probably go with something like Netflix, HuluPlus, or more than likely, Amazon Prime. I will still need Internet, but the price of that plus the fees for the likes of Netflix, etc. are much less than what I am paying now. Also, I expect NOT to see a whole lot of duplication like on the cable channels. Crossing my fingers. Speaking of news on the Internet, our Harrisburg paper is going to only three print issues a week and will concentrate on its web presence.
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Call the Midwife is great - and if you're not too sure about the first episode, stick with it, it gets much better once Miranda Hart arrives. Daughters and I can't wait for the next series.
Rosemary
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I'm definitely interested in seeing that one. I'll have to check with PBS here and see if they are showing that series.
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You really have to pick and choose on TV. And not assume that there will be anything to watch every day. But I get courses from my local college, classical music radio, Live from the Metropolitan Opera, some good British TV, and looks at places I will never go like Alaska, and the lives of the people there. And I admit to being a sports junkie: I can follow my favorite sports and turn over to classical music when the beer ads come on.
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saw an absolutely beautiful HD program on AXcs(?), which does everything from travel to rock concerts. This one was titled "The Alps From Above". Wow, such beauty. Followed by a Rick Steves' "Norway".
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Sounds like those "Visions of" DVDs I love so much. I first saw them on PBS, where they are frequently repeated; but I own Visions of Italy, both North and South, Visions of Greece, Visions of England, and Visions of Sicily. I think I have more, but cannot think what they are at the moment.
So peaceful. So soothing to the soul. But most of all, I found the mountain top monasteries in Greece awesome beyond belief. I think there were some in Italy, as well; but it is the ones in Greece I constantly remember and feel my mind blown away by. To me, these miracles of human endeavor are even more unbelievable than the great cathedrals built in medieval times.
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I much prefer reading to watching movies, and thus have almost always read the book first and been dragged kicking and screaming to the movie,as they are never as good. Occasionally different enough that I can't really figure out if I actually read the right book! However,for the past couple of years my son has been seriously getting interested in movies-partly for their own sake,and partly because he would like to compose fim scores-and I have watched many with him I would never have watched on my own; Hellboy,the Batman movies,all of Tim Burton's movies-I was first exposed to Johnny Depp in 90210, I think, when a friend of mine forced me to watch it. Would never have seen another thing with him in it if not for my son - so I would have missed the Pirates of the Carribean and all of that eyeliner!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Those 'visions' sound like something Valerie and I would really like. I wonder
if Netflix has them. Valerie was able to visit Italy and the Med. coast, lucky
girl, and treasures the memories...and pictures.
Johnny Depp is definitely an experience, LORAC. The man is perfectly ready to take
on any type of role, and does them all splendidly. Any movie he stars in, I want to see.
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I enjoyed the first Pirates of the Caribbean very much. Jack Sparrow is a seriously goofy character, and the sailing is a hoot. The sequels aren't as good.
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I watched CALL THE MIDWIFE last night on PBS and think it is a KEEPER-----LOVED IT!
joy
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I loved it too. As with many Britcoms, sometimes the accents were a problem and I had trouble following it. But definately a keeper! (and the stars were on afterwards talking about having to ride those bicycles over the cobblestones. hilarious).
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I loved Call The Midwife. And I always used my closed captioning so I can read the words. Works for me!
Pedln, Visions of Greece, Italy, etc., has no plot. No actors. There is a small plane with a most excellent pilot and photographer, and they fly low over all of the country of the DVD. A woman with a soft voice and an accent narrates where they are. They also put captions for some of the regions. There is soft music in the background: the music of the featured country.
It is heavenly and very, very soothing. But also mind boggling and amazing. They fly so low, people wave at the plane. The views of the famous places we are all used to seeing in still photographs taken from ground level are just too, too wonderful, and they grab the heart big time. The gardens are, I swear, better seen from above than in any other manner. The country estates are opulent and staggering to the imagination.
But then, there are the monasteries; many built long centuries ago. They are up on the top of CLIFFS. They lifted all of the building materials IN BASKETS! They fill out many of the clifftops, and you wonder not only at the amazing things man can accomplish, but I, at least, also experience heavy vertigo seeing, in my mind's eye, myself down there at one of those monasteries.
Does anyone else love this series as I do?
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So glad that Call the Midwife was a success over there! I don't know if Miranda Hart will have 'arrived' yet (she is one of the midwives) in the programme(s) you have seen. She is just wonderful - she is really a stand-up comedienne, who also has her own sit-com type show on TV, which my daughters and I love (she is very funny but not in the standard modern way - no swearing, v little sex, just hilarious characters). In Call the Midwife she plays a serious character, and I think everyone wondered whether she would be able to carry it off, but she does so, brilliantly. She was actually contacted by the lady who wrote the books (about her own experiences as a midwife in London) and asked to play a certain part because she reminded the writer so much of one of the girls she worked with.
Rosemary
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I'd never heard of the "Vision" series, but they sound lovely and I've added Italy to my Netflix queue.
Thanks for the tip off about Call the Midwife. It sent me searching and this week's episode is being shown twice -- at 3 am, the next episode gets a Sunday prime slot. So, hopefully my VCR can do the middle of the night duties.
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Pedln, do let me know how you like Visions of Italy. That is a good one to start with. It is divided into North and South, North being my favorite. The Greek one is heavenly, as well, as they tell you the ancient history of the islands you fly over. Oh, oh, oh! The whitewashed houses climbing up the hillsides, all or most with bright blue doors, and the blue, blue of the sea. They go from island to island to island, and if you have not already traveled the world, here is your chance! Plus you see stuff tourists never, ever see!
All of these have appeared many times on Public Television. I am an avid viewer of PBS documentaries, and that is how I became introduced to these some years ago.
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I saw the MOST wonderful documentary on PBS last night which was made from a book by the same name:
HALF THE SKY
Oh my gosh, it was so scary and so powerful. George Clooney and a lot of movie stars put in money and appearances to make this film become possible. You will sob and you will be enraged and you will be uplifted by the efforts and abilities of OUR SEX! Go Women!
http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/10/01/pbs-half-the-sky-meg-ryan-diane-lane-america-ferrera/
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I saw the same program: two parts of it. It reallyinspired me. I got the book (Half the Sky) for my kindle. In the back of the book are lists of things you can do to HELP, and I really want to pursue this.
It shows the condition of women in many countries, and introduces you to amazing local women who are making a difference in the lives of the women around them.
I hadn't thought of this in terms of SeniorLearn. When I read the book, I'll think if it's suitable for reading on SeniorLearn. I'll also let you know what opportunities the book opens up.
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Two really strong endorsements, MARYPAGE & JOAN. I'll definitely look for this one.
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I,too, watched "Half The Sky" a few nights ago. It was very informative, and extremenly moving. Now I want to know more. I was in my fifties when I first learned about female circumcision. I feel very blessed, as a woman. that practice is not done in this country. I am amazed that it is still being done in so many different countries.
Sheila
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I tried once again to watch that new Sherlock Holmes knock-off last night. Couldn't stand it. Turned it off after about 20 minutes. Instead, I tested out my new Roku box and free month of Amazon Prime by watching Rango. I was very much surprised to see it on the free instant video list.
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Hubby and I watched the Sherlock Holmes "Elementary" again last night, and his comment was, "Well, you find something you like, when will they cancel it"? This from a man who rarely makes a comment about liking a new show. Dislike, yes! I think it is just crazy enough to make it into another season. We shall see. I get weary thinking of all the shows I have liked over the years that came on...did one season or two...and then were promptly axed! Then I get really made thinking about some of them that were really pretty good. And they leave this "dreck" on like How I Met Your Mother, etc.
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I am glad you like it Tome. Jonny Lee Miller is a good actor, and he makes a good Sherlock. I don't care for the portrayal of Watson. Mind you, not that Watson is a female in this one, but that she seems to go stomping around angry half the time. The bickering between the two is more than I care for.
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My solution to the total loss of the original Sherlock, is to divorce the two entirely. I
could enjoy the new show by viewing it as an entirely different pair of people, having
nothing to do with A. Conan Doyle' characters.
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I first heard about it here and finally got to watch my taped version of Call the Midwife. Terrible living conditions, but I really enjoyed the show and look forward to more. Amazing, how even those in the worst circumstances persevered. 1957 -- interesting to hear the characters note the differences they find in medical science then compared to earlier years.
Thanks to those who first mentioned this program.
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Glad you are back, Pedln.
I was all set to watch the European version of Girl with the Dragon Tatoo last night in my PrimeInstantVideo which is supposed to be all free listings. They listed it for pay. The other two, on the other hand are free so far. Do you have to watch or read these in order?
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Yes, definitely!
I loved those 3 books, and strongly recommend you read the books prior to watching ANY of the movies. Why? Because just as is true with all other movies made from books, they can only get the highlights in and you miss, if you just see the film, who many of the people are and where they are coming from and what has occurred that the film makers cannot make room in the script for.
The whole time I was watching the Swedish film of the first book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, I could not help but say to myself, No one could possibly follow this if they had not read the book first!
Loved the books. Loved the 3 Swedish movies with subtitles. Loved the first American movie. Am a huge fan and I mourn the fact that the 7 sequels about Lisbeth Salander the writer had in his head died with him. A huge loss.
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Thanks MaryPage.
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Wow! It's been a while -- must be the debates and the playoffs. Has anyone seen anything good, recommendable? My ancient VCR has started piling things up -- I've got two Wallendars to watch, an Agatha Christie, and an Upstairs, Downstairs. Too much. I love that new PBS series Call the Midwife. Wonderful.
As for films, has anyone seen The Magic of Belle Isle, with Morgan Freeman, about an author who regains his creativity after he arrives at Belle Isle and becomes involved with his new neighbors? I finally got it from Netflix, looking forward to watching it with friends at our next movie and snacks night. Best Exotic Marigold is due at Netflix tomorrow -- long wait.
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Pedlin, I watched the Magic of Belle Isle sometime back, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Morgan Freeman is always worth watching, imo. I saw the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. The acting was very good; but I was disappointed in the movie. I found it rather depressing....not what I expected.
Sally
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pedln, I'm interested to hear what you have to say about the movie of Marigold. Interested to hear your opinion, too, Sally. It was so highly touted here, and I was eager to read it. I have to admit I was disappointed in the book. To me, it was very disjointed, and I never did get a good handle on who was who. I'd guess when you can associate faces with the characters, it might make more sense, but ... :-\
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Oh, good, PEDLN. Maybe now I can start expecting my copy of 'Marigold' soon. I always
like Morgan Freeman; he's a great actor. I'll add that one to my queue.
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We saw two movies last night (a double feature) at the drive-in theater. I didn't like either of them altho they both got very high ratings at IMDB:
ARGO directed by Ben Affleck, based on a true story of how six members of the American Embassy in 1979 Iran were helped to escape when the Embassy was captured by rioting Iranians. The story was too predictable and not that interesting. (They pretended to be making a sci-fi picture by Canadians in Iran -- that in itself seemed pretty dumb -- why of all places would they make that kind of a film in Iran??) Altho maybe not, as it was mentioned in the movie that before the Ayatollah Khomeini took over, the most watched films were those that were pornographic.
The other was LOOPER, a sci-fi, time travel film. I usually like a film with Bruce Willis, but not this one. The screen lighting was so dark you could barely see what was going on, and the story lost me from the opening scenes. We left about half-way thru.
Marj
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The church in our next village, Athelstaneford ('birthplace of the Saltire') showed "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" one night last week, so Madeleine and I went. We really enjoyed it - neither of us having read the book. Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Maggie Smith - all wonderful.
It was a really nice evening - they even stopped half way through for tea and biscuits. The pews were a tad hard - think I will take a cushion next time - but it was lovely to be able to see a film so near to home (otherwise we would have to go into Edinburgh), and I think the elderly ladies in the village in particular had a great time, as they would never get into town to go to the cinema.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, don't read the book. It's very disappointing.
A tea and biscuit intermission? Lovely. Does this church show films often? It sounds like a thoughtful event forl the senior members of the congregation.
Netflix tells me it's in the mail and I'm hoping it comes today, for our movie night tonight.
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Pedlin, I think you will enjoy the movie. I didn't read the book, and after seeing various comments, I don't think I will. I was pleased with the movie version, which is not always the case!
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pedln and tomereader, I'm glad to hear your comments about Marigold, book and movie. I thought I was the only one who was disappointed with the book, and was thinking about cancelling it from my Netflix queue. Guess I'll leave it on now.
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In "Marigold", a deep vein of sadness touches each of the characters, as respects their own personal problems, but there is so much joy and beauty to be found, if only they will take the opportunity to let it happen. The, shall I say, senior members of the cast are simply triumphant in their portrayals. And young Dev Patel, who is attempting to make a go of the "Marigold Hotel" is charming and funny, his "hyper-ness" playing beautifully against the seniors' fears
and their unfamiliarity with the country, the food, the people, the culture. I sincerely hope that everyone who decides to watch it, will be as moved as I was.
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After a LONG wait for Marigold to arrive in Netflix, I received it this week and I must admit I was
VERY disappointed in it. As someone in here said---it was very disjointed and hard to keep up
with. ::) I have absolutely no desire to read the book.
JOY
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And I adored the movie. Never read the book, and don't feel inclined to, but Oh, the Joy of seeing such a superb job of acting by Dame Judi Dench and the ever amazing Maggie Smith and the rest of the great cast.
One of my all time favorite movies. So you see, we all possess different buttons to turn on our happiness!
I put Marigold right up there with Tea With Mussolini. Remember that one?
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Thank you, Mary Page, for validating my take on the movie. Yes, it does take all kinds to make a world, and I suppose we are better for it in the long run. I have this little quirk, I quit, several years ago, putting any stock in what the critics had to say about movies, stage plays, symphony concerts, etc. I even use that little quirk to basically ignore Book Reviewers, especially NYT. Most of what they find "wonderful" turns out to be boring or, at least, non-sensical when I read the book. Our f2f book club here does a great job of reading something and finding it thumbs up or thumbs down, and discussing the reasons why we thought so. I can tell you after 6 yrs with that book club, I have found myself reading in genres I never would have chosen before. Of course, there are some that I don't find exciting or interesting to me, i.e. fantasy or sci-fi.
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Thanks for the warning, MARJ. I usually make it a point to see a Bruce Willis movie,
too, but I hate it when the director uses the dark lighting. You can't see half of
what's happening.
Wouldn't it be great, ROSEMARY, if the church could do that, say, once a month? A
lot of the local people there may seldom have an opportunity for an evening at the
movies. (Especially one that serves tea and biscuits!) I remember what a thrill it
was when I was a youngster, and one of those troupes of traveling actors would arrive
with their tents and put on a play. They always had at least one silly comedy that we
children loved.
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I, too, hate movies that are so dark that you can't tell what is going on. I also hate that the background music is so loud that you can't understand the dialogue (and I don't have a hearing problem). Whatever happened to actors speaking distinctly?? Between low talking, mumbling and loud background music....I wish there was a button where you could mute the background music!
Sally
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"Marigold" arrived yesterday -- I was really surprised to get it so quickly, as earlier in the week my queue said "very long wait." So my friends and I had dinner and movie night and thoroughly enjoyed the film. There were some really good lines and much to laugh about. Yes, and there was pain, too. At first, except for Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, I had trouble sorting all the characters and keeping them straight, but that soon passed.
And I agree with you, Tomereader, on your Dev Patel assessment. Sooo good.
MaryPage, I do remember Tea With Mussolini. I'd like to see it again. And that brings another film to mind -- only because it deals with the Holocaust in Italy. The Garden of the Finzi-Continis. I saw it on Netflix some years back, but it is no longer available there, and Amazon shows it as one of those $75 DVDs. The others are Region 0 -- not playable on US machines.
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Rosemary.
My friends live in a small town in Yorkshire. They have one cinema house that does that on Wednesday morning 11 am show. Serve coffee, tea and biscuits with a 15 min.break in the movie. They say usually all seniors in there. They also drop the ticket price down low.
I think it should be done everywhere. So expensive for tickets here now. Many people have not been for years. I still enjoy the large screen and a few hours in a Theatre.
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My sister watched Marigold last week. I am surprised that she liked it.
I watched all three of the Swedish version of the Girl With movies from Steig Larsson's books. The first, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, was subtitled. The other two were English dubbed. Since Larsson was going to write more in the series, I wonder if the third, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, neatly wrapped up the story line because of Larsson's death or if the third book really ended that way. It seemed a good stopping point since it resolved her family problem which ran through all three, and won her back her freedom, competency, and citizenship rights.
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"I hate it when the director uses the dark lighting. You can't see half of what's happening. "
Boy, do I agree with you! And it seems to be getting more popular!
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I've only read and watched the first of the Steig Larsson trilogy. Saw both the Swedish and American films, both very good. Don't plan on seeing/reading the other two.
I put the Marigold film on my Netflix queue. I have a feeling it might be kind of like Tea With Mussolini, which I thought was a fairly good melodrama (3/5).
I like films, most of which a lot of my friends would probably not care for. Some I saw during the past year and liked: THE DANCING BOYS OF AFGHANISTAN (sad but interesting), HORRIBLE BOSSES (hilarious), THE QUEEN (with Helen Mirren who's always great) , ANGEL HEART (1987 thriller), MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDERETTE (w/Daniel Day-Lewis, great acting, interesting story).
My son, who loves noir and other movies I like, drives me to the theater. He hates to see a film in the theater because people talk during the movie, so we go on a weekday early in the day when the place is almost empty.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
When we happen to find ourselves watching a bad movie/TV show at home, the running commentary from the
viewers becomes the entertainment. ;D (If that doesn't suffice, we turn it off and find something else to do.)
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Was it here or on S&F that someone mentioned "Fireflies In The Garden"? Anyway, I watched it the other night, and found it a bit confusing, and not all that great. The cast was good, and handled their parts well. Willem DaFoe, Hayden Panitierre, Ryan Reynolds.
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I bought the DVD because someone liked it, and then I did NOT like it. Gave it to my cleaning lady.
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Good move, MaryPage!
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I was the one who said she liked Fireflies in the Garden. But -- that was after watching it a second time. After the first time round, I was kind of confused about the whole show. Second time around cleared it all up. Sorry it was not a successful purchase MaryPage. Tell your cleaning lady to watch it twice.
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Just rewatched a super movie on TMC--Inherit the Wind. Made me think how little we have advanced in religious tolerance. I kept thinking that with the creationism movement it could well happen again in the good old USA today, and the Muslim faith seems little better. Depressing, really. When I first saw this movie I naively thought it was history. But a very good dramatization--this was the Spencer Tracy, Frederick March version.
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We got to see a stage version of Inherit the Wind in August in San Diego . Terrific! The trial on which the play/movie was based took place in Dayton, tennessee, about 25 miles from here. The original courthouse is still in use.
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Was this the Scopes trial? Still famous today.
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Yes, of course.
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The incredible thing to me is that so many, many Americans believe their fundamentalist Christian preachers and disbelieve Evolution to this very day! Polls show this to be true. Despite the Catholic Church admitting to Evolution and the proof shown in our medical labs which work so hard to gain ground over the constantly evolving bacteria and viruses that plague our species so, and the many changes I see in many, many species in my own lifetime, they want to stick to a stubborn belief that the Bible must be taken literally and the planet is only 6,000 years old.
I will not find fault with Faith; but Mythology is another matter, especially when it interferes with intelligent understanding. I ask why they do not kill their children when they smart talk them, as the Bible says they may. Why do they not take more than one wife? Oh dearie me, there are virtually a multitude of questions!
Sometimes I find myself equating some of our more ignorant Christian ranters, who spend so much time privately fantasizing over raping women that they publicly do everything they can to diminish the horrors of rape and what it does to women, with the Taliban. Both Christian extremists and Muslim extremists want to treat women as a lesser species that should not be seen or heard or educated, but just be slaves owned by men. Seriously.
This is not just my opinion, but that of many highly educated men. Thank God for the few, say I!
http://www.staff.science.uu.nl/~bodla101/religion/ageoftheworld.html
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is that the Bible does not, anywhere, give an age to this planet!
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I've seen it before, Dana, but it's been a long time. Have just put it on my Netflix queue.
The election and all the talk shows, etc have kept a lot of us pretty busy. What films has everyone been watching? I've been trying to keep up with taped Call the Midwife and Upstairs, Downstairs -- both just so enjoyable. And I finally saw the first disc of Lark Rise to Candleford. Also very enjoyable. Many thanks to whoever suggested it here. These British shows are just very appealing.
Now I need help. I seriously thinking of buying the West Wing Complete series from Amazon, (it has come down in price) but don't really trust all their info. Seasons one to five all have English subtitles. Seasons six and seven do not. But their info on the series as a whole says it is closed captioned. However, the Warner store (they put it out) says it's not captioned. Does anyone have seasons six or seven, who could check that out?
I enjoyed the series when it was on TV, and all the folks who wrote reviews for Amazon have just been drooling.
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I've been enjoying the old Poirot shows. I also have the Cadfael series on my watchlist. I've never got to see it when it aired on PBS.
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I have almost finished reading World Without End, and dying to know who plays whom in the mini-series I went on line and googled "list cast World Without End," and it did most satisfactorily do so. Pictures and names. But also a brief thumb nail sketch of who is whom. And wouldn't you just know it, they have changed whole relationships and positions and, well, they have changed the book enormously. Bummer!
So I am back and forth as to whether I will buy the DVD set (it comes out for sale on December 4th and can be preordered) or not.
Has anyone seen it on REELZ? I do not get that channel.
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Ah, you are in for a treat, FRYBABE. The Cadfael series I thought was excellent, despite the
fact that Derek Jacobi did not at all fit my ideas of the physical appearance of a tough ex-soldier. But then, Derek Jacobi can successfully play any role, IMHO.
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I agree; The Cadfael series is excellent. My only complaint is they were more violent than necessary.
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I can hardly wait for the new film of "Anna Karenina" starring Keira Knightly, Jude Law. I have seen a clip of it here on the computer, and it is going to be a beautiful presentation. Whenever the DVD comes out, I am sure to buy it, for the cinematography if nothing else, but I'm sure there will be plenty to warrant my purchase.
Someone let me know whenever you have seen the new movie "Lincoln". It is based somewhat on Doris Kearns Goodwin's "Team of Rivals". She has said she is very pleased with the movie! It is in limited release now, but should get the multi-theatre release within a week or so.
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I am also waiting for the movie "Lincoln" to come to our town. Should be soon. Looks like Sally fields did good playing Mrs Lincoln. As I live in Illinois, Close to Springfield, I am quite a Lincoln fan from way back.
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Already 30 deg here at 6pm. Picked up about 6 dvd at library today. One being "Salmon fishing in the Yemen" Will be what I will be watching tonight. Nice and cozy in PJs. If still this cold tomorrow may be a Movie Marathon for me.
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Let us know what you think of "Salmon Fishing" Jeanne - I thought it was pretty awful but my daughter liked it.
Rosemary
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JeanneP, I gave Salmon Fishing four netflix stars, and thought it was just plain enjoyable. It's also a book, by Paul Torday. Let us know what else you're watching during your marathon. (You're only 4 hours north of me, so I pay attention to your weather.)
I feel like I"m in that bog of nothing really outstanding to see, so am looking forward to Lincoln and Anna Karenina. I just received Moonrise Kingdom for Friday night potluck and movie night. It got a lot of attention earlier this year, trailers, etc., but now I wonder if it bombed at the box office.
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I just loved "Salmon fishing". I don't think I would have enjoyed it as a book.
It and another movie called. "He's not really into you" along with a "Mrs Henderson" with Judi Dench.. both mediocre.
Went out today and so have 4 more left to watch once it get to cold to leave the house. That could be tomorrow.
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Pedlin.
I get down you way once in awhile as my Grandson is on the Faculty of Missouri State in Springfield.
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Jeanne, I had high hopes of that Mrs Henderson film but when I saw it (at the cinema when it first came out) I thought it was awful - a real waste of Judi Dench & Bob Hoskins' talents.
Madeleine has just persuaded me to use one of my precious LoveFilm choices on 'Kick Ass' - goodness only knows what that is, but I expect the girls will watch it by themselves!
Really miserable weather here this week - fog, rain and when it's not actually raining, dripping damp everywhere - otherwise known as 'dreich'. I've been for my walk up the hill, and I did take some photos of the most beautiful spiders' webs covered in raindrops - but now I back indoors, baking scones, making coffee, and with no intention of venturing out again until I have to.
Rosemary
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It just got down to the forties here, and Valerie conceded that 'Yes, it was cold' and struggled to get the flame lit on our
central heating system. And it was a struggle. The last time the gas company was here, they apparently turned off the
switch bringing gas to the heater and failed to turn it back on. Val had a cold, miserable time locating and resolving the problem. I'm so lucky to have her here; I thank God for her frequently.
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I thought Salmon Fishing on The Yemen was just great. Love that quiet British humor.
Jeanne, one of my daughters lived in Springfield for over 30 years, but she is in Kansas City now. She moved to be closer to her grandchildren.
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Last year my "heating boys" (as I call them) came to light my central heat pilot, but had to install a new gas valve (the system is as old as the house 1961). Thinking that it was the same as the old one, I embarked upon trying to light it early this week when the cold spell came in, but it was dissimilar to the older one. My hubby looked at it and decided he didn't know what the secret was either. I left a call for them on Monday evening, and they came Tuesday. They were having a very busy day!! They carefully showed me what to push and where to turn the arrow and in what order, and I wrote it all down, and saved it in my computer also, so should be set for next year. I don't like to mess with things that have natural gas for obvious reasons! Wouldn't want an electric heating sytem, if there is such a thing, due to costs to run.
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Lots of all-electric systems here in TVA country, Tome. In many areas, natural gas not available . We had it for years, because no gas. We have gas now, and like it better. Costs not too different here in the south. A/C is the big cost.
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My boiler has an electric-start, so I don't have to do anything. I have no clue how to get it toheat if the electric goes out, though.
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New furnace 2 years ago and one just turns a arrow on the Thermostat on the wall and it starts up auto.
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Exactly.
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That's all I have to do with my 30 year old boiler, too.
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We have something called FloGas, which is delivered to a big tank shared by these 20 houses. It is a bit cheaper than other heating fuels (which is not to say much, all of them are horrendously expensive here). Our boiler is about 10 years old and when we bought the house there was an existing service contract with British Gas - the guy turned up and immediately slapped a sticker on the boiler to say that it was too old for them to be able to get parts. This absolved them from all responsibility apparently - including the part of the (expensive) cover that assured us that they would come out, even on a national holiday, and fix anything that went wrong. The service contract was therefore pointless and we cancelled it. The person we spoke to at British Gas could not understand why we were unhappy about paying a monthly sum for nothing!
The boiler does backfire and shut down quite often (I explained this to the service engineer and he just said 'well that could be anything'), we know how to re-start it but I fear we will need a new one soon. Would much rather just run everything off a woodburning stove if we had one - used to have two in Aberdeenshire and they were great. My friend's husband fits these stoves as his business, and he is absolutely frantic with work. Unfortunately it would cost a fortune to have the proper chimney put into this house, but we plan to move again once Madeleine has left school (in 4 yrs time) and I would definitely then go for a house with a stove, or two.
Rosemary
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I feel your pain Rosemarykaye. I've had my service guys out every year and never had a problem until this year. All of a sudden my boiler is too large for the air volume in the basement. I was livid that they never mentioned this before. Not only that, they slapped a yellow caution tag on it and sent a notice to my township officials. Apparently, if I add vents to my floor, take my basement door off or get one with louvers, that will alleviate the problem. so they say. No one suggested additional out side venting until my contractor came by on another matter suggested it. He is looking into it. If I remember correctly, the date on the boiler install is 2004.
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MARYZ, my son put in window AC's when our central AC system died. I was surprised...
and delighted!... when my electric bill dropped dramatically. Needless to say, we don't
even think about going back to central AC.
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Interesting, Babi. I'm sure we'll never buy another house, but I'd never consider one without central heat and a/c. Where do you live? We are in what's considered the "deep south", so the heat and humidity are pervasive and something to deal with 6+ months of the year.
p.s. Now I look and see that you're in Houston. I grew up there, living first with no a/c, then with window units. I can't imagine dealing with the humidity (and it's accompanying mildew problems) in Houston with just window units. (When we moved from Houston to Tennessee, I thought we had moved to the "desert" - the humidity was so much lower by comparison. ::) )
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Frybabe, it sounds like you have furnace police in your area.
I have the furnace people come every year right at the beginning of "heating" season, but the way their prices for a 20 minute checkup keep going up I sometimes think I should just wait until it breaks down.
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My original furnace which came in the house when it was built lasted 40 years with very little problems. Central Gas. I also decided to use Window A/c . Just put new one in 3 years ago. I don't care to much for A/C and use ceiling fans in every room
Doubt that this 3 year old furnace will last 40 years or even half that. So much more noisy also. Same goes for the Fridge, cooker all things replaced in last 5 years. Got 40 years out of these original items also.
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I read the book, "Salmon fishing in Yemon", and liked it a lot. Love to see the movie.
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Our place is small, MARY, and that may make a difference. Valerie can't tolerate too much
heat and I have less and less tolerance for cold. So, she tilts the draft away from me and I
dress a bit more warmly and we manage to chug along together.
Nowadays, JEANNE, I suspect everything is designed with an expiration date in mind.
Can't stay in business if the customers won't need another whatever for 40 years!
Planned obsolescence is the correct term, I believe.
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Babi.
Yes, most things known as Throw away items now. Few people know how to repair things and if they do it is to expensive to fix. Cheaper to replace. Problem is, Running out of landfills now. Good thing that Asia will take a lot of our stuff and find use for it. See truck load after truck load of Electronics shipping out to them even from my small city.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
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Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Ironic, no?, that we may need continued friendly relations with China simply because it is huge and has tremendous tracts
of land suitable for landfill? How practical would it be to lase the trash into ashes, I wonder. Would that work, do you
think? Then simply plow it into the soil? Would that be good for the land, or disastrous? Where are our scientific-minded
minds, posters. Is this a good idea and an idiotic notion? 8) :P
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Babi, I used to rant and rave and carry on about how we have poisoned our air and water and soil. Now I am very old and plagued with ailments, and I have given up and am leaving it to the younger generations. We, as a species, will become extinct unless powers that be get riled up about the fate awaiting their grandchildren and start taking BIG steps to right things.
But Powers That Be have pockets full of cash from the industries that want to increase their profits and want nothing to do with expending time or money on safeguarding our air and water and soil. Powers That Be want the mansion and the world travel and the hobnobbing and the cash strewn retirement.
Powers That Be pontificate that it is all God's Will. They lie, but only a few voices in the wilderness use their Free Wills and Good Sense and speak up like the little child seeing the naked emperor and say that they lie. Push pull, push pull. Our lazy streaks will wipe us out, and I will be too long part of that polluted soil to have my day of rightousness and say I Told You So.
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Do you think a horrific event like Superstorm Sandy will have any effect on pointing people in the right direction for saving our planet. It seems that since Sandy there have been trickles of "well, maybe there is something to this climate change business."
JoanK, do watch "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and let us know how it compares with the film.
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Pedln, I am, of course, talking about man made pollution of our air, water and soils, which is a different matter. Yet these questions are cousins to yours, as all lead to extinction of our species and the one you mention may also be a result of air pollution.
It looks from my vantage point, and I listen to the news and read newspapers and magazines with zest, as if those who believe in man made Global Warming recognize the powerful money lined up against them and are now trying to break the problem down into pieces and attack one at a time. They are finding more of the public willing to explore the idea of Climate Change, both because that is an obvious, having always been with us, and because they can say God is the cause and therefore it must be alright.
Once the larger public will at least pay attention to Climate Change, they will start talking about the infeasibility of building on barrier islands and sanddunes right on the waters and consider sanctioning only building permits for land at least 3 feet (for the present) above sea level. This would be a good solid beginning for the human problems that lie ahead.
I, too, believe in a Creator; yet as a student of History I am struck by the fact that we appear to possess Free Will and be the authors of our own fates. If we go extinct, we certainly will follow many other previous species who have reigned on this beautiful blue planet. I guess the bottom line for me, philosophically, is that we can use the gifts we were given and be smart enough to succeed, or we can let stupidity rule and fail in the testing set before us.
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It is my hope, MARYPAGE, that our instincts for survival will triumph over our stupidity. :-\
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MaryPage wrote, “Pedln, I am, of course, talking about man made pollution of our air, water and soils, which is a different matter. Yet these questions are cousins to yours, as all lead to extinction of our species and the one you mention may also be a result of air pollution.”
I suppose people just do not want to think that what they are doing is causing climate change. Just as those farmers in the 1920s did not want to think that their plowing up the grasslands would lead to the Dust Bowl. It amazes me that some people are determined to deny what scientists are warning us about.
As to our having free will, Mary, read Sam Harris’ book, FREE WILL. He puts up a good argument that we don’t have free will.
Marj
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Getting back to movies (LOL), I just watched, from Netflix, a 1931 version of THE MALTESE FALCON, and loved it! The very handsome Ricardo Cortez played Sam Spade. His leering at women was
fabulous and hilarious. Bebe Daniels plays the femme fatale, Ruth Wonderly, and
she was also great. Now I've put the later Humphrey Bogart/Mary Astor version
on my Netflix queue to re-watch and compare.
Marj
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I am recording the 1948 version of "Anna Karenina" - on TCM tonight, but too late for me to stay up. Seeing this one was probably what inspired me to read the book and do a book report on it for h.s. Senior English.
Looking forward to seeing the version coming out soon, too.
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I just saw 007 in SkyFall and absolutely loved it. Just loved it. I had not seen Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and now I'm going to have to get it from Netflix.
Loved it! IS it a book? I've never read one of the books either, I bet this one is not one of them.
Anybody seen it?
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marj, that 1931 Maltese Falcon sounds like fun. I love to do that too....watch different versions of a film.
Ginny, I haven't seen Skyfall but I've heard that Skyfall has Judi Dench's seventh and final appearance in the role of M, the head of MI6 and Bond's commanding officer.
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I'll never tell. :)
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Rosemary.
I watched a very good film today. Maybe you even read the book. "An Education" name of film. Sort of took me back to myself at that age. How we wanted to grow up fast. get school over with. I could hardly recognize Emma Thompson and the Head Mistress.
Anyone who has not seen it would enjoy.
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Jeanne, I have heard of it but not seen it - thanks for the recommendation, I will put it on my LoveFilm list.
Rosemary
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The Richard Cortez version sounds like fun, MARJ. Bogart, naturally, played it a
bit heavier. Of course, that movie is older than I am, and the only name I recognize
is Bebe Daniels.
I'll wait for a second recommendation on "On Education". The 'coming of age' stories usually
don't interest me anymore. ROSEMARY, do give us another take on it.
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I finished watching "Army Wives" Serial 5 last night. Thought it would end there but looks like there is a "Army Wives 6. Just saw that the library now has the DVD. What number is "Mad Men" up to? Seems like I have had up to Series 4 It should be coming back on TV soon. I don't have that channel.
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I do not believe the new James Bond movie is from a book by author Ian Fleming. In fact, I believe this is not the first Bond movie to be entirely a screen play, but then again, mine is a faulty mind these days and I find myself often mistaken.
This I do know, my second husband and I were nuts about those books by Ian Fleming. We bought the entire set in paperback and ploughed through them nearly as fast as the speed of light.
And we adored the movies. I can still vividly remember going to the drive in in Rockville, Maryland one night with my youngest child, Chip, who is now 48½, in a bassinet in the back seat and watching FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. The music still haunts me.
I am glad James Bond has not died out, but for me there will always be only one legitimate screen Bond: Sean Connery. Bond was not violent or loud. He was smooth as cream and unfailingly polite, clever, brilliant, suave, and perfect. Quietly. I have not seen the new movie, but I hear it is opposite in almost every particular.
I think they should have buried James Bond and had a series of adventures continue featuring another spy from MI6. But I am 83 and entitled to my fond reminiscences. Today belongs to a new and different generation.
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I see that The Life of Pi has been made into a movie. It might be interesting, but I doubt don't see how if can be compared to Avatar.
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The Life of Pi has gotten very good reviews; I'll be curious to know what people here think of it. I know some of you have read the book, which I have not. The director, Ang Lee, did a super job on a number of very different types of movies; the ones I've seen are Sense and Sensibility, Brokeback Mountain, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, all excellent.
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I read Life of Pi. It is a strange book.
My sister saw Skyfall the other day. She thought is excellent and said it grabs you from the very beginning and doesn't let go.
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I hadn't planned to request "The Life of Pi" (didn't read the book,either), but if it's as good as
Ang Lee's other films I think I should re-consider. I'm afraid I don't pay enough attention to
who is doing the producing/directing.
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Nothing was worth watching on TV. last night. I did have some Library DVDs. Watched 2. One was Sylvia with Gwyneth Paltrow. She was quite good in it. The other was called "Arranged". It was about 2 families. One Orthodox Jewish and the Other one Muslim. Finding husbands for their daughters. I liked it.
Tonight may be watching PBS as long as they don't keep coming in every 15 min. for donations. Back to a book if they do.
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And all my favorite day time shows are nothing but re-runs. All these channels, and so few of
them worth watching...for me at least. And yet there are constant ads promoting systems that
promise even more channels. Wrong direction, guys.
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I agree with you Babi, not much worth watching on TV. I'm always amazed by people who spend big bucks on a huge TV. All I can think of is that they must be sports fans, which i am not.
Altho, I do like to watch some of the old movies on the Turner classic movie channel, and watched an old James Bond 007 movie the other nite with Sean Connery. I'm not a Bond fan, but Connery did them best, IMO.
And another good one: Appointment with Danger (1951), which is also available from Netflix.
It had a young Jack Webb and Harry Morgan, who later were partners in Dragnet, playing the bad guys! Webb was really great, and so different.
Marj
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Hubby and I watched "Ben Hur" on Saturday night. It is a very long movie, and we watched until intermission, then DVR'd the rest to watch Sunday. I DVR'd the "Behind the Scenes" of Downton Abbey, although I'm sure I've seen that before. It will be fun to watch anyway. The networks have gotten football crazy, now they have college ball all day Saturday on three networks (probably on cable too) Then Sunday is Pro ball, which I like to choose which one to watch based on my team favorites. I live in Dallas, but I am a GreenBay fan. GB sure got whacked last night! I also like Pittsburg, but with Rothlisberger out, not too interested. Why don't I root for the Cowboys you ask? Duh! When they get a "coach", and hire some players that are not party-boy, drug users, assault-prone divas, then I might watch them, provided they could win a few games.
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Goodness, I remember watching Ben Hur when it came out in '59. Is that the one you watched, Tomereader? Quite a spectacle.
I read the book, too, as a teenager--it's long and wordy. I eventually got tired of it, and put it down right in the middle of the big chariot race, without knowing who won, and didn't pick it up again for two weeks. I did eventually finish it.
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Yes, it was the 1959 version with Charlton Heston. I was also interested in the lady who played Esther, Haya Harareet (sp). On ImDb, it does not indicate that she has passed on, so she would be 81 according to their bio information.
My hubby and I were dating when this came out, and we went to see it at a late showing. And therein lies a tale, which I can relate later if anyone is interested. Basically, it proved to be the incident that got us married! Hee, hee.
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OH!Oh! should we really know this? I just can't guess what it could be. O.K tell us.
Maybe we should have a guessing game first.
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Gee, it was a better movie than I realized. :)
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Val and I watched a movie called "Lockout" briefly last night. She had ordered it because
the previews looked like it would be an exciting sci-fi film. Oh, my, it was so bad. Nearly
every scene I was saying, What?!!! Ah, come on! No way! I mean, can you imagine a
secret service agent, supposedly top-notch since he is assigned to the President's daughter,
behaving in a way that the rawest rookie would know better? Or a bunch of hardened criminals NOT killing a violent maniac who was ruining everything for them, just because he was the leaders' brother? What I need here is a 'thumbs down' icon.
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The story of our seeing Ben Hur originally: As I said we went to a late showing. Not much seating left in theatre, so we were about five/six rows back from the screen (much too close). In the scene, after the chariot race, where Masala is surely dying and his physician wishes to amputate his legs, there was a wide shot, and you could see the awful, awful bloodiness of his wrecked legs, I became nauseous. I don't do blood well! I went to the ladies room, and for some reason they had left about a two foot square of tile projecting out into the carpeted area. At the point of entrance, I fainted, fell to the tile, and split my chin open. Since everyone in the theatre seemed to be forgoing restroom breaks, I lay there for a bit, finally got up and made it to the sink, and was washing away the blood with paper towels, trying to stanch the flow from the hanging flap on my chin. Finally, a lady came in, said oh, my goodness, can I help you? I told her to go to the 5th or sixth row, down front, center aisle, and get my date, Bob, to come get me. She did, and he was shocked. He wanted to take me directly to the emergency room, but I told him since it was so late, and my mother would have a fit if she were called from a hospital, we drove to my house, and the 3 of us set off for the emergency room. That is a story in itself, but after having to go another hospital's ER, I finally got 16 stitches in the chin, bandaged up, and he took us home. He was mine forever after that experience! So tender and caring was he, even won my mom's heart! After dating for a few months, we go married. Still together after 51 years. (I still have a very faint scar on the chin!) So that is the story. As we watched the other night, he said "I don't remember this at part at all". To which I reminded him that at that part, we were probably in the ER getting me sewn up!
Now is that a strange "meet cute" or what? !! LOL
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Not what you would have chosen, but it resulted in a good marraige. So hey, whatever works!
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What a wonderful story, Tomereader, thanks for sharing--both touching and amusing. Somehow, I have a feeling you two would have married anyway, but that certainly clinched it.
I hope you hid your eyes during the amputation scene this time. ;)
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Now, PatH, the difference in the original movie screening (and I am sure there are many) and the TV version, was that there was no "wide shot", so Masala's ruined legs were not seen at all! Thank goodness! And Masala never made it thru to the amputation scene) But, after having two children, and tending to all their scrapes, cuts, lacerations, I have gotten a wee bit steadier with seeing blood, as long as it's something I have to tend to. But I still do not care for bloody, gory movies and can barely watch "Bones" and sometimes, CSI, on TV.
P. S. - I feel sure there was a good deal of "editing" done on the movie, as even the chariot race seemed "choppy" in places and not near as long as the original.
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That's a great story, tomereader. After not wanting to deal with the blood on the screen, you suffered your own bleeding wound. I'm glad your story had such a happy ending.
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Ditto, TOME. I hope you've told your children this great story of how Mom and Dad met.
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You know, it just shows to go ya that there are real life scenarios that exist that NO writer could possibly think up, and if they tried they could not do as good a job as real life does.
Well, now I have a story that will pop up in my head every time anyone says Ben Hur!
A GREAT story!
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And just to clarify, this was not how we MET, but roughly our second or third actual "date". Bob was such a "worker bee" that he was doing two jobs, and rarely could get the time off to go out. My BFF
introduced us, and we would "double date" with that couple. Mostly, Bob would come over to my house after finishing his late job, sit on our couch, and fall asleep. (The shape of things to come, I'm afraid!!) I would wake him about 10:30 or 11:00 and send him home. So what happens when we finally get a chance to go out on our own? Boom - - you might say "I really fell for him". Ha, ha, ha.
Life tends to throw us curves every now and again!
Mary Page, you're free to tell the tale should "Ben Hur" ever pop up into your conversations! Glad all here seemed to enjoy my story.
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New here to this board but dying to hear come comment on "Lincoln
, amazing performance by Daniel Day Leiwiis and perceptive direction by spielberg. Linconl was not a saint, but a human being, capable of questionable judgment, odious compromises, even bribes, in his effort to get the 13th amendment, outlawoing slavery, signed before the end of the war. It is by far the best movie I have seen in years!
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Tomereader, what a fantastic true story. Loved it. You know, I’ve never seen the movie or read the book, but I think it’s time to watch it now. And you know what I’ll be thinking of, and which scene I’ll be looking for, and for which scene I’ll close my eyes.
Babi, thanks for the “thumbs down” on Lockout. It sounds really bad.
Lots of activity going on here. Great. I’ve been on the road, and when at my son’s had computer problems with trouble getting online. Finally home and ready to catch up. Ready to put your recommends in my Netflix queue – Skyfall and Maltese Falcon (it’s older than me too, Babi) and maybe Life of Pi. I’ve never seen a James Bond movie, but if Judy Dench is in it, for sure it’ll be on my list.
I watched Moonrise Kingdom over the weekend. Hokey, but a very sweet film, with elements of humor. Three Netflix stars.
JeanneP, Netflix tells me I watched An Education two years ago. I guess I liked it because I gave it four stars, but really don’t remember much about it. Why is it that some things stick and others don’t?
Bellemere,it's good to see you here and glad to hear your assessment of Lincoln. My son and DIL saw it and also thought it was excellent.
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Pedlin.
On "An Education". Does this make you remember a little?
A coming-of-age story about a teenage girl in 1960s suburban London, and how her life changes with the arrival of a playboy nearly twice her age.
I watch so many films on DVD anymore that I forget I have watched them after awhile. Always getting them again.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Judy Dench has only a small, background role, PEDLN, but she remained through more than
one change in actors playing Bond. And, of course, she was always excellent.
We do the same thing with books, don't we? Forget one we've read and bring it home
again. Thanks to all for the reminder about 'Lincoln'; haven't yet added it to my queue.
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Also , in "Lincoln" it was great to see Sally field leave the cutie pie persona and give a marvelous portrayal of the unstable Mary Todd Lincoln. And Tommy lee Jones as the fanatical abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens forced to back away from a position to get the Thirteenth amendme ntpassed. All the performances were wonderful, those just struck me particularly. I am going to try to read a little more about the passage of the amendment and go back and see the film again.
The big question: is the reputation of Lincoln tarnished by some of the sleazy compromises he agreed to in order to get the amendment passed? What do you think?
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Our ART theatre is showing a more current "Wuthering Heights" this weekend. I will go Sunday. That was one of my favourite films years ago. I believe this one may be a little more for Grownups.
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In a real world, BELLE, sadly, if any book or film represented Lincoln as able to accomplish
his goals without compromises, it would be wholly unbelievable. Everyone has to choose
where they will make such compromises, and where they cannot, but the choices will be
inevitable. I think they define you.
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Lincoln was a skillful politician, and indeed knew when to compromise. Have you ever read his Cooper Union speech? It's a masterpiece of careful legalistic arguing, leading to a position that would be acceptable to enough people, and workable enough given the situation at the time, to give him a chance of getting elected. This speech probably won him the nomination of the Republican Party.
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"The big question: is the reputation of Lincoln tarnished by some of the sleazy compromises he agreed to in order to get the amendment passed? What do you think?"
We already know that he suspended "habeas corpus" (the law that says you can't throw someone in prison and keep them there without a reason) and threw the Maryland legislators who favored secession in prison to ensure that Maryland would vote to stay in the Union. If he hadn't done that, Washington DC would have been surrounded by rebel states and would have fallen. He was always willing to do what he had to.
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Truly, my respect for the man's intelligence and foresight grow with everything I learn about
him. Is the Cooper Union address something I can find on-line, PAT? I would be interested
in reading it.
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Here's the address:
http://www.nps.gov/liho/historyculture/cooperunionaddress.htm (http://www.nps.gov/liho/historyculture/cooperunionaddress.htm)
And here's some info on its background and effect:
http://www.nps.gov/liho/historyculture/aboutcooper.htm (http://www.nps.gov/liho/historyculture/aboutcooper.htm)
If you read the speech, you will be puzzled at what he's saying close to the end, but keep going; he's about to pull a fast one.
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Thank you, PAT. I read the speech with great interest. I was especially impressed with
his excellent technique of frequent repetition of his main point and his thorough research
on the subject. I can see why his party 'sat up and took notice' of his abilities.
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Re-reading "The Great Hunger" by Cecil Wookham-Smith, the account of the Irish Famine in the 1840's.
What a brilliant researcher and writer. Primary sources cited all the way, and the truth is more horrible than anything that could be made up. The callousness of the British gobverhment policies seems incomprhesible today, but were pretty standard even among 'democracies' The overriding fear was that helping the starving Irish would make them acustomed to "dependence" is still echoed today in some conservative politics. The immigration of thousands of destitute starving people to our shores was strongly oposed by our congress at the time. Great, great book.
Question: I hear a lot about the new
Core standards and theri emphasis on Non-fiction reading material for students over 'literature', e.g. fiction.
Each state is supposed to implement this according to their own preference. Proponents say it will help students be more analytical and critical in their thinking; Opponenets say that fiction enlarges and sparks the imagination and encourages the use of language in thought-provoking ways. and some states may consider reading railroad timetalbes and political blogs and credit card agreements a s "nonfiction! What do you think is the vblue of nonfiction to students, what would be some good nonfiction "reads?
Deary of Ane Frank comes to mind and Darwin's works on species, althought they wouldn't make the list in some school districts.
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Waiting now for the new "Anna karenine" the lvoe story that will not die. Back to the overheated trains, overheated ballrooms, overheated people. Reviews are not especially enthusiastic, even revealing that the actor playing Vronsky is wearing a WIG! How unseductive is that.? But we shall see how pretty keira Knightly looks, and even if she doesn't surpass Garbo as Anna, she may find something new to add to the characterization.
Question I posed on NonFiction: The new "Core reccommendations for students promote more nonfiction over fiction. Proponents claim it will help students think more critically and be able to analyze comples subjexts. Trouble is the states get to pick the nonfiction, ans some may decide to
dumb down" with timetalbles, web blogs, and magazine articles. what do you think? What do you think is the value of fiction for students? And what might be some great nonfiction works: Diary of anne Frank comes to mind, and Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle, although the latter would be "out" in some districts.
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I saw the other day a promo for a new movie coming out called Hitchcock (Alfred, that is). IMDB lists its release date as the 7th of this month. Goodness, I did not recognize Anthony Hopkins at all. Helen Mirren and Scarlett Johansson are also in it.
Hopkins is incredibly busy. Noah is in post-production and due out next year. I'd love to see him as Methuselah. Russell Crowe is Noah.
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Re: Lincoln. I hope the DVD comes out soon, I’m really looking forward to seeing it.
Frybabe, I’ve been hearing a lot about Hitchcock. Can a film with Helen Mirren and Anthony Hopkins be anything but good? It seems we’re getting more and more “biographical” and “real life” type films, which for the most part I’ve found very enjoyable. The King’s Speech, The Social Network, Iron Lady – though not as good as the others – just a few examples.
Bellemere, I know very little about the Common Core, but your comments sent me looking. There seems to be a lot out there about it. Interestingly, for me, I watched Freedom Writers the other night, about a high school class in southern California that was certainly not held to any standards by the school administration. “They’re poor, they’re immigrant, get ‘em out of here as fast as you can.” It took a beginning teacher who imposed her own standards to help the students achieve their potential. A good movie based on a real situation.
Babi, I was sympathizing with you when you told about the very bad film you watched the other night. I had one this week -- Margaret -- so titled from the poem “Margaret are you grieving because Goldengrove’s unleaving. . . . ..?" A high school student witnesses a fatal bus accident and gets herself involved more than she should. That’s the main plot, but there are so many others you don’t know where you’re at. What a waste, what despicable characters.
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What a fantastic job of Makeup on Anthony Hopkins for the "Hitchcock" movie. Didn't reconize him when showing on TV. Takes about 6 hours they say. Sounds just like Hitchcock. Can't wait for it to come out. Never miss a movie he is in . Also Helen Mirren, great.
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Definitely want to see Hitchcock. Hopkins is a "chameleon"' tell him to be handsome and seductive and he will.
Tell him to be evil and repulsive and hewill do that too. I guess he can also be fat and perverse if the role requires.
I loved all the Hitchcock moview: Notorius was perhaps my favorite. Also loved some of the shorter TV programs. Will never forget Barbara Bel Geddes, boppin her husband on the head with the frozen leg of oamb, cooking it, and serving it to the investigating cops who were puzzled there was no murder wepon to be found!
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Surely the best approach would be a combination of both non-fiction and fiction.
There are great books in both genres, and benefits to both of them. Maybe the non-
fiction has been neglected in the past. Literature is primarily taught as part of
the English curriculum, but I would have thought...hoped...that teachers in other
studies would have been recommending, or requiring, appropriate related non-fiction.
"Hitchcock" and "Noah" both sound good, FRYBABE. Do you know yet when they will be
out?
PEDLN, thanks for the warning about 'Margaret'. I will be sure to avoid it.
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Hitchcock is scheduled to be released to the general public on Dec. 7. It has already had limited showings in the US and Canada.
Noah is in post production. Release date is set for March 28, 2014.
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Thanks, FRYBABE. I'll be searching NETFLIX for 'Hitchcock' this weekend,, for future
mailing, of course. If it is very popular, it may be a good while before they can send it.
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I just watched a very good 1933 movie from Netflix: TORCH SINGER, starring Claudette Colbert and Richard Cortez. I wanted to see the film after seeing Cortez as a terrific Sam Spade in the 1931 Maltese Falcon.
But the real stars of this movie IMO were Colbert and her young (black, of course) maid, played by Mildred Washington. Colbert was terrific as a young girl who gives birth to an illigitimate baby and has to give her up for adoption. She then beccomes a torch singer in a nightclub, but tries to find her little girl. Didn't know she could sing, but she belts out a couple of good ones. Mildred Washington, a beautiful girl with lots of talent died, sadly, soon after making this film. Her bio at IMDB is fascinating. This movie was made before the Hollywood code, so could discuss subjects that later became taboo.
Marj
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"Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
As we go to meet the foe.
Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
As we did the Alamo.
We will always remember how they died to set men free.
Let's REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
And go on to victory."
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MaryPage, you've got me thinking about films from that came out after Pearl Harbor, films from the Pacific theater. I think it was also the talk about Claudette Colbert that made me think of Three Came Home. She starred iin this memoir. Another that comes to mind is Empire of the Sun, based on J.G. Ballard's book. It came out long after WWII.
When I first came to Missouri I remember reading columns written by William Woo, one of the editors at the St. Louis Post Dispatch. At times he would write about his WWII experiences. His mother was an American, married to a Chinese man, and they were living in CHina when the war broke out. He and his mother returned to the US by ship. He was about 10 or 11 at the time. The parents may have separated. I don't know. I often wished he had compiled his columns into a book format.
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We watched a fascinating documentary tonight.
The Rape of Europa is a 2007 documentary based on a book of the same name by Lynn H. Nichols. The envelope from Netflix says “Joan Allen narrates this documentary that chronicles 12 years of the Nazis’ pillaging works of art throughout Europe and the international effort to locate, protect and return millions of valuable treasures. The film traces the story of art lovers and everyday heroes who tried to thwart the looting Nazis and reveals how experts from Europe and the United States are working to recover priceless works of art missing or hidden for decades.”
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There was another movie (for TV) made about Alfred Hitchcock and his affair with Tippy Hedren. Here is a time lapse of Toby Jones (who also played Capote) getting his makeup done. Kind of interesting. Liked the music accompaniment. http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/video/2012/dec/09/alfred-hitchcock-toby-jones-video-girl
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MaryZ, that would be fascinating, and I see, looking at Amazon that there is a book of the same name. I was trying to think of the names of some novels on that topic and the only one that comes to mind is Steve Berry's The Amber Room, which is based on the room in Russia that disappeared.
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The Amber Room wasn't my favorite Steve Berry, but I think that has more to do with the Nazi/neo-Nazi theme.
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I've requested the film OUR MAN IN HAVANA (1959) from Netflix, starring Alec Guinness, Burl Ives, Ernie Kovacs and others, based on Graham Greene's novel.
I just finished Greene's novel and loved it. It's labeled a "comic spy thriller." It had me laughing out loud. About a British vacuum cleaner salesmen living in Cuba during the 1950s Cold War era before their revolution, He is reluctantly recruited as a spy by the British spy people. Not having the slightest idea of what he's supposed to do, he accepts the monthly salary and expenses and feeds them phoney info. Then, disturbingly, the stories he been feeding them start coming true. Very good writing.
Marj
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Up to my eyeballs at the moment, so haven't had time to post much. Just popped in, however, to tell you that both daughters went to see The Hobbit last week - loved it, though Anna (who has read the book) said they added in extra bits, which were (in her opinion) superfluous and there only to stretch out the story so that they can justify squeezing two films out of it.
I've read a few interviews with Martin Freeman and he is just lovely ;D With a very lovely partner :( :D
Girls and I are planning to see It's a Wonderful Life (again) on Thursday afternoon at the Edinburgh Film House - it's our little Christmas treat.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, they're stretching The Hobbit to three films; the remaining two are already in post-production. I'm glad to hear a positive reaction; the critics here didn't care for it. I'll see it soon.
Everyone here must be up to their eyeballs too. No one is around.
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The critics evidently agree with Anna, ROSEMARY. Is it really a three-hour film?
And that's only part of the story!
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Yes - Madeleine went to the 3pm showing in Edinburgh yesterday and didn't get out till ten past six! Enjoyed it though. I'm quite sure I wouldn't ;D
Rosemary
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I finely last night watched the Movie."The Rape of Europa" I think I read the book years ago. The movie Was good. They did say one thing though that cannot be right. That 90% of the Art work was found and returned to the owners or Galleries. Many of the works that were owned by the Jewish families did not get returned to them. Most of the owners were killed and would have been hard to know every piece as to who it belonged to. Some owned hundreds of painting with just a few hanging in their homes. Records would not have been laying around. The Nazi destroyed so much that I cant see them not giving order to have things destroyed once they knew they were loosing the war. Makes one wonder when looking at them now in Europe if they are now copies. Not so much in England as ours were put away but then available after the war end.
I did agree with the showing of the Maps that the UK had marking where they did not want the AirForce to drop the bombs in France . They Germans had done the same on England. They had maps showing areas not to destroy Such as the Tower of London, St. Pauls. Windsor Castle or any Castle. The Palace. Even my city of Manchester may building on the lists Was always a surprise the next day to see them with very little damage when all around them was just rubble.
Report to moderator 98.212.1
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I didn't know that, JEANNE. I'm glad to learn that both sides took pains to avoid
bombing some of the more historic and meaningful sites. Thanks for the post.
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Don't know why they do it. To sell us newer computers I suppose. (It works). Now I am wishing I would have bought a I Pad 2 instead of a computer. My grandson had his here yesterday and I think I would like one.
Was working on a Reader the other day. Fact 2 of them a Kindle and another name. Just not for me. I like the IPad for reading better.
Now I am wishing I would have bought a I Pad 2 instead of a computer. My grandson had his here yesterday and I think I would like one.
Was working on a Reader the other day. Fact 2 of them a Kindle and another name. Just not for me. I like the IPad for reading better.
Now I am wishing I would have bought a I Pad 2 instead of a computer. My grandson had his here yesterday and I think I would like one.
Was working on a Reader the other day. Fact 2 of them a Kindle and another name. Just don't like reading from them. To small, dark, and not like turning pages of a book.
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Opened a package from My Granddaughter today. Has Complete series of "Twenty Twelve." A BBC I have not heard off. I don't have cable TV. It has Hugh Bonneville (Dalton Abbey). She knows I like him.
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Jeanne, I found some info about the program at http://www.bbcamerica.com/twenty-twelve/about/
“Twenty Twelve” follows the team responsible for delivering the biggest show on earth: the London Olympics. The actors and creators of some of Britain’s most iconic comedies come together in this new documentary-style comedy that is not only deliciously topical and wickedly funny but also uncannily close to real life.
Starring Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”), Jessica Hynes (“Spaced”), Olivia Colman (“Peep Show”), Amelia Bullmore (“I’m Alan Partridge”), Vincent Franklin (“The Thick of It“), and Karl Theobald (“Green Wing”) and narrated by David Tennant (“Spies of Warsaw,” “Doctor Who“) this comedy series takes a close look at the people paddling hard beneath the water to make the Olympics happen in London 2012.
They have billions of pounds to spend and plenty of time before the deadline; so what can possibly go wrong? Well, what do you do when the much-vaunted wind turbines won’t turn because there’s no wind? And how do you cope with athletes who want to help but are just too dull? It’s all in a day’s work for the men and women whose job it is to stage the greatest sporting event in the world.
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Sounds funny, Looking forward to watching it. I don't remember seeing
Hugh Bonneville in anything prior to Downton Abbey. Most probably wasn't looking for him until now.
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Was it in here that someone mentioned Our Man in Havana? Many thanks! We watched it this evening, and it is a delightful movie.
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I will order the Movie "Our Man in Havana" Just could not stay with the book. Works that way sometimes. Most probably Enjoy the Movie.
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Me, too, JEANNE. I didn't like the book; probably just no what I expected. Perhaps
I should have been looking for humor instead of action and drama. With that
mental adjustment, I might enjoy the movie.
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Oh my goodness gracious, how to spend hours of time and not realize it has gone by!
I refer to the new electronic NEWSWEEK that came up on my iPad today, the first since the last printed one came out last week. Have just spent hours in it and not read or looked at all it has to offer Yet!
A lot of time, of course, was spent learning how to get around in it. Am compelled to believe if it were in print it would be a thick as a book, what with all of the additional in depth articles and photographs and videos. The print magazine lacked these videos.
Anyway, I am here to speak of movies, and this new Newsweek shows photos and synopses of the FIFTY (50) main movies that are scheduled for release in 2013, and of the 50 there are only FOUR (4) I would want to see!
Woe is me! What were the 4? Let's see if my creaky old memory will cough them up, as it were. Well, one was the 2nd movie about The Hunger Games. I forget the name, but if you are familiar with the books, you will know what I mean. One was a new movie about OZ, as in The Wizard of. Same place, different story. I gather no Dorothy, but I am not sure. One was the 2nd movie (there are to be 3, did you know?) about The Hobbit. OK, that amounts to 3 movies coming up this year about books I have read and loved, though why in this world The Hobbit requires more than one movie to tell the tale properly, I cannot imagine. Whoops, I cannot remember the 4th and last movie that made my list, but next time I find I have the time to spend time in my new electronic Newsweek, I shall report back.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
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The 4th one of the 50 movies being released in this year of 2013 is called SAVING MR. BANKS and has Emma Thompson in it. It has something to do with the woman who wrote the Mary Poppins series and the making of the movie that starred Julie Andrews.
So there you have it. The 46 movies I will not be seeing are mostly horror, Sci-Fi, fantasy, and Violence & Sex. No thank you.
But all four I will go see or buy the movie for my iPad or buy the DVD of, are about books I have read and loved.
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I always wondered why there weren't more Oz movies. there is a whole series of books (Dorothy goes back many times) which I gobbled up as a child.
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Me too!
I think they could make bazillions if they would do them all in order in animated form. Heavenly stories. Wonderful colors!
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I found this link to L. Frank Baum's books http://www.rareozbooks.com/frank-baum-books.html (http://www.rareozbooks.com/frank-baum-books.html)
I have an L. Frank Baum book that belonged to my mother and her sisters. Unfortunately, it's in my box of Very Old Books and that box is on a high closet shelf. I don't remember the title but I don't think it's an Oz book.
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Thanks for the news about the new films, MaryPage.
Here is a link to the trailer for Oz The Great and Powerful which is a prequel to the Oz film that starred Judy Garland. It's due out in March.
"Directed by Spider-Man's Sam Raimi, and starring James Franco, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams, it tells the story of a Kansas fairground magician who is spirited away to the magical land of Oz, where he must battle wicked witches even though he is not the all-powerful saviour the Oz-dwellers think him to be."
I loved the Oz books when I was young. I wonder how it would be reading them now.
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Here's a bit about the Savings Mr. Banks film http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tom-hanks-becoming-walt-disney-380011
It seems to me an odd premise for a major film.
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Our daughter has a complete set of oz books. Our oldest granddaughter was valedictorian of her high school class, and used the four things they were searching for, brains, courage, heart, home, as things to work for in her address.
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From the article on "Saving Mr. Banks".... Disney and Travers disagreed over script, tone and casting, with Travers complaining that her character, as depicted by Julie Andrews in her Hollywood debut, was too pretty and too nice. Not even the overwhelming success of the movie would change the author’s mind.
I agree with Ms Travers. Not to take away from her performance or the general delight of the Disney movie, but Julie Andrews was nothing like the description or the sketches of Mary Poppins in the original book, which was one of my favorites as a young girl.
Emma Thompson as "Nanny McPhee" came much closer.
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I totally agree with you, Callie.
I think of the (very delightful) film as "Mary Poppins - The Musical," and am still waiting for the movie or movies to be made from the book or books.
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Ok, I'll bite. Why is the movie called Saving Mr. Banks? I never read nor saw Mary Poppins so I doubt this movie would hold any interest for me. I take it that this is a movie not about Walt Disney, per se, but about his efforts to get Mary Poppins on the big screen. I think I would rather see a bio of Disney rather than a focus on one movie. BTW, I was never a big fan of Julie Andrews nor of musicals, so I never saw Sound of Music either.
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How interesting, MARYZ. A most imaginative choice of inspiration. I love the way
your granddaughter thinks.
I adored the Nanny McPhee films. I wish there was another. My first reaction to
the nanny's appearance was shock and horror, I admit. But when I realized what was happening, I thought the whole concept was terrific.
Oh, FRYBABE. You missed some absolutely wonderful music. Still, you must have
heard the songs from those movies many times. My Dad disliked the unreal kind of
musical where the whole town is dancing down the middle of the street. But he would have liked 'The Sound of Music', I believe, because it told a real story.
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...though why in this world The Hobbit requires more than one movie to tell the tale properly, I cannot imagine.
I can answer that for you, MaryPage. It doesn't. Peter Jackson has stretched it out by adding a lot of background stuff and by ramping up all the action, battle, and chase scenes. The first movie takes almost 3 hours to get us to the rescue by eagles. The battles are exaggerated and improbable and go on forever. It's still worth seeing, though. When he's sticking to the story it's very good indeed, and Martin Freeman, who plays Bilbo Baggins, is excellent.
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PatH - Martin Freeman would be excellent playing a paper bag ;D I've read interviews with him and it seems that he is a genuinely lovely person.
We've been watching the box set of 'Gavin & Stacy', a sort of sitcom that was broadcast here a couple of years ago, and which for some reason I didn't watch at the time. It is absolutely brilliant, mostly thanks to Ruth Jones and James Corden, who co-wrote it and appear in it. They are not supposed to be the main characters, but they are just brilliant. It's ostensibly about Gavin, a boy from Billericay, Essex (for which read archetypical chav-land) and Stacy, a girl from Barry Island, Wales (a real life, rather seedy seaside resort). They fall in love, and the resulting interaction between Stacy's Welsh family (including Rob Brydon as her uncle and Ruth Jones as her best friend Nessa) and Gavin's Essex one (with Alison Steadman as his doting mother, Larry Lamb as his sensible father, and Corden as his best friend) is both hilarious and at times quite moving. I'm not sure that the humour would translate well, so maybe it wouldn't be shown in the US.
Rosemary
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Maybe it wouldn't translate well; what's chav-land?
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Rosemary. Gavin and Stacy sound like my type of show. Will check if it here but doubt it. They have to have been very Popular in UK before they will show them here. Even on DVD. We do pretty good though. I watch a lot of BBC stuff.
I don't have the problem of understanding them. Being Lancashire I can understand what all are saying. People here do have a problem. Even with the humor.
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Well my library does have the Gavin and Stacy's. I ordered Series 1 and 2 but for some reason the No. 3 which is a Christmas Special it will not let me order. Must be that the other lending library only has one copy.
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Jeanne, I hope you enjoy them. The Christmas Special is the best one I have seen so far - it's a real tour de force by Ruth Jones, James Corden and Alison Steadman. Very funny but also a brilliant observation of real life in 21st century Britain.
Rosemary
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Rosemary.
Now is it still running on UK TV? I just see up to No. 3. Will ask my library to get it for me from the other Library. Mine will most probably buy it once the see it is on demand.
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My Library doesn't have Gavin and Stacy. I'm sorry because you gave it such a good review, Rosemary.
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I just read where Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich) has directed a new HBO film, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, a story about Liberache. Guess who plays Liberache -- Michael Douglas! Soderbergh says it's a funny film, but he couldn't get any of the major studios to do it, so he turned to HBO.
It also stars Matt Damon (as Liberache's boyfriend), Dan Ackroyd, Rob Lowe, and Debbie Reynolds (who is now 78 years old). This is one I'll want to see.
Marj
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Well, we finally got around to seeing the Spielberg film, Lincoln, today. Have to say I was a bit disappointed. I guess I'm just not a big fan of Spielberg. Think he gets a bit maudlin in his films. Like the opening scene where Lincoln is speaking to the two black soldiers, and they repeat his Gettysburg speech to him, and he humbly thanks them. A bit much, we thought. And Sally Field was good, except we got tired of her whining all the time. And I found it difficult to catch a lot of the speaking lines -- they were talking in the manner of their time and with that and much mumbling I missed a lot of the talk. I did think the costumes and scenery were great and made you think you were there back in the 1860s.
Marj
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I haven't seen the 'Lincoln' film yet, MARJ, but considering the reputation Mary Todd had
for being very difficult, it may be that Sally Field gave an accurate portrayal. I'll let you
know what I think once it reaches the top of our Netflix queue.
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Watched the film OUR MAN IN HAVANA from Netflix, and was disappointed. I liked the book by Graham Greene much better.
I'm getting tired of being disappointed in films. I have about 85 on my Netflix queue (altho' some are TV series). There must be something there that I will like, LOL.
Want to see Bill Murray as FDR. Has anyone seen it yet?
Has anyone seen a 2012 film they think is worthy of an Oscar? I was trying to think of one but could not.
Marj
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Michael Douglas as Liberace and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney? Don't know what to think about that.
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Would not be hard to get someone to look like Liberace but Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. Will have to see to believe. Great actor though
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One of my daughters went to see The Hobbit and she advises me that I am correct, I should not go to see it but should buy the DVD when it comes out.
She reports that it is much too long and she had to use the rest rooms before it was over and there was a lot of violence and gore that was not in the book. She thought the movie was "OK" but not wonderful, and on the whole she was disappointed. Like me, she loved the book and did not care for the later series of The Lord of The Rings. Well, who could not adore The Hobbit? I certainly did! But I ask you, THREE MOVIES to do this one charming book? I don't think so.
Becky did not think so, either.
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My daughter took 3 of here older Grandchildren to see the "Hobbit" she didn't care for it and 2 of the kids got bored half way through.
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I'm afraid that Peter Jackson let his previous success go to his head. It seems to me very
poor judgment to try and develop one small book as though it were a complicated trilogy.
Perhaps he aspires to be the next C. B. DeMille, presenting all the great epics. If he is not
careful he may dig his own professional grave.
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Personally, I always felt The Hobbit would make a perfectly splendid animated film. The descriptions and original illustrations were so adorable, and truly only animation could bring those things to life as my mind pictured them. After all, this IS a fairy tale land, and not real life.
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Has anyone seen a 2012 film they think is worthy of an Oscar? I was trying to think of one but could not.
Not yet, marj, but I'm waiting to see Lincoln and Beasts of the Southern Wild, both nominated for best picture, according to the NY Times.
Oscar Nominees (http://oscars.nytimes.com/2013/ballot/7l63otnt)
It seems like a pretty narrow list to me, same names repeated over and over. I guess that's the name of the game. I'm glad to see Moonrise Kingdom get in there with a nomination for original screenplay. It was a sweet film, but not best picture quality.
I finally watched The Changeling this week -- from 2008 or 9. I'd been putting it off for some reason. But I really enjoyed it, kept me on the edge of my seat. It was based on a real-life situation -- The Wineville Chicken Coup Murders, set in California in the late 1920's.
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A nomination in the Foreign Film category should definitely have gone to "Les Intouchables" which is a beautiful and well-acted film, based on a true story. By the way, it will be out on DVD in March, I think! If you don't mind in French with sub-titles, put it in your Netflix queue.
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Tomereader, I think I saw Les Intouchables, but I can't find it reviewed at Internet Movie Database. Was it about a man confined to a wheelchair who hires a black man to care for him and they turn out to be such good friends? If that was the one, and if it was a 2012 film, then I agree, it should have been nominated. Wonderful film.
Marj
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Yes,you are correct,marjifay. When I saw it in the theatre, I said "now that will get an Oscar nomination for best foreign film". Must have been some darn good films to beat this one out.
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Not heard of "The Intouchables" Will look out for it.
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The Intouchables was nominated for best foreign film by the Golden Globe people. Their awards, I think, will be televised tomorrow, Sunday, Jan. 13.
Marj
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The Intouchables is definitely one film I want to see. It was previewed on a Netflilx DVD last night and looks really good. Amazon has the DVD, Netflix says they're getting it in March.
Watched Hope Springs with Meryl STreep last night. My friends laughed a lot, I almost fell asleep.
Thanks for the reminder about the Golden Globes. Guess I'll have to tape Downton Abbey (the VCR thinks it's 1992, but it works.)
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I watched Hope Springs last week. I did not care for the movie. I love Meryl Streep and like Tommy Lee Jones. They were good in it, of course; but I had to wonder what possessed them to make this movie. I am not a prude, but I found several scenes in this movie uncomfortable to watch (and rather boring). I was sorry I rented it.
Sally
I have Les Miserables in my que, but haven't watched it yet. Have any of you seen it?
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How do you manage to have it in your queue? It only released to Theatres last Friday.
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Tome, you can put not-yet-released movies in your queue. Netflix will put it in when it is released.
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Tome, I bought in "on demand" for 3.99. It has been downloaded, but I haven't started watching it yet. I was surprised that it was available so early. I have put Life of Pi in my on demand queue, but it hasn't been released yet. My "on demand" feature frequently gets the movies before netflix.
Sally
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I thought Hope Springs sounded dull. Tommy Lee Jones said it was not a good role for him.
I can't believe all the hullabaloo about Argo. We saw it and found it very predictable and boring.
After reading all the nominations, I have a bunch of films I want to see: HOLY MOTORS, RUST AND BONE, KILLER JOE, AMOUR (first film to be nom. both for best film and best foreign film, and has the oldest woman every to be nominated); NO (from Chile), A ROYAL AFFAIR (from Denmark), WAR WITCH (Canada) and several documentaries that look interesting.
Marj
Remember when movies were called picture shows?
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I thought Hope Springs sounded dull. Tommy Lee Jones said it was not a good role for him.
One wonders why he and Streep even consented to do it.
I've added some of your suggestions to my queue, marj -- Rust and Bone and all the foreign films except for War Witch. I don't think I want to see that one. No, from Chile, sounds good, and also Once Upon a Time in Anatolia -- Turkish film. I think the latter is an Oscar Foreign Film nominee.
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Tome, you can put not-yet-released movies in your queue. Netflix will put it in when it is released.
I knew that, MaryZ, it was that I was questioning Salan about how she could "not have watched it yet" since it wasn't released yet. I have a couple or three non-released movies in My Queue, and whenever they get released and all the folks in front of me get theirs, then I'll get to watch, LOL! I'm afraid I don't do the "on demand" thing. Anyway, I would prefer to see "Life of Pi" and Le Miz in the gigantic screen of the movie theatre.
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I added Once Upon a Time in Angola (2011) to my Netflix queue. I see it won grand prize at Cannes. Thanks, Pedln.
I also want to see Perks of Being a Wallflower. Oops, my Netflix queue is getting worse than my TBR book list.
Marj
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On Friday I saw 'Quartet' - what a wonderful film it is. It's about musicians living in a retirement home in the English countryside. The main characters are played by Pauline Collins, Maggie Smith (quite different from her Downton role), Billy Connolly and Tom Courtenay. The supporting actors include Andrew Sachs, Sheridan Smith and Michael Gambon, but there are also lots of 'real' retired musicians playing small parts, and they too are absolutely wonderful. The plot, such as it is, centres around the annual Verdi concert, which this year needs to be extra special to raise funds to keep the home open. To attract more people, a plan is hatched to sing the quartet from Rigoletto - Collins, Connolly and Courtenay's characters agree to peform, but they struggle to persuade Maggie Smith (who has history with Courtenay) to join in.
It's a lovely gentle story, there are some great comic moment (Billy Connolly was much better than I anticipated) no-one dies, and my friend and I loved it.
Anyone else seen it?
Rosemary
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I was on a long list at the library for "Hope Springs" but looks like it is almost down to me.
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Rosemary. "Quartet" must be pretty new because I don't see it listed here yet. Look forward to watching it. Really like most of the people in it.
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I just looked Quartet up onNetflix. It's not out yet, but it's now in my saved list. Thanks, Rosemary.
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I see Christopher Waltz won a Golden Globe last night for supporting role in D'Jango Unchained. Now I want to see that film. If you haven't seen him as the Nazi colonel in Inglorious Basterds (2009), you missed a great acting performance, his was the best part of that film - he won an Oscar for that role.
Marj
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Quartet sounds like a winner. Nice to see a movie about seniors where no one dies, or is bravely facing imminent death.
When I hd cancer (12 years ago) you can't imagine how many of my friends told me "Oh, you have to read such-and-such a book or see such-and-such a movie", and it turned out that it was about someone nobly facing their imminant death.
Finally, whrnever someone recommended a book, I would say "As long as no one is dying nobly in it: I don't read those books." there would be a dead silence (no pun intended) and the person would change the subject.
12 years later, I still don't read those books.
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Dustin Hoffman directed Quartet and i think he said it comes out either this weekend or next in the U.S.
Sorry to take you back, but i just saw The Iron Lady. Meryl Streep is amazing, but the script and direction and the editing were amazing also. In the first couple of scenes i thought "oh she's doing the same accent as Julia," but that soon changed and she really got MT's voice. But most impressive was the make-up showing her aging transition! I see the make-up artist did get an Oscar and was nominated for another award, in England, i think. The make-up was extraordinary, altho she was a little too glamorous at times while she was supposed to be p.m. I didn't realize that she was becoming irrational while still prime minister. I really enjoyed it. Interesting production.
Jean
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Joan - I totally agree, I hate reading anything in which anyone dies (apart from murder mysteries, which I see as completely different, more like puzzles), nobly or otherwise (and as for animals, no chance). I want to read things that cheer me up. I remember crying buckets when, as a teenager, I read Love Story. I expect I enjoyed it then, but nowadays life is all too real without having it rammed down my throat in fiction.
I should say, re Quartet, that Collins' character is developing Alzheimer's, so there are some poignant moments - but she's still more or less fully functional, and she does portray the character brilliantly. The ending is a happy triumph.
Rosemary
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It does seem that the older generation (us) is getting a fairer share of film
stories. We have gotten away from much of the stereotypes of 'old man' and 'old
lady' and are portraying them as real, interesting, and involved people. That
may be thanks to the many great older actors and actresses we have now.
Tommy Lee Jones and Meryl Streep are both such fine actors, PEDLN. I wonder if
perhaps they just wanted an opportunity to work together, and the choice of a
vehicle was simply not a good one.
Good for you, JOANK!! :)
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I'm with you on Iron Lady, marjifay. A wonderful performance by Meryl Streep and terrific makeup job.
It does seem that the older generation (us) is getting a fairer share of film
stories.
Babi, do you suppose it's because there are more and more of us, now that the "boomer" gang is edging towards Medicare? Are some of the "boomers" now realizing that these "grayheads" are real people?
Yesterday I ran to the supermarket about 5 pm (finally forcing myself out into 20 degree weather) feeling just a tad guilty about going at that hour. A few years back some newspaper printed a comment by a "young middle ager" who said she wished all those old people would stay home and not shop at the end of the day when she was rushing around after work. Of course, she did get squashed, but good, but the thought lingers, "am I in someone's way?"
Looking forward to Quartet, Rosemary. It sounds like a winner.
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Now I just did not finish watching Iron Lady. I thought they were making to much of her not being quite normal and starting to loose control. Needed to not show the signs of Alzheimer's at all.
To me she was a smart lady.Could have shown more of her start in life. The good things she did as PM. Along with the mistakes they all made.
Being from UK I always stuck up for her. Many people didn't. Just about like it is here in the US at this time. Makes one wonder how they get enough votes for them to get in and then not enough people standing behind them.
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Babi wrote "It does seem that the older generation (us) is getting a fairer share of film
stories."
It would seem that Amour falls into that category, and I want to see it. It stars the oldest woman ever to be nominated for an oscar for best actress (Emmanuelle Riva, age 85). And the film is one of the very few to be nominated for both best film and best foreign language film. It wan the Golden Globe award for best foreign language film.
Marj
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Dinner and movie night last night. Someone brought chili, another brought salad, I brought Beasts of the Southern Wild. Dinner was great, best chili I've had in a long time.
The film -- after hearing and reading all the hoopla about it, I think we all had different expectations, but all of us were disappointed. The little actress, Q Wallis, did a superb job, some of the filming techniques were interesting, but it was a very challenging film to watch. It was a strange film. When I got home last night I read the Netflix reviews and they were either 4/5 stars or 1/2 stars. It's either love it or hate it.
Watch it with a very open mind. I still have the DVD and could watch it again as I do sometimes, but not now, maybe later.
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Does anyone remember the names of the Books written by Maeve Binchy that came out in DVD?
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JeanneP, the only one I can remember becoming a film is Circle of Friends. It's been years since I saw it on an airplane flight, so I really don't remember much about it
The word here from PublishersWeekly is that these books will be adapted to films in 2013.
Books into Films 2013 (http://blogs.publishersweekly.com/blogs/PWxyz/2013/01/17/the-10-most-anticipated-book-adaptations-of-2013/)
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Ender's Game. Gotta see that one. Saw the trailer for Beautiful Creatures on TV last night. That's the kind of movie my sister loves.
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I thought that I had read someplace that now 5 of her books are out on DVD. Maybe after she died her family agreed for it to be done. Will check out further. The could be just coming out this year.
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Oh my! It has been DECADES since I read Ender's Game, but I sure want to see that movie. And the second movie of the second Hunger Games book; I read all of those. And the second movie of The Hobbit, albeit I am firmly of the opinion the book itself, undisturbed by a whole bunch of stuff that was never in it, could have been done beautifully and with utmost satisfaction from the viewers in just one film.
None of the others listed do a thing for me. Those 3 are IT, out of the ten.
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We see very few movies - but doubt we'd see any of these anyway. I've not read any of the books (or even heard of some of them). Oh, well.....
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The only one of all of those that I would like to see is the Le Carre. I loved both the TV and the more recent film versions of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Haven't seen The Constant Gardener but my son said it was very good too.
Rosemary
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I watched recently the movie The Spy Who Came In From the Cold, with Richard Burton, and thought it was very good. It was the first le Carre book that I'd been able to understand and enjoy. Also watched Constant Gardener some time ago and liked it, but mainly for the beautiful scenery of Kenya.
Just finished watching the lovely 1997 movie Mrs. Dalloway, from Netflix, starring Vanessa Redgrave. Had gotten it mainly to see Phyllis Calvert at age 85 after seeing her as the young nun in
the 1951 film noir Appointment with Danger. But I watched the entire Mrs. Dalloway film, fascinated with the excellent acting and the gorgeous dresses the women wore. Now I want to read the book. Have never had much luck reading Virginia Woolf. Tried her To the Lighthouse, but never finished it.
Marj
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I also liked "Constant Gardener" Both book and DvD.
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The Sundance Festival is under way, and the LA Times has provided a list of films and their sources.
SSundance Reading List (http://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-et-jc-2013-sundance-reading-list-20130123,0,536545.story?track=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&dlvrit=717819)
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Couple of the Movies I think I would like.
In October I visited my Grandmothers grave with her new baby. They were over here in the US from 1890 and she died in 1892. Buried in Cemetery in Lowell Mass. (Family went back to England in 1898).
Close by their graves, is the grave of Jack Kerouac.. His wife is buried along side his grave. A young couple were having a Picnic on it.
Great following of people yet to this day. There was going to be a Anniversary for Jack that Weekend and they say that Hundreds of people attend every year. Wish I could have stayed.
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Hmm,..I can't say that the Sundance reviews have me eager to see any of them. Some of the topics I find actually repugnant. No problem; plenty of good films out there to see.
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Just started watching the Swedish tv version of Wallander--I think there are 14 episodes in the second series, which is what's available on Netflicks. Brilliant!! Much better than the Brit version which I found slow, gloomy and boring. This is fast paced and exciting. Must be new stories or specially written for tv because I haven't read them (or at least this first one).
Also the other day I saw Shakespeare Uncovered onPBS. The one I saw was about Macbeth, which does happen to be my favourite play, but anyway, a super program. I think there are more to come--maybe The Tempest, who knows!
Looking forward to seeing Quartet. As a Scot I have rather a soft spot for Billy Connolly.
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I liked the Constant Gardner, too, JeanneP, the book more than the film.
Babi, I’m inclined to agree with you, though I did add the Sedaris C.O. G. and Big Sur (about JackK) to my Netflix queue. I guess the winner, Fruitvale, is not from a book. Very little has been said about it other than Harvey Weinstein has snapped it up and the Olivia Spencer (The Help) is in it. It’s about a shooting in Oakland, CA in 2009.
Dana, apparently the DVDs for the Swedish Wallendar films are not yet available, but I’m assuming that the streaming shows are. The reviews praise the series and the Wallendar actor Krister Henriksson, and bemoan that “Season One” is not available on Netflix even with streaming. People in other countries can watch US TV via outfits like Netflix so I guess it makes sense that we can get foreign TV here.
I dearly love Netflix, but am dependent on DVDs. Wish they would have some other reasonable dual “plan” options available so one could have both, like they had before.
Yesterday I spent almost three hours watching a really fantastic Indian film, and I never watch that long at one time. Taare Zareem Par -- translates to something about Stars. The protagonist is an eight-year-old boy with learning disabilities. And he’s in trouble with everyone – his parents, his teachers, the other kids. The teacher says, “If you can’t read the words, read the letters,” and he replies, “They’re dancing,” and of course you know what his problem is. I must confess, it’s a real tearjerker, well worth watching.
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The actress in Waallendar, who looks like she may turn into a love interest, is the one who played Mikael Blomquvist's lover in the Swedish Dragon Tattoo movies--she's so attractive I think.
Just looked at the Sundance List. Who remembers Doris Lessing? The Golden Notebook? I loved her, long ago, wonder if I still would.....
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Who remembers Doris Lessing?
It wasn't too long ago that she got the Nobel Prize for Literature.
actress in Waallendar
Noomi Rapace? She's very attractive.
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No, not Noomi Rapace, the woman who edited/?owned the magazine.
Doris Lessing must be still around then. Must look her up, used to be a communist. Wonder if she still is. In the Golden Notebook as I recall she dealt with the British CP members disillusionment when they found out about the Stalin purges. It must have been wonderful to believe in communism, back then when the violence required to make it happen was not known.
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Lena Erde played Erika in Girl W/Dragon Tattoo (Swedish version); Robin Wright = Erika in American version.
The Wallender movies are something else entirely.
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Good to know, DANA. I was so put off by the first Wallander I tried to watch,
(didn't stay with it) I had no interest in seeing any more. But I don't often
see a 'brilliant'! I'll take a look at the Swedish version.
PEDLN, are the boy's problems resolved, or does the whole thing end as a
'tear-jerker'? I'm simply not up to three hours of trauma and woe. :'( :P
Oh, dear. A Nobel prize award, and I don't believe I've read any of her books.
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PEDLN, are the boy's problems resolved, or does the whole thing end as a
'tear-jerker'? I'm simply not up to three hours of trauma and woe.
Not to be a spoiler, there are resolutions. It's actually 2 hours and 45 minutes. And amid the whole show there are things that will warm your heart.
Oh, dear. A Nobel prize award, and I don't believe I've read any of her books.
Ditto
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That's not a spoiler, PEDLN. That's a relief! :)
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We had two hours of the SHAKESPEARE UNCOVERED on our PBS channels last Saturday night. The MacBeth one was interesting, but the one with Joely Richardson and her mother, the one and only Vanessa Redgrave, was by far the better show. Fantastic! I will not try to spoil it for you with comments, but it features Shakespeare's comedies about twins, points out he HAD twins of his own, and particularly goes into Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night. Twelfth Night is one of my favorites. Oh, this is a lovely hour, and you will tear up when Vanessa is remembering. Try to find it and watch it. You won't be sorry.
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Thanks MaryPage. My PBS showed them last week also. I was going to watch them, but involved with something and decided not to stop to watch it just then. Sorry I didn't now, after reading your review. I'll have to wait for a rerun.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
_______________________________
Internet Movie Data Base (http://www.imdb.com/)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of your favorite movies right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I'll wait for it. The Comedy of Errors is a nothing play to read, but I saw it performed once, and it was hilarious. What does our Shakespeare maven (JoanP) say?
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I agreed, JoanK. The one I saw included Diana Rigg in the cast and it was all done on various level platforms. Funny, I don't remember whether or not they wore any costumes. It was indeed hilarious.
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I finely watched "Hope Springs" the other night. Sort of like a few couples I have known over the years. Never seem to talk to each other.
They both played their parts well. I don't think I could have stood him for a husband. Boring, boring. She really looked that she had put on a lot of weight in it.
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MPT, one of three PBS channels available to us here in Annapolis, will be showing two more of the SHAKESPEARE Uncovered tonight: Henry IV & Henry V, and Richard II.
My very, very favorite Shakespeare play is Julias Caesar, but Henry V is my second favorite. Took me years and years to work it all out, but that is the way it is. So I am looking forward hugely to tonight's offerings.
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I greatly appreciated the alert on the "Shakespeare Uncovered" series. I immediately located it on my TV
'search' and will be recording the next two shows. I'm sorry to have missed the onewith Vanessa Redgrave, but hopefully they will air the program again eventually. I am looking forward to seeing what the producers have done. Thanks, MaryPage.
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Thanks MaryPage for the heads up on Shakespeare Uncovered. I'll look for it.
I have intended to read Henry V ever since reading Bernard Cornwell's interesting book, Agincourt. Right now I'm working on Hamlet with the help of Asimov's Guide to Shakespeare.
Marj
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Shakespeare uncovered isn't on either one of the PBS stations we get (Chattanooga and Georgia Public TV).
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Not on the OKC station, either.
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Bummer, Shakespeare Uncovered, the Richard II edition is on opposite another show I want to watch. Derek Jacobi is doing this one.
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I stand corrected! I checked the OKC PBS web site and discovered that "Shakespeare Uncovered" is broadcast at 2:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Friday night/Saturday morning. There is NO mention of this in the monthly magazine the PBS station sends out.
Now that I've discovered the broadcasts, i will set my DVR. (Just hope I can remember every week).
The show on the "King Henrys" will be on tonight/tomorrow.
Which ones have I missed in the series?
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You can't record one of the shows, FRYBABE? I don't know what Val and I would do without the capability
of recording four different shows at the same time. She is a night owl and watches rafts of shows that don't
interest me.
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I don't have a VCR hooked up to my TV now and I don't have a DVR. I generally catch up on the reruns.
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Who's going to watch the House of Cards thing on netflicks? There were 2 NPR programs on it this am which got me interested. I wasn't that tempted, having enjoyed the Brit series with Ian Richardson but it sounds like its very similar (eg the asides to the audience)and seeing the American perspective should be interesting. Got to finish Wallander first tho!
Saw the Henrys on Shakespeare Uncovered last night. Hamlet was supposed to be following, but it didn't. I haven't read the Henrys. The program was so informative that I'm going to have to get to them. At least the BBC did all of his plays and they are available on netflicks, so one can read and watch with ease, which is lovely.
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No, Hamlet is to be on NEXT week. That was an advertisement for next week that you glimpsed.
Well, I loved them. Loved them both!
Of the FOUR (4) hour long shows I have seen thus far, the one with Vanessa Redgrave was far and away the best, but Sir Derek Jacobi and Jeremy Irons were great, fantastic, delicious last night.
Irons did the Henry IV parts I and II and Henry V, and he did them beautifully. You get lots of shots of famous people doing the St. Crispin Day speech, too. Laurence Olivier, Kenneth Branagh, and so on.
Jacobi did the Richard II, and it was above excellent. It was mind blowing. The very end, where you see a shot of an extremely young Sir Derek playing Richard while the present actor shakes his head and laments that he now understands Richard and could do it so much better is a moment in the history of acting. Everyone should see that moment. It is indelibly marvelous.
I did an awfully lot of Shakespeare in school, but it was when I was a young wife and mother that BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB came out with a Yale set of all of his plays. Small books bound in blue, one play per book, they nearly filled a whole shelf of a bookcase. I bought them and read every single one. Also have made it a point to see most of the movies. I was fascinated last night to discover that Sir Derek and I belong to the same group who believe Shakespeare could not and did not write those plays.
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I've seen Richard II now, and the first half of the Henry IV & V. I'll finish that
one today. Henry V I remember liking very much. Know nothing whatever about 'House
of Cards'. Dispel my ignorance, please, DANA.
That closing scene with Derek Jacob made me smile, MARYPAGE. You could so plainly see
his yearning to play that role once more. He is one of the best.
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I just read at Yahoo News that the bones and skull found beneath a parking lot were verified as being those of Richard III.
"The body of the lost and vilified English king Richard III has finally been found.
Archaeologists announced today (Feb. 4) that bones excavated from underneath a parking lot in Leicester "beyond reasonable doubt," belong to the medieval king. Archaeologists announced the discovery of the skeleton in September. They suspected then they might have Richard III on their hands because the skeleton showed signs of the spinal disorder scoliosis, which Richard III likely had, and because battle wounds on the bones matched accounts of Richard III's death in the War of the Roses."
You can google it if you want to know more.
Marj
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Wow, marj, what a find!!
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It was all over our news last night. people are very excited. Madeleine and I watched the 10pm news directly after an episode of Lewis that ended with the discovery of a skeleton in the roof of an Oxford College Chapel. I must say it was a bit confusing! (Maybe more so because we have a new puppy and he is driving me a little nuts at the moment - Carolyn & Steph, how did you manage when your dogs were puppies? He is 9-10 weeks old and housetraining is not going well, but the owner of the mother dog says everything's perfectly normal and they get it in the end. It's 20 years since I had a puppy (our last dog came to us at age 5, fully trained), and when I look at the internet there seems to be so much conflicting advice that it's like having a first baby! The other problem I have with him is that I am confining him to the kitchen, utility room & conservatory until he is trained, and the minute I leave the room, even for 2 minutes, he starts to howl and bark.
Sorry, I know this is not exactly a book question! I'm just a bit desperate for some 'hands-on' advice!
Thanks
Rosemary
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Rosemary. On puppy training. It has to be one person. Taking them every 30 min. Out were you want them to be going. I never did the paper training thing. It took about a month to really get them knowing. Even then still would have a accident. I didn't make a fuss but just took them out every 30 min. again. they caught on.
I sort of did the same things with both girls. (Not to the outdoors). To the loo every hour on the hour. Both were out of nappies by a year.
Just can't get the daughters to follow that though. Seems their Gkids are 3-4 years old when completed.
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And keep it confined to a small area. Don't let it roam all over or you won't know where it went until you step in it. ;)
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I never could understand people who let them go just anyplace in the yard or even when you take them a walk. Pick a spot is easier.
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Thanks all. At the moment it is more a case of getting him out of the door as fast as possible! However, he does seem to be getting some sort of idea, and he is a lot calmer at nights, thank goodness. he gets his final vaccination next Monday, after which he can go out into the world, which will give him something to think about.
Jeanne, my mother also apparently had me out of nappies when I was 9 months old. I don't know how she did it - my son in particular was a huge challenge, the girls less so. I recall that a friend with more experience told me that if she had my son over for the day, she would have him out of nappies by the evening. When I went back she admitted defeat. They all get there in the end of course, whereas dogs won't unless you train them.
Anyway, apologies - I appreciate that this is a book site and I will now stop talking about this unsavoury subject!
Rosemary
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I don't know about puppies, but there may be somethng genetic about the problem in people. My son had problems with bedwetting long after he was potty-trained. I then
learned from an uncle that he had the same problem. He begged me not to be hard on the
boy, as he really could not help it.
The puppies we did start in the laundry area, spread with newspapers. As time went by,
we removed more and more of the spread of papers, until there was just one 'designated'
place, which they used faithfully when in the house.
What was that movie about the totally unmanageable and untrainable dog that his owners
adored...and apparently the moviegoers, too? Oh, my! :o
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Rosemary. No, we all want to know how you do with the puppy. They are a challenge. Then are you going to take him to obedience classes also. Nothing better than a well trained animal or worse than one that isn't. I have never been without a pet of some kind. Mostly dogs. But and Parrots.
O.K I had better stop the dog talk also. Maybe you will make a movie video of you dog once all trained. Or even write a book then it will be O.K.
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Rosemary, this isn't the first discussion here about training puppies. We're only mostly about books, not exclusively.
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Thanks everyone for your support. It is a real pleasure to come in here every morning and see familiar faces. I am glad to say puppy has at least now settled at night, seems to accept that he stays in his bed in the kitchen (ie the place with washable floor!) and we go upstairs. So now the housetraining is the thing. I have found out about puppy classes in the next village, so only 5 mins drive away - they are planning to start the next course at the end of this month, which should fit in quite well.
I am also reading Cesar Millan's Dog Whisperer book, which is very helpful - though some of his examples must be very American - eg one of his imaginary 'case studies' is of a family where one of the teens gets up at 6 every morning for swimming training, so merrily agrees to change that to 5am in order to take the dog on his first walk - the chances of that happening in this house are precisely NIL! In the same 'family' the father serves the children their breakfast (thereby giving mother a lie-in as she works late, which I appreciate I don't) and comes home at 6pm to go cycling with the dog. Again, pigs would fly before that happened here!!!
I am very fortunate in having a lovely friend a few miles away who is v experienced with dogs, especially spaniels, and is happy to puppy sit almost any time; she has given me a lot of great advice, and once he has had his final injection on Monday daughters (who will be on half term next week) and I will take him to visit her and her elderly female spaniel. Her husband won't let her have another dog, so I think we may be sharing mine - which actually makes life a lot easier for me, so we're both happy.
My neighbour is getting a new kitten next week, as one of her two Orientals had to be put to sleep last year. She works, so I have offered to pop in to feed it - am beginning to feel like a zoo keeper!
Keep reminding myself that even my babies got easier eventually! A neighbour who has a bearded collie - but no children - said 'oh it's just like having a baby' - but actually I think babies are much harder work.
Beautiful morning here - it is now light when I go to the station with Madeleine, and today there was a wonderful sunrise over the village. If winter comes, as they say, spring isn't far behind (we hope...)
Rosemary
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Saw LIFE OF PI in 3D yesterday. Really liked it. Fantastic scenes of Pi being stranded on the ocean in a lifeboat with Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger. Also lovely scenes of India. It should get an Oscar for the great cinematography. It was also nominated for best picture and director, but I suppose Lincoln will get top awards. I'm re-reading the book, Life of Pi. Has anyone read it or seen the movie?
Marj
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I read someplace a few months ago, but not read anything since, that "The Dog Whisperer" was found still alive but had tried committing Suicide. Had suffered from depression for years. I just love watching his shows. So hope it was just a rumor or he is getting help.
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A friend just loaned me her copy of "LIfe of PI" and she has seen movie. Said to read book first, then see movie. Said movie is very good too.
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SHAKESPEARE is on PBS again tonight. The last 2 shows. Hamlet and The Tempest.
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I read Pi several years ago. I loved the book and am anxious to see the movie.
Sally
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I notice that Shakespeare on our PBS tonight also. I know you ladies really like them. Me. We got so much of it in our Schools growing up in the UK. that I just can't stand reading or watching Film on him.
With all that has been said over the last years about him not being the one who wrote a word. Makes me feel we read all that not knowing those facts.
Done a lot for the Tourist trade and other things over the years though.
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I cannot reconcile the fact that his children were illiterate and there were no books in his house when he died. Also, he never traveled abroad, yet wrote about foreign places as though he had been there.
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In a way, it doesn't matter if Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare. Somebody wrote the plays, and they stand on their own, whoever it was.
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I've got my vcr set up to record the Shakespeare show. Personally, the question
of who actually wrote them doesn't change the quality and power of the plays.
I am really enjoying this series, and just regret I missed the first one. I
will have to hope I get an opportunity to see it in a future showing.
Ah, I see PatH and I are in agreement. (I think we usually are. :) )
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I am just so intrigued by the fact that NO WRITER has ever existed in any language in all of our history who wrote with the pure genius that Shakespeare did. No writer. None.
We have had marvelous and brilliant and satisfying authors. Gifted writers. Wonderful people bringing us great information and pleasure.
But Shakespeare stands alone above them all. Incomparable.
Side by side, his life history does not equal the quality of his output. But you are no doubt correct; I should not yearn to know that which I cannot possibly be given to know.
Last night was wonderful. Helen Mirren and The Tempest and David Tennant and Hamlet. Adore them both. I always think I will not learn another little bit, but then, I always do. Last night was no exception.
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Jeanne - I had a look on the internet and it seems that Cesar Milan did indeed try to commit suicide in 2010, as his wife told him she wanted a divorce and his favourite dog died. However, he has since turned his life around and also met someone new, so it looks like he is OK now.
Rosemary
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Oh dear, I missed the last Shakespeare--The Tempest and Hamlet. Hope they are repeated, or netflicks gets them. I do so agree MaryPage. IMO Shakespeare was the greatest writer of all time. "What oft was thought but ne'er so well expressed". ( Always thought that was Alexander Pope commenting on what makes brilliant writing in general, recently found out he was actually talking about Horace, who I don't think is that great, so far, but have not read much, too difficult.) But I agree, it doesn't really matter who Shakespeare was, one or several, but if several, there had to be a master, like a painter and studio pupils, because he does seem to me to express a view of life peculiar to one man/woman.
The only writer who comes close I think is Homer.
Anyway, I really came in here to say how much I have become immersed in the Swedish Wallander series now, and it is GREAT. You really are drawn in to the lives of the regular cast who I think are much more clearly developed than in the books. The stories are typical Mankell, nasty but interesting. And you learn some Swedish! Who knew Wallander is really pronounced VallAnder and an A with a circle over it is pronounced O.
I will be lost when it comes to an end, there are 14 episodes, thank goodness I've only seen 4!! I'm pacing myself because I don't want to get to the end of them.
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I agree Dana, there is no writer in the English language better than Shakespeare. I can't speak for writers in other languages I'm afraid.
Rosemary
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BAFTA this weekend awards Argo as best film
BAFTA (http://awards.bafta.org/award/2013/film)
It will be interesting to compare these with the Oscars, which is when? Two weeks?
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movies.jpg) | So many movies – how do you choose what to watch?
Reviews? Recommendations? Actors? Availability?
Do you choose a movie the same way you choose a book?
And where do you like to watch most of your movies?
Do you stream movies from Netflix and other places?
Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever watched a film?
|
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I saw 'The Tempest', but the 'Hamlet' was not shown on the same program. I hope it has
simply been made into two separate programs and I'll be seeing 'Hamlet' later this
week.
We already have "Skyfall" and "Django Unchained" on our netflix wish list. Heaven only knows
when they will be available.
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I sure hope Argo doesn't win best film Oscar. That was a most boring, predictable film. Can't see why it was even nominated. My vote would be for Life of Pi.
The Academy Awards will be held Sunday, February 24.
Marj
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Well, 'Pi' did win the cinematography award, which is not surprising. It seems everyone who recommended the film commented on the beauty of the photography.
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I do agree with BAFTA's awarding only one award to Spielberg's Lincoln, to Daniel Day Lewis for lead actor.
I want to see Zero Dark Thirty, as I've never seen Jessica Chastain and I hear she's a very good actress. We will watch Django only on Netflix, as it is said that only the first part is good, and that the film is way too long.
Marj
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Not on topic, but just read that Pope Benedict is retiring. Last time I saw him on TV (I guess at Christmas) I noticed how very infirm he looked,and was very worried. A pope has not retired since Pope Gregory in 1400+ something.
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I'm surprised we're not seeing reams of speculation as to who the next Pope might be. It is an important
decision; a Pope is so powerful and influential.
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I've heard he (of course it won't be a she) definitely won't be someone from the United States. Might be from South America, Asia, or even Africa.
Marj
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I would have thought that the South American, Mexico, Spain would still have more Catholics that Africa. Also count the Cuban Population now in the US along with Cuba.
I think that the Sex problem with the US churches will keep them away from a US Pope. Catholics in the USA to me do not seem to go by the rules as much as people in other Spanish countries do.
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Has anyone here seen I Am Love with Tilda Swinton? I've only seen about the first 10 minutes of it, and hope to get back to it later this evening. It's an Italian film, with subtitles, of course, but Swinton is bi- (maybe more) lingual. Netflix only gives it two stars, but somehow it has me hooked. The cinematography is lovely.
I don't normally watch movies during the day, but have had more SOTU than I want. The way the media is on and on and on about it you'd think it was the SuperBowl. ;D
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The reviews of I Am Love made me think I would really enjoy it, but then it fell through the cracks and I never saw it. Let us know how you like it, pedln. Swinton was amazing in Orlando.
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PEDLN, I'll probably feel silly for asking, but what is SOTU? I can't figure it out.
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Babi, I wouldn't have know either if I weren't such a news junkie. State Of The Union.
Government, Washington, Political acronyms are something else. POTUS. What threw me the other day was FLOTUS. Anyone want to hazard a guess?
My granddaughter set me up on Twitter. I only follow news and books and Prevention Magazine, and rarely tweet, but am running into all kinds of interesting and time-consuming things -- like FLOTUS. If you know FLOTUS, you can surely guess POTUS.
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First Lady of the United States FLOTUS
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The reviews of I Am Love made me think I would really enjoy it, but then it fell through the cracks and I never saw it. Let us know how you like it, pedln. Swinton was amazing in Orlando.
Well, Swinton was excellent in this film, also. The filming, the cinematography was fascinating, and was probably what kept me watching until the end. For the most part I never really knew who all the characters were, where I (or rather they) were, and just what was going on. A great emphasis on food, which was really interesting. A very visual, some might say seductive, film. Now that I've read the reviews I see that there were others as lost as I was. And I felt as I watched, and have found that others felt the same, that a second viewing might bring it all together. But I'm not up to that right now.
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Good for you, TOME. I hadn't a clue.
PEDLN, I think I'll wait until you are in the mood to see the film again. Then, I'll decide whether I want
to give it a try.
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I hear that there is a Dictionary now out . Will have to learn the Acronyms in the future or we won't understanding what the youth of today will be saying.
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Perhaps we'd be happier not knowing, JEANNE. :o ;)
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Acronyms are a moving target. A book would be out of date by the time it came out.
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"Of course", our parents understood every phrase we used. And their parents could undoubtedly translate all the 1920's slang they used. :D :D :D
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Just watched a very interesting documentary film from Netflix, "The God Who Wasn't There." Directed by Brian Flemming, a former fundamentalist Christian, who asserts that Jesus Christ is more than likely a fictional character based on legend.
Marj
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Marj, the film sounds interesting. I've requested it from my library. Thanks.
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Really? A fictional character? He had followers who died to preserve a fiction? Sounds like a waste of
time and an offense to common sense to me.
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I didn't find it a waste of time, Babi. It's not that long and has interesting interviews.
But you won't know unless you see it. (Look at all the Muslim males who commit suicide because they believe there will be 72 virgins waiting in heaven to bed them!)
Marj
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Oh! is it 72 virgins now.? I thought it started out at 14.. Hope these men can handle it.
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Inflation, I guess (no pun intended). The price of just about everything seems to keep going up.
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;D
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There is such a thing as a group mind frenzy. We have seen many examples of this in our own lifetime. Think back on the Jones Kool Aid thing; wasn't that something like 900 dead? And that bunch in, was it Arizona, who laid themselves out on their dormitory like beds and took poison; weren't they supposed to be picked up by space ships or some such? And the group who set fire to their own compound and killed even scores of women and children. I think one of the reasons the law does not force those men on the Utah/Arizona border who have so many wives, and so many of them are underage making it rape by our laws, to give up the practice is the state legal agencies are afraid of a big shoot out or something and lots of innocents, especially children, dying. What drives me nuts there is that the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and so on wives are getting welfare for themselves and their children as unwed mothers EVEN THOUGH they live in those humongous houses with the First Wife and the man! They all swear to the Law that they are not married to the man, although they really did go through a marriage ceremony and share turns in sleeping with him.
I mean, Really! What groups of human beings will or will not do is beyond mind blowing. Would you have been one of those millions in India just last week who traveled hundreds of miles to bathe in that holy river with all the sweat and urine and excrement in it and then hundreds died in that stampede? No, I don't believe you would. But we are capable of being brain washed to actually seek out death. Widows in India used to throw themselves on their husband's funeral pyres and perish.
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Mary Page. Your last line on above.
Now last week here in my town in Illinois we have quite a lot of people from India. (University town)
There was a death announcement of a Indian man passing at age 65. unexpected. Next day was a death announcement of his wife passing at 54. 24 hours later. Sort of a mystery as to why. Long item written but all it said about her death was (Along with their closeness and religion ). I know they still do follow in India sometimes but not by burning on pyres. Only thing we can think happened was now a Suicide is carried out by a remaining wife. Their bodies most probably cremated here in town and looks like sent back to India. they had 2 sons and 1 daughter. There was a memorial at the funeral home 3 days later.
Will be a secret not to be known by the public but did seem sort of odd.
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A Big Night Coming Up!!! And a good thing too, to help us get over "no Downton Abbey until next year."
So, who do you think is going to win? In what category?
I've only seen one of the 9 Best Pictures, and I really did not like it all that much, but the very young actress did a fantastic job as Hushpuppy. I think Best Actress will be anybody's guess.
From my readings, I hope Les Miz gets it for best musical, and Amour for best picture, along with best foreign film. Maybe even best actress.
Enough of my speculations. Which picture do you think will garner the most? Life of Pi?
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Have not seen ANY of the pictures. In fact, of all of 2012's films, the only one I have seen, I have seen because I bought the DVD, and that was because of Judi Dench. Bought SKYFALL, and boy, have I ever hated it.
James Bond used to at least have a plot you could follow. And it was more comedy than violence, and Ian Fleming wrote it that way. I mean, there WAS violence, but that violence was not the POINT of the story.
Now it seems to be the point, the whole point, and nothing but the point. Simply do not understand the tastes of today's public.
Am really not qualified to make a guess about any of this year's winners. Am an admirer of Jennifer Lawrence as an actress, and wish her well.
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I've seen Lincoln, Life of Pi, and Argo. Just hope Argo does not win -- such a boring, predictable film - don't see why it was even nominated.
Have no interest in seeing Les Miserables -- don't care for most musicals and that one sounds awful.
Thanks MaryPage for your review of Skyfall. I'll remove it from my list of to-see films.
My ex- loved the James Bond films and probably saw them all. To me, if you saw one, you'd seen them all. I'm with you, I don't like violence to be the main point of a film.
Marj
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I'll dvr the Oscars and start watching about 30 min into it. That way I can ff through acceptance speeches that run too long, categories that I don't care about & much of the extra
"fluff". Ummm, maybe I'll wait until about an hour into it!
Sally
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While waiting on the movie .. . . .
From the Page to the Screen: The 2013 Oscars Edition (http://thebooksmugglers.com/2013/02/from-the-page-to-the-screen-the-2013-oscars-edition.html)
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And we'll be watching anything BUT the Oscars. I'll read about it in the paper tomorrow, if I feel like it. We haven't seen any of the movies anyway.
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Two really great films on the telly this week!
Monday night CNN will show the first in a long series of stories about our First Ladies. Every Monday night at 9:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time. Check your own TV schedules so you don't miss it.
AND
I am out of my skin excited about
WOMEN WHO MAKE AMERICA
Tuesday night on PBS
3 hours that took 8 years to put together!
Covers the last 50 years of women breaking through here in the U.S.
It starts at 8:00 P.M. here in our Eastern Standard Time on our local PBS stations. Again, check your own schedule carefully.
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Thanks, Pedln, for the link to The Smugglers Newsletter. Their film and book reviews look interesting. I subscribed.
Didn't know Silver Linings Playbook movie was from a novel. I put the novel on hold at the library. Haven't seen the film yet.
I like to watch the Oscars to see what they are wearing. I doubt the women will dress as badly as they do on the Country music awards show where they like to let everything hang out. I remember some of the really nifty duds that Sher wore back in the day. I always wave as I drive by her house on Pacific Coast Hiway in Malibu. LOL.
Do you remember seeing Sacheen Littlefeather speak on behalf of Marlon Brando and his refusal of the Oscar for The Godfather because of the way he felt about how the industry portrayed Native Americans? And how Michael Moore in his acceptance speech said about the Iraq War, "Shame on you, Mr. Bush! Shame on you!" Those were the days.
Marj
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The program on First Ladies is on C-Span, not CNN
http://firstladies.c-span.org/ (http://firstladies.c-span.org/)
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I wrote it down wrong for myself, and thank goodness you have set me straight! C-SPAN, and not CNN. I do hope it is on one of the C-Spans I get; I think I get 3 different ones; surely it will be on one of those.
As for the Tuesday Night PBS show, it is a one time only film. It has NOTHING to do with the First Ladies, but is all about the last 50 years history of the women of these United States and how far we have advanced in those 50 years. It took eight years just to put this film together! I would not miss it for the world.
My local information is that the First Ladied series does not start until this coming Monday night. Tomorrow, that is. Perhaps it has been different elsewhere.
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MaryPage, I saw something about that show last week and put a sticky note about it on the TV. Thanks for the info about it and for spreading the word.
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Yes, thank you very much, MaryPage. My recorder is set for tonight in case I forget to watch the time. Glad it doesn't conflict with "Switched At Birth".
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Oh my, it's been a while here. What have you all seen or are watching? Did everyone get "Oscared" out?
I don't remember who here recommended it, but I've been waiting for it to come out, and finally now have The Intouchables from Netflix. My MovieDinner buddies want to see it too, so it's just a matter of finding a time to get together.
In the meantime, I've been watching some oldies -- have started in on The West Wing, beginning with season one. That'll take a while. I do like Allison Janney, and also John Spencer (Leo in the show). Has he played in any movies?
One of the chapters in The End of Your LIfe Book Club is titled "Marjory Morningstar." And of course other Herman Wouk books are also mentioned, sending me to look up his Winds of War and War and Remembrance. I've read the latter, but not the former, so now I'm caught up with Robert Mitchum and The Winds of War. It was a mini-series some time ago. I've seen disc 1 of six, enjoyed it immensely.
Waiting on Argo, Anna Karenia, and Zero Dark Thirty. Undoubtedly long waits.
What are you all watching?
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I recommended The Intouchables. I think you and your group will love it! It's in my Netflix queue. Soon I hope.
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Hubby and I just watched "Woman in Black" with the Harry Potter guy (?) Daniel something?
What a mish-mash! It was definitely "scary", kept trying to keep up with the dual/triple story lines. Has anyone here seen it? Comment if you have. If you haven't, you've not missed anything.
It's kind of a Gothic Horror thing.
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Really not watching anything at all, other than the news. This being Sunday, I watched one hour of SUNDAY MORNING with Charles Osborne and then half an hour of The Chris Matthews Show and then half an hour of This Week With George Stephanopolous and then switched back and forth for an hour between MEET THE PRESS and FACE THE NATION. This week Face beat out Meet, but some Sundays 'tis the other way 'round. Tonight I will watch the news and then 60 Minutes and then hunker back down with my book.
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Just finished reading the "Silver Linings Playbook." My daughter saw the movie, and I was asking her about things from te book. She didn't remember any of them. Sounds like they emphasized the romance at the expense of other things. Has anyone both read and seen it?
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JoanK, I haven't seen or read it. But I'd like to see the author get more credit.
You don’t hear much about the book by Matthew Quick at all, but according to USA Today, there are 135,000 paperback of it in print. And the movie rights of his next novel, The Good Luck of Right Now (to be published next year) have been bought by Dreamworks.
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Forgot to say earlier, that "Woman in Black" is from a novel by Susan Hill. (I was thinking as I watched that if it was from a book, it would probably be better.)
My tardy mind has just made a miniscule connection to a movie wherein the young boy says "I see dead people".
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I wondered when someone was going to watch a movie!
I saw Woman in Black, Tomereader, after reading the book by Susan Hill. I thought the movie was better, altho' I agree you're not missing much if you dont see it. Yes, it does remind you of the Bruce Willis film, The Sixth Sense. Didn't realize the film's star was that boy who starred in Harry Potter movies. (Some day I'm going to get around to reading the first Harry Potter book, Sorcerer's Stone, which I bought some 12 years ago.)
The last film I saw in the theater was Life of Pi which I really liked. (It really should be seen in the theater in 3D.) Think I've said, probably several times, how boring we thought Argo was and could not believe it won best picture. I guess a lot of people did like it tho.'
I have 118 movies on my Netflix queue, and one waiting to see -- Game Change, based on the book I read abut the 2008 election with Sarah Palin and John McCain. I heard the gal who plays Palin is a real kick.
This morning I watched an old Doris Day film (one of her first, 1951), I'll See You In My Dreams, on the Turner Movie Channel (it's available on Netflix) with Danny Thomas as the song writer Gus Kahn. Was going to turn it off, but as those old songs started playing, I continued to watch and really liked it. It had some good stars in it, and looking over the cast, I see I missed Jim Backus.
The Intouchables is a great film!
Marj
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Marjifay -- Julianne Moore played Palin. She was fantastic and the movie is great. I loved it.
Tomereader, I had Woman in Black on my Netflix queue, but took it off for some reason. Now I'm glad I did. Will give that one a pass.
Tonight I started watching Flight with Denzel Washington. I've stopped for the evening and may finish it tomorrow. It's okay, but I don't really like the characters -- at all.
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My tardy mind has just made a miniscule connection to a movie wherein the young boy says "I see dead people".
Would that be The Sixth Sense? It stars Bruce Willis as a child psychologist treating the boy (Haley Joel Osmont) who sees dead people. It's not based on a book; the story was written by the director, M. Night Shyamalan. It's a good story, well done.
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I agee, Pedln, about the HBO film Game Change. Just finished watching it and it was great. While I'm a liberal Democrat and did not care for Palin's beliefs, I actually felt sorry for her after watching the film. She was in way over her head, and it was scary to think of her possibly being president. But she did appeal to a lot of people.
Marj
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I own the DVD of Game Change, and it is a great film. I felt sorry for Palin, as well. She was too unschooled to even comprehend that she was! Such hubris! But she does come across as truly and honestly all that charged up over stuff she had discussed around her kitchen table and in the coffee shops of Alaska.
"He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool, shun him; He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child, teach him. He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep, wake him. He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise, follow him."
Palin falls into the very first group. Unfortunately, so do tons of people who are simply dying to run this country and the world!
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I just watched from Netflix one of the best noir thrillers I've seen in a long time -- SHALLOW GRAVE. Directed by Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionnaire and Trainspotting). If you like only sweet, happy films, DON'T watch it! But if you like a dark film with bits of humor with very good acting, a film you won't be able to stop watching once you begin, then see it.
Three roommates in Glasgow, Scotland, decide to rent out one of their rooms to earn some extra money. They interview people wanting to rent the room and find a man whom they find interesting and rent him the room. But he dies in his sleep, leaving a suitcase full of money. They argue over what to do with the money and the man. What happens I promise will keep you on the edge of your seat to the very end.
Marj
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Went to see 'Happy Endings Playbook". I was right: they left out or changed some of my favorite bits of the book. But I still enjoyed it.
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Did watch a movie the other night. "The Black Book". I liked it. It covers the last 2 years of WW2. Nazi's, Jewish internment. Help given in Holland. Suppose to be a true story. Some of it in English and parts in CC. Makes one wonder how such things allowed to happen in our time. So much has now been forgotten and they young people have no idea.
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Continuing our Christopher Guest "season", last night we (re) watched Best In Show. Brilliant, if in a cringe-making way. I do think Guest and his troupe are clever - Guest's own appearance as the bloodhound owning fisherman was a masterpiece. Watched A Mighty Wind last week, and will now move on to Spinal Tap (which only my husband has seen, and he rates it highly). The only Guest film I didn't take to was For Your Consideration. Catherine O'Hara is always excellent.
Rosemary
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Haven't watched Spinal Tap in a long time, but remember it was hilarious. Will have to look at some of the others you mentioned, Rosemary. I loved some of the actors in the films, i.e. Michael McKean (Laverne and Shirley sitcom), Fred Willard (Fernwood Tonight) -- very funny guys.
Marj
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JoanK -- are you talking about Silver Linings Playbook? Haven't seen it yet, but Happy Endings sounds good too.
Lots of good recommendations here. I'm not at all familiar with Christopher Guest, Rosemary, but will have to try some. Netflix seems to have quite a few.
JeanneP, the Black Book sounds good, but I'll wait a while on that. Am currently watching Herman Wouk's Winds of War -- 6 discs. And I have to take a break from that too because right in my hot little hand are:
Argo and Zero Dark Thirty. I had them at 1 and 2 on my queue and thought it would probably be forever before either got sent. Looking forward to both of them.
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Someone here said something about not liking Argo, don't remember who. I watched it last week, and while it was okay, I didn't think it was anything super duper. I certainly don't see it as Best Picture material. My daughter said she'd seen it and felt much the same way.
Now I still have Zero Dark Thirty and plan to watch it with friends on Tuesday.
In the meantime, I've been watching Winds of War (4 out of 6 discs so far) and love it, and have started in on West Wing from the beginning of seven seasons. Really enjoying it -- just finished disc 4 (of 44).
What are you all watching? Has anyone seen Anna Karenina?
I'm waiting on Silver Linings, Quartet, and Amour, but Netflix doesn't have the DVDs yet. My daughter said Amour was "brutal," but they really liked it.
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I was the one who posted here that I couldn't understand why Argo won best film. Saw it with my son and we both thought it was predictable and pretty boring. Certainly nothing special about it.
I am waiting for Trainspotting on Netflix. Have wanted to see more films directed by Danny Boyle after seeing Shallow Grave, the best noir thriller I've seen in a long time; he also directed Slumdog Millionnaire. I would recommend Shallow Grave, but only if one likes dark films with very good acting that keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Just guessing, but I doubt too many here would like it.
I also want to see Zero Dark Thirty.
Marj
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Just watched THE FORTUNE on Turner Movie Channel (not available at Netflix). Hilarious 1975 Mike Nichols film starring Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty and Stockard Channing. Almost turned it off as it started so silly, but glad I didn't. Two dopey blockheads and a dumb girl. After you see these guys as this nutty pair, you can't believe they are the serious men in REDS.
Marj
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My DVD of The Hobbit has been here for a week or more now, and I just have not had time to watch it. One of these days!
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I'll be interested to hear your opinion when you do watch it, MaryPage. I had mixed feelings about it, but there was plenty to like.
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I recently watched Life of Pi. The scenery was gorgeous; but I found it rather boring. I loved the book--the movie, not so much. I have downloaded Lincoln on ppv, but have not watched it yet.
Sally
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My sister was all set for us to watch Life of Pi yesterday there was a problem with it or the BlueRay player. We watched instead, Salmon Fishing in Yemen, a pleasant enough movie.
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Ooooh, I loved "Salmon Fishing".
I'm having trouble with the book of Life of Pi. Can't seem to get into it.
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It is a strange book, to be sure, Tome. The only reason I might endure watching the movie is to see how they did the effects with him in a boat with those animals. My sister and BIL were looking forward to watching it (with me a captive audience). They were terribly disappointed when the BlueRay crapped out on them.
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I read the book "Salmon Fishing" and liked it a lot. Not sure how the letter/memo format would translate to a good movie, but i'd like to see it.
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I liked the Salmon Fishing movie and thought there was also a book. I didn't know it was an epistolary novel, but have usually liked the ones I've read.
Oh, a couple of oldie oldies have been made into film -- Dear Enemy and/or Daddy Long Legs. Who wrote them?
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Jean Webster, Pedln. I downloaded the book to my Kindle a couple of weeks ago. I do remember a teeny bit of the 1955 version of the movie.
Oh, how interesting. Did you know that Shirley Temple's Curly Top was based on Daddy Long Legs?
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I read Daddy Long Legs when I was growing up, but totally forgot who wrote it. It's Jean Webster. And I saw the 1955 movie, with Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron. I wonder what I would think of either of them now. It turns out there were other movies, starting with Mary Pickford and ending up with Japanese anime.
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I too saw the movie, Daddy Long Legs, but haven't read the book. There is a wikipedia article about Jean Webster's interesting life at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Webster
There is a beautiful photo of her there too.
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MaryPage, I hope the movie of the Hobbit is not as boring as the book. I read a couple chapters, fell asleep, and then tossed it.
Marj
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Then you definitely don't want to see the movie, marjifay. They've padded out the book a lot, mostly with long battle scenes.
But someone who liked the book would like a lot about the movie.
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I read The Hobbit when I was very young, and adored it. But I cannot imagine (1) making it into THREE long movies, of 3 hours each! (2) making it with real people instead of doing a Snow White type film. I loved the little men and the little homes under trees and such. Loved it!
But it should all be told in about an hour and a half!
Oh Daddy Long Legs! How I loved that book. I have been disappointed in every movie I ever saw done of it, but the book stole my heart.
Eons ago.
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I finally saw Zero Dark Thirty this week -- at least twice, partly because the first time I saw it I kept falling asleep. Not the film's fault. I was just tired.
After a second viewing, I upgraded my first opinion. Probably not best picture quality, but certainly a nomination for Best Director. You can really appreciate what a job that must have been. I found the entirely black screen scenes disconcerting, and the ending much much too long.
(It was getting late and I wanted it to be over. "Is it just about over or will there be time left for a cup of tea.?") There was.
All in all, I'm glad I saw it, and glad I took the time to rewatch it and understand what was going on from the characters' perspective.
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Marcie, thanks so much for the link to the article about Jean Webster. I finally had a chance to read it and it was fascinating. She certainly had an interesting, although a somewhat shortened, life. Daddy Long Legs is now on my Netflix queue, and I'm looking forward to rereading some of her books. A great/grand niece of Mark Twain? Teddy Roosevelt came on her honeymoon? I wonder if she has a biography.
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Some fun things to explore, from Criterion films.
Novels on the Big Screen (http://www.criterion.com/explore/194-novels-on-the-big-screen)
More books to add to the TBR list, more things to learn. I didn't know Ang Lee's filming of The Ice STorm was a book. I didn't know that Alfred Hitchcock directed Rebecca.
So many books, so many films, just not enough time.
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So many I've never heard of!
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That's an interesting collection. I haven't seen many of them. I'd love to see what Kurosawa made of the Russian writers. He made an amazing film of the Macbeth story transferred to medieval Japan--Throne of Blood. It's especially interesting to see the forceful, managing character of Lady Macbeth in the outward skin of the submissive Japanese wife.
One that falls in my specialty (science fiction) is Solaris. This is a 1972 Russian adaptation of a book by Polish sci-fi writer Stanislaw Lem. It's weird and haunting, but also tedious in places. The movie is very good (if you like that kind of thing) hard to figure out, but with a lot of haunting scenes. There was also an American version (2002) with George Clooney, which went even farther than the book, and wasn't as good as the Russian.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I finally finished watching my DVD of The Hobbit. It took me several days, because I would get so TIRED of it each session. Whew! I just cannot imagine suffering 2 more whole, long movies!
The man playing Bilbo is wonderful. All the dwarfs, the whole little band, are darling and fun. It is just the same old, same old battles with orcs and goblins and wolves and whatever. Battles, battles, battles. Running all over the place like mad, either deep in the bowels of the earth or around jagged mountains or through forests and across plains. And half the time you can barely see or keep up with what's going on.
The best part of the movie is not a part man made up, but the part the gods created: the topography of New Zealand. Oh, how I would love to see the real thing!
There is a second DVD provided, and that sounded boring: how the movie was made. But then I noticed it included information on where they went in New Zealand, so I put it in my machine and started watching. MUCH better than the movie itself! Heavenly blogs with wonderful shots of incredible real vistas of those islands. Little maps showing you where they were and where they were going. Then blogs about the characters, and you come to know and love them. Made my head spin to learn how many hundreds and hundreds of people in the background it took to make that film.
Yep, if you get your hands on the DVD set of The Hobbit, watch the OTHER one, and skip the movie itself!
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Yep, if you get your hands on the DVD set of The Hobbit, watch the OTHER one, and skip the movie itself!
Tee hee, MaryPage.
All the things you didn't like about the movie were the things they either added or expanded from the book. If they had kept to the original story, it would have been much better. Toward the end of the book is something called the Battle of the Five Armies. I don't like to think what they'll make of that one.
I'll try to get hold of the other DVD, it looks like something I want to see.
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I remember we used to have a Seniornet member who lived on one of those islands. She told me that the Little Blue Penguins would crawl up the beach at night and crawl into bed with her.
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Good grief! I'm not so sure I would cotton to that. In fact, I'm fairly certain I would do everything to lock them out!
But I am in love with New Zealand.
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I'm probably one of the .03% who has never read the Hobbit, nor seen the movie. But after you r posts here, I think I would like to SEE it, at least, simple for the scenery. Someone on TV the other day said something to that effect -- "get rid of the little people and just watch the background.
Or follow Mary Page's suggestion "to watch the OTHER one."
But first I'll watch the Netflix DVD that came yesterday -- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. It's been a "long wait," probably because it stars a young Maggie Smith.
And while thinking of young and old actresses, I didn't know that Judi Dench was in Skyfall. I've never been a fan of James Bond, now that a friend told my Dench was playing I might have to watch.
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Dench was in the second "Casino Royale" too. She made a formidable "M", tough and more hands-on than the original M character.
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I thought I was the only one, pedln, who wasn't "hobbit literate". We did love New Zealand, though, and would go back to visit in a heartbeat if the travel wasn't so grueling.
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Pedln, do let us know what you think of the Miss Jean Brodie film - it's one of my all time favourites (though it isn't that faithful to the book). Maggie Smith is of course a genius, but the whole cast is amazing. I am still prone to quote Miss Brodie every time we walk along Princes Street and look up at Edinburgh Castle - drives my daughters nuts.
Rosemary
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'The Hobbit' was a set book for us in first year at the Grammar School. I loathed the mere look of it so much that I never read it and managed to pass the test at the end just by reading the blurb on the back. I still haven't read it, though my elder daughter loves it and has read it many times. All three of my children have seen the film, and seemed to enjoy it without raving about it. They all said it was too long and that it's ridiculous and greedy to stretch it to three films. However, it does have Martin Freeman in it, which is almost incentive enough for me to watch it. I think Anna went just to here Saint Benedict Cumberbatch voicing the dragon ;D
I went to New Zealand many years ago when we were poor students. Unfortunately we hadn't thought about the fact that our summer is their winter - it was freezing, rained all the time, and the places we stayed in were not equipped for cold weather, so they were cold and damp and depressing. It didn't help that we were staying with husband's sister, who at that time was there because her boyfriend (now husband) was on secondment from his London employer. She absolutely loathed Auckland, and our welcome was not warm. It was a stressful time! The only bright spot was visiting an elderly war-time friend of my MIL in Wellington. She was a real character, very active in radical politics - this was the time of the Rainbow Warrior - and made us so welcome. She also had a lovely warm house and baked her own bread! I was so glad to get to Sydney and Bali after NZ (that was of course in the days before there was any terrorism in Bali, and I thought I had never been to such a magical place.) I should probably give NZ another chance, but I doubt that we'll ever be able to afford to go back.
Rosemary
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Pedln, SKYFALL was ghastly. Absolutely useless violence, going nowhere and signifying nothing.
I bought it just for my beloved Judi Dench. I would advise you not to go near it with a ten foot pole!
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I thought I saw somewhere a while back that Skyfall was not written by Ian Fleming, just based on Bond.
A couple of things I learned just now:
Skyfall is Judi Dench's sixth and last Bond film. I didn't know she did that many.
Some of the Bond films were based on short stories, not full length novels. I only saw a few short stories that weren't made into movies, all the full-length novels were.
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JoanK
I think I know the lady in Newzealand you are thinking of. Just don't remember her name from Seniornet do you? There use to be a few on SN from Australia and NZ. Miss them all
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Sadly, I have forgotten her name.
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Well, let's see: There was "Gumtree", who we lost; there was also a Jerry I think either Austrailia or NZ, then we have Kiwi.
Do these ring a bell?
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Jerry from NZ died a year or so ago. Kiwi is still around on a few discussions, I think, on Seniors & Friends. She's doing well.
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There was also Roshanarose, who I think decided to focus on other things. She was a great participant.
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Kiwilady (Carolyn) posts here occasionally. Hi, Carolyn!
Ironically, Roshanarose took on some time-consuming projects just as we started the classic Greek discussions she had longed for.I miss her, and Gumtree too.
Still can't remember the name of the blue penguin lady, but she moved to be near her daughter, and we heard no more from her. Presumably she didn't have a computer.
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Agreed. Roshanarose is a great favorite of mine, as is KiwiLady (Carolyn Sterling).
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Octavia has been silent also. Too bad, I miss our AU/NZ contingent.
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No, none of those name ring a bell as to being her. Like me, she was from Manchester, UK area along with Glady's. She had been married to a fisherman, Lived on a Island off the coast way because they had to get a ferry inland. She sold out and had met a man who lived on a boat. so sailed off to travel. Bet she is having fun some place. Wish we knew where.
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JeanneP, I wish I could help you out, but your description doesn't ring any bells for me. I do remember the others -- Carolyn, Octavia, Roshanarose, and of course, Gumtree.
Thanks for bringing me up to date on Judy Dench and James Bond. And if I do watch Skyfall, MaryPage, it'll be from Netflix and not anything I buy.
Speaking of Netflix, on the news this morning their stock is skyhigh today. In Sept. it was $53 a share, and now it's over $200. Oh shucks, another missed opportunity. :(
Two of my girls were visiting over the weekend, so I didn't have a chance to watch Miss Jean Brodie until last night. Loved it, and of course, Maggie Smith was just great. And the rest of the cast too, as Rosemary mentioned. I didn't recognize any of the other names of the cast, but especially liked Sandy, Mary McGregor, and Miss Gaunt. I kept looking for the Maggie Smith of Downton Abbey, but really couldn't find her. I forget when the film was made, but I loved the large group scenes, the school scenes especially.
When my girls were here we watched Babel (Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, and a host of others) that I've seen about three or four times and always try to force on others. ANd The Hurt Locker -- great directing (K Bigelow), but the film really didn't do anything for me. If I had been watching it by myself I would not have finished it.
Rosemary, isn't it part of a mother's job to drive her children nuts?
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Is anyone watch the season 5 of "Mad Men"? I got the whole season and just have about a hour left. Doesn't seem to be keeping my interest this season.
What happened to Betty,his prev. wife.? She must weigh about 230 lbs now. It is not padding because can tell by her arms and legs. Also when she was getting out of the bath.
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Watched Silver Linings Playbook last night.
Well, here it is. I hated the movie. Not people I could live amongst. Not a culture I can relate to. That being said, I
LOVED the film! The acting and the filming were both extraordinary. And that Jennifer Lawrence! She makes everyone else look like two bit actors. I’m talking Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. Wow again! She has an aura, that Jennifer, and she just holds you in her power.
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JeanneP, I tried Mad Men a few years ago, when my son said that he and his wife were really enjoying the series. I just watched one and wasn't particularly interested. But so many people like it, maybe I need to give it another chance.
That's an interesting take on Silver Linings Playbook, MaryPage.. I liked Jennifer Lawrence in Winter's Bone, so will give Silver Linings a try sometime, although it isn't one that sounds like my cup of tea.
I've received Life of Pi from Netflix and I think we're scheduled for a movie/dinner night on Friday. Subject wise, it doesn't sound like my cup of tea either, but everyone has raved so about the cinematography that I want to see it.
Has anyone seen Hitchcock? I've got that here from Netflix also.
Two of my friends got hooked on Downton Abbey, season 3, but had never seen seasons 1 or 2. So over the past several weeks we have been working on that -- I have the DVDs, British version (and was surprised how much I'd forgotten or perhaps had missed on TV). We are finally up to the Christmas special, for sometime after Pi.
One of the newspapers mentioned yesterday that there will be 22 new films coming out this summer (up from 15 last summer). I haven't chased down the titles. Has anybody heard?
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I just finished watching "Mad Men" Series 5 few weeks ago. Had watched them all and found them interesting. However on the last one I was getting little tired of it. It will be over a year now before Series 6 comes out. that is if they make it. I get the DVD and not spend time watching every week on TV
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I've been watching Empires season 3 which is a history of the Jewish people. Now I know how the Macabees came about. Didn't know that one of the Greek rulers was forcing them to convert over to Greek ways. The Jewish peoples have a long history of being bullied and persecuted. It hasn't stopped yet.
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I believe that this even happened in my country of England years ago. If Jewish religion one had to change to Christian or leave the country. I believe I see it in my own family on doing research and finding Jewish surnames. Not only that but in many of our features, with it showing up even in later generations.
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I am getting a treat tomorrow (I hope it's going to be a treat ???). My good friend has invite to a private screening of "The Great Gatsby" and she is taking me as her guest. Other than the "modern" music :-\ soundtrack, I should enjoy the movie immensely. Will let you know.
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Good grief, do they Really have a modern music track with The Great Gatsby? It staggers my imagination. Just will not do! The Great Gatsby is the era of The Charleston, for crying out loud!
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Please give us a report on the music, Tomereader. It was written for the movie, but it could still have the Charleston style.
MaryPage, are you aware that composer John Harbison wrote an opera of The Great Gatsby a few years ago? It was much admired. I don't know what most of the music is like, but there is a lot of dance music in it, and he took great care to write tunes that resembled tunes of the time, but were just different enough that no one would be distracted by thinking of the words.
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I did not know that, Pat.
What was it I was watching on the telly recently, gosh I hate my loss of short term memory, and yet I can recall some times in kindergarten vividly! Anyway, you may know what it was: they showed the exact same clips from all 3 films, including the brand new one, that have been made of The Great Gatsby. Fascinated me no end, it did. Of the three, Mia Farrow, the middle one, looked most like the Daisy in my head. But I love Carey Mulligan more than Mia as an actress. Time will tell.
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First: Do they really call this music? The performers are JayZ, James Brown, Kanye West, Beyonce and Will.I.Am.
Secondly, a perfectly wonderful movie was ruined (IMHO) by the same stupid idea of using rock music for soundtrack. Remember the 2006 movie, "Marie Antoinette" with Kirsten Dunst? It showed Marie's extreme youth, naivete and how the pomp and wealth simply savaged her. It was based, as I remember, on the book "Abundance" (which was excellent). And I have no idea why these directors insist on using rock as background.
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I will report in after viewing, although the movie premiered in Australia and NY, the reviews were terrible for the most part. I'm just glad my friend is not having to pay for our tickets! LOL. As I don't have a good feeling about this one, and I had so looked forward to it.
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Here I am, back from the movie. Did we mention that it is in 3D? Now I personally, didn't see the benefit of that. To me it made close shots seem "crowded", and at times it was like watching one of those little steriopticon slides ( know there's a more recent product than that, but I can't think of the name of it.) The long shots of Gatsby's mansion were really beautiful, as were those of Buchanan's mansion. The scenes of the parties at Gatsby's were fantastic, 3D didn't harm those. Now, for the music: there was other music besides the rock stuff. All in all the rock stuff was short-lived, though very loud. I was impressed with the gal who played "Daisy Buchanan" and Toby Maguire. Somehow Leo left me cold, but he must have been good, as a man who had invented himself, he exhibited self-centeredness to the Nth degree. For all the high tech etc, I was not moved and was glad I didn't have to spend $$ to see this.
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Oh this 3-D thing really annoys me. On several occasions my teenagers have ended up paying exorbitant prices to see films in Edinburgh because the non-3D screenings were miraculously 'sold out'. Even they agree that there are very few films that are improved by 3-D. It's a complete scam.
Thank you for the report on the film Tomereader, I don't think I'll be rushing to see it.
Rosemary
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I was never a fan of FSF's book, and have never seen any of the films, but always enjoy looking at homes of the rich and famous, so will give it a try. Will the DVD be 3D, I wonder?
Last night I finished watching Hitchcock and really enjoyed it. Hopkins and Mirren were fantastic, as always, and the focus of the film, the making of Psycho, was absolutely fascinating, with a lot of personal background about the Hitchcock finances, the marriage, the problems encountered in the making, etc. I may even watch Psycho again, something I vowed never to do.
I understand that the film was based on a book entitled something like Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho. Does anyone know anything about that?
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Click here: Inside the Music of 'The Great Gatsby' | ETonline.com
http://www.etonline.com/movies/133713_Inside_the_Music_of_The_Great_Gatsby/
Oh, well didn't work. Go to ETonline.com, click on the bar (at top) that says Movies, then scroll down till you see the Gatsby frame with Leonardo's pic. Then it should let you see some snippets of the film, with music and Baz Luhrmann's take on the music for the movie. It won't be in 3D, but has some very clear pictures.
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Well one thing sure, The Washington Post and many other publications have panned this new Gatsby something fierce. The one thing they praise is the clothes, especially those Carey Mulligan wears. I will not go to the movie, because I am not going to any shows out anymore. Neither will I buy the DVD in this case; but I may watch it in some manner some day just to see the costumes. I am like totally in love with the clothes of that time. Absolutely hate todays fashions!
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Well one thing sure, The Washington Post and many other publications have panned this new Gatsby something fierce.
That's too bad. It could have been so terrific.
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All this talk about the period clothes reminds me of a Wall ST Journal article today -- young women today don't want to look lie their mothers; they want their grandmothers clothes. Conservative and covered up is IN!!
Saw Life of Pi last night. I was prepared not to be entertained, not to really like it, just wanted to see scenery. I loved it, was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time. Simply fantastic. After thinking all this time that it wasn't my cup of tea. Just goes to show, one doesn't always know. I don't even know the name of the boy who played Pi, but what a great job he did with that part. And the story itself. Though somehow, I don't think I get that much from just reading the book. It needs the film.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I've been watching the Empire series lately. Great programs. Just finished the one about Greece, which was Season 7.
In my cue is Tell No One. I had no idea that Harlan Coben's book had been made into a movie. When I read it, I couldn't put it down.
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Frybabe, I saw Tell No One in New York a few years back, but have yet to read the book. It's actually a French film with English subtitles. A good one. I'll watch it again someday.
Mom's in the middle and the kids are on both coasts, so I'm just vegetating today, watching The Impossible, about a family caught in the 2004 Asian tsumami. Naomi Watts -- nominated for best actress by both Golden Globe and Academy awards, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland, who plays the 12-year-old son and should have been nominated for all kinds of things. He is fantastic. THe whole show is, also very emotional. It's been a while since I've seen a film that brings so many tears down my face. Kind of draining. Interestingly, it's an English language Spanish film, directed by Juan Bayona, a noted Spanish film maker. Five netflix stars.
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Pedln, I hope you are right, but so far I have seen no signs HERE of the young beginning to cover it up.
And god's truth, I did not see one single prom girl who did not wear strapless. I know, I know. Strapless was already popular when I was in High School. But the naked look on top has bothered me ever since I first saw it way back more than 70 years ago.
Anyway, forget strapless; they do not appear to be covering up in any manner here. Just more and more UNcovering. Nothing left to the imagination.
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What's everyone watching these days? I watched Spielberg's Lincoln the other night, but I have to spend more time with that one. It demands a lot of attention.
For the past few weeks I've been caught up in Herman Wouk's Winds of War and now his War and Remembrance. Thank you Netflix for having all of those discs about the Henry family and WWII, both the European front and the Pacific. Wonderful cast. Robert Mitchum is Naval officer Pug Henry. I forget who plays his wife. Ralph Bellamy, John Gielgud, Topol, Jane Seymour. Now I want to reread the books.
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Looks like no one here went to the movies over the long holiday weekend. Hubby and I passed by two of the multiplex theatres on Monday, and their parking lots were full! Someone must have decided to see some of the drivel showing there. It has truly gotten to where only the art houses (so called) are showing anything with merit.
I am so tired of vampires, werewolves, zombies and "blow up the world" movies. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a well-written "action film", but the current list of them does not even tempt me. My DVR is getting fuller and fuller, and I have been trying to watch at least one show during the daytime hours, and now that all the series on network TV are ended, we watch a couple at night time, too.
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I checked out the listings at our nearby movie house. There was nothing on we'd to go see if it were free, with free popcorn (and ear plugs).
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:), MaryZ
Sounds like things are tough all over. I don't go to movie theatres because I don't hear at them that well, but at bridge club the other day everyone was complaining about there being nothing they wanted to see, even at the multi-complexes.
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There is sure nothing out there that I want to see. And I am much happier, if and when something comes along, to purchase the DVD and enjoy from my own easy chair in front of my own television. Then I can watch as many times as I wish and loan it out to family members and no end of good things.
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I hear you, MaryPage. My DVDs are mostly from Netflix, but I watch the ones I own more than once and always pick up something new.
Came across this in my morning Twittering -- maybe it will give you an idea of what's worth watching -- or not. From the Chicago Trib.
71 Movies and Reviews (http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-110707-movie-reviews-pictures-pg,0,7183971.photogallery)
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Hey Folks: Did you see the newest movie of The GREAT GATSBY, read the book- again? Do you know of F. Scott Fitzgerald's tragic life, his wife, Zelda, an author also, ending her life in a mental institution.
Our short story this week is one of Fitzgerald's, somewhat autobiographical.
Come read and discuss it with us here:
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=3830.msg193405#msg193405
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Ella, I'm not a real fan of Fitzgerald, and have been thinking that I didn't want to see the Gatsby movie. But I"m looking forward to the "Babylon Revisited" discussion, and may just have to change my mind.
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Did anyone else see that blurb on the news today, about future outings to the movies costing $50 to $100? Also a bit about more people wanting movies in the living room, with instant demand.
I watched Promised Land with Matt Damon the other night, about a dueling big oil company and an environmentalist trying to win over a small town that is slowly going under. Didn't do much for me. Only OK.
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I came in to say I finally got my hands on the new (redone) Thorsen book by Liberace's partner about their life with an afterword. I missed the HBO movie tho it's coming out in theaters in Europe now so the book has been reprinted but I hear it was sad, a sad and surprising life. I read the unauthorized bio of Liberace and was quite surprised at his talent, the fact he was a twin like Elvis, the other one died in utero (Liberace was 13 pounds), and that it was a strange life. Yesterday at B&N the bookseller told me she had watched the HBO movie and was struck by what a sad life Thorsen (is that right) had? She wanted to form our own book club to discuss it. hahahaa
The book seems very readable so I'm looking forward to it but missed the Michael Douglas movie so hope to catch it in reruns, I saw the last 5 minutes of it on TV the other night.
He's still on Youtube and I can see why people liked him, so I'm interested to see what he really was.
Has anybody seen it? I'm sure the subject matter is a turn off.
MaryPage, I absolutely loved the movie SkyFall, absolutely loved it. I am with the camp it was the best Bond movie ever. I just watched it again coming back from London, I bought it and I bet I've seen it 5 times. Love it. I, however, have never read a "Bond" book, I dislike spy novels (go figure) so it's the movie I like best. I mean the performances!!!
Talking about nothing anybody wants to see at the movies, tho, this time on that long flight there weren't a million movies to choose from, either. Lincoln was offered, and SkyFall. I watched Identity Theft and it was cute. I like Melissa McCarthy if that's her name (the heavy girl in Bridesmaids) she is marvelous and I thought Jason Bateman if I've got that right was also quite good. It was a cute, funny movie. But that was about it, movie wise. I had hoped Quartet might be on.
I hear the new Gatsby DiCaprio movie is already out on DVD and has a poor rating. I don't see how anybody could make a movie of Gatsby, which I finally read on the trip and it blew me away. It's not anything at all like I thought it would be, nothing. Leaves you with lots of questions. I can't imagine making a movie of it and so many have been made. I don't think I would want to see a film version of it. There's so much about "Zelda" when talking about Fitsgerald that I spent half the book puzzled, waiting for her to appear. hahahaaa Obviously I was out of it. It does raise interesting questions on if a work can stand alone irrespective of the author's life.
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Ginny, welcome back. It’s great to see you here and to get your take on some of the films now being shown. It seems like good ones are moving slowly these days. I’m glad you liked Skyfall. I’ve never read a "Bond" novel either, nor seen a movie. There may be a first time, maybe. I can’t get enthusiastic about Liberace, though according to Amazon the HBO DVD will be out in September. I’ll give The Great Gatsby a pass too, although someone did say that the settings, the scenery were interesting to see.
I have Hyde Park on the Hudson here from Netflix, yet unseen, and also Woody Allen’s To Rome with Love – mixed reviews, looks like either feast or famine. I'm really more into volume 2 of Herman Wouk's War and Remembrance (6 discs), but they're not always available when I'm ready for them.
Has anyone seen Admission with Tina Fey? Or the environmental documentary Chasing Ice?
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I can't remember anything. What's the name of the relatively recent movie about the singers who are in a retirement home? I thought it was Quartet or something like that, but can't find anything like that on IMDb.
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Mary. The movie you're thinking of is "Quartet" and has just been released on DVD. Here's a link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfilms/film/quartet
and the one for IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441951/
I loved it!!!!
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Thanks, Callie!
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I'll second that - loved 'Quartet' - a real 'feelgood' film and no supermodels in sight. Would like to see it again.
Rosemary
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I am now down to no. 39 on the waiting list. Looking forward.
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I just watched a very good movie. Lots of people will complain on what it did show Sex wise. Not offencive at all. The name is "the sessions". Both did a good job. Not many actresses would have done it. Helen Hunt perfect.
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Have a Glorious Celebration of this grand day for us all!
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I'm glad to hear so many good comments about Quartet -- just received it from Netflix yesterday, so am looking forward to watching it. They got it out of "very long wait" pretty quickly.
JeanneP, I'm glad to hear your comments about The Sessions. It's been on my queue for quite some time. After reading your comments I'm going to move it closer to the top.
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Has anyone been to the theatre to see The Heat? I am thinking of asking son Chip to take me this week, and would like to hear from anyone who has seen it.
The Heat is a 2013 comedy film that stars Sandra Bullock and Mellissa McCarthy who play two women that work for the police department and have to take down a Russian Mobster.
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Marypage, knowing your sensibilities, I don't think "The Heat" is a movie you would enjoy. I have not seen it, my daughter has (she liked it...she can stand "the raunch" of most films). It might be hilarious, but I am sure it is full of bad language, rudeness, etc. The critics here were not kind to it.
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Oh gosh, dumb me. I thought The Heat was about a basketball team.
Has anyone seen Tina Fey in Admissions? It sounds light, romantic, enjoyable. The DVD is to be released this month.
My friends and I loved Quartet.
Lately I've been enjoying the HBO TV production of Newsroom -- the first season. I don't know when this was first shown on TV, but it's interesting the way they pick actual big-time news events from our recent history. Example -- the show opened with the BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The show is fiction, but it's interesting to see how they weave the true events with the backdrop of the Newsroom.
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I thought The Newsroom was good & am looking forward to season 2. I watched & thoroughly enjoyed Salmon Fishing on the Yemen.
Sally
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Thank you, Tomereader. I think you may be right. Pity, since they are both such great comedians and should be wonderful together.
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We are watching the DVD of 'Woodstock' - I requested it from LoveFilm as Madeleine has been studying 1960s history at school, and as the teacher is American, there was a lot about the US. So far M is finding the hippy-ness and the hair quite entertaining, whilst I am being amazed at how young Joan Baez looks and how the Who have aged better than many other rock bands. What a fiasco the whole thing was - the safety and security was practically non-existent compared to modern music festivals. Madeleine has just said 'everyone says this was a pivotal event, but it seems to me that nothing much happened, it was the reaction to it that was pivotal.'
Rosemary
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Rosemary, your Madeleine is a very perceptive young lady!
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I watched "Tell No One" the other night. It is a European film with English subtitles. Unfortunately, it did not come up to my expectations. When I read the book, I couldn't put it down. The movie was bland compared to the book.
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I watched Evil Under the Sun last night with Peter Ustinov as Poirot. I have never liked his Poirot, (who else can be Piorot than David Suchet?) but I had caught a bit of it on TV and wanted to see the whole thing from Netflix. The cast is out of this world, Maggie Smith, James Mason, Diana Rigg, Roddy McDowell, and I do think Ustinov did a good job, so I think I'll look up another of his. It has a luxurious period feel with that cast and the setting and costumes. To be honest, the credits at the beginning with the gorgeous water colors and the lovely gentle old music reminds me of something they used to do here 46 years ago (because I went when I was expecting my first child) and that was a Ladie's Matinee. It was free, at about 11 am, it was at the theater, old movies like this one and nice refreshments, all free.
They need to do that again. :)
But anyway I enjoyed it and now will see what else Netflix has of Ustinov's Poirot character.
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The only Ustinov Poirot is ever say was Death on the Nile. I don't even think I remember him doing any others.
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Ustinov was certainly not Poirot, but he was fun enough to be worth watching anyway.
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is ever say
Good heavens, and I wasn't even drinking. "I ever saw". I have been a little less then careful with my typing lately.
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These appear to be the Ustinov Poirot movies:
I just watched Evil Under the Sun and got Death on the Nile in the mail from Netflix. Now to put the others on the queue. What FUN it all is!!
Death on the Nile (1978)
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Thirteen at Dinner (1985)
Dead Man's Folly (1986)
Murder in Three Acts (1986)
Appointment with Death (1988)
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I didn't realize he'd done all those. I've seen three of them.
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I watched Death on the Nile last night with Peter Ustinov, and didn't care for it. The cast was outrageously amazing, with David Niven!! Bette Davis!! Angela Lansbury!! Mia Farrow, and now I see what the shouting was about concerning her, she was good, Peter Ustinov, George Kennedy, Sam Wanamaker (he of the Globe fame) and on and on. Angela Lansbury stole the show, I had forgotten she had such huge eyes, talk about Bette Davis eyes (she had them too) but the thing for some reason did not appeal.
I'll try the next one, I'm still one of the odd codgers using DVD's on Neftlix instead of instant streaming or whatever.
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Ginny, we're in the same old codger club. Those DVDs from Netflix, the library, and the ones I buy from Amazon all work for me. Not only am I assured of captions or subtitles, but I can take them to my friends' houses who are better setup for a larger group viewing.
I'm appreciating your "Agatha" comments and plan to add them to the 200+ titles on my queue. Will leave off "Death on the Nile," although the combination of David Niven, Angela Lansbury and Bette Davis sounds really good.
Another good oldie came up over in the Blanko game -- Marjorie KInnan Rawlings' The Yearling with Jane Wyman and Gregory Peck. I forget who plays the boy, but it's now added to my list.
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According to IMDB, the boy was played by Claude Jarman Jr. It was his first part, and afterward his career didn't go much of anywhere.
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Sometimes I watch the old movies, just to see some of my old favorite actors. Even if the movie doesn't hold up to today's standards, I enjoy seeing my old friends! In my teens & early 20's I enjoyed and read all the Agatha Christie novels I could get my hands on.
Sally
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I read Harlan Coben's Tell No One about 10 years ago. Very good scary book. Didn't know there was a movie. Will add it to my Netflix queue.
Marge
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Today I watched the TV Series, RECTIFY, on the AMC channel. Very interesting program. Has anyone seen it? An IMDB reviewer said it was the best show he'd seen since BREAKING BAD. Since Breaking Bad gets such a high IMDB rating (9.4/10), I've put that on my Netflix queue.
I want to see THE HEAT, currently in theaters. Stars Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy.
One reviewer said "It is a forward stride in women's comedy. The humor surrounding McCarthy's character did NOT rely on her size for the humor. Her character could just as easily have been thin or male. And Sandra Bullock's character could have easily been a man and still been believable and funny." Has anyone seen it?
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I saw it and enjoyed it, but I love Melissa McCarthy. She was wonderful in Bridesmaids and I liked her very much in Identity Theft, which I just saw on a plane.
I did not realize she is on a TV show, for heaven's sake, I'm going to try to catch it this week.
The language in this one, however, was really something else. It got to the point it was almost gratuitious. I kind of wish they had left it off, it would still have been funny in less amounts.
What did you think of it?
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This weekend we saw the first episode of Jane Campion's 'The Top of the Lake' - maybe you have already seen it in the US? It's set in a remote part of the South Island of New Zealand. I liked it very much and have been thinking about it a lot since Saturday, which I feel must be one of the marks of a good programme.
Rosemary
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Yes, it's already been shown here in U.S. Sorry, rosemarykaye, I watched only the first episode and gave up on it.
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I've got Top of the Lake in the queue from Netflix. I saw some of it on the Sundance Channel. They just sent the Bletchley series and the House of Cards (the new one), so am going to watch them first.
Have any of you seen the Kevin Spacey House of Cards? I have the original one, on Parliament, with Ian Richardson, which I absolutely loved, he's SOOO evil. I like him, period. He's also in Porterhouse Blue which is definitely "blue," and hilarious, one of my favorite movies of all time, definitely not for those whose feathers are easily ruffled by crass humor, however. But I like David Jason, too. Porterhouse and House of Cards were also books.
Spacey's HBO movie is getting rave reviews, Emmy talk, it's not about Parliament, though, it takes place in America.
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Oh I loved Ian Richardson as the evil evil Francis Urquhart in House of Cards. A wonderful show. Haven't seen the new version set in America, but it's on my queue and I'm looking forward to it.
I've not heard of Top of the Lake. The only Jane Campion film I've seen was The Piano, 20 years ago very bleak. Will check out the new series when the DVD is released.
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Oh man! Well the house of cards with Kevin Spacey will soon be available on Netflix I'm sending it back tomorrow. He starts out by choking a dog to death that's been hit by a car. Not out of kindness.
I did not need to see that. It can't be a spoiler it's in the first two seconds. Still I thought don't judge it so soon but the acting was bad. He's always good but the other cast is not. Particularly the woman who plays his wife.
Nope, going back in the morning. I would like to hear from others on it. I like HBO. I like edgy But that was too much.
But as I was struggling to watch it the mail came and there was Doc Martin season 1. Am so enjoying it.
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I really got into The Top Of The Lake and watched every episode. It was on the SUNDANCE channel here, and I caught it on On Demand. I hated the story itself, but loved the beautiful scenery and admired the most excellent acting. I would grade the whole thing Outstanding, even shrinking from the story. People really are strange.
I loved Harlan Coben's Tell No One. The movie was good, but, as usual, they changed a lot and, on the whole, it was not as good as the book. Well, are they ever?
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I've been watching Top of the Lake. It's strange, but interesting. I have dvr'd episodes and have not watched the season finale. Will there be a season 2?
Sally
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I really like Jane Campion's films. I'm sorry I missed the TV series. I hope it gets rebroadcast. I don't have Netflix and it isn't on demand on my TV. Her interview about tv and film is very interesting. "Television is the new frontier. Film is conservative. I’m sick of it."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10105994/Jane-Campion-interview-for-Top-of-the-Lake-The-world-is-focused-on-sexiness.html
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Ah, now I know why I never heard of Rectify or Top of the Lake; they are both from the Sundance Channel which I no longer get. I'll have to see if Top of the Lake is on one of my Roku channels; I think I saw Rectify there, but I am not as much interested in that one.
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I watched over half of the first episode of Rectify and decided that I didn't care for it; so deleted it. I am enjoying the new season of Rizzoli & Isles.
Sally
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Marcie, that's an interesting article, the Jane Campion interview. I don't think I totally agree with her because there are still good films for mature intelligent adults coming out, (Quartet, for example) but TV is doing some good stuff. (And I'm usually about a year late in seeing it -- can't keep up with weekly broadcasts and fall asleep watching anything after 9 pm.) HBO especially -- I've just finished the first season of THe Newsroom and really liked it. ANd am looking forward to seeing House of Cards. I hope I like it better than Ginny did. ANd I'm watching the DVDs of their John Adams production and liking it too.
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*Appropos of nothing perhaps, I think the Seniors&Friends site is down this morning. Any cross-overs here who might encourage the webmaster to check on it?
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Seniors and friends seems to be working fine for me. Once in a while it gets a little slow . Usual when people in the West start entering. Time diff.
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Well, it didn't work for me for quite awhile, but it is NOW working. It wouldn't open any of my notifications and that usually makes me think it is "down".
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I enjoyed the first episode of Season 2 for Newsroom. It's very well written and the actors are excellent.
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Just finished reading an interesting story in the August issue of Vanity Fair about how Harper Lee's longtime agent stole her copyright.
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My "movie friend" and I usually go to the actual theatre and catch something new and interesting. However, the summer fare, being what it is (horror, sci-fi/action/blow 'em up, shoot 'em up) we have decided just to enjoy some of our favorites on DVD. I have several that she has not seen. Two weeks ago we viewed "Birdsong" which was a PBS presentation. "Sebastian Faulks' epic lovestory set against the backdrop of WWI" (cover notes). The film has gorgeous cinematography, story is well done (in flash backs), several scenes of graphic sexual content, and some gory war footage (minimal). My friend was very impressed with the film as a whole, and coming from her (she's a movie reviewer here) that was high praise.
Last week's movie was "Possession" based on a book by A.S. Byatt. Beautifully filmed, exquisitely acted by Gwyneth Paltrow, Aaron Eckhart, Jeremy Northram. A dual love story, a mystery of sorts where the two scholarly researchers delve into a suspected romance between two Victorian poets, and the modern day dialogue is awash in humor! (I highly recommend this one!)
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We discussed the book on which "Possession" is based some years ago. An interesting many-layered book.
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I now have watched Peter Ustinov in Death on the Nile, and despite the stellar cast, did not care for it. I now remember why I don't like Peter Ustinov as Poirot, but it was fun to see James Mason, etc., along for the ride.
Am besotted with Doc Martin. I'll sit down to watch one and find myself watching three, am in Season 4 now and will really be sorry when they are over. Love it!
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I love the Dr. martin series. I just cant remember the Number for the last one. Was it No. 4. I know the new one just started. Will have to wait for the library to get the DVD.
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It looks like I watched Series No. 5 on Dr. Martin. as it shows the library owning. Now will need No. 6. I believe there will be eight.
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You know a series is good when you sit riveted to the set thru all of Series 4 and end up clapping at the ending. :) All by yourself. :)
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I will watch Series 5 again just to catch up as to what will happen in Series 6. Don't have the best of memories anymore. I still need to know what number I last watched for Mad Men and same with Army Wives. I think I am waiting for Series 6 on that one.
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You all have me potentially hooked. I just ordered Doc Martin, Season 1, from our library :)
I haven't seen any of the episodes yet.
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You will love it, Marcie. It's one of my favorites!
Sally
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Marcie.
You will get hooked on them. Just get 2 at a time or you will be staying up nights.. Each one is about 3 hours and you have 5 to go. Lucky you.
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I'm excited. I just picked up the season 1 DVDs. If you don't see me around for a while, you'll know why :-)
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:D Come in and share a laugh with us once in a while.
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Well, I've seen the two "prequel" Doc Martins, so I guess it's time to start watching Season one, everyone giving it such raves.
It's really getting complicated trying to watch different series. I just finished disc 1 of the new House of Cards series. No one here has been praising it, but I'm a political junkie, so will try the next disc. I keep wondering if anyone will get thrown off a roof, as did happen in the British version.
And sometime soon I want to work in Lark, Rise to Candleford -- 14 discs, not to mention my own seven seasons of West Wing -- 40 some discs.
It's a good thing my friends keep me on the straight and narrow path to single disc films. Over the weekend we watched The Sessions with John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, about a man who has spent his entire life in an iron lung and wishes to experience sex before he dies. Extremely well done. Recommended.
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We've watched a few episodes of House of Cards. I pretty much liked it, but John didn't. We watch it streaming, so I may go back and watch a few more of them. Not very nice people, are they?
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It looks to me as if the Movie Doc Martins are completely different as some of you have mentioned. The plot is different, he's a smoker, he's divorced, he just happens or something on Portwenn, it's really different and a little offputting but I want to see them anyway.
Have started Season 5 of the TV show Doc Martin to which I am hopelessly addicted and for a while there I didn't know where I was, I had put the wrong disk in and couldn't take in the changes! hahahaa
The good thing is that Phillipa (?) Braithwaite, the Producer, is married to Martin Clunes, and they own the production company, so I think we're in for a Doc Martin treat for a good long time or as long as they care to keep making it.
He looks so different in "real life." He's a horseman or she is, and they have lots of dogs and horses. :)
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After reading all the good comments on Doc Martin, I was happy to find the first five seasons on Netflix. Am looking forward to watching them.
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Can't wait to hear your reaction, and Marcie's! I can't seem to stop watching them, I sit down and promise myself ONE tonight and before you know it the entire disk is gone, and they need to be savored because when they're gone, they're gone. :)
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Pedln, I know you saw House of Cards up for major Emmy's, so you're enjoying it? It's hard to beat Kevin Spacey, how does he compare to Francis Urquhart
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I haven't watched Doc Martin. Will have to look into it, as so many seem to enjoy it.
My Flavorwire newsletter just listed 8 of the best British TV mini-series dramas. I've listed them below along with their IMDB ratings. Any opinions on any of these? I've not seen any of them.
DOCTOR WHO (8.7/10)
SPOOKS (aka M15) (7.8/10)
LUTHER (8.5/10)
SKINS (8/10)
LIFE ON MARS (8.2/10)
SHERLOCK (9.2/10
SHAMELESS (8.4/10)
THE HOUR (7.3/10)
Marge
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I watched and enjoyed the first season of THE HOUR, but then started the second season and hated it, so quit and never went back.
I have been raving about Doc Martin from the git go. Have seen every episode three or four times each.
But I do like the last ones best. He is simply a stitch with that baby! I wish so much for some more to come along to watch. I think it is six seasons I have seen.
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I watched quite a few, if not all of Doc Martin up until the wedding but decided I didn't really care for him that much. Some of the supporting characters were fun though.
-
(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
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I've enjoyed the first season of Doc Martins. He reminds me of the Hugh Laurie character on "House" (though not as good looking) ;)
It's interesting that he was a successful surgeon until he developed the phobia about blood.
Martin clunes is somewhat odd looking, especially with the short hair cut. I would think, from his face, that he would have a pudgy torso but he looks quite slim in the suit that he always wears on the show. I do like the way he plays his character and I like the show. I've now ordered season 2 from the library. Thanks to everyone who recommended it.
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Marge re your list of British shows:
DOCTOR WHO (8.7/10)
SPOOKS (aka M15) (7.8/10)
LUTHER (8.5/10)
SKINS (8/10)
LIFE ON MARS (8.2/10)
SHERLOCK (9.2/10
SHAMELESS (8.4/10)
THE HOUR (7.3/10)
I've watched a few episodes of Dr. Who but can't seem to get into the series. I might have to start from the beginning.
I really like "Luthur" (VERY edgy) and Sherlock and I like The Hour too. The acting on all of them is excellent.
I haven't seen the others.
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The White Queen, based on a trilogy by Philippa Gregory is coming to STARZ TV on August 10. It's being tauted for its emphasis on the role of women in history but hasn't gotten very good reviews. I'm going to check it out for myself.
http://www.starz.com/originals/thewhitequeen
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Yes Martin Clunes is such an interesting looking person, they almost make him look homely with his hair cut. I keep thinking who would look good with that hair cut and it exposes his ears mercilessly. I did notice early on the back lighting on those ears which make them even more prominent, they almost have a red neon glow and attraction of their own, especially in the first couple of years. It's almost as if they are trying to make him look severe and unattractive.
But offscreen he apparently favors a different look:
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01238/martin_clunes_1238584c.jpg)
(http://i.thisis.co.uk/274156/article/images/1838707/1357983.jpg)
I don't think he'll ever be a Clark Gable tho.
I also noticed the slimness in the suit which does not seem to be the case in Season 5 when in his PJ's, but put on the suit, and it's interesting. I need a suit like that. hahahaa Possibly all that running up and down those paths in the show, and all those innumerable takes kept him slim.
I am in the last bit of Season 5 now, can't stop watching it and since they just filmed Season 6 a month ago, I figure it will take, possibly, a while to get over here. I'm not sure I'm as enamored of the new cast additions in Season 5 as I could be, but I sure hate to see it end. One keeps hoping that somehow Louisa can break down his protective armor, that's one reason I keep watching, in hope. :)
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Here's a true story about that little town, called Portwenn on the show and Port Isaac in real life. We stayed there, I keep saying a week but it was 11 days before the show was filmed and it was quite an experience. I believe you can see Doyden House, the house we rented from the National Trust in some of the breakaway photos of the cliffs, in the distance, because of the folly/little castle type thing: the two buildings have a distinct appearance.
The first night everybody in our party wanted to go INTO Port Isaac and eat dinner. I didn't feel like getting dressed after such a long trip, so I stayed behind and ate at the house. They came back raving over the food and how we must all go the next night. So I went. The little restaurant was slap right on that cove and I think it's the same one with the blackboard outside sometimes shown in the older episodes, but am not sure. I know you had to wait while they brought up the catch and that's what they cooked, and there were only a couple of tables inside.
So anyway I sat down on on of those benches shown overlooking the cove, waiting for them to decide what they would cook that day, and after a minute up came a man and said, are you feeling better? And I said what? And he said I hope you are feeling better and left. And then here came two more who looked like fishermen with the same inquiry and that started a regular parade of folks, some in twos and some alone, some looking exactly like some of the "characters" in the series do, all hoping I "felt better." It was like one of those Avenger movies, the old ones with Mr. Steed. One sat down and we conversed quite a while on his own stomach problems, and possible remedies, happily.
And here I am, having grown up in the big cities of the urban North in the US, where you don't converse with perfect strangers who approach you strangely on the street asking personal questions. There seemed to be a LOT of very nice people passing by, and a great number of them were inquiring over my health. Since I felt fine and at the time was walking/jogging 9 miles a day, I couldn't understand it, and when we took a seat inside, the friendly inquiries continued from the wait staff.
Seeing the look on my face, my friends explained that.. the previous night, for some chatty reason they had felt compelled to explain who they were and my absence, and, to explain why I was not there, they had said I felt sick.
I think of that sometimes, fondly, because it does show the small village character of the place as it once was, which was kind of extraordinary, and charming. It also points out Agatha Christie's observations about life in a small village.
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Ginny, what a GREAT story! It fits perfectly with the Doc Martin series. It's wonderful that you visited that interesting little town.
LOL re the lighting of his ears in early episodes.
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:) Thank you. .
I was reading an article on Martin Clunes yesterday and somebody asked him what kind of a father he thought Doc Martin would be and he said "Appalling." hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I know there's a redemption coming. I can't wait for you all to finish the series, so we can discuss some stuff!!!
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I think the character Clunes plays, Doc Martin, is extremely endearing, and I base that on my experience of watching a boy grow up from age 0 to now in his twenties, the son of a dear friend's daughter (in other words, her grandson) who was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was 4. I think Doc Martin has Asperger's, or something very close. In short, he is an extremely intelligent savant, with absolutely no people skills or understanding of how to have them. He does CARE, but that is all.
I just adore it and really crack up when he tells people the absolute truth in situations where nornally no one would feel they COULD do so!
As for his suits, I have often watched him striding down the village streets and thought how expensive those suits he wears are. They are extremely well tailored and most definitely NOT off the rack!
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Yes, it seemed to me too that he does have something like Asperger's. In the last episode of season 1, his not-quite "girlfriend" kicks him out of the taxi when he diagnoses her, after their first kiss, with bad breath!
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? I am trying to recall seeing Doc Martin kiss anybody in the first season. :) Are we watching the same program? I'll have to watch that episode again.
It's entirely possible that something is wrong with my disks and I may be missing some key episodes. Apparently I am because I am at the end of Season 5 and there has certainly not been a marriage that others have said they won't mention for fear of spoiling the plot, and I thought I saw that Season 6, coming up, is supposed to settle that question once and for all.
I wonder if I have some kind of bootlegged DVD's here.
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I remember well the episode Marcie mentions. It is obvious that Louisa is pleased that he kisses her; in fact, she has been maneuvering to have exactly that happen. And it is all a surprise and a delight to him, but he says the first thing that pops into his mind, just exactly as Marcie reports! And we should, and do, feel sorry for her, but I felt even sorrier for him because he never has a clue what he did wrong! And the poor man really adores her and wants everything to be RIGHT and lovely!
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As a person. Does he have the biggest ears. Not seen him since season 5 but It seems to stick in my mind that he does.
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Not as big as Prince Charles, who manages to conceal his by his haircut. Of course they don't film him lit from behind all the time, either. They are tryiing to call attention to the ears here by the severe hair cut, combed forward: it's obvious in real life you'd not notice them at all or think them odd. It's hard for men with that really short hair. We have a woman celebrity in the US whose ears are bigger than anybody I've ever seen but you'd never know it. And you'd be surprised who it is.
Asperger's Syndrome. The disease du jour. A few years ago it was ADD and hyper kids. Here's an interesting article on it from a British Medical Journal written by a British physician who has been diagnosed with it. Strangely enough I don't see the "we" thing in Doc Martin, which apparently is one of the major signs?
http://www.aspergertechnical.org.uk/index.php?page=news/aspergerdoctor.html
I'm not questioning anybody's personal experience with Asberger's nor the symptoms they pick up, but I'm seeing something else in the Doc. He may have some of the traits, he may not. A lot of surgeons seem an awful lot like him. I think his rudeness is exaggerated for effect and I expect a change. I thought... I can't talk about series 5 till everybody has seen it. I have a real problem with labels on people because they act in a particular way, tho. May be just me.
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Oh I SAW the kissing episode! You are absolutely right, and it's hilarious. And I am so grateful to you for mentioning it because somehow it seems I have missed an entire disk of episodes!!!!! I have a very strange set of DVD's. They don't agree with my DVD player and they skip around and jump about, and apparently I never even SAW this disk at all, but went right to the 2nd season!! So I've put them now on another DVD player.
Oh and when she puts him out of the taxi, and he starts across the field toward Port Isaac, I've been there! And done that! He's going toward the coastal walk which is pretty well known tho he's going across to it thru the high grasses or whatever they are, and it's a heck of a walk and a lot farther than it looks! We called it "Hell Walk." hahahah Nearly killed us all. That road ran right TO where we stayed, and the coastal path (I wish I could think of the interesting name it had) WAS a path and a well walked one too.
He'd have been a lot better to keep to the road, in the long run it's a lot shorter and more direct. What memories that brings back.
I am SO glad I found out I missed it. I'm going to start again from the beginning and watch them in order.
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I'm glad you found your lost episodes, Ginny. It should be interesting to watch all the episodes again. I'm still waiting in line for Season 2 from my library.
That must be fun to have visited the locations in Doc Martin. You've got your own memories to bring to the series.
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What fun for you that you have actually been there and done that.
When you have finished the series, THEN tell me Martin is not strangled with some version of autism. Brilliant beyond belief (wait til you see him save the life of a woman he does not even LIKE, and against the diagnosis of other doctors!), but almost totally unable to deal with people in an ordinary conversational sort of way. Also, he thinks if he tells people the TRUTH, they will be glad of it! Woo hoo, he hasn't a CLUE!
When that pharmacist who is smitten with him goes off her rocker and he has to listen to his Auntie (Joan is dead by now, and it is the other one, played by that marvelous actress, Eileen Atkins) who is a psychologist, and try to convince Mrs. Tishell that he returns her adoration, he is actually full of smarts enough to play the actor and he pulls out of himself the true feelings he has for LOUISA and expresses them to whatshername, Mrs. Tishell.
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Well tonight I don't have to pick what going to watch on PBS at 8pm. Can now watch "Unforgettable" PBS is showing Peirot X1. For some reason I just don't like that show. He drives me crazy just the way he is. He plays the part well but not for me.
I have watched 4 hours so far of a very good BBC Police show. Almost as good as "Morse" its called "Midsummer Murders" I had never heard of it before. Got 4 Disc on this set.
50.129.97.210
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Rosemary will know it. It seems like it is based around a Village. Not large like Oxford.
Think maybe this village name is "Midsummer". Would like to know which Village in UK it was filmed in. Not up my area of the North because of all the thatched Roofs.
They are from a Author's books. Caroline Graham. Not heard of her either. Written quite a few. I am going to see if I can find any in Large Print.
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Oh! Oh! Oh!
There is a brand new, beyond excellent show on BBC AMERICA called Broadchurch. Starring DAVID TENNANT.
As far as I am concerned, David Tennant did the best Hamlet I have ever seen. Yes, he beat Kenneth Branaugh, who I think beat Laurence Olivier. And he has the MOST adorable Scottish accent and is handsome to boot. Plus the show is really great. Try the first show on YouTube or by googling it or on ON DEMAND. Simply too marvelous.
Jeanne, Midsomer has a whole lot of different villages in it. I have been watching that series for years and years and own a lot of the DVDs, though not all of them.
http://www.itv.com/midsomermurders/
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Holy Cow! I didn't realize Midsomer Murders is still running. I haven't seen any in years. I'll have to see if I can find any of them.
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I have Midsomer Murders too but not the early ones because the discs have no captions. I stopped buying them when Barnaby left and his cousin took over.
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Does it strike your memory as well that Midsomer seemed to have no end of villages? I mean, it was Midsomer This and Midsomer That and Midsomer The Other. All looked alike to me!
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Me too. and there were an awful amount of deaths for a supposedly small village
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Yes.in the one I watched last night on "midsummer " there were 4murders. Solved them all. I was brought up in village. Never a crime. We weren't all rich I guess .
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and there were an awful amount of deaths for a supposedly small village
I was just thinking something similar about the Kate Sugak series that Dana Stabenow writes. Seems to me there can't be that many people living in the park area. There were nine murders in book two (10 if you count an unborn child). Of course she could branch out to other areas, and there are always the tourists, hikers, and hunters from "outside". I'm in the cue for book three at the Library; they don't have book four at all; book five is an audio CD only. Stabenow is up to 19 Kate Sugak books.
Since the library has the Liam ?? series also, so I want to read it too.
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I recently watched a Midsommer film for the first time in years -- yes, jeriron, the caption thing. It just seemed a bit insipid. Maybe too gentle.
Am now waiting for Disc 4 (the last) of House of Cards. I'm enjoying it. Kevin Spacey doesn't come across as evil as Ian Richardson, but he is one mean, nasty character. Cold-blooded, too, who will get his way no matter what. His wife and his flunky (Stamper) are two characters I find most interesting -- are they villains or victims?
Today Morning Joe interviewed author Joseph FInder and leading man Liam Hemsworth, of the book and movie Paranoia. Has anyone read or seen it -- about corporate espionage? That brought to mind an oldie -- Michael Crichton's Rising Sun -- book and film.
Yesterday I started watching Death at a Funeral and got totally caught up in it. What a hoot. I laughed all the way through it.
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Marilyne, I have read "Paranoia" when it was first out, and our Mystery Book Club is reading it for this month. I can't say that I enjoyed the book, seemed like a lot of technical/financial stuff going on, which can be deadly dull. And I understand the producers have taken "great" liberties with the film. Don't think I'll see it unless our group decides to go to the movie together. From input so far, not a lot of the group is "enjoying" the book.
Guess I will have to put House of Cards on my Netflix queue. I watched Major Crimes last night and DVR'd "King and Maxwell" as well as last night's episode of "Under the Dome". My story about "dome' is that I started the book as a tie-in to the TV movie and was kind of enjoying (?) it, but the first 2 episodes on TV they had changed up the story so much that it wasn't even close to what I had read. Decided then I would just DVR and watch all of them later. I mean, they had 13 hours of time, and they still changed, carved and sliced the book from it's, what? 900 pages? 600 pages?
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I read Joseph Finder's PARANOIA in 2004. I gave it a 5/5 rating. Have liked several other of his books. Didn't know there was a movie of it. Will look for it.
Marj
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The movie is just now coming out, maybe in theatres on Friday? I liked his other books, too but this one didn't do it for me.
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I watched Major Crimes and King & Maxwell last night, as well. I love these 2 crime shows because they are funny. The old folks in the Major Crimes episode were a hoot and a half. What IS the name of that oh so very well known actress who played the old blonde with the glasses?
And King & Maxwell is from the books by David Baldacci. That Edgar is one of the funniest characters going.
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The old blond with glasses played Raymond's mother on "Everybody Loves Raymond". Also,
Happy Days star (name please?). The tall black gentleman who was playing such a gay role, what was his name, and what was he in?
Just love Edgar in King/Maxwell!!!
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I knew I knew her, just could not place from where or the name. I have never seen that Raymond show, but I have seen her in a lot of things. As for the other old folk, and there were 4 of them, I think I have seen them all in eons past, but cannot place them. Nice of the show to give these ancients a chance to strut their stuff again. Did last night's plot remind you just a bit of Murder On The Orient Express?
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The tall black gentleman used to be on Barney Miller. It was good to see all those older stars coming together.
Sally
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The Barney Miller guy is Ron Glass. The Happy Days actress is Marion Ross. Everybody Loves Raymond - Doris Roberts. We all know Tim Conway. Now the other older gentleman, I have no idea what show he's from. He's been in a lot of TV series.
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Doris Roberts! That's the name!
She was great.
Didn't you get the feeling they were having a LOT of fun?
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Marion Ross. Still has that Red Hair. Maybe redder now. Looked good.
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We recorded Major Crimes and just watched it. The other guy was Paul Dooley. He's been in lots of things - just can't think of any right now.
We like this show even more now. There's no way they'd have done this type show when it was The Closer. We laughed out loud.
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While looking for (and finding) Midsomer Murders I ran across The Last Detective starring Peter Davison. I watched the first one, almost turning it off after 10 or 15 minutes. I stuck with it because first episodes are often a little weak as they try to introduce and establish the leading characters. It got more interesting as the program progressed. Davison's character is somewhat hangdog and depressed. He appears unsuccessful in job advancement, he has no ambition to be more successful, is picked on by his co-workers, his boss dumps all the uninteresting and mundane cases on him, and he and his wife are divorcing (she has custody of the dog). I am not sure how many of them I can stand to watch if he doesn't perk up some.
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OH my word! Ok I've just watched the last episode of Doc Martin. I promise I won't say one more thing, about staying there, but I just have to say this. You know how I've been going on about staying in Port Isaac? Well the last episode is filmed at the "Castle," which is Doyden "Castle" which is part of the property of Doyden House, where we stayed!!!!
I couldn't believe my eyes. I KNEW that was it in those long shots over the cliffs! Doyden House which is not visible in the shots, they were very careful to leave out, (and it took some doing) but the "Castle" is as close to Doyden House as our barn is to me typing this. You had to go thru the gates of Doyden House and pull up to it to get to the Castle. There's a dirt track to it. You can't park at the Castle, but you can stay long enough to unload, and then you have to park your car at Doyden House, so they are very connected.
Watching the last episode is as good as staying there, you can see the view and the cliffs, oh man!!! And that view that the two of them have looking out to the left IS the view we had from our kitchen window: magic.
I forgot whoever said I should watch this program, but I sure thank them, because not only do I love the show but this is just too much of a coincidence!!! hahahaa
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I know that I promoted Doc Martin, but I think there were other enthusiasts, as well.
So what is your final sense of what makes him so unable to relate to people?
And did you find him funny with that baby, or what?
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One thing about British shows, a lot of them shot outdoors. On many I have known and walked the same area specially the ones made in the north. That is when I get pretty homesick.
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A long time ago, Peter Davison played Albert Campion in a truly faithful adaptation of Allingham's mysteries. He was also one of the actors who played Dr. Who.
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Campion didn't last too long - two seasons. Too bad, I liked it. Davison certainly is keeping busy. Last year he did Law and Order:UK, and currently he is signed on for a movie called Artful Dodgers. From the short blurb I read it sounds similar to Leverage. It is not scheduled for release until Oct. 2014.
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I understand that in October sometime, there will be a movie of "The Monument Men", the story of the men who banded together to save the artworks Hitler had stolen and hidden away. I read the book, and from Netflix got the DVD. (I'm not sure they used that Title, tho') It is a wonderful true story and I hope the Hollywood version does it justice. To garner interest, it stars/features George Clooney. Just sayin'!
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I saw the most excellent THE RAPE OF EUROPA, which was about the very same thing.
I suppose the success of that film brought on the idea to do an additional one.
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I'm dying to get the DVD of Before Midnight with Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke. It seems to have great reviews. I've seen them in Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. I liked the latter best. Has anyone seen this new one?
I liked Martin Clunes in that series where he was a struggling undertaker with 2 daughters(I think),and he was dating a midwife with 2 sons. Can't remember her name, but she was very good. Realistic about the stresses and strains in a relationship with failed marriages behind them and teens feeling their oats.
Joan Baez is touring here, I woke in the middle of the night and heard a really interesting interview with her on Overnights(radio).
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Octavia--ah Joan Baez--brings back my college years. I'm glad she's still around!
Sally
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Still have all my Joan Baez records from the 60s and 70s. Not heard her for years now. Must be in her 70s
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Rita Moreno was on Morning Joe on MSNBC this morning, and I never knew she could be so funny. She has written a book that has just been published. Still a beautiful woman. But who knew she could make me laugh out loud with a true story about her mother's accent when speaking English, all while I am making my bed!
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Hello, all you lost posters.
Rita Moreno was on Sunday Morning on CBS this morning, as well. She is a HOOT fer sure. Her description of the first time she met Marlon Brando is a stitch. That meeting was followed by an tempestous eight year affair. Apparently she was the Love of His Life. She also had a brief affair with Elvis Presley.
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And, darn, doesn't she look amazing for in her 80's! I forget, did she say 84?
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Can't wait to hear your reaction, and Marcie's! I can't seem to stop watching them, I sit down and promise myself ONE tonight and before you know it the entire disk is gone, and they need to be savored because when they're gone, they're gone. :)
Ginny -- I've finally started watching the Doc Martin program. I'm ready to watch the third program of Season 1. You're correct. They are addictive. I wasn't sure after watching it for the first time. After watching the second episode, I'm looking forward to watching it through to the end. Thanks for the recommendation!
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I'm waiting for Season 3 of Doc Martin from our library. Doc Martin is played so well. He keeps his erect posture and solemn demeanor even in the most ridiculous circumstances. You never feel he's being made a fool.
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Season 1 of "Doc Martin" has just begun replays on our PBS Channel. I missed the first one but was able to figure out the story line from the 2nd episode - and am looking forward to following the show all the way through.
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I think I am waiting for Episode 6 on Dr. Martin. Also No. 7 on Army Wives. and believe it is No 6 on Mad Men. Really like all of them. Oh! and No. 3 on Downton Abbey.
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I watched The Lady Vanishes last night, and found they changed the script considerably. Still, it was so much fun to see so very many well known actors playing the parts. What with that and the train itself, it reminded me so much of Murder On The Orient Express for overall tone.
Upstairs Downstairs’ Keeley Hawes, MI-5’s Gemma Jones, Silk’s Tom Hughes and Doc Martin’s Stephanie Cole and Selina Cadell are all part of the all-star cast.
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MaryPage, you are probably right about the overall tone of Murder on the OrientExpress. I watched the first 2/3rd, the rest will be tonight, felt it to be very much a "period" piece. Very well done. I'm looking forward to the finale.
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I'm sure you all will remember when I saw the "new" Gatsby film, and my all but scathing review.
Anyway, you're gonna say I'm a glutton for punishment; and you'll never guess what I did. Remember my "blah" response to "The Great Gatsby" that my friend and I saw together? I decided that I would get the Robert Redford version from Netflix and see what, if anything was wrong with the newer version. Hold your breath: I actually enjoyed Leo's portrayal of Gatsby much better. Mia Farrow was just too "simpering" as Daisy. The two great casting events: Bruce Dern as Tom Buchanan = oily, nasty; just perfect. Also, Sam Waterston as Nick. I thought his take on the role was spot on.
The party scenes were much the same, rather tame in this iteration and without 3D. They seemed to have changed a couple of things, or rather left out
some of the scenes of the newer version. (like Gatsby's things being cleared out of the mansion, like carrion picking away).
I think this seeing a new version of a film, then going back and watching the older one is a good test for what a movie does for us.
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I just watched an older movie "Pirate Radio", starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Bill Nighy and many familiar faces from PBS programs. I enjoyed the movie very much. Watch it if you get a chance!
Sally
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Thanks for the suggestion Sally. I just looked it up on Netflix. It certainly has a good-looking cast. I've never been a rock music fan. Do you think that will have any influence on my perception of the film?
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I just discovered that there are plans afoot to make John Scalzi's Old Man's War into a movie. It is classified as in development, so who knows if and when we will see it.
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Pedlin, I don't think it will influence your opinion of the film. They do play some old classic rock, but the story line & characters are great.
Sally
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I see Woody Allen has a new movie out -- BLUE JASMINE. Altho' I'm not a fan of Cate Blanchett I hear she's very good in it. I am a fan of Alec Baldwin (30 Rock). Good lord, I see on IMDB, that Blanchett has 10 movies not yet released -- and she's 4 years past that horrific "age 40" that is the death knell for most actresses.
I love Woody Allen films. My favorite is LOVE AND DEATH, his parody on the Russian novel. Allen once said, "I took a speed reading course and read War and Peace in 20 minutes. It involves Russia."
Marj
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For the past 2 wks. I had my Netflix DVD of "Lincoln". Finally watched yesterday. What a magnificent movie. I especially like the "special items" at the end. Interviews with Spielberg, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tony Kushner. Goodness me, did Doris ever have to go through tons of papers to write "Team of Rivals" from which the movie is largely based. She is a modern wonder of the world.
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Today, I watched my Netflix DVD of "Quartet". Lovely movie, especially for those of us who love Opera/Classical Music and the performances of actors who have years of experience!
MaggieSmith wonderful as always.
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Quartet was a lovely film, Tomereader. 5 Netflix stars. I need to watch Lincoln again, as I think I missed a lot there.
I'm not familiar with Old Man's War, but see that another highly regarded book is also going to be made into a film -- Unbroken, directed by A. Jolie.
Unbroken film (http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jul/11/angelina-jolie-skins-jack-oconnell)
I don't know where I heard about the film Radio Flyer with Elijah Wood and Joseph Mazzello, when they were children. It's not new, but certainly not dated either. Lots to think about here. Interesting to read comments and reviewers, especially from those who watched it as children and then again as adults.
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Old Man's War is SciFi, Pedln. The story follows John Perry, who enlists in the Colonial Defense Forces. The background is that people cannot enlist in the CDF until they are 75. Those who are recruited do not have to be in good health because they will be given new, enhanced bodies. They must give up all their possessions and ties to Earth, just as if they had passed away, never allowed to return to Earth. They must serve in the CDF for 10 years before they are eligible to become members of a colony, assuming they live that long.
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Turner Classic Movie channel is doing Hitchcock films every Sunday in September. Right now Shadow of a Doubt has just started, with Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright. Also has Hume Cronyn in his film debut. This was Hitchcock's favorite of his films.
Other Hitchcock films tonite: Psycho, The Lodger, Frenzy. I missed Rope (the one inspired somewhat by a true story of the Leopold and Loeb murder); but my son says I can watch it on YouTube.
Marj
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The book Old Man's War is very good, but full of profanity and extremely gory battles between humans and aliens, in which both sides get shredded. It will be interesting to see if they make it into a movie we can tolerate.
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That sounds good Marjifay, but here Charter Cable, the crappiest of all cable, saw fit several months ago to delete Turner Classic Movies from its basic and expanded basic lineups. And unfortunately, it's the only cable in town. And I don't want to deal with satellite and have to go out in mid-winter to hose off the ice. Thank heavens for Netflix.
This morning Mornin' Joe had a great presentation about Lee Daniels' The Butler, complete with cast and even journalist Will Heygood, who described finding Eugene Allen and visiting his home. It sounds like a film not to be missed.
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That's a real shame your cable company deleted Turner Classic Movies, Pedln. That's one of my favorite channels.
Did you know you can get a lot of movies on YouTube? I didn't realize it until my son told me. They are certainly a competitor of Netflix, and you don't have to pay for the YouTube movies.
Marj
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Do you mean that you can watch Utube movies on your computer monitor? How
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I very much dislike watching movies on my computer. Give me my good old easy chair and my television or DVD player, thank you very much! I don't like movies on my iPad, either.
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I agree, MaryPage. My computer chair is just not that comfortable to watch a whole movie. It is all I can do to sit through a TV show I missed.
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JeanneP wrote: "Do you mean that you can watch Utube movies on your computer monitor? How"
Easy. Just google "YouTube - The Robe" (or any other movie you want) and it will show if it's available there.
Marj
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I've watched TV episodes of shows on Hulu, on my computer. And I've watched several movies on my lap top -- both DVDs and Netflix streaming. I've found when I'm absorbed in something it doesn't really matter where I'm watching it -- as long as there are captions or subtitles.
I don't have an iPad --yet -- but think that when I do get one -- someday -- I'll switch my three DVD Netflix plan and get the one that offers 1 DVD and unlimited streaming. Then I can curl up anywhere to watch a movie and it would cut my Netflix bill in half. Hey, that's a good excuse for buying the iPad I don't need.
As for watching utube -- I haven't seen movies there, but the captioning on the videos is really bad. Not decipherable.
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If I were to hunker down and get all cozy in my easy chair, and pick up my iPad and start a movie, my hands and lap would get weary of holding the iPad. It is heavy, and it seems to become heavier and heavier if I am holding it. Ninety minutes to two hours or more? No way! If you buy a holder for it and set it on a flat surface, you do not have to hold it. BUT, from my easy chair, the nearest flat surface in front of me is the chest that holds my TV and DVD player. I could set the iPad next to the TV, but the screen on the iPad is so small compared to the TV screen that it would be most uncomfortable to try to view it, and I would miss a lot. If I put the iPad on the table to the left of my chair or the table to the right of my chair, I would have to strain my neck watching it from the side. No thank you! Fortunately, I have ON DEMAND and can get any movie I want. And I'll tell you what, there are SO FEW I want to see anyway, that I usually just buy the DVD and watch whenever I please and stop watching whenever I please and there is nothing I have to pay further for or return anywhere.
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Marjifay.
I have tried that on YouTube but just get a 2 min trailer. Of a movie
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JeanneP, maybe the movie you were looking for isn't up yet. I just typed in full length movie and got a ton of listings includig lots of Bollywood and lots of porn. Some of the movies I ran across include Westerns like Sitting Bull (Dale Robertson), Destry Rides Again, Rooster Cogburn, and Open Range (Kevin Costner). Others like Mr. Deeds (the Adam Sandler version), Disney's Flight of the Navigator, Something This Way Wicked Comes, Bridge to Terabithia, and Powder. There are lots more.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
JeanneP wrote: :I have tried that on YouTube but just get a 2 min trailer. Of a movie"
That's because they don't have the movie yet. You have to look to see if it's a complete movie or just a short trailer.
Marj
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I downloaded The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo sometime back & just got around to watching it. I read the book & thought it was very good, but too gory & graphic for me; so I did not read the other 2 in the trilogy. I wasn't sure that I wanted to watch the movie, but I am glad I did. It was very well done (Swedish version), but the subtitles were sometimes hard to read---light printing on white background (why do they do that????). It was excellent in spite of graphic details. I also downloaded The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest; but it may be a while before I watch it---need to be in the right frame of mind!
Sally
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I thought all three books were great and I purchased as well all three Swedish movies. When you have the DVD the subtitles are perfect. No problem. The first movie was later redone by us Americans. It was good, but not as good. I note they have not come forth with the next two. Maybe they have dropped their plans to do so?
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Chacun a son gout!
I watch everything on my laptop, except what my husband and I watch together of-course. But I much prefer my laptop. More intimate somehow. I even bought a thing so that I could watch DVDs on my laptop, if there's something I can't stream.
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Chacun a son gout. I watch everything on my computer. The screen is almost as big as my TV screen (big computer, small TV). The resolution is probably better. And the chair I sit in is pretty comfortable, almost as good for falling asleep as the one where I watch TV.
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Our library has a monthly classic movie presentation facilitated by a town resident who has been a minor character in several movies in the late 20th century and has an avocation of knowing behind-the-scenes tidbits of classic movies and owns a huge library of them. He's showing Pride and Prejudice next week. I think i must make an effort to get to that one.
Jean
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Which Pride and Prejudice is he showing? The best one (BBC production with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth) takes 6 hours. There have been many others, including a 1940 one with Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier, but it's hard to do the book justice in a movie length presentation. Whatever one you see, come here and talk about it and I'll join you in picking it apart.
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Pat, it's the 1940s version.
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I just saw The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, have any of you seen it? Can you tell me what your reviews are?
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Oh my goodness gracious me! I, of course, ran, did not walk, to my nearest motion picture theatre to see it the moment it arrived. I mean, it is a JUDI DENCH with Maggie Smith thrown in for extra pizazz!
Since then, and of course I adored it, I have purchased the DVD and watched it two more times!
Did I like it. You bet!
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Was there a theme, or a point to the story? I thought it was a nice story, but feel like i missed something?
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Jean, I enjoyed the movie -- what an all-star cast, and the scenes from India were worth watching also. As for theme -- we're always facing a need to change, to adapt, if we want to live. Never say never? ??
Before seeing the movie, I read the book. Horrible, gross, all about senior citizen body fluids. Fortunately, the movie was a delightful surprise.
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I've seen this film twice and I absolutely loved it. My favourite actors were Bill Nighy (sigh) and Penelope Wilton, but I thought they all did a good job - I love Celia Imrie. I know it was all a bit of a cliche, but it was fun and I enjoyed it.
I don't know that there was a theme, except maybe you're never too old to try something new.
Rosemary
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I loved it too and in fact have watched it every time it came on TV too. I did not like the book, the movie was much more positive.
I thought that one theme might be don't be so rigid in your own life and feel as if you know it all just because you are of a certain age. I keep being taken by the couple (Penelope Wilton and Bill Nighy). In the book they are both insufferable travellers, off to see each new thing but perhaps for the wrong reasons. In the movie he is open to new things and she is rigid and the relationship between them shows what happens when one person won't adapt and change, maybe. That "I'm turning left" on the plane was pitiful I thought.
Honesty might be a theme. Who is honest with themselves and others, and what happens as a result of that honesty. I can think of several characters that fits.
It seemed to me that all the characters in one way or another showed what happens when you open up to new experiences regardless of age, and when you don't, (which is what Pedln said, much more succinctly).
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Marcie on the Doc Martin movies, in the first one he was more like the TV character, but the supporting cast was odd and the entire premise seemed strained, to me. His character wasn't particularly likeable or something. In the second one he sort of loosened up and became something of a prankster? I really did not like either of them. I don't see too many returns in the supporting cast to the TV show, either.
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I saw Page Eight, I think it was called, on Netflix whith Bill Nighy (always thought it was "nighty"--Brit for nightdress...but no....). Didn't like him at all--can't stand these people who never smile....didn't really like the play either...has anyone seen it? It got good reviews....about this spy with a conscience and a penchant for young girls...maybe bits were missed out in the Netflix version, it sure didn't make much sense to me.
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Dana - I've seen Page Eight and loved it, but maybe that's my penchant for Bill Nighy coming through again - he can't put a foot wrong IMO ;D
He does smile quite a bit in the Marigold Hotel film....
Rosemary
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I fell in love with Bill Nighy in LOVE, ACTUALLY, one of my all time favorite movies. Have adored him in simply loads of things ever since.
I think Marigold is all about change and how giving in to it can be the best thing you ever did.
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Dana, I missed Page Eight when it was on PBS, but the Netflix reviews seem to think it worth watching, so I'll give it a try. Though you may be right thinking that Netflix messed it up a bit. One of the reviews stated the same, comparing it to the BBC production.
A while back someone here recommended It's A Disaster starring nobody I know. I watched it last night, although "thirty something" angst is not my usual preference, and liked it, not loved it. A little strange, interesting characters, not sure about the ending. Four couples at a monthly brunch are faced with a dilemma. Three Netflix stars.
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I read that Netflix review about Page 8, otherwise I wouldn't have dreamed that they alter the presentations. But after I watched it I had to agree that the end was a bit abrupt and didn't make much sense. See what you think, Pedln.
I don't really remember Bill N. in the Marigold Hotel, but I saw it on a plane, so wasn't paying full attention I guess.
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He was the one whose wife went back to England (She is Michael's mother in Downton Abbey) and he stayed behind and at the very end of the movie he and Judi Dench are careening around the crowded streets in India on a motorcycle.
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I agree with MaryPage about "Marigold" being about change, especially in our later years.
Health reasons for Maggie Smith; being widowed by a husband who "took care of everything" but not in ways to safeguard his wife (Judi Dench) when he passed; Bill Nighy (I love 'im too)
being constantly "whipped" if you will, by a wife for whom nothing is good enough (Penelope W) and not open to change of any kind; and the retired barrister, who searches for the boy he loved in his youth. These story lines juxtaposed against the young man who desperately wants to make the Marigold hotel a success. Dev Patel at his best. I didn't read the book, but from what folks have said about it, I think the movie is more to my liking!
It is sad but uplifting, with beautiful cinematography. The cacophany of India would be more than I could stand.
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Not book-based, but SO good. We re-watched Victor Victoria last night (1982), with Julie Andrews, James Garner, Robert Preston, Lesley Ann Warren, and Alex Karras. After the movie (on DVD), we watched the extra features, and under "Comments", there was a rerun of the movie, with comments as voice-overs by Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards (her husband and the writer/director). Fabulous! We haven't seen all of it, but will finish watching it tonight.
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Thanks, Ginny, for the additional info about the Doc Martin movies. Maybe I'll find them one day, just to see them, although it sounds like they won't compare favorably with the series.
Maryz, I love Victor Victoria. Julie Andrews, James Garner and Robert Preston are so good in it.
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The Marigold Hotel is one of the few examples where the movie is much better than the book (imo). Loved the move, thought the book was just so-so.
Sally
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Speaking of India, which we were referencing when writing about Marigold, I have just finished reading DAUGHTER OF EMPIRE by Lady Pamela Hicks. She is Louis Mountbatten's daughter and just one month older than I. The book is mind blowing and reads like wonderful fiction. I mean, you could not make this stuff up! Imagine being stranded in a hotel in Hungary for 4 months as a child because your mother could not remember where she left you! If you love to read, and if you love to be on the inside of real history, ya just gotta read this book! Seriously!
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Well, guess I'll have to read Gone Girl. It's a done deal -- they're filming it here in River City, and they've already come.
Filming Gone Girl (http://www.semissourian.com/story/2002405.html)
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I really, really hated that book. Will not go to see the movie.
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Same with me MaryPage. I didn't like anyone in the book~Bah!!
Sally
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"Local people will be hired as extras!"
Go for it, Pedln!!!
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My name is still high on the list for Gone Girl. Lost interest now as so many say they didnt like it. May wait for the movie and see if that well liked
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Well I liked Gone Girl! I thought the author, Gillian Flynn, has a terrific imagination. I found it a fascinating read and I intend to read more of her books.
Marj
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But I can't see it as a movie, can you, Marjifay? Because of the puzzle she creates. The reader does not know. How can they do that in a film where you're WATCHING the characters? Voice over?
I loved it. Maybe I watch too many trials on TV. :)
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I loved it also. Thought it had a unique story line that kept you turning the pages to see what would happen next. Hope the movie is a good one.
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because of absolutely loving the Swedish tv Wallander series I have just started to watch Annika Bengtzon, Crime Reporter. Not a good as Wallander, but great, lovely views of Stockholm as well. Anyone seen it? Looks like quite a nice long series, too.
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Dana, where are you watching Annika Bengtzon? On TV or DVD or Streaming? I couldn't find DVDs on Netflix, but think they may be streaming it because the title is in their database. (My account only includes DVDs.) I was happy to see that the films were first novels by Liza Marklund.
Every once in a while a movie or a book comes along that you've never heard of and it turns out to be just terrific. A fabulous sleeper and you wonder "how come I never heard of this before?" That happened to me the other night watching The City of Your Final Destination. It was a wonderful film about a grad student who wants to write a biography about a deceased author and has to go to Uruguay to get authorization from the author's executors. I don't know the leads, but Anthony Hopkins and Laura LInney have major roles. A Merchant-Ivory production, 2009, with wonderful cinematography along with good acting, plot, ect. Someone here may have recommended it -- thanks if you did.
I've since found out it was first a novel of the same title by Peter Cameron, who has written several novels. I've never heard of him. Have you?
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I've never heard of Peter Cameron, but it turns out he also has two other books that were made into movies.
I found his website with bio. http://www.peter-cameron.com/bio.htm
I noticed that he lists Barbara Pym as one of the writers that influenced him.
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I noticed that he lists Barbara Pym as one of the writers that influenced him.
That speaks welll for him.
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I am impressed by the number of reviews who say his novels are beautifully crafted, insightful, in a class of writing the like of which we rarely if ever see now-a-days.
My library has three of his books. I've put two on my wish list, the other, Carol Glynn, doesn't appeal to me.
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Annika Bengtzon is streamed on Netflix. Didn't know there were books---will look out for them.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Just watched "Cambridge Spies" again. (BBC 2003) That's so well made and fascinating if not strictly true to the facts. I have to find a book about them all.
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Dana, it looks like there are a lot of books about Philby, Burgess, et al, even one with the same title, THe Cambridge Spies. And I'm happy to see that Netflix does have the BBC production, with captions, and also a mixed bag of reviews. It looks like it's either love it or hate it.
Have you all been watching Breaking Bad? I have yet to see it, but did put it (#1 of Season 1) on my Netflix queue, where it is a very long wait. That's okay, it'll be a while before the final DVDs come out. I have given up trying to keep up with long-term weekly broadcasts, without having a DVR, but have found the DVDs to be quite satisfactory. I am loving rewatching THe West Wing, (a good purchase for me), got tired of THe Sopranos and Desperate Housewives after a few seasons, glad I didn't buy those.
I'm just about finished with the final DVD of LarkRise to Candleford. What a delightful show. Earlier than Downton Abbey -- circa 1880's, small village and hamlet economics -- but just as enjoyable.
Looking forward to Foyle's War tonight on PBS. Have their Last Tango in Halifax on my Netflix queue.
What are you all watching these days?
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Pedln, I bought all of the DVDs for Larkrise to Candleford because I enjoyed that show so much. Did you notice that Brendan Coyle plays Robert Timmins in Larkrise and Mr. Bates in Downton? I really like and admire that actor.
I am, and always have been, enamoured of Sir Derek Jacoby, so of course I am eating up Last Tango in Halifax. Am also adoring Miss Fisher's Mysteries, which is a long series with a lot of episodes and clothes to die for, and The Hollow Crown, a series of 4 Shakespeare histories: Richard II, Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Part II, and Henry V. The acting is breathtakingly First Rate.
All of these, sigh, are on PBS. Wish I had a bazillion dollars to contribute to them!
Tonight, fairly lateish, I will enjoy another episode of Dalziel & Pascoe. I am a long time fan of everything Reginald Hill ever wrote, and also bought all of the DVDs issued thus far for this series, but have watched those and given them to my granddaughter namesake. Even so, I find I still enjoy them replayed, they are so good.
I own The West Wing, too!
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Lark rise to Candleford. One that I bought also. I think and picture my GGparents living like that with their 7 children. About the same period. My family lived in village just like the 2areas but in Derbyshire. UK. I have photos and tales about their lives. Those English villages do not change much as years go bye. I could stand that way of living now. Had to get away to the big city when young.
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Had a delicious evening of television viewing last night. At eight came an hour to thank our Australian friends for: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Again, the clothes and acting were divine. From the series of books by Kerry Greenwood.
Then at nine, two and a half hours of The Hollow Crown. This week it was Henry IV Part Two, and Tom Hiddleston took my breath away in his portrayal of Prince Hal becoming Henry V. The last time I saw this play, it was Kenneth Branagh in the part, and he is a great favorite of mine and was beyond wonderful. But Hiddleston beats him, IMHO. Oh Boy, oh boy, oh boy: was that EVER a KING transformed at that coronation! Put shivers up and down my spine, it did! From the series of plays by William Shakespeare.
Great actors keep coming!
And I can look forward to another Phryne Fisher, followed by Henry V, next Friday night. I'll be all settled in my easy chair, eyes wide and ready.
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MaryPage, thanks for the uptick. I completely missed that Robert Timmins and Mr. Bates were both played by the same actor.
JeanneP, have you been back to the village of your grandparents? I see that LarkRise was originally a book or a series of books, by Flora Thompson, who left school at age 14 to work in the post office.
I had Page Eight (with Bill Nighy)from Netflix here, but sent it back before finishing as I just couldn't get into it.It started out so slowly and wasn't willing to hang in. But then a couple of good ones came along. The Reluctant Fundamentalist, about a young man on his way to becoming a successful AMerican busnessman until attitudes changed his path. Ella had talked about the book, but I don't remember who wrote it.
Last night I watched The Painted House, based on JOhn Grisham's novel. I don't know how I missed it before, we read the book here on SeniorLearn several years ago. But it was delightful -- 5 stars. And so timely, what with the St. Cardinals about to take part in the World Series. :D
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Pedlin
No not yet. Family moved to Lancashire which is within about 40 miles. Hope to followup on some family research next trip back. Have lots of photo's of the place and it can be brought up on the Web. BirchVale is the name of our Village. So like Larkrise. Is shows in Peak District Town and Villages. Derbyshire. On line. Area still lot like back in the 1860s other than the bigger towns gone modern. Homes and cottages still standing.
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BirchVale
Birch Vale is a hamlet in the parish of Hayfield in the Peak District of Derbyshire. Driving through you’d be forgiven for thinking Birch Vale is just a speck on the map of the Dark Peaks with little to offer, because its beauty and attractions are hidden from view and can be found along the 2-and-a-half mile Sett Valley Trail. Following the original track of the railway line from the village of Hayfield to Manchester, the trail provides a tranquil and scenic route through the wonder of the High Peak for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. A place of outstanding natural beauty, this route forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail between Hayfield village and Birch Vale. The area occupies a peaceful spot in the valley of the river Sett amid some of the wildest hills in the brooding Dark Peaks. Whether passing through or pausing a while to absorb the breathtaking natural beauty while exploring the trails, it is hard to imagine that the surrounding countryside stood once at the heartland of industrial England. For wheelchair users, Hayfield provides access to the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, cyclists and horse riders can join at Birch Vale and other junctures
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Sounds lovely.
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Indeed it does, MaryPage. Sounds like it would be a wonderful tour offering.
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The Peak District is very popular now for tourism. Family still live where both the Peak District south and Lake District north. Only about 40 miles each one. That is what I miss about living in UK. Every thing is so close. The whole country is smaller than this state.
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Dana, you were talking about the film Page Eight a while back. I finally saw it, or part of it, and felt much like you. It didn’t do anything for me and I guess I just didn’t get it. Returned it to Netflix before it was over.
Kick me, folks, if I talk too much about Gone Girl and the filming here, but it’s fun learning about the effort put into filming techniques. (I know a lot of folks did not care for the book.) And apparently director David Fincher is a perfectionist. (Interview link below). I’ve never paid a lot of attention to directors or the filming details, such as finding the right site.
Q: How do you like filming on location in Cape Girardeau?
A: I've found it to be extraordinary. There's a funny story about that because I toldGillian Flynn, who wrote the book, that we were going to Missouri for scouting. We scouted and got photos from Carthage, Springfield -- a bunch of other places. We needed a place where there was a downtown, access to water, a place to have a vigil, a place for a bar. I got the photos of Cape Girardeau and said this might be the place. I called Gillian and told her that I'd found a place and that it's Cape Girardeau. She said, "Oh, that's what I had in my head when I wrote the book." I said, "Gillian, you don't have to keep this stuff from me. We could've saved a couple of weeks of people driving around."
David Fincher (http://www.semissourian.com/story/2013408.html)
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Pedln, you cannot possibly bore us with relating how that movie goes. I feel the same fascination re film making from the outsider looking in. We, in fact, had a movie made here a couple of years back: down on State Circle, and they made a men's tailor shop, old and revered, into a book store, I think it was. Anyway, our local paper followed the whole thing along and I read with great interest. I have forgotten now the name of the movie, and the somebodies famous in it, but when it comes out, I am counting on The Capital to tell me. I will look for the local landscape avidly. But never went to see the movie ANNAPOLIS a few years back, because hey, it was filmed in Philadelphia!
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I had planned to see the movie currently running in the theater, Captain Phillips, with Tom Hanks, as it has gotten great reviews. The movie shows the captain of a U.S. cargo ship to be a real-life hero when their ship was attacked in 2009 by Somali pirates.
That is, until I read the news about the ship's crew suing the movie maker and the ship's owners for $50 million. The crew says the movie is a lie and that it was Captain Phillips' arrogance and disregard for their safety that got them attacked by Somali pirates. They make him sound like the captain of the Caine Mutiny. Instead of basing the film on Captain Phillips' book, as they did, the movie producers should have talked to the crew.
Marj
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Re: Captain Phillips
I'd let the crew and the movie people fight it out, Marjifay, and just go and enjoy what sounds to be a good movie. From all I've read about it and the reviews, it's a very good movie, very suspenseful, etc. Every reviewer praised Paul Greenglas, the director and spoke highly of Tom Hanks' acting skills.
I find it interesting that the pirates are played by actual Somalians living in Minnesota.
I really hadn't paid much attention to any of it until Captain Phillips himself was on Morning Joe the other day. Regardless of politics and lawsuits, it sounds like a good movie.
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I won't see the movie after reading what the crew members said about Captain Phillips. Can't get interested now in a movie that purport to be nonfiction, but the crew says is fiction.
I just got from the library Captain Phillips' book, A Captain's Duty. Curious to see what he has to say about what happened. The movie claims to be based on his book.
Marj
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I saw "Captain Phillips" and it was a very good movie. Must have been two days later, and what pops up on my AOL News screen but the mess about the crew saying it was all a "lie". You know, and I know, that this is most likely the case with 95% of the movies (and books). The people involved all have their own POV about what happened, how it happened, etc. I wish someone would name one movie that told a story that was 100% true and not embellished.
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Lawrence of Arabia comes close. I read Seven Pillars of Wisdom and could only find one spot where they changed the outcome. One of the orphan boys who followed him around died of exposure in the mountains during the winter campaign, not by getting dragged in by quicksand. They also went light on the treatment he got from the Turkish commandant when captured while doing reconnaissance in Aqaba. I marveled at the time how closely the movie people managed to stick to his book. Peter O'Toole did a pretty good job of capturing the character of the man.
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In 2006, when we read Captain Bligh's description of the mutiny on HMS Bounty, plus some supplemental material, we investigated some of the many movies made of the story. The 1984 movie, The Bounty, with Anthony Hopkins as Captain Bligh, is pretty accurate. It's a good job, too, though the lengthy scenes of bare-chested native women get tiresome. Daniel Day-Lewis, in his first movie role, plays one of Bligh's officers, a smooth-talking yes-man, a very young looking Mel Gibson is Fletcher Christian, the head mutineer, and Liam Neeson is a mutinous seaman.
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It’s been pretty quiet here lately, so I’m assuming no one has seen anything they really liked. My Friday night movie gang watched MUD the last week. Like watching paint dry – I gave it three Netflix stars.
I watched an oldie the other night – Glengarry Glen Ross, but found I really didn’t know what was going on. Maybe you have to understand the language and know the business. Barbara, have you seen this one from years ago?
Just saw an add for something promising – Philomena, with Judi Dench. I don’t think it’s opened yet here in the US, but don’t know if it has in the UK. Has anyone seen it?
What? Is it almost Oscar time again? Not officially, but here’s a list someone posted at the International Movie Database
Oscar List (http://www.imdb.com/list/O9GJpTzeUhQ/?ref_=tt_rls_1)
Overall, not too many that appeal to me, but there are a few. One surprise – I didn’t know there was a film August: Osage County. The play, by Tracy Letts, Bille Letts’ son, won the Pulitzer for Drama in 2008. (I loved Bille Letts' book about the baby born at WalMart, always have a warm spot for the Letts family. I don't know them, but at one time years ago Bille and her husband lived in Cape G. He taught at the University and she took classes there.)
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I am hoping to see "The Book Thief" when it opens in wide distribution here (supposedly tomorrow). I have seen preview in theatre, and trailers on TV and on-line. Geoffrey Rush was on the same morning show I mentioned in "The Library" board. He says the young actress is simply fantastic!
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thanks for the reminder of that, tomereader. That should really be a good one. I just watched a trailor of The Book Thief. Wonderful photography. What else has Geoffrey Rush played in? The name is familiar, but I can't connect him with any films.
Book Thief trailor (http://www.thebookthief.com/?gclid=CKWFrMaO5boCFUPl7Aod-1cAAg)
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"The KIng's Speech" - he was the speech therapist.
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Won Oscar for the movie "Shine". He was in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. Has won Tony Awards, Golden Globes. A fine, fine actor...from Australia.
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Just ordered (the book thief) at the library. They have it in LP. Don't see it at any of our movies this weekend.
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The 2nd in The Hunger Games series, Catching Fire, comes out next week, I think. I will not go to the movie theatre, but will purchase the DVD.
I am a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence, but am also excited to see another favorite will show up in this film: Jena Malone. Did you see her eons ago as a child actor in Bastard From Carolina? She is just flat out outstanding, and has been nominated for all sorts of awards. I don't know what it is she has, but she has it in spades!
IMHO
I relished the Orson Card book ENDER'S GAME eons and eons ago, and have never forgotten it. Again, I intend to buy the DVD for homeviewing. But son Chip went straight off to the opening and enjoyed it. He was, of course, disappointed it was not precisely done as the book portrayed; but then again, isn't that ALWAYS the case?
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I relished the Orson Card book ENDER'S GAME eons and eons ago, and have never forgotten it. Again, I intend to buy the DVD for homeviewing. But son Chip went straight off to the opening and enjoyed it. He was, of course, disappointed it was not precisely done as the book portrayed; but then again, isn't that ALWAYS the case?
Actually, "precisely as the book portrayed" is a moving target in this case. Card has altered the later printings of Ender's Game to avoid some inconsistencies resulting from his sequels. So what the book portrays depends on your printing date. But I suspect the inconsistencies your son objects to are bigger than this.
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That's interesting PatH. I went off to see which edition I have, but as usual, it is not where it should be. Can't imagine that I got rid of it. Arrggggghhhh!
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I have the same problem. I can't find the book I read many years ago. It was old enough that I'm sure it's the original. I know I didn't get rid of it, but if it was my daughter's, she might have done so.
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I am quite sure I read an original, and was not aware there have been changes. I passed it on to one family member or another. I read it in paperback, and the pages would be very brittle and ecru colored by now, I would imagine.
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I just watch a movie called "What Maisie Knew" on Netflix streaming. It is a modern day version of a book by Henry James. I thought it was very good and I would recommend it.
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I saw Last Vegas with Robert DeNiro and Morgan Freeman and Michael Douglas and Kevin Kline and I absolutely loved it and would go see it again. The female lead is good too: Mary Steenbergen?
Each of them are so good and there are a lot of truths in it. I particularly liked DeNiro but I always do and Morgan Freeman. I thought the scene when Freeman's grandchild was leaving with his son was so poignant, he's a super actor. It was just good fun and the theater was full, (which it almost never is here) and there were a lot of laughs.
I saw it two Fridays ago and it has been out a week, it's another Marigold Hotel but it's funny and it's about aging with some fine performances and plot lines.
I really liked it. Maybe I was in the mood or something but I'm going to buy it when it comes out in DVD.
Oh golly, Glengarry Glen Ross, the one with Jack Lemmon in it? That was dark and really profound, I thought, about salesmen. Depressing, but powerful.
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Don't forget to get in on the drawing for one of the five very nice hardcopies of PBS' Rebecca Eaton's 25 years as producer of Masterpiece Theater. They are sitting on my dining room table, waiting to be shipped to the five lucky winners. They would make a great gift too for Masterpiece Theater lovers.
TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY before the random drawing! To be included, all you need to do is stop into our Seniorlearn PBS discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=3821.msg209040;boardseen#new) and post on either your favorite PBS production in the past, or something you enjoy watching now. It's that easy! See you HERE (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=3821.msg209040;boardseen#new)!
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During the holiday I saw Gravity with my daughter and SIL. It's truly excellent. Don't go when you're looking for calm, though; you'll be on the edge of your seat the whole time. It's a tightly plotted story of astronauts trapped in space by a disaster, trying to get to safety. There is much action, but only one brief scene is gruesome, and you can foresee it and look away as it starts. Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, the only actors, are excellent.
SIL, the family movie expert, said it was the first movie he had seen in which the 3-D added something and didn't detract, and I would agree. He also admired director Cuaron's strategy of telling the story in long scenes, with no cutting back and forth.
Astronaut Mark Kelly, in the Washington Post, said that Cuaron has accurately captured what it's like to be in space, and inside a space station. He then pointed out some fatal flaws in the physics of the story, but said, and I agree, that it doesn't really matter.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/mark-kelly-gives-an-astronauts-view-of-gravity/2013/10/11/2b4e5e6c-3286-11e3-9c68-1cf643210300_story.html (http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/mark-kelly-gives-an-astronauts-view-of-gravity/2013/10/11/2b4e5e6c-3286-11e3-9c68-1cf643210300_story.html)
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I'm glad to hear this review and I thought Mark Kelly made some great points, too, it's helpful to me to read it first before going. Thank you for both of them.
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I will look for the movie Gravity that you recommended, Pat. I love good movies that keep me on the edge of my seat!
I watched a good movie in the theater recently, Twelve Years a Slave, based on a true story of a young black man, a violinist, married with children in the north who was abducted and made a slave in the south for twelve years.
Want to see the current film, Nebraska, by the director who did About Schmidt. I like his films, and "they" say Bruce Dern may very well get an Oscar nomination for it.
Just watched a hilarious 1952 film from Netflix, The Importance of Being Earnest, based on the play by Oscar Wilde, with Michael Redgrave, Edith Evans and other great actors including Margaret Rutherford who played Miss Marple in the Miss Marple movies.
Marj
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Marj, plays are not something I generally care for, but The Importance of Being Earnest is a major exception for me. I'm not sure I saw the Michael Redgrave one; the first one I saw had Patrick McNee in it. I also very much enjoyed reading his The Picture of Dorian Grey. Although I remember seeing the old film, I don't remember much about it except for one scene.
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I collect DVDs of all of the Shakespeare plays I can get my hands on, AND all of the various different ones of The Importance of Being Earnest. TIOBE was one of the first plays I saw as a teenager, and not only did I love it then, as now, but I am downright nostalgic about it. Have you see the one with darling Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon?
I also collect all the Jane Austens. Colin Firth was in one of the very best ever Pride & Prejudices, too.
If you DO get the Colin Firth version of TIOBE, be sure to watch all the way through the credits at the end. It is a hoot!
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No, MaryPage, I have only watched the 1952 film with Michael Redgrave. I just ordered from Netflix the 2002 version with Colin Firth.
Frybabe, I tried to read Wilde's book, The Picture of Dorian Gray, but couldn't get through it. I'll give the movie a try. I've put the 2002 film with George Sanders and Angela Lansbury on my Netflix queue.
Marj
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My son and I saw the movie Nebraska yesterday in the theater. We both really liked it. Bruce Dern is excellent, and so are all the other actors. What I liked is that they all looked and behaved like real people, not Hollywood types. Loved the humor in it. I'd recommend it. I liked seeing it on the big screen as you get the feel of Montana and rural Nebraska as the father and son drive through these states.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Has anyone seen the movie, THE BOOK THIEF? A friend recommended it to me saying it was very good, very tense. The book was a DNF for me, too long and did not keep my interest. So I have doubts about the film.
Marj
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We read the book here, and though I had some issues with it, I thought it was good. I'm not sure how a movie would capture the spirit of the book, though.
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I wonder if the movie captures the narrator (death, grim reaper?) or if it is ignored. I couldn't tell from the trailer I saw.
I liked the book. It was written in what I thought an unusual manner, like scraps of thought or "sidebars" added to the general flow.
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I saw "The Book Thief" this past Sunday. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I was certainly moved. Death was the narrator, but whether it captured the book narration, I don't know since I have not read the book. The young girl, the book thief, was excellent, as were the other characters. It still boggles my mind that the fear, the violence, the inhumanity as depicted in the movie actually happened. But we know it did.
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I read The Book Thief. It was very memorable. I liked?? the book. One of my best books of the year (several years ago). Don't know what books I will chose for my favorites for 2013. It seems like it is going to be a hard choice for me this year.
Sally
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In the book, not only the fear and violence are present, but also the stifling feeling that everybody is watching everybody else, a kind of gossipy PC policing of all your neighbors.
Something I disliked about the book was his tendency to want a sort of "get your attention, 'aha' " remark on each page. That probably got lost in the movie.
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Thanks for the report, Dean69. I am glad that the "death" narrator was not cut out.
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I see that the film 12 Years a Slave received the most nominations for an award from the Screen Actors Guild. We saw this film and thought it was excellent.
I saw Tom Hanks named, but not the Somalian man who played Muse, one of the pirates who spoke English, in the film Captain Phillips. He should be nominated -- excellent performance and the interaction between him and Captain Phillips was electrifying.
Marj
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I was happy to see that Barkhad Abdi, the Somolian man who played Muse in the film Captain Phillips, was nominated for a Golden Globe award for supporting actor. He certainly deserves it.
Marj
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Marjifay, I'm glad to see your comments about Nebraska. I'd seen clips of it on TV and thought it would be a good one. The name Bruce Dern is unfamiliar to me, but looked him up and he's had quite an acting career and has received awards for his work. It's on my Netflix queue. As are Philomena and The Book Thief.
Two others I"d like to see are The Wolf of Wall STreet -- not released yet and August: Osage County. I don't hear well enough for plays any more, so am really glad to see that they've made a film of the latter, which won the Pulitzer for drama about five years ago. The author, Tracy Letts, is the son of Billie Letts, who wrote the novel about the baby born in a Wal-Mart store.
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I'd also like to see those films you mentioned, Pedln.
The first film in which I remember seeing Bruce Dern was Coming Home (1978) a very good movie with Dern, Jon Voight, and Jane Fonda. It's available at Netflix. The picture won an Oscar, as did Voight and Fonda for leading roles, and Dern for best supporting actor. I read that Dern runs every day to stay fit, which surprised me as he was such a physical wreck in the Nebraska film - great acting.
Marj
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Had the absolute privilege to see "The Book Thief" yesterday. Talk about a movie that followed the book. And the filming was lovely,even with the eventual profusion of Nazi flags, etc.
A two or three tissue movie, easily. Casting - superb. cinematography A+. I highly recommend this film, (and the book).
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Great to hear that the movie sticks close to the book, Tomereader.
I woke up to the news this morning that we lost both Joan Fontaine and Peter O'Toole. RIP
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There are several actors who really stand out in my memory; Peter O'Toole is one, especially in Lawrence of Arabia. There is an interesting article at http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/16/opinion/peter-otoole-fitzwilliams/
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I thought Peter O'Toole was sexy as all get out.
And I remember Joan Fontaine in many things, but especially REBECCA. Oh, my!
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Oh yes, Becket and Lord Jim. He was great opposite Burton in Becket. Lord Jim was so "dark" I only watched it once. The article said O"Toole was criticized for that role, but I don't know why; I never read the book.
Although I probably saw other of Fontaine's movies, Jane Eyre is the only one I remember seeing.
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Oh my, did you miss the original REBECCA? Great though Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier were, it is Mrs. Travers, the housekeeper, whom I always remember first and foremost. Judith Anderson. Scariest thing I ever saw!
It WAS an Alfred Hitchcock!
Made in, Get This! NINETEEN FORTY ( 1940 )
Seems like, sob, yesterday!
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Oh boy, the latest media terminology -- "binge watching" -- really applies to what Netflix is doing with its new in-house series. (What's the plural of series -- they have more than one), but just reading the posts here provides lots of material for "binge watching." We could do Peter O'Toole, Joan Fontaine, or just something like Rebecca or Jane Eyre or even Alfred H.
Re: binge watching again. Has anyone seen Lily Hammer, another Netflix series starring Steve Van Zant(?), set in NOrway. Discussed on Morning Joe this am.
I just finished the first Netflix disc of Last Tango in Halifax (missed/overlooked) the TV broadcasts. Loved it. Ready for more.
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Haven't seen Lillyhammer...did you like it Pedln? Just watched The Fall on Netflix. Really super. Will probably watch it all again. It's a BBC N Ireland 5 part detective series about a woman police superintendant, a serial killer expert ....she was in, I think, the X files, blonde and beautiful, but I have never seen the X files...who is in charge of a manhunt for a weird serial killer in Belfast, lots of twists, interesting story, beautifully done. Apparently the serial killer actor is quite well known too, (but I can't remember his name).. As good as the Swedish Wallender. I love a certain kind of detective series, a bit gritty I think is the word and not too cosy, but not too horrible either. Another example would be Waking the Dead, or the Swedish one about the crime reporter....Annika Bengtsrom But not Spiral (French).
I can't do binges tho. An hour is enough and I love to be able to watch them again. I guess that's why I don't really like going to the movies, or even theatre. Too long. But netflix is made for me!!
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Thanks, Marcie, for the really good article on Peter O'Toole. I see I've got some of his movies that I missed and want to watch. Thank goodness for Netflix.
I agree, MaryPage, Mrs. Travers in Rebecca was really scary.
No, Pedln, I have not seen the Netflix TV series. Lilyhammer looks good -- I put it on my Netflix queue. (Gosh, I now have 200 movies on my queue.) Have 5 Easy Pieces here waiting to see, one of my favorite movies. Wanted to see it again because as many times as I've watched it I didn't realize that Fannie Flagg played Stoney in it.
Marj
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Oops --another one for my Netflix queue. Thanks, Dana, I added THE FALL. Gillian Anderson was really good in the X-files, with David Duchovny (who I think is sexy).
Marj
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But netflix is made for me!!
I agree, Dana. I get too sleepy when I watch in the evening, no matter how much I want to see the whole thing. Maybe mornings would work better, but that seems so decadent. (Hard to break some of the habits of our upbringing.)
The Fall is on my queue, along with the comment "very long wait."
Has anyone watched Amour, the French film that received some Oscar nominations last year? I just finished watching. My daughter had told me it was brutal, and I think she was correct with that. I have a question about the ending if any of you have seen it.
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I haven't seen Armour. I don't know why, but I thought it sounded boring.
Does anyone remember the name of a movie or the actors in it, maybe from the 1970s (not Fantasy Island), about an entertainment place where people could go on a paid vacation and live just like they were really in, say, the old west, or ancient Rome, etc. But something went wrong with one of the robot fictional characters in the western one and he started shooting at the vacationers-actually determined to kill them.
Marj
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Yes, marjiefay, I saw that movie, but don't remember the title.
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You're no help, Tomereader. LOL. I can picture the actors, especially the one who was the villain, but darned if I remember their names.
Marj
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Sounds like my kind of thing, but I didn't see it.
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All right, Marjifay. You're going to be skeptical about this, but during my sleep hours, closer to this morning, it came to me that Yul Brynner was in this movie, and also James Brolin, although I could only picture his face and not his name at that time. When I woke up about 5:00, the name of the movie popped into my mind. Made in 1973, Writer is Michael Crichton, the movie is "WestWorld". Richard Benjamin is also in it.
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Hooray, Tomereader! That's the movie I was trying to remember. Westworld with Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin and James Brolin. Good 1973 movie -- gets a 7/10 rating at IMDB. Didn't realize that Michael Crichton wrote and directed it. Was just reading about Yul Brynner at IMDB, a very interesting man. Am going to get his biography written by his son, Yul "Rock" Brynner.
Thanks Tomereader. Amazing how it came to you in your sleep. Tho' I've had that experience too after thinking really hard about something.
Marj
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I could "see" Yul Brynner's face with part of the robotics showing, and remembered it had a Western theme. I could also "see" James Brolin. The title came to me in parts: First West, then West World. Upon arising, I went to ImDB, and typed in West World, and there it all was. I have watched this movie a couple times, and enjoyed it. And at the time, I couldn't have told you "who" Michael Crichton was, especially if he had written and directed this! Wonder if Netflix has this one?
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Yes, Netflix has Westworld. I just added it to my queue.
Marj
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Hi all,
I've been off air for a while, so forgive me if I'm covering ground you've already discussed, but wanted to say that we recently watched 'Nativity', a light but very funny film about a primary school putting on a show of the Christmas story. Martin Freeman is excellent as the lovelorn teacher, but the star of the show was Marc Wooton, who was just hilarious. The plot is pretty ludicrous really, but it was a nice film to watch with my (almost grown up) children in the Christmas week.
On Friday we have to be out of the house as the carpet cleaners are coming, so we are all hoping to go to see Sunshine on Leith, which is meant to be another feel-good film. Has anyone seen Saving Mr Banks yet? We saw a great programme about PL Travers and the trials and tribulations she caused Walt Disney re the original Mary Poppins film - it was narrated by Victoria Coren, and if it appears on PBS I would recommend it.
Best wishes to all,
Rosemary
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Yes I saw "saving mr Banks" last week. Fantastic. My favourite of the year.
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My daughter & I saw Saving Mr. Banks. We both loved it and it made us want to see Mary Poppins again!
Sally
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Oh I do want to see this film! The programme about it that Victoria Coren presented is this:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03kk4yv
At least I hope that's the link.
Battled into a wet, windy and absolutely heaving Edinburgh yesterday, only to find that Sunshine on Leith was sold out. Hey ho. We did do a little bit of shopping, went to the library and had lovely coffee & cakes at the Modern Art Gallery - we'll try again re the cinema another day. And I did get some lovely blue shoes in the Accessorise....
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I just saw it yesterday and loved it. Everybody in the theater got up to leave at the credits and a lot of them missed her own voice on tape at the end, just extremely interesting.
You don't hear much about Tom Hanks when people talk about the movie but I thought he was superb as Walt Disney. They left out at the end what really happened at the Premiere, she told him afterwards of course the animation at the beginning has to go and something like we have a lot of work to do and he replied, famously, "The ship has sailed, Pam."
I thought it was a great movie, loved it. Did not care for the original Mary Poppins movie and won't see it again but I do find Walt Disney fascinating. And the way the movie revealed her story: magic.
I would LOVE to have seen that BBC show, thank you Rosemary, hopefully it will come here. I'll keep looking for it.
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It's on Youtube!! And it's excellent! If Rosemary had not mentioned it, I wouldn't have known it existed:
Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3sqRDqVEBE
The Secret Life of Mary Poppins BBC 2. Watch it before they catch it and remove it.
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So glad you caught it - and enjoyed it - Ginny; my girls and I loved it.
Rosemary
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Has anyone seen the new movie THE WOLF OF WALL STREET with Leonardo DiCaprio who played the role of Jordan Belfort who rose to be a wealthy stockbroker living the high life until his fall involving crime and corruption?
I was thinking of seeing it altho' I'm not a fan of DiCaprio (His best film, IMO, was Catch Me If You Can). That is, until I saw that it was THREE HOURS long!
I see where a woman whose father is Tom Prousalis, a man who worked with Belfort and was himself convicted for his own role in their firm's crimes, wrote an open letter to the LA Weekly accusing the film's backers with glorifying Belfort's criminal actions and psychopathic behavior which she said was based simply on obsessive greed. (a film very unlike the Mary Poppins, LOL)
Marj
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I will see "Saving Mr. Banks" this coming Thursday. The local PBS station will have a Special on P.L. Travers later in January. I'm looking forward to both.
Although I loved the Disney movie, I could not relate it to the original Mary Poppins books . I still have the two of them I received as a young girl - when I used to play the prim and proper Mary Poppins with my dolls.
Rosemary, so good to see you back!!!!
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Rosemary, it is good to have you back. Thank you for mentioning the special, THE SECRET LIFE OF MARY POPPINS, and thanks, Ginny, for finding it online.
Callie, I wonder if your copies of Mary Poppins are worth some money! :-)
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Thanks all, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the Victoria Coren programme.
Rosemary
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Marcie, I doubt that my copies of the Mary Poppins books are valuable. They aren't First Editions and I scribbled my name inside the front cover.
I wasn't clear that I meant the "non-Disney" versions. Still can't quite figure out how I should have stated that. :)
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On the one hand, one has to feel it is a Good Thing that a whole world of fairly deprived children read the Disney and Little Golden Book versions of such as Mary Poppins and Winnie-the-Pooh (which I will always double think, remembering Christopher Robin told his dad it was "Winnie Ther Pooh!"), but I was as diligent as possible at keeping these horrors out of MY home and children's hands. No doubt they encountered them in many other places.
But the ORIGINAL Mary Poppins books with their impossibly perfect illustrations, and, of course, the same about the famous A.A. Milne quartet, When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six and Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner; well, perfect Bliss! No one should, in my humble opinion, no, correct that, I do not feel humble in the least in this matter, no one should EVER have been allowed to replace Shepherd's drawings. They WERE. That was it.
To this day I, and one of my daughters, and one of my granddaughters who is not that daughter's daughter, but her niece, well, we are soulmates when it comes to these books. And we can rise up from any gathering and stand together and without any rehearsal EVER or any prompting of any type. recite from memory verbatim almost the entire book of When We Were Very Young plus a great deal from the other 3 books. With Joy and body language.
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A.A. Milne inscribed a copy of Winnie-the-Pooh with the following personal verse:
"When I am gone,
Let Shepard decorate my tomb,
And put (if there is room)
Two pictures on the stone:
Piglet from page a hundred and eleven,
And Pooh and Piglet walking (157)…
And Peter, thinking that they are my own,
Will welcome me to Heaven."
You may or may not know that Shephard also did Wind In The Willows, and his daughter Mary did the Mary Poppins books.
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:) It's amazing how often Milne comes to mind, isn't it? Anybody who has read endlessly the When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six can usually recite them, but what surprises me is how often they come into the mind when least expected. Right now King John was not a good man and no good friends had he is running ceaselessly thru my own mind for no reason whatsoever.
There was a crack in the movie made by PL Travers about Milne, I can't remember now what it was. Apparently she did not care for him? Or? There are some wonderful Disney bios out there on tape, too, I just saw one yesterday. Disney fascinates me and always has. In Disney World, around the corner from Main Street, tucked really into a back alley was a little theater (this is when it opened, I have no idea if it's still there) with a documentary about Walt Disney which was fascinating. One of the documentaries I saw yesterday talked about Travers and Disney, how they both had had rough upbringings but what as fascinating was how differently each had chosen to respond: Disney the eternal optimist and Travers somewhat...how would you describe her? Still, she did make something good out of her disappointment too.
Also startling was the resemblance on film to the actual people. The actress playing her mother might have been her mother, the likeness in the old photos is so strong. Also the brothers in the new film look a lot like the real ones who wrote the songs for the movie, one of whom is still alive, so he could provide invaluable input. For some reason "Feed the Birds" always makes me cry.
Those were very very talented people, and, like Fred Astaire, whose movies have been being featured on TCM for the past week, I'm glad that they are preserved on film, so that people like me, who missed him pretty much, could be amazed at his talent: that man could really dance. I knew he was famous, I knew he would sort of glide about and flit about the room, but the TAP!! The man could really REALLY dance. Without the films, it would be only a memory.
I wonder how much the film industry has really changed our lives.
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MaryPage, thank you for the A.A. Milne quote. I have "originals" (not first editions) of those, too and cherish them.
I enjoy the Disney re-makes but view them as completely separate entertainment.
I've become very aware of movies "based on..." books and do not expect them to be exactly like the originals.
One time, however, I had my 3rd edition copy of "Gone With The Wind" out as I watched the movie with Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable. I was surprised - and pleased - to discover the movie dialog was almost exactly like the book.
Probably would never ever ever see a re-make of that one, though. Absolutely no one will ever be able to match Clark Gable as Rhett Butler.
I've felt the same way when I've seen stage productions of "Grease". I've never seen anybody duplicate John Travolta's "strut".
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HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WISHING YOU ALL OF THE BEST IN 2014.
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I just saw Philomena, and have ordered the book it came from. I think it's the saddest thing I ever saw and certainly worthy of Oscars everywhere, but it's so sad.
Has anybody else here seen it?
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I am absolutely going to have to read the book and/or see the movie. I read something about the Magdalene asylums last year because a genealogy mystery featured them. Also, didn't Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone have a character that came from one? The girls sent to those institutions were often unwed mothers, but others were sent away for petty infractions or for no other reason than that they were unwanted at home (any good lie or perhaps a little donation to the facility would do to take care of a problem child). And of course, the children had to pay for their sins, real or imagined. And pay they did.
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The War Against Women has been raging ever since some male concocted the story of Eve leading man astray. Scheesch!
I am hoping Philomena will cause some hearts to melt, but hey, women themselves have to wake up to what they are allowing and being a party to before we can make things better around the globe for those of our gender.
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There is a movie "The Magdalene (?) Sisters" It is very sad but very good. Available on Netflix
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I saw that, and felt rage and sorrow.
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I remember:
James James
Morrison Morrison
Wetherby George Dupree
Took great care of his mother
Though he was only three
James James
Said to his mother
Mother he said said he
you must never go down to the end of the town
Without consulting me.
I may not have that quite right......but when I was a psychiatric resident that poem came forcibly into my mind when I was learning about separation anxiety and magical thinking and it is SO TRUE if you read the whole thing. I think that's why he's so memorable, the poems are emotionally spot on for kids, and us all too. He does lose her and it reminds me of a Grimms fairytale, plays into our deepest fears......
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Dana - that is fascinating, I never would have thought of that interpretation but of course you are spot-on.
I've seen the Magdalene Sisters - it's excellent and harrowing. These things were still going on in the 1970s, when I was in senior school. Ireland was until recently a country dominated by the church to a degree that few people alive today in the UK will have experienced.
Rosemary
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Yes, James James is one I have go through my head frequently. And King John. And Mary Jane. And the other James, the one who was a snail.
But my most frequent visitor is the John who was a little boy, and not a king.
The poem is entitled: Happiness
John has great big waterproof boots on.
John has a great big waterproof hat.
John has a great big waterproof mackintosh,
And that, says John, is THAT!
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I've just added The Magdalene Sisters to my Netflix queue. I had never before paid any attention to what it was about, so just kind of glossed over it. It was interesting to see Geraldine McEwan's name there. Hasn't she played Miss Marple in several Agatha Cristie films.
Everyone I've talked to who has seen Philomena has said what a good film it was. Ginny, what is the book that it is taken from?
Have been looking over my much to long queue, noting the "very long wait" for Night Train to Lisbon." Has anyone seen this -- with Jeremy Irons? I think it's either a 2012 or 2013 production. The book sits unread on the shelf. The reviews describe the film as layered, for the thinking adult. Irons plays a Latin teacher.
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I think Night Train was just released and is still showing in some theatres locally. So until it is released to DVD, it will be a Very Long Wait!
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The DVD has been released. Amazon is selling it.
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I just went to Yahoo to get my email messages, and Yahoo News had a picture of a young girl, Jessica Alba, a "star" they called her, whom I'd never seen before. Have you noticed how all the young female "stars" today look alike? Put them in a police lineup and you couldn't tell one from another.
Marj
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I'm glad there's been so much talk about the film Philomena, and the books too. I finally went to Amazon to do a little more checking on it. So this is a story of something that really happened? And this Martin Sixsmith, the author of the book, is the journalist who helped Philomena trace her son? Apparently there are two books. The one by Sixsmith that is the real story, (as a reviewer stated -- 75% about the son and 25% about Philomena) and another book that does not attempt to be accurate. The film, I've been told, focuses more on Philomena than on the son. At any rate, I'm looking forward to seeing it.
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It's a wonderful movie and the original Sixsmith book IS about the son pretty much but there's a lot there too on Philomena, and it answers some important questions which one has upon seeing the film. The script writing just got another award nomination and it should have, he did a marvelous job with an extremely sad story.
But his book, which I have now and which I skipped to the end on, does explain a great deal, including about Mary the little girl he thought of as his sister. Her reaction was confusing in the movie, I understand now.
I am glad not to be on any judging committee this time, the contenders are really strong for a lot of categories.
That's the third good movie I've seen in a very short time, Philomena, Saving Mr. Banks, and Frozen.
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I think I mentioned this on SeniorLearn at one of the other sites, but will do so again because I'm finding it useful -- and that is CURIYO.
curiyo is like a Readers' Encyclopedia for the Internet. It's a browser app that gives you additional information. For example, in Ginny's post above Saving Mr Banks has a dashed blue line under it, showing that curiyo has more info. Click on it and it brings up more info about the film.
In my post above Ginny's there is a blue line under Martin Sixsmith and a click brings up tons of info about the man, his personal life, career, etc.
Just google curiyo and it will take you to where you can download it.
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I was just reading about the ex-policeman in Florida who shot and killed a man sitting next to him in a movie theater, because the guy was bothering him by texting. There have been times when I would have been tempted to do that when people sitting near me are loudly munching on food or talking during the film. My son says older people are the worst because, being hard of hearing, they shout at each other. LOL
Marj
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If Florida did not have a law allowing people to carry guns in public places, that 71 year old retired policeman with an exemplary record would never have pulled out his gun when he lost his temper. Pity. But in the states that allow carrying weapons anywhere at all, we will all need to mind our manners or risk being killed. Way over the top, and I'll bet the shooter wishes himself dead, at this point. The man killed said he was texting his three year old daughter. Say what?
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Re that shooting: it was not during the movie. The previews or advertisements were on. The movie hadn't started.
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I cannot imagine living in a state where people can carry guns around like that. We do certainly have our share of shooting incidents - often the person has the weapons illegally, or has been given a licence to have them for farming or game shooting and then hasn't been properly checked up on - but I do think we still have fewer incidents than you do.
The big issue in this country - most especially in London and Manchester I think - is knives. All of these gang members carry them and the number of stabbings in London has rocketed. It's nearly always among the groups themselves, not a great threat to the general public, but it's such a waste of so many young men's lives. The sale of knives is supposed to be restricted, but of course they can get hold of them anywhere really. Thankfully there does not seem to be a big knife culture in Edinburgh (so far) although it has its fair share of drug problems.
Yes, texting a 3 year old is rather weird. But not enough to shoot someone, if anything is.
We were at the Filmhouse in Edinburgh recently and behind us were an elderly couple. As soon as the film started the man went to sleep and snored throughout. Being the buttoned up Brits that we are, we just pretended we hadn't noticed. I have been to the cinema once with my very deaf and opinionated mother-in-law (who also snores....) Once was enough :-)
Rosemary
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When I was a youngster, the manager of the movie house I went to patrolled the aisles and would shut the movie off it the kids got to noisy. It worked pretty well to keep the noise and misbehavior down. No sticky messes on the floor or seats, no constant noisiness of kids just wanting to be disruptive rather than watch the movie. When I moved to another area, the first and only time I went to the movie house there was such a shock. The management appeared to be non-existent. The noise during the entire movie made it difficult to hear the show, it looked like no one ever bothered to clean the aisles, and the seats were torn and stained. I kind of remember the kids up front throwing popcorn and standing/climbing in the seats too. It was totally disgusting. Of course, I'm talking about the matinees.
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Gosh when I went to movie matinees on Saturday in the 1940s in Omaha, Nebraska, kids were well behaved -- I don't remember any trouble ever. That was when we (under 10 years old) got in for 10 cents. I remember crying when they told me I would be charged 25 cents. Was afraid my folks would think that was too much money. But they gave me the quarters. Walked all by myself about 2 miles every Saturday to the theater (don't think parents nowadays would let an 8 or 9 year old girl walk like that by herself.)
Marj
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I was pleased to see that Barkhad Abdi, the Somali actor who played the pirate, Muse, in Capt. Phillips, was nominated for an Oscar for supporting actor. He was great!
I see Tom Hanks was not nominated for Capt. Phillips. I think that was as it should be -- that film belonged to the Somali actors.
I wish Bruce Dern would win for best actor but I haven't yet seen American Hustle with Christian Bale who was nominated.
Marj
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I see where Saving Mr. Banks and its stars, Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson, were completely ignored for the Oscar nominations. Apparently the film was not found interesting enough compared with all the exciting films made in 2013. I have not seen it.
Marge
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Well I loved it and thought both of them were excellent, but Madeleine was a bit less impressed.
I haven't seen the other films so I don't know how it compares.
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They just passed the Right to Carry gun law in my State. I think it will make a difference with people who have a quick temper and shoot before thinking but doubt it put the crimes up. Every one out to steal, buy drugs, out to murder have them already. Every bank in town as been held up and always they had guns.
Getting the permits very popular with women right now. You have to take a 8 day class. Also the parents of students at the University seem to think will help them I don't. they should not be out were they need protection. Good police depts on Campus.
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Sigh!
Once upon a time, only the police and the military had guns in the highly populated areas, and they did not carry them all the time. Rural families who hunted had shotguns, but never used them for anything else. We thought, when I was growing up, that gun toting societies were confined to the Wild West as pictured in the Saturday matinees, and that those frontier towns had gone the way of the Do Do bird.
The Gun Lobby has been most successful, even to the point of manufacturing and selling tens of thousands of machine guns and automatic rifles to the civilian population. To what end?
The pictures that come to mind when I ask that question make me shudder in unhappy anticipation. I am glad MY END is nigh!
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Just watched a terrific 1957 movie from Netflix - PATHS OF GLORY -- with Kirk Douglas and some other excellent actors. Re an incident in WWI where some men were court-martialled for cowardice. It was directed by Stanley Kubrick who directed 2001; A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, the some other great movies.
Marj
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Loved the title of a 1967 Roman Polansky film I saw mentioned on the Turner Movie Channel -- THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS, OR PARDON ME BUT YOUR TEETH ARE IN MY NECK. It's available at Netflix.
Marj
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I thought texting was a silent thing?
Did young people in other countries roll jaffas down the aisles to infuriate the ushers, who are now almost an extinct breed.
Re The Book Thief, I listened to an interview on the ABC with Marcus Zusak. He was joking about people's reaction to his book. They would come up to him at a Do and say 'Sorry,I just couldn't get into your book', and he would say 'that's okay', but he said they couldn't leave it at that. After a few more drinks, they'd come up to him and say 'It's not that I didn't try to get into it, you know'.
The interviewer and Marcus had a good laugh.
He had some interesting things to say about the writing of the book and how it was conceived. I like hearing about the birth pains.
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People seem to like the movie, The Book Thief. But the book was a DNF for me. Just couldn't get interested enough in it to finish it.
Marj
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Same thing for me on the "book thief" wil see the movie if it goes onto DVD soon at the library .doubt I pay the $7 at the show.
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Is that a concessionary rate Jeanne? I recently paid the equivalent of $33 for my two daughters (aged 19 and 15) to see The Hobbit.The Edinburgh Filmhouse has cheap prices on Fridays, and even then you are lucky to get away with less than the equivalent of $8.
I often notice how much cheaper everything seems to be in the US. Are there some things that are more expensive than here, or is it cheaper across the board?
Rosemary
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Rosemary -- From what I've seen I think things are less expensive here in the U.S. We all complain about the prices but I believe we have it pretty good compared to many places.
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Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I suppose everything's relative, but yes, it does seem that your prices are generally lower. We always have a shock when we see how much everything costs on mainland Europe (France especially) and in Ireland. My husband says the prices in Scandinavia are unbelievably high, but they seem to enjoy a high standard of living so maybe they get paid more.
Rosemary
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$8 for a movie ticket here in Southern California. $4 on Wednesdays for Seniors.
What I can't afford anymore are plays. $60 and up per seat. I walked out after the first act a while back on two different plays that were boring. Can't do that very often.
There is a really nice small theater we like in Burbank, CA owned by Garry Marshall (Happy Days). They do mostly romantic, humorous plays, often with stars from older TV dramas or sitcoms. All the seats are about $35 and parking is free in a nice area.
Marj
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I think "entertainment prices" are much higher than regular cost of living items; i.e. Groceries, utilities, vehicles, appliances. But, and this is a big but, it would depend on where you live in the U.S. Some states have horrendous prices with huge sales taxes to go along with it. I think California and New York would be the most expensive. Some states have a "State Income Tax" which further muddies the waters and makes cost of living so high. Long ago, I used to hear that one could travel to Europe for very little money. I doubt that is the case with most places there now.
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Back in the 60s when my husband and I traveled in Europe, it was much cheaper than traveling in the US. We could get a luxury hotel room on the Riviera overlooking the Mediterranean for half of what a fleabag in Pittsburg cost. But that's because of the exchange rate -- not because it would be that cheap to locals. Now, with the exchange rate equal, we couldn't touch that room.
Prices in the US do vary by location. Especially real estate prices (and hotels). Restaurants: there are so many inexpensive food chains and moderately priced restaurants, everyone can afford to eat out sometimes. That has become a health problem. Busy working people can (and do) afford to get cheap takeout instead of cooking healthy meals: it may even cost less. That's a large part of the growing obesity problem we have in this country.
Marj" are you near Burbank? Here slightly South in Torrance movies are more than $8 at the theatre. But you can buy discount tickets in some discount stores.
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Except for Meds.
I just got a refill of a month's worth of Bystolic which my part on Blue Cross was $110.99. I was in London two years ago and needed some because I spilled mine on the street and they said well you'll have to have a month's worth (I only needed 4 days worth), and I thought darn, it's expensive, and the cost then two years ago of Nebivilol (sp) (the generic name) at the drug store in Victoria Station was 9 pounds, today's $12 and change.
That was the total price of it then, I think I was paying $90 co pay then, not a co pay like my $110 now is.
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Yes, we always notice how things cost just half of what they are in U.K. Everytime my daughter goes with me and we go to the grocery store she gets a shock. The price of home really shocked her but then they shock me also. I see houses that I knew many years ago. People paid about 5000 pounds then. now selling in the hundreds thousand.
Small cottages in village family live . My aunts sold last for 134 Thousand pounds. when they bought about 35 years ago paid 10 thousand and then remodeled it. She didnt own in. I sure wish I had bought it when she sold. Think for 39 thousand.
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Had the pleasure of seeing "Philomena" yesterday. A very, very good movie. Sad but moments of humor. Judi Dench is a wonder. And the guy that plays "Sixsmith" wrote, produced and acted in the movie.
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No, Joan, I live in northern Orange County. But we go to the Regency movie theater in Laguna Niguel because they show only good movies, not the loud bang-bang stuff kids like, so there are mostly middle-aged or older people. We go during the daytime because there are fewer people then, (sometimes only us and another two or four people). So maybe the daytime price of $8 is cheaper. I think we've paid $11 for the evening movies.
Marj
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Rats. I mapquested it and it's too far from Torrance to be practical.
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Because I rely on captions or subtitles, I go to movie theatres very infrequently. And I really don't miss that except I do enjoy the large screen production every once in a while, usually for a foreign film when I'm visiting a large city.
But for the most part, there are a lot of advantages to watching films at home, and many of the currents ones are available in some format or other within a three or four month period. A film at home doesn't begin until you give the word. And you can have intermissions when you so choose. And it's an easy way to entertain. We potluck our pre-movie dinners. (My son says they have cheese fondue on movie nights.) And then it's on with the show. Netflix has many different plans. For now I'm sticking with the 3 DVD at a time, unlimited number per month for $17 per month. Probably much cheaper than movie and pizza or out for dinner once a month.
Regarding theatre and concert tickets, opera also. The prices make it prohibitve for a family to enjoy together. I've heard others express concern about how difficult it is to develop future audiences. When we lived in Puerto Rico a million years ago we always attended the Casals Festival each year. And many of the performing artists allowed people to sit in on rehearsals, free of charge. I remember watching Leonard Bernstein conduct that way. It was a great way to expose children because you could go and sit for one or two numbers and then leave before the kid got restless.
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And nobody will shoot you if you text before the movie.
I really enjoy watching movies at home. I know people have giant screens now which is very similar to the experience, but I watch them, because of the set up on our TV's, on a tiny little DVD player and really enjoy it anyway. It takes a special movie for me to give in and go.
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Pedln - what do you mean when you say 'we potluck our dinners'? I thought a potluck supper was when lots of people all brought different dishes (as to a social event) - is it different in the US?
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It's the same here. Three to five of us get together periodically to watch films and everyone brings something to share for the evening meal.
Every once in a while we'll go out to dinner first, but that usually means a later start and half of us are asleep before the end of the movie. LOL!!
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Oh that would be me! I really struggle to stay awake after a big meal. Your idea sounds much better.
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Just saw this on Facebook -- posted by Helen Simonson.
Bill Nighy to play Major Pettigrew! Direct from the website of my producers, Mazur Kaplan (in association with Langley Park Productions), the talented and funny Mr. Nighy is the man! This will put a stop to people asking me how tall the major is and emailing me their casting lists. Also a relief to my husband who worried that movies take so long to make that Daniel Radcliffe would be old enough to play the Major. Could not be happier. The only question that remains - will they ask Mr. Nighy to trim those signature flowing locks to fit a more military comportment?
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Oh, wonderful!
Adored Major Pettigrew!
Adore Bill Nighy!
No, the real Bill Nighy does not fit my image of the Major at all, at all.
But!
But Bill Nighy can become ANYone!
Whee!
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I just saw Monuments Men and I do have the book but have not read it yet. i think it's a movie which might appeal more to men, it's a splendid ensemble cast but somehow it seemed..... I dunno. There's not an actor there that I don't like very much, and they all did a good job, but, again...I dunno. It's a good movie about something most people including me knew nothing about, so it's time well spent. The book looks interesting too.
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Shirley Temple Black just passed away at 85.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/11/shirley-temple-dead-child-star-ambassador-dies_n_4765333.html
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Thanks, Frybabe.
After reading your post I went to Netflix just to look at reviews of some of her films. A Little Miss Marker review caught my attention with this --
This film is noteworthy for a particular scene that is legend in film history. The scene called for Shirley to cry. A simple thing for her in later films, but this was the first film that called for her to do it on cue. She couldn't do it & she didn't know how to fake it. The director decided to play a cruel joke on her when, with cameras rolling, he took Shirley by the hand, led her to the bed, and then told her that her new pet puppy had just got run over in the parking lot and was killed! She burst into tears, the director jumped out of the scene and the cameras recorded the child's real-life crying. Egads! Oh yeah, Gary Cooper and Carole Lombard are in this film too.
from Netflix
I remember my Shirley Temple doll, with eyes that opened and shut.
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Ginny, our Dallas Morning News movie Critic kind of nicely bashed "Monuments Men". I can't put my hand on the section of paper, but he said it didn't really "come together" despite the several delays in getting the movie finished and released. I still want to see it though. If I find the column on line, I will come back and post it here.
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I found the review; here it is:
George Clooney's WWII movie 'The Monuments Men' never finds a cohesive identity (C)
25
By CHRIS VOGNAR
Movie Critic
cvognar@dallasnews.com
Published: 06 February 2014 12:47 PM
There’s a good movie dying to bust out of The Monuments Men, the strangely torpid new World War II movie about the fight to rescue masterpieces of world art from Nazi clutches.
Based on the nonfiction book by Dallas’ Robert Edsel and Bret Witter, the movie has the settings for a feast: charming stars, far-flung locales, high cultural stakes. When you realize it’s not coming together, your first impulse is to ask: What happened?
There were signs of trouble when The Monuments Men was bumped from the prestigious year-end schedule and set aside for reconstructive surgery. Apparently the procedure didn’t take. Sequences of the jocular male bonding we expect from director-star George Clooney collide with grave tales of war’s sacrifice and civics-lesson lectures on art’s cultural necessity. A movie that should be fraught with urgency instead sputters from
episode to episode.
None of it is particularly terrible; small pieces are quite compelling. But a movie with even half The Monuments Men’s aspirations needs a personality and a swift narrative thrust. As it is, the movie feels as scattered as the Rembrandts, Picassos and other art jewels strewn throughout Germany.
It’s hard to blame Clooney for seeing the premise’s potential for fun. The assembled art experts (Clooney, Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville and Bob Balaban) are classic fish out of water, unaccustomed to firearms, combat, commanding officers or other staples of This Man’s Army. They’re a little like the Hollywood filmmakers who join the war effort to shoot high-grade propaganda in Mark Harris’ upcoming nonfiction book Five Came Back. They have an important job, and they have the passion to carry it out.
Most of that passion gets lost on the way to the screen, though you can still locate the fragments here
and there. Cate Blanchett smolders as Claire Simone, based on the French art historian and Resistance fighter Rose Valland. Greta Garbo would love this performance. She might also wonder why it seems to exist in a different universe from everyone else in the movie.
That’s what The Monuments Men needs: cohesion, glue, a unifying vision of what it wants to be and how to get there. If that sounds simple, it really isn’t. When you think about it, with so many moving parts and personalities in the mix, it’s a marvel that any movie comes out feeling fully cooked — even when the ingredients are the best available.
THE MONUMENTS MEN (C)
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Yes, that's about it. I really looked forward to seeing it, and I'm glad I did, but ....as he said.
Thank you for putting that here.
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If I thought of it, I guess I assumed that Shirley temple was long gone. It's nice for once to hear of a movie star who lived a long life. I wonder what she did with herself?
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Joan, she was active in the Republican party - was an ambassador to two different countries - and very well thought of.
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Now we just lost Sid Caesar. He was 91.
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It seems we've lost a lot of these folks lately. Sad with some, when you think of what could have been, sad for others, when you think the end of an era, the end of a bit of life as we knew it.
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I am so disappointed Shirley Temple has died.
This all feels like a game of musical chairs, and the music is still playing and I still manage to grab a chair and stay here while all the time the chairs get fewer and there are more people standing around the room no longer playing than there are left in the game.
I really miss those who are no longer playing. I adored and admired Shirley Temple. Sid Caesar gave me many a laugh of a Saturday night. With Imogene Coco. Remember? He had a genius that will be lost with him, I am afraid. And few of the newscasters relating his passing even knew who he was. As Chris Matthews said, one last time let's say "Hail, Caesar!"
I would also say this to him: "Thank you."
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Yet another actor has passed away, Ralph Waite of The Waltons fame, at 85. I didn't know he ran for congress three time. The last two times were against Mary Bono (Sunny Bono's widow).
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I did not know that either.
I only saw The Waltons a couple of times, and then probably just a bit of the show. Never caught my fancy. Plus I was not in a situation of much leisure time back in those days. Working full time and raising a passel of kids. Wore me out, and it was all I could do to try to keep up with the news of the day and catch Masterpiece Theatre on PBS on Sunday nights.
I missed a lot of the TV shows people speak of with nostalgia these days. I am aware of which they speak, but left wondering how in the world they found time for them.
But then again, there ARE folk who have the telly on almost 24/7 and keep up with just about everything. Now that I am an ancient crone (think the one in the original Snow White!), I can spend hours in my easy chair with the television going, but I choose not to. I like quiet, classical music on the radio or CDs, and a good book. I have never, ever, been a fan of those daytime audience shows with all the screaming and carrying on. Eeeeeek! Save me! Save me!
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It seems like we've lost so many entertainers these past few weeks. I loved the Waltons and have about the first three seasons now on DVD, to watch at leisure.
My daughter works in an office with cubicles and as congenial co-workers leave for the day you often hear "Goodnight, Judy; Goodnight Olivia; Goodnight Barbara, etc. etc. My daughter said to one of her much younger co-workers -- "We sound like the Waltons, don't we?" and got a complete blank stare. The woman had never heard of them, didn't know what my daughter was talking about.
How quickly culture comes and goes.
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Oh! How I hated those cubicles. Our company put them in every dept. I had a job where I could go to other dept . Other than that it would have driven me craz. Size not bad but to small and walls to high for me. I don't believe got people to work more. They just talked more on phone.
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Not all Monuments Men were men.......
http://museumethics.org/2014/02/not-all-monuments-men-were-men/
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Very nice article, mabel. Thanks for sending. But don't we just ordinarily assume there had to be "women behind the men" working on gigantic important projects such as this?
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Saw a really mesmerizing movie---Once Upon a Time in Anatolia--Turkish, subtitles, lo..o..ong, about this group of guys driving thru Anatolia in search of a body, the cinematography I guess and the dialogue made it completely gripping...anyone seen it? If not, its probably too late on Netflix because it goes on the 24th.
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Just watched that movie AGAIN....wanted to see why I thought it was so good.
Its just a slice of life I think, no deep message, just life and people living but expressed in a way that it seems real, rather than hyped up or whatever.
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Tomereader - yes, it's often true that women have been behind the scenes of important events or projects, but i don't agree that MOST people assume that to be true. (I think there is a unique, informed group on SL :) ) Too few people have any concept of women throughout history. Thank goodness there is a growing cache of information about how important women have been at every time and in every event, but i'm not sure many are taking the opportunity to learn about this new knowledge.
I recently gave a presentation on "Some of the Invisible Women in the Civil Rights Movement." I had to title it "Some" because there were thousands!! A really good, easy to read book on the subject is "Freedom's Daughters" by Lynne Olsen, but even it includes only "some........."
Jean
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Speaking and/or thinking about Monument Men, if you were fascinated by that story you might want to catch a copy of the January 2014 issue of SMITHSONIAN magazine. An article in there tells and shows an equally great tale about saving ART in Italy: THE VENUS FIXERS. Lovely reading.
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Edsel, author of Monument Men, also wrote a book about saving Italy's art.
http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Italy-Rescue-Nations-Treasures/dp/0393082415
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We went to see The Monuments Men this evening. It's a pretty good movie, but a great story.
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Don't know what you all thought of the Oscar show last night, but I agree with the article in the New Yorker magazine that knocked the show, with a few exceptions, saying that it was done with safety and dullness, the presenters reading their lines like zombies. It also said that two of the best movies, Nebraska and The Wolf of Wall Street, went home empty-handed. I don't know about Wolf, as I've yet to see it, but I thought Nebraska should have won for best film, and its star, Bruce Dern, for best actor.
Marj
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For me, the highlight of the evening was Cate Blanchett's acceptance speech. By far the only celebrity who spoke intelligently, without notes, thanking all the appropriate people, etc. Of course, Jared Leto and Matthew McConaghey did it well also. Some really lovely dresses last night, with only a few (as displayed on-line this morning) that didn't rate well with the fashionistas! I got so tickled when I noticed Meryl Streep's hubby was actually eating the pizza! But they could have done without that schtick.
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What is Nebraska really about? I know the general plot he's determined that he's won something but what what is it about it that endears it to so many people?
I didn't get to see it and the more I see people talking about it, the more I wish I had.
I saw it compared recently to the one about the guy on the lawnmower who drove a couple of states on a riding lawnmower to see his brother?
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I own the DVD of Nebraska, but have not viewed it yet. My son Chip has seen it, and he says it is really, really wonderful. As I understand it (and perhaps I do not), Bruce Dern plays an old man who is suffering from Dementia. The woman who was the oldest ever up for an Oscar as best supporting actress plays his wife. Chip felt the film was a real contender for Best, but truthfully neither of us will make that judgment unless we have seen all NINE (9) movies! I mean, honestly, how COULD you? It would be like grading some of your students essay or short story assignments, and then when you got tired, just sticking grades on the others papers as to what you THINK they are capable of, and not for the work they have actually labored on.
Thoroughly enjoyed all six (6) hours of Academy Award coverage that I watched. Love the red carpet stuff for the clothes, but get awfully tired of the patter. Thought Ellen Degeneres was terrific, loved the bit about the Selfie picture and all of the stars joining in (biggest Tweet going viral EVER was TRUE!), and was so grateful there was no smut.
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I loved Nebraska because the characters were real, the dialogue subtle and humorous, but not schmalzy. One reviewer talks of Bruce Dern's aging character. Woody, always bearing a facial expression that rendered him dazed and almost out of touch with reality who has the ability to sit with a blank stare on his face and look as if he's about to burst into tears. (Wonderful acting!) Yet as he and his son travel through Nebraska, you get to see Woody as he was as a younger man, meeting his old friends and the woman he almost married. I loved June Squibb's role as Woody's wife, with a mouth (as one reviewer says) that's funny, insightful, profane and tender all at the same time. She steals every scene she's in. Always yelling at Woody, threatening to put him in a home, complaining about him, but just don't let anybody take advantage of him or you'll have her to deal with.
I loved a scene where Woody and his son are visiting some family members, and they are all sitting around in the living room, the younger one's talking, but almost all the older one's sitting there asleep, some with their mouths open, some snoring.
It's a shame that one actor has to be chosen to receive the oscar. I was glad that the woman who played in 12 Years A Slave won for best supporting actor. But her role was a tragic character. June Squibb's role in Nebraska was every bit as good, but very different.
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Well, I think you've nailed it. The actor who gives the very finest of all of the fine performances deserves the oscar. It is for the one who does the best, and not the one you LIKE the best!
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Thank you for the descriptions of Nebraska.
I think I'm going to have to see it on DVD. I wonder if it's a book? It sounds very powerful.
I'm glad they are making a new Marigold, I enjoy seeing actors with some age on them on the screen.
I would also like to see Cate Blanchett's performance but I'm not going to a Woody Allen movie. Shame, but there it is.
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I own the DVD for Blue Jasmine, too, but have not viewed it. I buy DVDs of any movies I want to see, because I no longer go to the theatres. I have enjoyed the Woody Allen films.
I also will order Philomena as soon as Barnes & Noble (I order everything from them and get 10% off, plus) makes it available for pre-order. I have ordered American Hustle already, but it will not be sent out for a while. I will order that August Osage County, too. But Gravity would make my body ill, I am afraid, vertigo and fear of heights; while 12 Years a Slave would upset me and probably raise my blood pressure. Having enough problem with that without help!
I really admire both films, but from a distance I shall remain at.
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Mary Page wrote, "The actor who gives the very finest of all of the fine performances deserves the oscar. It is for the one who does the best, and not the one you LIKE the best!"
I'm not sure what you meant by that MaryPage. How do you differentiate between the one you like the best and the one who does the best? Most of us don't know the actor personally, so we can only know them by their work. Thus, to me, the only way I can have an opinion as to who deserves the oscar is the one who I feel has done the best work. I like them because of the fine work they have done.
Marj
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Perhaps I should have said "like as in enjoy," since obviously I do not know the actors, either. But it might well be said that I like/enjoy a performance that makes me laugh and feel good way, way over one that makes me agonize, such as Matthew McConaughey's would do, and at the same time I have to admit that the performance that makes me wish I were not watching it deserves the Oscar, while my, say, Judi Dench laughing in such a way that I just yearn to give her a hug does not equal the performing Matthew has done. Am I making better sense? Or worse?
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MaryPage wrote, "Perhaps I should have said "like as in enjoy," since obviously I do not know the actors, either."
Yes, that makes more sense, MaryPage, since you were really talking about the actor's performance, not that you liked the actor personally.
Marj
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Ginny wrote, "I would also like to see Cate Blanchett's performance but I'm not going to a Woody Allen movie. Shame, but there it is."
I assume you were referring to what Woody Allen's adopted daughter said about him. That's the trouble with reading about the personal life of an author, actor, director, etc. Too bad you will miss his film. I ignore his personal life; just love his films.
Marj
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We are going today to see the movie, Gravity, in 3D (the only way they say to see it). My son saw it and said it was interesting, but he was glad it did not win best picture as there was not that much to the acting. The film was good, but mainly because of the technical work.
I also want to see Dallas Buyers Club in spite of the weird acceptance speech that Matthew McConaughey gave at the Academy Awards program.
Marj
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Yes, wasn't that peculiar?
Looks like Nebraska is already out for screening in the home, I have a friend who saw it with her husband on....charter? I look forward to seeing it when it's available. I don't have charter.
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Well we saw Gravity yesterday at 11:15 in the morning -- to the tune of $10.75 per each ticket. That included $2 for the rental of 3D eye glasses. It was okay, but not worth that price. My son said he paid $18 to see it at the IMAX theater.
Marj
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That is precisely why I feel totally justified in purchasing the DVDs rather than going to the theatres anymore.
I dislike the smell of popcorn, the sound of people eating and slurping drinks, the getting up and down, the smell of other bodies, some dirty and some over perfumed, the idea of all the germs, the going in and coming out, the whole burden of an ordeal just to see a movie has become too much for this old crone. But to watch half a movie and then quit until the next day or the next or whatever suits my fancy, is Heaven! My own sweet chair in front of my own TV. And I can watch the movie as many times as I wish, and share it with the son who lives with me and the family all around and about. It MORE than justifies the price of the DVD!
Everything changes, but these days I do feel thrifty in buying the DVD over going out to a movie house.
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MaryPage wrote, "That is precisely why I feel totally justified in purchasing the DVDs rather than going to the theatres anymore.
I dislike the smell of popcorn, the sound of people eating and slurping drinks, the getting up and down, the smell of other bodies, some dirty and some over perfumed."
I see your point. However, I love the smell and taste of popcorn. And we go to the early weekday shows to avoid other people -- there was only one person besides us at the 11:15 am showing.
The only problem I have in the theater is I am somewhat hard of hearing. When I have a DVD, I can turn the volume up in my earphones, and can repeat parts I could not hear clearly or had trouble understanding. But I watch so many movies I'd go broke buying the DVDs, so I use Netflix.
Marj
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Most of the DVDs that I watch come from Netflix, but I buy a few, too, especially if it's one I want to see again. Sometimes it's just nice to say, "I'm in the mood for . . ."
The only Best Picture nominee I've seen so far is Captain Phillips, which I thoght was excellent. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Dallas Buyers Club is here from Netflix. That was a surprise. Usually the recent ones all say "very long wait." So my friends and I have a pot-luck and movie night coming up. I'd never heard of the actors who got Best and Supporting awards in DallasBC, but guess that the must be because I seldom watch dramas on weekly TV shows.
Nebraska is at the top of my queue. I'm looking forward to that one too, especially after reading the comments about it here.
Ginny -- what's this about a new Marigold? Are they revamping it or is it a sequel?
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I don't know, that's a good question. Apparently it's the same cast, so it must be a sequel?
Fox Searchlight Pictures President of Production Claudia Lewis and Participant Media Executive Vice President of Production Jonathan King announced today that production on The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 has begun in India. John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) has returned to helm the follow-up companion feature to the 2012 film from an original screenplay by Ol Parker, from a story by Parker and Madden. Blueprint Pictures returns producing the film.
The cast has reunited for the film including stars Judi Dench (Evelyn), Maggie Smith (Muriel), Bill Nighy (Douglas), Dev Patel (Sonny), Celia Imrie (Madge), Ronald Pickup (Norman), Penelope Wilton (Jean), Diana Hardcastle (Carol), Tena Desae (Sunaina) and Lillete Dubey (Mrs. Kapoor).
Read more: Cast Set for John Madden's The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2 - ComingSoon.net http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=113316#ixzz2vezanYiO
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Oh Dear! If Penelope Wilton, and don't get me wrong, as I adore her (Mrs. Crawley in Downton Abbey), is coming back, she was Bill Nighy's wife, wasn't she? The one who chose to go back home to England, while he stayed and hooked up with Judi Dench? The last thing I remember of the movie was the two of them careening through the Indian city on a motorbike. And laughing. Oh Dear!
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Interesting plot twist, huh? Maybe she found out that that "turning left" on the plane wasn't quite what she hoped it would be.
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Interesting:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/31001/11-authors-who-hated-movie-versions-their-books
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Yes, Frybabe, that was an interesting article. I've put some of the books on my TBR list to read or re-read. I loved the movie, The Shining, so am going to have to read King' book to see why he disliked the film. Another to read is Interview with the Vampire; great movie, and I usually dislike vampire books or movies.
Marj
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I haven't read the article, but I recall Stephen King saying he objected to the character of Jack Nicholson, feeling that from the outset one could tell that there was something wrong with him, and that's not what King wanted to portray.
If I have that right, and it was a long time ago that I read it, he's right. I got exactly as far in the movie when Jack Nicholson turned around from the mirror (what is that, the first 4 seconds?) and had to turn it off.
Loved the book, tho, it reminded me a little of that book about the house devouring the substance of the people in it to live. Every time one of them died a new roof replaced itself or something. Excellent book, really good. Can't remember the movie from it but Bette Davis was in it. Excellent book.
Both books seem to have similar plots.
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Burnt Offerings!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burnt_Offerings_%28film%29
Burnt Offerings is a 1976 mystery horror film based on the 1973 novel of the same name by Robert Marasco.[2] Directed by Dan Curtis, the film stars Burgess Meredith, Karen Black, Oliver Reed, and Bette Davis. The story concerns a family who moves into an old house that rejuvenates itself by means of its occupants.
While the film was negatively reviewed by critics, it won several awards in 1977. It is the first movie to be filmed at the historic Dunsmuir House in Oakland, California.
more....
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I watched my DVD of Blue Jasmine. Cate Blanchett earned her Oscar, and no doubt about it.
I think Woody Allen is really a humongous talent. As for whether or not he is a pedophile, I tend to doubt it. Weird, yes. Artistically gifted, Oh Yes! But Mia Farrow was hell bent on revenge, and the question split the family in two. So sad. I think we, the public, will never know. If Allen IS a pedophile, then I wish him all bad things. But something deep within me tends to really, really doubt it. And one of the worst things in this whole world is being accused of doing something you never, ever did.
All of his movies have been great. This one, Blue Jasmine, is intense. I had to stop and wait a day or so before continuing. Twice! Twice I had to do that. Now I will be able to cope with watching it from start to finish. If you get the DVD to watch, I strongly recommend you watch the special features: Notes from the Red Carpet and the Cast Press Conference.
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You've probably already had this discussion, but i just saw the DiCaprio version of Gatsby over the weekend. Oh my gosh, it was bad! I know it was made for 3D so maybe the stage settings lost something in transition, but every scene was so artistically characterized. I didn't like it at all. And DiCaprio didn't master the southern accent. The guy who played Nick did the only competent acting in my opinion.
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mabel1015j, I think some of us talked about the newest Gatsby film back when it came out. I know I did. The 3D wasn't all that great, and IMO it didn't add anything to the movie (maybe the party scenes by the pool). The music wasn't great either, some of it, meh. I don't think DiCaprio did all that great of a job in the role; nor did Redford when he did Gatsby several years back. I think the producers/directors are just going for a "pretty face" in that role. (Wonder why?)
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Interesting article, Frybabe. I remember my mother telling me how she and my aunt went to see A Clockwork Orange, knowing nothing about it. They hated it, and wanted to leave. But, oh my, what would people think if they left in the middle of the show. Of course, people wouldn't think, period, but my mother would worry about it.
What was the music in Clockwork Orange? Was there a Beethoven symphony? Someone once told me that that film just ruined the music for him.
Thanks for the info about Blue Jasmine, MaryPage. It's coming up on my Netflix queue.
I watched Dallas Buyers Club last week and really liked it. The two actors certainly deserved their awads.
Also watch Last Vegas, and was surprised to find myself laughing my way through it. It's crude, it's earthy, but it sure is funny. I read some of the reviews afterwards and someone thought it made fun of old people. Nah!
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I just received Dallas Buyers Club from Netflix. Apparently it's not very popular since I was able to get it so soon.
Just watched a funny 1965 film, THE LOVED ONE, with Robert Morse, from the book by Evelyn Waugh, a satire on the American funeral business. Lots of very good actors in it. (Robert Morse starred in the great 1967 film, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and recently in Mad Men.) Loved the poem Morse's character wrote for the funeral of his uncle who had hanged himself.
Marj
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Well I watched the film Dallas Buyers Club. Almost turned it off during the first scenes, but watched it to the end. Good, but somewhat depressing. Hard to understand all the dialogue, what with the Texas and often alcoholic drawls. But I guess Matthew McConaughey deserved his Oscar. It was based on a real person and I wish there were a book about him. (I heard they were so strapped for money in making the film that only $250 was allowed for makeup, but the makeup artist received an Oscar -- and the makeup was fantastic IMO.)
Has anyone else here watched the movie?
The screenwriter Craig Borten plans to do his next screenplay on what he says is another anti-hero, John D. Rockefeller (from Titan; The Life of John D. Rockefeller.)
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I have never intended to watch the movie from the git go. Nor 12 Years As A Slave. I am certain in my heart they are terrific portrayals of their stories and truly great acting. That being said, I am just not into self torture in my old age. Doesn't help my hypertension one little speck!
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I'm with you on that MaryPage! Don't think I want to see Captain Phillips, either.
Sally
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Ditto here, Sally. I bought the DVDs of Nebraska, Blue Jasmine, American Hustle, and August Osage County. Maybe some more that do not spring to mind at the moment. Oh, Philomena, of course. That one has not come as yet.
Last night I watched a free movie on ON DEMAND that you might all like. It is a daffy movie, so if you don't like daffy, skip it. It makes little sense EXCEPT in expressing feelings. It does a superb job with feelings. And ohmygawd the Actors! A whole bunch of Oscar Winners! I swear! And they each play just peripheral parts! Bill Murray! Bruce Willis! Edward Norton! Frances McDormand! Tilda Swinton! The children play all of the major roles. Wonderful child actors. The movie is MOONRISE KINGDOM. And I adored the graphics. I could watch it over and over just for the sets and maps and amazing photography and gimmicks. Try it; you might be enchanted. Oh, no story to speak of. Nothing big in the way of plot.
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MaryPage, I loved Moonrise Kingdom, about the two 12 year olds who fall in love and run away from camp. I could watch that again, too. In fact, I think I will.
It's not surprising that it's so good. Director Wes Anderson has had other successes. Moonrise was nominated for a Golden Globe best comedy award last year. And now Wes Anderson has just come out now with The Grand Budapest Hotel -- Tilda Swinton is also in it. Morning Joe showed a clip of it this morning and interviewed two of the actors. It's definitely on my watch list when the DVD comes out.
Has anyone seen it? Currently at selected theatres.
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I saw Morning Joe, too, Pedln. It is my morning watch every morning. I have a strong aversion to all that audience and tourist screaming that goes on with the other morning shows. And I love keeping up to date on the serious stuff.
The part Tilda Swinton played tickled me to death. "Social Services." That is all she called herself and all anyone else called her. And she was so beautiful in that red wig that I had to wonder why she chooses not to have that much hair in real life.
I will no doubt see his hotel movie eventually, but I no longer go to the theatres, so viewing it will have to wait a while.
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Since i don't sleep very well i'm seldom up to watch Morning Joe, but the few times i've seen it i've been appalled at how the guys run over Mika. I asked a friend who watches if that always happens and she replied "pretty much." Last night on the Daily Show Samantha Bee did a funny bit about the show and she ran through a long list of "boys" who come on to comment. Am i misconstruing this machoism? How do you see it?
Jean
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Jean, there certainly is a lot of that, but Mika holds her own and makes me proud. Also, some outstanding women do show up and shine. And the locker room boys, led by Joe, are not nearly as bad as some. I get the feeling over the years of this show that the males have been losing and the females winning. In the long run. I could be mistaken.
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Wow. I know a lot of people like that "Morning Joe" program but after reading about what happened on several websites, and then going to youtube to see for myself and instead finding instance after instance of film of this person's rudeness and their fighting, I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole.
How does he stay on?
Bill O'Riley's programs are the same way. Everybody talks at once, shouts at once, hectors at once, the tone gives me angina...unless he starts and he simply talks over the guests, cuts the guests off, especially if they are women talks over them, and they yield, apparently because they are so desperate to be on TV, and generally acts obnoxiously. I don't know how HE stays on, either. Perhaps people think of it as akin to professional wrestling? With words.
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I'm frequently yelling at Chris Matthews "Shut up and let them answer the question!" and i don't ever use the term "shut up" to anybody in real life! Lol! If you want to talk do a Rachel type show, if you invite "experts" on your show - let THEM talk.
I once wrote that to Chris Matthews site on MSNBC, i wonder how often he gets that advice.
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Jean, I happen to have a crush on Chris Matthews, because I have always loved his dimples when he smiles that wonderful smile, and because I find him endearing when he speaks of his childhood in Philadelphia, his family, and so on. He is a good person.
But I cannot help but bet he lost his wonderful Sunday morning Chris Matthews Show because of the overtalking he does. Ditto his five o'clock slot on MSNBC. He used to do both the five and the seven, you know. Now, of the 3 shows, he only has the one.
Yes, the seven o'clock used to be a rerun of the five o'clock, unless there was breaking news. But they put someone else in there, and he had to have taken a huge paycut. I feel bad for him, but I must admit he DOES overtalk!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Bad manners to say the least. I hate the yelling and talking over, too. I do not watch any of those programs. It is also one of the reasons I don't watch too many of the panel segments on some programs. What is this "conversational style" teaching our younger folks about conversing with others? Is listening and rational debate out the window?
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Yesterday I received my preordered copy of Jimmy Carter's latest book in the mail. I burned the midnight oil. Now I urge you all to buy and keep a copy and pass it around to your family and friends:
A CALL TO ACTION, Women, Religion, Violence, and Power
Warning: it DOES contain violence, but every speck of it has been real life happening.
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Hmmm. Maybe there are advantages to using captions after all. I turn down the sound because of the lag, so therefore don't get all the shouting and everyone talking at once.
I like Morning Joe because of the people they have on, and of course, I don't watch the whole thing. An hour at the most, if that. I'd like to see more of Chris Mathews, but unfortunately he's on at the same time as my very favorite PBS Newshour. That and David Gregory's Meet the Press are my "must sees." I used to watch Andrea Mitchell's program, but now they've changed the time.
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I'm not a fan of the Morning Joe show. Usually turn it off after about 10 minutes unless they're discussing something I really want to hear about.
My favorite is Chris Matthews, and I agree with you, MaryPage, he's so cute. His cutting someone off doesn't bother me, because it's usually when the guest is getting repetitious and Chris wants to keep the show moving. He lets the guest get his/her thoughts out before they start to get boring.
My other favorite is Rachel Matthew. She really keeps us up to date on what some of those right-wing states are doing to women's rights.
Speaking of repetitious, I really got tired of all that speculating about what happened to that airplane that disappeared. On and on and on.....
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Marjifay, I'm kind of surprised at CNN. It's almost as if they have made the missing airplane their mission in newsbroadcasts. I assume they have other news as well, but everytime I tune them in they are talking about the airplane.
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Ya just gotta see this one; it is BEYOND wonderful! And hey, where did all those well dressed people come from? And well behaved children? This CANNOT be an American scene!
http://www.thisblewmymind.com/street-musician-tipped-girl-happened-next-blew-whole-city-away/#8lUqYGVKW0IzjIaD.01
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That was lovely, MaryPage.
Night Train to Lisbon -- a few years ago someone recommended the book and I bought when I found it at a used book store. It's stil on the shelf, unread. But the DVD recently came out and I watched it last night. Jeremy Irons is a Swiss secondary school teacher who rescues a young woman who is about to jump from a bridge. She laters disappears, but he is left with her coat which has train tickets to Lisbon in the pocket and a small book. His first thought is to find the woman, but on the train he becomes involved in the book and wants to meet its author. The rest of the film is about his quest, shown in both the present and flashbacks, as he meets those who were friends with the author during the Salazar regime. Rather slow-paced, but fascinating.
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I didn't know they made a movie of it Pedln. Night Train to Lisbon was one I ultimately passed up on buying.
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What's everybody watching these days? On Ginny's recommendation I got The Straight Story from Netflix and thoroughly enjoyed it. A feel-good film and a pleasant contrast to some others recently watched. This is the story about the man who, unable to drive a car, rode his lawnmover close to three hundred miles to visit his sick brother.
Netflix came through without a long wait for 12 Years a Slave. Five stars for that one -- excellently done, terrific acting,Definitely deserving of its Best Picture award, and now I want to read Solomon Northrup's book.
I just returned August: Osage County, which you'll love if you like dysfunctional families. Again, extremely well-done. If it had been my decision Meryl Streep would have received the Oscar rather than Cate Blanchette. Not to fault Blanchette, she did a great job, too. I just liked "August" better than "Blue." Julia Roberts was also excellent, but I have no quibble with the Best Supporting Actress winner from 12 Years a Slave.
Nebraska finally got off the very long wait list, and our little film group will watch it Friday night. Still waiting on Philomena and The Book Thief.
Now that the Award season is behind us(?) what are you recommending?
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Pedln, I would recommend The Lunchbox if you've not already seen it. It's a very understated love story between a neglected wife and a lonely older man in present day India. We loved it.
My daughter also really enjoyed The Grand Budapest Hotel. I quite liked it, and Ralph Fiennes was really excellent.
A friend saw Calvary and said it was well worth seeing, although rather harrowing with no real redemption at the end for any of the characters. I'm not sure I'm quite up to that myself.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, The Lunchbox and Grand Bud. Hotel are both on my queue, waiting for subtitled DVDs which Netflix says will be July. I hadn't heard of Calvary -- sounds intriguing.
I know what you mean about being "up" to certain movies. I started watching The Magdelene Sisters last night, but didn't want to finish it just before bedtime. The rest will have to wait for daytime hours with a block of time between finish and bed. It's excellent, very powerful, but brutal.
Need some comedies in my queue. Does anyone know anything about Butter -- about a butter sculptor? I hope it's not dumb.
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Thanks for the recommendations, Pedln and Rosemary. I had not heard of Calvary. Put it on my Netflix queue.
I also was happy that the gal (Lupita Nyong'o) from 12 Years a Slave won an Oscar for best supporting actress.
A film I saw recently, but WOULD NOT recommend is a Turkish film, ONCE UPON A TIME IN ANATOLIA. Altho' this got an excellent rating at IMDB and won first prize at a Cannes film festival, I fell asleep about four times before tossing it back to Netflix. Just about the most boring film I've ever watched. About some cops out at night looking for a buried corpse. Don't know if they ever found it as I could not stay awake to see the end.
Marj
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Just starting to watch Nebraska. Needs to go back tonight. Think I will turn it off. So far not liking it. Need to get ready to go out to dinner . Will just drop it off. There is a waiting list for it.
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Oh no, I just don't agree about Once Upon a time in Anatolia. How funny....different tastes I mean....it is up there for me as one of my favourites of all time, watched it twice off the bat, beautiful and so realistic but done artfully...."true art is nature to advantage dressed...what oft was thought but ne'er so well expressed". When I saw it I felt that quote could have been written for that movie.
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Once Upon a Time in Anatolia -- Right now I must agree with Marj. I tried watching it about a year ago and sent it back to Netflix before it was over, rating it 2 stars. Looking at all the reviews just now, it seems it must be one of those films you either love or hate. So now I wonder, did I miss something, what did I miss? Should I try again? But then there are so many others, well-recommended, not yet tried.
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I'm with you, Pedln, re Once Upon a Time in Anatolia.
I may have missed something by falling asleep, but I doubt it. What I saw when I was awake was awfully boring to me.
I have around 200 movies on my Netflix queue, so won't waste time re-watching it.
Marj
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The thing is, its about these ordinary men in their regular life expressing their ordinary feelings, having ordinary conversations which are funny and angry and sad and weak and strong and all that, but done in a way that is a poetic commentary on the human condition. Now that sounds very pretentious and I'm sorry about that, because it is completely non pretentious which is its strength I think, and makes it different from all those pretentious slow and boring movies about the meaning of life which I really do hate....it is slow but I didn't mind, somehow I got right into it and watched the apple rolling down the slope for ever, and the pretty girl bringing the prisoner the coke for ever....and then went back and watched it all again! I also then went and bought a copy from Amazon...go figure, not me at all, I'm not that into movies.
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Saw a great movie on TCM--The Letter--1940, with Bette Davis, one of my all time favourites. Very melodramatic, from a play by Somerset Maugham and totally gripping till the end, apparently they had to change the end to allow it to be shown because there was a rule that you couldn't get away with murder in a movie.......
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Have you kept up with the various treatments of Sherlock Holmes these days? PBS, Movies and CBS are competing for our attention. TMC has kept up with the fad showing an early portrayal by by John Barrymore. No matter what venue becomes the setting, including both time and place, Sherlock is paired with a "John" Watson. Each treatment has its charms for me. Almost as popular in movies and tv are the inhabitants of Jane Austin's England.
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Saw a great movie in TCM...Breaker Morant, 1980, co-written and directed by Bruce Beresford who directed Tender Mercies and Driving Miss Daisy, two other super movies. Didn't even know they were all directed by the same guy, must look what else he's done, but in the meantime, Breaker Morant, about the trial of 3 Aussies in the Boer War is really magnificent.
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Has anyone seen the original film of Bonjour Tristesse (Francoise Sagan novel)? Our independent cinema is showing it as a one-off tomorrow and I can't decide whether to go or not. I remember loving the book as a teenager, but I imagine half of it went right over my head.
Rosemary
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I got in on the last half of Breaker Morant, Dana. It looked very good. You can get the entire movie on YouTube, which I am going to do.
Marj
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The creations based on Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes can be mind boggling yet I am endlessly entertained by the fleshing out of the bones: genius detective, doctor sidekick, bumbling policeman, shadowy older brother of said genius. The latest Elementary was a trip to the wild side of the writers' imaginations. I look forward eagerly to the next iteration.
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Yesterday, I saw "The Railway Man" with Colin Firth. Excellent performance by him, beautifully done movie. Not going to be for everyone due to the war/torture scenes. NIcole Kidman looking totally unlike herself with brown hair, and the "work" she has had done terribly evident, as they use a lot of close-up shots, and her plumped lips are not flattering.
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Getting good recommendations here and have added Breaker Morant and The Railway Man to my queue. It'll be a while because the DVDs haven't been released yet, or at least Netflix doesn't have them. I also added Gallipoli based on another recommendation. Three different wars, two Australian films. That last one is a "very long wait."
Last week I watch 42, about Jackie Robinsob's barrier breaking. Very enjoyabl and Harrison Ford did a great job as Branch Rickey. Finally saw Philomena (with Judy Dench). Good acting from her and Steve Coogan who played the journalist Martin Sixsmith. It was well-done, but I thought the film The Magdalene Sisters was more powerful and was glad I had seen it before watching Philomena.
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I have not seen The Railway Man, but parts of it were filmed in North Berwick, the seaside town a few miles from where I lived until recently. The filming caused huge excitement down there, everyone wanted a glimpse of Mr Darcy, as I fear he is still thought of in the UK. The people that did see Firth and Kidman in the streets said that they were both very friendly and nice. North Berwick is used to having rich & famous people floating about because of the many exclusive golf courses in the area, so people are relatively well-behaved in the presence of celebrities.
The film has not had an especially good reception over here.
The film I have most enjoyed of late has been We Are The Best, which I would recommend to everyone - it's funny, inspiring and not too unrealistic either; brilliant acting from three young Swedish girls. Twenty Feet from Stardom has also been one of my favourites so far this year.
Rosemary
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Not only do I love books I love books about books and movies about books. I'm thrilled to find 84 Charing Cross Road on today's TCM schedule. Seven PM here on the west coast.
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Jackie, THANK YOU!!!!!! 84 Charing Cross Road is one of my very favorite movies AND books. It's now marked on our TV page!
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I have Charing Cross Road marked on my TCM "Now Playing" schedule booklet to watch. Thanks for reminding me, Jackie!
Marj
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84 Charing Cross Road is one of my very favorite films. Love it. Anne Bancroft? I picked up the DVD some time ago and get the urge to watch it every once in a while. I feel the same way about Casablanca.
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Just finished watching Charing Cross Road. What a lovely movie!
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There are a couple of other Helene Hanff books about the bookstore. I recommend them, too.
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Just in here, I missed the fact that 84 Charing Cross Road was to be shown on TV, but I saw it more than once many, many years ago. I thought it marvelous, but OH, the book! The book is on my list of all time favorite books, no doubt about it. Yes, there was at least one sequel. Helen Hanff wrote them, and it is all a TRUE STORY! The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street?
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Thanks, MaryPage for your enthusiastic recommendation of the book, 84 Charing Cross Road. i've seen the movie, but never read the book. Now I will.
I just watched Woody Allen's film, Blue Jasmine. It was certainly not a comedy, altho it had a few humorous scenes. I was fascinated watching Cate Blanchett's performance, and see why she won the Oscar for it. I thought Alec Baldwin was perfect as her smooth but crooked husband. Also thought the sister, Ginger, (Sally Hawkins) was great. I'll watch for Hawkins in her future films. Actually all the actors were very good, as was Woody Allen's writing IMO.
Marj
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Yes we did a good bit on Helene Hanff several years ago in our book discussions....she was a wonderful writer.
I'm just coming in to say that I saw Maleficient today with my grandson and it is just magnificent. She has just done a wonderful job with that movie. There were plenty of adults in the theater as well. I am aware of Angelina Jolie and what she's done but I never really appreciated her until I saw this movie that she made and it is out of this world.
I love what she's done with the story.
I saw quite a few movies on my long flights and one was the Wolf of Wall Street which I didn't particularly think I wanted to see, and it's hard to watch, but is a good movie.
Is just as well I really didn't understand half of what I was seeing, and had to turn away from a good bit of it.
I'm reading the book now. The author really writes well about things that you normally would not talk about, so it's it's hard to say if you would recommend it or not.
Then I tried to watch the Dallas Buyers. Club but unfortunately again it was about, as far as i got, drugs again, and I thought I'd like to take a break with that. I did see the new HBO series True Detective, with Woody Harrelson and again Matthew McConahay. It is absolutely excellent. I don't watch the CSI things, I have managed to avoid that type of programming, and here it is two detectives and it's wonderfully done. It's a 2014 release and it will be on DVD June 10.
That McConahay can really act. I'm really getting interested in his films. He also has a small part in the Wolf of Wall Street.
I started watching a movie called We're the Millers, but ran out of time on the plane. It's a comedy with Jennifer Aniston. Aside from some really gross crude language near the beginning....and I don't know what age its intended for, you could not take a child to it, it was actually cute, and I've ordered it from Netflix.
And then just to round off these somewhat severe experiences with something wholesome I did watch Saving Mr. Banks again, which was lovely the second time around, as well.
Love the movie choices on flights!
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Oh, and I forgot! I also saw Nebraska, too, and I agree with the comments here that it was excellent. And it reminds me very much of the lawnmower movie. And I expect the reason that Bruce Dern and did not get an Oscar for it is that people didn't think he was actually acting, he was that good.
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And, having watched the Jennifer Aniston movie, I can say it's one of the most tasteless things I think I've ever seen. What a shame. Why does everything have to be so egregious now?
I think probably this is a real sign of age on my part. I mean it's just.....
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I tried watching the Jennifer Aniston movie, We Are the Millers, Ginny. I gave up after 20 minutes. I thought the movie was in very poor taste (at least by my values). I wonder what ages it was intended to appeal to??????
Sally
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THAT is a good question!
(Teen age boys? Who like body parts jokes?)
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Ginny, not a sign of age...a sign of good taste! And "class" if you will!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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:) That's a much more positive way of looking at it! hahaha I'll vote for that.
Honestly, sometimes one feels totally out of touch. I'm not thinking all the vulgarity was needed, I wonder why those who made it did.
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I have never in my life thought I was such a terrible prude, but these days I feel assaulted, as though I am the target of a constant barrage of all that is rude and crude and over the top juvenile.
Am I all alone in this world in shuddering at the language being used? At the yelling and screaming at other human beings that is considered amusing?
And the advertising, over and over and over, about taking medications to ensure you can have sex?
I keep wondering what the grade school children are absorbing about general behavior and about focusing everything on sex! What will their generation be like?
Yes, I shudder, and feel total gratitude that I won't be forced to find out!
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I agree with you, MaryPage, about some of the junk that is thrown out on television.
I really hate those ads for medications for Viagra et al. Especially the one that says if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, see a doctor. Yuk!
However, I've gotten almost kind of desensitized to language that used to be verboten, as it is used so much now in films and novels. Especially when a book of fiction is set in an area where that language is common. But I really dislike it when a film or book overuses that kind of language, i.e. uses the 4-letter word gratuitously. (Altho I guess you would say any use is unnecessary?) Ah, for the old films when the worst word you heard occasionally was "damn." Frankly, my dear, .....
Marj
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Just returned from watching THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL in the theater. Wonderful! Funny! Best film I've seen all year. A visual treat. I recommend everyone should see it now while it is still in theaters on the big screen!
Marj
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I'm right in there with you. Gross! And the Red Carpet gowns! Did you see Rhianna's Swarovsky covered skin? And I thought Cher was shocking.
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Did you all fall in love with the movie FARGO back in 1996 or so? I know I did. The Coen Brothers did it, and it starred Frances McDormand, who won an academy award for best actress, and William H. Macy.
Well, the Brothers Coen have done it again. I did not think they could, so I have been hesitant to say so, but I have now watched 8 episodes of their new FARGO on FX TV, and I tell you, it is a hoot and a half, and then some. It is a 10 episode miniseries. Billy Bob Thornton is bound to win all kinds of awards for his acting, and a new star is born in Allison Tolman. Tom Hanks's son Colin Hanks plays a major role, as well. All of the acting is superb. It is a very, very violent film, but you do not actually see a lot of the violence; only enough to know what is going on. Oh dear, I do not KNOW when I have laughed so hard. Catch it, if you can, and give it a whirl. And please forgive me if it is not your thing. I think they call it crime noir.
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Thanks, MaryPage. I added the first disc of the Fargo TV series to my Netflix queue, altho they don't know how soon it will be available.
I have loved most of the Coen Bros. films, especially the Hudsucker Proxy, Miller's Crossing, A Serious Man, and Fargo.
Marj
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I have never seen ANY of those, other than FARGO.
This Fargo is about the same place some 20 years later, with different people. It has precisely the same sense of humor, however. And, of course, scenery. I have tried and tried to analyse why it tickles me so, when the bottom line concerns a great deal of violence, which I hate. I suppose it is all in the timing, plus the utterly absurd juxtaposition of humor with horror. You will see what I mean, and I can only hope you enjoy the series as much as I have done.
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Add Raising Arizona and The Big Lebowski. I gave up on the Fargo series too soon. Four episodes are scheduled here for June so I'm playing catch-up.
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Just watched a rather good movie, "Kongekabale"....Danish political thriller. No violence, political shenanigans but nobody even thinks of killing anybody to get their way, such a refreshing change. and the reporters actually have some morals and aren't afraid to discuss them.
Just saw that amazon has the very latest Wallander (Swedish) based on his last book. I'm thinking of quitting netflix and just using amazon. It seems every time someone recommends a movie, or I read about one I would like to see netflix doesn't have it, and amazon does. I think they have dumbed down their offerings.
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I don't subscribe to Netflix so can't check their listings. Does anyone know if they have the film or TV version of Lucky Jim? The book, by Kingsley Amis, has been nominated by marjifay in the Suggestion Box (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=309.msg223538#msg223538). It seems the book would be very interesting and a lot of fun. Thanks, marj!!
I'd love to see the film with Ian Carmichael (Lord Peter Wimsey in the PBS Mystery series) as well as read the book.
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It doesn't look like Netflix has Lucky Jim with Ian Carmichael, is it a 1957 movie? That may be why.
Amazon has a used one for 8.99 or something like that.
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Thanks, Ginny, for checking. That's the one.
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MaryPage, I liked the movie Fargo very much. It's pretty gory too, so it might be a good test of whether one would like the series. Another Coen brothers movie I liked a lot is O Brother, Where Art thou? It's a loose retelling of the Odyssey, set in the South in the 1930s, with the main characters escaped convicts. It's funny, with good music (and George Clooney, if that's a plus for you).
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Dana - we found exactly the same with Netflix, so we cancelled it after the free trial. It didn't have anything we wanted to see, and it didn't work with our main TV as apparently there was some issue between Netflix and Panasonic - another thing they don't tell you when you sign up. Luckily there was a month free and for once I remembered to cancel it before the time was up, ditto Amazon Prime. Like you I am beginning to think it's cheaper just to buy what you want from Amazon - it certainly makes you think twice about whether you are actually going to watch the thing.
Rosemary
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Last Sunday I saw a stage play of Les Miserables (the musical version). The music was great but I had a very difficult time understanding the words. I have now put on my Netflix queue the 1935 film version with Fredric March and Chas. Laughton, and will perhaps read the novel --Yiks! 1200+ pages!). Has anyone seen the 2012 musical version on film?
Marj
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Marilyne, your hubby would probably prefer "Words & Pictures". It is more of an adult theme movie. The main characters are teachers, the setting is a private school. A lovely, understated performance by Juliette Binoche as an artist dealing with the brutal effects of rheumatoid arthritis and how it affects her being able to paint. (Her art is very large, modern and won't appeal to everyone's appreciation) Binoche painted many of these herself. Clive Owen gives a bravura performance as a writer-turned-teacher, battling alcoholism, but his love for language and its usage is thrilling, especially for those of us who love "words" and how they are used by writers/authors. The way the students react to the "Words vs Pictures War" between these teachers is uplifting.
I would give this movie five stars!
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marjifay:l Les Mis (2012) with Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe was on tv here just yesterday. I was disappointed with HJ, all the energy and down right sexiness of his Curly (Oklahoma London 1999) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216048/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4 was flattened, Valjean is not a happy camper is he? In 7th grade Social Studies we read Hugo's Les Miserables. Might be an interesting discussion there somewhere.
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Wow, Jackie, I'm impressed. We never read anything that difficult in the 7th grade. I had never heard of Hugh Jackman. And I don't usually like to watch a movie redone after a great original, but Oklahoma 1999 gets such a good rating at IMDB, I added it to my Netflix queue. Thanks.
Marj
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Marjifay, I'm so glad to hear you like The Grand Budapest Hotel. My son and DIL saw it and said they didn't like it. I'm looking forward to seeing it when the DVD comes out.
Words and Pictures must be quite new. Netflix has one review. Amazon doesn't show it except for a 3 minute trailer. It looks like it would be good.
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Words and Pictures is very new. Just released last week. Still showing at the "premier" movie houses. I've heard such great things about Budapest Hotel. Guess some folks like stuff other folks don't.
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I definitely want to see Words and Pictures, as it ties in with Robin Oliviera's I Always Loved You , which SeniorLearn is reading right now. JoanP just posted an Oliviera link there and here are her (Oliviera) comments on that subject.
I believe that paint is as facile and powerful a medium as words. The Impressionists revealed their own politics and views on contemporary society just as Zola's essays and novels did; their themes mirrored one another. Zola's realist novels L'Assommoir and Nana commented on modern life in the same way the Impressionists' paintings did. No one can look at Degas's In a Café and not understand his politics, nor can one look at any of Pissarro's peasants-at-work paintings and not recognize his socialist leanings. Painters and writers alike were commenting on modern life with equal force.
From Robin Oliviera's Book Group Guide
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Marjifay: I was eager to see Hugh Jackman emcee the Tony awards. He's good, a great dancer, bright, personable, but he is NOT Curly. When one of the musical numbers was One Day More I realized that it was Curly I was expecting and Valjean was a disappointment. So I must revise my review. It doesn't matter much who plays Javert and Valjean, the story and especially the music are so powerful that the casting becomes minor. Les Mis is Superlative!!!
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Pedln, if you can possibly see The Grand Budapest Hotel in a theater, do so. It would probably be okay on DVD, but not nearly as good as on a big screen.
As to Netflix, I've got over 200 films on my queue, so I have not had much trouble finding films I want. The only ones I often have trouble finding on Netflix are the very early films of the 1930s and 1940s. Luckily we've got a wonderful DVD rental store in North Hollywood (Eddie Brandt's Saturday Matinee, 5008 Vineland Ave.) that has EVERYTHING. You often see stars from TV series, etc. in there looking for films, some looking for films which they can use to copy a speech accent, etc. The owners are experts on films. No unknowledgeable salespeople there.
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Wow, you're lucky marjifay. That DVD rental store sounds terrific.
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Yesterday Madeleine and I went to see the film 'Belle' - it is excellent. It's the true story of a mixed race child fathered by a Captain in the British navy in the 18th century. Her mother dies so he brings her to England and gives her to his family to look after - they are aristocratic and live at Kenwood House in Hampstead. After initial reservations they agree, and bring her up with her cousin, whose father is off gallivanting with his mistress somewhere. The couple are played by the wonderful Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson - his character is the most senior judge in England at the time.
They bring Belle up very well, but she is not allowed to appear at dinner parties, etc because of her colour. At the same time, the judge has to adjudicate on a case about a slave boat, the Zong - the crew threw all of the slaves overboard and the company is claiming on its insurance as they say they had to do this owing to insufficient water (apparently at that time it was OK in maritime law to jettison cargo for this reason, and slaves were classified as 'cargo'). However, documents show that the ship in fact passed 8 ports where it could have taken on fresh water, but sailed past. It did this because the slaves were packed so tightly into the ship that they had all become ill and many were dying, so no-one would have bought them on arrival. The insurance company is contesting the claim for compensation.
Belle's father dies at sea but leaves her a large legacy, so she is a good marriage prospect - or would be if she were white. Her cousin, meanwhile, is white but has no dowry, so no-one wants to marry her either. Emily Watson and Penelope Wilton (the dowager aunt) have to try to sort all this out. In the meantime, Belle has befriended a young minister who is intent on proving what really happened on the boat, and to bring about the abolition of slavery.
It's a fantastic story and the acting is excellent. Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Belle to perfection. Recommended.
Rosemary
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Thanks, Rosemary. Belle is playing at our favorite movie theater. We'll go see it.
Marj
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Thanks for an excellent review, Rosemary. I've put it on my queue for sometime in the hopefully not too far distant future.
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I stumbled across Nanny McPhee this am on HBO and it was hilarious! Been a while since I saw so it was fresh and new. No Time For Sargents was on TCM a while ago and it has aged well but the extra scenes at the end added nothing.
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Last weekend the daughters and I went to see 'Chef' - we enjoyed it a lot. It's a simple story, no great surprises but beautifully acted. The soundtrack is great too. Have you all seen it already?
Rosemary
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I haven't, but I've heard a lot of good things about it.
I came in to say I saw Jersey Boys, the Clint Eastwood new movie which has a lot of pans. I saw it in Williamsburg, VA, at a national Classics Conference and had 4 hours to kill. The theater had I'd say over 100 retirees, most of whom seemed to know each other. (I could happily live in Williamsburg, it was like a huge party of friends there, lots of retirees, I was really impressed). Anyway, I'm saying this because at the end of the movie there was clapping, which I haven't seen in a movie in a long time.
The movie has been panned, but I enjoyed it. I have not seen the Broadway show. At the end of it the Frankie Valli character says the best was when we were singing under the street lights (I don't think this is a spoiler, it's the credits) and then they show them doing just that as the credits begin to roll. Then more and more characters come out for a bow, then more, and it's like a curtain call at the theater. I love the way he did that. Even Christopher Walken comes sort of dancing out.
I really enjoyed that movie, curse words and all, and there are plenty of them: it's Jersey as they say, profane Jersey.
I also got to see my first Transformers with my grandson Thursday, the Exile one. I liked it? I can't believe I liked it. Metal monsters fighting each other and transforming into trucks. Fabulous CGI. Not much plot, hard to tell one monster from another, who is bad, who is good, who IS that monster, but Stanley Tucci was super. :) I like Stanley Tucci. Kelsey Grammer is in it too and Mark Wahlburg, he appears to be all built up muscle wise. But he was good, have never seen "Markey Mark" in anything and he was good.
I liked that about 90 percent of the violence, (with one notable exception which they really should have toned down: too MUCH but it was the token loss of one of the actors/ heroes early on to show they mean business. Still it was overdone)..... most of it was metal monsters, and that sort of dilutes the violence for me.
I realized after liking both of these movies I don't see enough movies and my taste is a bit off. :) Anybody seen either of these?
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By the way, the previews for the new Helen Mirren movie about the Indian restaurant across the street from her French restaurant looks like another The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I think it comes out here August 8.
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Not seen any of those but I love Stanley Tucci so much it would almost be worth seeing Transformers!
Rosemary
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Hahaha. I would never have gone but my grandson has seen all the previous films, apparently it's a series, and so he had more idea about what was going on. It kind of reminded me of those older Japanese Godzilla Destroys the City type films, which I think are an art form, Rotten Tomatoes type stuff, except the monsters here are these huge metal things. From outer space....I think. I enjoyed Stanley Tucci. As the film goes on he's got a pretty large part. And the thing is almost 3 hours long. Hahaha
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Ginny, I hadn't thought of watching Jersey Boys or Transformers, but now I probably will. Thanks for your reviews.
I think someone must have mentioned the following film here but I can't find the post. I got the DVD of ALL IS LOST from our library and watched it last night. It has only a few lines of dialog in the beginning and a couple of words toward the end and it's almost 2 hours long. It has only one actor, Robert Redford, who has to try to outwit nature to keep alive in his capsizing boat in the middle of the Indian Sea. Redford, who looks little like his early "pretty" image, is mesmerizing. I think the film is fascinating and thought-provoking.
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Marcie, that film, All Is Lost, is on my Netflix queue, so I'm glad to see your positive comments. One actor with very little dialogue sounds pretty demanding. The subject brings to mind a book on a similar topic, written several years ago -- Tinkerbell. And I can't remember the author or the subtitle, but an advertursome sailor wrote about his experiences sailing a 12 or 14 foot day-sailor across the Atlantic by himself. An acquaintance. because of his sailing experience, was asked by some newspaper to review the book. His overall opinion was that the sailor had a relatively easy time because the boat was so small. Sailing a larger boat solo would be difficult.
I recently watched Fruitvale Station, about the last day in the life of Oscar Grant, a young man shot in a BART station by Oakland police -- yes, you know the ending at the beginning of the film. When it started I wasn't sure if I really wanted to watch it, but soon found myself caught up in the life of young Oscar Grant. Looking at Netflix reviews, it seems to be one of those films that's either loved or hated. Based on a true incident, the film took a few awards at Sundance and at Cannes.
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Here is a Book Page list of some upcoming movies from books. http://bookpage.com/the-book-case/16892-highly-anticipated-book-to-film-adaptations#.U8P_Ho1dVng Some of these books I am unfamiliar with, none have I read.
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I've read Wild, and was totally unimpressed - a rare time when I stayed with a book thinking it would get better. It never did. I'll skip the movie. (Since we don't go to many movies, I'll probably miss the rest of them, too. ;) )
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I think "The 100 Foot Journey" will be a terrific movie. With Helen Mirren, how could it go wrong? (I didn't read the book yet)
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
I think it (100 Ft Journey) will, too, Tomereader. With Helen Mirren and also directed by Lasse Halstrom -- Chocolat, My Life as a Dog, and many many more.
Unbroken should be good, too. The book has received so many favorable comments, on my TBR list.
My hiking, back-packing daughter read Wild, MaryZ. She wasn't real impressed either. The book's on my TBR, but I'll probably skip it, and just watch the movie. Even though I"ll never do it, there's something appealing about the challenge of the outdoors and unexplored. I did like the movie of Jon Krackour's Into the Wild.
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Unbroken was one of my favorite books -- I hope they make it into a good movie. I was sorry to hear that Louie Zamperini died the other day at age 97. He seemed like a person I'd liked to have known.
I remember a surprising fact from the book -- that more of our men in WW2 were killed in airplanes that crashed because they were poorly made and hastily put together than were killed in crashes from enemy fire. As I recall, that was what was wrong with Louie's plane that crashed into the Pacific Ocean.
Marj
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pedln, I felt Wild was more about her "poor me" and whining than about the trail. Guess I thought it would be more about that.
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I got the 100 Foot Journey book today and it's got Helen Mirren's photo on the cover, B&N had it under a huge display of movie tie ins. I can't wait for the movie, it looks wonderful, August 9 it's coming out. I'm going to start it tonight, am in the mood for something positive and uplifting which it appears to be. And let's face it, as Tome says, how can the movie be bad, really?
The type of movie reminds me of something they used to do here back in the late 60's, it was movie matinees for ladies only. They showed movies of the type like the Marigold Hotel and the Doris Day comedies, free, and served refreshments free, too. I seem to remember Crispy Creme doughnuts and we all had a lovely time. It was full, too.
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James Garner just passed away at 86.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/21/movies/james-garner-actor-dies-at-86.html?action=click&contentCollection=Television®ion=Footer&module=MoreInSection&pgtype=article
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I just loved James Garner and feel his loss personally.
I just watched Lee Daniel's The Butler. It was well worth watching in my opinion.
Sally
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Yahoo News showed several photos of James Garner in his various movie roles. One was a scene in the movie Move Over Darling where he picked up Doris Day with one arm and, not meaning to do so, accidently fractured her rib. She continued with the film, wearing a brace of some sort. I've put that movie on my Netflix queue, along with some other of his films.
Marj
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I just found a James Garner movie I'd never heard of. It was highly recommended in an article about his films, and I've added it to my Netflix queue. THE NOTEBOOK, 2004, starring James Garner and Gena Rowlands. Directed by Nick Cassavetes (I love Cassavetes' films). Per IMDB summary, A poor and passionate young man falls in love with a rich young woman and gives her a sense of freedom. They soon are separated by their social differences."
Marj
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There was a book, too. I have forgotten who wrote it, but it was some well known author. I read the book AND saw the movie. Seems ages ago now.
Nicholas Sparks, that's who. I had to look it up, and then I felt stupid for not remembering.
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Thanks, MaryPage. I see the movie was made from the book by Nicholas Sparks. I'll add the book to my TBR list.
Marj
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TCM is having a James Garner retrospective Monday (EST) starting at 6 am (3 am PST)
http://www.tcm.com/schedule/index.html?tz=PST&sdate=2014-07-28
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Jackie, Thanks for that info. I'll set my dvr.
Sally
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Thanks, Jackie. Offhand I couldn't think of a film he starred in, thought it was mainly Westerns. But that's not necessarily so. Amazon had one of his DVDs really marked down, so I just ordered it -- My Fellow Americans. Garner plays an ex-president. Also stars Willford Brimley, Dan Acroyd, and ?
A few weeks ago, after having seen the ad daily on the NY Times, I watched The Grand Budapest Hotel. That is one strange film, not particularly to my liking. I think it's one of those films that I'd probably like better if I watched it a second time, but I don't think I can bring myself to do that.
Am currently caught up in Netflix's Season two of HOuse of Cards. It's been a while since Season one, and I think I need to rewatch it too.
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Pedln, I recently watched Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel (from our local library) due to a mention here, I think. I enjoyed its whimsical perspectives and settings.
Ralph Fiennes played one of the main characters and I thought he was superb in a role unlike I've seen him play before.
I looked up the writer/director Wes Anderson and found out he's the great-grandson of Edgar Rice Burroughs.
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That's interesting, Marcie, about Wes Anderson's grandfather. He has had some good results with his films -- I loved Moonrise Kingdom, and have The Royal Tenebaums here, ready to watch someday. Sometime down the road I'll rewatch the Grand Budapest and will find that I like it. That happened for me with Sideways. Wiki says Anderson fetishizes material things. Thinking of Grand Budapest that makes me wonder if he fetishizes women.
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Just goes to show how tastes differ. My son and I thought The Grand Budapest Hotel was one of the best films we'd seen this year.
Marj
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I just watched the first episode of THE OUTLANDER. Starz is showing it for free on ON DEMAND for just this week. Then you have to subscribe to the premium channel of Starz in order to see each weekly episode.
And it is really, really, really good. A little bit, weeeel, MORE than a little bit strong and modern with the sex. I find those parts difficult, but then again, I found the same with the books. And, while this is BASICALLY the same story, they have changed a lot. The beginning lasts a lot longer, you know, before she gets wafted off to the past. And they explain a lot of stuff up front that you don't learn until the end of the first book or into the second. But you have to do different stuff with film than you do with the pen. Oh, and her language is quite nasty; I hate that. But she is quite good, I would say most excellent, in the part. And he is downright DIVINE. I mean Jamie, of course. I will probably buy the DVDs.
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I just finished reading the most recent book in the series. Isn't she EVER going to get them back to Scotland?????
Although I'd love to see the tv version, I suspect it would be a case of being disappointed because the actors don't look like the ones in my head.
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I suspect you will like them, Callie. Give it a whirl this week. You can stream it for free, this week only, from Starz or get it for free on On Demand.
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Not sure this is my cup of tea, MaryPage, but the reviews on Netflix praise both film and books.
If you have read the books, you will love it.
I agree with MaryPage, Callie -- give it a whirl.
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Might do that. A couple of family "situations" have developed and I may not have time to think about it while the Starz Freebie time is on - but I'll put it on the To Do list.
Thanks.
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I will tell you the truth, I did not think they could pull off translating those books into films. Not for so much as a minute did I think it could be done.
And, truth to tell, I am not that big a fan of the author and the series. More truth telling time: I am not much for fantasy, but very into history. Not much for thick, overdone in the sex and romance department historical fiction that ends up with books so fat they are hard to handle and WILL NOT fit into a purse. A tote, mebbe, but a purse, no! And I love a paperback I can take along to doctors waiting rooms and restaurants. I am always reading while waiting or eating.
So daughter Anne gave me about 5 of the original books as one of my Christmas gifts years ago. I inherited more from a friend, just an acquaintance, really, who died. Inherited in the sense that her widower brought over a large cardboard box of her books and told me to take what I wanted and give away the rest. Mike, as we called her, had loved the series, and so I acquired all the rest. My daughter Debi starting reading them, and she was totally hooked. I just bought her the very latest in hardback for her June 14th birthday. Now Debi is busier than a one arm paper hanger these days, marrying off a daughter this coming Saturday. She has pulled off already reading that book, though, but did not feel she had time to spare to watch the free pilot of The Outlander. And so it is that I did it for her.
And I have to admit to any who wonder, I think they did a terrific job with it. WELL worth the time to tune in to every episode, if they don't fall down on the job.
By the way, Debi has read every single book. I need to pick up again one day. With book three! And so I hang on to them. Not really my cuppa, but passable.
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I just saw The Hundred Foot Journey, and while it was not the same ending as the book, I enjoyed it VERY much. It's a positive feel good type of movie. Here they only gave it 2 stars, I think that's a disservice. The theater was full of people of a certain age and it was delightful. Yes I can think of some criticisms, but what's wrong with a nice movie now and then?
I guess they did not kill enough people or show enough nudity. Faugh.
But in the previews was Exotic Marigold Hotel II and it looks to DIE for! Nobody who sees that trailer will ever be able to stay away. A must see and a surprising new guest star, too, to go with all our old favorites.
Looks wonderful, just wonderful. And there was nothing wrong with the Hundred Foot Journey, either. The man who plays the father needs some serious Oscar consideration, he was wonderful.
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The Hundred Foot Journey opened here today - and also received a 2-star rating. Criticisms were "picky" IMO and I'm looking forward to seeing it.
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I was perusing the upcoming movies and ran across Paddington. It is scheduled to be released for Christmas this year. Looks like a nice gift for the little ones. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1109624/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_1
Since I never read the Paddington Bear series, I never knew he was a Peruvian bear. Peru has bears? Yep! Looked it up. The Spectacled Bear, the only bear in South America, stays mostly in the Andes Mountains but apparently doesn't range down into Chili.
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I am looking forward to the Hundred Foot Journey & Marigold, too! I think the people who give reviews must be "twenty something". My sil (who is 9 yrs older than I) were just bemoaning the fact that the entertainment world (tv & movies) leave those of us a certain age out of consideration when they program. I am so sick of vulgar language, explicit sex, etc. being crammed down our throats; and when did it become popular to have crooks and criminals as heroes ?????
Sally
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The Hundred Foot Journey gets a good rating of 7.2/10 at IMDB (altho it doesn't sound like a movie I'd see). And I can't get excited about a Richard Gere film (Marigold Hotel).
Just saw a film I liked -- A Most Wanted Man with Phillip Seymour Hoffman, from a John leCarre book. Le Carre's books are not favorites of mine, but after seeing the film I want to read the book.
Also want to see Guardians of the Galaxy, a new Sci-Fi film, which they say has, along with an exciting story, very good interesting characterization (unlike many such films), witty dialogue and lots of humor.
Marj
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I enjoyed The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel so much that I have actually watched it on my DVD twice more since I scurried off to the moving picture theatre to first see it. Like some of the rest of you, I can barely contain myself looking forward to the sequel. Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Penelope Wilton (uh-uh, looks like the wife is coming back to India!), they were all so wonderful!
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Yes I loved that, too.
I just read a new review of the Hundred Foot Journey in that magazine Week or something and the reviewer gave it two stars and said if you like...I believe he said soppy fairy tales then you'd like it but said something nice afterwards. That kind of stuck with me, soppy fairy tales. I guess it did have too much of a pat ending (in comparison to the book which did not), so maybe he read the book and was disappointed in the pat ending, but I liked it anyway. That Om Puri is worth the price of admission alone.
Soppy fairy tales (if I'm quoting that correctly and may not be, but it was a generally dismissive remark very similar, the words "fairy tale" were definitely used)...in comparison to....shoot em ups? People dying in every frame? Vampires, robots, aliens and zombies? Car chases? Prostitution? People dying of drug overdoses? Cars transforming into super heroes?
I hate to tell some of these "critics," but my normal world does not consist of any of the above, and I don't think (and I hope) everybody else's doesn't either. So a movie about what appears to be normal people in a beautiful setting is a lot more normal for most of us.
He can keep his "fairy tales," soppy or not and just watch what he's used to in his life, the news. It's free.
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I just watched a movie from Netflix, Under the Skin, based on a novel by Michael Faber. The novel was a strange and haunting but fastinating story. I'd read the novel and was looking forward to see how they made it into a film. I don't mind when a movie is different from the book if it's done well. The director supposedly spent a decade working on the film, and IMO he wasted his time making a dull, boring movie which had only the barest resemblance to the book. Note: Neither the book nor the film is one for Ginny, who likes films "about what appears to be normal people in a beautiful setting." (and I'm afraid ones I usually find boring. LOL)
Marj
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I'd like to see UNBROKEN as a movie, provided it gets good reviews. I've seen too many great books (as this one was) made into disappointing movies.
Oh, I see where the Coen Brothers are doing the script. That should go a long way to making it a good movie.
Marj
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Nonono, that's not what I meant. I was being sarcastic with the critic calling The Hundred Foot Walk a "soppy fairy tale" just because it ended nicely and had no violence, sex, drug use, robots, transformers, zombies, end of the world, etc., etc. I was trying to say that every movie really does not have to have that as sometimes it's nice to see something which approached normalcy without those additions without calling it a fairy tale.
I like all kinds of movies but I don't call those which are pleasant fairy tales. That implies that one's own life is a long way from what's on the screen, to me. Maybe I'm nuts. :)
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Tom Rob Smith, who wrote THE FARM, also wrote CHILD 44, an interesting novel based on the true story of a Russian serial killer who, over many years, claimed over 50 victims, mostly under the age of 17. This was during Stalin's Russia and the bureaucrats in power would not admit that such crimes were being committed. They were only interested in hearing about crimes committed against the state.
I remember a terrific TV film made about this, called CITIZEN X. It's available at Netflix. Netflix summary: "In this fact-based film, Russian forensics expert Burakov (Stephen Rea) tracks a serial killer over several years. Bukarov's superior, Fetisov (Donald Sutherland), does his best to assist, but with more than 50 victims, the case stalls under Soviet bureaucracy. At the end of his rope, Bukarov brings in a psychiatrist (Max von Sydow) to create the killer's profile. Sutherland won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role in this made-for-cable thriller."
Marj
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oh yes I remember Citizen X, an absolutely terrific movie. Donald Sutherland was the Russian general who supported the policeman in his endeavours. When they finally caught the guy they just shot him. (Can't remember if he was tried...hope so...but...it was a very satisfactory ending...... I'm pretty sure I got a book, too, also called Citizen X.
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Have you seen that A&E has cancelled Longmire? According to the article, the producers are shopping it around to other networks to see if somebody else will buy it.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/a-es-longmire-canceled-728963
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What the heck are they thinking? Get rid of the high ranking shows so they have room for more crappy reality marathons? It is the only show I watch on A&E anymore.
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You and me, too, Frybabe!
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What I find these days, the thing I am finally analyzing about my choices in reading and television, is this:
When young, I kept up with and read almost every book featured in best seller lists and Book of The Month. Was almost robotic in slurping up every new offering, and remember being so shocked and put off by the likes of Philip Roth. As time went by, the passing decades put me out of the mainstream. The movement toward and then into total acceptance of unrepressed sexuality and gutter speech filled with expletives made me turn to cosy British mysteries. I could not then, and still flinch from, absorb the to my mind uncivilized culture exhibited in so many acclaimed works of modern literature and plays. I confess to finding refuge in any good book or movie from a more civil era. In the same way that the vast majority of network and cable television offerings smite me right into my soul and are impossible for me to adjust to, I cannot dive into the latest best sellers. The immoral choices, the language, the THOUGHTS! The addictions, the lack of duty and responsibility and LOYALTY! No wonder the young are the way they are! I get the feeling my own family groupings are, most of them, a wholesome throwback to the Leave It To Beaver days; but I see some of those few of my own generation of friends still chugging along having to accept downright earthmoving changes in the mores of their descendants. I have been on the phone long distance with a number (I can count on one hand) who live too far for further meeting, and they cry over the change in values.
It all goes together, it is a package of time; and I am living in the wrong package these days!
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A dear friend of mine, who is also in our Book Club, introduced me to the Longmire books way before he came to TV, and we were all so excited that it was going to be a TV show. We all started watching regularly, bemoaned the season finales that made us wait so long to get new episodes, and now A&E pulls this crap on us. In the beginning (doesn't that sound truly biblical? LOL) A&E had quality shows, then they suddenly deteriorated into "reality" shows, which bear not a semblance of reality (scripted nonsense). I can be happy just reading my books, but hubby requires television. I do have regular shows I watch, both cable and local broadcast, but the content and quality of TV in general is severely lacking.
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Yes, I remember when the Arts & Entertainment channel was just as good, if not better than, PBS. Hasn't been true for simply years now.
And the HISTORY channel started out wonderfully. Ugh! Now they are putting on spooky shows about UFOs and aliens and such like. Filling people up with a lot of crap, and no discernable History!
And THE LEARNING CHANNEL. It is all Reality TV now. Icky poo!
Finally, THE DISCOVER CHANNEL. Oh, such wonderful documentaries in the beginning!
I guess it is a matter of making money, and the advertisers only flock to stuff large numbers of the TV watching public will watch. Makes me want to puke, it do!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Well darn, I think I lost a post here. Just wanted to say, I've heard so many good things here about LOngmire, I going to have to watch, read or both. Probably watch, I don't think all the books can compete with my current TBR list.
MaryPage, my little movie group here (early dinner, then watch film) watched Best Exotic M H last night. My 3rd time round at least, and still found it enjoyable. You're right about Penelope Wilton -- she's listed in the cast. Maybe that's the "earlier at the Best Exotic M H" part. ;D
Last week we watched Tea with Mussolini, with an all-star cast including Maggie Smith, Judy Dench, Joan Plowright, and Cher. Loved it.
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Those are two of those oh so rare movie delights I can watch over and over and over again, always catching something I missed before!
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We just watched a good 1952 noir film, THE NARROW MARGIN, with very good acting by Charles McGraw and Marie Windsor. When a mobster's wife (Windsor) decides to testify against his evil deeds she goes undercover to avoid being killed. Now that he's coming to trial she has to be escourted across country via train in order to testify. Cop Walter Brown (McGraw) and his partner are assigned the task, but the mob are on their trail."
I think this was even better than the 1990 version with Gene Hackman. Both available from Netflix.
Marj
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I watched the movie The Book Thief last night. I loved it. Beautiful, beautiful filming and great costuming. The acting, especially Geoffry Rush and Emily Watson, was superb. Everyone knows how great Rush is, but honestly, I don't think we hear enough of how topnotch Watson is. And always has been, right from her debut.
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MP, glad you found the Book Thief as beautiful as I did. Acting, filiming, screenplay from book...excellent.
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Thanks for the tip off about Narrow Margin, Marjifay. The Hackman isn't available yet from Netflix, but the 1952 version that you like is, and I've put it on my queue.
Here's an interesting link from the NYT, showing arts and entertainment that will be in NY this fall. You can play around with it and bring up a movie listing of films that are being released. There will be a new Maggie Smith. (I can't remember the title)
NYT Entertainment (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/09/04/arts/fall-arts-preview-times-100-calendar.html?ref=arts&_r=0)
Has anyone seen The Identical? Ashley Judd and Ray Liatta. What if Elvis had a twin? I'm not an Elvis fan, but they showed some clips on Morning Joe last week and it looks like it might be good. I'm sure my friend who waiting two hours in line to get into Graceland will want to see it.
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I just caught an article about A&E's cancellation of Longmire. I knew it was good, but the Screen Rant website article says is was the most watched drama series in A&E's history, and came second only to Duck Dynasty in number of viewers. I suppose A&E isn't Arts and Entertainment anymore. They seem to want to concentrate on Reality TV programming. Maybe they should change their name too. No word on whether they will be picked up elsewhere yet. I am hopeful.
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I managed to reconfigure my Comcast package. Now I get the same TV stations, but also have HBO and a much higher internet speed. And, it all costs me $20 less than I paid before. To back to Basic and up my internet speed would have actually cost more than I was paying. This is, of course, offset by what I had to pay out for more water pipe valve repairs. This old house sure feels like a money pit now that I don't work.
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Which is exactly why I downsized to a condominum. MUCH more compatible to the life style and fixed income forced upon me by my aging.
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If you get a chance, see "Magic In The Moonlight" with Colin Firth and Emma Stone. Lovely, lovely romantic comedy!
It is written and directed by Woody Allen, and I usually try to avoid any Woody Allen movies. This would be my exception! Beautiful settings, mostly in Provence. Witty repartee. Nothing objectionable in the entire movie!
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Thanks, Tomereader, for your comments on the latest Woody Allen movie Magic in the Moonlight. I've been undecided about seeing it, but will now get to my theater where it is playing.
Have you seen the 2011 Woody Allen film, Midnight in Paris? One of my favorite films that year.
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I did see Midnight in Paris (was this the one with Owen Wilson?). If so, the movie was neat, but I don't like Owen Wilson, so it detracted from my enjoyment. Kinda put the fact that it was a Woody Allen out of my head for a bit.
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I like Woody Allen's movies that he isn't in. Most of them are good. Although I also enjoyed his newer ones that he was in. As long as he's playing his age(sort of) and isn't pared with a character that's in her twenties or thirties.
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Gone Girl premiered in New York this past week and it's next showing will be in my Missouri town Oct. 2. (No doubt in other towns too.) I'll wait for the subtitled DVD, a few friends want to see it, but a lot say they aren't going to see it. Cape Girardeau is a small city and the filming here is a big deal. I want to see it just to see who and what I recognize. The town is called North Carthage in the film and has been described as "an economically enfeebled town on the Mississippi where bad things can happen" and "is set in the recessionary present in a small fictional Missouri town, North Carthage ... desperate Anytown, U.S.A.: empty shops, vacant streets."
If any of you see it, I'd like to hear your thoughts.
This weeks TIME magazine has an interesting article about the film and about the book's author, Missouri-bred Gillian Flynn. She also wrote the screen play. An author to watch.
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I found the people in Gone Girl just too unbearably unlikable, and gave up on it in disgust. I can appreciate folk with the ability to write and to tell stories, but that book, like most of Joyce Carol Oates, is just too off the charts of plain everyday normalcy for my sensibilities to handle. Color me ordinary; I don't mind the appellation at all!
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I agree, Mary Page. It was a ftf selection last year & most members felt the same way!
It was well written, but all the characters were just too unlikeable.
Sally
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I haven't read the book, Gone Girl, or seen the movie. There's an interesting, sort of humorous, review at http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/gone-girl-2014 that almost makes me want to see the movie.
Here's a quote from the review:
And yet it never crosses the line and becomes too much a deconstruction or parody. It's a plot-obsessed picture that's determined to stay one step ahead of the audience at all times, and cheats when it feels it has to. It is a perfect example of a sub-genre that the great critic Anne Billson has labeled "the preposterous thriller," in which "characters and their behavior bear no relation not just to life as we know it, but to any sort of properly structured fiction we may have hitherto encountered."
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That's an intriguing review!
The quoted paragraph sort of sums up the book, too. I liked the book, very much. It's clever. You never know, you really don't, what's happening. who to believe, and who is telling the truth. You're in both of the character's heads, alternately. The ending is a stunner. It's hard to put down. Likeable characters? Maybe not. But the Ripley series featured a sociopath living another life on the surface, and it was wonderful.
And the book also never goes over "the line." It's an experience to read it because you are caught on both sides, every time, you swing back and forth.
Does it have a fairy tale ending with an Aesop's moral? No. Is it cozy and uplifting and sweet? No. But it has an ending that suits the characters.
It's one of a kind.
I can't imagine making a movie of it, but they say it's super! :)
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I agree with Ginny about the book, Gone Girl. I really liked it. But I doubt I'll see the film.
There is a film just out in my favorite theater that I do want to see -- TRACKS, an Australian film, a true story, about a young woman who goes on a 1,700-mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog. One reviewer says, "I found it truly moving. It's a beautiful film - not just in it's transporting cinematography and landscapes, but beautiful for it's truthfulness, it's honesty. "Tracks" is both extremely poetic and extremely authentic - it's emotionally raw. I didn't find one false note in the movie - no melodrama or stereotype characters that you see in most Hollywood films. Mia Wasikowska's performance demonstrates that old line from Keats, "Beauty is truth, truth beauty" - it's a great performance - the epitome of soulful."
Marj
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Thanks, Marj. I think that Mia Wasikowska is a wonderful actress. I'll look for TRACKS.
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Marcie, when I tried yesterday, and again today, to REPLY in the PBS forum, I find there IS no "reply" button. The first one showing is NOTIFY. But I do not know what that is for, so I hoped I could get your attention in here and ask if it is just my computer, or what.
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No it's not you. I just went back and checked and there's no reply button. Weird!
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I have fixed it, somehow it got locked, it's good to go. :)
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Thanks for reporting the problem, MaryPage and Jeriron. Thanks, Ginny, for fixing it!
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Phew! Wish y'all could solve ALL of my problems that easily! Boy oh boy, I would rush in here and give you a list DAILY!
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Me too!
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Tracks sounds good, Marjifay. The film is out, but not the DVD so it'l be a while before Netflix has it. The book on which the film is based is by Robyn Davidson, the woman who make the trek. It sounds like a long lonely walk to me.
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My daughter Becky reported to me last night that she took two of her grandsons (my great grandsons!) to see the movie Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day over the weekend. She was not wildly enthusiastic, saying it was not the same as the book at all and was not as good as the book. That being said, she said the boys loved it and there was nothing objectionable and she enjoyed taking them.
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I expect this has nothing to do with books but on the subject of movies. I bought the original Avengers series. It's every one of the original black and white series (or at least so far), with Mrs. Peel in it...
It was very inexpensive, I can't remember what it cost, and it's something like 70 episodes. There was an awful lot of chatter I think it was on Amazon where I first saw it about how don't buy it, the disks are loose they've all scratched each other they had to be returned . But that's not the situation with mine. All of mine are on those folded out plastic things that holds all of the disks, and I haven't had a problem at all.
It's really amazing the quality of those old things, and you take them in order. And the first two episodes are just wonderful, they really are good.
I'm really enjoying the old series.
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I also really liked the old 1960s Avengers with Diana Rigg as Emma Peel (was she Mrs. Peel, and if so was she still married or was she a widow?) and Patrick Macnee as Steed. Interesting that I don't recall there being any romance in the series between the two. All the episodes are available at Netflix.
As you probably know, Diana Rigg was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Does that make her now Lady Rigg?
Marj
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I just watched on Turner Classic Movies Dick Cavett's interview on his 1970's program with Alfred Hitchcock. Fascinating. Hitchcock said if he had to name his favorite of all his films, it would be Shadow of a Doubt with Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright. That was my favorite also. For those who like his films, what is your favorite? My least liked was Vertigo, probably because I don't care for Kim Novak's acting.
Now I'm going back and adding to my Netflix queue those few Hitchcock films I have not seen.
Marj
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No, no lady. It makes her Dame Diana.
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Now about Books Into Movies: Friday opens here "Before I Go To Sleep". It stars Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. If anyone read the book, you will surely be interested in seeing this movie. It hasn't received much advance notice (not like "Gone Girl") but I hope it will be enjoyable. My friend, the movie reviewer, said the movie Gone Girl was A-W-F-U-L. She said after the first 30 minutes she wondered what she was doing there! I haven't seen it, but I had high hopes that it would be much better than the book (which I hated). We seem to be in the Halloween/Horror/Zombie mode for TV and some movies. Can't be bothered with those and wish the movie moguls would save their money. I just glanced at my calendar and noticed that the same day I'm going to see Before I Go to Sleep, the live in HD version of "Carmen" will be showing at the same theatre. Darn.
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Okay, MaryPage.
(I'd rather be called a lady than a dame (LOL)
Maj
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Ah, but remember
"THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A DAME!"
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Talking of old tv series, a while ago my husband got absolutely TONS of episodes of Barney Miller dirt cheap somewhere. Anybody remember those? Anyway we got completely re hooked and happily watched the whole lot, it seemed like for months. Very funny, my favorite character always was Wojo, my husband's was the Japanese guy--who, we discovered died of throat ca halfway thru the series......perhaps not a politically correct series any more (like "Till
Death do Us Part"...or as adapted for the US, "All in the Family").... but fun.
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I remember watching the Barney Miller series faithfully and enjoying it. It sounds like the series stood up over the years for you, Dana. I found the closing few minutes on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPlIT24pj2U
I'm impressed by the number of actors who are also musicians or who can sing well. Hal Linden had an early career with the "Big Bands" and later starred in musicals as well as plays on stage.
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So, to tell you about the movie "Before I Go To Sleep". It has outstanding performances by both Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman. Following the storyline of the book, Kidman does "wake up in a new world" every morning, not even recognizing her "husband" Colin Firth. Keeping to that storyline becomes a teeny bit repetitious even confusing when you are not quite sure if the scene is the one you saw before, or a new morning. After they get you into the groove of that, the story progresses, a bit slowly, as she gains tiny bits of memory. The doctor who is working with her, surreptitiously, is trying to increase these bits until she can recall how she became injured in the first place. As the movie progresses, I found my heartbeat speeding up! Not scared out of my seat, but reacting to the "thriller" segments. It has been quite sometime since I originally read the book, so I was unsure if they maintained the ending properly. Loose ends were tied up, so I had no quarrel with that. Frankly I didn't remember any of the storyline, except the bare bones so to speak, so I was awakening in a new world too!
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Tomereader, thanks for sharing your thoughts about Before I Go to Sleep. You've sold me and it's now on my Netflix queue. A good plot, a bit of mystery and outstanding acting. -- can't go wrong there. I've enjoyed the Colin Firth films that I've seen - especially The King's Speech and another biographical type Railway Man, about British Officer Eric Lomax who was imprisoned by the Japanese during WWII.
I havn't seen anything really really good lately. I did like the Longmire episodes and the DCI Banks, both recommended here, but am waiting for a terrific recent 5 star movie. Any suggestions?
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They usually bring out the big guns between Thanksgiving and Christmas; they seem to do this every year in order both to pull in the holiday shopping crowds and for Academy Award consideration.
I cannot recall (surprise! surprise!) all those I have read about in the past year that are to be released then, but I seem to remember several from books that have been popular AND, not for everyone, but most definitely for us, there will be the new Judi Dench/Maggie Smith/Bill Nighy, etc. about the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Is that what it is to be named? I do not know.
But we should have at least a couple of goodies.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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My daughter and her hubby went to see "Interstellar" last nite, and it is three hours long. Our movie critics said it was a lot of talk, talk, talk and a loud soundtrack, which caused me to write it off my list. Daughter said she liked it. Matthew McConnaghey perhaps?
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My sister also saw it last night. She liked it, but a lot of the technical/scientific dialogue went over her head. She also said that Michael Caine mumbled his words in one or two scenes, so much so that she couldn't understand him.
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The reviewer here complained about the sound--background too loud to hear what the actors were saying. If a seasoned reviewer can't hear all of it, what chance do I have?
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I have to use a combo of closed captioning and a pair of Sennheiser ear amplifiers. Works like a charm; or to put it more succinctly, patches up the muddle-mess of an old lady's failing hearing.
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My son has finally talked me into watching HBO's The Newsroom on On Demand, and he is right; I should have been watching it from the gitgo. It is Wonderful! I feel as though I have something akin to my beloved The West Wing. No President Bartlett, but it is still according to the beliefs of Aaron Sorkin, and I belong in his coven, or whatever!
Now I have simply hours of fun to catch up with. The acting is the BEST!
So I am here to tell ya that if you, like me, loved The West Wing, here is your happy time back for you!
It is impossible for me to watch on Sunday nights, because it comes during my Masterpiece Theatre hour. That is why I have been missing it. But Bless On Demand!
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MaryPage, I really enjoy The Newsroom also. Since you may not have seen the first episodes, you might not be aware that the main character, the newsroom anchor, is a self-proclaimed Republican. But the program, as you say, is in tune with Aaron Sorkin's political views, though given that, it seems pretty balanced to me. This season THREE is going to be the final season. I think you'll enjoy catching up with seasons ONE and TWO.
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Marcie, because I am watching it via the On Demand option only, I have watched each episode in the correct order. I have thus far seen only three episodes, but am truly hooked. Yes, I read that Sorkin says this season is it for him. I expect such a gifted writer has a limit to the enthusiasm they can pour into one set up, and he most likely feels an urge to put an end to his news anchoring and go on to other things, just as he could put all of himself into being president and running the country through The West Wing for just so many seasons. But hey, Josiah Bartlet was the BEST president we've never had!
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I've just put Season I of The Newsroom on request from our library. Thanks for the recommendations.
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MaryPage, I'm glad that you're able to see The Newsroom in order. Maryz, I think you'll have a good time watching it also. I think that the writing and the cast are great!
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I started watching The Newsroom about half way through the first season simply because i hadn't heard anything about it until thet started to write reviews. I am amazed that they haven't had more Emmy nominations. I also think it has great writing and acting. I think Jeff Daniels won one Emmy and was perhaps nominated twice.
Last night's episode was very good.
Jean
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I really like the first season of The Newsroom and hope that Netflix will soon be offering Season two on DVD. ANother good one is Last Tango in Halifax (PBS?). Saw season one on Netflix, waiting, waiting for Season 2.
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Oh Pedln, Last Tango In Halifax IS, without a doubt, one of the best very English, very Yorkshire, stories ever acted out. Not only is every single piece of acting superb, but the very, very last episode of the 2nd season, the one you have not seen as yet, is one of the best nights of television I have ever had in my entire life. All I can tell you is that Sir Derek Jacobi performs a vaudeville type piece at the wedding celebration that is to die for. I have found myself wishing I could have that bit, and just that bit, on a tape or in a place somewhere so that I could pick myself up by watching it whenever I feel a need to. You will LOVE it, and you will almost fall on the floor laughing and hugging yourself. Well, obviously I cannot speak for YOU, but I sure did!
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It must be age, as I get closer to the big 8. There were 15 movie review summaries in today's NY Times and none of them appealed to me. There are some DVDs I'm looking forward to, such as Gone Girl, Wild, Unbroken, 100-Foot Journey and a few others. But after reading the article below about the TCM Host I'm ready to chase down more golden oldies. I just added I Love You Alice B. Toklas to my Netflix queue. I've seen a few Peter Sellers films, but never that one.
TCM's Robert Osborne (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/movies/robert-osborne-is-the-face-of-tcm.html)
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Talking of age, I've been having the best holiday today watching the old Avengers films. They've made a collection of the ones with Diana Rigg as Mrs. Peel, and I've watched them from the beginning, starting the 1965 volume one with Patrick McNee and Diana Rigg in order and in black and white.
Really enjoying them. And an unexpected part of the enjoyment is coming from looking up some of the actors in the films. Some of the supporting cast is quite spectacular. For example today there was one in which Gordon Jackson better known as Hudson the butler in Upstairs Downstairs, played in, which actually wasn't the best episode, but I'm really enjoying learning about the actors, such as the Gordon Jackson never watched his performances, he never watched anything he did on film, he was uncomfortable acting and also being on the stage isn't that interesting? His Scottish accent typecast him, but he was also in the Alistair Sim Christmas Carol, at the party Scrooge attends invisibly at his nephew Fred's house, when they were playing the parlor game The Minister's Cat.
Now I have just watched one about a marriage lonely hearts bureau and the actor was Patrick Cargill, and come to find out he had played in a movie called the Countess from Hong Kong, which happily Netflix has, so I get to see him again. Netflix actually has four of his movies.
He's got a wonderful delivery. Kind of a sardonic interesting way of talking in a veddy high class British accent. If you've ever seen him, you'd know him. I think he was born in 1918. Patrick McNee was born in 1922. Gordon Jackson was born in 1923. And Diana Rigg in 1938 I think. I would need to look all those up again to be totally accurate but I find it fascinating; this is a whole generation of actors that I don't know that much about.
I'm really enjoying this side effect of these old movies; it's a lot of fun.
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1923 was a year of rare vintage; my Beloved was born in that year.
I spent yesterday watching a marathon of The Newsroom on ON DEMAND. Oh, but I love that show. Meryl Streep's acting daughter, Grace Gummer, plays the part of Hallie.
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MaryPage, I can't remember which one "Hallie" is - I'll pay attention next time.
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And now I have watched a Surfeit of H2O, and there is Geoffrey Palmer! He was born in 1927.
And he was an accountant, and worked in an imports office, until his girlfriend talked him into joining the theater.
What fun this is!
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Tonight on TV there will be a presentation of "The Red Tent". I know a lot of you have read it and enjoyed it. Wonder how good the TV version will be?
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My bad...Red Tent begins next Sunday on Lifetime Channel.
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Oh, my heart nearly STOPPED there, TomeReader, because I adored the book and want to see ANYthing anyone does from it, and I cannot find anything in the television listings for today. But thanks a bazillion for telling us, and I have it on my calendar for NEXT Sunday. Whoopee!
MaryZ, Hallie does not come into The Newsroom until Season 2. You will recognize her right away, because she looks so much like her mother. She plays the part of a gal Jim meets on a Romney campaign bus. She is part of the press corps following him around. On the show, she plays a Vassar grad, which is actually an inside joke because in real life she IS a Vassar grad, as is her mother. In Season 3, she actually goes to work in the newsroom itself, because she and Jim become an item.
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Thanks, MaryPage.
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Thanks for the "heads up" on "The Red Tent". Several years ago, I was in a book discussion about it and will be looking forward to seeing the tv production.
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I went to this site and signed up for a reminder to watch it on Monday the 8th at eight. I cannot watch it on the Sunday at nine because DOWNTON ABBEY comes back that night! Scheesch! They load everything good on us at once!
http://www.mylifetime.com/movies/the-red-tent
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I thought Downtown didnt start till January???
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Tome and MaryPage, neither did I. The DA web site seems to confirm this: ]http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/] (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/)
My PBS station is having a "review" of DA tonight and, according to the monthly schedule I receive, it looks as if there may be reruns until January.
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Oh, Dear! My Bad! I got my MPT December program guide and noted that Downtown Abbey would be on every Sunday and assumed it was the new one. So I went back and looked, and it is season FOUR they are showing all month. Good Grief, it IS Season Five we will start seeing! And in January. Please forgive me for being in my dotage.
That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!
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MaryPage, I'll back you up on liking Newsroom if you liked West Wing. I've only seen Newsroom1 and an waiting desperately for Netflix to get Newsroom2. I've got the seven seasons of West Wing and am slowly working my way through. So much to view.
PBS has a "remastered" version of Jewel in the Crown comging out Tuesday -- with captions, which I definitely need -- and I've ordered it. Have been wanting to watch it again for a long time.
Tomereader, thanks for the info about THe Red Tent. I've not read it, but that book has been on my shelf for years. I'll definitely check out the film.
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We just watched the last episode of Season #1 of The Newsroom. Now I can take the overdue DVD back to the library and check out the second season. ::) Thanks so much, MaryPage, for recommending it.
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Oh, Pedln! TAKE The Red Tent down off your shelf and read it soonest. It was a great book, which I read eons ago. It tells you so much good stuff about attitudes towards women back when the Jews were a nomadic tribe living amongst and side by side with other nomadic tribes. AND you get so into the women and who they mothered that it becomes impossible, once you have finished the book, to ever again forget the Twelve Tribes and their names. I mean, you won't know the HEBREW; but you will know one from the other, and which woman was the founding mother, as it were. Fun! As for the fictional aspects, well, they glue it all together and make it an easy read.
Yes, I adored The West Wing. Bought the DVDs, too.
Season 2 of The Newsroom is great, as well, but nothing there equals Season 1 Episode 5. But Yea I say unto you, when you get to Season 3 Episode 4, you will rejoice! You will stand on your tippy toes and shout Yea!
And in Season 2 you get to meet Meryl Streep's daughter, Grace Gummer. What a name! I love the name Grace or Gracie, but Gummer? She is a most excellent actress.
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Something else I should tell you about The Newsroom. On the regular showings on the HBO channel, you don't get any extras; any freebies, as it were. But if you are watching it on ON DEMAND, you DO! Get freebies. You get about a 5 minute thingy at the end where Aaron Sorkin, the scriptwriter divine, the one who must be monitoring my thoughts, tells you what the episode you have just watched is all about in his mind. These are so great!
Are you getting that via the methods by which you are watching the series?
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MaryPage, I kept Season 1 of The Newsroom out of the library overdue, so we could finish it. And I'm #3 in line for Season 2. Is Streep's daughter the "sorority girl" who just showed up at the end of Season 1 looking for a job as an intern?
Since the DVD was overdue, we didn't take the time to watch the "extras". We will the next time, though.
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Oh, I am disappointed to hear that. The extras are just so great, and I am a leetle bit in love with Sorkin.
No, and I swear, Mary, you will KNOW her when you see her, now that I have told you she is Meryl Streep's daughter. Imagine her mother very young, and you have it! Anyway, no, she is not the intern. She plays a reporter from a different media who is part of the press corps following the Romney campaign. They are actually on the bus which that campaign furnishes to haul the press corps around. The one Will Mcevoy has on the bus breaks his ankle or arm or something, whatever it is it is not an important event in the story, but what IS an important event is that Jim takes his place. Sends himself to take his place! To get away from that Maggie mess, although he won't admit to this. And it is only to be for two weeks. Hallie, her name is Hallie in this story, is on that bus. You'll know!
I honestly don't know whether it comes out in the story, or whether Sorkin tells us in the extra bits, but we are meant to recognize the intern. Why? Well, because we have met her before. She is the college girl who asked the question of the panel at the seminar in the very first episode of Season One. The girl Mcevoy absolutely blew away with his answer. And being Will, he agonized about possibly having terrified or intimidated her, so he hired her! You could almost see that coming, if you have Will figured out by now.
Remember Mac telling someone that Will has the biggest heart in the world? Well, believe her. She has him down cold, as we used to say.
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MaryPage, it's mentioned in that last scene of Season #1 that she is "that" sorority girl (from the first episode). Her name isn't mentioned, though. I asked because you had mentioned about Meryl Streep's daughter. I'm not a fan of hers, so don't know much of her stuff. Anyhow, we'll be watching.
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Streep has another daughter (also, an actress) named Mamie Gummer. She also looks like her mother. She was on a short lived series and played a nurse.
Sally
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There are are photos and some interesting information about Meryl Streep's two actor daughters at http://www.vulture.com/2013/08/know-your-gummers-mamie-and-grace.html
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Thanks, Marcie. Great site. I think Grace looks more like her mother.
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I just found a photo of Meryl and the youngest of her three daughters, Louisa. You can tell she is a model. She's beautiful! (so are her other sisters) :-)
http://pagesix.com/2014/08/12/louisa-gummer-outshines-mom-meryl-streep/
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Well, now that I've seen all three of her daughters, I would most definitely say that Grace looks the most like Meryl.
Speaking of whom, ABC national news had her on tonight with David Muir interviewing her and all of the main actors in INTO THE WOODS, and then interviewed just her and they wound up out on the sidewalk and she said something about her 3 daughters and her husband was there and they walked off down the sidewalk, arm in arm. She also mentioned her son.
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I watched Gravity last night. It was more interesting than I thought it would be, but I have a little trouble believing that all those satellites, the Hubble, and the stations could have been destroyed like that. I do not believe that they are all the same distance from earth, not to mention different orbits, that they would all be caught in such a debris field.
Ah, well, maybe, maybe not. I just found this interesting blurb (the one on the right) which shows the debris from the Chinese shooting a communications satellite in 2007 and satellites in orbit. First, I forgot the Chinese did that, and second, I didn't realize just how much junk we have floating around up there now. I saw one statistic on another site that said there are over 12,000 objects now in orbit. I believe that includes space junk as well as satellites. http://www.compadre.org/informal/index.cfm?Issue=44 Does anyone remember the old Mad Magazine cartoon depicting the garbage (banana peels and all) floating in space?
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I haven't seen Gravity yet, Frybabe. That's an interesting article about space debris. I followed a link from that page to an article with photo about the biggest fragment from Skylab to it earth. It's at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Skylabfragment.JPG
There is a photo of Meryl Streep and her son and husband at http://viola.bz/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/0_8797b_e88ae362_LFamily-portrait.-Streep-married-sculptor-Don-Gummer-in-1978.-They-have-four-children-including-son-Henry-seen-here-with-his-parents-in-this-undated-photo.-Of-their-three-daughters-two-are-actresses.jpg.
You'll see a billion photos of Meryl Streep, many from her various roles, at http://viola.bz/charity-activist-meryl-streep/
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Wow, is he ever his father's son! Spittin' image, as they say. And why DO they say that?
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Frybabe, your doubts about the physics of Gravity are well-founded, and there are more goofs of that sort. IMDB has a list of goofs, a lot of them that kind of thing. Here it is, but no one who hasn't seen the movie should look at it. There are spoilers.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454468/goofs (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454468/goofs)
That said, astronauts say the movie captures very well what it feels and looks like to be in space. It's also the first 3-D movie I've seen where the 3-D actually made it better, rather than just making you duck every ten minutes when they throw something at you.
I enjoyed it a lot.
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Thanks, PatH. I didn't catch some of those errors that were mentioned, like the helmet floating when it shouldn't, and that she was sitting the wrong way on descent.
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Commercial on for THE RED TENT, and I am so far shocked that they have changed THE BIBLE story as I knew it, and I do not remember the book doing that! It was 7 years Jacob labored to win Rachel and then it was her father who fooled him with Leah, instead. Then he had to work 7 MORE years for Rachel![/color]
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Almost an hour into it, and they have never explained the red tent. This show acts as though it is just where the women live, and that is not what it was at all.
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Well, I will watch it again tonight in order to see the whole thing, but was, on the whole, disappointed with Part I last night. The thing that most astonishes is the moxie the writers had in actually changing the story as it was in The Bible!
Thought Debra Winger's small part in playing Rebecca was Outstanding. What a truly great actress she is. Three Academy Award nominations, too; and yet she is scarcely known. One of those actors that never fulfilled their promise, I guess. Her career just never took off.
Thought the scene where Esau and Jacob met was very good. Most of the rest was drivel, and they got so much flat out wrong. Why on earth they feel the restraints of time mean they have to change and mix up stuff, I do not understand; but this most excellent book has been betrayed by the filming of the great story it originally told.
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:) marking my place so it shows up in my favorites.
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The Golden Globes are out and also three NYT reviewers discuss their top picks of the year. Has anyone seen Boyhood? It is getting a lot of attention.
The year in movies (http://www.nytimes.com/pages/movies/index.html)
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I saw the movie Birdman today staring Michael Keaton which was nominated for a Golden Globe award and I really disliked it. Awful. I wouldn't recommended it to anyone. Waste of money.
Marj
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Oh no, Marj!! Why? I was just about to go see it! What's wrong with it, why do you say "awful?"
I'm so glad I saw this first. I do like Michael Keaton, too.
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Thank you for that link, Pedln. I got sidetracked into several other links from there! I'd never heard of some of those movies. It's helpful for me to get everyone's reactions here.
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It's usually the other way around for me, Pedln. . Right now I'm reading The Young Lions by Irwin Shaw after seeing the movie which I really liked. Wanted to read it because Marlon Brando wanted to play the German Nazii in the filmonly if they would make him a "good guy."
It never bothers me if the movie is not just like the book, as long a they make it a good movie. (And "good", to me, does not mean just like the book.)
Marj
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I'm watching Peter Pan Live on Tv, Chistopher Walkens is terrible as Cap Hook. He looks like he's reading his lines off camera. He has no facial expression. He looks like he's just "phoning it in", just getting it over with. So disappointing.
Jean
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I just watched My Fair Lady on TCM - uncut and without commercials. I don't know long it's been since I saw the whole movie. It is so good (even without Julie Andrews) and such wonderful music and lyrics. A sheer pleasure!
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I watched part of Peter Pan but couldn't stick with it to the end. In the part I viewed I think that Brian William's (NBC newscaster) daughter did a terrific job as Peter Pan.
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I didn't stay with Peter Pan to the end, either. I agree about Christopher Walken as Captain Hook!
However, when I saw him in an episode of 'Worricker", I thought the same thing. Is he having health issues?
Last night, I watched "Amadeus" on PBS. I had seen it long ago but didn't remember much - other than Mozart's silly laugh and childish ways. The local host commented that the real Mozart wasn't that "goofy" - but did like his "wine and women".
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That is so weird! I usually agree a lot with Jean and Callie, but I thought Christopher Walken's Captain Hook was the absolute BEST I've ever seen! To me, he was Captain Hook as I have always imagined him. A fierce character, but at one and the same time, a spoof on a fierce character, which is, when all is said and done, what all of Peter Pan is. I cannot tell you how many times this past week I have told people that, and now I find you feeling just the opposite and it astonishes me!
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I didn't have a problem with Chris Walken as Captain Hook. I didn't like his makeup much though and he semed a bit old for the part. If, as some have suggested he forgot his lines at one point, the cast was quite quick to pick up on it and fill in the gap. The Williams girl was better than I expected.
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I recognized the "spoof" angle for the character, but he almost seemed to be spoofing acting. At least once he was obviously looking for his "spot" on the floor; he was so obviously looking to the side to read his lines - like the folks on SNL. I thought he appeared bored to death and was not putting any "character" into his character. >:(
In fact, right from the beginning i wondered if he was sober.
Jean
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Has anyone seen The 100 Foot Journey? It's now available on ppv; but I can't decide whether to purchase it.
Sally
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I have. I thought it was wonderful, uplifting, lovely. I disagree with the critics who say it's sappy. It's not. I read the book, too. The movie has a somewhat more idealistic ending than the book tho they are both positive.
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And the Netflix DVD will be available 12/30. I'm looking forward to it -- anything with Helen Mirren -- and hope it won't be "a very long wait."
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And a trip to Italy is also coming out on DVD on the 23rd. It went apparently immediately to DVD after being shown in the Netherlands and of course on British TV. The critics have rated it A-, can't really understand why it wasn't released here. I loved the first Trip, it's got Steve Coogan and Rob Bryson traveling about on assignment to taste the various restaurants of Britain, and the new one, the same, to Italy, I had so looked forward to seeing it, so will have to order it from Netflix.
The first one is an odd movie, they ride along on their trip, reveal things about themselves, and recite bits of poetry from memory as they come to the different historical areas of Britain, they try these fancy restaurants, they do impressions of famous people and vie with it, it's very interesting.
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Has anyone seen the movie Into the Woods? I'm debating whether to go see it. I think it might be a musical and I'm not fond of most musicals.
Marj
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Marj, I'd like to see Into The Woods even though I don't care for musicals. It looks good anyway.
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I've now seen The Trip to Italy and I was surprised that it fell kind of flat for me. I don't know why. I loved the first one (The Trip) but this one seemed less interesting. I could have been distracted, it did have some laugh out loud moments, but some fairly tasteless ones, too. Steve Coogan in this one seemed bored, and I think that is what made the difference, it was, to me, not as good as the first one, but again, I may have been too distracted. In fact, I know I was. I'll watch it again later on.
Am going to see the 3rd Night at the Museum movie tomorrow.
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The critics did not find any excitement to express about the 2nd one, either, Ginny. Sometimes you just cannot recreate a perfect thing. I loved the first. It was the kind of thing you sort of hug yourself with Joy over. I have not seen this second one, for the very reason that the critics seemed to feel so let down by it. I wanted to feel the magic.
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I know that some of you read The Book Thief. I just watched the movie and at the end was talking to the television using some not very nice words. I thought it was a lovely story up until the last ten minutes of the movie, then "everybody leaves" became a prophecy. That was basically the end of the movie, altho there was a short scene where the mayor's wife shows up and obviously takes her in. There was another very short scene where Max shows up - looking pretty healthy for having been in a concentration camp, or was he? And then there was a short epilogue by "death" talking about how she had lived for 90 yrs and had become a writer!!!
Is that how the book ends?!?
If so, i would have thrown it across the room. I was so disappointed and disgusted at the ending of the movie.
Jean
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There is a third Night at the Museum out? Oh, goody. I liked the first two.
Jean, I'll have to check my book. I forget, exactly, the ending, but I do remember there was an epilogue at the end giving a oh, so brief account of the intervening time between the main story and her death. A little too short, I thought at time. I don't remember the "everybody leaves" statement, but it sounds like something Death may have said. In the book he was a little cryptic at times, or shall we say, matter of fact without much, if any explanation as I recall.
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Yes and I really think the third Night at the Museum is the best. I really liked it. There's a lot of sly stuff in it that apparently a lot of people miss, but it's good.
Light, cheerful, and a lot of fun.
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I didn't like the book The Book Thief and didn't finish it so don't think I would care for the movie. I've usually found that the book is better than the subsequent movie except for books by John Grisham. The movies made from his books are always better IMO.
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I didn't like the movie, didn't finish it.
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Frybabe, it was Leisle (sp?) who said more then once "everybody leaves."
Jean- i agree about Grisham's movies having better endings than the book.
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I dvr'd the second Grand Budapest Hotel. I thought it was a sequel to the other. I tried watching, but found it rather boring & not what I expected. Ralph Fiennes was good as usual, but the story line was rather confusing. Maybe I'll start it over, not expecting a sequel and see if it is any better. Have any of you seen it & if so, what did you think?
Sally
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I watched Grand Budapest Hotel last night and liked it. In the ending credits Stefan Zweig was given credit for being the inspiration for the movie, so I looked him up. Notice how closely Ralph Fiennes resembles Zweig in the movie.
http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20140310-the-writer-behind-budapest-hotel
What interests me is that Zweig was billed as the world's most translated author. Yet, who ever heard of him in the US today? Project Gutenberg has a few of his books listed in English. I plan on reading at least one. Also mentioned in the article was Thomas Mann's book, The Confessions of Felix Krull . I may just have to read that as well.
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Is there more than one? I had seen it in theater and the one I watched on TV last night was the same one. If it's got Ralph Finnes in it, it's really the first one.
People have different reactions to that movie. After watching that whole thing in the theater a friend of mine, when it was over, threw up her hands as if to say, "so?" ... Or at least I think that's what she meant. I did ask her but she apparently was not blown away by the film.
Oh my goodness Frybabe! How do you come up with these things? How clever you are to watch the credits so carefully.
So Jude Law's character was actually based on a real person! And I never heard of the real person, Stefan Zweig. And that's where the homage came in!
Thank you!
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More investigation is due, Ginny. I ran across this TripAdvisor page. Is this a joke? I thought the M Gustave and the Grand Budapest Hotel were complete fabrications, not to mention the Republic of Zubrowka.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g6840479-d6776131-Reviews-The_Grand_Budapest_Hotel-The_Republic_of_Zubrowka.html
Oh, yes it appears so. Check the red box at the top right of the page. How unexpected that Trip Advisor would put such a page up.
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On the side of the page that Frybabe left a link to is a very interesting review of the movie by somebody on the BBC. I always think it's interesting how they call Ralph Fiennes "Rafe" in England but it is talking about Wes Anderson films and the grand Budapest Hotel in general...it's very interesting. Now that I have read all this critical comment I think I'll get a copy of it from Netflix and give it another go, and watch it in relation to what I now know that I didn't know when I first watched it, and half watched it last night.
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HBO has been running the movie this week. I bought the DVD with some of my Christmas gift certificates, but then wound up watching it for free on HBO. Bummer! And not really my sort of thing.
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I wondered about you as I watched it , you were so gloriously enthusiastic about watching it, and I did wonder, apparently you had not seen it before?
That happens with me a lot, watching on HBO what I got as a gift. hahaha Quiz Show comes to mind. That is a good movie. I just watched it again on TV and did a lot of reading up on Charles Van Doren afterwards. He gave an interview years afterwards. He was most piqued by the ending credits saying he never taught again when in fact he's been an adjunct professor somewhere ever since.
He also much admired John Turturro's portrayal of Herb Stempel. I thought that was a beautifully acted movie and it was one present to me one year which I ended up watching on TV, but since then have watched the DVD several times. I think there's a lot to the Budapest Hotel movie missed on the first go...So there IS hope. :)
Frybabe, what a hoot. Somebody has quite the sense of humor.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
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I really enjoyed the quirky Grand Budapest Hotel. I had not read anything about it before I saw it on TV. I'll check out those links you've found, Frybabe.
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Oh, woe is me...I got Grand Budapest Hotel and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel mixed up. That explains why I was totally confused the first third of the movie. I kept waiting for familiar characters to show up. However, I still didn't like the movie.
Sally
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I guess I'll have to give "Grand Budapest Hotel" another try. I watched the DVD earlier this year and for me it was OK, but nothing special. But now it's got "Best of 2014" and Golden Globe nominations. Must have missed something.
There really seems to be a lot of historical, biographical films coming up -- looking forward to Big Eyes, Selma, and the Stephen Hawking and Alan Turig films. And Unbroken.
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I also watched The Grand Budapest Hotel on HBO this week. Once I got into the "tongue in cheek" mode, I was able to chuckle at some of the antics and filming techniques - but I suspect the stars had more fun making the movie than I did watching it.
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I might just watch it again because I missed something. There is a mysterious person, face not shown, who seems a bit sinister and gives a few orders to be carried out. I never figured out who he was.
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I just flat out did not care for it; it is not a genre that appeals to me, and now I am stuck with the DVD. Oh well.
I wanted to ask if anyone here has been a fan of The Honorable Woman. My newspaper listed it as one of the big hits of 2014 and one that will win awards galore, so I thought I would give it a whirl last night. It is an 8 episode BBC miniseries and can be had On Demand on the Sundance Channel.
So last night I tried episode one. I could understand every word, but I must confess I often could not truly follow what was going on. I agree that the acting is superb and Maggie Gyllenhaal in particular is riveting, but am wondering if I want to spend 7 more hours trying to figure out what is going on and who is whom. Any comments would be appreciated.
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I watched Grand Budapest Hotel again last night as well and I think the more you watch it the better it gets, perhaps because you understand what's going on more and you kind of get the jokes, or some of them anyway. It's definitely an odd piece and the first Wes Anderson I've seen.
It's in the comedy section of the Golden Globes.
It reminds me of Thomas Mann's Magic Mountain.
I thought F. Murray Abraham did a super job, in addition, of course, to Ralph Finnes. I'm not sure if Abraham (whose nose is not like the younger Zero's at all--that could be part of the joke) is nominated, I must look again. The more I see it the more I appreciate it.
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In addition to the very few Stefan Zwieg books in English, I am going to have to add Thomas Mann to my list of authors to read.
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I had heard of Stefan Zweig when I was growing up, but never read anything of his--probably just as well, I wouldn't have made much sense of them. Frybabe, if you actually read Felix Krull, tell me what you think of it. I've tried, and failed, to tackle it several times. The only other work of Mann's I've read is Buddenbrooks, which I devoured in one bite, reading it straight through, enjoying it greatly.
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Do you remember R.F. Delderfield's wonderful family saga novels from longtime passed? Or should I say longtime past? Makes no never mind to me.
I adored those wonderful fat novels set in Devon and full of the way folk talked in those parts in those days. And I was beside myself with Joy when the BBC made a miniseries of them for television back in the nineteen seventies.
Well, the catalog called ACORN (a lot of you probably get it) that sells a lot of BBC and PBS stuff:
www.acornonline.com
has just arrived in my mailbox and it offers a DVD of that miniseries! It was named for the first novel: A HORSEMAN RIDING BY. Whee!
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Has anybody seen "Wild?"
Jean
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Oh Mary Page, You brought back some fond memories. Delderfield's God is an Englishman was my favorite book for a long time. I read all the Delderfield novels. I wonder how I would feel about them now? I may have to try them again. I do so hope they stand the test of time.
Sally
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A Horseman Riding By. Is sold at Amazon for $35 release date Jan. 13 .
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I've never read any of Delderfield's works -gosh, is there still enough time? ::). But Netflix has his To Serve Them All My Days and I loved it. Five Netflix Stars.
I saw The Hundred-Foot Journey last night. I enjoyed it, laughed a bit, but it wasn't what I expected ( & I don't know what that was). It got a little long, a little silly. But it certainly gives a good view of what goes into creating delicious food.
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MaryPage, I hadn't thought about the Delderfield books in a long time. Might have to reread them.
I didn't get to see "The Hundred Foot Journey" movie but did read the book. Pedln, I thought it got a little long and began to ramble. Thought I might like the movie better - but maybe not.
I enjoy the "Aunt Dimity..." light mysteries by Nancy Atherton - all set in modern times.
In the first one, "Aunt Dimity's Death", American young woman Lori inherits a fortune and the letters that her mother and Dimity (both now deceased) wrote to one another after they became friends in England during WWII. She must go to Dimity's cottage in rural England to get them and ends up living there with her subsequent husband and two lively sons. The 18 books that follow are fun and very easy reads.
They don't need to be read in sequence.
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I thought Grand Budapest Hotel was the best movie I saw last year. Most of the actors on the Golden Globes I didn't recognize, nor had I seen most of the other TV mini-series or movies, except Birdman which I thought was the worst movie I saw in 2014, mainy because none of it made sense to me, nor did I find it the least bit funny. I want to see True Detective. Internet Movie Database rated it 9.3/10, a really high rating.
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Gosh, I never heard of Delderfield (male or female?) Will have to look up books by him/her.
Marj
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It is a he, and you must be too young to have known about his books, as they were written a long, long time ago. They were heavenly great big fat family sagas set in Devon in England. I devoured them. Then the BBC made some miniseries of them. You might find them too old fashioned now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._F._Delderfield
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I saw an interesting news item this morning. One of the Lancaster movie theaters is showing a movie with captioning for the deaf. They have devices at some of their seats that run the captioning. The news item also said that some films are now including captioning right on the screen. I did a little checking. It appears, and many of you may already know this, that the Feds are working on new rules that will require movie theaters to accommodate the deaf and hard of hearing. I see that aside from the on screen captioning and the at seat devices, special glasses that provide captioning are available. Apparently Regal has those available for their patrons. I assume that since it is a news item here, the theater must be the first or one of the first in the region to provide this service.
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That sounds very interesting, Frybabe!
I came in to say wow on the Oscars, 9 Nominations for Grand Budapest Hotel.
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Frybabe, I tried using something in New York the last time SeniorLearn met there. They had portable stands the you could put by your seat -- a little tricky to get set up because you had to aim them just so to get the captions. I'm actually just as happy with DVDs. But thank goodness for the FEDs and the laws being put in place. The general public is probably unaware, but for the folks who need the things specified in the laws it makes a difference in quality of life.
Seems like there is a bit of consternation over the lack of diversity in the racial and gender makeup of this year's Academy Awards. I dunno. I consider myself very much a liberal, but I'd hate to think we should make awards like the Oscars based on anything other than merit and votes and whatever other guidelines are used.
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To me it is just so amazing, as I did not even LIKE The Grand Budapest Hotel, and have been feeling sorry for myself because I wasted money buying the DVD. These days, I cannot handle going to the movies, just as I cannot handle going to an airport, so if I want to see a movie I have heard about, I buy it. I truly believe it saves money in the long run, as going to the movies here now costs so much, and this way I can watch a film for as long as I can and then complete it later, can watch it as many times as I like, and can loan it around in the family. All in all, I feel my purchases earn their expense, but I just flat out did not like that movie. It is a genre I have simply never taken to.
I heard that complaint about diversity in the Academy Award nominations, and I think it is silly. Very liberal myself, I immediately thought about the percentages. Do the percentages of black to white in this now very integrated country demand equal or better showing? The latest figures indicate the black community comes in at 13.2 percent. So we expect 50 percent or better showing in giving out awards? I don't think it works out that way. Not that I think we should be ruled by percentages, as talent is talent. I just think we should temper our expectations.
There is a documentary film that has been hidden away for 70 years debuting on the HBO channel on January 26. Night Will Fall. All about the Holocaust. Seems the British locked it away. I guess more will come out as to why.
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Oh joy, a sleeper movie -- it seems so rare to come across one worth FIVE Netflix stars. But STILL MINE, a Canadian film, is just that. A 2013 release, it's set in a rural area of New Brunswick, Ontario. Craig Morrison, an 88-year-old farmer wants to build a better home for his ailing wife, one that overlooks the Bay of Fundy, but roadblocks continually confront him. This is a love story, family dynamics, friendship, and characters you care about.
A True Story -- with SPOILERS (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/all-i-wanted-to-do-is-build-a-house/article4346687/)
This is a true Canadian story, a cautionary tale of the tremendous power of the state over the individual in an age of pervasive bureaucracy. It is, indeed, a profound parable of irretrievably lost independence and casually forgotten freedoms.
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I have just completed a two day binge watching of Outlander on Starz TV. I rather expect by now most of you who enjoyed the books by Diana Gabaldon have managed to see the first season of this series, but if you have not, I must highly recommend it, as it is most excellently done. Very, very engrossing. I specially urge you to wait with each episode until the credits are finished, as the director gives a wonderful look back then regarding the making of that particular one. I would never in this world have know, for instance, that Diana herself appears in Episode 4, but she does!
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OUTLANDER Season One will be released on DVD on March 3, 2015. I have it on preorder from Barnes & Noble.
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My Dinner/Movie group met and watched Boyhood last night. It was almost three hours, so we scheduled an intermission and had a home pot luck.
I liked it -- will give it four netflix stars. There really isn't a plot, but you do get caught up in all that's going on. At times I felt a little like a nosy parker peeking in on everyone's life.
What do you all think?
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Just watched, on Ovation Channel, The Young Catherine (Empress of Russia) and am now watching The Other Boleyn Girl. It just came on, will be on until 7:00 EST. Great movies from books.
Jean
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I'm not familiar with the Ovation Channel, but am fast getting informed about it with Google's help, and the Ovation Website. Most of my films come from Netflix, but they don't have The YOung Catherine. Interestingly, Amazon sells it as an "on demand" DVD. Guess you were lucky, Jean.
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Oh! Oh! Oh!
Such GREAT fun we have in store! And so lovely to look forward to something delicious!
Disney has made a new Cinderella. This one is not an animated cartoon (which we all loved), but filmed in costume of, it looks to me like, pre World War One 20th century. Or maybe it's just pure Disney imagination. Anyway, we have from Downton Abbey, Ta Da: the Lady Rose (Lily James) as Cinderella and Daisy in the kitchen (Sophie McShera) as one of the two wicked stepsisters! We have Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother and Helena Bonham Carter as the fairy godmother and Derek Jacobi as the King. I am agog with excitement!
We have a whole month of anticipation. The movie will be released March 13th.
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Sounds like it can't miss.
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Oh ho, what fun indeed. Daisy is one of my favorite characters on Downton. I wonder if she will remain so, after being mean to Cinderella. I look forward to it.
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Look in the March issue of Vanity Fair to see a marvelous photo of this upcoming movie. The hats and dresses are a hoot and a half in themselves, and I'm betting you won't recognize Daisy Mason in the yellow dress and hat!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mBZS7jnoL4&list=PLTnR43JTLNs9XbX_pOAz807kQ-inGyVVj&index=6
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella_%282015_film%29
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Hope I'm not repeating. Forgot to hit "post" so naturally my message did not come through.
The movie I disliked the most (Birdman) won for best picture. Guess I'll have to watch it again from Netflix. Everytime the camera focused on Michael Keaton he was chomping on some chewing gum; really made him look stupid.
I thought Lady Gaga or whatever her stage name is sang beutifully all those songs from Sound of Music. I'd never heard her sing before. Julie Andrews went over to her and praised her singing. Sad that Andrews has lost her singing voice after some surgery was done on her vocal cords. Sound of Music was One of the few
musicals I really liked.
Grand Budapest Hotel, my favorite won a few awards, but mostly for technical stuff like cinamatography and a song I don't remember.
I thought the speech given by the lady who is the president of the Academy was excellent, as she talked about how the movies communicate with and unite people everywhere. (I just hope no one makes a film ridiculing the prophet Mohammed.)
Marj
My favorite movie, Grand Budapest Hotel, got several awards, mosly for technical stuff and a song that I don't remember.
All in all, I thought the awards program was fairly good, except for the host. I did not understand his "jokes."
Marj
I thought the speech given by the lady who is the president of the Academy was excellent. Especially when she said how they communicate with and unite people everywhere. (I wanted to say "I just hope no one makes a film that ridicules the Prophet Mohammed)
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The movie I disliked the most (Birdman) won for best picture. Guess I'll have to watch it again from Netflix.
I know what you mean, marjifay. It makes you wonder what you missed. I haven't seen Birdman, but I did watch Grand Budapest and really didn't like it very much. Guess I'll have to get it again from Netflix.
I think the best picture nominees for this year, from what I've seen or read, seem to be movies for grown-ups, and not necessarily block-busters moneywise. I hope I can see most of them withing the coming year.
Has anyone seen Ida, the film that won an Oscar for Best Foreign Picture. I started watching it a few weeks ago, but just couldn't get into it. Guess it's another one to try again.
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Oh, Pedlin, I am so relieved, because I heard all the cheers for The Grand Budapest Hotel and I ordered the DVD and I hated it. That sort of idiotic carrying on is not and never has been to my taste. Even as a child, I hated slapstick and/or cartoons where anyone got hurt or yelled at or chased anyone. At the Saturday kiddie shows, all the kids would be screaming with Joy over the smashing and banging of that dang cat and Tweety-bird, and I would be cowering in my seat wishing it would be over, just as I wished the dentist would stop drilling!
No. that type of humor disturbs me deeply, and offers no pleasure whatsoever.
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I commented to the next generation of my family on Facebook, " i think you have to be high to enjoy Wes Anderson's movies." In fact, sometime ago i came to the conclusion that many of the Hollywood movie and tv producers must be smoking or snorting something, they make such (and honor such) unbelievable shows. I guess i'm sounding like an old curmudgeon, but that's fine with me. It's my opinion.
Jean
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I just watched the Polish film, IDA, on Netflix instant play after someone here (Pedln?commented they did not care for it. I found it interesting. A somewhat strange film. I liked the music although the film's sound was not good when the group was playing for the dance. The rural area shown was very bleak and run-down--Reminded me of what I saw when I was in East Europe and visited Romania. Also a very bleak country with people riding in carts pulled by horses. Few cars in sight. Children begging for money.
Sad what the so-called Christians did to the Jews there in Poland. I remember seeing a film showing Polish Jews being carted off in a train to a concentration camp while the townspeople watched them, grinning and pretending by pantomiming slicing their throats to show the Jews what was in store for them at their destination.
I'm going to watch some of the other foreign language films. Most are so different from those made here.
Marj
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Marjifay, I may have to try Ida again. I probably did not watch enough of it before and didn't give it a chance.
If you are interested in some of the foreign films I highly recomend Children of Heaven, an Iranian film. The director, Majid Majidi, has also been praised for some of his other films.
Also recommended -- a German film, Beyond Silence, directed by Caroline Link, and a delightful French film -- My Afternoons with Marguerite, and a sad Kurdish film - Turtles CAn Fly.
Caroline Link also directed Nowhere in Africa which I watched and enjoyed several years ago. Since I have sound turned down and always use subtitles, I didn't realize it was a foreign film.
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Thanks, Pedln, for recommending the Iranian film CHILDREN OF HEAVEN. Wonderful film! (also on Netflix instant play) Weren't those beautiful eyes of the little boy, Ali, so sad? Made you want to hug him (and buy him and his sister new shoes). What a contrast between where he lived and the wealthy district where his dad and Ali tried to find gardening work. Beautiful homes. I've seen other Iranian films advertised. They seem to make good ones.
Now I will watch those other films you recommended.
Marj
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
It's still happening -- my post thanking Pedln for recommending a film was repeated five times (maybe more, but I stopped looking at more pages.) I wish I knew how to make it stop repeating messages.
Marj
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Marj, I only see your post once.
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Me, too.
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Chip took me to the moving pictures today! Morning matinee! (Say what?) We saw The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and it was Great! Not second best at all. Worth the price of admission not only for the great sights and hilarious dialogue, but to see Dame Judi Dench doing Bollywood type line dancing. Well, what can I Say!
Now I expect I'll have to wait a year to get the DVD and hear the half or more I could not hear. Which is one of the myriad reasons I never go to the movies anymore, but I just could not bear to wait for this one.
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MaryPage, I think the DVD will be out sooner than in a year. But it looks like right now you can download it from Amazon to your iPad or tablet. Maybe to your computer. I think my son downloads to his TV and either pays rent or buys them. (He has a motherboard or some such inside his TV cabinet. Don't ask. ::)
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I just flat out do not like watching movies on my iPad or my computer. I prefer buying the DVD directly from Barnes & Noble, where I carry a membership and get a regular 10% discount, plus free shipping always, and lots of coupons for further discounts, and my huge family shower me with gifts of Barnes & Noble gift certificates, as they know that is what I crave above all things, and so it is that I have the option to buy any movie I think I might enjoy. Which, come to think on it, is certainly not MANY of those made these days. But this one I want, and will wait for, so that I can watch it on my television from my DVD player and use my special headphones that are hooked up to my TV. Those headphones enable me to hear every word loud and clear. I cannot do that as comfortably in any other way.
For instance, I got FIVE (5) DVDs in the mail from Barnes & Noble this afternoon: BOYHOOD, MOCKINGJAY PART ONE, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, VERA SET (season) ONE and VERA SET (season) TWO. I have pre-ordered THE IMITATION GAME, and they tell me it will be shipped to me on March 27th. I have a huge library of DVDs, so always have some I have not watched as yet. I really can wait for THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL!
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I just saw the Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and found it fun and delightful. The theater was full of ladies and two men "of a certain age," and we all had a super time.
I did not quite understand the ending, however, and I don't want to be told, here, because it will ruin it for others, but when it comes out on DVD I, too, am going to get it to see if I see again what I think I understood.
A lovely afternoon. I like the message, too.
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My local PBS station is showing the 1984 production of The Jewel in the Crown. Unfortunately, I fell asleep and missed it. Fortunately, I read the books and participated in the wonderful book discussion we did several years ago. I never saw the TV production, which I will probably be able to see it on Comcast's On Demand shortly.
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Well, there are two of us; don't tell! I DID see the wonderful production of The Jewel In The Crown years ago on PBS and just loved it, but the other night I had alerted my family to BE SURE and catch Diane Sawyer's 50th Anniversary celebration hour of The Sound of Music on ABC, complete with Julie Andrews and the cast, and I settled down in my easy chair to enjoy it and fell asleep before it even began and woke long after it had finished and gone. I have read rave reviews of it since, but have been unable to find a means of viewing it. Sigh! The ravages and inconveniences of Old Age!
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That plus the fact that my cats seem to think I must be up by 5AM.
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MaryPage and Frybabe, I love The Jewel in the Crown, and saw it years and years ago on PBS. But since then I could never watch it from Netflix because it did not have captions or subtitles. But around this past Thanksgiving time a new remastered edition was put out and it has subtitles, so I bought it from PBS. I think they had some kind of special because I also got Death Comes to Pemberly at the same time. Anyway, Jewel has five DVDs. I just finished Disc 3, can't believe how much I have forgotten about it, and am enjoying it immensely.
Today I received The Theory of Everything from Netflix. Just about fainted because as soon as it was available I put it at the top of my queue and there was no "very long wait" as there usually is when a new popular DVD is released. So tomorrow night our little dinner and film group will watch it.
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I saw "Theory" last night. Excellent. 5 Netflix stars. And Eddie Redmayne certainly deserves his best actor award. When I got home last night I immediately went toi Google to get more info about Hawking, mainly a timeline. I"m of two minds as to looking him up before the film. There might be a few spoilers.
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I watched an hour of The Jewel In The Crown tonight, quite by accident. Turned out I had already seen the show I intended to watch on PBS, and so I decided to turn to a different PBS channel, instead, and rewatch something I had not seen for years. Pedln, I, too, had forgotten so very much, and so it was great. But the GREATEST thing was to see again all of those simply fantabulous actors and actresses that have now each become FAMOUS and were not yet so back then. What fun! I shall now try to catch more episodes, and if it had not been for you, I would not have bothered. Thank you!
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I recently found a TV website I like -- Me TV (think is stands for Memorable Entertainment TV -- they show old 1960s series like The Rockford Files, Gunsmoke, Bonanza and my favorite, The Rifleman, (love the relationship he has with his young son) Was sorry to learn that the star, Chuck Connors. died at age 71 of lung cancer and pneumonia. (So many stars back then died of lung cancer before they knew how dangerous smoking was.)The only old show I don't care for is the Donna Reed Show -- pretty boring. Anyway, it's a good channel if you like some of those old shows.
Marj
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My local PBS station has been airing "Cancer-The Emperor of All Maladies".
Three nights. Talk about educational! It was wonderful. I chose not to read the book, as I realized it would be full of technical/scientific information, which is not always easy to get through in book form. It was narrated by our dear departed Edward Herrmann. Do watch this if it comes to your PBS.
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Thanks for the recommendation, Tomereader. I missed the program. I'll check to see if it is available "on demand" with my cable TV.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/masterpiece/classic_2015/wolfhall.jpg)
| Wolf Hall, a six-hour miniseries adapted from Hilary Mantel’s best-selling Booker Prize-winning novels: Wolf Hall and its sequel, Bring Up the Bodies, airs on Sundays, April 5 to May 10, 2015 at 10pm. Wolf Hall stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winner Damian Lewis (Homeland) and Tony Award-winner Mark Rylance (Twelfth Night) and shines a spotlight on Thomas Cromwell's involvement in King Henry VIII's marriage to and divorce from Anne Boleyn.
Join our PBS Masterpiece 2015 discussion (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?board=63.0) to talk about these and other favorite PBS programs. |
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Tomereader, when I saw Time Magazine's reference to The Emperor of Maladies yesterday I knew I'd seen that title somewhere -- your description of it here. Time had 10 questions for Katie Couric, the first ones being about cancer and her involvement with the documentary. She lost both her husband and sister to cancer, then founded the non-profit Stand Up to Cancer.
"Laura Ziskin, one of my co-founders died of breast cancer. She'd read an advance copy of The Emperor of Maladies and immediately said, "We have to turn this into a documentary."
Hopefully PBS will show it again.
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Tomereadér - i like your O'Rouke quote. Do you think only people our age would think it significant enough to laugh at it? :D
Jean
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Oh, mabelj, I think almost anyone could laugh at that P. J. O'Rourke quote.
Probably Yuppies would think it hysterical!
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I'm watching Breaking Bad from netflix. Excellent! I'm a little late getting to it, but finding it excellent! Next I want to watch Better Call Saul, the prequel to Breaking Bad by the same director.
Marj
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Marjifay, I'm going to be later than you. I bought Season 1 a year or so ago because Amazon had it on the bargain rack, and I have yet to start it. Does Netflix have all the seasons yet? My daughter and my granddaughter were watching it about a year ago, waiting for the final episode which had been taped and they were so afraid someone would spill the beans and tell them about the ending.
I'm waiting on Netflix for the next season of Last Tango in Halifax and The Americans. Now that it's finished I may start in on Mad Men.
Has anyone seen the new Helen Mirren film, Woman in Gold, that's recently been released? It's apparently biographical and based in part on a book published in 2012 -- slightly different title. The focus is on a painting by Austrian artist Gustav Glimt, stolen during WWII and not returned to its proper owners. What little I've seen about it sounds good. These biographical films that have recently come out have been excellent.
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What's everyone watching these days?
Netflix has sent Big Eyes, the recent film about Margaret Keane, the artist who painted the pictures of children with big eyes so my movie dinner group will get together this weekend. Keane's ex-husband sold the pictures under his name and when she later took him to court the judge wanted to see him paint right then and there in the courtroom. I hope that scene is in the film.
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MaryPage, what is "Vera Set"? All I could find at Internet Movie Data Base listing was an actress named Vera Setta.
Someone wrote about a PBS program regarding Cancer. I don't think I'd like to watch a program on that subject, having had breast cancer. Sounds depressing.
Marj
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I liked the first episodes of Mad Men, but the later episodes have gotten pretty boring, and I've stopped watching them. I really don't care for that leading man (can't remember his name).
Marj
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I watched Mad Men for about half of the first season, and then just could not handle the chauvinism any more and quit and never went back to it. I did come to admire the acting skills shown by the then so very young Elizabeth Moss, and later she took my breath away in Top Of The Lake. Wow!
VERA is a BBC series of murder mysteries. The books are by Ann Cleeves, who is an outstanding author of several different series, my very favorite being the SHETLAND series, which has also been made into excellent films by the BBC. But her VERA series, set in the north of England, are excellent as well and all. Brenda Blethyn, twice an Oscar nominee, plays Vera Stanhope, the DCI of the local murder team. It is into its 5th season now! Very popular. You probably saw Blethyn in Saving Grace, an outstanding comedy the Brits put out some years back.
I buy the books from Thriftbooks used and Barnes & Noble new. I buy the DVDs of the seasons of the series from Barnes & Noble. I prefer to own them, as I hate streaming and do not wish to watch anything on my computer or tablet. I am much more comfortable watching at my leisure and according to my own timing on my large television from my lovely easy chair. And I can watch them as many times as I choose and loan them out to my family members.
http://www.anncleeves.com/vera/
https://www.goodreads.com/series/54150-vera-stanhope
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MaryPage - We LOVED Saving Grace. Thanks for reminding me. I'll have to find it somewhere to watch again.
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Yes, you can laugh yourself into a conniption fit watching Saving Grace. And now those actors we had never met before are BIG STARS! And a lot older, as are we!
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Our library didn't have a copy, so I just bought myself a DVD for $5.++ (plus S&H) from Amazon. :D :D :D
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It was made clear back in 2000, and Good Grief, that is already 15 years ago! A lot of it was filmed in Port Isaac in Cornwall, which is where Doc Martin is filmed now. And I believe it is true that this film was the actual debut of Martin Clunes playing Doc Martin! It won a lot of awards all over the world. Enjoy!
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Has anyone read Nathaniel Philbrick's IN THE HEART OF THE SEA; THE TRAGEDY OF THE WHALESHIP ESSEX? I see that Ron Howard has a movie made from it coming out in 2016. I also see that Philbrick has written many interesting nonfiction books none of which I've read yet.
Marj
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I've been chasing down some of the actors you have been talking about. Had never heard the name Brenda Blethyn before, but did see Saving Grace a few years back and gave it four stars. Will have to see it again.
MaryPage, I'm happy to see that Netflix has the Vera shows and I've just added the first disc to my queue. Brenda B looks familiar. Is she the same actor who played Hettie Wainright, a middle-aged detective with a very young sidekick, on the PBS Mystery series some years back? Anyway, I"m looking forward to the series now that I'm about finished seeing the good stuff from the Academy Awards.
I watched Big Eyes a week ago and, not liking the art work, found that I liked the film much more than I thought I would. Four stars.
Watched Unbroken over the weekend. A lot of violence and upsetting scenes, but it was a terrific movie and I gave it five Netflix stars.
Paddington is coming this week, and I'm holding it until my 8 year old granddaughter comes for MOther's Day.
Marjifay, I haven't read any PHilbrook books, but gave one of his books to my son, a former Navy man, for his birthday a few years back.
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Pedln, I felt just exactly the same as you, I always strongly disliked the Big Eyes when they were so popular; they really, really turned me off big time.
But daughter Becky was urged to go to see the film by a friend and fellow teacher, which she did, and she was entranced by the story itself and urged me to go. I bought the DVD instead, and have it in my queue to watch.
NO! NO! NO! Brenda Blethyn was not Hetty Wainwright! She was GRACE in "Saving Grace!" You would have adored her, if you loved that movie, as everyone I have ever known who saw it did. She is an outstanding actress, and her VERA is quite wonderful.
By the way, Vera is from the series of books by Ann Cleeves. I am currently reading WHITE NIGHTS, from Cleeves' Shetland Island series of books, which have also been made into films. She is one of my favorite writers, as she truly has an exquisite ability to get right into the heads of her characters and express on paper the oh so real thinking and impulses of human beings.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brenda_Blethyn
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000950/
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Hetty Wainthropp in Hetty Wainthropp Investigates was played by the great Patricia Routledge, who also was known as Hyacinth Bouquet in Keeping Up Appearances.
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HBO has made and aired J.K. Rowling's THE CASUAL VACANCY in 3 episodes. I watched about 2 minutes of it while engrossed in something else, but it can be had on On Demand if you get HBO, so I intend to sit down this evening and watch it all.
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I liked it. I had heard so many bad things about the book I didn't almost watch it but Michael Gambon!
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it was a little bit too raunchy for my liking, but I DVR'd and then watched all three episodes.
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Well, I did it! Watched all three episodes making up the miniseries of The Casual Vacancy. I am glad I elected not to purchase or read the book. Not my kind of thing at all, at all.
But in its favor, there is this. OUTSTANDING acting! Wow, they really packed a powerful cast into this small package. I have always loved Michael Gambon, and rather hated seeing him play the villain of the piece. One of my top favorites for a long time now has been Keeley Hawes, and she sure took the prize yet again! Also a pleasure was the setting and the photography. And each character was not only well played, but well portrayed; you really come to know who they are.
The story is a downer, and should come with a label to that effect.
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That makes for a tough decision, MaryPage. Good settings and photography are important to me, but I don't know about a downer story. The DVD won't be out until August, so guess I'll decide then. Like you and Ginny, I haven't wanted to read the book. (Her pseudonym book -- Cuckoo's Calling -- is on my Kindle, unread so far.
Right now I'm sitting with DVDs for Wild (my daughter didn't like her at all) and Paddington and waiting for Vera. My 8-year-old granddaughter is coming this weekend, so Paddington is for her if she wants. And for me, too. I loved the trailer.
Thanks to those here who suggested Vera. It sounds good and I don't think I would have found it on my own.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Yes, I bought and have The Cuckoo's Calling, as well. It has been on my bookshelves for some time now, not as yet moved to either my bedside table stack or my easychairside table stack. It is almost always from one of those two stacks that I choose my next book. Bedside stack is comprised of paperbacks, while hardbacks and trade size paperbacks are by the easychair. Am constantly refurbishing these two stacks from my bookshelves. Latest incoming books all get placed in the bookshelves immediately they arrive. Basically, it will depend upon what I am in the mood for or feel urgent about getting to. Just recently, I finished an Ann Cleeves and found I could not bear the thought of leaving the Shetland Islands so abruptly, so I fished her next book in the series from the bottom of the easychairside stack and promoted it to current read. I declined to purchase The Casual Vacancy and yet did purchase The Cuckoo's Calling because of the reviews.
Pedln, I would strongly advise you to watch The Casual Vacancy. The critics say it is a huge improvement on the book, and I must say it is a piece that sticks with you. Also, I am glad you have VERA to watch, and please let me know soonest how you like her. That series was also written by Ann Cleeves. If you check out her personal website, she says the writers change a lot and add and subtract a lot, even, EVEN mind you, to who does the murder! Cleeves is a writer I really connect strongly with. I think you will, too.
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Today we went to see CINDERELLA! They offer little closed captioning gadgets and also hearing ear muffs with a little cell phone sized thingy. I tried the ear muffs, and they were WONDERFUL! I tell you, you HAVE to give yourselves a treat and go to see that movie. I know you have read and seen it a million times and cannot imagine why you need to waste your time and money, but you DO! It is quite simply the very best Cinderella ever filmed or staged or even thought about. It is PERFECT in every way and you will love it to bits. I swear. Yes, I know the story, and yes, I cried at the end. At least, my face got all full up and buzzy as though I were going to cry. I do have the handicap of dried up tear ducts.
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey, the Lady Rose plays Cinderella, and plays it with perfection. Helena Bonham Carter is the fairy godmother. Cate Blanchett is the wicked stepmother. Derek Jacobi plays the king. Oh, and again from Downton, the wonderful Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy, the one time scullery maid, is one of the stepsisters. I plan to buy the DVD as soon as it is available and watch this movie over and over again. You will HUG yourself with Joy! Even my oh so macho Chip loved it. He has always had a crush on Helena Bonham Carter anyway. I never have, but I must admit she was perfection.
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Yesterday I finally got to see "Woman in Gold" with Helen Mirren. The movie was wonderful, as was Ms. Mirren and her co-star, Ryan Reynolds.
The cinematography was gorgeous, especially the shots of Vienna. I don't know if there was a book about this, but the movie stands on its own. With a sparse, but powerful, use of flashbacks it told the story of how the painting came to be in the Austrian museum (Belvedere?). The painting itself is (hate to use the term) but "Awesome". The dialogue, serious but with flashes of humor from Mirren, was perfect. I recommend that you see this movie, especially on the big screen. If you think you will be exposed to a lot of Nazi stuff, you won't be... Woven into the story powerfully, but sensitively.
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Oh, I am so glad you liked Woman in Gold, Tomereader. I'd like to see it, mostly because I like Gustav Klimt's paintings. What I'd like to know is why, if she used the argument that the painting (and four others, I believe) should be with the family, she turned around and sold it right away after she won the suit. It kind of sullied her argument, I think, and turned it into nothing more than a money grab.
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I expect the suit was very costly, court costs and attorney's fees.
I have neither seen the movie nor read a book about it, but the story is quite clear to me because I remember seeing a documentary or news segment (like on 60 Minutes or some such) some years ago and that painting was the signature piece of the tale. There is no question that that family was entitled to that painting, including the proceeds from selling it.
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I agree with you MaryPage. The painting and/or its proceeds belonged with the family. However, I did read somewhere that Adele Bloch-Bauer had requested in her will that her Klimt paintings be donated to the Austrian State Gallery. She died in 1925, but apparently her husband never fulfilled that request. After the Nazis confiscated the art, they sold it to the gallery. So it got where she had intended it. If the bequest had been honored, the family would have had no claim to the art, I suppose.
Which brings up a thought. I would have thought that if it was in her will, wouldn't the will's executor (I assume it was her husband) have been required to honor it? Austrian law at the may have been a bit different. Property laws are different from place to place and, often, women are/were not treated equally under the law regarding property. Quite possibly the art was jointly owned by her and her husband. I guess I'll just have to see the movie. I don't think a book was written about the case.
So, now the painting is back in a Gallery for all to see when on display. I am glad about that. The movie clips I saw seemed to indicate that she thought the paintings should be with the family. I don't think turning around and selling them right away keeps to that spirit. The court case must have been costly, however, and financial circumstances have a way changing. I believe the court case took about six years.
I looked up Maria Altman. She passed away in 2011, which made her about 88 when she brought suit to gain the paintings (assuming 2000 as the date of the suit initiation).
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The legalese in the movie points out that the so-called "will" she wrote, was simply her wishes, not a formal will. Therefore, her husband's will took precedence. It was a long, drawn-out procedure and Maria had her attorney contact Mr. Lauder, with instructions that the paintings be on display at the museum in New York (and I dont remember which one that was). He had offered her money before for the paintings, before she even won the suit, and she turned him down. A very convoluted procedure, at best, but when she won the suit the paintings were hers to do with what she pleased. A line of dialogue here: "I think Aunt Adela is a little large for my bungalow".
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Thanks for the clarification, Tomereader. The clips and such don't begin to clarify the questions they raise. I definitely must see the movie.
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I think you will love it, Frybabe, and you and others can make their own assumptions as to the "rightness" of Maria's decision.
The Woman in Gold portrait is huge, and absolutely breathtaking! It wouldn't have fit in Maria's bungalow. LOL
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Frybabe, you have brought up an interesting point, and one I have had cause to wonder about repeatedly over the years. I am not at all tutored in the law, other than my years of Perry Mason fan following on the old black & white tellys and my avid reading of detective novels. In other words, I have no knowledge whatsoever. But EXPERIENCE tells me there is no oversight provided in our system of laws to see to it that the wishes of any given deceased are carried out. As far as I have been able to discern, folk can ignore the heartfelt desires that are supposed by all to be sacrosanct in favor of doing precisely what best suits them. Case in point, my favorite uncle's widow died and left her house to a nephew on her side of the family, but her will also included a fairly longish and very detailed list of what among her possessions was to go to whom. And she was a dear and conscientious lady and was very careful to carry out the wishes of the husband (who was my blood) she adored as to which of HIS family things were to go to which of his nieces (3) and nephew (1). They never had any children of their own, you see, but there were pieces of furniture and bricabrac that had been in our family forever, and it was told out loud repeatedly over the years, and also on lists we were given in writing, who was to be heir to what. One of my female cousins was particularly looking forward to a much cherished old family desk, and she held the middle name that was the surname of the ancestor who had originally owned it. I was happily anticipating a few items I had coveted, but particularly wanted some of the framed family portraits and photographs of my blood kin. Well, that nephew (her kin) never gave out a thing. Not an iota! He had the will probated, and just took over. After many months passed, I tried and tried to contact him. He would never write or phone me back. Finally, I drove 65 miles to knock on his door and ask. He evaded me like mad. I finally begged for just the pictures. He said he had taken them all down and put them in boxes in the basement, and could not get to them at the moment. I went back and back, and finally, in an obvious effort to be rid of me, they had them by the door when I went up at a time I wrote them I would be there (he was married with children.). Two large mildewed and falling apart cardboard cartons of lovely pictures. They had sold the portraits! Half of the pictures were ruined with black mold, as they had put the boxes in the dirt cellar, for crying out loud! I saved what I could, sobbing as I did so, and sent them off to family members I thought would most cherish them. Never a single family antique came back into our family stream; nary a one. And it did not seem to bother Aunt Mary's nephew one tiny eensy bit! Go figure! Somehow, I felt I had let the family down, but honestly, it was not my doing and I did all I could. I assume we could have fought it in court, but with the other 2 nieces in New York State and my brother in Oklahoma and me the only one left in Virginia where they were, it would have been a difficulty beyond our physical and financial abilities. And that, in itself, is a crying shame. Bottom line, in order for the RIGHT thing to happen, the expense can be too great; and those who prey upon others KNOW this!
I could give a number of other cases, but do not wish to bore you; but one daughter in law literally lost her mind, i.e. went into a deep depression she has never fully recovered from, when her father died and she tried to make arrangements with her only sister, who lived in the same town they had grown up in in a different state, to have the furnishings she had inherited sent to her, plus some personal items of her mother's that had been divided between the two of them. Well, Jane never got a thing, either! The sister maintained she had had it all taken to HER home, and possession is nine tenths of the law, or whatever. None of us could believe it was happening, but again, Jane could not afford to fight it in the courts of any state, let alone a different one from the one she was living in. To this day she will break into tears at the memory of having nothing that had been her mother's.
Life is not Fair, and that is flat out that!
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MaryPage, I think a similar thing is happening to George's cousins. His aunt's son seems to have convinced (not hard to do, since I knew the aunt) her to put the house in his name. He was letting him handle her finances toward the end, so he may have gotten added to her bank accounts. George is not entirely clear on the particulars. She passed away last year and the two daughters have gotten nothing. George was even told, not too long ago, that the son had yet to file the paperwork with the state. Now the son's wife is divorcing him (I admit to being mighty curious about that). It just may be that the state of NY will get the lions share, or all of it if he didn't file. I believe there are penalties for not filing within a certain time period. I know the one daughter. She is not financially able to pursue, nor is she in good shape mentally and physically at this point. It just amazes my and my sisters that people could do such things to family.
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It seems to happen more often than society as a whole is aware of, as each family thinks they are the only ones with such greed and depravity in their midst. Folk who think most of us are pure of soul and don't need regulating need to rethink. And there should be some provision wherein probate judges do not have to merely be sworn to on a piece of paper to have an estate "pass" through, but should require notarized documentation to the effect that each and every beneficiary, no matter how small, of a will has actually RECEIVED what they were bequeathed! This would take anywhere from a little to quite a bit of effort on the part of the assigned administrator, but hey, you should not take on that job unless you are WILLING to see to it every item in a given will is seen to. We have been taught that the Poor shall always be with us, but we should also be taught that those who would happily rob us blind will be, as well and all! We think innocently that everyone else would feel the same deep shame if they dishonored the last wishes of a loved one, but I'm here to tell you it just ain't so, and if society thinks it is, than society is Stupid and guilty of neglect of both our dearly departed and their helpless kinfolk!
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Hubby and I watched a quirky movie over the weekend. Prior warning, language is terrible. "This Is Where I Leave You", I think there was also a book. A totally dysfunctional family comes together to honor their father's last wish, they they "sit Shiva" for him. He was not a practicing Jew, and the adult kids were not raised as such, so against their wishes, they attempt to do the seven days, receiving guests, no driving, no phones, etc. This becomes hilarious, as all the family's warts are exposed,
and the entire family is not "sitting" at once, with some of them off driving, at least one using the telephone, and most of them arguing, sometimes dissolving into fist-fights between the brothers. I would have a hard time telling you who the "star" was, as each character had a pretty major role, Jane Fonda, Tina Fey,
Jason Bateman, Rose Byrne, Connie Britton and Corey Stoll. Most of the last 5 are either now in a TV Series, or were previously in one. Like I said, fair warning, the language is X-rated, the comedy is raunchy, but I laughed all thru it. :o
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Tomereader, I pretty much find it impossible to find a show, outside of the Hallmark channel, that is, that does not contain the ghastly language. There is some remarkably good filming, acting, script writing and music going on both in movie theatres and on the telly if you can just contain yourself through the constant vulgarities coming out of every set of lips engaged. The younger generations are masters of the craft, and not only doing it justice, but doing our own stars one better.
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Tome, I've heard a lot about This is Where I Leave You and I really want to see it. Thank you for that review. :)
I just saw The Woman in Gold is it, too. With Helen Mirren and it's wonderful, just wonderful. I had vaguely remembered something about it and I am so glad they made this movie for all time. Wonderful movie and it's got Jonathan Pryce in it too in a very small part which just made it perfect for me as I'm about to see him at Shakespeare's Globe in London.
If anybody is looking for a movie to take a child to, see Home. I loved Home. I've seen it three times, it's a wonderful movie for children (I guess, but I loved it) which is full of values and the sweetest hero. I cried thru the first one and laughed thru the second two. Maybe I'm having a second childhood but it's a wonderful outing.
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Did anyone watch the final episode of Mad Men last night? We did, but were sorry we wasted the time. It was as bad as the last few episodes, IMO. Can't believe the man who created this also created The Sopranos, which I thought was excellent.
The character of Don Draper was really a dud -- no personality, no sense of humor. Only interested in one thing which really got boring fast.
Marj
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Well, MaryPage, my brothers and I did not carry out our parents' wishes to disinherit our gay brother. And I am happy we did not. My parents did not understand that he did not choose to be gay, so they wanted to punish him for being born the way he was. I knew he was gay when he was only 12 years old. It was pretty obvious to me but I'm not sure he himself knew at that young age.
Marj
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While looking for something else, I ran across Kirk Douglas. He is still around at 98 (contrary to some reports back in December) and blogs on the Huffinton Post site. I don't know if this is his latest entry or not.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kirk-douglas/ive-made-about-90-feature-films-but-these-are-the-ones-im-proudest-of_b_6290742.html
Here is The Blog listing. Read the one on Technology. It is short and funny.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/kirk-douglas/
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That was an interesting article from Kirk Douglas, Frybabe. I knew how old he was, as I subscribe to Who's Alive and Who's Dead, that tells about the ages and deaths of famous people. Doris Day is one who I was surprised to learn is 93 years old. I did not care for most of Kirk Douglas's films but did like Spartacus, Lust for Life, and Paths of Glory. I have his autobiography, Ragman's Son, on my TBR list. I did not know he'd been married to the same woman for 60 years! That must be some kind of a record for a film star.
Marj
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Just watched the 1979 movie Time After Time, with Mary Steenburger and Malcolm McDowell, on Turner Classic Film channel, one of my all-time favorite films. Hard to believe that the Malcolm McDowell in this is the same actor that portrayed that weird young man in Clockwork Orange. In this one Malcolm plays a young intellectual, Herbert G. Wells who travels in his time machine, chasing Jack the Ripper, and meets a 20th century woman (Mary Steenburger). Great scary but also romantic film.
marj
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There is a movie coming out, don't know the release date, but it is made from the book titled "The Martian". It is not Sci-Fi, per se, but with lots of "science"
involved. It stars Matt Damon, and there is a terrific trailer about it. OUr f2f book group read it, and we all basically enjoyed it. I would like to post a link to the trailer. Maybe I can come back in later and post it. The movie sure looks good!
The Martian Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig Movie HD - YouTube
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Tome, I've been keeping an eye on The Martian and recommending it to any one who likes Science Fiction. I was lucky enough to be the first one to read it in our library system. Anyway, the release date is November 25 of this year. I can hardly wait. Also, for those who are interested, there is another trailer where "Whatley" introduces the crew and several interviews with Andy Weir. I haven't watched them yet.
Weir's story is interesting. He had tried to get The Martian published but with no luck. Friends talked him into self-publishing it as an e-book. It took off like gang busters. The publishing and movie people sat up and took notice. I am not sure about the chronology, but I think he had Ridley Scott pouncing on it before it was actually published in print. Apparently he did most, if not all, of his negotiations throughout on the phone and online - something about not liking to fly? I forget exactly.
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Given the story, it's ironic that the author doesn't like flying.
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Wikipedia claims Weir is working on his fourth novel, but I see no mention of it or books two and three - anywhere.
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I don't know if it was from a book or not, but we watched The Imitation Game last night. I've known something about the Enigma Machine and how important the breaking of the German code was, but I knew almost nothing about the rest of the story. This is a fascinating story and well done movie. Definitely recommended.
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I think we are back in business. Hello everyone!
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Folks must have gotten scared off when the website got upgraded, as there seem to be so few posts in any of these categories, except Library and Mystery Corner.
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I can't figure it.
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Yesterday went to see "Mr. Holmes". A quietly beautiful film dealing with Sherlock in retirement. Cinematography is awesome. Ian McKellan's performance nothing short of Shakespearean. His voice seems to resonate throughout one's body, and echoes, even as you leave the theatre. The young boy, played by Milo Parker, is terrific. A grand role for one so young. I'm sure we'll see more of him in the future. (He looks very familiar, but IMdB only shows two movie credits other than this one). I think maybe he has been in some U.K. presentation that I've seen on TV, which doesn't register with IMdB. The pace of the film is slow, as there are no action scenes or bloody murders to be solved.
Also, no cursing or mandatory sex scenes. Well worth your viewing.
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Mr. Holmes sounds very good, Tomereader. Thanks for the recommendation. The book on which it is based, A Slight Trick of the Mind by Mitch Cullen, sounds good too. I'll look for it in my county library.
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I think anything Ian McKellan was in would be a good bet; he's good. When we discussed Richard III here, I watched several movies of the play. McKellan's version was set in the 1930s. I wouldn't have thought that would work well, especially when one of Richard's major soliloquies is delivered when he is off in the men's room (modesty is preserved). But he did an amazing job of showing the curve of Richard's rise and fall, and the way he totally comes apart, after he's gotten what he wanted, and descends into madness.
He was also great as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings, a role that's too easy to make into a stereotype.
The only other thing I've seen him in is an early role in The Scarlet Pimpernel; he plays the villain Chauvelin.
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I think he is great, as well and all. I believe he and Sir Derek Jacobi are married. Both of them knights and both masters of their craft. Jacobi is my very dear favorite.
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McKellan and Jacobi are married/partners in the funny TV series, Vicious. They have different partners in their actual lives. There is an interesting short article with musings by Jacobi about his relationship at http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-04-29/vicious-derek-jacobi---im-aware-of-being-in-the-last-act
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Oops, I got that wrong!
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;)
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I was curious after watching part of the movie I Am Legend with Will Smith. Wanting to see how the story ended, so I got the book and read it.
Sorry that I did. It was the most depressing book I've ever read. The reviews of the book were good, so I thought it would be an interesting read even though I am not a fan of vampire novels. (Wrong)
Amazon, Inc.'s review: "One of the most influential vampire novels of the 20th century, I Am Legend regularly appears on the "10 Best" lists of numerous critical studies of the horror genre. As Richard Matheson's third novel, it was first marketed as science fiction (for although written in 1954, the story takes place in a future 1976). A terrible plague has decimated the world, and those who were unfortunate enough to survive have been transformed into blood-thirsty creatures of the night. Except, that is, for Robert Neville. He alone appears to be immune to this disease, but the grim irony is that now he is the outsider. He is the legendary monster who must be destroyed because he is different from everyone else. Employing a stark, almost documentary style, Richard Matheson was one of the first writers to convince us that the undead can lurk in a local supermarket freezer as well as a remote Gothic castle. His influence on a generation of bestselling authors--including Stephen King and Dean Koontz--who first read him in their youth is, well, legendary.
I would not recommend this to anyone, even those who like to occasionally read a vampire novel.
Marj-
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I read part of The Martian, but did not finish it. As I recall, I found the part where he was trying to repair the space ship too technical and boring. I know a lot of people really liked it and have thought I might try to re-read it, skipping the boring parts, but haven't got around to doing so yet.
Marj
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You are not the only one, Marj, that has trouble getting past the science in the book. I did not have much chemistry, and not physics in school because I was taking business classes, so some of it was beyond me. However, it appeared to be mostly explained in a manner that someone who did have high school or lower level college science and math would understand. I could be wrong. I just read over it without trying to understand the science, just took his word that it was pretty accurate. Here is Andy Weir talking about the book and the science. http://www.sciencefriday.com/playlist/#play/segment/9345 I am looking forward to the movie which should help with of visual of what he was doing.
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Thanks, Tomereader and Marcie, for your input about Mr. Holmes and Ian McKellan. It's not available in DVD format yet, but nice to know that there'll be another good film coming up soon. I'd been thinking I'd exhausted all the top critics' choices and 2015 award winners, and had nothing to look forward to.
Also, glad to learn about Vicious -- just added it to my Netflix queue. Is it like THe Odd Couple?
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
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Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
"Vicious" - not so much like the Odd Couple; a real "campy" portrayal of a same sex couple having been together many years.
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I enjoyed the scenery and buildings, especially some churches, when I visited Vienna, but one thing that spoiled it was when I was in a restaurant sitting next to a group of people who were berating Jewish people and not quietly. Now I just get a bad feeling of Vienna whenever I hear it mentioned.
Marj
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People believe what they are raised to believe, and it is bred deep in the bone in those parts. As the song goes in South Pacific:
"You have to be taught, before it's too late, to hate all the people your relatives hate; you have to be carefully taught."
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It seems we've got summer doldrums here. My little dinner and movie group seems to be suffering from the same thing. We go out for dinner about once a week, then watch a film on DVD, mainly from Netflix or someones personal collection. We've seen so many good ones, mostly Academy Award winners from this year, and I just received The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, which we'll watch this week. What are some films that you all might think warrant a second viewing, perhaps something from years past. Casablanca is one of those films for me, also The African Queen. I've watched The Help about three or four times, and have put Calendar Girls and The Counterfeiters on my queue for repeat viewings. Do you have any you turn to when the mood suits, any recommendations for my group.
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The African Queen is definitely worth rewatching many times, and is a rare example of a movie that's better than the book. And I really liked Calendar Girls--two favorite stars, Helen Mirren and Ciaran Hinds. Movies I liked well enough to buy that also would work for group watching: Persuasion, the BBC version with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds is the best ever filming of this book--it does a remarkable job of portraying a story that takes place so much inside people's heads.
The BBC did a series of the Dorothy L. Sayers mysteries with Ian Carmichael as Lord Peter Wimsey. The best is The Nine Taylors, also her best mystery story. The background of a Norfolk village, bell ringing in a small parish church, the dramatic things that happen when the sluice gates break and the dykes flood, what it's like to be shoved into battle in WWI when you aren't a soldier, etc., are beautifully pictured. Unfortunately for your purposes, it's 3 1/2 hours long, so you either have to split it or have a very dedicated bunch of watchers. Five Red Herrings is also good, but is long too.
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PatH, Nine Tailors is a good suggestion -- for two nights of movies. I watched it this past spring and really enjoyed it. SeniorNet read and discussed it back in 2003 -- with Bill H as discussion leader. I have not read or seen any other Dorothy Sayers works. Will have to take a look at Five Red Herrings, too.
I've heard of some new ones these past few weeks -- Ricky and the Flash with Meryl STreep, The Gift with ???, and Grandma with Lily Tomlin. Has anyone seen any of these?
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Five Red Herrings involves six artists, painting in the Scottish countryside. One is murdered, and Wimsey is trying to sort out which of the other five did it. Keeping the suspects straight is difficult, and the clues involve a complicated timetable, but the artists are amusing and the countryside is beautiful.
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I just watched a great movie on the Turner Classic Movie Channel that I would like to highly recommend--AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, adapted from the dramatic play by Henrik Ibsen. All the actors were very good, but the one I especially found fascinating was the main character, played by of all people, Steve McQueen. You would never know him in the role of Dr. Thomas Stockman, made up in long hair and a beard, playing a serious older man completely different from his usual cool, tough guy roles, but he did an excellent job. When the movie was finished the producers were reluctant to put it out in theaters because they feared people would not accept McQueen in a role like this, so they played it on the public television station. They did play it in a couple of theaters, in one of which McQueen watched unnoticed. He was shocked to see a young teenage boy stand up at the beginning of the film and shout "which one is Steve McQueen!" and then stomp out of the theater. But apparently it was so well accepted on public television that they decided to place it in theaters, but not for three more years. Sadly, by that time McQueen had died of his cancer. The film is available on Netflix and is certainly worth watching.
Marj
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I have a suggestion for your group, Pedln. Aside from AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE which I just talked about, this one is in a lighter vein and one of my favorite Coen Brothers films: THE HUDSUCKER PROXY, starring Tim Robbins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Paul Newman.
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Thanks to my kind friend Fran, i am getting to rewatch Monarch of the Glenn, not a movie but a PBS series from about 10 years ago. Fran gave me her Netflix password to watch Grace and Frankie, the Lilie Tomlin/Jane Fonda Netflix series. After watching it - it's great, by the way - I looked thru the other options and there was Monarch of the Glenn. It is from a series of books. The scenary, the writing, the acting are all good. I'm watching one or two episodes a day, what a joy!
Anyone remember seeing the series?
Jean
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I have seen Monarch of the Glen, Jean. It's been a while and I don't remember a whole lot of details, but Netflix tells me I gave it four stars which means it's certainly enjoyable and worth watching.
Marjifay, I've added Hudsucker Proxy to my queue. It should be good for my group. We need something a bit off the wall.
A friend suggested the film McFarland with Kevin Costner. I'd never heard of it, but Netflix has it -- a sports film about a group of Hispanic teen-agers who shape up into a formidable cross country team. Lots of 5 star reviews on Amazon. Has anyone seen it?
I'm currently binging on Newsroom. I watched season one a few years back and now have the first disc of Season two, but checked out season one from the library to get reaquainted with all the characters before continuing on.
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My sister and BIL took me to see The Martian yesterday for my birthday. The movie did not disappoint. It stayed pretty close to the book. There were a few minor changes, one thing that could have been explained just a tad more, and one thing left out that I could see. Matt Damon did a good job of showing Watney's swings back and forth from depression and giving up to being "pumped up" and determined to survive. Can't say that the music was anything special, except that they did play a few oldies that I like. "Hot Stuff" and "I Will Survive".
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That sounds like a good one, Frybabe. I'm not usually a sci fi fan, but THe Martian sounds more survival than sci fi. Always enjoy Matt Damon.
The other night I watched McFarland USA with my dinner and movie group. It's a feel-good film about an underdog sports team -- this time cross country. Kevin Costner is the coach.
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Pedln, I like to think of The Martian as science possible rather than fiction. It mixes mostly science we already know with almost there science (Weir went to a great deal of effort to make the science as factual as possible) and a can do/never give up attitude that I like. Another great plus for the book/movie is Watney's sense of humor that inspired Ridley Scott to buy the movie rights even though the book was not yet in print (or barely out in print- not sure of the time line).
Inside Science has a nice article on the real life science behind the movie.
https://www.insidescience.org/content/inside-spaceflight-martian/3251
I was surprised by the October release; it was originally scheduled for November 25. Also, there has not been, at least around here, much advertising for the movie, unlike Tom Hanks new movie, Bridge of Spies, which is being advertised heavily here.
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You don't have to be a sci fi fan to like The Martian, even though it has a lot of sci in it.
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I just checked out The Martian from the library. Going to give it another try. I tossed it previously, unable to get thru all the technical mumbo jumbo when he was trying to fix the space ship.
Marj
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I watched a couple of good western-type movies on Turner Classic Movie Channel last night. The Big Sky with Kirk Douglas, though in this one a bunch of the men spoke French and it was a bit difficult to know what they were talking about, but you could get the idea from the exciting action.
The other was The Cowboys with John Wayne and a young Bruce Dern (I loved Dern in Nebraska). I'm not really a John Wayne fan, but have liked some of his movies. In this one Wayne's character had to move a bunch of cattle to market, and his helpers run off to hunt for gold and leave him. So, desperate, he hires some young teen age boys to take their place (very good acting and horse-riding BTW). Wayne gets rather brutally shot and killed by Dern which doesn't usually happen in Wayne films. The Turner Movie Channel host said Wayne had said it was kind of interesting for him to get killed off about two-thirds of the way into the film by Bruce Dern, since in another movie with Dern, Wayne had killed Dern. Now they were even, he said.
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Marjifay, I'm glad you mentioned The Cowboys. I've never seen it, nor am I a John Wayne fan. I don't dislike him, but am just not into his type of films. But, I just finished looking at Netflix reviews and it got so many raves -- as a wonderful film, not just a John Wayne film, I'm going to add it to my queue.
It looks like there are a lot of new movies coming out this month and next. Has anyone seen anything they think might make it into Oscarland next year?
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I haven't seen the TV series Monarch of the Glen, but it sounds interesting so I put the book on my TBR list.
I'm bored by most sports so I won't watch the Kevin Costner sports film you mentioned, Pedln. My favorits Kevin Costner film was Dancing with Wolves. Another good film, very suspenseful, he did was No Way Out which co-starred Gene Hackman as a bad guy. Kenneth Fearing, who wrote it, also wrote The Big Clock which was made into a very good suspense film with Ray Milland.
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I hope I'm not repeating a discussion that has already taken place, but I am looking forward to the new Lady in the Van film, which is based on Alan Bennett's writings about Miss Shepherd, the eccentric woman who parked her van in his drive in Camden - and stayed for 20+ years. It comes out here later this month - is it already out in the US?
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Rosemary, so glad to see you here once again. I have read "The Lady in the Van" but hadn't heard about a movie being made of it. I will check ImDB to see what I can find. (I have a copy of Lady in the Van!)
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Hi Tomereader - great to see you too :)
Guess who is playing Miss Shepherd? Maggie Smith of course - who else? I think she and Bennett are good friends. I hope the film is as good as the book - I doubt if those two would have been involved if it weren't.
Rosemary
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ImDb says the movie will be here January 15, 2016!
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I saw the trailer for it it looks fabulous!
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People here who saw it yesterday said it was great! Looking forward to it.
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Has anyone seen the current movie, Bridge of Spies, with Tom Hanks? I'm reading the nonfiction book by Giles Whittell which was made into the movie -- very interesting with some fascinating bits about the cold war. I put the movie on my Netflix queue, but it will probably be a long time until it's available. I can't see it in the theater, because my hearing is not good enough. I need ear phones or subtitles. I upgraded my medicare insurance to include hearing aids. Can hardly wait until Jan. 1 when I can get them. Only $400. I answered a TV Ad about some supposedly inexpensive hearing aids, and when I went in person to see about them it turned out they would cost me $5,000 per ear!! Yikes!
Marj
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Haven't seen it yet, Marj, but it's definitely on our wish list - together with The Lady in the Van, Carol and Brooklyn.
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Other than a couple of football games, hubby and I spent yesterday watching a couple of movies. We re-watched "The Theory of Everything", which IMHO the second viewing is even better than the first time. Once again, simply awed by that Oscar-winning performance by Eddie Redmayne.
Then, watched one I didn't think I would watch. I haven't read the book as so many people did not seem to like it. "Wild" with Reese Witherspoon. It was a good movie, (a bit too much about her sexual escapades though). I had a time trying to sort thru the flashbacks, but managed finally. It's one I probably won't re-watch, but glad we saw it. Think I might read the book.
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Reposted from the Science Fiction books discussion:
The SYFY channel will bring Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End to TV in a 3 part (6 hour) miniseries Mon.-Wed. Dec. 14-16, at 8 p.m. I've read that they've made quite a few changes from the book for the tv adaptation.
After the last episode they will show the first episode of an adaptation of Lev Grossman's MAGICIANS trilogy. See http://www.avclub.com/article/syfy-air-first-episode-magicians-after-end-childho-229538
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That should make SciFi fans happy, Marcie.
The Golden Globes have been announced. CNN listed them so fast I didn't catch all, but saw "The Lady in the Van" up for something.
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the Tom Hanks movie is fabulous - saw it after our Thanksgiving dinner - the integrity of that man is unbelievable - he being the lawyer that represented the Russian spy - played I forgot his name but the guy who played Cromwell in the Henry the Eighth PBS series this fall - then the Tom Hanks character was the one who negotiated the Swap for Gary Powers and another unknown kid, a student studying in what became East Berlin who was caught when the wall went up as he was trying to get back to the other side. Fabulous movie - but then does Tom Hanks ever make a bad movie...?
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Hi Barb, it is Mark Rylance you are thinking of. I haven't seen this film yet, but he was wonderful in Wolf Hall.
Rosemary
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I get an email from a site called "words and Pictures". Today they had a somewhat scathing review of "The Lady in the Van". Don't think I'll bother to see that one. (even with Dame Maggie Smith).
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That's interesting. 'The List' here in Edinburgh gave it 3* - but they were a lot keener on Bridge of Spies, Carol and Brooklyn.
Rosemary
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I'll have to wait for the DVDs, but am glad to know there are several good films coming along. "Carol" is based on Patricia HIghsmith's The Price of Salt. Has anyone read it?
Barb, glad to see your comments about Tom Hanks and Bridge of Spies. I remember last Oscar season how much I enjoyed the biographical/historical films about Stephen Hawking and Alan Turing, and am glad there will be others in that vein. "Bridge" is supposedly based on a book, too, one that was published back in the sixties. Has anyone read that one?
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I'm afraid I've read neither Pedln. Didn't know Bridge of Spies was based on a book till you told us!
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I read "The Price of Salt" way back many, many years, probably when it first was published. Fat chance of getting a copy of it now; although maybe Alibris or Amazon might have one ($$$).
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I did not know either that the Tom Hanks spy movie was based on a book!?!?! It must have been a history book because I remember the whole debacle over Gary Powers and swapping him for a Russian Spy - ah so - to me seeing how it all happened with so much realism that a movie can show was like going back in time - again, fabulous movie so well acted you forget any of them are acting... I think all it takes is a couple of good actors and they raise the bar for everyone.
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The book in question, upon which the movie is loosely based, is Strangers on a Bridge:the Case of Colonel Abel and Francis Gary Powers by James Donovan. Published in 1964. Donovan is the lawyer who defended Abel.
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Thanks Pedln - here it is as bold as life on Amazon - the come-on says...
The New York Times bestseller now the subject of the major motion picture Bridge of Spies directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Hanks as James B. Donovan.
Originally published in 1964, this is the “enthralling…truly remarkable” (The New York Times Book Review) insider account of the Cold War spy exchange—with a new foreword by Jason Matthews, New York Times bestselling author of Red Sparrow and Palace of Treason.
In the early morning of February 10, 1962, James B. Donovan began his walk toward the center of the Glienicke Bridge, the famous “Bridge of Spies” which then linked West Berlin to East. With him, walked Rudolf Ivanovich Abel, master spy and for years the chief of Soviet espionage in the United States. Approaching them from the other side, under equally heavy guard, was Francis Gary Powers, the American U-2 spy plane pilot famously shot down by the Soviets, whose exchange for Abel Donovan had negotiated. These were the strangers on a bridge, men of East and West, representatives of two opposed worlds meeting in a moment of high drama.
Abel was the most gifted, the most mysterious, the most effective spy in his time. His trial, which began in a Brooklyn United States District Court and ended in the Supreme Court of the United States, chillingly revealed the methods and successes of Soviet espionage
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Nuts! 'Tis the season when they bring out all those dopey boring Christmas movies - and even Turner Classic Movie channel stops showing movies I like for those that I've seen sixty times or else so bad I don't want to watch, even for the first time.
There are some good ones, tho.' My favorite is The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. (Sadly I just read where Sullavan died in a hotel at age 51 of a drug overdose. She sure had a life most would envy - born in Virginia of wealthy parents and educated at Harvard - not many women went to Harvard back then. But you never know about people you think would be happy with their life, but for some reason or other, they have problems we can't see.)
Marj
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Just back from seeing Carol. It is breathtaking, overwhelming and brilliant all at once. Cate Blanchett will surely sweep the board with her performance in this film - our cinema's catalogue rightly calls it 'devastating'. I still feel quite drained - but in a good way.
Rosemary
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Wow, with that great recommendation, Rosemary, I'm going to have to see Carol. Thanks,
Marj
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I got to watch one of my favorite movies shown today on Turner Classic Movie Channel, the 1979 film Time after Time, with Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen. H. G. Wells did marry a woman named Amy Catherine Robbins; Steenburgen's name in the movie was Amy Catherine. I knew that in real life she married Ted Danson (of the TV program Cheers), but I just saw where she married Malcolm McDowell in 1980 and was married to him for 10 years. I guess those passionate love scenes in the film were for real. Anyway it's a great love story.
marj
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I am just back from seeing Bridge of Spies - what a fantastic film it is. Mark Rylance and Tom Hanks are superlative, and I was overjoyed to see Alan Alda pop up at the start.
The scenes in Berlin are so atmospheric and frightening, and capture the Cold War so well.
I get bored very quickly at the cinema, so I was amazed to find that over two hours had passed and I hadn't even noticed (it's 131 minutes in total).
Highly recommended - this and Carol are better than any of the other films I've seen in the past 12 months.
Rosemary
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Facing, what I thought was tough competition, The Martian and Matt Damon won Golden Globes. Yaaaaaaaahhhh!
The really strange thing was they lumped in it with Comedy or Musical. Really, really strange. There is certainly humor in the movie, but it is definitely not a comedy. However, if they had put it in with Drama, I don't think it would have held up to Leonardo and the Revenant. In looking at an article voicing not a few other articles and blogs, this is not the first time movies have been slotted into the comedy category that may have had humor in them but certainly not true comedies.
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I'm looking forward to seeing The Revenant at a favorite theater today. Just got my hearing aids -- haven't been to the movies for awhile as I couldn't hear the dialogue. I also want to see The Martian; never could finish the book as it was too technical for me. I also couldn't figure out why The Martian was in the Golden Globes category of musical or comedy films. I watched the Golden Globes awards but never heard of most of the TV series that had been nominated. My favorite TV channel is ME TV that shows the good oldies like Gunsmoke, Bonanza and THE Riffleman (love his relationship with his little son.
I'm afraid I won't be seeing the film Carol until it comes out on Netflix. My son takes me to the movies, and there is no way he'd watch a movie about a lesbian relationship.
Marj
Marj
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Marj, the technical aspect of The Martian is downplayed in the movie, and it's very well done, really enjoyable.
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We've just lost one of my favorite actors, Alan Rickman. He was superb as Colonel Brandon in Sense and Sensibility, highly entertaining as Alexander Dane, the Spock-like character in Galaxy Quest, and perfect as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies.
When we were reading the Harry Potter books as they were published, one of the burning questions was: Snape--was he good or bad or both, whose side was he really on? When the first movie came out, and Rowling, who had a fair amount of control over it, wanted Rickman to play Snape, I thought that was evidence that the character would turn out to be good.
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I watched the film The Martian last night on our cable channel. Don't know how they got it so fast, as it's still in the theaters, but it cost me only about $6.00 which is cheaper than a theater.
And yes, Pat, thankfully the technical parts were fairly easy to understand, unlike the book; I really liked the film, but IMO they could have left out the last 1/4 of it, as it just seemed to drag it out. I guess they wanted to make a more suspenseful ending, but I had a hard time understanding what was going on.
Along with the exciting and suspenseful parts it did have some good humor (altho I would not at all call it comedy which was where Golden Globes categorized it.)
Next I want to see Bridge of Spies. I'm reading the book and it's very interesting.
Marj
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The last rescue bit is easier to understand in the book, where it's explained at length. It's also hard in the movie to catch all the relationships among the astronauts, and the personality conflicts of the scientists and bureaucrats back on Earth.
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Marjifay - Bridge of Spies is an excellent film (I am ashamed to admit I didn't even know it was based on a book...)
Rosemary
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Pat - I was so upset about Alan Rickman's death, especially as it came in the same week as David Bowie's. Rickman was such a wonderful actor, and by all accounts also a wonderful human being, giving a huge amount of support to new actors - and to several charities. Gone too soon.
Rosemary
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I don't really watch movies. We live in a town with one theater, so the opportunity is not there unless we drive into a larger city. This year for Christmas our granddaughter gave us each a book (I always give everyone on my gift list a book, and she wanted to do the same this year). She is 8, and I am guessing she and her mom found a movies into books display at a book store. My husband received The Martian, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and I suspect he would really like the movie. My book is Brooklyn, which I found interesting for the time and setting, but the main character seemed a little too passive. I read a couple of reviews and then reconsidered my impressions and got a bit more out of the book. I have not seen the movie advertised locally. Has anyone seen Brooklyn? What did you think?
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Nlhome, if your husband liked the book of The Martian, he would almost certainly like the movie.
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I saw Bridge of Spies the other night. It is an excellent movie.
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I haven't seen it yet. What did you think of Mark Rylance's performance?
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If Rylance was anywhere near as good in Bridge as he was in Wolf Hall, then he was wonderful! I fell in love with him watching WolfHall.
Those deep, sad eyes. Ohhhh!
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Mark Rylance was terrific in Bridge of Spies. I read somewhere that he said he was like a vintage car that no one had seen. I think he has a good chance for an Oscar as Supporting Actor.
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OH good. I haven't seen it yet but I do plan to. I'm like Tome, he's the MAN now after that incredible performance in Wolf Hall.
And he himself is quite unlike the Wolf Hall character. I need to see him in this one, it's on Pay on Demand on my TV, so it shouldn't be hard.
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oh I remember when Gary Powers was shot down. My father said he should have swallowed his suicide pill, and was a bit contemptuous of him I think. Mind you he was what they called a saboteur in the war so I guess he had a special view of how to behave on secret missions in enemy territory. Not that he ever would talk about it , just had nightmares.
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Wow - I really think we need to know this - The work that is done to make this the site we have grown to trust and love needs to be told - we should not take for granted the volunteer effort by those who protect us from behind the scenes.
Message this morning from Ginny, Administrator...
I came in, tho, to tell you what Marcie has done which has made such a HUGE difference to those who have to go after the spammers. She's incorporated a captcha thing which forces the bot trying to register to choose photos in response to a text question or something, it's brilliant.
Since the day she put it up there has not been one more spammer@!!!!!! NOT ONE! It's a miracle to come in here and not see on the top left hand of the page the numbers of "people" waiting to be hand checked. And if you would skip a day it would take forever to clear them. And on holidays it was a nightmare.
Getting rid of these scumbags is a tiring job. They sometimes sneaked in anyhow and Jane has been patiently winnowing them out. So great is the difference that the check for Spammers thing no longer comes up and I can't see how many we have manually removed but it was something like 248,000 or something. Jane or Marcie may know how to access that check screen, I don't, and quite frankly I hope I never see it again, but isn't that marvelous?
A lot safer for us, too, since the bots can't see the emails unless they are registered.
So hooray for Marcie for doing this and for Marcie and Jane ALL THESE YEARS manually getting rid of these people who need a job instead of trying to cheat us all. The last bit was from Russia I think?
Jane, Administrator
Incredible...but the number now is:
266852 Spammers blocked up until today
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I've seen Bridge of Spies and I agree, Mark Rylance was fab - but I also think Tom Hanks was pretty amazing. Such a good film.
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Just movies - nothing about books. But if you love the old musicals, you'll love this YouTube video. Turn up the volume and enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1F0lBnsnkE&ebc=ANyPxKqBr0BDJwzf7nRtTm5NaWQ8G1nlTasftYZ0zjXvQyOYL3DkLqjAoPYYrkVyrnAcpRxstlz9
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I received a message from the TV channel KCET that the TV series Luther will be aired tonight. I think KCET is the name of the public TV channel here in Southern California. I rarely watch anything on that channel, as most of it looks pretty boring to me. But Luther gets a whopping 8.6 rating on IMDB (Internet Movie Database). The description says "A crime drama series starring Idris Elba as a near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions. Anyway, this one sounds interesting. The message says it starts at 9 pm, but doesn't say what time zone that is, so I'll look in tonite starting about 8 pm and see if that is the time. Is anyone else planning to watch it? I put the book from which it is taken-- Luther; The Calling by Neil Cross--on hold at my library. The book gets an Amazon rating of 4+.
Marj
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Luther is quite "edgy" but very good. Idris Elba and the rest of the cast are great. Your library might have the DVDs. I think there are 4 seasons. I know I saw the first two seasons on BBC One. I can't recall if I saw the rest.
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I was attempting to post something here yesterday, but my computer decided to take a "walkabout" even my printer went "wonky" later in the evening. Everything seems to be okay this morning (fingers crossed!)
Anyway, what I was trying to post was a recommendation for a movie (don't think it has a book tie-in). "The Intern" with Robert DeNiro an Anne Hathaway. A very sweet, clean movie, should appeal to those of us here who have a few years on us. I saw it in theatre, and then ordered it from Netflix so hubby could watch it. I probably will have to buy a copy for my collection of "movies I love". Last night watched "The Martian" (it is from a book). If you get the DVD, might I suggest that you have the book at hand, so you can keep up with the "Sols" which I translated to be hours of sunlight...maybe just days. Also, with the book handy you can read the steps he takes to get the small ship ready for flight. The author, Andy Weir, did great research with NASA to get this right. Loved the book loved the movie.
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Tomereader1, I just watched The Intern this past weekend and will echo your comments. It's delightful, entertaining, funny in parts. An enjoyable, feel-good film. I highly recommend it. Four Netflix stars.
Last week I also watched Bridge of Spies. Absolutely fantastic with superb jobs by both Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance. There is something about these historical/biographical films coming out of Hollywood recently that is very appealing - both this year and last. Five Netflix stars.
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Tomereader, I agree with all you say about The Martian. Good book, good movie, and both the technical and personal relations parts are easier to understand in the movie if you've read the book. But the movie is good even if you haven't read the book.
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Also not really about books, but Madeleine and I have just watched Milk - what an excellent film. We had very sketchy knowledge of the events in San Francisco in the 70s before this (even though I had actually visited a friend in Berkeley around that time). Sean Penn was brilliant, we thought. In some ways the film is like Pride, which came out here last year, but Milk is much more serious. They both reflect historical events though - Pride takes place around the time of the miners' strike and the first Gay Pride marches in London. It's a great film too, very entertaining but with some serious bits.
Rosemary
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I just saw the first of a series from HBO, Parade's End. The story is from aseries of novels set in England pre-WWI, by Ford Madox Ford. Benedict Cumberbatch is the lead actor. It was first broadcast in 2012, I think.
Like the beginning of Downton, the aristocracy is losing ground, but more interesting to me was, the female protagonist is a suffragette. It does some jumping back and forth in time, which is not my favorite kind of story, especially if it's confusing and this is a little. I watched it ondemand so I'll keep looking as long as it remains interesting.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parade%27s_End_(TV_series)
Jean
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We have just started watching Dr Thorne, which is an adaptation of one of Trollope's Barchester books (not that I have read any of them). So far it's good, if predictable. It's been adapted by Julian Fellows (yes, he of Downton fame) so there are plenty of lovely dresses and lovely houses - but the acting is also good.
It's a little disconcerting to see Tom Hollander playing the thoroughly good Dr Thorne just after watching him play such a convincing thug in The Night Manager (of which we have the last episode tonight) but he does both extremely well. Ian McShane (whom I remember in Lovejoy, many moons ago) is also excellent as the new money railway baron.
Rosemary
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Loved Alan Rickman in The Barchester Chronicles - are they remaking that series Rosemary?
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Today was a movie day for me. I watched (on DVDs from the library) Philomena and Nebraska. I think both of these were based on books - both excellent movies. I know they aren't very new, but still very worth watching.
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MaryZ, I thoroughly enjoyed both of those movies, especially Philomena with Judi Dench. As for books, I couldn't find any related to Nebraska, but it seems there is more than one book about Philomena. If you have a chance, take a look at some of the Philomena reviews on Amazon. Apparently there is a bit of controversy there.
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I'm watching a marathon, ondemand of The White Queen. The book was a Phillipa Gregory Tudor one. The costumes and the settings are marvelous. The story is mostly fighting and romance, but it's entertaining.
Jean
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Barb - apologies for the delay - no, I don't think they are remaking all the Barchester books, and even Dr Thorne was over quite quickly, just 3 or 4 episodes I think.
Daughter and I are now watching Mad Men for the first time ever (having found the first two DVDs in a charity shop). Really enjoying it now I've started to work out who is who. What a time that was - hard to believe I was actually alive when all those attitudes were 'normal'. The world has changed, and continues to change, though maybe not quickly enough in some areas. Draper's wife (?Betty?) reminds me of the role Julianne Moore played in The Hours.
Rosemary
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Oh huh just could not take Mad Men - just could not take it - saw part of one episode and had to change channels - too many memories I would like to forget - had the impression they were glorifying the times and behavior - I shudder just thinking back...
Finally saw the Crying Game - not sure if I liked it or not but it sure stayed with me - saw two Italian movies that I really enjoyed with an actor new to me - Gianni Di Gregorio - a guy who goes around pleasing his mother and her friends - the first one was OK but the second one was wonderful - I loved it... the first one is called Salt of Life that has bits of his daughter and her friends and his wife - he is taking care of all of them and ends up not realizing he had taken some drug offered in the food when her daughter has a party - he takes a neighbor's (good looking young woman) dog with him to pick up more wine for the party and the drug does its job so that instead of returning quickly he is out sprawled on the street all night - its all done with humor.
However it is the second Mid-August Lunch - his mother and her friends end up for the typical Mid-August vacation time all packed into his apartment as his friends who are caretakers for their moms dump their mom or in-law-mom with promises of perks - the women are having a girls day and night out for several days and end up with him preparing a party for a holiday that is in the middle of this time - he ends up having as much fun as his mother's friends who are all at least in their late 60s and 70s
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So far I don't feel they are glorifying the 60s behaviour Barb. Madeleine and I sit there hurling abuse and gasping in shock about how things were - it's a real eye-opener for her, and even for me, as I was a small child at that time.
It also makes me realise how much my mother's attitudes have changed over the years. Back in the 60s she was a stay-at-home housewife who actually disapproved of married women working ('taking men's jobs so they can have pin money for their holidays'), now she is almost as strong a feminist as I am. I think the fact that my father died suddenly and young, and she had no choice but to go back to work, may have contributed to this - it was a very hard time for her, but I do believe mixing with all sorts of people and being out there in the world keeps your mind open.
I was just chatting to one of our clergy last week about people who insist on sticking with the old ways of doing things in the church - of course this is a fraught area and I have no desire to open a can of worms, but from discussing the way some people feel unable to take Communion from a woman we got onto the reasons why people are afraid of change in life generally, and our view that although not all changes turn out for the best, being open to them is what keeps you 'alive'.
I must say I've never had such interesting debates in any other workplace. Every day I thank my lucky stars that I am no longer obliged to spend my days in a law office!
Rosemary
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Oh yes, gloves and hat just to go grocery shopping - if you were pregnant you had to quit you job, as I did after only weeks on the job - women did nonsensical work so that they were low man on the totem pole and never did get to any position of leadership unless they were the bookkeeper and there for 25 years - it was teacher, nurse or airline stewardess and that was it.
No tampons - it was the monthly curse - no pill - no ability to open a bank account or take out a loan or buy anything that required a loan except to pay off some salesmen weekly for some household goods - not even could a woman alone pay off a washing machine or frig - now a vacuum cleaner yes, that was a door to door salesman who would come back each week for his payment hoping for another kind of payment to be thrown in.
Maternity clothes were a joke - a loose fitting top with a cute collar and a skirt with a hole in it with a cloth strap that slid onto the waistband - at least better than for my Mom when if you were pregnant you were housebound so here I was 5 years old doing the shopping and had to memorize everything since I could not read.
Nursing was discouraged - no help learning how to raise children or know if they had the measles or if the baby was teething except for one book - Dr. Spoke.
If the marriage was floundering it was the woman's fault - she was to have the house clean the children tidy and the supper on the table when in he came.
Women sewed everything - I didn't but some of my neighbors actually made sheets and pillow cases however, curtains and drapes were usual for all of us along with quilts and covers for the sofa and headrests to keep the back of chairs clean and later when plastic hit the shelves everything was covered in clear plastic.
But mostly it was the disrespect and if there was any kind of gathering or party the men got together and the women were in the kitchen - usual was oh she is a women driver and of course there was no walking down the street if you were a young woman - I could go on - but I think the show was more about the 50s however, I could be wrong and yes, I too thought woman's lib was over the top and not wearing a bra was beyond me.
We were concerned for our daughters though and as Girl Scouts we encouraged fathers to be a part of the troops to help our daughters learn how to plan and carry out events and camping trips with male leadership to ready them for the 'new' workplace environment.
Problem I had was I did not realize and know about all these rules to being a women and was always shocked to have these expectations that my husband simply expected - I kept thinking I was educated in the same classrooms learning the same things as these guys so what is going on... ah so ... just writing this and I feel like taking an aspirin or a glass of wine - grrrr - shudder - brrah
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Your Discussion Leader: pedln (ann.bartlett@att.net)
Oh Barb, I can remember a teachers' room when teaching at an English speaking school in Puerto Rico. One of our teachers, a Gringo (from the US) was telling that she was getting her tubes tied. Her husband had already signed the papers, giving his permission for the procedure.
Aren't we glad things have changed.
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A new Jane Austen movie is just coming out--Love and Friendship. It's based on Lady Susan, a novel left in its early embryonic form and not published by Austen. It sounds like it will be a good job; the director, Whit Stllman, is an Austen nut, which is what you need to do it right.
It's one of those limited release films. It's opening here Friday, but I haven't figured out where.
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After you find it Pat, let us know how you like it.
Limited release? Do they make DVDs of them, eventually?
Has anyone seen Brooklyn, based on the Colm Toibin novel? I just finished the book, set in Brooklyn and in Ireland, and liked it, the first I've read by that author. His Nora Webster has been sitting on my bookshelf, waiting. I hope to watch the Brooklyn DVD sometime this week.
I hate to confess, all this political stuff on TV has really cut into my reading and sensible viewing time.
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It's showing here at some of the artier movie complexes, including one that I can easily get to by public transportation (I've stopped driving) but I won't be able to go until sometime next week. I'll definitely give a review after seeing it, and I'm sure it will come out on DVD.
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I read Brooklyn this winter and enjoyed it. I heard there was a movie, but I'll wait.
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I watched the movie Brooklyn a couple of weeks ago on our local cable television station. Since I haven't read the book, I don't know how the two compare. I enjoyed the movie.
The book Nora Webster was mentioned above. I read it some time ago, and it really stayed with me. At the time I read it, I thought it was an honest portrayal of a not especially likeable character. In my opinion his writing is lovely.
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I don't think this was a book first, but a play. I'd never heard of "My Old Lady" (2014) with Kevin Kline, Maggie Smith, and Kristin Scott Thomas. I picked the DVD up at the library because of the cast. An excellent, offbeat movie. Check it out.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2908856/?ref_=nv_sr_1
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I have been watching some interesting docudramas recently, on netflix and amazon.....Spotlight,(RC exposure in Boston) Conspiracy (Nazi final solution meeting with Branigan et al) and Edgar,(Hoover....with Judy Dench as his Mom, one felt rather sorry for him!)........also watched Marseilles....not really good but I enjoyed the French (with subtitles of-course!) and Deperedeau (?) stole the show, worth seeing for him.....
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Thanks for the recommendation of MY OLD LADY, maryz. I got it from my library and I too found it an interesting quirky film with a great cast.
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I watched Spotlight on Netflix last night---an excellent film. I also watched Hoover. Thought it was well done.
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Weren't they both? So I bet you might like Conspiracy too, it's on amazon prime.
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Darn, I could not find the film Spotlight on Netflix. All they had were some old Loony Tunes cartoons grouped under that name.
I watched the Stepford Wives last night on the Turner old movies channel.. Had seen it before but had forgotten how scary it was. Now I want to read some of Ira Levin's books. Have ordered his This Perfect Day, which looks like a good sci-fi story. Am surprised it was never made into a movie as so many of his other books have been (Rosemary's Baby, The Boys from Brazil, A Kiss Before Dying).
Marj
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I watched Spotlight on DVD, checked out from my library. Excellent movie - tough story.
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I attend the OLDER, WISER, LEARNING Classes every October in my retirement village, often taught by OSU professors. I will be listening when a professor in art history and world cinema teaches a course in BOOKS MORPHED INTO MOVIES. The books include, but not limited to, the Legends of the Fall, The Help, To Kill a Mockingbird, Dr. Zhivago. To be discussed -
[How can we describe the relationship between literature and cinema. Is cinema dependent on literature for its effect.
Is literature enhanced in any way through film adaptations?
Can novels be adequately transferred to the screen?
Why do many of us believe that a film does or does not live up to its literary progenitor?
Can a film adaptation of a particular novel be more successful than the novel in telling its story?
What exactly are the differences between reading a story and watching a movie
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Ella, how interesting! I know how I would answer the questions!
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I, just by chance, saw "Infamous", on tv over the weekend. Its the story of Truman Capote's writing on In Cold Blood. It got "lost" because it was made at the same time as "Capote" and came out after Capote. I thought Toby Jones did a much better Capote than Phillip Seymour Hoffman who won the Oscar for his portrayal.
It also had Sigourney Weaver as Babe Paley and Sandra Bollock as Nelle Harper Lee. I thought it was very good.
Jean
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I also posted this to the non-fiction site.
This book will be released at the beginning of September. I look forward to reading it or watching the movie to be released in January 2017.
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race – September 6, 2016
by Margot Lee Shetterly (Author) http://margotleeshetterly.com/hidden-figures-nasas-african-american-computers/
IMDB info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/
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Jean, I'd like to see Infamous. Do you know if it's On Demand? I've not had my current cable/TV set up for long, and am not adept at finding titles.
Coming this Friday -- a film I hope will prove to be excellent, as the book was great -- The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Set on the Australian coast during post WWI. Good people making bad decisions. I have to wait for a subtitled DVD, but look forward to your comments if you see it.
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"The Light between the Oceans " I read the book last month and enjoyed. Would now like to watch a DVD of it. Not seen if it is out yet.
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It hasn't even opened in theatres yet. This Friday, I think. Long time for DVD to come out.
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Your class sounds SO interesting, Ella - I would love to learn more about all of those things.
MaryZ - I saw Spotlight at the cinema - brilliant film, certainly deserved all the awards it won. I was impressed by how it stuck to the journalists' story, and didn't just throw sensationalist footage at us.
Rosemary
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I watched the PBS-So.Cal film documentaru.(here in Southern California) today. The title is Plymouth; American Experience. My son was watching it and called me to see it, so I only got to watch about half of it. They are going to show it again tomorrow on their internet website, and also on Friday after Thanksgiving, I believe, so I will get to watch all of it. Just wonderful, but very sad how so many of the original Mayflower passengers who got here in the winter when it was so cold, and many of them were already sick from the long sea voyage. Over half of them died during their first couple of months here; at one time two or three were dying each day. They buried their dead at night, so an Indian tribe would not know they were losing so many of their group. William Bradford's manuscript was shown as they narrated what happened; he kept a diary of everything that happened. His wife fell (or maybe jumped overboard from the Mayflower as it was moored off shore and she died from drowning. I guess people are still uncertain if it was an accident or if she committed suicide (altho' they were very religious and suicide was not condoned. If you get a chance, watch it. It is very different history from what I had always heard, and a fascinating account.
Marj
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I am not sure if this has already been discussed, but this week we finally saw 'A United Kingdom' the film based on the life of the first president of Botswana Seretse Kharma and his English wife Ruth Williams.
I did not really know anything about this story beforehand, but my mother remembers the events surrounding Seretse and Ruth's marriage very clearly (especially as Ruth was born in Eltham, a part of south London where my mother grew up). Their union caused a major political incident in both countries, and huge pressure was brought to bear on both of them not to go ahead with the wedding - but go ahead they did, and they lived happily together in Botswana until their deaths.
The film is wonderful, both in its depiction of Seretse and Ruth's relationship and in its revelation of the politics and prejudices of the time. Ruth Williams was just an office worker from London, yet she made the huge transition to living in a fledgling - and very poor - African country, even having her first child there with the assistance of local midwives rather than travelling to S Africa to be cared for by white doctors, as recommended by the ghastly diplomatic wives of the colonial service). Seretse was from a royal tribe that had previously sought the protection of the UK to avoid being annexed by South Africa - but he made a stand against the British government and led his country to independence in the face of South Africa's concurrent introduction of apartheid. Both Seretse and Ruth (eventually - at first the people were appalled at their future king bringing a white woman home) were adored by the Botswana people. It was especially interesting to learn so much about the birth of this country after reading and seeing the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, which is of course fiction but which (perhaps especially in the TV series) shows so much of Botswana's beautiful countryside and wildlife.
The acting in the film is outstanding - Rosamund Pike is brilliant as Ruth, a woman who knows her own mind and is prepared to do anything to stay with the man she loves, and David Oyelowo is fantastic as Seretse, a man with fierce loyalty to his people and a determination to take them into independence as an open, peaceful and unsegregated nation.
It's also both interesting and shocking (though why i should be shocked I do wonder) to see how badly the UK government behaved to get its own way; the double-dealing and lies were appalling, as were the snobbishness, greed (they wanted S Africa's - and later Botswana's - vast mineral resources, so did not want to upset S Africa) and self-importance of some of the politicians involved. Some of course were better and helped Seretse to win through - notably Tony Wedgewood Benn.
Highly recommended if you have the chance to see it.
Rosemary
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Another interesting blog from ManyBooks.net, I was particularly interested in what was written about Graham Greene's book of short stories and the movie Donnie Darko which I have never seen. http://manybooks.net/articles/5-books-that-were-featured-in-movies
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For all you Madeleine L'Engle fans, her A Wrinkle in Time is set to release sometime in the spring. Oprah is in that one and it does look colorful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4U3TeY2wtMA Wrinkle in Time i
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That book is a real challenge to bring to the screen. Can't tell from that bit how well they do at capturing its strangeness, but it looks promising.
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Color me "old school" then, but once a decade, I re-read "Gone With The Wind" and have just started back, revisiting Tara again, Scarlett, Ashley, Gerald O'Hara and Rhett Butler. The historical accuracy remains amazing and while being able to write about Southerners as other than evil incarnate is also something that is "gone with the wind", there is much to be learned, at least, about the Southern mindset. 1936 or 2017, people will read into books the pre-conceived notions that they opened the book with, but the Black Characters in Gone With the Wind carry the most personal dignity. Even Rhett Butler admits that the only person who's genuine respect he truly coveted, was that of Mammy. Its about the best selling novel of all time, but very few of its copies, I imagine, have been sold in the past 20 years....not since that nonsense about a sequel ("Scarlett") came out. I hope others have enjoyed it over the years.
Craig
Beaufort, SC
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Welcome Craig - I remember for years it was an annual read for me - never did like the movie - Scarlett was depicted as more a hysterical female than as I read her - never have read the sequel and just cannot bring myself to read it - but you remind me it has been years and years now since I read Gone With the Wind - need to find it and read it again.
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Welcome Craig,
GWTW is my favorite all-time book. My first time through was as a fifteen year old girl on a Maine beach. It was magic to me. I have reread it several times and seen the film several times I really never understood why Scarlet preferred Ashley Wilkes to Rhett Butler. A discussion of this book would be great fun. There are so many approaches that could be used in that discussion: historical accuracy, book v movie, the southern women, etc, etc. Thank you for reminding me once again
Karen
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Craig, I read my mother's Second Edition copy of GWTW every summer while I was in high school. Later on, I discovered that the dialogue of the movie is almost a word for word copy of the dialogue in the book.
Karen, I heartily disliked the movie characterization of Ashley Wilkes. I've always thought Leslie Howard got the role because he was considered a romantic movie figure of the late 1930's - and, of course, was a direct contrast with " romantic bad boy" Clark Gable. I don't think anyone else could have - or ever will - play Rhett Butler as well as he did.
I also thought Olivia deHavilland's portrayal of Melanie was just too too...... (in southern parlance, she was "just precious - bless her heart" ;) )
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My sister has of a sudden gotten interested in virtual reality. She mentioned that Samsung has a series of travel VR. She likes to travel but can't afford to go all the places she wants to, so she sees this as an interesting alternative. She'd like to see the headgear a little less bulky than it is now, and she is concerned about buying something now only to have newer stuff come out right away that she might like better. That is the way the tech has been going, so I guess at some point she will just have to jump in.
I think I'll look into it to see if they have any book/movie related VR. Bet there is.
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I have to admiut that I have never read Gone with the Wind, nor seen the film. I have my mother's copy of the book, and I know she adored the film when it came out too. My elder daughter has also read it and seen it. I think I had better rectify my ignorance. I know practically nothing about the politics of the American Civil War (when I first read Little Women as a child I didn't even know which war they were referring to). My GCE History covered the American War of Independence then stopped. It's the same with British history - it is taught woefully badly in school, with a few episodes rammed into our heads to enable us to pass the exams - it's only as an adult that I've gradually realised that other things were happening at the same time, not just in the UK but all over the world. Embarrassing!
Ay other novels/films anyone can recommend to fill the vast lacunae in my knowledge?
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it's only as an adult that I've gradually realised that other things were happening at the same time,
Same here Rosemarykaye. It turns out that what we learned was just a bare bones history with occasional highlights, and some of it, it turns out, was slanted or inaccurate. I was so bad at remembering dates of various world events. The only D I ever got was in a World History class because of the teacher's penchant for matching names/events with dates.
There are/were an incredible number of African American educators, inventors, scientists and others that never even got a mention. I only remember learning about Frederick Douglas and George Washington Carver.
Not only that, our expansion across the continent was somewhat lopsided regarding the Native Americans. While we learned major events in Western Civilization's history, Eastern nations were almost totally ignored except where the US or Britain came in conflict with them over trade.
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There is so much good history being written now and much of it is very inclusive of minorities and women. So many letters and journals are available to writers via internet, or just in general. Because of digitization they are much easier to search for the topics the writer is interested in, so therefore they can use many more sources in much less time.
What time period are you looking for Rosemary? The Invention of Wings is a wonderful novel about the Grimke sisters who were born on a slave plantation in South Carolina and refuted their family's life style to become Quaker abolitionists and the some of the first women to speak in public, pre-Civil War.
Jean
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It helps to read a more recent bio of Lincoln - there were two wars fought and your viewpoint is affected if you lived and were educated in the north versus, the other war the South was fighting that is shared now in homes since the schools have a national curriculum - One war was about slavery, that Lincoln added as a cause after the war was well started and the other, that started the war was about States Rights, with the majority of southern soldiers coming from areas that had no plantations, many soldiers not having ever seen a plantation. The burying of that aspect of the war, States Rights, is still being fought over again, based on your viewpoint.
Unfortunately, to this day folks who are mention States Rights are accused of being pro-slavery and those who see the war as human rights do not like to acknowledge their role in promoting slavery for profit and their desire for cotton, which included keeping slavery alive for a couple of years after the end of the war, to open rebellion against fighting in the war, nor knowing how to deal with national leaders living in the north who had slaves. The issues are confusing and to this day passions are easily pricked according again, to where you live and where you were educated.
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My sister called on Sunday to let me know that HBO is running a three part BBC program called Gunpowder which is about the Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. Of course I fell asleep and missed the first episode last night. Did anyone see it?
I expect they will run it again or I might be able to get it on On Demand.
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Don't worry, both of those things will happen. They'll run it again and it'll be on demand. It was great btw. Well worth the watch.
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Welcome, CortezNil. It's good to see you here. Have a look around and see what discussions you like. If you introduce yourself in Introductions,
http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=46.760 (http://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=46.760)
others can welcome you too.
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I've been "missing" here, but I'm back...just don't get notifications anymore.
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I just found out that Ridley Scott is producing Empire of the Summer Moon, the book by S. C. Gwynne, that we discussed a few years back. Since it is in pre-production there is not much info available. The director is one that I am unfamiliar with, Derek Cianfrance. He directed the movie The Light Between Oceans. I haven't seen it.
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I just saw The Ladies in Lavender with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith on Amazon Prime. It’s from a short story. The women are sisters living on a rugged beach in England. A young Polish man is swept off a ship that was taking him to America during WWII, the women find him on their beach. I don’t understand the title, I don’t think they wore lavender in the movie altho I wasn’t watching for that until the end. I was caught up in watching the two of them. It was a simple little story, but it was JUDI and MAGGIE! Need I say more?
Jean
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I remember the movie. The reference to lavender eludes me, too. A quick skim of the short-story upon which the movie is based did not help. I will have to read it in full later. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/50479/50479-h/50479-h.htm#chap02 The author of the short-story, William J. Locke, also wrote Stella Maris and At the Gate of Samaria among others. Wikipedia says that 24 of his stories fostered movies. As a bit of trivia, his story Viviette , included in the cast of the silent movie by the same name was one Harrison Ford. This first Ford was a victim of the advance from silents to talking movies. I have no idea if he was related to the current Harrison Ford.
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I dimly remember reading the short story a long time ago, but no details.
A lot of actors lost their jobs when sound came in--their voices weren't as good as their looks. Looking up Harrison Ford, I couldn't find any relationship to the older actor. Just a coincidence, I guess.
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Saw the movie back some time ago - I thought lavender Ladies simply referred to their age - a typical description that women of a certain age dressed in clean but not updated clothes and they scented everything - clothes in drawers and closets to sheets on the bed with lavender. As I remember the sister played by Judy Dench inappropriately fell in love with the young man as if she was not an elder.
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The “lavender” description makes sense Barb. I couldn’t decide if Ursula fell in love with the young man or was regretting that she had not had, and probably would never have, a “real” love and therefore using him to dream about the possibility, because at one point Janet says “he’s just a boy” and Ursula says “I know.” In any case, it was enjoyable to watch.
Thanks for the G- berg link, Frybabe, I’ll look at those stories.
Jean
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Jean I think she was torn and at times living a fantasy - in one breath she loved him as if she were also a young women and in the next breath she realized her age and how inappropriate till the time she was outdoors in her nightgown - the end I thought was so sad and he had his fame he hardly had time for them and they with good grace knew it but it was sad that I saw as an analogy to the entire story - they did all with love but he being young his youth was not different than his fame and in both they were not in his orbit however they gave all they had including their love.
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Agree, Barb.
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Barb, you can really describe a movie. I feel like getting a bag of popcorn and crying. Hi mabel1015j, I need to make more time for movies. I've read somewhere that there are plans for Viola Davis to star in small great things. The novel is written by Jodi Picoult. I am almost finished it. Now I'm in a courtroom. I'm one of those people who always prefers the book. If the movie doesn't happen, I won't worry. I checked this title out of the library twice. Glad I didn't give up and not read it. The story about Ruth, a hospital nurse, is remarkable.
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Looks like this discussion needs a little exercise.
I watched a movie last evening based on a 1978 book by Penelope Fitzgerald called The Bookshop (2017). I have not read the book, so cannot compare the film and the book. Julie Christie narrated the story. The only two actors I recognized by name were Bill Nighy and Patricia Clarkson, but I did recognize the face of James Lance. It was a pleasant movie, nothing to tax the brain or cause alarm. The ending surprised me.
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I enjoyed "The Bookshop" very much. The ending was a surprise to me also (and I didn't love it). We did "Small Great Things" in my f2f book group. It was well-received, and produced great discussion. (except for a pompous arse, who came in from a group at another library, they probably kicked him out). Our group's consensus was so unusual, as we never, and I mean never complain about a visitor and their input. However, when he left at the end of the meeting, everyone was shaking their heads and wishing that he never comes back. (so far he hasn't) LOL.
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You were lucky, Tomereader, sometimes someone like that can kill a group.
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We read the Bookshop here and actually received a letter from Penelope Fitzgerald. I thought it was super. I love the way she writes.
I've often wondered how a face to face book club manages difficult people. It would seem to me it would take a lot of courage to participate in one.
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We haven't had a lot of difficult people in our 2 groups over the years (we've been going since 2005 I think) but this was a first for us, and this person made mention of the fact that the leader of the group where he had been going did not pick good books, and other disrespectful comments, and that he was checking out other groups in our area. I think he probably got the same response in his "old" group and he did in ours. Almost deadly quiet, discussion responses totally opposite of his ideas. Blechhh! We have travelled a lot of miles in our group (years) without the likes of him, and still have about 8 of our original members, with new additions welcomed.
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Little Women seems to be the rage lately...may come even to our small town theatre. Has anyone seen it and would you share your reaction?
I'm watching the Virgin River series on Netflix, based on books by Robyn Carr. It doesn't follow the books exactly, but I love the casting and I'm ok with the movie changes. Other readers are not, of course, but I guess that's par for the course.
Have you seen any movies you've really enjoyed lately?
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I read so much as a kid - in fact I read every book in the children's section by the time I was in 8th grade - the one book I did not like and never finished as I kept shaking my head back and forth while reading was Little Women - to me they were, even Jo, the most insipid group of girls/women I ever knew or ever read about - needless to say when the movie came along it has not on my 'go to' list. At least Jane Austin writes of women that show some spunk.
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I haven't seen any movies lately except for Forward Unto Dawn which is a SciFi I like to watch every once in a while. I do have some movies I would like to see that are releasing this year:
Artemis Fowl - May 29
The French Dispatch - July 24
The King's Man - Sept 28
News of the World - Dec 25 - Have audio book - excellent. Tom Hanks stars
The Tomorrow War - Dec. 25
Then there is Call of he Wild in which Harrison Ford stars. Not sure I actually want to see this one. Read the book eons ago. Good book, but for some reason, i am not fond of the idea that Harrison Ford has the lead role. I always thought of the main character as being a lot younger. But then, Hollywood does magic with make-up and costuming.
Mostly I have been watching documentaries on Amazon Prime and YouTube.
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Me, too, on watching things at home. I've never been a big "movie" person and have no clue who all these "stars" are that are mentioned from time to time. Yep, I'm old. My family set me up with Netflix and Amazon Prime, and I have found some series I enjoy there on these cold winter nights.
I see 1917 is here locally, but no war movies for me.
jane
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I hear 1917 is very good - there is a new book out about the war I would like to read - Hidden History: The Secret Origins of the First World War. by Gerry Docherty which is supposed to go into the real cause of the war which the author's research shows it was not the shooting of the Archduke. According to the sounds bite it started 10 years before by a group of men in London who wanted to destroy Germany.
"Our understanding of these events has been firmly trapped in a web of falsehood and duplicity carefully constructed by the victors at Versailles in 1919 and maintained by compliant historians ever since. The official version is fatally flawed, warped by the volume of evidence they destroyed or concealed from public view."
Two of my grandsons are coming to visit me for a few days towards the end of March - they are both movie buffs and are bringing with them some devise so that we can see both 1917 and Downton Abby that I missed in the theaters. They were big Downton fans and their curiosity about WWI came from watching that series.
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I enjoyed the book “News of the World”. Think it will make an interesting movie. I’ve enjoyed most of Tom Hank’s movies. Think he will do it justice.
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I'd not heard of that book, FlaJean, but I really like Tom Hanks. His movies have always been enjoyable.
jane
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Jane, I went looking for a review/synopsis of News of the World, but couldn't find one that pretty much sums it up than the one on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/News-World-Paulette-Jiles/dp/1511356812 It is a wonderful part for Hanks. I am really looking forward to the movie. There isn't a trailer for the movie yet, but I did find one of the author talking about the book and what inspired her to write it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Agp-0DObUo
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Jane, get the book! It's wonderful, and another of those books that they cast someone in the lead part, that you don't think fits (think Jack Reacher/Tom Cruise). While I'm sure Tom Hanks loved the book and couldn't wait to get the movie rights to it, I do not feel that he personifies the lead character. I hope he does good service to the movie. This is just IMHO!
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That was my first thought too, Tome. But I couldn't think of who else might be better in the role, still can't. At any rate, I think he will do well in the role. I didn't think that Harrison Ford playing the lead in Call of the Wild was the best choice either. I always thought of that character as someone younger. Trouble is, I've not kept up with the younger actors. I was just looking at a list of actors 30=50 years of age and the only one I thought might fit would be Willem Defoe. I think he would have done justice to either one of these roles.
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Thanks! I’m on a WL for it.
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I could see either Jeff Bridges or Sam Eliot in the part - I love Tommy lee Jones and he is from and lives near that part of Texas but he is not as smooth looking as I imagine the Captain to be.
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My first thought, and fervent wish, was Sam Elliott. That deep resonant voice and age, would have been perfect for the Captain.
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Oooooo! Sam Elliot. Yes. He sits real tall and "purty" on a horse. He has been doing a TV show called The Ranch . It is on Netflix. This year is it's last. I forgot about him and Tommy Lee Jones. Jones finished two movies last year that will release this year, Wander and The Comeback Trail. Neither one of those sounds interesting to me.
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Looks like we are all seeing similar actors for the part - the problem I see with Tom Hanks is he does not have that look of having spent years in the saddle out of doors - his chubby look even when thin is not the tough hard windswept look of a Tommy Lee Jones who does spend his time in the saddle or Jeff Bridges who did not spend years in the saddle either but has the right look - and Eliot has that gaunt look that we associate with those who experience the harrowing escapades in the book - sure Tom Hanks could pull of the readings and maybe even the philosophical part where he has to decide to give the child back where she is not really wanted but it is all the other part of the story that he just does not fit right - even when he was the caste away he lost weight but he did not have that tough hard western look.
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One of the headings asks do you see the movie first, or read the book first. I have another question:how many movies have you seen that are better than the book? Off the top of my head, I'm only coming up with one.
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A few movies I liked better - My Fair Lady --- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang --- Maltese Falcon --- Doctor Zhivago
If the book had a lasting impression I seldom want to see the movie - as a kid few had so disappointed me I do not want to risk that happening again - as great as Mary Poppins was it was not like reading the story when I was a kid and I hated what they did with Gone With the Wind and where they took out some of what is racist filming Cimarron, it lost its punch and Drums Along the Mohawk both the early version and later was a disaster.
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The movie I thought was better than the book was The African Queen. It's funnier, and a tighter story, and of course has the unfair advantage of Hepburn and Bogart. The only way the book excels is in the sailing.
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Didn't Know African Queen was a book - need to find it although I've seen the movie several times - the glory of those actors would override any of my imagination while reading so I probably wouldn't read it after I even find the book.
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It's by C. S. Forester, who wrote the Horatio Hornblower novels. It's probably not worth bothering to find.
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well no wonder it was chosen for a movie - quite a writer and he always uses the place as if a character which thinking, I can see that now in the movie.
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On the question which do you do first? I like ordinarily to get the characters in my head via the book and then see the movie, which is always a startling change to what I had envisioned.
When I see the movie first I normally have to make concessions when I read the book but right now the opposite is true, in that I am watching Wolf Hall the movie again in preparation for the last of the trilogy which will come out Wednesday of The Mirror and the Light, for which some of us have waited for 10 years.
I did not think I was interested in the book, originally, but saw the incredible performances in the movie and found when I did read the two first books they seamlessly fit into what I had imagined and brought it to life so well: I mean Mark Rylance, Jonathan Pryce, you really need say no more.
I have the last 2 episodes of the 6 left to watch tomorrow as I was getting foggy on the events and who was who, and so I can't wait for Wednesday to start the new book of which I have read the first chapter online of and I can hear Mark Rylance in Cromwell's speech. I do think the movie first gives an indelible impression.
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Yes I agree Ginny - for this one it was the acting of Mark Rylance that for me made the story not another Henry the VIII but a riveting story as if I knew nothing about the who, what, where and how. Do you know, was the book released in England and only now in the US or is everyone reading it at the same time? I also wonder if there will be a sequel movie.
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I don't know, I understood that the 10th would be the first day for everybody but I might be wrong. It just now came in the mail!!!! And it's wonderful and hard to put down. I thought Wednesday was the 10th but it's today! And here it is!
I think Hilary Mantel is writing the stage play for it now so I assume that they will (fingers crossed) also make a movie out of it, with the same cast, because I can't imagine another Cromwell.
In Edit: apparently it has sold 95,000 copies in the first three days.
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OK...so here's my dilemma...I'm not a big movie person, BUT, our current situation has made me desperate for some diversions. I'm reading, of course, and the "kids" have me set up with Netflix, and Prime Video.
Does anyone have any suggestions for movies or shows available on those two? I've watched the Virgin River series twice and am working my way through Hart of Dixie. I've watched some Grace and Frankie and the movie Life As We Know It (I think that was the title).
NOW, the tricky...aka...picky part. I don't do horror, war, torture, angst, history/historical, "classics."
Basically, I'm shallow....I want light, fun, don't have nightmares suggestions.
jane
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Jane, "The Intern" with Robt. DeNiro, Anne Hathaway. I think you'll love it. I'll think of others, but I haven't finished my morning coffee yet, LOL!!
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Jane do they include foreign films - I find so many of the French films to be fun - I love the films with Patrick Bruel - he has a few serious but most of his are romantic comedies Love at First Child is a delight and there is an Irish film Waking Ned Devine that is a riot, small village and one guy wins the big national lottery - they try to find out who is the winner and in the process the find him dead in his chair holding the ticket - what happens then is an absolute riot - another French film is Mid-August Lunch - a middle aged son who stays in Paris during the national holiday month to help out his mom who has these women friends and he ends up preparing a lunch for them - again a good laugh.
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I'm a sucker for old British sitcoms and Amazon has a new one 2018-2019 - in a free trial of Britbox and it's got one I've really been enjoying called Hold the Sunset with John Cleese. It's cute and funny and harmless. I thought the whole world hated it till I read IMDB and that's not the case, it grows on you. It's really gotten me some great laughs through the news lately, and I have to say it's a bright spot in my day, I'm only on episode 7.
Also on Netflix is a great made up mystery (not a comedy) about Agatha Christie and her disappearance, it starts with a murder on a train, (possibly nightmarish) but you can and I did, fast forward that one, it's quite good.
I just paid 2.99 I think it was on Prime to see the brand new Knives Out which I absolutely loved, it's a total hoot, think Daniel Craig (OO7) with a thicker than KFC "Southern" accent solving a mystery about the death of a wealthy author and his grasping kin, gigantic house, it's an absolute hoot. I like it so much I'm going to buy it. I hear they are going to make a series out of it.
Now that we see I have no taste at all, enjoy!
:)
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It's amazing what one finds comforting in such a time, with thousands or so it seems of movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime and Acorn and Britbox, etc., etc.
I am finding stuff which is light and fluffy and silly is just what I want. I'm reading serious stuff and escaping through film.
I finished 2 years of the silly Hold the Sunset which has an indefinable vibe, it's sort, once it gets going, of like a continual Christmas movie, that kind of works out in the end with nice people coping with silly situations.. it's hard to describe and definitely not for everybody's taste but I like it and am having withdrawal in not watching it, so I think I'll watch it again. The characters are aged, think of that, people in their 70's, still trying to get by in a good natured way in a crazy world.
But in going into the free trial of Britbox movies, lo and behold I see they are actually offering Mapp and Lucia again, for heaven's sake, and of course being a huge EF Benson fan, I'm watching it. Yes it's dated. Yes it's silly, yes I have all the CD's, and yes I've got it memorized anyway, but it's fun.
That's not all they've got, they've got the original Agatha Christie Miss Marple movies with Joan Hickson, love her in that part, she's marvelous, again an aged heroine, Agatha Christie's choice for Miss Marple, so that's next.
I guess these are my "cowboy" movies, these being gentle escapist fare where good prevails and people are gentle and kind and life has some very silly moments.
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i know exactly what you mean Ginny. Is that the Mapp & Lucia with Miranda Richardson? I do think she is such a good actress. Anna Chancellor is also very good in it.
Joan Hickson really was the best Marple, wasn't she? Though I quite liked Geraldine McEwan when she took over.
My comfort viewing is much more tacky - things like Gilmore Girls and Desperate Housewives - but I am also watching Doc Martin and Monarch of the Glen from the beginning, and enjoying them both very much.
I think I might also rewatch Mad Men, which isn't exactly a comfort watch, but is just so, so good. I feel once wasn't enough to pick up on all the references and nuances.
Rosemary
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I loved Hold the Sunset - we only finished that series here on our PBS channel last month - I like the bits of fluff from France and watched one of my favorite actresses Catherine Frot in Odette Toulemonde and then found another of her movies that was really great - Haute Cuisine - she is a chef and chosen as the chef for the private dining room for the aged French President, a take off on a real story during Mitterrand's years at 55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré - Next I think I will watch one called Lulu - something about a young women who does not get a job after a bad interview and decided to sail around the world - all the people she meets and her own self-discovery - less fru fru but it sounds interesting.
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Hey,, Rosemary, good to see you here! No, it's the older 1985 Mapp and Lucia with Geraldine McEwan, and Nigel Hawthorne version that's on Britbox, I missed the newer one, I'll have to look for it, too. I had seen this one first but then I read the books and had the most awful time reconciling the book Lucia with the McEwan one but she took it over in my mind and I could not see the book one after that.
I really like Prunella Scales in it. I recall how disappointed I was when I went to "Mallards" itself and there was no "Garden Room" there, it had been bombed in the war? I think that's right. But the "Giardino Segreto" was there and you could tour the house, I really enjoyed it and I loved Rye.
Have you seen the new Doc Martin? I think it's series 9? I think it's the best of all of them, I have also enjoyed binge watching it as well. I think it's on Acorn here, and was also on PBS. I still like Father Brown, too, though they delayed his new one in the USA so long this year I thought it wold never come out. We need Sid back and it will be perfect again.
Barbara, I had NO idea Hold the Sunset was on our PBS stations! Did it have both years? I think the second one is better than the first.
Here's to Happy Escapism!
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Hi Ginny
I've never been to Mallards - I'd love to. Rye is beautiful - a childhood friend of my mother's lived just outside, at a village called Peasmarsh - their house was huge and the garden was glorious, I remember the most wonderful tea they did once for a special wedding anniversary; the memory is so clear, all of us sitting in the blazing sun eating raspberries and cream. Sadly the friend died some years ago and i don't know what happened to the house - Paul McCartney had (maybe still has) a property that backed on to their woodland, but the plots were so enormous that they were hardly close neighbours.
I am recording the latest Doc Martin but was trying to catch up with the earlier series first. Unfortunately I think I have left those DVDs in Edinburgh - but there is no way my husband would want to watch it, so maybe I will just have to wait - or watch the new series then fill in the gaps afterwards! I am also recording Father Brown (and definitely agree with you about Sid), but have the same issue with husband not liking it. As I cannot stand to watch some things he likes - Top Gear being the chief offender - I think we both have to be accommodating at the moment!
Last night I found I had the DVD of the original BBC adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I remember watching this every week with my mother - turns out that must have been in 1979! Alec Guinness was such a brilliant actor, though I also thought the more recent film version was excellent, the one with Gary Oldman, Toby Jones and Colin Firth. In the 1979 version London now looks so incredibly shabby - and yet so familiar, I recognise so many of the streets. Even when Smiley goes into his very smart Pimlico house, the inside is tatty and what would now be called 'in need of upgrading', but I don't think that was intended to be the impression. I think we just had different standards then - now people expect everything to be so perfect and up to date. Anyway, I decided I would really concentrate and try to follow the plot for once (daughter and I had to watch the Gary Oldman version at least 3 times to work it out), and I am enjoying it so far. Looking forward to the appearance of Beryl Reid, who was so wonderful as Connie. The DVD also has Smiley's People on it. I read both books as a teenager, I wonder if I understood them? John Le Carre is such a good writer - more recent TV adaptations of The Night Manager and The Little Drummer Girl have also been outstanding.
We forgot to bring an important cable up from Edinburgh - it is needed to allow us to watch recorded TV - my daughter has posted it to me so I just hope it turns up today. Tonight there is a new series of Friday Night Dinner, and i also want to see the more recent episodes of The Windsors,; we find both series hilarious, though i am not sure how they would go down in the US.
Lunchtime beckons - as my other daughter said last night, her choice of which can of soup to open has become a pivotal moment in her day!
Best wishes, Rosemary
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Oh I'd not heard of Peasmarsh, it sounds wonderful and I loved your description of the wedding anniversary, I would say you ought to write, but you do? Don't you still have your column? Is there a book in the works?
I have such wonderful memories of Rye, I used to go quite a lot, the entire place to me is magic, like Port Isaac was before the Doc Martin series. (I haven't been back since the series). I was so pleased for Port Isaac when that happened as, like Rye, I found the people there to be absolutely incredible and the best. It seems you are wholeheartedly welcome. I just loved it.
Your statement about I think we just had different standards then - now people expect everything to be so perfect and up to date seems to be so true. I remember after WWII when the big thing was a chicken in every pot and a car in front of the house would signal prosperity. Where I grew up (admittedly the urban North) having a tree in your yard meant you had money (believe it or not). A development called Levittown (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/caesar/LTPA.jpg)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levittown,_Pennsylvania was put up but as I recall came with no trees. They put one up near where I lived, they were originally intended to be affordable housing for returning veterans, there were a couple of designs, I think, 3 or 4, and they were relentlessly duplicated along the streets. I used to talk to my children about Levittown years later, it was quite striking, and one year I took them there, I would not have believed it if anybody told me, but the little community where people would often get confused coming home after a long night partying because the houses were so similar on some streets has been transformed by the owners into something quite amazing, a lovely neighborhood, and my children kept saying where IS this Levittown you speak of? This is a nice neighborhood!
So much for my credibility. Nowadays young couples seem to feel deprived if their first home is not a mini mansion the like of which we'd never have considered back in the day, much less have gone into hock to buy.
It's amazing what this isolation has wrought. I have become obsessed by, of all things, Solitaire, the various versions available in APP form on mobilityware I think it is. I haven't played Solitaire in years, but there are two of the games which are fiendishly challenging, no purchases necessary, and replete with crisp
sounding card placements. And in playing it last night I kept hearing in my ears the Mapp and Lucia crowd assembling for a card party, complimenting the arrangements and the crispness of the cards, and the hostess saying she had washed them because she knew it was a special occasion.
The things one finds comforting and appealing lately!
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talk about making the simple appealing - I wish I had the skill of many of my neighbors who not only see the humor in most everything but can write humor - one post after the other yesterday as neighbors wrote of their big social event of the week -taking out the trash to the curb for pickup - what should they wear and every weed and pebble on or next to the driveway was made into a red carpet event - it was hilarious
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You don't want to know the sort of things I wear to take the trash out at 6 am. But I have a raincoat covering all.
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fun Pat - these were mostly from folks who were in the habit of dressing for work everyday and since we are all staying home they had reverted to staying in their jammies everyday for over a week or as I like to call it their leisure wear that I too have been falling into the habit of wearing - at least I put on a clean Tshirt every morning and clean undies but many are staying in their jammies and so this dressing in jeans or scrubs or a clean pair of jammies and some their choice of makeup to takeout the trash was a riot as they described their possible choices and the condition of these choices often with holes in the knees as if they were attending a ball at Buckingham palace - just furthered the humor that folks are using to get through this isolation from the world we knew that was eruptly dismantled.
So you wheel your trash out in the morning - sounds like you prefer a coat rather than a robe - fun - I usually get mine out late at night just before going to bed - I'm usually barefoot but do still have on my clothes from the day - seems like most of us do get our trash out the night before - the guy next door leaves for work before 6: but he still puts his trash out the night before and they get to our area between 10: and 11:- interesting how areas develop common habits.
Looks like we are all going to get some stimulus money - nice - I know I have gone over budget in that with this rush for food the brands I usually choose are all gone and some foods have crept up in price - I'm fine this week after Paul's Fed Ex box and will probably be fine till at least the middle of next week - I'm wondering how the Farmer's Markets are going to work out distancing - not sure I want to risk it but they sure would be a way to restock fresh local veggies. I should get a pan of sprouts started - in a week I would have greens to use for a salad-
Been reading The Wish List - wow perfect explanation - a page turner that will break your heart - it goes on to say it will piece it back together but have not gotten there yet - folks that can write utter unexpected sadness with such truth are to me amazing. Nothing on TV tonight so back to my book.
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They're still collecting trash then? Our dumps (euphemistically called Recycle Centers) are also open here, not sure for how long.
Little Spot of Escapism yesterday: I spent the most glorious time yesterday afternoon with nothing to do, just indulging myself watching the 1985 Body in the Library with Joan Hickson's Miss Marple on Amazon/ BritBox, and it was just a joy. The photography, the beautiful small English village scenes, the great manor house, the music, the stuffy Major, and the elegant grand hotel on the coast and Miss Marple at her best.
Such wonderful atmosphere. Age scorned but then respected. I had not recalled the thing was an hour and a half, but it's presented in 3 half hour segments. The series has been "remastered" but still has that gauzy look you see in old films, it was a wonderful peaceful escape.
Here is how Joan Hickson became Miss Marple: https://www.visiontv.ca/2020/01/10/how-joan-hickson-became-agatha-christies-ultimate-miss-marple/
It was just what the doctor ordered. Despite having read the book and having seen the movie before, I had no idea hu dun it. As always. hahaha I am not sure what to call these Small Bits of Escapism, but they sure are nice.
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Just watched Keys to the Castle - oh my - and here I felt overwhelmed clearing out my 53 years of living in the same house - it appears they had accumulated so much more in their later years compared to the old movies of the castle after they refurbished it - I liked her remark when looking at photos of her husband as a younger man that he was like someone she used to know - not sure of the difference in their age but she certainly aged better then he did -
I guess when we are young and full of energy we never think of what our life will be when we are old. The movie does not show the house where they have downsized but it certainly will not be surrounded by the beautiful acres of grounds that she admitted can can no longer keep up. In one sense sad but in another to get out from under all the 'stuff' = and much of the really attractive 'stuff' is no longer used because they no longer entertain and he no longer can take a walk much less drive and so she is constantly making do with old stored outdated products.
A sobering movie to watch on this rainy day but it did get my mind off everyone's concerns over shopping, staying home. the political ramifications, and finding fault with others who cannot keep their teens at home - I just want to shut out the world for a bit.
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Sounds like something I would watch. I am going to put it in my WatchList.
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That does look good, and they look odd, I've also marked it down for later. I need fluff, constancy and order, happy fluff.
There are (oh joy) (we get our escape where we can) 3 seasons of Joan Hickson on Britbox AND Wolf Hall (!!!!) and Rosemary and Thyme, used to love that show about two retired lady gardeners, (still playing in London last year on one of those nostalgic channels), Hetty Wainthropp (where on earth can you see that now), and Hyacinth Bouquet, believe it or not,
Are You Being Served, the NEW Midsomer Murders, I like the new seasons so much better, Father Brown 8 AND of all things, I nearly fell over, at the end of the 20 pages of attractions, the UP series!
Do you remember the UP series, in which a landmark documentary study was made about British school children, some in posh schools some in normal schools to see how they eventually turned out? And they then followed them every 7 years? And have continued to do so? A social experiment study?
There they are! All in one place, apparently, or the oldest ones, anyway. I used to know the characters but have fallen by the wayside, perhaps I'll catch up now. DID they turn out as expected or not? And were their educational advantages the reason? I seem to recall one of the "posh" boys who turned out very well, indeed, refused to be further photographed, rejecting the idea his background and education had elevated him. Or so I recall, it probably was he was tired of it, but now maybe I can find out.
Last night I eagerly tuned in to the second Miss Marple, the one with the Poison Pen letters and hated it. Just could not get through it, Season I, Episode 4, the bad acting of the minor characters, and not enough of her, so went to the 3rd one and hit gold, A Murder is Announced, pure gold.
I'm thinking if you're doing it for escapism, you don't have to watch something you don't like, more than ever perhaps.
At any rate it's so much fun, and of course was first a book.
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Ginny,I love all those old series - we get quite a few on our Drama channel, which is free. (The rest are shown on the GOLD channel, which costs money, so we don’t have that!) This is where I have been recording Monarch of the Glen.
I enjoy many of the Agatha Christie TV films, but like you there are one of two I can’t get through and I don’t know why.
I think I’ve watched most of the ‘Up’ programmes - it started with 7 UP and it’s still going on. In the most recent one I think at least one person had died, and there are some who just don’t want to participate any more. Many of the people are now retired, and needless to say the ones who went to public (ie super expensive private - like Eton) schools are affluent and have beautiful houses and gardens. The boy I always feel most for is the one who was such a sensitive, ‘different’ little soul. His life has been marred by mental illness and failed projects, such a shame.
And yes, escapism should be fun - don’t watch something you don’t enjoy! We are lucky to have so much choice - i remember the TV as a child, we all had to watch at a certain time or miss it, all huddled round the same tiny set in the sitting room, glued to things like The Newcomers or Emergency Ward Ten (or as a small child at lunchtimes,, Watch with Mother - The Woodentops, Bill & Ben, Tales of the Riverbank). The Flintstones, shown I think on a Friday at tea time, were the highlight of my father’s week.
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Watched Keys to the Castle last evening. What a tremendous effort that must have been to sort all that stuff they collected over the years. They seem to have packed a lot of it, so their new home must have been big enough to hold it all. I was in fear that one or the other would trip and fall on those under-lighted steps and uneven floors. Wonder what the new people did with the place.
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Ferybabe I got the impression they left some of the furniture but that was minor wasn't it - I really sat back in my chair when I saw her saving the big boxes of dried leaves - oh oh oh -
There is a book coming out this month called Downsizing by David Ekerdt, that I am anxiously waiting for that sounded like its about the emotional impact rather than the usual nuts and bolts of actively doing the clearing - this movie justified my thinking that it is not the actual clearing - its all the emotional baggage not only over each item but the concept of saying goodby to a life that will never be again - oh we all know it but to actually acknowledge it with our surroundings is hard regardless saying it is a new adventure.
I have a greater appreciation for those in a retirement home - I do not think they have been even allowed to go through the grief process of saying goodby to the life that was. But for sure to be so surrounded with 'stuff' that you end up cooking in a tiny tiny cleared space - wow - at least she had the out of doors to spread out, clear her lungs, breath and actually do something unencumbered but he could only sit there surrounded by all that.
I thought the last when he was looking for and could not find his coat among the pile of coats, and sweaters and jackets all hanging together on the entry wall hooks was the perfect bit to include. She was suggesting a substitute but he was not having it - either the coat he was looking for or no coat at all - then in the vehicle she at least gets him to wear a wool scarf. But then, I smiled that with all her ability to adapt and shoulder on, the many trucks ahead of them hauling all their stuff was all her decisions that included an awful lot of stuff.
I wonder what they do with all that when folks die with no heirs as they have no children. And I wondered too how they work that out legally since the castle was closed and sold but they continued for it appeared quite some time living there as they were clearing out before the packers and movers even got there - she said the money was in the bank till they close on the other house - do they not pay rent for staying or who is libel if something happened to the castle - their insurance would not legally cover it but then the new buyer's are not the resident so their insurance would not kick in till they actually move in. Typically there would be renters insurance but even that would not cover the structure - hmm sure different then here where you are out the day of closing or else there is a rental fee so the buyer can get insurance coverage as the landlord.
Probably all those details are worked out and just not included in the movie - what struck me was the amount of time they continued to occupy the castle after closing - it was as if they did no packing till after the closing and it had to have taken weeks - in fact she was still planting bulbs after the closing.
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I must watch it, it sounds like Grey Gardens, which I was once obsessed with!
I've just spent THE most wonderful relaxing afternoon watching A Murder is Announced, the last hour, truly the most... I can't even describe it, but something about the combination of the filming and characters, the theme music, the costumes, the setting, and the acting really resonates with me, genteel peaceful murder mystery and of course I never ever figure it out.
I see Amazon has TWO other Miss Marples in addition to Joan Hickson on Britbox. The one, as you mentioned, Rosemary, is Geraldine McEwan, once I finish all 3 sessions of Joan Hickson, I will look at their take on it, McEwan (Lucia of the old Mapp and Lucia series) has a very sharp eye, it's easy to think she could figure out a mystery. I am not sure how old she was for the film, though? I will look it up. (In Edit: I did look it up, and she was 72).
Joan Hickson was a few months older than I am now at the time of filing. She is dressed, and portrayed, however, as a much older woman for the show. I do recall a time when everybody that age did their hair a lot like that and dressed so, too.
I am truly enjoying this "isolation" and down time....the dogwoods are all blooming and it's just
glorious here for walks. I must have needed a rest. hahahaa
Rosemary, I do recall those tiny TV's. For some reason my father had the first one on our block and all the neighbors would come in, in the evening and watch whatever show was on, crowded around that tiny screen. I can somewhat remember something called "I Remember Mama," but am not sure of the date, and William Bendix in The Life of Riley (which my father absolutely HATED) but apparently was outvoted.
What were some of the others? As a child we watched Kukla, Fran and Ollie, which I think originated in Philadelphia, and Winky Dink and You, where you put some sort of paper over the screen and wrote on it to solve puzzles. Decoder rings. Howdy Doody, one of our SeniorLearn members was once a child in the Peanut Gallery on that show, the programming of those days seems so......what? now. Innocent?
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Yesterday I suspended any housework to watch Nero Wolfe which popped up on YouTube. The pitot for the show was one I had not seen. Also, there was a 1959 unsold pilot for the show staring William Shatner as Archie and Kurt Kasner as Nero Wolfe. It was more serious and not near as "flip" as Tim Hutton's version. I have also been spending time watching shipping traffic on the St. Clair River through StreamTime Live's and Boat Nerd's live webcams with occasional side trips to the Duluth Harbor cams.
The cats have been entertained in the wee early morning by their favorite bird channel. There are two cams, one a bird feeder and the other a pond. The pond isn't as entertaining right now because the two swans, two geese, and most of the mallards seem to have disappeared. Oscar shows particular interest in the two deer when they show up. He also shows interest in the Cardinals on one of the Cornell birdfeeder sites. Now that Lucy can't hear, she pays much more attention to movement.
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Thanks, Frybabe, for the info on Nero Wolfe. I loved those books back in the day.
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Tossed out a slice of bread this morning, intended for the birds. A couple of birdies came up, not to the bread, but they were so tiny, fledglings I guess, one was a robin, the other just brown, probably his sister! Anyway, they found something else to eat, and a squirrel came up and devoured the whole slice, then moseyed around digging for its buried treasure!
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I was just thinking yesterday how beautiful this year the birds are. The bluebirds are absolutely spectacular, the cardinals (the first thing I saw when we moved to the farm other than the rampant wild boar was the 7 red Cardinals in the front yard. A red cardinal on a white dogwood in bloom is something to see. There is some strange yellow bird, flitting about, have never seen one before, have to get the bird book out. Such happy little creatures, singing, enjoying life, lots to take from their example.
I only have two chickens left from our original flock, and these are an ancient 8 years old, but they are something else. One is a huge snow white Orpington and the other is black and silver, a silver laced Wyandotte, so they are like salt and pepper. Devoted to each other. I never tire of watching their antics, and they are spoiled rotten.
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Ginny, let me know what the yellow bird is if you find out. Is it a goldfinch? They are incredibly joyous birds. The bird population around my house shifts back and forth. This year it's lots of cardinals and mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, and a few mockingbirds again, after a gap. Plus the cute little Carolina wrens.
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No, these are relatively big birds, not the cute little goldfinches. My husband says they might be Brown Thrashers, they have those stripes, too. I looked them up online and they seem to have, the immature ones, somewhat of a yellowish coloring, but these were very striking looking birds. We have mockingbirds everywhere, they start early in the day though, don't they, and are very aggressive if you get too close to their nests, I love to try to imitate them and have them answer.
Home Improvement Projects in Isolation:
Still watching Miss Marple, loving the experience, today's episode had her in her garden. I am also planting a rose bed. I had roses in pots which made such a pretty garden up on a brick terrace, so I had an area bricked in last fall, and last night emptied a truck load of soil on top of the sand in it (which was a lot easier than it sounds when you back the truck with the tailgate down over the wall of the garden). Nothing to it. Now to put the roses in from the pots. I will need the help of my youngest son as the pots are gigantic and very heavy. But I've so enjoyed enjoyed having roses in pots, and you can create a bower with very little effort.
I love the small English gardens in their front yards. Often times they are so creative with this very small space, they put my weeding skills to shame. The last Chelsea Flower Show I attended in London had as a theme the mini garden and such wonders in a small space I've never seen, such cleverness. I don't have that skill, I know mine will be a disaster, but I love flowers and so am going to try anyway. (They looked good on the porch, and roses do so well in pots).
Speaking of Miss Marple in her garden near the street, I am so pleased to have a new rose which just came called Sheila's Perfume (https://smhttp-ssl-80650.nexcesscdn.net/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/c687aa7517cf01e65c009f6943c2b1e9/s/h/sheilas-perfume-6.jpg) which I once saw while walking down the street, in one of these tiny English front gardens, and it just knocked me away, the fragrance!! You could smell it from a long way away and it's a gorgeous flower...we couldn't get it here for the longest time and now I have one finally. Every time I look at it I will think fondly of that experience long in the past.
Idle thoughts from an isolated mind. :)
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Years ago, when I was feeding the birds, I had a few favorites: Chickadee, Titmouse, and a particular Mockingbird. The Mockingbird would sit on the deck railing each day, look straight into our sliding glass door and squawk until I let Sammy out. Then they would play, broken wing/catch me if you can for a while. The bird could tell the difference between cats. He would dive bomb Dingy (a neighbor's cat, and closely resembled Sam) every chance he got. You could hear Dingy meowing the whole way across the open space until he was safe from pursuit. This same bird took to hollering down my neighbor's chimney which was attached to a wood stove; it took them a while to figure out what the racket was. Sadly, it was only around for three summers.
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Many years ago a friend had one of those gizmos that plays a little tune to open your garage door. One morning she heard the door going up and down, up and down. The local mocking had learned the tune, and was having fun. She changed the tune to a different, more complicated one, and the bird wasn't able to learn the new one.
Ginny, Shiela's Perfume is beautiful. If the fragrance is as lovely, it's really something.
The brown thrashers are indeed showy, but don't look yellow to me in either of my bird books.
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Aren't these stories incredible about the intelligence of birds? Bird brain is a misnomer, birds are smart, they have done a lot of studies on chickens, who display some traits which are very surprising, and they pass some tests used for intelligence tests in dogs. They can count and if an object is hidden they know it's there, it's unreal. They can delay gratification for a later reward, they show empathy (when not killing each other) and the very latest stuff I can't find but they can either be taught to recognize words or symbols or colors, or all, I forget which.
As this is about movies, I succumbed to RosemaryKay's The Windsors which we can get on Netflix and as I had seen series I, in the past, I watched 3 (is that the last, with Megan Markle?) and am working back to 2.
I love Camilla, and Beatrice and Eugenie, I LOVE Beatrice and Eugenie's accents and general....whatnot.
Is Philip only revealed in letters from Grandpa? hahahaaaaa Golly moses the language.
And as noted in the Library I finally gave in and watched one episode of Joe Exotic. Yes he's exotic. Just another in our taste for a Freak show on TV, so bad you can't stop watching. Where do they find these people? Why would anybody watch this, much less be obsessed by it?
They say all the celebrities are.
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Pat, it just flew by again, I have no idea what it is, it kind of looks like this, a Golden Fronted Pileated Woodpecker?
(https://www.surfbirds.com/media/gallery_photos/20050511074949.jpg)
We have a lot of woodpeckers here as well, but the thing is not exactly posing for me so it's hard to tell, but this is the type of striping anyway and the size. Pretty good size bird.
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Ginny, might be a woodpecker? I asked my husband, who is a wildlife biologist, retired, and he suggested it might be a woodpecker, but I don't remember where you live so he can't get too specific. Maybe look at gila woodpecker or golden-fronted woodpecker in your bird book.
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I think he's right, Nlhome, that picture above is the Golden Fronted Pileated Woodpecker, and is not quite as yellow as it is, and in the front, too, but I looked this particular one up and the range is Texas coming up from Mexico, but we're in SC, that's a long way out of range. I will look up the gila woodpecker. We have a lot of woodpeckers here.
How exciting he's a retired wildlife biologist!
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Maybe a yellow-shafted flicker, then, more in your area? Or a tourist from the southwest? Interesting.
We live in town. This morning a jake turkey walked across our street, between some houses, and then through the back yard.
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I was thinking Flicker, too, Nlhome. They used to be common around here when I was a young'un, but I have not seen one in many, many years.
Now they are finding COVID-19 in cats and dogs. Yikes!
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Ginny, I am so glad you found The Windsors again, it is providing much appreciated entertainment in my house. I think series 3 is the most recent, it has just finished here.
I don't think Philip ever appears - they leave the older royals out of it, but Charles, Camilla, Wills, Kate, Harry & Meghan are an absolute hoot, though my favourites are, as you say, Beatrice and Eugenie, and also the wonderfully evil scheming Pippa. I might have mentioned this before, but the guy who plays Wills is a dead ringer for one of my daughter's school friends. James is a lovely boy - a man I suppose now! - who went to Durham University (one of the more prestigious English ones) to read Philosophy but just couldn't get into it, as he has always wanted to be an actor but had not managed to get into any of the London drama schools. He left Durham and joined a new drama school in Edinburgh, where he is having a brilliant time. Every time Madeleine and I watch The Windsors we have to remind ourselves that it's not actually him we're seeing!
I think the Meghan character has been a brilliant addition to the show - she's so PC and New Age compared to the traditional royals. And I love all this surreal backstory about Kate having been a gypsy. Of course the real Kate never was anything of the sort, but she does come from a family that, although wealthy, are not titled and would be called 'new money' by many people here.
Last night I recorded an old film 'The Family Way', which I haven't seen, but which got 5 stars in the Radio Times as a classic of its time. It stars John Mills, Hayley Mills and Hywel Bennett and it looks promising - does anyone know it?
I know nothing about Joe Exotic - what or who is he?
Rosemary
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Nlhome, the Flicker looks like it, too! But I don't recall the red on the head. I guess I was so shocked at it suddenly appearing on a bush behind the computer that I failed to take in the details, but those stripes and that yellow remain. At this point it may be like witnessing an accident, the thing is probably purple and green . hahaha It's only been back once, further away and again in profile, but if it comes again, I will get a better look. I can see why people become birdwatchers!
Frybabe, in dogs and cats? I heard about it in the one tiger. Do they think the animals caught it from the human or do they think the animals are giving it TO humans?
Rosemary, how interesting about the young man playing Will!! I had to watch the Art Gallery episode over again, I woke up hearing "Beatrice" this morning, she is SO good.
Let me ask you a loaded question? I can see this a satire, how much is it based on the common opinion of the people involved? Is Harry for instance, perceived as dumb? I get the others (I don't know much about Harry), I did think the Middleton mother was treated a bit...roughly? The actor playing Charles has a face like putty, doesn't he? He almost looks like a puppet himself, though not the one on Spitting Image, never saw such a face. Love Camilla, the dragon lady, I can see the reason they would make her like that.
Does anybody know what the people portrayed think of it? They ought to get Charles Dance to play Philip, he'd be perfect.
As far as Joe Exotic (of the new series Tiger King on Netflix) that's a good question: who or what is he?
I am not capable of describing him. I am thinking you can't see Youtube in the UK, is that right? So I won't put a link to it, then, but here's one from Netflix itself, there's a promo little film here if you can see it: https://www.netflix.com/title/81115994
Here's an article from the Atlantic if you can't see the above, which should allow you to read it free: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/04/netflix-tiger-king-is-an-ethical-trainwreck/609568/
I barely made it though the first episode, I understand there are 7 of them. I do NOT understand this genre of Freak Show (I am sorry but that's what it is) which seems to be overtaking the country.This is not the only one!
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Ginny, the reports I read about the cats and dogs said that it is more likely that they picked up the virus from us rather than the other way around. Here is one of the articles I saw on the subject. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200402/Can-cats-and-dogs-catch-or-spread-COVID-19.aspx
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Oh my gosh, Ginny, I watched that trailer (thank you) - how absolutely appalling. I think you can actually get that programme here, but it's the last thing I'd want to watch. Captive wild animals, especially in private 'collections' should not be allowed, in my opinion.
Zoos are bad enough, but at least most of the ones here are now very aware of the issues, and are concentrating on the protection of endangered species. London Zoo no longer has elephants or polar bears so far as I know, and their Highlands operation (at Kincraig, near where my son lives) is very involved in the protection (and, we hope, eventual return to the wild) of wolves and other native Highlands species. I may have mentioned before one of my favourite wildlife writers, Jim Crumley - he is very active in the reintroduction of beavers, and he also supports the 'rewilding' of wolves. His books are wonderful, especially the more recent ones published by Saraband (his first publisher was not great).
And now to The Windsors! The actor who plays Charles is Harry Enfield, he is very well known in the UK, I think he started out in stand-up comedy. I feel he has Charles to a T, I don't even think his portrayal is much of an exaggeration. Haydn Gwynn, however, is obviously way over the top as Camilla - who, I believe, is a very nice person - but the character works as she is just so funny, with all her plotting, her endless gins and cigarettes. Camilla attended a premiere in the Cathedral where I work - it was of a new piece of music composed to mark the anniversary of the end of the First World War. We had a lot of meetings with all her ladies-in-waiting, security people, etc beforehand, but really her own requests were very few - a cushion to support her back, as she has problems with it, and a Diet Coke at the interval. And she also asked for time to be made in the programme for her to go out to the front and thank everyone for coming (it was a free, ticketed, performance.) IMO she and Charles should have been allowed to marry in their youth, it would have saved a lot of unhappiness all round, and Diana could have married someone like her, lived in West London and enjoyed the life that well-heeled smart young women have, without all the royal baggage.
I think (sorry if I have said all this before) the court protocols of the time have a lot to answer for - it was the same with Princess Margaret - my mother says if Margaret had been allowed to marry Captain Peter Townsend she would probably not have turned into the bitter woman she became. The palace seems finally to have caught up with modern life, in that both William and Harry have not been prevented from marrying 'commoners' (and Zara Phillips, Princess Anne's daughter, is married to a rugby player); I imagine it would now be unthinkable to try to stop a royal marriage because the partner did not have the right credentials.
As I've said already, none of my family is much interested in the royals, and we do not have much time for the taxpayer-funded hangers-on like Beatrice & Eugenie - I have no idea what those two are really like, but I do so enjoy the way they are played in the programme, the accents are perfect (one of my elder daughter's school friends used to speak exactly like that - this was when they were at a tiny primary school surrounded by private estates, so all the landowners sent their children there for 'free' prep school, then sent them off to boarding school around the age of 8 or 9. Although it was like a private school it was in fact just the local council one, so there was a mixture of extremely wealthy families (Anna had a 'Lady' in her class, whose family lived in a castle) and estate workers' children. The older classes in the school had only the latter left, which had a very detrimental effect on numbers. )
Yes I think Harry is most definitely perceived as dim and impressionable compared to his brother. He lived a very wild youth, which did not go down well with the public (who were of course paying for it). Meghan is more of a tricky one - my daughters tell me that she has been absolutely vilified by our gutter press (Daily Mail and Sun being the worst offenders, as ever) and that they feel that the abuse she has received has been unbelievably and inexcusably racist. I have not read any of this stuff myself but I can well believe it - sections of our press are really appalling. I think if Harry and Meghan want to make a go of it on their own, (and on their own money) why shouldn't they?
And I agree, Charles Dance would be excellent as Philip! I love him as an actor - have done ever since he was Guy in the unforgettable Jewel in the Crown, though since then he seems to have played nothing but baddies (excellent as Tulkinghorn in the BBC's adaptation of Bleak House, for example). Philip is not popular with many people as he is so racist - and pig-headed, still driving around and causing accidents when he has been told to stop driving years ago. It's not as if he hasn't got anyone to do the driving for him! The perception of the Queen is quite different, I think almost everyone does see her as very hard working. I think the problem with most of them is that they are so cushioned and divorced from the real lives of the majority of people in the UK. No-one was at all impressed with Charles coming up here to Birkhall (his house on the Balmoral Estate) when he already knew he had coronavirus. Although he wouldn't, of course, have been in local shops, his staff certainly were. And everyone else in the country was getting such a bollocking for retreating to their holiday homes.
And I agree about the portrayal of the Middleton parents - that was most definitely caricature, so I hope they saw the funny side of it. I think they live their own lives.
I don't know if any of the royals watch the show - I would hope that they could find it funny, because really it is quite gentle by UK standards!
Something I have not yet seen is The Crown. It was hugely praised here, so I really must watch it - and of course it is still going on, and I believe Olivia Coleman is taking over as the Queen. She is a fantastic actress, one of our very best, though Claire Foy (who, I think, played the younger Queen) is also exceptional (viz her Anne Boleyn in Wolf Hall).
My husband has now decided that we must buy a larger TV! Miracles do happen! (The one we have here is literally 14", we have to sit right in front of it to see it.) He thinks he can set it all up himself if we order it online, so I just hope he's right. I rarely watch it during the day, but I do enjoy sitting down after dinner for an hour or two, with a cup of tea, a bar of chocolate and a good programme or two :)
Best wishes,
Rosemary
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Oh I agree, appalling. I just read yesterday that he actually killed 5 of the tigers to make room for the new ones which he breeds. You have to wonder what this world is coming to, you really do, and people are RABID about it. I think it's quite uncharitable of me to refer to it as a freak show but that's what it is and so are some of our Reality Shows here.
I used to watch one of the other Reality Shows and so tuned in recently to one out of curiosity and I did not, I really did not recognize two of the women, their plastic surgeries have rendered them almost unrecognizable and not in a good way. Those awful lips and cheeks. UGGG. They look like puppets.
Thank you SO much for that description. I did not know half of it. I did not know about Philip, as racist, really? Or Harry being "dim," that explains a lot. Prince Philip has enough private acreage and roads he could drive himself daily over, he doesn't need to take to the public highways at all if he'd like to get behind the wheel.
And I loved your anecdote about Camilla, how nice to hear something nice about her, there can't be much wrong in somebody who only wants a Diet Coke! hahaha Woman after my own heart.
But would Margaret have been happy with Group Captain was it Peter Townsend? Didn't she have airs and graces of her own? I know she's been vilified but golly moses that awful awful Antony Armstrong Jones, what a horror of a man, who wouldn't be bitter having to live with him? Awful awful AWFUL man. I wonder she put up with it one minute. Have you read the new biography of her?
They are a bit hard on Princess Anne in the series, goodness how unattractive they make her, in every way. She can't be that bad, surely. I keep looking at the mouth of the actress who plays her, surely that's a prosthetic device over her teeth? I must look her up.
Oh do watch the Crown, we'd all like to know what you think of it.
Loved your story on the child with the real life "Beatrice" accent. I can't imagine that in real life, at any age. I've been practicing the "Beatrice" accent and don't really have it down, something about drawing out the last syllable into two, that actress needs an award. hahahaa They are so clueless, it's a wicked portrayal.
Oh I so agree on Dance, will there ever BE another Tulkinghorn like him? He nailed it. He's Mountbatten in the Crown, and he looks exactly like him, too. Wonderful scenes, you've got to see it.
I did NOT know Charles had the coronavirus when he want to Birkhall! Hmmmmm.
14" TV. hahahhaa Rosemary, this will be an adventure for you both. Your posts are SUCH a breath of fresh air. Please don't disappear again when this is all over?
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Thank you, Frybabe, for that article. I hope people are not abandoning pets but I fear they are.
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Rosemary, my oldest daughter gave my husband and I, for Christmas 2 or 3 years ago, a 40" Smart TV. It was a gigantic surprise, she brought it over in her car, on Christmas Eve, set it up, plugged in the DVD Player, Sound Bar, and all the other rigamarole. I never would have gotten it right. It has a beautiful picture, you can get your Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu or others (not free of course, but makes selecting something fairly easy. If your hubby hits a rough spot in the setup, most any person in their late teens or 20's can do it in a heartbeat! You will love it. Our living room is not big enough for any larger screens, and that is something to take into consideration. Anything bigger than 40" should have a "great room" to give the best viewing experience. Also I am not a big fan of all this 4K stuff, and am glad we got ours before that came out. I don't even know if you can still get one without it. Ours is a Samsung, and we have had good past experiences with that Brand. So...
do your research, and when it's all set up, ENJOY!
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Oh my gosh. This is for anybody who has ever seen The Windsors on Netflix.
THIS is Vicki Pepperdine, aka Princess Anne! (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/caesar/vickipepperdine.jpg) (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/caesar/vickipepperdine2.jpg)
THAT is a transformation nobody would ever believe! And "Princess Anne's mouth when open!" Unbelivable.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
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Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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No, no Ginny, you've obviously posted the wrong picture. ;)
Amazing.
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Good morning all,
It's almost 11.30am here and I am only just sitting down at the computer - because I started reading my chosen book for my friend's '1920Club' themed read next week, and got so engrossed in The Princess of the School that I couldn't stop - am already over half way through. It is Angela Brazil at her best, with girls called things like Lilias, Bertha and Prissie. They are three of only 20 pupils at an exclusive (but 'down to earth' :) ) boarding school, where they sleep in 'The Blue Bedroom' or 'The Gold Bedroom', have endless meals (including tea, scones and home-made cake every afternoon) and use words like 'ripping!' and 'jolly good!' and 'You're an absolute blighter, Laurette!'
Lilias and Dulcie are sisters who live with their siblings on their Grandfather's estate, their parents having been handily dispatched in a shipwreck (but so long ago that no-one needs to feel upset about it). Grandfather (known as 'Grandfather' to them and 'The Squire' to all the lowly cap-doffing villagers) is of course very wealthy. When the Christmas Hols are coming, the girls discuss how they will all go home - some on the train, some by car (chauffeured, of course, as in 'Daddy's sending the car for me') - cue one-upmanship of a very special kind when Lilias and Dulcie announce that 'We shall be riding home - Grandfather thought Rajah and Peri needed exercise, so he's sending two of his grooms over with them.'
And there is lots more in this vein. I love it.
Ginny, loved the photos of the actress who plays Princess Anne! I think, like Camilla and Pippa (at least I think it's true of Pippa!) they are meant to be complete caricatures, even more than the others. Anne is well known to prefer horses to people. She used to be the patron of the stonemasons' workshop attached to the Cathedral (the workshop sadly had to be closed as it could not maintain solvency) and visited every so often. There seemed always to be much more kerfuffle about her coming than there was when Camilla came, but that may just be because the person organising it was quite volatile! It always went well, but I do get the impression she could be quite scary.
nlhome - thanks so much for the advice about TVs. I read it out to my husband, who has in his head the notion that we have to get a Panasonic because he 'knows how those work' - whereas I think some other makes are better, and also that if we got a Panasonic now, it would be quite different from the one we bought maybe 20 years ago (not the 14" one - the Panasonic is in our house in Edinburgh). At the time Panasonic had had a falling out with various app producers so you could not get half of the apps, which was annoying, but I imagine that has now been resolved.
Have a good day everyone.
Rosemary
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I'm afraid what with the virus and all (at least, that's my excuse) I have lapsed happily into Mrs Brown's Boys, Father Ted and Curb Your Enthusiasm. There's nothing like a bit of really bad taste to brighten the spirits....but I can't be alone, I was amazed to see Mrs Brown's Boys has Christmas shows! It doesn't seem like a show for a family Christmas day......I'd only seen the series once or twice so now I'm quickly catching up....Father Ted is a bit of nostalgia, that show used to be on PBS......but then he died.....I love the thick young priest ......Curb Your Enthusiasm made me put Sinefeld on my list to watch, there's a lot of it I guess.....
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Mrs. Brown's Boys! The first one I saw was the last Christmas one. It's strangely endearing, isn't it? Odd. Reminds me of Dame Edna whom I loved, I really did. Possums. I also used to be devoted to Curb Your Enthusiasm but sometimes David takes it too far, I think, it's kind of an ouch situation, sometimes too much in the later programs but some of the early ones are classics. And very funny.
Have never heard of Father Ted, I'll look it up.
:) Pat, it's hard to believe, isn't it? They've got some kind of prosthetic device in her mouth which makes her look as if she has buck teeth, completely alters her entire face. It seems that teeth do make a difference in one's face.
Still working on my "Beatrice" voice hahaha I could not stand in a room where there was a lot of that without laughing, hopefully it's exaggerated somewhat. Check out her pronunciation of "vlog" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0nXGAvPmWw Eugenie steals the pronunciation show here though she doesn't in the series. Don't you LOVE their confusion over the word "budget?" hahaha I'm sorry Rosemary can't see that one, but maybe it's somewhere else too.
I am loving the program. Poor Pippa, they really make her something else, and why does Harry refer to her as Puppa and why does Will crush every i into another vowel? It takes me a long time and several rewinds to figure out sometimes what he is saying. What a hoot it is.
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Ginny - we can in fact get YouTube, and I loved that Marie Claire spoof, those actresses are so good.
I think you would be surprised at how accurate their accents are for a certain type of entitled, spoilt, rich girl. No kidding, they all talk like that, and as they mostly only converse with each other they think it’s normal.
Wills’ ‘Puppa’ is brilliant, and again really is how those people talk.
Pippa Middleton has done nothing to endear herself to the British public. She has written some truly pointless party planning books then married a mega-rich man. I suppose the one good thing about that is that she is not funded by the taxpayer.
Something quite different that I found on YouTube recently was a whole lot of interviews, programmes, etc with/about Daphne du Maurier. A blogger I know runs a Du Maurier reading week each May - I have stupidly come up to northern Scotland with no Du Mauriers at all, I’ll have to see what I can get as an ebook from the library. I can’t say she is my favourite author (many people absolutely revere her) but I enjoyed Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel, and du Maurier was certainly an interesting woman. I’m thinking I might try Jamaica Inn if I can access a copy.
Rosemary
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You CAN get Youtube? Ha! Is this new? I've been told by a lot of students in the UK it's not there.
I actually went so far as to watch the real Beatrice and Eugenie give a talk, and unfortunately they did not draw out their words like they do in the other films. I have now watched all three seasons of The Windsors and am hooked. Andrew really takes a beating as does Fergie, too. Had you not mentioned it I doubt I'd have picked it up again and now I think I'll re-watch it.
Is it the old Brideshead you're going to watch? I've never been to Castle Howard, have you? I thought this past March I might give it a shot, but of course that was not meant to be. I think I'll find the old Bleak House and watch it for the umpteenth time just to see Dance.
There's something about this isolation which makes me want Dickens for some reason.
Have you ever seen Game of Thrones? I haven't, and he's in that, too.
I took Jamaica Inn when we once went on a trip to the moors, in fact to the very place which it supposedly depicts, (it's been a long time and I've forgotten the location now, other than "the moors"), because I thought that would be so apropos, do I recall there is an "inn" there which may have sparked the story? That was when we spent such a long time in Cornwall. But unfortunately I lost the book en route, so the entire moment was lost. And kind of anticlimactic. My suitcase is always full of books, and unfortunately often they don't all make it all the way.
This is the most TV and movie watching I've done in ages.
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Do you find yourselves in this isolation, watching things you would never watch otherwise?
I do.
For some unknown reason (I think I may be getting a little stir crazy myself) I have started watching Rick Steves in his travel shows on PBS. This is his new series, taped recently.
I don't know why I find that soothing. I never have liked Rick Steves, but compared to the rest of them he's suddenly looking awfully good, and his books do have some helpful information about how to get here or there, on your own, and where the launderettes are, etc., although in a lot of places like Italy the changes are such that really no book could keep up, and I have always admired his positive naivete about travel. I think some of his history lessons bear review but then again he will point out places I have not known about in a city, too. I also very much like his list of books to read before a trip, they are well chosen.
And he is changing and updating with the times. That first "confirm your sightseeing plans" at the Tourist Info spots, which used to always drive me wild, seems comforting now: the idea being if you do you'll be in control, right? Wrong, but I like the regularity of the effort, and I've learned the hard way that sometimes if you do, you won't find your venue closed for the day, too.
For some reason I find that...optimism...soothing now. I'm an optimistic traveler. I thought everybody was, apparently not. I don't know why he suddenly seems appealing, and I especially like the outtakes at the end of the program, the bloopers.
What are you watching that might be a little different for you?
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On Books into Movies, I so enjoyed last night taking a break from all the negative tornado weather warnings, and coronavirus issues, as our local PBS station is running THE 8th season of Father Brown, and I finally got to see the first in the series (which I thought I had seen, but discovered that was "Season 7"). I wish they would just put the years on the things, 7th, 8th who knows what year it is? This is the 2020 one, so new it's not available in DVD format that we can see.
It's about a choir competition between parishes and it was absolutely wonderful, predictable, and sweet. Quintessential Father Brown Series. It even had the cranky Canon of the Christmas special a year or so ago..It was just delightful. I have to say I even felt a tear welling at the end, (but I suppressed it). With difficulty. Just the antidote for everything in the news.
Books into Movies II: I am trying but ominously failing to keep on with Little Fires Everywhere. I was really caught up in it in the beginning. It's very well written and is a new movie. I thought it was another suburban Revolutionary Road...Richard Yates type of thing? About adults. But it appears to be instead a teenage coming of age story, or something awfully similar, and I find I am simply not wanting to read about teenagers right now. The reviews are stunning. I have promised myself 50 more pages but if nothing then, I'm going to donate it to the Library.
Oh and I finally did hear a "Beatrice Voice" on the news the other day, it wasn't quite as exaggerated, but that holding out of the last syllable was definitely noticeable. I laughed out loud. hahaa Oh man, I hope I can contain myself if I ever hear such cadences in person.
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Oh Ginny, do tell me who it was with the Beatrice voice?
I think I've seen that Father Brown episode, but I always enjoy them, new or repeats. I can't watch many at the moment as it's the kind of stuff that would drive my husband mad - but I have lots recorded for future consumption :)
Last night we watched the end of the first series and the beginning of the second series of Derry Girls. I really would recommend it, is is hilariously funny but also on point, as they say, as to the lives of ordinary people in Belfast during the Troubles. The ending of the final episode of the first series is both brilliant and shocking, and reminded me what that time was like. Just make sure you find a version with subtitles (we haven't managed to make them work on the Channel 4 catch up app) as Northern Irish accents are impenetrable at times (even my N Irish daughter in law has to slow down for me on occasion, and she's lived in the UK for many years.)
Rosemary
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I don't know! I was walking through the room and my husband was watching another documentary, probably about WWII and as I passed I heard her and stopped dead and thought is THAT..and ran over but by the time I got to it they were on to somebody else. I can see if you grew up hearing that how you'd tend to do it, but it sure is funny if you didn't. I think "Beatrice and Eugenie" need Oscars for their performances, they are such a hoot I may watch it again.
OH and we do get Derry Girls, Netflix has it. I am not sure if we have both years, but i started it and immediately thought oh...... no.... more teenagers....er....maybe later...... and then the adults entered and I was totally hooked. Totally. Thank you so much, I had never heard of it, and yes you definitely want CC on it! hahaha When it started I had thought I can understand this perfectly.. and that lasted about 4 seconds and then.....
Have you seen this, this morning? Priceless. https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-sussex-52487203/eastbourne-man-builds-railway-in-his-garden
If interested, if the full BBC page comes up, just scroll down as the movie is lower in the page, and will start on its own.
Absolutely priceless.
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Oh I LOVE that video Ginny.
I think that is the great thing about gardens - people can do whatever they like in them, and I love that this guy has been able to enjoy his hobby. The inside of the carriage is really cosy, I'd love to sit in it and read (and a lovely little stove for when it's cold too, though I doubt it gets very cold in Eastbourne). I was just saying to David yesterday 'why don't I build a model village in the garden?' This would truly be his idea of hell on earth - he wants everything minimalist and tidy, I want it all flowery and kitsch... I knew it would never happen, but it was fun seeing his face.
As a child I was taken on a couple of holidays to the Isle of Wight, where there is (or was) a model village, and going round it was the highlight of my week. In fact there used to be quite a few of these across the south of England, but I don't know if any still exist, must look it up. I also love things like mini 'clock' golf, model railways, and so on. I think it's brilliant that they give people so much satisfaction in such harmless way.
Found the Isle of Wight one! https://www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk/ (https://www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk/)
We have just started the second series of Derry Girls. I enjoy the teenagers as much as the adults, they are all hilarious to me. My husband's favourite character, however, is the priest who appears towards the end of the first series and again at the start of the second. He is Mr Smooth but the girls always get one over on him. The Mum, Dad, Granddad and Aunt Sarah are fantastic though, I agree. Heaven knows where they are all supposed to sleep in that tiny house. If you have not yet reached the final episode in the first series, do hang on to its very final scenes, they take it to a whole new level.
The Windsors doesn't seem to be taken seriously enough to win awards, which is a shame, as I agree, the actresses playing Beatrice & Eugenie do deserve awards., ditto I think for Harry Enfield and his so accurate portrayal of our future king (whom my mother still refers to as 'Charlie Boy'.....)
Tonight there is a new documentary about Lee Miller (I think it must be something to do with VE Day, which I believe we are to be celebrating all week - Friday is actually a national holiday). I am recording the programme - I heard her son Anthony Penrose give a talk about her, and she was a fascinating woman, I think he said she was one of the first war photographers to enter Belsen when it was liberated. Picasso was a friend of her husband, Roland Penrose, and Anthony recalls sitting on Picasso's knee when the latter came to visit them at their farmhouse.
Rosemary
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I was just saying to David yesterday 'why don't I build a model village in the garden?' This would truly be his idea of hell on earth - he wants everything minimalist and tidy,
hahahaa Oh man, I laughed over that. Yes, indeed, I can sing that song. We have that here, actually, as well. To ME a perfect house would have roses over the front door, ivy on the walls, rose covered arches, one big exuberant garden, just a profusion of flowers everywhere running into each other. My husband, knowing my penchant for starting things enthusiastically but failing to carry through, without the support of an army of garden help, felt my efforts would be best down by the pump house....hahahaa.....where the greenhouse is....a goodly hike to see anything blooming, but out of sight. hahahaa
My sons have inherited that gene, so my gorgeous Royal Sunset Rose, which used to climb up the side of and over the back porch, over the swing, which my mother loved to see when she came, having been reduced to 4 feet of stub, gave up.
So I have ....I don't know what you'd call it....... these AREAS.... of 40 years of old plants, camellia sasanquas, with hundreds of blooms every late winter, azaleas, giant hydrangeas, sweet shrub, rhododendron, peonies that nobody sees, mountain laurel, rosemary, and huge sage which blooms in the spring with blooms that rival any hyacinth without the smell, iris, daffodils, narcissus, chrysanthemums ..it's endless....bravely carrying on without any help, NONE of them visible from the house, but now, isolation bound, I am reclaiming them, too, from the weeds and the fire ants and reviving all efforts again. Have transplanted 3 roses there so far, from another reclaimed rose garden because the new one, slap up against the terrace where I can walk out in the morning and see them, now seems full, and since I used shade cloth ( the miracle to me of gardening) I transplanted some in full bloom, left it on a week and you'd not know they had not grown there for 10 years, and so there is already some arching blooming exuberance to go with the new bare root roses which of course are only bare canes at the moment.
I love that model village idea, and I love that man with the train. Yesterday I had written here and erased it in embarrassment that...truly... I have always wanted a train here. I don't know why. I think I'm pretty safe in saying that won't happen? But that guy in Sussex I think is just....dear. I saw that and thought "there'll always be an England."
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I think I got us off on a tangent with my gardening blobbs,, sorry. hahaha I just read that world wide, Gardening is the new passion during the coronavirus. We need a Literary Gardening site here. hahaha Perhaps quoting Shakespeare or something? The Language of Flowers? hahaah
“There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember; and there is pansies, that's for thoughts... There's fennel for you, and columbines; there's rue for you, and here's some for me; we may call it herb of grace o' Sundays.:"
At any rate, I'll stifle on it for now, just including a photo of what's left of my rose arch after the winds accompanying one of the 19 tornadoes we had on the ground here in the Upstate in something like 3 months took it down. My daughter in law had given it to me for my birthday and planted it.
It was NOT the tornado itself, but some sort of accompanying winds, snapping trees, but all is well otherwise and this is what's left, my youngest son managed to get it back up but we had to cut half the top off and right side off first. The sides and top originally were equal like a giant horseshoe.
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/aqueducts/roses%20arch%202020.jpg)
I like to sit under it in the mornings sometimes. :)
My husband likes to watch old Westerns in the evening, and is currently watching something called The Virginian, a rerun of the old series starting in 1962 which had a long list of famous movie stars maybe before they became so. It seems every actor in the world has made a guest appearance on it, it had hundreds of programs aired. It's become sort of fun to pause by it and watch 5 minutes and say oh I know HIM! or HER! And try to guess who it is, and look it up by whatever clues we remember the actor by.
So far we've spotted Robert Redford, (who didn't look like himself, it was so long ago) Lee J Cobb, Delores Hart (isn't she the one who became a nun?), Yvonne De Carlo, Vera Miles, Joan Blondell and last night I couldn't think of his name but it was Oscar from the Odd Couple, Felix Unger, better known as Jack Klugman. And there are about 230 episodes to go! hahahaa
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Wow fabulous shot - such a full rose bush - is there a scent that goes into the house or is it too far away?
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Oh my, that is beautiful Ginny, how lovely to have it to sit under.
I remember The Virginian, as my grandmother used to watch that and all the old western TV shows when she came to visit us on Saturdays. I was very young then so don't recall any of the actors, but the programme was a part of my life for many years - she also loved Bonanza and The Big Valley. It's only now I have begun to understand the politics of those shows - for my grandmother they were just good entertainment.
I would like to see some of them again, but I have no idea if we would be able to access them - are they on Netflix or what?
Rosemary
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Oh I'm glad you like it. Thank you both. Barbara, it doesn't have a really strong scent, until you get right up on it, it's more a gentle sweet fragrance. But I've got one in bud, Shelia's Perfume, which can be smelled a long way off. I can't wait.
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Rosemary, we have all those old Western TV shows here on several local Nostalgia cable channels which show nothing but, including the old movies like High Noon, etc., but I don't see it on Netflix. It does, however, look as if YouTube has "full episodes" of several seasons. I think there is a nostalgia movement afoot. We also have Andy Griffith and I Love Lucy, all the old things. How interesting that your grandmother watched The Virginian!! Love it!
I have noticed, not watching any of them myself, that I can always tell when a woman enters the screen, the masculine music stops and violins play a sweet gentle tune, it's actually kind of funny, you don't have to look to see a female character has walked on stage.
But I love the scenes involving stagecoaches. Love stagecoaches, fascinating, romantic things.
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i don't know if any of you happened to see last night on PBS (at the same time as Midsomer Murders which I taped) the new Father Brown, the one with Mrs. McCarthy and the Fortune Teller? But IF you did I discovered something, a little surprise, tucked into the show. IF you didn't see it, it would spoil it, but if you did you might like to know it, and I would be curious if you saw it, too.
I guess what appeals to me about Father Brown, especially now in this pandemic is the predictability, and the goodness which will triumph always, and the sense there's right in the world. We are in serious shortage of those things at the moment, and I guess that's what appeals to me at this time.
:)
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No I don't think I've seen that one Ginny, but I entirely agree about wanting to watch predictable things (I am like that anyway, and much more so now.) My 'fix' is Monarch of the Glen, and my daughter has now also sent me my DVD of the first series of Dallas - haven't started it yet but looking forward to it!
Last night my husband made me endure (in that I was too lazy to get up and leave the room, he hadn't actually pinned me to the sofa...) a programme that attempted to recreate the last voyage of the ships that tried to find the NW (Arctic) passage in the 1800s. This involved things like very lifelike models of men who had died from frostbite, and the information that they had been reduced to cannabilism to stay alive - though of course they all eventually died. The programme makers were most interested in finding the boats, both of which had disappeared - they did eventually discover one on the sea bed. I can't say this was my idea of enjoyable Saturday night viewing - hopefully I can get back to Monarch of the Glen or Father Brown tonight!
My go-to comfort listening is The Archers on BBC Radio 4, and can you believe it, they have run out of episodes!! So just now they are replaying 'selected' old ones of major events in the lives of the characters, but these just do not interest me, I have heard them all before. In 3 weeks time they are going to start broadcasting new ones recorded since the lockdown, but these will apparently take the form of monologues by different characters, which I somehow doubt will be quite the same. The actors are recording them at home. They were previously in the middle of a major storyline about modern slavery, so heaven knows how they will tie that one up.
Husband is still obsessively painting the window frames. It's been snowing outside - such a joy to have all the windows open in this weather!!!
Rosemary
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Rosemary, I assume that was Franklin's expedition? It would be better without the visuals. I've watched the story unfold since I was a kid, as people found more and more bits of evidence. Not a cheerful tale.
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I think my taste in viewing is more in line with your Husband's Rosemary, but the visuals sound horrific. I couldn't get into Grandchester or Father Brown (although I did watch maybe five or six of those). I liked the old Midsommer Murders and may watch some of them in the future. What I have been watching now are some YouTube clips about warlords and battles prior t0 1000AD in Britain.
I am having trouble settling on my next book to read. I did start Cinq-Mars by Alfred de Vigny, but put it aside again. The story is a novelized version of Henri Coiffier de Ruzé, marquis de Cinq-Mars and his attempt to get rid of the Cardinal de Richelieu. His was the last conspiracy against the Cardinal, and he was almost successful. He was caught, however, and beheaded at the age of 22. Charles Gounod, with the libretto by by Paul Poirson and Louis Gallet, wrote an opera based loosely on the book. There was also a French movie released in 1981. I don't think the movie was ever released here, but YouTube has it and Amazon has an audio-CD listed. I'm going to check out the YouTube clips this evening.
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Oh interesting, Rosemary and Pat on the Arctic Passage. It's so funny how you'll be idly thinking about something or a subject, and then come in here and somebody is talking about it or something similar.
Somebody has given my husband a book on the Endurance, the story of Ernest Shackleton and his crew of 27 men who sailed for the Antarctic on the 1914–1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, and his diary and those photos of that boat stuck up on the ice, and I was just thinking about that and then, as always, George Mallory whose story is legend I guess.
Years ago I went to Greenwich and they had an exhibition there of George Mallory, rival to Edmund Hillary for climbing Mt. Everest. Mallory was lost, and looked for for years, and found in 1999, and the thing that just horrified me or stunned me in the exhibition full of archival photos and the actual clothing they wore on that expedition was a full size model of Mallory standing there facing you wearing one of his outfits and...he wore a tweed jacket, a silk shirt, and what's called plus fours (sort of like below the knee golfing shorts) with long knee socks, he WORE this to climb Mt. Everest. I didn't believe it.
There are tons of photos of him in camp there with the others all the same outfits and enthusiasts have taken it up talking about how warm that clothing is is and how it's 8 layers, very light weight, just the thing. And on and on. I have read so many books about Mount Everest and they dress like some kind of space men now. And then they found him and that's exactly what he had on. I can't say what that photo looked like, him lying there in that jacket. Face down. It was pitiful, just like the Shackleton situation.
And then of course they have been able to reconstruct what happened, too.
Saturday night I was flipping through channels and came across the Roosevelt documentary which I had never seen and was riveted on Eleanor's life, what an awful childhood she had. Her mother must have been demented, she, a "great beauty" (didn't look that beautiful to me) thought the child was ugly and called her Granny from an early age and to me she was a beautiful child. It's not a new program but I never saw it so am taping it, odd to see Franklin Roosevelt without polio and as a young man, and that dragon of a mother of his. Poor Eleanor.
Frybabe, you DO find the most interesting books. Cardinal de Richelieu. I am not sure, if pressed, I could say 10 words about him, and there's an opera! Let us know as you progress what you are learning? Then we'll all be richer.
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Here are three very different programs, each wonderful in its own right, none of them new, which may be of idle interest today if you've not seen them.
The first is a debate between Boris Johnson and Mary Beard on which civilization matters the most today, the Greek or the Roman? For some reason people who have seen this one still talk about it years later: Greece vs Rome:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k448JqQyj8
The second here may be of interest to readers of historical fiction, it's on the nature of Historical Fiction, by Hilary Mantel speaking at a conference on that subject, on how and why she ever chose Thomas Cromwell, the "unbiographical man," for her subject, and the responsibilities of those who write Historical Fiction: "I Met a Man Who Wasn't There:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEXatV1hqZo
And the third is a real hoot: Robert Harris, author of many books on many subjects including historical fiction centering on the Romans, (Pompeii, The Cicero Trilogy), being interviewed by Dr. Peter Jones, well known Classicist in the UK. Lots of laughter, good stories. It has some absolutely marvelous bits, including why read historical fiction and how important research is to that genre, and some lovely give and take between them, priceless:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mgXDJMRuRw
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I found, on Amazon Prime, something I hadn't seen before regarding the Tudors. "The Private Lives of the Tudors". It is only 3 episodes. I love this kind of stuff about Britain, Henry, his wives, the royal castles, etc. The blonde lady who does the tours and narration sort of gets on my nerves, not unlike the other lady, who's a bit older, and does so many of these British-based shows. This program does not get into all the "wives" drama, but other, more "personal" stuff. I have watched 2 so far, and intend to catch the other tonight. I was totally unaware that I could watch these, and other, videos on my Kindle Fire. So I can lie in bed, and catch up on episodes of almost anything streaming now!
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Tomereader, what a fun experience that is! I had never heard of it. What beautiful footage of Hampton Court and Hever! I could watch that again! That first blonde woman is Tracy Borman the author of the book by the same name. I was surprised to see it IS a book, too. have you read it? I'd like to look further into that. She also wrote one on Thomas Cromwell, (talk about bad timing)...I wonder how it differs from the Mantel.
Watched the first one last night and am ready for the second, that hat!
Thank you for recommending it. Streaming is something else, isn't it? I'm new to it myself.
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And this is who she is: "Tracy Borman is England’s joint chief curator of Historic Royal Palaces and chief executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She has written five previous books, including the highly acclaimed Elizabeth's Women: Friends, Rivals, and Foes Who Shaped the Virgin Queen. She has a PhD in history from the University of Hull and lives in Surrey with her family." She is not writing fiction and yes, she took a completely different take on Cromwell too, which his newly revealed papers suggest.
A new author to me, too, super! Never heard of her. Has anybody read any of hers? I read a few pages of her Thomas Cromwell, super maps. and like her style and have ordered it; I like different opinions.
Why did she irritate you, Tomereader? All that stalking about?
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Goodness, I must look this up - I've never even heard of Tracy Borman. And yes, I'm still very new to streaming, and am just AMAZED at how much there is on the apps on our new TV. We don't subscribe to any paid-for services, but just on BBC i-Player, Amazon, All Four, STV Player and things like that there is so much choice.
Tomereader - the one I find incredibly irritating is Lucy Worsley. I think it's something to do with her little girl hairslides and annoying voice, which I know is unforgivably judgmental of me.
Ginny, I look forward to watching that interview with Robert Harris, though not sure I can cope with any more Mary Beard for a little while, she is everywhere.
Rosemary
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Bettany Hughes is the one who irritates me no end. I can't watch anything she is in.
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I have heard of her but I don't think I've ever actually seen anything she's presented.
Do you ever watch any of Michael Portillo's programmes? I've found some of his 'hidden history' series very good, but he drives my husband round the bend, And then David drives me round the bend by insisting on SHOUTING just to show how annoying Portillo is.... Portillo was at Peterhouse, as was David (though not at the same time) and I think that's part of the issue. At the time it was an immensely traditional public school kind of college, the last one to hang on to its male-only status (the opposite of King's, where I went, which was one of the first 5 to admit women in 1972), and David (who was pooled there) loathed it. (We revisited it when our elder daughter was applying to Cambridge and, having now admitted women for several years, it was transformed into a really nice little college with a welcoming atmosphere).
Rosemary
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oh, Peter Jones...so enjoyed seeing him...many years ago he had a series in the Telegraph about learning Greek , at the time I got the book that went with the series but then I forgot all about him till now!
Glad to be reminded of Robert Harris too. I used to read him, I didn't much like him back then, but now I shall give him another try. I threw out some of his books when I moved, as well as the Peter Jones' book. Just goes to show you should never throw out a book.
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Yes, Rosemary, Lucy Worsley is the one that gets on my every nerve, I think it's the timbre of her voice and the elocution that riles me. It is also judgmental (unforgivably) of me. Mea Culpa for that. Ginny I hope this answers your question. Tracy Borman's voice seemed to have a tone or timbre similar to Worsley's. But, I thoroughly enjoyed all three episodes. I will check to see if our libraries here have any of Borman's books. Glad my little late-night streaming garnered some interest here. You can be sure if a movie or documentary has anything British involved, I will be watching it. I know that somewhere here in SL, or over in S&F I commented on how wonderful the British/Scottish actors are. As are several from Australia, and Canada.
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Yes that was a winning thing, on many counts, Tomereader!
Rosemary, I have never heard of Portillo!! I will try to find something of his, hahahaa despite the shouting.
Dana, isn't he wonderful? I am so glad you enjoyed it. And he also taught Latin in the Telegraph, too, we have a former student of his in our program. I have one of his books somewhere, something called What Would Caesar Do? I'll see if I can find it.
He also was the featured speaker of that Archaeological Study Tour I did of Hadrian's Wall for a week, again sponsored by the Telegraph, and featuring the the then head archaeologist in the Newcastle area. It really was well done. He in person is exactly like he is in that broadcast: wonderful, charming and funny, and knowledgeable.
I love the expressions on his face. I wish we had more programs like this.
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Ginny - this is his secret history series: https://www.channel5.com/show/portillos-hidden-history-of-britain/ (https://www.channel5.com/show/portillos-hidden-history-of-britain/)
He has also done hundreds of 'Great Railway Journeys' programmes, both in the UK and all over the world. I find him quite good fun, he is absolutely irrepressible and seems to have a genuine interest in the numerous people he meets: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xgqxy (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xgqxy)(not sure if that will work - if you Google Michael Portillo Great Railway Journeys you will get lots of hits>)
Rosemary
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Rosemary, thank you for introducing another person and program I have never heard of here, and who looks so intriguing. I was able to see one minute and 59 seconds of Railway Mysteries on the BBC2 site of his program with the grandson of Agatha Christie (which appears to have last aired in March of 2020), and really would like to have finished that, but can see no more than 2 minutes of any of the others about the British railways, which would be the ones I really would most like to see.
It seems that his programs I would most want to watch are simply not available at all on streaming, or BritBox or Netflix or youtube...just not there! I wonder why, some of them are quite old. What little I have been able to see, 2 minutes, as I said at most, seemed quite interesting, (once one gets over the pink pants and green blazer), hahaha But I really liked the 2 minutes I saw, love the idea of the old guide, but it's hard to tell what an hour would do... so frustrating. .I just will keep trying to see the British ones and then maybe the Continental ones, but it's hard to tell from 2 carefully chosen minutes presented as trailers.
I think his India ones are available and possibly his American ones but there are so many of these types of programs currently in America running every night on PBS, I'd like to see the British ones, which are not running here.
Our problem here is while we can purchase the DVD's they are that PAL or Region 2 and while you can play them once or twice on one of your DVD players (never advisable in a PC) you get two...I don't know what they call them..... chances at redemption...... to change your player back to US stuff and then POOF your player immolates itself and you're finished watching American stuff. I've got one in that situation now, actually.
There must be some solution, I will keep looking.
Peterhouse? I must ask, any connection to Porterhouse (aka Porterhouse Blue?) hahaha Ian Richardson!! I loved David Jason in that, I swear in his Latin he says yum yum. Definitely an acquired taste, however.
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Hark! Amazon purports to be selling Region Free Play any Region in the World DVD players and not all are Blue Ray, and they are for the cost of a DVD, and mine is broken: perhaps there is hope after all. I'll look into it.
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Bummer. My local playhouse cancelled all but two plays for this year. One of the ones cancelled was the one I wanted to see most - Thirty-Nine Steps. I've read the book and seen the movie so wanted to see what they did with the play. They are planning to reschedule the some or all of the ones they cancelled for next season, though, so there is hope I will eventually get to see it.
Last night I watched The Hornet's Nest which is a documentary following embedded journalists Mike and Carlos Boettcher and the teams they were embedded with for almost two years. I was in tears at the end.
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I would love to know what the play did with The Thirty-Nine Steps too. The movies certainly didn't stick to the story much, and it doesn't seem well suited to the confines of a stage.
I have a weakness for Buchan's books, have read most of them. They're corny, but Buchan was good at spinning a yarn, so they're good reads.
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I think a stage version was performed in Edinburgh laat year though I didn't see it.
I did see a stage version of The Lady Vanishes and to be honest I thought it was awful. Hayley Mills starred in it and she didn't even know her lines. Unfortunately there is a kind of tradition that you do not criticise the plays at our theatre (even though it was a touring production, not 'home grown') so i had to cobble together a review that said very little and mainly praised the rather clever stage design.
I have to say I find live theatre increasingly disappointing. I suppose if I lived in London (heaven forbid) I would be able to see top of the range things on the South Bank, but what comes here is rarely very good, though there are a few notable exceptions. There was an amateur production of South Pacific that I enjoyed hugely - in fact the shows by the local Gilbert & Sullivan society are often a good deal better than touring professional ones.
Rosemary
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I've been watching two gripping programs and reading one surprisingly gripping book recently.
To start with the book....I was looking for something to replace Emma on my phone, free, and to be read in waiting rooms and planes (not that I have been on any recently and hope not to be for some time....) anyway, I downloaded Middlemarch. So far it reminds me quite a bit of Emma, the same kind of quiet fun being poked at the heroine's pretensions. These old books have to be read slowly, the sentences are so much more elaborate than what we are used to today. Much more Latinate.....perhaps losing touch with Latin has contributed to the change in English style.
Then I recently watched Everything and Nothing....twice actually.....everything you didn't know you wanted to know about the origins of the universe, matter, anti matter, atoms, quantum physics, particle accelerators..... and also the history and amazing people who made the discoveries. There are a number of documentaries in the same series but I think this one is the best. You still don't understand anything afterwards...well I didn't anyway, but at least you know what you don't know. The program is very well done, really gripping. The series is on amazon.
Then I got into Line of Duty again. Now that is one gripping series. Sometimes it's so tense that you almost can't stand to watch it. And it's got Inspector Hastings! Aidan (Adrian?) Dunbar.......I thought I was beyond being attracted to a tv star.....wrong.....!! Its on amazon too.
Actually I haven't found anything I like on Netflix recently.
Just read this over....gripping, gripping. gripping........ But I shall leave it because you know....they are....!
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
|
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Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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I love the range of interests here! So many new ideas!
Frybabe and Pat H: I've got the Thirty Nine Steps here somewhere (the book) and reread it not too long ago, good book. I like Buchan too. Don't remember the movie well, James Mason at the top of stairs? There do seem to be a lot of takes on that story.
Rosemary: Theater wise, the last great thing I saw was in 2018, the production of Farinelli and the King with Mark Rylance on Broadway, and the night after a very uninspired Hamilton. Farinelli was like nothing I have ever seen or will again, and my friend with me thought the same. We were shocked that Hamilton (the Hamilton performance that night was roundly criticized in the press) did not hold a candle (that's a pun considering the production of Farinelli) to the Rylance...magic, never saw anything like it.
Dana: I have never seen Line of Duty, I'll add it to the wonderfully exciting list that this discussion has brought BECAUSE...
Yes! IT came in the mail, the All Regions DVD player, plug and play, and for for some reason the entire TV screen is now clearer, razor sharp, actually, and the sound is crisp and clear. I thought to inaugurate it with Wolf Hall, couldn't find it, so settled for Mr. Tulkinghorn himself, Charles Dance, followed by Porterhouse Blue whose sound is now so crisp and clear the Latin is perfectly heard for the first time: it's not "Yum Yum" David Jason is saying!! hahahaa All these years I have thought he was making fun of it and he wasn't, that's just how he pronounces iubeo, presumably in the Imperatve. hahahaaaaaaaa And they took SUCH pains to articulate their Latin...but it's lost on a bad transmission. I am totally entranced with my new toy! I can SEE DVD's again! (I thought I wouldn't need to, what with Netflix and Prime and Britbox and the DVR on the TV, but I am SO glad I did). My screen on this TV previously had the unfortunate habit of making everyone look like Humpty Dumpty in the middle. I think it's because I had enlarged the picture? And somewhere in the middle the people got squashed, so they all looked like sort of...bowling pins, really, but that's gone, too!
AND tracking reveals that the Portillo Great British Railway Journeys, which cost me a whopping 8 dollars, is now in North Carolina, and will arrive shortly!
AND if all that weren't enough, I am very much enjoying the Tracy Borman Thomas Cromwell, mentioned here earlier, another person I had never heard of. Her approach is quite different from Hilary Mantel's and Diarmaid MacCulloch. She's an historian, but writes in a sort of novelistic style, which I am enjoying, starts with maps which I never usually look at, but these make sense. They have all of Cromwell's houses on them, and they are drawings of little houses sort of like what we used to do as children, actually, and so you can see them scattered over the countryside. (I had no idea he had so many). There is a map of London in Henry VIII's time, and wonder of wonders, a map of Henry's Summer Progress of 1535. It's as if she knows what the reader was wondering about and decided to illustrate it. There's also Cromwell's last letter from the Tower of London to Henry VIII, which is quite moving and new to me.
I like her style of writing, it's quite different, and readable, and would never have heard of her without this discussion.
So we're in the 2nd day of pouring rain which is to continue now till possibly clearing they now say Saturday, and I don't care, because I'm in hog heaven with my new toy and new authors, and new lists of things to watch, all because of this discussion!
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Oh my heavens, I wondered where everyone went, and here you all are! I hadn't seen a post in The Library section in almost a week, and wondered if something had gone wrong with the site. I mean with this pandemic, everything seems a bit off kilter. Then I opened my email and saw tons of posts, but had no clue where they were until I browsed in here. Is this the new place for posting instead of The Library?
Ginny that picture of your rose tree is fabulous! I can just imagine you sitting there in the morning with a cup of coffee and your favorite newspaper or book.
Gosh so many posts, I'll never catch up.
As far as books to movies, I hurried and finished reading the book The Help, the night before my two friends and I were to go see the movie that was just coming out to the theaters. The book was amazing, it dealt with so many serious issues, racism, inequality, domestic abuse, elitism, secret meeting of blacks, etc., etc. I was very impressed with the writing. The next day we went to the theater and I was so disappointed in the movie, I wanted to walk out. I said to my friend who had not yet read the book, how they avoided all the major serious issues in the book, and turned the story into more of a southern comedy, and focused on the white families, rather than "the help." I found this article and it seems Viola Davis shared my feelings as well.
Viola Davis Regrets Making The Help: “It Wasn’t the Voices of the Maids That Were Heard”
Why, then does Davis regret the project? “I just felt that at the end of the day that it wasn’t the voices of the maids that were heard. I know Aibileen. I know Minny [played by Octavia Spencer, who won a best-supporting-actress Oscar]. They’re my grandma. They’re my mom. And I know that if you do a movie where the whole premise is, I want to know what it feels like to work for white people and to bring up children in 1963, I want to hear how you really feel about it. I never heard that in the course of the movie.”
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/09/viola-davis-the-help-regret
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Just a quick question... our regular members who like to drop in and read our daily discussion posts in The Library section, are not going to know the discussion has moved to this section. Could it be possible to post a message in The Library section to make them aware it has moved to Movies & Books Into Movies?
I saw a member asking where everyone was, and like myself, I thought there was something wrong with the site. I was concerned not seeing any posts since May 13th in the usual discussion room, The Library, and just happened to find everyone here. Other members who come in to read our daily posts, but rarely comment, may not be able to find it has moved here.
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Well I have just posted back in The Library, I thought we would continue there except when our posts were about films and TV?
We have been watching David Stratton's Stories of Australian Cinema - it is brilliant, I knew so little about it. For years they had almost no funding, but still managed to make some very interesting-looking films. Picnic at Hanging Rock, which came out in 1975, was a turning point - I recall seeing that film at the time, I loved it. Of course at first we all thought it was a true story, but even when we found out it wasn't, it still had a special, magical quality. Unlike many people, I also loved the more recent TV adaptation with Natalie Dorman.
Bellamarie, that is very good to know about The Help. I have seen the film but not read the book, though I do have a copy on my tottering TBR piles. I really want to read it now.
Ginny - Line of Duty is exceptional, so good - but I at least really had to concentrate to follow it, it is so complex, and what you think is happening often turns out to be something quite different. I hope you enjoy it Ginny. And Dana, I agree, Adrian Dunbar is what one might call 'Hot Totty' - for me he ranks along with men like Gary Oldman, Larry Lamb and Ray Winstone. That new DVD player sounds fantastic Ginny, I didn't even know they existed. Why couldn't they have made them all like that from the outset?
Rosemary
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So difficult, isn't it, for one to stick rigidly to one particular theme, when a movie opens a veritable Pandora's Box? I think we can feel free to ramble on whatever flies out of a particular movie or film.
Like today, I got caught up in the old Jersey Boys movie last night for some reason, it was on TV, and I watched it again and then went to a site something about Real Hollywood versus Reel or something, very clever, and they showed the real people and the actors playing them, and answered all my questions on the film, the cast, the characters, etc. So interesting that Vincent Piazza was the one actor who was not part of the stage cast of the musical and had to learn to play guitar, sing, and dance to play the part. He did a good job. I liked that movie, particularly the ending, when they all dance down the street.
And in the process discovered that Vincent Piazza, who played Tommy De Vito, also starred as Lucky Luciano in something called Boardwalk Empire which I don't think I ever saw, apparently it ran for years. Have any of you seen it? I like my gangsters singing, dancing, and being kind, not so sure about the more realistic portrayals except The Irishman which was/ is extraordinary. It's from a book, too.
Rosemary, I think you'll be blown away by The Help. Now I must see Line of Duty....I didn't see the movie, Bellamarie, so I can't comment on it.
:) I don't know why they didn't make DVD players like this, or why I have all those huge...what did they call them VHS tapes from the early machines, I guess they didn't have the technology. I watched an old Keeping Up Appearances last night just to test it, and it, too, was so clear. Maybe it's the new HDMI cord.
That, I have noticed, tends to make a huge difference in the quality of what you're looking at. I'm watching the Windsors again from the beginning, and I agree this time on Prince Charles, brilliant. Still can't get over the Puppa stuff.
I am like a child at Christmas over this 8 dollar British Railroad DVD, and I love tracking numbers, because the movie this morning is HERE, it's left the PO and is out on the truck for delivery! Can't WAIT!
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I just started series 5 of Line of Duty which I have never seen before....my heartthrob seems to be being lined up as a possible baddy in this one....I really could hardly watch....I REALLY don't want him to have feet of clay.....I know (!) he can't possibly be...... but I can't bear to watch....
.....there's a good series of articles in the Guardian that goes along with the series....fun to read....I only discovered it the other day unfortunately
Talking of gangster movies, my all time favorite series in the entire world is the Sopranos. I have watched it endless times. Lost count. It is my go to series when I need to just get into something and away from my real world for a while. Tony and Carmella are brilliant. Dr Melfi is perfect ( I used to do exactly what she does and so I know her portrayal is totally legit.)
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Yesterday I watched a Timeline program about Septimius Severus. My knowledge of the later Roman Emperors and Empire is still sketchy. I can't say that I liked the dramatization much, but the information was interesting. Other than that I have not watched much TV the last two days.
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Dana - I am not yet up to Series 5 of Line of Duty (though it first aired here years ago now), bt I had heard about the plot you mention. I have no idea how it pans out, but I too hope Adrian Dunbar stays with us! I think I have seen those articles from The Guardian but I'm going to check, thanks for reminding me.
I have never seen The Sopranos, it's a series I've always meant to watch. Maybe now is the time!
Last night we watched the final instalment of David Stratton's Story of Australian Cinema, and he talked about a film called The Castle, which looked very good (he had to admit that he had orginally given it one star, but - as it is so popular - he has now rewatched it and given it 4.) I would love to see it, but the cheapest copy on Amazon is almost £30. There are, however, two copies in the Edinburgh library system - I will have to get myself to Portobello Library when we are finally allowed to do so.
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Dana, I too loved the Sopranos. Did you know that Edie Falco was in a CBS TV series called Tommy?
A former high-ranking NYPD officer becomes the first female police chief of Los Angeles. A true blue New Yorker, Abigail "Tommy" Thomas uses her unflinching honesty and hardball tactics to keep social, political and national security issues from hindering effective law enforcement in the Southland. With an equal distribution of political, procedural and family drama, "Tommy" comes from Paul Attanasio, the creator of the acclaimed series "Bull," "House" and "Homicide: Life on the Street."
First episode date: February 6, 2020
Final episode date: May 7, 2020
Sad to see it's been cancelled after just one season.
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I had not seen that "Tommy" had already been cancelled. I really liked that program. What I am even more upset about is the cancellation of "God Friended Me". Even the TV Guide guy that writes the "Cheers & Jeers column, wrote: "Jeers to CBS for a God-awful decision. Pray tell, why would you cancel an uplifting escape like "God Friended Me" starring the charming Brandon Micheal Hall as a man guided by a seemingly omnipotent online adviser, after only two seasons? With everything going on in the world, a show like this is needed more than ever." My neighbor and good friend never missed an episode. But it seemed that for most of a season, sports were on, and that tends to decimate any show falling in their time period.
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Good afternoon everyone,
Last night we managed to find The Castle in YouTube, and even worked out how to play it on our new TV! It was one of the films mentioned in Stories of Australian Cinema, and it is absolutely wonderful, a true feel-good film.
It is about a white working class family who live in a fairly run down house right next to an airport runway, underneath an electricity pylon. They and their neighbours (an elderly man and a Lebanese family), however, think of their homes as their castles, and the Dad in particular sees only good in his surroundings, his family and his home. The two sons who still live at home idolise their parents, while the one daughter, who has surpassed her father’s wildest dreams by becoming a hairdresser, has now married and lives nearby. Her honeymoon in Thailand s the first time that any family member has ever left Australia, or indeed been on a plane. The oldest son is in prison for his part in an armed robbery, but the family is convinced he was just led astray, and judging by the trusting nature of all of the other family members, this may well have been true. They live happily together, the Dad running a towing business, and with the son buying/selling all sorts of things nobody wants, the Mum making terrible crafts that the family think are perfect - until they are served with a compulsory purchase and eviction order as a group of rich men want to bulldoze the houses to make way for a larger airport.
The Dad’s attempts to fight the order are both funny and sad - having been defeated when he appears for himself at the tribunal, he employs a local small time lawyer despite the latter’s reluctance to take the case - as he freely admits, he knows nothing about constitutional law. During their day in court, the Dad goes outside for a break and meets an older man, who is there to see his barrister son in his first case. They start to chat about the family’s problems.
The Dad is shocked (we of course are not) and devastated when they lose the case, but as they are preparing to pack up their possessions, the older man turns up and explains that he is a retired constitutional lawyer who would like to take on their case.
There is a lovely happy ending, some very funny scenes, and all in all this is such a gentle, touching, life affirming film that I would recommended it to everyone. It also touches very obliquely on the treatment of Aboriginal people in Australia, with the Dad sayIngrid at one point ‘This country is going to have to learn to stop taking other people’s land.’ But fundamentally it is about family, home, and caring for one another, on appreciating what you have, and that money can’t buy everything.
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Rosemary, good for you finding Castle on Youtube. I will tell my oldest son, he wanted a copy for Christmas a year or so ago, and we couldn't get it here. (In edit: wrong Castle movie) :) But it sounds wonderful. Kind of like A House for Mr Biswas. Loved that book. Love that topic too. That type of thing is so heartening now.
I did try to watch Line of Duty, Dana, the first episode but the baby and the break-in got to me, especially on the heels of the real life break in mistaken identity again shooting which just happened, life imitating art. I can see it's a great show and I am drawn to it, but will try it again when the subject is not so fresh.
Was so disappointed in the last two episodes of Father Brown. The Sid episode was totally unbelievable, just...formulaic...badly acted.....did not even finish it, all the characters seemed strange... the one before it with Flambeau, normally very fun. It was good but kind of pushing the trope a little and of course the one before that was completely obliterated by the Tornado constant warnings, but started promisingly, so that's three disappointments in a row. Maybe it's me. The Mrs. McCarthy and the Fortune Teller was super, though, and it may have been the third back, actually, and the tornado one in front of that.
The content with all the different writers and directors seems uneven. The first episode of the year is always gangbusters, they should take THAT writer and THAT director and make the entire series.
I fear for its renewal. In Edit: I need not fear! Another 10 new episodes will air on BBC One in 2021.I still like the way they have to film because of the budget in all weather, it does give it a real feel.
Frybabe, what channel or venue did you see the Timeline program on Severus?
Tomereader, sometimes I wonder what audience the TV programmers are seeking.
Dana, and Bellamarie, I used to hang on every word of the Sopranos. :) ("I'm in awr of you.") hahaha James Gandolfini was such a good actor, and the cast was perfect as well. Still can't get over Little Stevie Van Zandt from the Springsteen E Street band in it. If I remember correctly the director said he was the face of Jersey at the time he was looking for. Absolutely did not recognize him as Jerry Vale in The Irishman.
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Glad to hear there will be more Father Brown - Ginny did you see the one with the Bell Ringers? And that last one where Flambeau fakes his death ending with him looking like a rag-a-muffin leaning against the church - I could not help notice in a couple of scenes he is really no longer the dapper cat burglar like character - he shows a decidedly middle age paunch - never took to Bunty but love Mrs. McCarthy.
Interesting how the Hollyhocks become established - does it help if instead of seeds you start out with a young plant from the nursery - would that reduce the number of growing seasons before the plant is established?
Frybabe, watching this reminded me again of the Irish myths we came across while reading Mabinogion - interesting to learn there was infant sacrifice before Christianity and her description of the the festival goings-on fits better with the Pieter Bruegel paintings then anything we read about festivals around Holy Wells. Looks like truth about why the Church stopped these festivals had nothing to do with debunking the holiness of an ancient well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRL9iIN3R8s
Rosemary your description of the movie sounds a bit like Cold Comfort Farm that I think was made into a movie.
They are finishing up all the British series here on our PBS station and starting tomorrow after the Memorial Day concert (with no live audience), we will have another 3 week stint with the begging cup specials - I am about to agree with a couple of friends who post regularly on facebook - with all the closings, no baseball or football, the constant bickering on TV and web news sites and continuous disagreement over the virus we've decided it won't end till after the election and so, we are thinking to just go right to Christmas - in this part of the country there are no live trees to put up but some are putting up their decorations, lights, and even dragging out their artificial trees along with the Christmas books and CDs - we are all looking at how to make Christmas and have decided to do Tuesday night dinners with Christmas china or our best, candles and Christmas music and after dinner with nothing on TV we will watch Christmas stories on CDs or netflix. I've already pulled out my stash of wool to knit socks for the grands and this year I may just actually finish the Hardanger runners for my children's Holiday tables.
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Thanks, Barb. Most interesting. My mom pronounced some word endings the same way, like in own (oh-en, or oh-when).
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I did see the bellringers, Barbara, that's a year or so ago and a good one. I am going to start taking note of the "good" ones and see who wrote and directed them, if they were all like that...what's your favorite one of all time? Mine is the really old one about Uncle Mirth.
And thank you for the name of the PBS show, Spying on The Royals, not available here but free on Amazon Prime, both episodes. I watched part of it last night. I love the archival films, most of which I have not seen, so it's quite interesting, if a bit padded out about how unusual it was to have been done, but I'm not through the first part yet. In answer to your question in the Library, I've always thought she was odd. She apparently kept up a correspondence with many loving statements with her ex Earnest well into her marriage with the Duke of Windsor. I've pretty much read everything I could on them, but the new book on her correspondence is a real shock. And quite frankly I always thought her unattractive to the point of ugliness, but that photo of her in her youth showed at one time she was pretty. Apparently he had a mother fixation or something.
Still she had a sad ending.
How interesting about the Christmas celebrations, Barbara! With the political climate we've got now, I say as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else, enjoy. TOO much, too much negativity.
Yes, a hollyhock plant will allow blooming this year, it will effectively cut a year off. IF they have them.
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Ginny, I think the networks skew their programming to be watched by the 18-25 age group. At least one channel should broadcast some programs that are of interest and entertaining to age groups 60 + up, since TV is our age group's main form of entertainment. (And, yes, I know, some of us oldsters are above TV viewing). I'll just continue to be de classe.
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Tomereader, it appears that you are right:
The key demographic or target demographic is a term in commercial broadcasting that refers to the most desirable demographic group to a given advertiser. Key demographics vary by outlet, time of day, and programming type, but they are generally composed of individuals who are younger and more affluent than the general public: "Young adult viewers have been TV's target demographic for decades, because they're thought to have less brand loyalty and more disposable income."In the case of television, most key demographic groups consist of adults who are somewhere in age between 18 and 54.For example, the key demographic for reality television is women with disposable income aged 18 to 34 whereas for the WB Television Network it is "eighteen- to thirty-four-year-old viewers."Television programming is tailored to members of its key demographics: "Despite the increase in time-shifting to watch recorded television and shows on the Internet, the use of television as an advertising vehicle is still determined by demographic characteristics or who is watching at what time." The subset of ratings that only includes the key demographic of 18- to 49-year-olds is often referred to as the "key demo".[12] Certain radio formats (especially those dubbed "classic") and television outlets may target persons 35 to 64, who generally have more disposable income than millennials, in part due to the late 2000s recession, which impeded career opportunities for younger generations.
That's from Wikiwackia so I'd take it with a grain of salt. The key word there is "disposable," to me, because we oldsters are about to be the most populous block of population and none of the stuff on network programming (which seems to me to be aimed at 'tweens) appeals to me ...I just don't know enough people in that 18-25 age bracket to say what they like. I get the impression they are not watching at all, but on other social media, but who knows.
I'm not sure what people mean when they say they "never watch television." I do know people who don't have a TV in the house or have one hidden away in a back room. Here are the top programs of the year. I have put in blue what I actually have seen:
THE 100 TOP-RATED SERIES OF 2019-2020 (ADULTS 18-49)
Rank PROGRAM (NETWORK) RATING /SHARE 18-49 VIEWER (000)
1. NFL Sunday Night Football (NBC) 6.0/26 7,819
2. NFL Thursday Night Football (Fox/NFL) 4.5/22 5,799
3. NFL Monday Night Football (ESPN) 4.1/21 5,370
4. The Masked Singer (Fox) 3.2/16 4,138
5. The Last Dance (ESPN) 2.9/15 3,811
This Is Us (NBC) 2.9/13 3,713
7. The Bachelor (ABC) 2.4/12 3,120
8. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) 2.3/12 3,028
9-1-1 (Fox) 2.3/11 2,983
10. Chicago PD (NBC) 2.0/11 2,605
11. The Walking Dead (AMC) 1.9/8 2,499
Survivor (CBS) 1.9/10 2,495
Chicago Fire (NBC) 1.9/9 2,480
Modern Family (ABC) 1.9/9 2,473
Lego Masters (Fox) 1.9/9 2,416
16. The Good Doctor (ABC) 1.8/9 2,386
9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox) 1.8/9 2,325
The Voice (NBC) 1.8/8 2,308
19. Chicago Med (NBC) 1.7/8 2,240
NCIS (CBS) 1.7/8 2,207
American Idol-Monday (ABC) 1.7/8 2,183
New Amsterdam (NBC) 1.7/9 2,147
23. Young Sheldon (CBS) 1.6/9 2,100
American Horror Story (FX) 1.6/8 2,090
The Conners (ABC) 1.6/8 2,086
The Voice-Tuesday (NBC) 1.6/8 2,082
A Million Little Things (ABC) 1.6/8 2,020
28. Station 19 (ABC) 1.5/8 2,002
American Idol (ABC) 1.5/7 1,974
Manifest (NBC) 1.5/8 1,938
31. The Masked Singer: After the Mask (Fox) 1.4/7 1,870
Law & Order: SVU (NBC) 1.4/7 1,866
So. It appears if I say I don't watch TV what I really mean is I haven't seen the most popular shows? I have seen Young Sheldon because my grandson was watching something that came on before it, and I liked it. I liked the little precocious guy and the entire family but I've not watched it again.
Last night's Father Brown was OK, it was strange, but OK. But after it came on something called Shakespeare and Hathaway which I think I've heard mentioned here? Love it!! My goodness, fancy masked ball at the grand house, murder, and such a fun couple of detectives!!! What's not to like? And it's three whole seasons available, too, on Prime. Whoopeee! Who KNEW?
My British Railways DVDs are STILL in North Carolina! This is the Pandemic speaking. I could drive there in an hour and pick them up, but it will now be next Wednesday before they get here. Supposedly. At this point I could have walked, like The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
However tonight is also back to back Great American Railroad Journeys with guess who? Michael Portillo. I don't know why I have absolutely no interest in that, I guess it's because we spent a lot of time when the kids were children, doing just that, all across the country, not sure he's going anywhere I haven't been; at least not tonight, according to the program listings. I thought to travel the US first when the children were small because it was something affordable back then, and it's a great big grand country: just get in your car or get on the cross country train and go. ("See the USA in your Chevrolet, America is asking you to call.") Anybody remember that? I think we all pretty much did it. I think there are two continental US states I have not been in: the Dakotas.
And everybody says oh you MUST go to the Dakotas, they are incredible. I believe them but for me the day of the long car trip or any car sightseeing trip is long over.
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On Tommy this statement is made on the Variety website listing the Nielsen ratings:
“Tommy”: With several renewals and cancellations still pending, CBS’ “Tommy,” starring Edie Falco, earns the distinction of being the most-watched show (7.7 million) to be canceled so far from this past season.
Here's another list:
TOP 100 SHOWS OF 2019-2020, TOTAL VIEWERS:
America’s most-watched series of the 2019-2020 season are …
Rank Title (Network) VIEWERS (000)
1. NFL Sunday Night Football (NBC) 19,993
2. NCIS (CBS) 15,336
3. NFL Thursday Night Football (Fox/NFL Network) 15,048
4. NFL Monday Night Football (ESPN) 12,750
5. FBI (CBS) 12,552
6. Blue Bloods (CBS) 11,962
7. Chicago Fire (NBC) 11,699
8. This Is Us (NBC) 11,549
9. Young Sheldon (CBS) 11,449
10. Chicago PD (NBC) 11,228
11. Chicago Med (NBC) 11,220
12. The Good Doctor (ABC) 10,824
13. The Masked Singer (Fox) 10,783
14. Bull (CBS) 10,607
15. 60 Minutes (CBS) 10,459
16. 9-1-1 (Fox) 10,416
17. The Voice (NBC) 10,367
18. FBI: Most Wanted (CBS) 10,204
19. The Voice-Tuesday (NBC) 9,728
20. New Amsterdam (NBC) 9,700
21. Hawai’i Five-0 (CBS) 9,684
22. NCIS: New Orleans (CBS) 9,583
23. Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) 9,386
24. Survivor (CBS) 9,229
25. 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox) 9,085
26. America’s Got Talent Champions (NBC) 8,922
27. Magnum P.I. (CBS) 8,914
28. NCIS: Los Angeles (CBS) 8,913
29. Station 19 (ABC) 8,550
30. American Idol — Monday (CBS) 8,536
31. Mom (CBS) 8,524
32. American Idol (ABC) 8,336
33. The Rookie (ABC) 8,185
34. Seal Team (CBS) 8,020
35. Criminal Minds (CBS) 8,006
36. Dancing with the Stars (ABC) 7,998
37. The Bachelor (ABC) 7,934
38. The Conners (ABC) 7,729
39. Manifest (NBC) 7,698
40. The Neighborhood (CBS) 7,694
41. Tommy (CBS) 7,685
42. All Rise (CBS) 7,643
43. God Friended Me (CBS) 7,616
44. Bob Hearts Abishola (CBS) 7,538
45. MacGyver (CBS) 7,500
46. Man with a Plan (CBS) 7,468
47. A Million Little Things (ABC) 7,262
48. S.W.A.T. (CBS) 7,255
49. Modern Family (ABC) 7,099
50. The Unicorn (CBS) 7,095
51. Broke (CBS) 6,916
52. The Blacklist (NBC) 6,913
53. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Thu. (ABC) 6,879
54. Madam Secretary (CBS) 6,737
55. The Last Dance (ESPN) 6,709
56. The Resident (Fox) 6,704
57. Carol’s Second Act (CBS) 6,594
58. Law & Order: SVU (NBC) 6,455
59. Last Man Standing (Fox) 6,403
60. Deputy (Fox) 6,340
61. Evil (CBS) 6,287
62. Bluff City Law (NBC) 6,239
63. Stumptown (ABC) 5,963
64. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ABC) 5,849
65. Prodigal Son (Fox) 5,830
66. America’s Funniest Home Videos (ABC) 5,702
67. Emergence (ABC) 5,669
68. Lego Masters (Fox) 5,598
69. Lincoln Rhyme (NBC) 5,574
70. The Masked Singer: After the Mask (Fox) 5,559
71. The Walking Dead (AMC) 5,373
72. Ellen’s Game of Games (NBC) 5,314
73. The Goldbergs (ABC) 5,311
74. Saturday Night Football (ABC) 5,191
75. Shark Tank (ABC) 4,928
76. Songland (NBC) 4,918
77. Undercover Boss (CBS) 4,915
78. Dateline Friday (NBC) 4,866
79. Bless This Mess (ABC) 4,722
80. Curse of Oak Island (History) 4,650
81. American Housewife (ABC) 4,500
82. For Life (ABC) 4,360
83. 20/20 (ABC) 4,350
84. How to Get Away with Murder (ABC) 4,225
85. 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days (TLC) 4,047
86. Empire (Fox) 4,043
87. Fox College Football: Big 12 Prime (Fox) 4,030
88. 48 Hours (CBS) 4,022
89. Will & Grace (NBC) 4,010
90. Council of Dads (NBC) 4,008
91. Kids Say the Darndest Things (ABC) 3,966
92. Schooled (ABC) 3,929
93. The Baker and the Beauty (ABC) 3,887
94. Mixed-ish (ABC) 3,820
95. Superstore (NBC) 3,816
96. Black-ish (ABC) 3,719
97. Dateline Mystery (NBC) 3,715
98. Dr. Pimple Popper (TLC) 3,658
99. Single Parents (ABC) 3,646
100. The Good Place (NBC) 3,563
Source: Nielsen, Preliminary Live+7 Days, Prime, Original telecasts only. Season through 5/10/2020. Programs with 2 or more telecasts.
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whew you really had a foray into TV programing Ginny - goodness - so many I had not even heard of - nothing from the first list but on the second list there were shows I've watched - not faithfully - from time to time - Last Man Standing, Blue Bloods, College Football, Will and Grace Most of the shows I had not even heard of. Except for College Football I would be fine if the only station I could get was KLRU which is our PBS stations - and even at that I only turn on the TV on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday nights and here of late Wednesday nights since one of the 4 stations from KLRU broadcasts only Detective type shows like Miss Fisher and the Bletchley Circle. I have never watched TV during the day except if there is some national emergency or the Thanksgiving Day Parade.
I think you are so right about the younger crowd not watching TV at all - my grands have all turned 30 or are close to 30 with Cade the youngest at 26 and they either watch a movie or anything they can pickup on their many technical devises. I think Netflix or similar platform has taken over the free time of this age group. And from what I see this age group is not the settled down married with baby on the way as they traditionally had been - if they are not still going to school, or back to school, they are the ones attending big name outdoor concerts or races like Formula One or they are climbing some mountain or wind surfing - they no longer settle down till they are at least in their mid 30s - we saw that in RE - they wanted downtown condo life not the 3 Bedroom single family till they were in their mid to late 30s or even later. Those without a college education were not able to afford owning although, they still live closer to the traditional family lifestyle.
All to say think the TV marketing arms have overlooked the growing senior market - I hear more and more folks are not retiring, not just for economic reasons but because in retirement many loose their identity and purpose. Result this age group may have more 'disposable' income for things other than walk-in tubs, life Alert and burial insurance and their program interest all but ignored.
One thing for sure our local PBS station figured out is Downton Abbey never looses its appeal - it has been shown over and over - seems to be a right of passage initiating a closer bond between grandparent and grandchild who are watching it together and I've heard of many that as a result they together take a trip to England and visit some of the country houses. Where I did not watch it with my grandboys, the 3 in Lubbock all watched the series and have now an interest in history that gives us something in common to chat about. Amazing to me is how that one show sparked an interest in many different subjects and time frames in history - one is interested in anything about WWI, another in the earlier history of how we separated from England on to the role England played during our Civil War and the other is into all the stories involving the Irish Rebellion. They are boys ;)
Today is Monday and it is when we have back to back two episodes of Shakespeare and Hathaway - I read somewhere it is a long running daytime Show in the UK - but yes, fun - the gay guy really pulls off his role doesn't he - and there were several in the series where she wears wonderful shawls as ponchos that I want to copy a few. On Monday we also have a repeat of Vienna Blood - the sets on that show are spectacular along with filming on the streets of Vienna that capture the look of the turn of the 20th century - and Modus - this is the second series we have seen and I find the show riveting. Both series have a Swedish/American connection although the entire show takes place in Sweden.
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One of the new things I've been doing since this isolation time is listening to music I haven't paid much attention to before. So I started listening to Bob Dylan along with his lyrics. Found a list of his supposed 50 best songs. Now up to no 7. (1 was Like a Rolling Stone, 7 is Desolation Row.)
His songs are very powerful and I quite like listening to them but I can't make head or tail of the lyrics, yet everyone who comments on them says how great they are. I wonder what I am missing, or are they just mysterious nonsense which is how they come across to me, For sure they are all sad, angry hateful. I wonder if he ever wrote a happy song. I guess I will find out! (I only do 1 a night)
So are there any Bob Dylan fans out there.....I actually think I am a fan.... I do like the total effect of his voice, harmonica, guitar, band and those strange lyrics.
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I like the songs that he and Joan Baez sung together - but then I really like Joan Baez now and in the past.
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Oh yes me too, I've always liked Joan Baez a lot,
I am thinking maybe you're not supposed to understand the actual lyrics, maybe he just uses words and fragmented images to create an atmosphere.
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Dana, and Barbara, I've never understood a word Dylan sang, I thought like Dana that was kind of the idea, you sort of substitute your own thoughts there and sing right along with what you think he's saying. A lot of the songs were like that then, remember the infamous Louie Louie? Supposed to be so "dirty?" I don't think we cared what the lyrics were, just the joy of the thing passionately expressed. Would be a surprise to find out what the lyrics actually were.
But on Joan Baez? Absolutely hated Joan Baez! Can't remember why now. Ridiculous.
I still like Upstairs Downstairs better than Downton and I have been to Highclere before it was famous, also like the Jeremy Irons Brideshead Revisited much better than the new one.
Rosemary, you mentioned the Miranda Richardson Lucia, and I finally got to see the "new" Lucia, and I like Miranda Richardson in that, very much, as Lucia. In fact I think I like her better than Geraldine McEwan, she's more to the book Lucia. And I like the new Georgie, what a thing to take on Nigel Hawthorne's performance, but the new actor does it very well. Not as camp. And when you compare the two you suddenly see that the original is more camp than you realized and that makes me love it all the more. I like the new Miss Mapp as well, she's quite good, but of course Prunella Scales, I mean really, what an iconic cast that was.
I miss the theme song, but the new scenes of Rye outweigh that. They aren't strictly going by the books, which I think is a shame, but it's OK because a lot of people today haven't read the books, and I expect very few people have them sort of "memorized," as some fans do. So they don't know the difference, and I expect the changes in dialogue are necessary to explain what's going on.
I do miss Dennis Lill as Major Benjy. I didn't realize what a stamp he put on the character for me, he was perfect. I miss the Padre, and also Mr. Wyse, Geoffrey Chater. The new Mr. Wyse is good, very good, but he's not Chater. Chater and Lill are still alive, the original "Mr Wyse" is 99 years old! Lill is younger than I am which is a very sobering thought.
I dislike the new Diva and Mrs. Wyse, I think the latter is particularly poorly cast. Can't get over Grosvenor, but I like the way the new actress plays her.
So I think I'll watch all of these as they are light and fun, and I appreciate your mentioning them, it gives the books a new life.
PS: OMG! That's Mark Gatiss, absolutely LOVE him otherwise, but not as Major Benjy, would never have recognized him, still don't think he's as good as Dennis Lill, AND the actor playing Georgie wrote the script!
ttps://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/mapp-and-lucia-bbc1-tv-review-memo-to-the-male-tv-executive-middle-aged-women-can-be-interesting-9948679.html
Steve Pemberton (Georgie in the new series) E F Benson’s cult Mapp and Lucia novels compare with the sublime 1985 series?
The BBC's new version is written by The League of Gentlemen's Steve Pemberton, who says we should expect "a genteel version of Royston Vasey"
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/christmas-2014-can-a-new-tv-take-on-e-f-benson-s-cult-mapp-and-lucia-novels-compare-with-the-sublime-9905930.html
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Barbara, here's one for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I02fZDd-BBc&t=1020s an interview with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in their later years. Note the comments from viewers below about how miserable he is and how she never loved him and character appraisals following. I'm not sure I agree with those remarks, but body language does show some interesting things.
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Interesting - thanks - he sure is a jittery fribbity - you have to wonder if he was on something - the next film about Wallis did show some studio shots of a good looking typical 30s looking women - his big mistake was getting married - with all his independence against the establishment you would think he could have kept her as his mistress - well history again never lets us in on all the bacchanalia festivals of the mind... However, I do think he was the first or maybe it is better said, his father was the last king to have dominion over all including the establishment as defined by Edward. In the past Kings created the establishment, whose power ascended in the twentieth century. I think that is the constant battle in the US with many versions of new thinking clashing with the establishment's thinking - although in the US I would no longer include most universities among the establishment.
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Barbara, I did watch the show afterwards, too, on Wallis, which you mentioned, with the attractive photo of her younger self, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-BEKxPxghs and it was excellent.
All I can think is that she is one of those women (like me) who photograph so badly they are not recognizable to themselves. In one photo she is attractive while young, in her first wedding photo as a young woman she looks like the Bride of Frankenstein and I'm not kidding, it's in the show.
And let's be honest, that HAIRDO. I would look like Baby Hughey in that extreme unattractive hairdo, and who would not? Supposedly it was her lively personality which made her attractive. If so, I don't see it in the first show. She says herself in the film, "I was no beauty," no, she wasn't, but she might have been attractive with some attention to that 30's, is it called marcelled? HAIR style but there it is.
A very nice clip of Queen Elizabeth greeting the couple and talking to them at somebody's funeral, very nicely, all smiles all around (he was her favorite uncle, after all) and the note that 60,000 people attended his funeral.
She's like a sort of Pandora's Box, I wonder if we even know who she is at all, the entire situation is so clouded in mystery. That was a good recommendation, I'm glad I watched it.
Dana has me reading the Guardian which today talks about the 15th year anniversary of Come Dine With Me which I am addicted to on youtube and how it exposes class and race in Britain, which kind of surprises me. Love Dave Lamb, the narrator, and the article says he exposes the difference in who people think they are and who they are. That's a lot of serious stuff when you have 5 people coming to eat dinner at each person's houses for a week for a prize. I more or less watch it for the entertainment factor and Dave Lamb's quips, and missed the sociological ramifications, which I didn't catch actually. Certainly the circumstances of the people involved are different, and there is some awe expressed over the couples or individuals who are the "haves," as opposed to the "have nots," but there's a lot of hugging and what appears to be...mutual appreciation? I dunno. There are also some unpleasant people but I didn't notice that connected to class or race, the people themselves are miserable human beings, but....obviously I've missed something.
I have NEVER watched so much TV in my life but today AGAIN it is raining....and all week, rain rain rain RAIN. The poor roses, you can't treat them for black spot, you don't have a sunny day; they will be absolutely leafless.
Finished the new Lucia and Mapp, only 3 episodes then? Shame, it's cute.
OH and news on that front, it seems that Tom Holt has a new e book with 2 new Mapp and Lucia stories which came out in 2018!! I hope that means he's going to get back and continue the series. The reviews are not good but I am looking forward to reading it. He's got another "short story" out also which has been published before, and I've read that one but am looking forward to the two new adventures.
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You've got me into Mapp and Lucia again - pulled out my old tapes that I did save an old TV that takes the tapes and also the big fat book with all the stories - haven't started either but they are next.
Yes, the rain - on Sunday we had a repeat of my experience the week before when I fell - this time as soon as the lights went out I got myself into bed - no fooling around - couldn't sleep but after a few hours in the dark I did fall off and then voila the fan moved the air and I could really sleep - now we are being told another similar storm with high winds and hail this afternoon or this evening. Some of the bushes have so much new green growth they are bending over - I would not be surprised if some of the weaker trees start loosing limbs - the Live Oak are just too sturdy and slow growing so the wind would have to be more, like over 100 miles an hour and they are saying 60 - interesting our loosing power - we seldom if ever loose power so what is going on I wonder - I do know the squirrels are prolific and they do eat the electric lines or at least the tape around the electric lines.
When it is only raining there are books and music and as noted movies but loosing power there is nothing - at least at night there is sleep - oh well more for these challenging times.
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Well today I've been wallowing in 80s Julio Iglesias....just upwhatevered to amazon music unlimited....
who remembers this....(NOT Begin the Beguin!)
https://youtu.be/1xGWnUt9E2o
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Dana wasn't his son popular for a time - do not hear anything about him anylonger.
My daughter called all excited that the original Broadway show Hamilton will be available on Disney July 4. She does not have a Disney account but says she can get one that only lasts a few months and that is her plan.
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Ginny - so glad you liked the 'new' Mapp & Lucia'.
I thought I would get back to my numerous recorded episodes of Monarch of the Glen last night. I started watching one and thought 'This is weird, time seems to have moved on two years' - only this morning, when setting the recorder up for something else, did I realise that I had taped the recent re-runs in 3 batches. The first batch was further up in the list, and I've only seen 3 or 4 of those - the ones I started with last night were indeed 2 years later! No wonder Archie had disappeared, Richard Briers' character had been killed off, and Lexie appears to be married to the absent Archie, when last time I looked he was torn between his smart London girlfriend and the local woman who is trying to save the ospreys! What an idiot. Tonight I will go back in time and try to forget what I have now seen.
Tonight is the last one of this year's The Real Marigold Hotel. I think this has been one of the best series, the people have gelled really well. If only Britt Ekland hadn't been invited it would be perfect. This week they are moving to the foot of the Himalayas for the final part of their stay in India. Ostensibly these shows are supposed to be about people considering if they would like to retire to India. The first series took this quite seriously - they looked at retirement complexes, seniors' activities and so on. The next 2 series seemed to forget about that and just send the people to see/experience things. They were still fun, but this one has gone back to its original purpose, which I think makes it more interesting. I don't think I would ever be brave enough to live anywhere but here, but of course life is much cheaper there, and the people are lovely. Henry Blofield (cricket commentator) has visited India many times in the past for his job, and knows many friends there already, so I can see why he might like it. Not sure how his new Italian wife (back in the UK) would see it though? Some of the others are much less keen and really miss home, though they have all thrown themselves into trying things.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, honestly, where DO you come up with these shows? Never heard of The Real Marigold Hotel, have watched 4 minutes of it on youtube (it appears it's all on youtube, but I could be wrong) and am totally hooked. Never heard of any of the celebrities, but anything about adventurous seniors is fabulous, so far (the first 4 minutes) it's perfect.
Somewhat frightening to discover they are all younger than I am.... I would not have thought so, actually, but they are. I've gotten to where I can't gauge anybody's age by looking at them. They either look like teenagers (doctors and surgeons) or older than God and those turn out to be younger than I am. They carry a LOT more baggage than I do, too. (Literally, not figuratively). I've never heard of any of them (they are all celebrities apparently) but they seem modest enough and not overbearing. An interesting mix.
I've heard from people who have lived and/or traveled in India extensively that once you go to India you never want to return. I am very interested (have not been to India) to see how this plays out. Thank you for that recommendation!!
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Fabulous two part series on PBS tonight - The Stuarts - Charles Spencer is one of the contributors - really brought alive the entire period in English History - the story is through the eyes of the Wynn's (spell) an aristocratic family in Wales
wow found it on youtube here is part I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQFmWStPHPo
I wonder, we really do not study when the news of all these events are known in the colonies - I wonder when the colonists learn of for instance the fire in London or if any escape any of the 3 times the plague hit Britain by sailing to the Americas. The show does mention William Penn - may be in part II - but that is the only reference to the colonies - we certainly in school learned these side by side histories separately. And we are taught the kings of England were the bad guys for various reasons other than just taxing the colonies.
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Rosemary my eyes got big when you mentioned there is a series called The Real Marigold Hotel, and got even bigger when Ginny discovered it on YouTube. You can bet I will be looking for it this evening.
Barb, I remember well our school studies which segmented and isolated world events from what else was going on in the world. Nor did we follow the connections that spread language, inventions, knowledge, and trade around the world. It wasn't until years later that I began to notice these things, and even later that I began paying attention to how these things got passed along and when.
I'll also look into The Stuarts since there is a Welsh connection. I am still focusing on the period between 400AD and 1000AD at the moment, which is mostly Warlords fighting each other and the Saxons and the Vikings and some Pictish involvement, but not much. Most of the action is in Mercia, Northumbria, Exxex and Wessex. A friend living on the Isle of Mann has got me a little more interested in that island's history and the early migrations and interactions between Ireland and Scotland. The pre-history of the Stuart line and how they came to be named Stuart or Stewart is interesting. That split had to do with distinguishing the followers of Bonny Prince Charles and those who did not according to a book I used to have about Robert the Bruce. "Used to have" because I leant it to George's mon, and when she passed away we could not find it. She must have given it to her sister or another of the family interested in family history. I have had occasion to miss that book, but never got around to replacing it.
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Ginny - The Real Marigold Hotel is a major series on prime time TV here, so I haven’t had to work very hard to find it!
Which series were you watching? The current one (ended last night but I didn’t get time to watch it, so will try tonight) has Henry Blofield, Barbara Dickson, ghastly Britt Ekland, Duncan Bannatyne, Paul Elliott, Zandra Rhodes, John Altman and Susie Blake.
Zandra Rhodes is a very famous fashion designer, Dickson is a Scottish singer, Bannatyne is apparently from The Dragon’s Den and not my favourite person (I had to laugh when he admitted that his latest wife is about 40 years younger than him - made me think of the famous quote on the Mrs Merton Show many years ago, when the late lamented Caroline Aherne used to interview minor celebs who were foolish enough to let her - she was a brilliant, clever, comedian. To the magician Paul Daniels’ much, much younger wife Debbie - ‘So Debbie, what was it that first attracted you to multi-millionaire Paul Daniels?’).
Paul Elliott is the surviving one of the Chuckle Brothers - a children’s comedy show that ran and ran. It was massively popular, and the two guys really were brothers. The other one died a couple of years ago, sadly. Paul Elliott seems like a nice guy.
Susie Blake is an actress, she was in Victoria Wood’s wonderful TV shows from time to time, and I see she is now in Mrs Brown’s Boys, which I don’t watch but many people love it. She seems great, very quiet and thoughtful. John Altman is also an actor, for years he played Bad Boy Nick Cotton in our very long ruining soap, Eastenders. I’ve already mentioned lovely Henry Blofield I think.
Previous series, of course, featured other ‘celebrities’, some better than others!
I also have not been to India. I’d like to see it in some ways, but I don’t know that I could bear the heat and the sheer numbers of people. Maybe better just to see it ‘remotely’!
Rosemary
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Rosemary, I've started with the very first episode in the series, and I have, I think, seen the one older actress who had a part in Harry Potter, but never any of the other celebrities, but that is not a surprise, I don't know many of the "stars" who are featured in US Magazines or TV ether. Dancing with the "Stars," who are they? Where is a "Star?" There's one magazine in the US which features a series called "Stars: They're just like us!"
They shop! They pay for parking! They are just like US!
uh...no, they aren't? This is what happens when (1) one is so desperate for reading material over lunch in the car (coronavirus) one buys one of these rags in the supermarket, and (2) magazines who buy invasive photos of "stars," trying to live normal lives, try to justify same.
It looks as if there have been 4 series of The Real Marigold Hotel. HOORAY! Obviously I need to spend the time I have in Britain watching TV, and I mean that, it's absolutely fascinating. I appreciate also knowing who the celebrities in season 4 are, thank you.
Already though in the first episode of the first series, we are seeing the personalities emerge, and for my part since I don't know any of them really from Adam's house cat, a man on the street doing the same thing would be interesting, too. To me. Maybe more interesting, actually.
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Have not really done a lot of TV, especially now that we finally have Spring/Summer. Yesterday was rain. All day. We still had errands like grocery shopping, which for some reason now exhausts me, and I did lots of little chores and spent time reading, etc. By evening I was done with thinking, and waiting for Midsommer Murders to come on our PBS station. I ran across a movie, At Home in Mitford, which was (very loosely) based on the Mitford series. So I watched the last 45 minutes of it. It certainly was not faithful to the book, and the characters were too clean and perfect. I read the Mitford series in bits and pieces, and I think I have a few left to read. Sometimes after seeing a movie and then reading the book, I picture the characters as they are in the movie. I doubt that will happen if I read any more in that series, they were too far off and the plot was too "nice." I believe it was a Hallmark movie. So I moved on happily to the murders in Midsommer, which were particularly vivid.
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Ginny - I looked it up, and the people in the first series of The Real Marigold Hotel were Miriam Margolyes, Sylvester McCoy, Wayne Sleep, Roy Walker, Rosemary Shrager, Bobby George, Patti Boulaye & Jan Leeming.
Miriam Margolyes is a famous actress here, though I believe she now lives in Australia with her Australian partner. If you have ever seen Blackadder, she was Queen Elizabeth’s ‘nursie’, but she has been in a lot of classical theatre and other TV too.
Wayne Sleep was famous as a dancer for many years, and still seems pretty fit!
Rosemary Shrager is a TV cook - she reminds me so much of a former work colleague, Sarah, who was equally posh and loud but would do anything for anybody, and is still a great friend of mine.
Jan Leeming was one of the first ‘serious’ female newsreaders on British TV.
I’m afraid I know nothing about the rest of them.
From looking at twitter now that our fourth series has just ended, everyone thinks that this latest one was the best so far.
Nlhome: I too find shopping really exhausting these days. I think we are just not so used to it any more, and also the numerous rules about direction of travel, keeping away from people, etc are stressful. Yesterday I found that the hardest people to social distance from were the staff, who were being sent to restock shelves while we were all trying to shop. The supermarkets are no doubt too concerned about their profits to pay people to do the restocking before and after opening hours.
I have one of those Mitford books at home but I haven’t read it - are they good? Your Hallmark channel sounds interesting to me, sometimes I just want ‘nice’ stuff - unfortunately I don’t think we get that channel here, at least not on the channels or apps I can access without paying for them!
Rosemary
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Thank you for that, Rosemary. We had a similar series here (not to see if they could manage to live elsewhere but just 4 celebrities out for trips abroad), led by Henry Winkler (the Fonz), William Shatner (Captain Kirk Star Trek) George Foreman the boxer and Terry Bradshaw the former football player and a young man who provided comedic commentary.
They are ALL "characters," and I think that people tuned in to see the reactions of people whose work they had previously enjoyed. The result was actually surprising as the personalities emerged from the perceived persona and I think maybe that's the draw. But if you don't know any of them or their work you can only go by what you see, like Come Dine With Me, I find the celebrity dinners sort of forced (but again I don't know the "celebrities" then, either).
I haven't gotten far enough in it to comment because I am so HOOKED on Shakespeare and Hathwaway, now in the 7th episode of year 1, and it's.....there's been one weak one in the 7, and one dear one...they are great. I love the thing and everything about it. Such clever mysteries, I haven't figured out one, yet, and such an engaging cast. LOVE it.
I was just thinking yesterday this is ONE good thing about the coronavirus, because it's made possible such great and enjoyable TV viewing thanks in large part to suggestions in this discussion, which, quite frankly, I would never have seen. So much fun.
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Frybabe, what did you think of The Real Marigold Hotel? I love the...I don't know what you call it, the production values? I love the presentation of it, graphically, it's so cute, but am not far enough into it to say.
What is your impression so far? Did you know the cast?
Nlhome, I like Midsomer Murders, too, the new one. I haven't really gotten into the old one. The first one I saw was the great mansion and the ghost horse and that sold me on the series, that was excellent, but it's been a while back.
I read about 7 pages of the new Tom Holt Lucia & Mapp, Two Stories: "Lucia and the Eighth Commandment” and “Humble Soup” e book, and he's baaaack, and the initial 5 reviews are not many stars. People, apparently not realizing it's an ebook with two short stories, are saying do you realize there are only 30 pages in this and they are charging $6.95 for it? (It's FREE with the Kindle APP, folks!) Not all short stories are 200 pages each.....And somebody said it's nothing like Benson!!!!!!!!! Good heavens. Benson himself could have written the first 7 pages. I need to write one and try to even the score a bit. I will when I finish them, if they continue as well as they started.
I am such a fan of his Mapp and Lucia books, his mother the author Hazel Holt, wanted him to write the two sequels originally. Perhaps these two stories indicate his interest in continuing. I hope so.
Barbara, I've got that huge all in one tome of Mapp and Lucia, but have you read the Tom Holt sequels? They are priceless, they are SO good. Lucia in Wartime, and Lucia Triumphant? I'll never forget the oranges of the first one.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
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Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
Rosemary, the Mitford series was very popular. I think it can get cloying, if that's the word I mean, if the books are read too close together. But maybe that's just me. I get a little cynical about religion, and there is quite a bit in the books. But they are definitely an uplifting read. Not near as saccharine as the movie I watched.
Today we walked down to the farm market. I didn't buy much, just eggs, a cinnamon roll to split with Tom when we had a coffee break back home, and then I needed some sympathy cards and anniversary cards. I was not looking forward to going to a store, but one of the vendors at the market had handmade cards and she helped me find ones with the simple messages I needed. So, that meant no visit to the store for those. Almost everyone at the market, except the dentist's wife, had a mask on. It was not too warm, barely got above 70 by afternoon, so masks were not uncomfortable.
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Nothing as nlhome says, saccharine about the new series shown on PBS tonight called Résistance - Talk about an edge of your seat hour - Nazi occupied 1940s France as mostly teenage university students and some professors do what they can against the Huns and the French who it appear are as bad as the Germans. Part of the program tonight had them sneaking American and British pilots, who were not rescued at Dunkirk out of France to Portugal. Yes, all done with captions but very easy to follow - have no idea who any of the actors are but it is well done - So far no clichés typical of most WWII resistance plots.
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Ginny, I only got to see about half of the first episode of The Real Marygold Hotel before I was interrupted and didn't get back to it. I wasn't all that impressed, but first episodes are often not a good judge of a series as a whole. I hope to try again this evening. I don't know any of the people, although I must have seen Miriam Margolyes in one of the few Harry Potters I watched. Margolyes struck me as rather amusing, especially when she was standing in the doorway without her pants on and remarking how she thought she ought to put them on. I am not into heat with humidity so I empathized with their having to deal with.
I even missed the capsule launch and had to find a clip that wasn't full of commentator babble and long. Finally found that LA Times broadcast the clip I wanted, the launch itself and the booster landing, without news anchors interrupting Launch Control. The station has Dragon in view. I've just put up the live feed for the docking of Dragon with the International Space Station. Docking is scheduled for about 10:30am EST (14:20 GMT).
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Frybabe, check out the NASA website live stream if that's not what you're watching.
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I did remember to put off mowing the lawn until after the Dragon docked with ISS today. And, I got back in just in time to see the hatch open and the guys all line up for their obligatory group photo and having to deal with big-wig speechifying. I didn't stick around for much of that.
Watched the newscast of the Philadelphia mess for a few minutes. I am absolutely amazed that so many police cars were busted into and burned with hardly a police presence in sight. One brave fire truck made it in to put one of the car fires out. Of course there was the looting. It truly mystifies me how people think any of that helps.
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The whole thing fascinated me. I watched the approach intermittently, checking in at intervals, the the docking, and all the fussing around fixing things up so the Dragon's crew could enter, and on through the speechifying. I loved watching how skillfully the station commander worked in zero g, and trying to figure out his tricks.
So why was I happy spending so much time watching someone connect unidentified pieces of cord and tubing? I hadn't quite realized how completely negative all my input from the outside world has been lately. And here I was watching people doing part of something that I care a lot about, that's very impressive, and extremely important eventually for mankind. And nobody was dying or killing someone, or trashing a political system, or even being rude. It was like a breath of fresh air, reminding me of our good side, and what we are capable of, and it lifted my spirits for the whole day.
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Yes, it was so hard watching people's dreams ransacked and go up in flame - the depravity of people to actually hijack the legitimate anger or those who were protesting without destroying their city. Even shutting off every link to the news It was difficult to settle down. Reading how some in the family appeared to support those engaged in their uncontrollable-caused-mayhem till I finally just called my son for a chat - he and I have much in common and I never had to say a word - he so diplomatically said he had shut off the news that was no longer impartial news and began to share so much good news about how his business was picking up beyond his dreams and then what shows he has been watching and finally told me about the CBS Sunday night movie that was starting in a short bit -
I took his tip and what a relief to finally get out of myself watching Indiana Jones - the entire premise of the Holy Grail was so perfect - we called each other a few times during the movie to remark on something we were seeing - a delight - And then PBS was running back to back Downton Abbey starting at 7: through till midnight and so when the movie was over I watched the last couple of episodes of Downton that they said was the last time PBS was going to show Downton - as perfect a series as it has been it is time
This entire weekend of mayhem reminded me of how easy it is for those intent on a mission to hijack our work and dreams to further their mission - the difference between how those who were horrified in Austin reacted on Friday compared to what happened when others not from Austin whipped up rage and chaos on Saturday and Sunday, I finally really saw how outside forces can hit a nerve that where many of us do not act out, it unsettles and the mind the battle within begins to pull at us back to positive thinking.
Not sure what makes that difference but it was on display in the movie Indiana Jones and earlier it was on display as many Black men were protecting vulnerable whites and even the police and of course on display here on Senior Learn and with others who purposefully fill their time with positive experiences. I wonder what makes the difference - because given what I have observed, even in my own family, advanced education is not the cause of making that choice and given that we here on Senior Learn are all living spread out all over the map it is not location or exposure to certain local media that makes the difference. I do see how for some, a hopeful dream for others can hijack reality as much as those on a mission to push for destruction that is the seed bed for Shock Doctrine that we saw Katrina provide in New Orleans.
Well found two videos I'm anxious to watch - mundane but necessary a video on chair fitness for seniors but the other - someplace I heard a director saying the most perfect of all scripts was Long Day's Journey into Night and so I downloaded from Amazon the movie - and intend to read the book to see how it was handled by the movie director.
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Ginny - I agree, one of the plus sides of not being able to go out and do what we usually do is how much we have discovered on TV and radio.
I have started watching A Place to Call Home - has anyone else seen it? Amazon Prime has it, I think it was originally made a few years ago. I suppose it is an upmarket soap really, but I am already quite hooked. It is about a nurse returning to Australia in 1953, after 20 years in Europe. On the voyage home she meets the affluent Blyth family, the widowed father of whom ends up finding her a job in the family's home town of Inverness. Of course the nurse, and each member of the family (which includes an old battleaxe matriarch who shares some similarities with Maggie Smith's dowager in Downton, though this is obviously more modern), has a back story and some secrets, and Inverness provides a whole host of other characters too. I don't know why I didn't watch this the first time round.
Last night we watched Have I Got News for You, which devoted an entire programme to laying ruthlessly into Dominic Cummings and Boris Johnson. IMO it was all richly deserved, and Ian Hislop and Paul Merton (the resident team leaders, as it is ostensibly a panel show) are both so sharp and funny, and were on such good form. The chairman at the moment is Martin Clunes, of Doc Martin fame, and he was also very entertaining. It was followed by a lockdown edition of the Jules Holland show, and the 'guest' (remotely) was Hugh Laurie,famous actor (in comedy such as Blackadder but also in serious stuff, eg he was the ruthless billionaire in The Night Manager), musician, writer, and all round achiever. He came over as a good guy. The new format is that the guest chooses some of their favourite perfromances by other musicians they admire - Laurie chose mainly jazz musicians and singers, such as Dr John and Irma Thomas, which we enjoyed.
Time for a walk now I think!
Take care everyone,
Rosemary
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Yes, been watching A Place to Call Home - sounds like you may be at the beginning of the series - in time you will feel differently about Elizabeth and the big issue with the nurse, Sarah is some of those years in Europe were spent in Ravensbrück, a German concentration camp. That and her being Jewish is an issue that runs through the series.
We are in our third or maybe it is the fourth year of episodes. Well done - something about it reminds me of the Thorn Birds - nothing in common with the story line but there is a flavor that to me is similar. All the characters have their catastrophic learning curve. We see the show on Saturday night at 9:
Continuing with my Christmas Tuesday I'm watching two Christmas shorts - less than an hour each - a cartoon Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas and then Christmas down the Danube visiting towns on the Danube that have Christmas Markets etc.
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Barb - thanks for the info re A Place to Call Home, I look forward to all the things that are going to come out over the weeks! (And now I know why they made a thing about her not liking dogs!) I think it was shown here some years ago, so now I am watching it on Amazon Prime, it is not on a main TV channel - which at least means I won't miss anything! I have not seen The Thorn Birds, is it good?
Rosemary
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The Thorn Birds, years and years ago, back in either the early 90s or maybe even the late 80s - also a long series - family drama from Australia - Richard Chamberlain the heart throb of the day played the conflicted priest - like this so full of drama there is something of the soap opera about it...
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Thank you - I have heard of him.
Did you ever see Broken? It was a series a couple of years ago about a very conflicted priest in a very poor area of the UK. I only saw the first two episodes, I will have a look and see if it is on Amazon or anywhere, as I'd like to see the rest. Sean Bean and Anna Friel.
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Stars: Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Christopher Plummer | 1983 It is available on Amazon Prime.
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That info was for The Thorn Birds.
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I watched some episodes of A Place to Call Home, and I thought it was a good program. But, if it continued, I did not or could not. Things get in the way of TV, and we don't do Prime or anything like that.
Have been remembering old books and movies, things we did back in the 1960's, I supposed because of the unrest now. Today a group of high school grads set up a vigil at the Courthouse for Mr. Floyd, and that brought back memories of when I was that age. My neighbor and I walked down to show our support. Almost everyone wore masks, and it was hot.
I remember Midnight Cowboy and The Graduate from that time period, both based on novels that I did not read. Has anyone? I remember the movies vividly, partly because I saw both when my husband was home on leave from the Navy.
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Nlhome, I remember The Graduate very well, and like you, I didn't read the novel. I'm not sure I even knew there was a novel.
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I saw The Graduate, and afterwards did read the book, but not at the time it came out. I should really re-read the book, I think one of my daughters was reading it recently, and it's quite short. I do recall that the use of Simon & Garfunkel's Mrs Robinson was criticised as being totally inappropriate for the plot, and more to do with getting people to see the film.
Other films I recall from that era are Far From The Madding Crowd, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Chinatown, All the President's Men and Annie Hall.
Someone I know was just talking online about Withnail & I, which is one of my husband's favourite films, and one that I have never seen. Apparently it is on All4 at the moment, so maybe I will finally get to watch it (though it must be said that we often don't like the same kind of stuff.)
Rosemary
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Started A Place Called Home the other night....it's addictive isn't it, pulls out all the stops......! I hope it goes on for a long time.....haven't checked the extent of it
It's got every cliche in the book hasn't it, but that doesn't stop it being a damn good watch, in fact I think it makes it better really. When I thought the dog might die I really felt I couldn't take it, after the horse.... I hope it backs off the animals though, suffering people is one thing, but animals I can't handle. I thought the girl was going to be injured, not the horse.....
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oh wow, 13 episodes in season 1, and 6 seasons!!!! Might even last out the pandemic at a judicious 1 per night or so......(unfortunately I don't think so...)
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On YouTube last night I discovered a four episode program about the Plantagenets to watch.
I remember seeing The Graduate, but did not watch any of the others mentioned, except for maybe Midnight Cowboy (but may not have seen all of it). My 1960's list of movies included 2001: A Space Odyssey, Lawrence of Arabia, Dr. Strangelove, Planet of the Apes, The Great Escape, the Bond movies, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke, Dr. Zhivago, A Man for All Seasons, and Becket. My absolute favorites? 2001: A Space Odyssey, Lawrence of Arabia, and Dr. Strangelove.
For some reason, I noticed that I don't care to sit through very long movies any more.
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Frybabe, I'm with you on the choice of movie favorites. I've watched them again since, though not recently, and felt they stood the test of time. Maybe it's time to watch 2001 again.
2001: a few years ago I was at a concert (some European orchestra, I forget which) where the star piece was Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra. They preceded it with Ligeti's Atmospheres, then went straight to the Strauss with no pause. Most of the audience didn't get the joke, but for the ones who did it was stunning. (They also played the Strauss so well, with such good notes, that I felt I finally sort of understood the whole thing.)
For non-fans of science fiction, that's crucial music in the movie, and you could mentally see whole scenes.
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Yes Dana - I'm finding A Place to Call Home equally addictive. It's great to discover a new series, I don't mind if it's soapy or not!
Frybabe - I have seen Breakfast at Tiffany's and did quite enjoy it. I might also have seen Butch Cassidy but to be honest I don't think it can have made much of an impression. I too don't watch that many feature length films these days, at least partly because we rarely seem to sit down after dinner till 9.30pm or so, and then the thought of staying up till almost midnight is just too much for me!
Last night we watched another Michael Portillo programme about empire - this one was about Jamaica, the slave trade, the sugar plantations and the pirateering before that. At one point Portillo - who is a very upright, traditional Englishman - went to visit a group of Rastafarians. They all seemed completely off their heads on ganga, so it was funny to see how Portillo - the quintessential gentleman - managed to cope. The one member of this 'Rasta council' who was a sharp as a knife was the only woman. She was clearly not high on anything at all and very articulate and interesting. Otherwise it felt like more like a murky corner of Brixton market 30 years ago.
I'm still trying to catch up with The Great British Sewing Bee, but that requires David to go off and play the piano or something. Maybe I'll watch it while he's fixing the fences this weekend! I've got quite a but of 'lowbrow' TV on my waiting list....
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I didn't get around to watching the Plantagenet program yesterday, but I did watch two shorter videos, one about the origins of the Normans, and the other about Rollo. It appears that the French were even more overwhelmed by Viking invaders than the British Isles. I had not realized that Paris had been sacked twice during the Viking invasions.
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I loved this, Pat! 2001: a few years ago I was at a concert (some European orchestra, I forget which) where the star piece was Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra. They preceded it with Ligeti's Atmospheres, then went straight to the Strauss with no pause. Most of the audience didn't get the joke, but for the ones who did it was stunning
I had something sort of like that happen to me. Do any of you remember (Sci Fi Fans in particular) a series called Flash Gordon? Supposedly it was the oldest Sci Fi Serial, well anyway, it started in the 30's, and one of the characters was Ming the Merciless.(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Ming.jpg) The Emperor Ming, here played by Charles Middleton. And boy was he stunning. I can still hear his theme song, which they played every time he appeared, and swept through his...caves? His dark entrances with his cape and his high collar and, he was, to a child, scary as all get out. Just thrilling to see. And I can still hum his theme song, and so I went to IMDb years ago to try to see what it was and apparently those old movies of the 30's weren't bothered with that, they just listed one man for the music and no mention of any composer until the recent versions have his theme by Queen, and I knew that wasn't it. So I gave up.
I was also at a concert, gosh 10 years or so ago and it was Franz Lisz, Les Préludes, and I kept thinking the music which rose and fell sounded vaguely familiar, and as it accelerated it sounded more familiar, and THEN suddenly it burst into the theme song of Ming the Merciless!!!! and I literally half jumped up and told everybody around me (who were totally irritated and kept going SHHHHHH) that it was MING! But it's MING!!!
In retrospect I doubt any of them were old enough to know who MING was. hahaha But if YOU remember Ming, click on this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb2bkVQwtBs and move the little red line on the bottom dial till it says 15:19, because at 15:20 80 some years will fade away and you'll envision him again.
:)
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ah Barenboim but even better on the same page I was able to link to Rachmaninoff's 2nd by the pianist, Anna Fedorova I had not heard her rendition And then the treat of all treats Daniil Trifonov playing Rachmoninoff's 3rd - what an unexpected treat.
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He's quite the pianist, I had no idea, I did not know anything about him. So it was unexpected for me, as well.
I had the strangest experience trying to watch the brand new 2020 (February and March 2020) Shakespeare and Hathaway last night.
I have finished binge watching the first two years and since the new year didn't seem to be anywhere available to me online, I found a website with a crazy name which I did save to my "favorites" but which this morning has disappeared (!?!?) but it was ODD. The quality of the movie was awful, it seemed to be put through a fuzzy brown filter, and they interrupted the broadcast every 10 minutes with a commercial. It said you could watch 2 hours a day free, but I found, having struggled through the first episode, I could not stand it any more. I did not like the first episode, either, perhaps because of the awful appearance of the film and the commercials which sometimes went on for a while, and sometimes repeated themselves over and over in the same break. I have seen the Lexus and the road too many times. I have no idea what the site was called but surely there is something better out there. In Edit: BBC America will release season 3 for sale on July 28, so then there may be better venues to see it in.
A Second Look Department:
There's a new Betty Broderick series out. I was once much taken with Betty Broderick,(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81puf2UMkNL._AC_UY218_.jpg)I think because of the great movie (now on youtube) about her played by Meredith Baxter, who put so much passion into her part I became a believer in poor Betty. The Soccer Mom who worked to support her husband Dan through Medical School (true story) and Law School and who was humiliated and thrown aside by him for a younger woman...remember her? She's still in prison. She went all to pieces and killed him and his new wife...but somehow managed to convince the world ( and me) to the point she had a hung jury with the first trial but was convicted in the second. Anyway, I then read the book on her and felt sorry for her, so when this new series came on I watched the first one and thought oh that's not at all Betty, but they had or there is now available plenty of film OF the real Betty at the trial, and in looking at it now....perhaps this film was not shown in the past....but you can see the lies and the evasiveness and I wonder how I ever fell for any of it. I'm not saying he was a prince among men, ( at this point I don't know what he was), but certainly hell hath no fury like a woman scorned was played out in her case in spades. Truth is always stranger than fiction, isn't it, but she had me there for a while.
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PBS show tonight about Fortnum and Mason - just hearing the words conjures up the memories of walking in their front door and being assailed by the strong scents of coffee, chocolate, tea, flowers and whatever else was on that first floor - it was like walking in a magic cave of scent...
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Ginny, I thought I didn't remember Ming (I didn't get to see much Flash Gordon), but when the crucial theme in Les Preludes started, it really rang a bell. I didn't get the Trifonov, though (YouTube customizes what it shows), but I'm familiar with him. He's pretty amazing. The last live concert I went to before everything shut down here was Trifonov, playing an all Bach program. Rachmaninov is kind of a specialty of his, but he's darn good at Bach, too.
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Oh Fortnum & Mason! I used to love wandering around in there, all the lovely cheeses and chocolates and plenty of things I'd never even heard of in those days, let alone tasted. Selfridges' Food Hall was almost as good, I don't know if they even have one now.
Rosemary
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Pat, isn't that stirring? I am sure if I saw it now, that old film, I'd laugh but it's amazing how SOME of those old black and white films are quite well acted.
The only pianists I ever knew were Wanda Landowska (sp) whose Bach Inventions I used to try to copy and E. Power Biggs on the organ with Bach. Boy could HE play. They used to say he could play a scale with his feet as fast as anybody else could play one with their hands.
Today I idly wonder what they called him at home? Power? EP? Such interesting names people have.
I saw an interesting article yesterday called "What are you REALLY watching in the Pandemic?"
That made me laugh. There were confessions of the Muppets, people serial watching the Muppets, the old Sesame Street Shows. I can see that.
For my part I'm breaking new grounds watching the most amazing stuff....like Lady Colin Campbell and her Castle : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSpqFODzZl4
I think years ago I read one of her books, but had no idea who she was. She's.....something else....I've also read two interviews by her former husband Colin Campbell....I guess this lovely film is a good place to let that all rest..though she was quite outspoken, nasty, even, about Megan Markle....
If my hairdresser does not soon return to business I am in danger of resembling Lady C (hair wise) I fear.
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Last night I was totally engrossed in Joan Hickson's Miss Marple again, this one A Pocketful of Rye. I don't know how many times I have seen it or read the book but for some reason I got totally caught up in it and enjoyed it to the bitter end, as surprised as anybody about the ending. hahaha But I kept looking at the one character, her eyes seemed different, and I kept thinking I knew who she was, but it took IMDb to reveal her even though she had a big part, she wasn't one of the name stars back then so her name was down on the list, and guess who it was?
Selina Cadell!!! Who, you might say is Selina Cadell? Fans of Doc Martin will recognize her: (https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjY1NDkwNDg2NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMjg0OTUyMjE@._V1_UY317_CR104,0,214,317_AL_.jpg) In looking at all her film credits I am amazed to see she has worked steadily for a long long time. I love Joan Hickson's gentle, steely, wise portrayal, and the respect for old age shown in the film. A calm film. I think it's one of her best. She wore her own hats, did not like the type of hat the costumers wanted her to wear. And this time you know what else struck me?
The walking!!! It seems that everybody in Britain WALKS! And it's not just the times her series was filmed in. Does elderly Miss Marple need something at the store? At the PO? She walks to it and we see her walking pretty good distances. They are all walking.
Joan Hickson was born in 1906. When she made a Pocket Full of Rye she was 79 years old. I have tried to figure out by the time it takes her, up hill and down, how far she's actually walking. And right up those long staircases, too. Not holding on the bannister.
In the past I've stayed with different friends in Britain and it seems they ALL WALK. Everywhere. After dinner, too. Walking, walking, regardless of age. When we lived in NJ my mother,, who was born in 1908, (could it be something about that era?) did the same, walked everywhere, to shopping, the bakery, the library, the PO, always walking. Thought nothing of it. I'd like to walk to a destination instead of wandering aimlessly through the fields and woods, with the attendant ticks and stinging bugs and snakes, but there's no destination except a small country store, a 7/11 type thing, on the corner about a mile from here, to walk TO, and why would I want to go there? When you walk out here kindly neighbors stop and offer you a ride. It's a different life.
I could walk to our little Post Office, but it's 90 degrees and it's 6 miles round trip, which would probably finish me off for good, with no handy benches to rest on along the way or places to sit. Is one going to catch one's breath sitting on the verge of the tarmac? And that's all there is to walk to. Walking, an entirely different culture.
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Ginny - yes, most of us do walk everywhere! Though it is increasingly difficult if you live in the country, as Miss Marple's fictional villages may still have lots of little shops, but many Scottish villages now have none, so you end up in the car driving to the nearest town. I drove a lot more when we lived in a remote part of Aberdeenshire than I do now. In cities like Edinburgh almost everyone walks everywhere or takes the bus or tram. This is largely because Edinburgh is a very walk-able city, but also because the roads are so congested and narrow, and parking is either impossible or extremely expensive. Many, many people live in tenement flats - you can buy a parking permit from the council that covers a few streets in your area, but it certainly does not guarantee a parking place - most tenements have somewhere between 9 and 12 flats, so in theory they could have 9-24 cars, yet outside there is hardly room for one car per building. So many people simply do not have cars - whereas if the same people lived in a suburb or the countryside their family would probably have 2 or 3 cars.
The tenements (apart from the very smart ones) do not have any lifts, I used to have 60 steps up to my front door - it does keep you fit, but in the end I got so fed up with carting every bit of shopping up, including things like cat litter, milk, beer bottles - all the heavy stuff.
Here on Deeside I can walk to two small grocery shops, the pharmacy, library, post office, etc in 3-4 minutes. We do need to drive to get to a big supermarket, but I only do this once a week or less. Where I live in Edinburgh I can walk to every kind of shop, we only use the car to go to places like B & Q, or if we want to get out into the countryside.
Over in Aviemore where my son lives, they can also walk into the centre in a few minutes - this includes a Tesco, an Aldi, numerous cafes, library, etc. Until the beginning of this year they lived 3 miles away, in an idyllic location on the edge of Loch Alvie, but they had to drive everywhere and could only afford one car, so they were thrilled when they were chosen for their new house, it is just so much more convenient for them. They are renting it from the Highland Housing Association but they will buy it in March 2021.
My husband always tells us that no-one walks anywhere at all in Houston, and that if you do someone will stop their car and ask you if you are OK. As you say, a different world.
Also we do not have the heat that you have down there, so it is easier to work up the energy to walk - though in the winter the ice can be a bit treacherous. I don't mind snow but ice is really scarey.
I have seen Selina Caddell in many things - she's one of those versatile actors who keep popping up all over the place. I've just found a Radio Times interview with her and Sigourney Weaver, who are apparently great friends: https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2019-04-23/doc-martin-sigourney-weaver-selina-cadell/
Rosemary
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I think the difference is the distance - not only distance but we are now completely caught by shopping in what used to be called Super Markets - the big grocery store that we take so for granted a small grocery would be an anomaly therefore, with a weeks worth of groceries the walk home would be impossible.
As a kid I remember more walking - when my Aunt and Uncle visited on a Sunday along with my Grandmother, after dinner there was always the walk in which the adults were discussing their views on whatever was currently in the news. Another memory, most men if not in the evening after dinner or at least on Saturday and Sunday late afternoon would take their dog for a long walk or walk down the road a couple of miles, lean over the fence and gaze at penned cattle or a field growing hay or sorghum most often taking one of the dogs with them.
All the walking seemed to gradually disappear with the advent of TV - folks wanted to be home to watch their TV programs and then later, I'm remembering by the late 70s everything had to be done in a hurry and going to the movie on the weekend was no longer a treat but a way of life. The upshot is we seldom enjoy gazing at what we have created or nature, unless a hiker but rather, we look to enjoy what others create most often by gazing at their accomplishment on some technical devise from TV to Iphone. hmm I wonder, so many want more and more - could it be because we lost the simple skill of admiring our own work accomplishments and need a destination that is the accomplishment created by others?
Come to think of it the first thing we did when company arrived, usually family but sometimes even neighbors stopping in for coffee, was to walk around the garden as oohs and awws and questions about the various plants where discussed along with how this or that grew from a snippet taken from here or there or a seed nurtured from the year before or the plans for the cucumbers that year or how tasty the tomatoes, picking one and eating it right there in the middle of the veggie patch - there was real interest, not just a polite viewing.
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Oh what great posts on walking and how things have changed!!! And of course you're both right. I love that come and look at the garden, Barbara, I'd forgotten that. 60 steps, Rosemary? (The word "tenement"means something different here, I think, than it must in the UK?) I was about to say to Barbara I don't know how my mother got groceries home. She was a lot younger then than I am now and perhaps if she walked up every day (and we had milk delivered, I remember that, on the doorstep) things weren't the car full they are now. I have no idea. I don't recall a cart? Memory is such a strange thing, isn't it? She must have taken a car to ...there WAS an Acme Grocery store but it was a ways out.
But no matter how old you are 60 steps with a baby carriage would pretty much kill me. Actually 60 steps might do that now. Even when younger. I remember being in Bacoli, Italy, where there are STEPS everywhere, like Athens, a city of STEPS, and where tiny old women in black sped past me going up them as if I were standing still. STEPS must be very good for one's health!
It's lovely to hear that where you are is so like the Miss Marple-ish picture one has of the UK village, Rosemary. How wonderful that seems. And thank you for the link, I did not know they were friends, either. Some of the sub links there are very interesting, too. In one, Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) says he likes to live in Port Quin, which is a bay near Port Isaac on the way to Doyden House (and Castle, a folly really, where Mrs. Tishell was filmed taking the baby)...Eons ago two of my friends and I stayed in Cornwall at Doyden House, long before the series, Port Isaac (Port Wenn in the Doc Martin series) was very much like a Miss Marple type village to me, wonderful people, the best nougat I ever ate and the best fish, mussels, etc. There was no menu in the little restaurant, you waited till the catch came in. Everybody knew who you were; seems like something in a book now. I bet those little shops are sill open, the tourists must be intense now and I am happy for the little town.
But speaking of Miss Marple, I came IN to say, buoyed by At Bertram's Hotel, which I really liked seeing, not least because Christie liked to stay at Brown's Hotel and their seed cake there. And there were several subtle references to her own stays there: in one the character Miss Marple asks if it's REAL seed cake, which Christie also did, according to her autobiography, so that was fun. But what a disappointment is what Brit Box (but nobody else) calls "Season 3" of the Joan Hickson series. And there are lots of missing episodes in all the "Series" of the free Britbox offerings. So I have to go on the names of episodes. But most of the bad ones occurred in 1987 to 1991. I haven't seen the last one yet, The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side.
The first one, The 4:50 from Paddington, was marvelous, steam trains, people running along side waving goodbye as the train left, remember that? Wonderful stuff. Nostalgia. But the Caribbean Mystery was absolutely awful. Even Joan Hickson seemed to be disgusted. I couldn't finish it. Her character was quite different too, in this one.
The third one, the one with the famous actress Jean Simmons in it, I think it's called They Do It With Mirrors, was terrible. There were two sisters, one of them Jean Simmons, and one of them had married 6 times, the unbelievable amount of children of this or that marriage, were impossible to keep track of and even "Miss Marple" said she thought she would get them straight later. "Later" never came for me. It's like if I suddenly started talking to you about Mary and then she brought Bill, you know, but Ron objected, but he's as bad as Alex...I mean HUH?
And the actors of the young male 20-30 something peripheral characters all looked the SAME. You could NOT tell one from the other. You didn't know who was who.
I didn't finish it, either. I think those last ones with the exception of the 4:50 from Paddington which was good, so far are a total dud. And it's nothing to do with Joan Hickson. They lost the thread or something. Maybe the last one will redeem itself.
Now I want to go find ALL of the ones Brit Box left out as there are MANY, in hopes they are good.
And one has to ask what it says about me that I want the formula that "worked" in the first ones...hahaha
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:) I know everybody is tired of hearing me go on and on about Miss Marple, so you'll be glad to hear I've finally finished the series and this is my last post on Joan Hickson, but Nemesis was wonderful. I so enjoy the several aspects of this series, the calm in the face of danger and even death (read: coronavirus and the general iste mundus furibundus now)...the respect given or finally given to old age and its wisdom, the wonderful casts, the great acting the gentleness of the thing. Civility conquers evil, etc. I am sorry to see it go.
I haven't been reading, but this has spurred me on to finding my book of all the Miss Marple stories, there ARE more, that Agatha Christie wrote. Double and triple shelving has not helped but I know I have it and can look forward to populating the pages with Hickson's portrayal.
Acorn wrote and said they were going up a dollar on their Amazon Prime subscription to $5.99 a month. I only did a trial so I could see Doc Martin 9, the newest series and 4.99 was worth it. So I then went today to see what I would lose by cancelling. Truly I don't need 100 film services subscriptions. It seems to be absolutely full of Midsomer Murders, possibly the older ones, Murdoch, just on and on with mysteries and dramas, lots of stuff I've never heard of, too, but all drama, at least in the first 16 pages, but there are 48. Apparently everybody is not as frivolous with their taste as I am. hahaha
I think I've had enough drama for a while in life and in film but wait: there is Charles Dance in the And Then There Were None from 2015 the UK production which I've never seen, so I think I'll watch that. Many of the shows you've all mentioned here, are there, too: Vera, A Place to Call Home The Last Mile, lots more. But they also may be on Prime and Netflix and Britox. I like Britox the best of all of them, I think, the BBC thing, apparently my sense of humor is matched by some of the shows.
Also about to be released for Netflix or Prime or both is the 2019 Knives Out with Daniel Craig with an courageous Southern accent, a very clever satire and spoof of the mystery genre, a huge manor house and a bunch of people getting killed off: great cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, it's an absolute hoot.
I will have to say I did notice a series on British archaeology on Acorn I might not want to cancel before I see... I need to see what's on the rest of the 32 pages of offerings, perhaps somewhere down the line are some of the sillier ones. I'll start at page 48 this next time and work backwards.
Seen anything good lately?
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With all the books on hiking I found over the weekend a good movie of an older women - no actual age mentioned but she appears to be in her 70s - typical for the generation, she took care of her responsibilities without receiving anything in return so that it nearly stripped her completely of any self-worth. After her husband, who for 30 years was totally dependent on her care, who could not even talk died and a middle age daughter with no sensitivity or understanding, decides a nursing home is where she belongs - as she is clearing out she finds photos and a postcard from her youth when she and her also now deceased father went hiking and camping together. She finds her old camping gear and with hesitation but resolve leaves a phone message for her daughter about being gone for a few days and travels to Scotland to hike Sullivan mountain. She runs into a young man who is part owner of a camping equipment store and the movie is not only built around that relationship but her getting to the top of this very steep and challenging mountain - really good movie - she is not a professional hiker or walker but just an ordinary women who gets tired and is cranky and even at times harsh but you're behind her all the way. Movie on Amazon Prime is called Edie
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I have in my wish list for a future purchase is the complete BBC radio drama collection of M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin series with Penelope Keith as lead. The one about the quiche was a free online listen last year, so I've already heard that one. It was great.
Disney's Artemis Fowl was released for streaming in the last few days. I just read a review that said Disney reinvented Artemis, apparently completely changing his personality from a sub-teen genius villain to a pint-sized James Bond type. Not only that, but it looks like the story itself is something new, not from any of the books. I only read one of the series several years ago. I don't think I will bother with the movie.
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I am at a point I have little to nothing to watch at nighttime on TV. I do not have Amazon Prime, Hulu or Roku, so must I have one of these or something comparable in order to watch this series, you all are talking about, A Place to Call Home? I Googled it and it does look like something I might enjoy, and beginning from season 1 through the rest of the seasons, like some said, could take me through this pandemic. I loved Downton Abbey, and hated they ended it. I did go see the movie which came out last year, and it only made me want more. The Dowager Countess, (Maggie Smith) just made me laugh out loud.
I noticed Barb mentioned The Thorn Birds from way back, in 1983. I absolutely loved that movie. And yes, Richard Chamberlain was a heart throb for sure. It was the first time I had ever thought about a priest breaking his vows of celibacy. I was barely in my thirties and being a Catholic, I was shocked, but that movie was so steamy, with the beautiful Rachel Ward, I think I must have watched it a dozen times.
I had friends raving about Father Brown 2013 TV series, which reminded me of Father Timothy Kavanagh in the Mitford book series. I bought the entire series of the Mitford books, and I could not get through the first book. I may give it a try somewhere down the road, but it just bored me to sleep.
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I have neither seen the movie nor read the book, The Thorn Birds. Not my cup of tea. Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series it more to my liking. Ginny mentioned it a while back so it is on my again growing list of books on my wish list.
My movie watchlist is growing again, too. I just haven't felt like watching anything lengthy this last week or so.
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Alas, it was not I who recommended McCullough's Caesar series, it was Dana, who, like quite a few of my students is as passionate about Colleen McCullough's series as I am Agatha Christie's Miss Marple (Joan HIckson's). And in fact there are some parallels, when you think about it.
I'm afraid I have never been able to get into the first book. And I have tried, many times.
Her scholarship is legendary and fiercely defended by her supporters but she's writing fiction and so she must make up some bits, so what she did was to take minor characters of whom almost nothing is known and populate THEM, their thoughts as she thought they might have said, etc. She brings the ancient Romans to life. This does affect perceptions, however. Some of her sources are now thought to be...possibly spurious themselves, no fault of hers, thinking of Dio and Appian, but that's relatively new scholarship. She is a wonderful writer. I loved the Thorn Birds, but that's all I've read.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
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Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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Having said that I would never mention it again, I just MUST say what the last Joan HIckson MIss Marple is about! And how good it is, so far. Having found my book on the complete Miss Marple stories, which are different from the books (and the movies, it appears Joan Hickson did ALL the Miss Marple movies there were), I came, being in somewhat of a Joan Hickson Withdrawal, to the last one written and the last one in the film series Joan Hickson made, The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side.
And guess what it's about? Aging, change, and loss. Miss Marple's devoted nephew Raymond has hired a "carer" to look after her (she appeared to have a maid already) but the carer is driving her crazy. Her friend Dolly, late of Gossington Hall, has sold the Hall when her dear Arthur died and is living in the...Lodge.... on the Estate, she's quite cheerful with it. She sold the Hall to a famous actress (Claire Bloom) who is worried about aging and her part being given to a young protege.
So aging, change, and loss is one of the sub plots. All three women are handling it differently. This, being the last ever in the series, is lavishly filmed and produced, starting with a steam train arriving at the village, the chief railway station official naturally escorting Dolly to her car, so good to see her, etc., ....(that often happens to me, that the officials of the local train station are often most delighted to see me and escort me respectfully to my car, and.....hahahaha) anyway it's..perfection, it really is. Then there's a fete for charity which is normally held at the Hall and so they pulled out all the stops here in filming: there is a brass band and a Punch and Judy show and even Morris Dancers... AND "Daisy" from Keeping Up Appearances is in it, too! The supporting cast is wonderful. Quintessential perfection as far as I've gone, I'm parceling it out in small bits to enjoy like sweets after dinner.
What can I say? The thing is filled with love and appreciation of the entire genre. Hickson, in her 80's appeared in only one more movie and I don't know in what capacity, but this is the last Miss Marple with her starring in it. And they've sent it off with a bang.
I PROMISE I will say nothing more about it!!!
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Frybabe, I meant to say that that Agatha Raisin Quiche of Death was SO cute it got me started on her books in a big way, just like I did with Charlotte MacLeod's Rest You Merry. For some reason along the way (and it was a long way into the series), I dropped reading the books. I think at the time it was the same theme over and over which normally I am good with, and I got irritated with the irascibility of the main character, but I see it's actually a series on TV for heaven's sake, so I think I'll try a couple of those again and maybe get back into the series. Thank you for mentioning it.
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Thanks for correcting me Ginny. That the Masters of Rome series is fiction is one of the reasons that it is only on my wish list and not already in my pile of books to read already. But then, I read the Lindsey Davis's Didius Falco series and Goldsworthy's Vindolanda series. BTW, I am rather surprised that he only wrote three in that series but wrote six novels in a series about the Napoleonic Wars. Well, as a matter of fact, I was kind of surprised that he delved into novel writing at all.
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It would be interesting to know why, wouldn't it?
Going back a bit, Barbara, that movie Edie looks absolutely wonderful. The actress is actually 83 years old. I watched a behind the scenes thing and she had thought this will be great, I won't actually be climbing a mountain in Scotland, it's a film, and she DID.
And here I thought I was something climbing up Vesuvius at 61. That "climb" was nothing like she did, it was a path up...(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Vesuviuscar.jpg) here a car is bringing an overcome hiker back to the ground, but it was an experience. The path in some places is wide(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Vesuvius%20climbing%20up.jpg). Here we can see a group of elderly German tourists from a cruise ship blasting past me as if I were standing still, which is the norm. hahahaa And in some places it's quite narrow with the railings and land giving way and falling down the mountainside. (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Vesuvius%20rail.jpg)
People are raving over the movie Edie: inspirational, etc. Beautiful scenery of Scotland. Thank you so much for recommending it, and it's on Prime as you say also. Just reading about the production makes me want to get out there!
By the way, my Michael Portillo films of the Great British Railways have STILL not come. This is a lesson to me when dealing with these shippers on Amazon, to inquire HOW they are going to ship your stuff. If it's by Media Mail, they will not have an order from me: this is ridiculous. Amazon said I could request a refund, I did, the seller said oh but the coronavirus and it's only been two weeks of business days, etc. etc. etc. It's been since May 15. I went to the PO and they said that many branches are closed and the Media Mail is absolutely the slowest possible less priority you can send.
Lesson learned. No Media Mail ever again.
I did start, I'll put this in the Library as well, the book containing all the Miss Marple stories and it's wonderful. She's got me reading again. :)
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I've never read Goldsworthy's Vindolanda series but I have to say I did try the Didius Falco, (one anyway), and I thought it was totally stupid and a travesty of history. Not to be compared with Colleen McCullough in the slightest way.
But I think probably any historical novel that a person enjoys may lead them to an exploration of that period of history and that's what's good about them I guess, not that they need to have to have any redeeming features really, except that someone enjoys them.
Anyway Masters of Rome got me back into Latin, Roman history and later to Greek. So these books you could say changed the course of my life in a large way. Powerful stuff. Soon I will personally have translated all of Caesar. Thank you Colleen McCullough.
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Thanks for the warning about Media Mail, Ginny. You saved me from trouble in something I was about to do.
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Wow Ginny, in real life she is in her 80s - Loved hearing about the background to the movie - I suspected she was younger comparing her to my own ability. Since my leg went in that hole when I was in my late 70s I no longer can depend upon it and so as much as I liked walking and hoped to do more hiking I had to accept that loss. And now without realizing it I automatically think all folks in their 80s have some physical impairment. Still I was with her vicariously - I do not recognize her from any other British production and it sounds like she is a known actress.
And yes, back when I hiked a few times in Europe the Germans took those trails like Patton's 3rd Army without ever looking like they were trying. I must say their rural areas and even towns are criss crossed with hiking trails. Having met a few who spoke English and several couples from the Netherlands as well, I learned they take their holiday hiking trails and mountains from their long list of recommended hikes ahead of them. The one couple I met in Switzerland, we were staying at the same hotel and they were waiting for their Grandson to show up, who was bicycling on his own from the Netherlands to meet them to hike together - amazing.
Been struggling the last couple of days trying to figure out how much various balls of yarn will knit up - all this saved stash of yarn has been discontinued and where I can find substitutes none of them are a really good match - found a couple of cowls I would like to do that use a large size needle and then again - cannot find a circular needle with wooden tips except one company that all the reviews say they cannot get the tips to fit and so I just went ahead and ordered some 10 inch double pointed wooden needles from my favorite company Brittany - they include 5 needles in their package and so I can spread out the stitches on 4 plus 1 instead of the 3 plus 1 most companies include in a set. It has been years since I had to knit up a swatch to see how many stitches to an inch and how many rows to an inch - not my favorite part of knitting but that is what it appears I will have to do -
I also had to look at dozens of web sites and the few patterns I do have to figure out the size of a cowl - not wanting one of these gigantic things that wraps around your neck a couple of times, and I do not like the ones that are so close to the neck they look almost like an extension of a turtle necked sweater.
Does anyone knit and have you ever knitted up a cowl - I'm thinking around 21 to 22 inches around and I am seeing anything from 8 inches to 13 inches for length - what do you think?
Once I get the mechanics of all this figured out I think I've enough yarn to do one for each of the grandboys for Christmas. I already have yarn to do a shawl like cowl for my daughter and then I need to get yarn to do one for my daughter-in-law. She likes a real fire engine red for most of her accessories and finding hand dyed yarn in that real red color is difficult - the yarn that does have that color is not nearly as soft or even as nice to knit up. Usually just an inexpensive worsted where as for a gift I like something softer that has a mixture of mohair and maybe a bit of silk with the wool.
First I need to knit up what I do have and then, when I get that all done I may just choose a yarn and alert Sally Gale to her gift and ask her to choose the color. But first I need to get all this yarn figured out and get the size figured out. Close to being frustrated - this is when a long walk as in the past would have been my saving grace - ah so...
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I am so glad. Apparently these are troubled times for the USPS. I went to the PO and she is the one who told me about the Media Mail. She also said many branches in this are closed, and once IN the tracking system it can be stopped and it will not show again, despite tracking number, until delivered. It supposedly has been in the Greensboro NC shipping office since May 21. Today is June 18. There is nothng further they can do, it's not first class or priority mail. You get the same answer online. You can open a Case but that requires something my iphone won't do, apparently, so lesson learned.
I just wish I did not have to keep learning these lessons the hard way. I hope it has saved you from the same. That's some comfort. :)
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I know, Barbara, I can't tell anybody's age any more. If they look "old," then they are younger than I am. I've seen this time and again at the ophthalmologist where they ask for your birthday, this old fellow will approach and I am thinking oh wow he must be 90, and he's younger than I am. Happens all the time.
I used to knit but haven't in years but it's very soothing. I used to make those cute little caps with tassels on top for my children. I was much taken with my little grandson in one I made for his daddy but I think perhaps others were less impressed. hahahaha I prefer to crochet which my grandmother taught me, and I like that very much but haven't done any in years. I think your ideas for gifts are wonderful.
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Ginny for what it is worth - if the package arrives I learned after weeks and weeks of not receiving something from Amazon that was being shipped from China so that I went ahead and purchased the hose attachment locally - anyhow just do not accept the package - if it is delivered and you were not there just do not open it and bring it to the delivery companies office as non-accepted and it is returned at their cost. Now Amazon returned my money promptly and so I do not know how that will work if you ordered from another.
Ha we are crossing each other...
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Ginny, I am a knitter and also crochet. I generally use a pattern to make my items, but I did make some scraves and hats for my granddaughters for Christmas presents a few years back, without a pattern. I used this site to help me with calculating stitches. I also just used my own judgement for how long and wide I wanted them. Good Luck!
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+figure+out+how+many+stitches+per+inch&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS722US722&oq=how+to+figure+out+how+many+stitche&aqs=chrome.0.0l2j69i57j0l5.21500j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Anyone care to help me figure out how I can watch the series A Place To Call Home? I am lost with what I need, to view it on my TV. Should I just attempt to watch on my laptop?
I don't order anything that comes from China. My sister ordered some masks from online, it said they were coming from California. She received the package and it was clear they had been purchased from China, all the wrapping on the inside of the package was in Chinese. It had a bad odor to it. She got NO response from the seller when she attempted to return it, to get her money back. She threw it in the outside garbage. Another friend did the same thing, but never received her masks, and no response from the place she ordered from. So many scammers out there. As you said, "Lesson learned."
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Re A Place to call Home, I am watching it on amazon prime, you need also to have an Acorn subscription. Do you have Amazon prime, Bellamarie? If not that costs $120/year (roughly) but of-course you get lots of other stuff with it. I think Acorn is about $7/month but the first month is free and you can cancel any time. I can watch on my TV but it is a ROKU tv, can you get netflix on your TV? If you can you should be able to get amazon prime too. If you can't, you can buy a cheap little thingy (sorry don't know what it's called) that is easy to attach to your tv and then it will get streaming. I attached one to my other tv so I know it's easy, I just asked them in Walmart and they gave it to me. As you can see i am totally non technical.
I actually like to watch stuff on my laptop as well so you could certainly do that too.
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Dana, thank you so much. I do not have Amazon Prime or a Roku box. I have never heard of Acorn. I used to have Netflix on my TV through our Wii, but they discontinued it and now I think I have to get Roku or some other type of device in order to have Netflix. I'll check with Walmart. I remember when the guy from Direct TV came to install he mentioned getting something for streaming. I like watching on my TV, vs laptop, but I'm not opposed to the laptop. I have unlimited streaming with Direct TV. Thanks again!
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Barb, I haven't knitted since I was in my 20s, but I do remember one important thing. Whenever I started again after a long time, it would take a while for my tension to go and my stitch size to settle. I couldn't just knit a tiny swatch, it had to be bigger. Not everyone is that way, but watch out for it.
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I think that A Place to Call Home originally aired on PBS, and if you visit ShopPBS.org on line you might find it there.
Their prices are "retail oriented" with a bit added on for them. But if a series is what you really, truly want, I'm always willing to pay. I just looked in my current PBS catalog, but it wasn't in there. It may have been in an earlier
issue.
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Dana, you've convinced me to try Masters of Rome. It sounds like a good read, and her approach is accurate enough for my picky requirements for historical fiction. We'll see if I actually do it. I haven't ordered my next set of The Lord of the Rings either.
Ginny, I never saw the movie, but The Mirror Crack'd was a favorite with me. The book is really good, and it looks like they did it justice.
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Tomereader, Thank you for the info. I am going to figure this out, because it looks like something I could get interested in watching.
My reading and TV watching has just not been the same with this quarantine. It seems so weird, because being home more, seems like I would be more interested in both. My mind just has not been settled to concentrate on much for any length of time. All my regular shows I would be watching are no longer on, due to the virus suspended taping. If ever someone wanted to break a habit, this is the time for it, nothing seems to be as enjoyable as it was pre virus, at least for me. Although my gardening has kept me busy and contented, along with my various birds coming to my feeders.
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The movie I watched last night is called Cosmos. There only four actors (one only shows up near the end) who are unknowns to me and most of the action is set in one place. This story is some "amateur" (according to the description) astronomers who come across a mysterious signal and chase it down to its' source--a first contact story. Very nicely done. Good enough to recommend it to my sister and BIL who are movie buffs. Now I have to go find out where the UK has its radio telescopes.
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I just switched on PBS locally, and they were airing one episode of Season 6 of A Place to Call Home.
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I'm impressed with PBS lately, they've got a lot of really good series on it. I'm even watching Rick Steves, which I would not ordinarily do. (I like the bloopers at the end of the episodes.) :) He's gotten old, too.
But I really like British programming, some of the frivolous stuff that makes people roll their eyes. I noticed last March (2019, not this year, obviously) to my shock that James Braxton of Antiques Road Trip was actually being shown in prime time while I was there, and on BBC1 no less. That show and he have been on a long time.
In Edit: Also on Youtube there are tons of shows called Antiques Road SHOW starring James Braxton AND Charles Hanson, whom I really enjoy seeing.
It's not like our Antiques RoadShow here? It's not people with items from home which have been in the family for millennia (some of which turn out to be only 20 years old or something) which they bring in hopes of finding out how much it is worth.
It's two antique experts given a small budget for a week who compete with each other for having made the most astute purchases. They go out daily for a week, to what appears to be the billion antique stores in the UK, driving vintage cars and then they spend their money and take the objects to an auction daily and see who has the most profit for the day...this continues all week when a winner is crowned. It's so much fun. Obviously this would not work if they were not charming and intelligent and knowledgeable, which they are. So it's fun and you learn something about antiques on the way, of which I know nothing. But they do.
There were tons of variations of these shows on in March, too, and there was some complaint about the many variations of it on the BBC. I like James Braxton, one of the hosts of the thing. I am surprised to see him still there, but it was so much fun, he's gotten older like the rest of us and wider, using suspenders, but he's still fun to watch. The biggest shock was seeing another of the experts who was the young man on the block at one time, now with gray hair, but still the same personality.
Sometimes they're paired with novices so we learn a lot but you always learn something from their shows. Just yesterday I learned about the Ashington miners, the Pitmen Painters of Northumberland, who took up expressing what they saw in the mines in art, and there was also a special kind of dancing in the area, which was quite interesting. There was a bit on Powis Castle, but the most startling thing was a bit on the stone walls of England. It seems that in the 18th century's Property Law, 6.8 million acres of land formerly held as common land was distributed to individuals if I understood that correctly and they then marked the borders with their famous stone walls with no mortar. 180,000 miles of dry stone walls. That is the very thing for which the Gracchi in Roman history were killed, so that really stood out to me.
The only down thing about the series is that apparently they lately are offering Celebrity Antique Road Trip with the more famous hosts, and the issue is the "Celebrities." The ego is really a challenge for the affable experts, who glide over it and laugh it off, winning over the egotistical STARS, as if it were not there. Of course we don't KNOW any of these "celebrities," like the two women who played for years as police detectives. The one was charming, the other was a pill, but at the end she declared, with a face indicating she was being tortured by nails, that she was really enjoying herself. Faugh. I couldn't even watch the Brian Blessed one where he talked about himself incessantly.
Other than that, however, if you will type in the name of a British series you enjoy on the end of this:
watchbbcseries.com something like watchbbcseries.com Antique Road Trip James Braxton
or watchbbsecries.com come dine with me
Or whatever show you want to see, you may be surprised to see them playing on facebook and youtube channel free and I think there are about 200 of the Antique Road Trip ones (not all with James Braxton)...
So to me, who is missing these types of harmless fun shows, which fill up entire channels on British TV including Four in a Bed, it's such fun to be able to even see them again, and the Come Dine With Me ones are recent as well; they are, in fact, the same ones playing last March. It does NOT seem to cover their movies such as Shakespeare and Hathaway, or Father Brown, however, but it's what you would see if there, right along with such trashy American fare as Storage Wars (which you can see in Italy dubbed into Italian), and Pawn Stars. I like to think that the Road Trip is on a higher plane . :)
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I just checked my Direct TV search menu and found A Place To Call Home, they have Season 1,2,3, but they do not give all the episodes. Season 1 has episodes 9,10,11,12. Season 2 has episodes 7,8,9,10. And Season 3 has episodes 5,6,7,8.
I looked online and it seems a bit pricey for me to sign up to watch all the seasons and episodes. I not only have to sign up for Acorn, Hulu, Netflix or Amazon, but then they are charging a separate fee of $1.99, to watch each episode. What a disappointment.
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I don't follow that series, but have heard nothing but good about it, but that DOES sound a lot for the ability to see it.
Strangely enough that was the same title years ago of a wonderful TV series about an American family in Australia. It was a true story, the father's dream to have a ....sheep farm there? And then he moved his large family, his wife and many children there, and then he was going to close up their obligations and his business in America and then join them there. It was HIS dream. So his wife, I can't recall who played that part but she was excellent, carried on through all sorts of disasters and you have probably figured out the rest: he never came back. Or he came once to say he was never coming back. It seems he had a girlfriend who took over his time and life. It's a true story, and was fascinating to me. I had it recorded on one of those old Beta tape things but it's long gone.
Was it possibly Linda Lavin who played that part? Wonderful acting, kind of a Waltons stranded in Australia thing with no father. I would really like to see it again or hear from the children how they got on. Do I recall correctly or do I have it confused with another story, she became a nun after the children were grown? I may be mixing up several stories.
Anybody remember it?
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Yes it WAS!!!! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093746/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_40
1987!!!
Linda Lavin!
Lane Smith played the father and Lori McLauhglin played one of the daughters. I remembered a series, it's an hour and a half.
"Sam Gavin decides to relocate his family from Houston, Texas to a sheep station in Australia to protect his eleven children from the 'destructive influences' of modern American society. Because of business obligations, he fails to join them and, more or less, abandons his wife, Liz, to the hardships of her new surroundings. Mother and children are determined to make a go of it."
And
''A Place to Call Home,'' a movie based on the experiences of an American woman who moved a brood of 11 to an Australian sheep ranch in the 1970s, airs at 8 p.m. Saturday on CBS-Ch. 2. In the film, Linda Lavin stars as Liz Gavin
(the name has been changed), a Houston housewife who decides along with her husband to move their family of natural and adopted children away from the dangers of city life to a more wholesome environment. The problem is, after she relocates to the Outback, he decides to remain in Houston.
As the story unfolds, Gavin faces various problems, including drought, unruly children, skittish sheep and an unpredictable wool market. She works at fixing up the weather-beaten farm house, repairing fences and other chores. Befriended by a hard-drinking ranch hand and a country woman who runs a general store, the family slowly adapts to their new life....(February 7, 1987)
Now neither of those mention a girlfriend, they both say business obligations, I seem to recall a new girlfriend, I will look further. And if I can possibly get the film of it I surely would like to see it again.
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awww - Bellamarie it is good but not at that price - now had it been Downton Abbey I'd say yes however this does have a soap opera quality about it - one of these family saga's with every conceivable current social issue with the moral values of the 950s laid over them. The only big difference is instead of a paternal leader of the clan so to speak we have a maternal leader - there are issues with Jews, Holocaust survivor, Gays, Rape, discrimination only instead of with Blacks or Mexicans it it with aborigines, the difference between unfortunately a rather single minded self righteous Catholic versus Church of England, women coming into their own - on and on with a melodramatic story built around each issue and how the family is affected by each social issue - for instance the wife of a gay man. Not quite a Stella Dallas of the 1940s radio soap but on that order. To me it is like, what are they going to do with this or that character this week but then I've seen the series since the beginning on my local PBS channel.
Hmm Ginny your message popped up - and do not remember A Place to Call Home involving an American or adopted children - several connections to England - maybe two different stories. This is Australian with characters who are WWII Vets who experienced Japanese atrocities as prisoner's of war - a daughter who had a child out of wedlock and adopted by her brother whose wife died and is in love with Sarah a holocaust survivor and the father of a grown gay son, who married while in England, the sister of his lover. His mother the matriarch of the family and extensive estate tries to get rid of Sarah before they bond by calling on an old ruthless friend who researches and learns all about Sarah and finds her almost incapacitate husband from the brutality of his experience in the camps - one thing and another and he kills himself with the friend becoming the wicked witch of the west for a whole swath of the story.
On Sunday night we have a new Masterpiece Theater - we've had 2 or maybe it is 3 of Beecham House - taking place in India during the late 1700 and early 1800 - so far they seem to be laying out the characters and their personalities against a background of tension as the East Indian Company has come with big feet to essentially plunder India - my word plunder - it was called trade. Lots of Indian potentates trying to manipulate as are the East Indian and individual traders all playing both ends and crashing into each other with their culture differences.
I think I am ready for a few sessions with Winnie the Pooh and Wind in the Willows - found on Amazon a couple of documentaries showing how Tasha Tudor lived her days -
I chose not to have access to the various movie links, like acorn, or Netflex but have for years had Amazon Prime - I like the free 2 day shipping and the many free ebooks and free movies - don't have the ability to take advantage of the free music but for that I have not only my CD collection but I am a member of Medici so that for instance right now I am listening to the fabulous Denis Matsuev playing Rachmaninov at the Verbier in Switzerland.
Downloaded but have not yet watched Britt-Marie Was Here from the book of the same name written by the author of A Man Called Ove - not a sweet elder but an effective curmudgeon and from the book description of Britt-Marie... we are into a story of a women who at age 63 needs to start over in a tiny small town as a caretaker for a falling down rec center - she is rediscovering herself while leading a group of misfits into better days.
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If anyone here is in contact with the powers that be over in Seniors & Friends, please let them know there seems to be a problem getting into their site. I have tried 6 different times, even shutting down my computer, and coming back in, but it will not let me get in. I even have the site bookmarked on my toolbar, and still nothing. After a long time with the little rotating circle, it goes to AOL Search, and shows that there is a S&F, but you can't make any of those links work either.
Thanks.
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Thank you Tomereader. Jane is aware of it, she's one of the Admin there, she will tell him.
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Watched finally on Friday night the movie Britt-Marie Was Here Ah - OK but nothing like Edie or other's I've seen about the elderly - low key with nothing that we have not heard before and this time it actually ends with her leaving the uncaring husband and with a happily ever after marriage to the local sheriff or whatever he is called - movie was disappointing...
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I have been a really bad girl. My local PBS has been running a "Downton Abbey" Marathon most of the week. All six seasons. I have the DVD's (if I could find them) and actually watched the first 3 seasons. After bingeing for several hours, I realized I had forgotten most of those episodes. But I have really gotten into it again. Everything is so beautiful, the costumes, the Abbey itself (I know part of it was a "set" cause I watched "the Making of Downton Abbey a long time ago). Now I have to go find my DVDs so I can involve myself in the lives of all the characters. I didn't binge all the 52 episodes, and didn't dare DVR them, and use up all my DVR space. (I watched until 12 midnight most nights, and this morning till 4:30 AM) I didn't want to watch any of the 6th Season, because that was the Finale, and I'm not ready to find out how it wrapped up. (...as if I don't have enough junk DVR'd and 3 streaming Channels to watch...) What was I thinking?
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Tomereader we just went through all the seasons on our PBS in April and May and it finished up three weeks ago - they said it was the last time the series would show on PBS - I can remember the entire series repeating over the years at least 4 times and yes, Tomereader it never grows old does it... I thought a few other Masterpiece series were special but this one was the best - even better than Brideshead which up till Downton was my favorite...
I don't have the DVD series but it is tempting - as it is I have so many CDs and even the old DVDs but I never seem to play them and I really do not need to keep collecting - my bet is it will eventually be available on Prime or maybe Acorn - where ever Julian Fellows can make the best deal.
Now we are watching Beecham House - interesting and my oh my the scenery and costumes but already the story line is getting too pat - we shall see what we shall see but the story can't hold a candle to Downton.
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Hi all,
The actress in Edie was Sheila Hancock. (She is the widow of John Thaw, who played Inspector Morse for years, and was previously in the police series The Sweeney, and also in Kavanagh QC. His films included A Year in Provence.)
Sheila Hancock is extremely well known in the UK. She has been acting for many, many years. My mother remembers her as the Shop Steward (trades union organiser) in an early TV comedy The Rag Trade, and she has been acting ever since - theatre, TV, films, radio, everything. She has a also latterly started writing novels, and she wrote about her marriage to Thaw in The Two of Us. She is still very active, lives in London, and is involved in many charitable causes. I would say she is something of a national treasure here, though perhaps not quite as much as, say, Maggie Smith or Judi Dench.
We are very lucky in being able to get every single episode of A Place to Call Home on Prime. We don't have to subscribe to anything else on top to get it. Prime costs about £80 ($98) a year I think, and I do like the Prime delivery service. They are now also doing free ebooks, they have masses of free music of all kinds that I play (when I remember) through my i-Pad, and I believe they also offer unlimited photo storage, which I really should use if I made the time to sit down and work out how it works, as my laptop is continually complaining about not having much storage left.
Barb - I watched the first one of Beecham House and gave up. It did not get good reviews here.
Ginny - Antiques Roadshow has been going here for donkey's years. I find it quite irritating - as you say, all these people politely listening to the expert's appraisal of their item when all they really want to know is how much it's worth. I have not seen Antiques Road Trip, maybe that is better? I love downmarket TV but I have to say I cannot stand Come Dine with Me as they are all so rude about one another's cooking!
Downton Abbey has been repeated her ad nauseam. I very much enjoyed it the first time round and would like to watch it again now, I think we do have the DVD of the first couple of series. I did - and still do - love Brideshead.
Goodness me, just realised that the rain is absolutely bucketing down now. Thank goodness I still hadn't got round to going for a walk - I hope it eases up soon.
Rosemary
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Bellamarie , you can get A Place to Call Home with amazon prime and the addition of Acorn, which costs about $5/month, BUT you get the first month free. I now get it permanently but I hopped around for a while and got it free, and then britbox free, but I prefer acorn.(at the moment). Anyway, you don't have to pay for each episode of the series, I think that's only if you don't have Acorn. And it is good. Am on series 3 now and it just gets wilder and wilder. I sit there shouting "don't marry her!", or, "he's going to die now".....I ration myself to one episode/night, but last night I weakened and watched two.....
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Rosemary! How good to see you back! You're always a breath of fresh air.
I totally agree with you, I have such trashy taste in entertainment it's unreal. hahahaaaaaaaaaaaa, I am totally confused over the labeling of the antique shows in the UK. The American one consists of people bringing in antiques to one place and the experts telling you what it's worth, the British one (I go by the presence of James Braxton) seems to be labelled Antiques Road Trip rather than Show, but yesterday I found an entire cornucopia of James Braxton shows called Show. No matter. The one i like consists of a competition, two experts going about to shops, spotting treasures, purchasing them, and then auctioning their selections off. (I think it's the one that is complained about by people with taste in the UK). hahahaa
Yesterday I watched Charles Dance in one of the Celebrity Road XXXX's (fill in name at random) and unlike the others as he drove the vintage car, he actually did not talk incessantly about himself and for once expressed interest in the person riding with him, who was the actress Geraldine James, whom he had met in filming The Jewel in the Crown. In the shops he actually tried to get in the spirit of the thing and buy something. He made his own choices, he's a bibliophile. He was charming, absolutely charming and gallantly deferential to the young woman expert with him. Exactly what you'd hope he would be. Possibly a little over the top with the hair thing. Anyway seeing him again caused me to go read all the interviews with him on his work, and start Bleak House all over again, because it's amazing how this program seems to show the character of the persons featured. Or they are all good actors.
(It seems I need to steel myself and watch Game of Thrones, as he's got quite the prominent part in it and notable death. He's got a LOT coming out, too. I really like Charles Dance.)
Has anybody here watched Game of Thrones or read it?
On the Come Dine With Me, isn't it awful? The first time I saw it, last year, one of the channels was running it all day long, but the episode I watched on whatever channel appeared to be that night's competition. I was transfixed with horror at the first episode, I really was, it was like Four in a Bed, but as I was in for the night I thought I'd watch some British TV and nothing else interesting was on at the time. I found I could not pull away the next night to see what happened. It's so truly bad, even the good ones, it's addictive. The narrator is such a hoot.
Conversely I could not get into Downton Abbey at all, ever. (Let's face it, I have NO taste). Despite having gone to Highclere before it became famous for their little Egyptian exhibit in the basement and the little bits and bobs that were held back from the original donation to the British Museum. For me the best was Upstairs Downstairs, the original: Hudson and Co. I have them all on tape.
(I had quite an adventure at Highclere, actually, and was taken in, in a deluge, in the Gate House by the charming lady there and while we waited for a taxi, in came the Butler who is featured on several of the documentaries. Lovely conversation about dogs, as I recall, with her. Really a nice memory. Very nice person.)
Brideshead is the epitome for me, the book and the Jeremy Irons original film.
In other news the Great British Railways has finally come, but not the one I originally ordered, which, as of last Friday, was still 42 days in transit from the state of Maryland. I had previously requested a refund from the seller which was politely denied..."let's wait, it's only been two business weeks." I then ordered another one from Amazon UK as I have had really good results with British things from them. It came on the 9th day from England, for Pete's sake, and they've got all of them, too, on hand, if I like these. I then wrote Amazon (USA) and showed the tracking number and what results I had been given from the USPS, and explained that as I am in South Carolina it could have been walked here from North Carolina where it last surfaced on May 21, and after submitting my claim in only a couple of minutes the refund was processed. Amazon really does stand by their customers against the vendors, and that's why I like to deal with them.
So it's HERE at last and I can't wait to watch it!
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Rosemary thanks - told my daughter about Edie and she enjoyed it - saw her attitude as a modal for other goals in life - anyhow I emailed the information you shared about Sheila Hancock - Wondered if she ever acted in her husband's series Inspector Morse - she has a pleasant looking face and now I have to see if I can find any of her old films on either Youtube or on Amazon.
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I think I know the one you are talking about Ginny where they find a painting that was often in someone's attic and they try to determine if it is real or a fake - the painting goes through all sorts of tests and they visit various professionals - something about it need a certain number of professionals to agree in order for a painting to be considered an original.
There is an antique show or whatever I've seen where people bring an object and the appraisers are set up out-of-doors in front of some grand house where as in the US the show visits from city to city and we do not see the people bring their antique but it is there on camera in a large space like an auditorium or arena with lots of appraisers so that the antique is appraised by the appraiser who specializes in the antique brought in.
Sounds like you have seen other antique shows -
the one I like but only saw a few times is where this guy visits various artisans and makes something under their tutelage - I'm particularly remembering his visiting with someone who made wooden band boxes - since so few are into handcrafts I like seeing how the handcrafted items are made.
Would love to see the process of how flax linen yarn is made from the fiber of the plant - I've read about it and of course now most thread is not made from a plant, in fact most thread and cloth is no longer pure linen, cotton or even wool - I've read where these fabrics are soon only going to be seen in a museum - that man made fiber is taking over. For sure very little wool is from the US because no one shears sheep any longer - it is imported from Australia with the small US herds being sheared by the owners more as a hobby or for special usually hand dyed yarn for knitting.
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Tomereader, I too am a Downton Abbey fan. I binge watched the first seasons to catch up to season five, and of course continued to watch until it ended. I absolutely loved all the characters, and oh, the scenery inside and outside is just so beautiful. I have to say, when they killed off Matthew, after Mary had given birth to their baby, I did not think I would recover from the shock of him being gone. He was one of my favorite characters. Last year when the movie came to our theater, my neighbor/friend and I went to a quaint little restaurant called Clara J's for a formal Downton Abbey Tea Luncheon, then we went to the movie theater. I loved the movie and came away wanting more.
Here are some pics of our luncheon. Please let me know if you have any problems opening this link and seeing the pics. Feel free to visit my other pages at this site, and leave a comment, if you like. This is my blog site, where I do much of my writing.
https://ciaobellamarie.wordpress.com/2020/06/30/downton-abbey-tea-luncheon/
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Last night I binged on Trapped, an Icelandic police series. Dubbed in English where needed, it kept me interested. I'll watch the rest tonight. Amazon only has eight videos of Season 1 although Wikipedia lists 10. You might recognize one of the characters who played Gian Paolo Baglioni in five episodes of The Borgias.
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Frybabe.....I looked that up-Trapped-and it does look interesting. Did you ever watch the Swedish (I think, or could be Danish) version of the Bridge? It was good. I used to watch the Swedish Wallender series which I loved, so usually I don't mind subtitles. Dogs of Berlin was another really good subtitled (German) series on netflix.
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Barb - I don't think Sheila Hancock did appear in any of the Morse series, but John Thaw's daughter from his first marriage, Abigail, appeared regularly as the local journalist in Endeavour, the series that forms the prequel to Morse but was made after it. And Sheila did play opposite Thaw in Kavanagh QC, a later series about a barrister (counsel).
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Thanks - evidently my daughter has really picked up on the movie Edie and the portrayal by Sheila Hancock. Katha did a bit of research and found her birth date on Feb 22 1933 - almost a month after my Birth date which is Jan 29,1933 - the result, where she has seen me as an anomaly to aging she now sees there are others who are not doddering so that she is adjusting her whole concept of being older and rethinking her own future - last summer it was in your face apparent, here I am the oldest but looked and think far younger than either of my sisters - the one being 15 years younger and the other 2 1/2 younger but both appear and think very old. It was hard for me to observe how neither takes care of themselves or their homes. Still struggling with my visit. I just assumed all these years that we were similar - I am having a hard time letting go of what I thought was normal.
Anyhow Katha is restructuring her verve for life and sees the movie not just about climbing a mountain but as an example for any goal that she now believes any can be achieved. I am so pleased for her that she sees a purposeful future - she was all about raising her boys and now the oldest turns 30 this year with the younger 3 years behind - the age when she hears from them but they have their separate lives -
She did foster a few teenagers who had no place to live and attended the High School where she teachers. The school social service, who is a friend turned to her and Katha does keeps up with the one girl, who she was able to convince could go to collage so that she and my niece are helping her but she was really at the end of her time guiding youngsters and was looking at a bleak future for herself and now, she has a new lease on life -
What a relief that she is not going to be another Moaning Myrtle like my sisters and one cousin. I never had any truc for that kind of aging but now I do not know how to think because as I say both sisters and a cousin are all Moaning Myrtles. At least my cousin is living clean and tidy but god do none of them use coconut oil... or know how to be grateful and therefore uplifting and caring about themselves and what they have chosen to take care of, that they don't... sheesh. Sorry my rant - and about my own sisters - sheesh - I am struggling...
Haha all that because Rosemary you added to our knowledge about Sheila Hancock - I do need to see if I can find online Kavanagh QC - I vaguely remember the show being on PBS but I am remembering a different, heavy set actor not Thaw.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
|
_______________________________
Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
Movies Based on the Book (http://www.mcpl.lib.mo.us/readers/movies/)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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Barb, if I knew it, I had forgotten. We're almost exactly the same age. I'm 6 months younger.
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tra la - great Pat - 1933 was a good year... ;)
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Barb - isn’t it strange how one thing can lead to another?! How lovely that the film has inspired your daughter so much. It didn’t even get particularly good reviews here.
My mother was always very active and interested in life - she still is, but she is 92 and I notice that now, where she can no longer do one thing, she no longer looks for another, just more TV, though she does read a lot. She is the oldest person in her sheltered house of 5, but also probably the most active - the lady in the next room acts and thinks much older than her, but I discovered the other day is only 69!! I am not sure why she is even in sheltered housing, she does have diabetes but apart from that she is still able to go out, drives, etc - but my mother says she spends most of her days lying on her bed watching TV. She will not have a computer or tablet, used to go to the library (opposite) every day to use their public ones to email her daughter, who lives abroad, but as the library is currently closed and the residents have also only been let out this week, she has not been able to contact her at all apart from by phone. I am not sure why she doesn’t want an i-Pad, as she was a professional person in her working life so she is an intelligent woman. Anyway, each to their own! She is an avid reader of the most horribly reactionary of our newspapers - the wretched thing causes so much damage and stirs up so much prejudice among its mostly elderly readership - everything is the fault of immigrants/poor people/young people - you get the picture.
My aunt, my mother’s sister, was old at the age of 40 - she was scared of life, always had an excuse why she could not do something, and never moved away from home. Towards the end her excuse was that she had to look after my grandmother, but although that is indeed what she did, my mother helped her a lot, but Even when she was there, the sister was too frightened to do anything. When my grandmother was finally allowed to die, sister still did nothing and then died quite young. It was a sad life really. I think there had been a culture of fear in their home when they were growing up - my mother broke away from it to a certain extent, as did their older sister who moved abroad, but it is a hard thing to leave behind.
Are you perhaps thinking of the actor Martin Shaw, who was in Inspector George Gently and also Judge John Deed? He is wonderful.
Rosemary
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Barb - another English woman that you may have heard of is Joan Bakewell, who was a journalist and TV newsreader here for many years - at a time when very few women were allowed to do that. She later had her own interview programme. She is 87 now, still lives in London, writes, is extremely active for various causes, and doesn’t look or behave anything like her years.
This is her Wikipedia information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Bakewell
Rosemary
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Dana, I have not seen either of those shows. I'll have to look-see if either of them are on Prime Video (or YouTube) since I don't get Netflix.
Speaking of Prime Video, I discovered that they are offering a free lecture series until 7/31 from Great Courses on England, Scotland and Wales. It is apparently aimed at historical background for those who wish to travel to GB. Lots of maps and photos. I skipped half the first episode since it was primarily an overview of the course and some biographical background of the lecturer.
Oh, and Trapped did in fact have 10 episodes in Season 1, not 8 as it previously stated.
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I watched a beautiful film tonight - School of Life - a French film with subtitles - beautiful scenery, beautifully acted, a simple story that yes, the basis is corny but the construction and delivery is magnificent - takes place in rural France in the late 1920s on a chateau estate - a WWI orphan taken home by someone who works in the Chateau with a rags to riches ending - the boy attaches himself to the most endearing so called poacher, there are gypsies, a resplendent 18 point monarch buck, a serious, at times malevolent but irascible forest warden, and a Count, who loves the land with a playboy for a son - found it on Amazon Prime
here is the link - you'll enjoy every minute...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B084PZ65BP/ref=atv_wl_hom_c_unkc_1_34
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This has become the best place to come for news of great new programs!
I have learned a lot in the last couple of weeks. First off, I obviously did NOT know who Miranda Richardson was!!!! I thought she was playing Lucia for Pete's sake!!! She was playing Mapp in the new series. Anna Chancellor was playing Lucia. I felt so bad about that I watched it again. Then I watched both seasons of the original one, too, for comparison.
I do think people have been much too harsh about the 2014 Mapp and Lucia remake with Richardson and Pemberton, and that's a shame. People going on and on about Benson and their including in the "new" version scenes which did not happen, stick to the "old canon," etc.. etc., etc.
I liked both of the series, (and I used to be VERY serious about Benson, member of societies, trips to Rye, tour of house, visit to grave), and thought both had their own strengths and were very enjoyable. I think he'd have enjoyed both of them. The second time around I even like Mrs. Wyse, but not Diva, still, I think she was miscast but she's the only one. I saw a documentary with Geraldine McEwan before she died and that IS her actual accent, that is the way she talked.
And there's a new Mapp and Lucia writer, see Library for more.
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But I came IN to thank Rosemary profusely for her recommendation of the Great British Railways series with Michael Portillo. It's wonderful. I am enjoying it so much, I watch it every morning over breakfast.
If anybody likes train travel and Britain, you can't really get closer vicariously to the experience than this charming show. Each series has 4 DVD's, and each has four journeys split up, each covering several different cities, (and you can plan which one you want by using the handy "Journey Planner") and it's almost as good as being there. Lots of history and archival film, too: WWII blitz, immigration, the beginning of the textile industry, the first factory in the world, I mean it's absolutely wonderful. 10 stars.
Yesterday, in one of several short segments, on that particular journey, we went to Cambridge where he visited his old dorm rooms at Peterhouse College at Cambridge University which Rosemary was talking about previously where her husband went, very prestigious school. He pointed out his old "bar," and said I think there was a desk here somewhere, told amusing incidents of undergraduate hi-jinks and left out he got a first in History. Again a very nice suite of two bedroom accommodations with fireplace in the living room, no less. Like something out of a book. He also got in an argument with a young man selling boat rides on the river, as to whether or not "punting" occurs in Venice, which left both of them laughing.
I did not know who he was, he was in Parliament for 20 years, he's well known. I love the way he talks to everybody on the street and the people he meets, and allows us to meet, in places we normally would have no access to, scenes and people who exemplify the real Britain, which we'd not have known about except for him, and it's delightful.
If for some reason one can't travel now, he's the next best thing, much better than Rick Steves....it's a unique and wonderful experience. It's so real, I feel I've been there, now. Without the exertion. (And I know more than I would have without him, as we stood in the Big Ben Tower, and in the engine of a steam train, to mention only 2 out of the last 16 segments). He loves steam trains, old Victorian Stations, and old Victorian station hotels: he's following a 170 year old Bradshaw's Guide Book.
It's magic. Highly recommended if you can find it.
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Years ago, I watched a series of "Great Railways" programs on PBS. I do remember some Great Railways of the World programs, but I especially remember a different series specifically about the Swiss railways. Spectacular! I do not remember who hosted it. Oh, and I remember a few of Michael Palin's rail trips. I will have to look them up again.
Ginny, I am not particularly fond of Rick Steves either.
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Yes, I mentioned him in the Library just now and how I think he differs from Portillo, Bryson, and Theroux. I think that's the main difference: he's selling.
Last night after the two national news programs I looked at the grid and behold, the old Westworld with Yul Brynner was JUST ending, on Turner Classic Movies: only a few minutes left. 1973, that was a great movie and it's entirely on youtube.
I saw Yul Brynner in his last tour in the King and I in Atlanta at the historic Fox Theater and it was a performance and day to remember for many reasons: he was super, wonderful, the theater marvelous, some other incidents not so much, but all ended happily. All I can say is, get to the theater when they open the doors and watch where you eat lunch.
Here is a short on the making of it with Michael Crichton (I did not know he wrote the screen play for it and directed it, fascinating 8 minutes) on the difference in film making and writing. I found it quite interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfKbqB5a-8E The small bit about 7:14 with Yul Brynner explaining how the robot turns into a human is wonderful.
Of course this is derivative of R.U.R, but it's wonderful anyway.
TCM (Turner Classic Movies) is quite a channel. Last night they had the original Auntie Mame with Rosalind Russell, one of my favorite movies of all time. I taped it to watch later on. The book on the real "Auntie Mame," by her nephew Patrick Dennis was wonderful, too.
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My TV watching featured a program about the geology of Italy on Amazon's Prime Video. It followed a group (several really) of geologists trying to discover if the Apennines were still rising (yes, according to their research). Along the way I learned about the Mediterranean subduction zone and how it is affecting the country. Did you know that Italy was once attached to France? It is still moving slowly eastward. They also visited Sardinia (think Mt. Etna) and a bit of Tunisia where the subduction zone influences them. Also, a reminder of how marble was formed. Wonderful landscapes.
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By "attached" you must mean something I don't know about? There's certainly a border between France and Italy now? Reading Livy in the original provides the most exciting and graphic tale of Hannibal's Crossing the Alps imaginable, and the comparison with his version and that of Polybius is magic.
They've been squabbling over his route ever since. Patrick Hunt of Stanford who has devoted his entire life to examining the route, thinks he has found the actual route, but they will probably be arguing 2000 years from now. He's got a great book on it called Hannibal.
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A Suitable Boy is airing on BBC 1 on 26 July!!
Screenplay by Andrew Davies.
Rosemary, you must take a look and see what you think of it.
I do hope we can get it over here sometime soon.
It has the makings of a totally addictive Raj Quartet type series.
The book is fantastic as I have said before, so will not again.......!!
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Dana - thanks for that, anything Andrew Davies does is usually excellent, and - as I am always harping on about - I did love Jewel in the Crown so much.
Ginny - I had no idea there was a film of Auntie Mame! I only came across the book last year - loved it. I must see if I can find that film anywhere.
I am still enjoying Monarch of the Glen and A Place to Call Home, but last night we reverted to Friday Night Dinner, and it really was hilarious. It's all quite silly, but very true to life in many ways. We have a new series Mrs America - I have recorded it. Has anyone seen it? Cate Blanchett plays Phyllis Schlafly. I've never seen her turn in a bad performance yet, so i have high hopes. Carol is one of my favourite films.
My daughter told me she was re-watching Frost/Nixon this week. (Michael Sheen so brilliant as David Frost.) Anna said it was very interesting to see how Nixon eventually put his hands up and apologised (whether sincerely or not) to the nation. She commented that the behaviour of so many politicians these days is so appalling all of the time that the next generation, if they watch this film, will wonder what on earth all the fuss was about - it will seem such a small thing compared to what goes on now.
Rosemary
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Ginny, according to the documentary, eons ago the Italian peninsula was once part of France. It got separated (don't think they said how) and has been swinging down and eastward ever since at about one-sixth of an inch (I think that is what he said) a year. Their example is to image a soccer player pulling his leg back before swinging it forward to kick the ball. So eventually, if it keeps going, it looks like it will close off the Adriatic. The program is called Italy's Magic Mountains, a 2014 PBS program. I just noticed on some maps, that the Adriatic is actually a sliver still attached to the African Plate. I've also seen the Adriatic Sea referred to as the Adriatic Plate. http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sQVjnkRNsSE/UMDivsocPtI/AAAAAAAAABs/losZFVdRxww/s1600/italy_earthquake_570.jpg
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My goodness, thank you, Frybabe, who knew? The Campi Flegrei is also a new point of interest, supposedly if it goes the entire European continent will, too. Do they mention it? I did not know, for instance, and just learned that the entire Bay of Naples is thought to be an extinct caldera, did they mention that? I must see it, thank you for the link!
Rosemary, you will love that old 50's Rosalind Russell movie, she's perfect. I often think of her and her encounter with Patrick's fiancee's in-laws...hilarious. Love that movie. It's on Amazon Prime and Youtube for a fee but the youtube quality looks poor. Wonderful movie. Lucille Ball made one too, but for me there's only one Auntie Mame.
Taling about PBS,, there's a really good series on Great British Cathedrals running now. I have been to Wells Cathedral, spent time in the Close, and never learned what I did on it from this program.
I have A Suitable Boy and really look forward to hearing about the TV Show!!! Supposed to be one of the best books ever written. I wonder why I haven't read it.
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Thanks for that Ginny - we have at last worked out Amazon Prime so I will definitely look for Auntie Mame.
My elder daughter's boyfriend has been the acting organist at Wells Cathedral for the past year - he is just coming to the end of his contract now. He has been living in one of those lovely old houses in Cathedral Close. (Back to London and the real world next month.)
Rosemary
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Fabulous!
Truly I was so taken with that Close and the entrance of the...is it the choristers as well who live there, and have that back entrance as I remember it? I was so taken with it I almost didn't want to leave. I am not sure what it reminds me of, what a spectacular life it must be to live there and work there. And the ORGAN!
You know what else is wonderful in Wells? That long jump mark on the street. A local athlete, Mary Rand, got an Olympic medal for the long jump so they marked it out in her honor on the Market Street! And BOY that is one long JUMP! 6.7 meters!!!!
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I have A Suitable Boy and really look forward to hearing about the TV Show!!! Supposed to be one of the best books ever written. I wonder why I haven't read it.
Probably for the same reason I haven't read my copy. It's going to take a serious effort to keep everything and everyone straight, and that's daunting even though you know it will be worth it.
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That will make the movie of it doubly interesting. I was fascinated to hear Michael Crichton in that Making of Westworld, say that the script for Westworld was intended by him as a book but it just didn't lend itself to a book, and needed to be a movie. I wonder if the book will transition over to the movie this time.
I couldn't help it, I watched Auntie Mame last night. It's dated (50's) and some things now would probably not make the PC Censor, but I loved Rosalind Russell in that part. What a hoot. Still laughing over her and that switchboard because I don't think anybody could have done it as well as she did. I had that as one of several jobs I was not good at the summer before college and it WAS just like that, if not, in my case, worse.
But it's one of "those movies," back in the day. Here in the late 60's they had what they called "Ladies' Matinees," where you could take in a matinee in the movie theater here, if female. You'd go about 10:00 or was it 11:00, must have been 10---it's been more than 50 years ago, there were refreshments provided, everything was free. I seem to remember doughnuts. And you'd see a certain type of movie which they thought would cater to a delightful morning out for the ladies, and this would be an example of one of them. I remember Esther Williams and her aquacades, and Doris Day especially. Light, frothy, and fun. What an almost unbelievable thing that seems now.
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I hate to seem to be picking on Rick Steves. I like his enthusiasm for travel and his naivete and positivity. But PBS had a lecture by him on yesterday on tips and tricks for travel in Europe and although he did it very professionally ....well... he was talking about this little town in Italy, he likes the Cinque Terre, possibly Vernazza, where there were “no comfortable hotels.” And he said this is very good news! Because it keeps away the most Obnoxious of the Traveling Public ( and here we see people in the audience nodding sagely) ….the person who insists on staying in a comfortable hotel. Here we see the audience laughing at such a person knowingly.
Er......anybody who has traveled outside of a tour for over 32 years as he has, knows that there are lots of really good small family run hotels to choose from. But they are also comfortable. Who in their right mind would deliberately pick an "uncomfortable" experience, (which to me includes no air conditioning in hot weather, no heat in cold weather, toilets that don't work, other plumbing which does not work or backs up in the sink or literally runs down the walls from the room above, insect infestations, carrying your own bags up 4 or more flights of stairs, elevators which don't work, dirty rooms, one light bulb from the ceiling for a reading light, paper thin walls, noise from the street all night long, I mean I could go on and on just about my own former unexpected "uncomfortable" experiences), why would anybody choose that just so that you can say you are...what? Having the "true" experience and getting to "know the locals?" That is ridiculous.
I don't think he means "comfortable," I think maybe he means elegant or pretentious or a Big Chain, but if you have a group in front of you agreeing they want to be uncomfortable so they can be in the "know," then hey...what can you say?
Actually the older I get the more I appreciate the "comforts," (essentially the antithesis of what I wrote above). In fact I like on each trip to go beyond that and deliberately stay "nice, " as I call it, just for a couple of nights out of the normal three weeks trips. I've stayed in castles, famous hotels, and historic landmarks, and enjoyed every one of them. For a day or two. And in the films of him I've watched, the rooms he's in look pretty comfortable to me.
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I think too he was trying to get his listeners to choose a local small hotel over the big expensive or the chains - I always chose as inexpensive as I could find but nothing where the plumbing or electricity did not work - however, I remember one time, a hotel in London on the east side somewhere off the Bayswater Road -
Substantial old building and the window looked out on almost a shaft but a bit wider so there was a tiny tiny garden below me - I was probably 3 stories high - anyhow the curtains were filthy and the idea of air coming through that window through those filthy curtains I knew I would have a sinus infection and so, I got on a chair, since the window was tall, took down the curtains and washed them in the tub - oh my the black water - after several sudsings and rinses, wrung them out and hung them back up letting the air dry them - was concerned about the bedspread but it was heavy and so no way but I folded it each night and left it on the chair - I used to travel wearing a shawl that I could cover myself as a blanket in the plane and so I used it as my blanket. Sheets were fresh each day and the room was well vacuumed each day, but I took on the task of dusting - you'd have thought it was early in the century with coal dust floating in that window for the daily accumulation of a dark colored dust.
Full breakfast in the dining room that only served breakfast in a level below the main floor - it worked - I was only sleeping in the room not hanging out and with the time distance I was not eating much breakfast, coffee, fruit and toast was fine - I was usually out taking in London before 8:
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Last night I watched a trailer for Foundation. Yep, Apple TV is doing Asimov. They have got guts. I remember reading that long ago. I can honestly say I have no clue what it was about any more. Moreover, I think I read at least one other in the series. Guess it is time to put that one on my reread list. When I first read it, I don't think I really understood what all was going on. Kind of like when I tried to listen to an audio version of Hyperion which I need to read rather than listen to to understand better.
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Barb- London hotels are something else. My husband's company regularly books him into a Travelodge (ie cheap chain) near St Paul's Cathedral (their office is nearby) and last time he went they charged something like £250 a night for a small room, no food, and then had the audacity to charge more on top for wi-fi access. I doubt Edinburgh is much better.
Ginny - I cannot bear it when speakers share some in-joke with the audience so that they can all feel superior. It happens a lot at the Edinburgh Book Festival I'm afraid, which is usually full of retired professionals (as they can afford the tickets) who also really like asking questions just to show how smart they are. Yuk.
If you are ever looking for a lovely place to stay in the Scottish Borders, do take a look at Traquair House - we have stayed there twice, it is a beautiful old house, a lovely estate to walk round, the rooms are wonderful, and ours had a view of the gates that were closed when the Act of Union was passed (1700s) and will not be opened again until a Stuart king is restored to the Scottish throne: https://www.traquair.co.uk/bed-breakfast/ (https://www.traquair.co.uk/bed-breakfast/), https://www.traquair.co.uk/history-of-traquair/
(https://www.traquair.co.uk/history-of-traquair/)
We have also found some other great places on this site: https://www.scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk/ (https://www.scotlandsbestbandbs.co.uk/) although a friend who used to run a wonderful place just outside Banchory (on her husband's family's estate!) told me she did not advertise on it because they charge so much, so it's good to bear that in mind.
Rosemary
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Barbara and Rosemary: Ah Bayswater. The first trip I ever took abroad was to England Scotland and Wales, in...could it have been a week? YES! Globus! Three countries in a week. If it's Tuesday it must be Belgium.. The disaster of the "Look there's Hadrian's Wall, but we shan't get out, that's all there is left, " and it was a pile of rubble about 5 inches high.
A Tour, the first and last tour I ever took, my MIL and I went, and guess where we stayed in London? Bayswater, of course. The hotel was old and long past any prime, gorgeous on the outside. It appeared they had cut the former rooms in half. We literally had to walk on one of the beds to get out the door.
I have had some good experiences in Bayswater, though, small hotels, no air conditioning, no elevators, beautiful frontage n the street, but lovely people running them. Decades ago when I was younger....cheap. Example of lovely people: one year I had forgotten, believe it or not, my credit cards, having changed purses at the last minute. So I stayed at the hotel in Bayswater where I had stayed several times before only to nearly stroke out in hysteria when it was time to check out. No card!!!!!!!!!!! No pay. No problem, assured the cheerful Indian proprietor, I will use the card from your last visit: here you are home.
Of course now with Am Ex, you'd have one upon demand at their offices, but that was then.
Barbara, I cannot believe you washed those curtains! It's a wonder you didn't come down with the plague!!!! There's a book on Hotels, one of those confidential ones written by the people who run them (they've got websites where they talk about the awful things that go on and how they really do clean those rooms.) All I can say is never put anything clean in a drawer, and never drink out of a glass unless you wash it. And I'm not kidding.
Frybabe, wow, that is going to be something. I don't have Apple TV, unfortunately. Love Asimov. Haven't read him in years. Such a good writer. Are those Sci Fi Magazines still sold?
I missed my chance to stay in the Fish Court of Hampton Court Palace. (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Fish%20Court.jpg) I had always wanted to stay there, and in the early 1990's an old Grace and Favor apartment, in the Fish Court became available for overnight stays...never was available when I was going, and now it's gone, apparently, replaced by a large house, the Georgian House, near the tennis courts where the gardener stayed, which I guess is remarkable as well, but it's too big for me. I would have loved the atmosphere of the Fish Court lodgings. Can you imagine staying there? I wish I had. (Love Hampton Court and go every year).
Rosemary, yes, I also hate those "insider jokes, " particularly when they are trying to sell people on something as nonsensical as "uncomfortable" accommodations, which is ludicrous. You can get that without trying. hahaha Oh, and a lovely link to more, wonderful places in Scotland, thank you so much. Beautiful photos. That Cull Lodge looks fabulous. One thing Globus DID do on our "tour of Scotland," was to go to Abbotsford, home of Sir Walter Scott. That place just blew me away and I always swore I would return, as we, of course, were not allowed IN....what a treasure that is.
I must say that Michael Portillo has done a huge amount for my dance card, thanks to you: it's filing up with so many fascinating houses and places and new things to see. Yesterday we were in Durham. I have to say that entire episode was one of total joy. That choir master at Durham Cathedral radiated joy, it was... wonderful. Among many many other things, Michael Portillo got to shovel coal into a steam engine going full steam ahead. The entire episode all 5 or so stops was magic, and the next time I need a pick me up I'm going to watch it again.
I love the way it starts. There he is zipping up his suitcase and CARRYING it onto the train. No rolling suitcase for him. My husband still carries his. I thought it was just him. It's not. Kind of endearing.
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Yes, Ginny, SciFi/Fantasy magazines are very much alive and well. My favorite is LightSpeed. One of the newest, if not the newest, entry into the SciFi magazine world is Galaxy's Edge which I have yet to explore.
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Ginny - Durham is a very beautiful little city and the cathedral is wonderful. Our previous assistant organist is now the organist there I think. Scottish Episcopal cathedrals have almost no funds and are run by a very small number of employees, whereas the English Anglican ones usually have huge budgets and numerous employees (Susan Howatch's excellent Starbridge series will show you just how many Vicars Choral, Choral Vicars and goodness knows what else they have on their payrolls.) I think Joseph, who had previously been the organ scholar at St Paul's Cathedral in London, had a horrible shock when he came to work for us.
My daughter was considering doing her teacher training year at Durham University, but I reminded her that, although the city is very lovely and also very smart, you only have to go a couple of miles outside it to be in serious mining country. The pits are of course all closed now, but the accents are still almost impenetrable, and I can imagine what a class of locals would make of her Received Pronunciation BBC accent! She'd be torn to shreds. I mentioned this to a friend whose father comes from there and who has many relations still living in the area, and she agreed. I know this probably sounds snobbish, but it really isn't meant to be - I just think Anna would have had a miserable time there if she had been sent for teaching practice into one of the really 'local' areas.
Those Bayswater hotels sound dire. I don't think I have ever stayed in a hotel in London, thank goodness. The first time we came to Aberdeen, when my husband's firm was opening up a new office in the city, we stayed in a B & B of the 'traditional' kind, in a row of such establishments in a side street off the city centre. Breakfast was served in the dark and dingy basement. I made the mistake of asking for porridge, and of course it came full of salt (which is how Scots eat it). When I booked I had made sure to ask for a room with a shower. When we got there we found just that - a room with a plastic shower cubicle stuck right in the middle of it. No toilet - that was in the hall. Dire. Nowadays some of the B & Bs in the Scottish countryside are fabulous, they have really had to up the ante - and the holiday houses we have stayed in on Skye and Islay in recent years were absolutely fantastic - but I'm still not too sure about some of those old B & Bs in Aberdeen centre.
I know I've said this before, but I am thrilled that you are enjoying Portillo so much. He is just perfect for these programmes, isn't he? So enthusiastic and so good at talking to people.
I have just started London Calling, part of a series by Sara Sheridan, who lives in Edinburgh and with whom I sometimes chat on twitter. The books are about two female private detectives in the 1950s. They are based in Brighton and London. I made the mistake of committing myself to reading this as part of a summer reading challenge I am doing, in which we are asked to read 20 books from our TBR stacks and review all of them. I only yesterday read some of the reviews of this book on Amazon and saw that, although some people really liked it, a sizable number of others thought it was terrible. I haven't got far enough in to know what I think yet, but I am a bit worried about posting a bad review (if that is how I feel at the end) and upsetting this writer. I think if I don't like it I might just not do that review. Oh the politics and etiquette of reviewing! I yesterday posted a review of Rebecca Shaw's Whispers in the Village, of which I had quite a few criticisms (though I also liked parts of it). I wasn't worried about saying what I thought about that, as for one thing I didn't know Shaw, for another she has legions of faithful fans, and for a third she sadly died 5 years ago, so I knew I couldn't upset her. It's a bit different, though, when the author is not quite as successful, and is known to you. That's why I never enjoy seeing friends' (or my children's friends') plays and shows in the Fringe - you just never know what they'll be like and what on earth you are going to say if they're awful.
Fine day here so far after deluges of rain yesterday. I think I will take a walk soon.
Rosemary
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OH how interesting about your daughter and Durham. Don't let her see that Durham Cathedral episode, she'd be on the train. The Choir master absolutely radiated joy and goodness about his choir and steam trains.
Is there a difference in the Vicars Choral and Choral Vicars? I haven't read any Howatch, will you recommend one?
What does Anna think about the Durham University issue? I had something of the same issue myself once upon a time. It can be difficult when an area is preservative/ protective/ defensive of the old ways and one is not of the area.
When we got there we found just that - a room with a plastic shower cubicle stuck right in the middle of it. No toilet - that was in the hall Shriek! hahahaa I like the surprise ones with showers with no doors, myself, or shower curtain, the water literally gets all over the entire bathroom. in some part of NYC you could until very recently still get a shower down the hall. I think that is a HIGHLY overrated experience, I don't care how much money one saves, I mean really. There's nothing "homey" about the experience.
....summer reading challenge I am doing, in which we are asked to read 20 books from our TBR stacks and review all of them. Good heavens!! Is this in aid of helping out a publisher or?
I haven't got far enough in to know what I think yet, but I am a bit worried about posting a bad review (if that is how I feel at the end) and upsetting this writer. I think if I don't like it I might just not do that review. Oh the politics and etiquette of reviewing!
I can see that would be a problem. We used to have here many authors participating in our book club discussions, and it was very difficult to...they are quite unexpectedly (or it was to me, I should have known better).... sensitive.... about any sort of....everybody wants 5 stars. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings either.
It's funny you bring up book reviews. I don't do many on Amazon but I was repulsed by a couple that appeared after one I did not too long ago for the same book. I really despised the condescending tone of two of the "reviewers," who felt the need to lay on their own background with a trowel, which nobody on earth cares about, to plump up the.....perceptions... of what their reviews said. They both to me were ridiculous; the first one talked about the uninitiated trying to understand the subject of the book, and the second one went so far as to give an example of his own prowess at a famous site.The problem with HIS declarations is I had just had correspondence from the people who actually were responsible FOR doing the famous site, and he has made a right ass out of himself. I'd love to tell him so, to comment on his....mistakes, but I won't. Anybody can make mistakes, and they usually happen when one is being over pompous. Maybe someday somebody will return the favor to me (I expect it's done constantly)...but it left me fuming anyway.
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I so enjoyed Auntie Mame that I went looking for more Rosalind Russell movies and lo and behold when the movie I was watching yesterday ended, here came a movie I never heard of, called...Mrs Polifax and something...but it starred Rosalind Russell and the screen play apparently was written by her. I haven't thought of the Mrs. Polifax book series in years, I used to really enjoy it, so I'm going to watch her take on it tonight.
(Shakespeare and Hathaway 3 is supposed to be on sale in 2 days here in the US and I'm hoping it will appear somewhere I can see it then online).
Here's Rosalind Russell in the Switchboard operator scene as Auntie Mame: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXeZYtYabtI
Anybody who has ever worked one of those old switchboards, knows that's exactly how it feels. hahaha
Frybabe I miss those old Sci Fi magazines. The next time (if there ever IS a next time) I am in a Barnes and Noble I'll check them out for old time's sake.
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Rosalind Russell would make a good Mrs. Polifax wouldn't she - let us know if the movie turns out to be worth watching?
We get Grantchester and I am not particularly enjoying the season they are showing - its all built around the sins of the clergy and those who stand for 'right' living - I understand there will be a 6th season released for the fall PBS lineup - if it is more of what I am seeing I think I will skip it - its easy to make the dark side of a character into a poster of judgement by others - I prefer watching something with less dark and more light - there is enough dark going on that can be viewed on TV where as the Brit shows were my safe port.
Our PBS has 4 channels, one being all children's shows - I think it is that one but starting the fall they are doing classes - early grades for 3 hours in the morning - middle school for 3 hours late morning and early afternoon and high school 3 hours in the evening. I'm thinking of seeing if they will let me sign up - the new math befuddles me and this would be an opportunity to learn it from middle school through to high school. We shall see -
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Unfortunately it does not look very good. For some reason the thing first showed me the last 10 minutes, which made absolutely no sense. I then tried to start it over but for some reason was out of the mood , so will try later on.
Yesterday I watched Shakespeare and Hathaway the new series 3, the last episode 10, on something called DailyMotion or something like that which scares me to death because why is it free there and you have to pay everywhere else? Virus? Malware? At any rate episode 10 is a triumph, absolutely loved it. In Edit: Norton stopped a malicious attack from this website: do not use!
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Love Shakespeare and Hathaway - it is back on our local PBS on Monday night - Hathaway had his hair cut for this series - not sure the series though.
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If you're seeing the one with the short hair, that's season 3. I note that Connecticut and Arizona PBS have had season 3 on since June 18, but not here. I'm glad to hear it's coming! I hope that one of the PBS stations we get will have it, too.
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Ginny is there a way you can get it on the national PBS web site - although I think now to get all these shows you need to join something on your local PBS station - forgot what it is called but there is no set amount.
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Yes, I did join that, some time ago, but I can't seem to find anything on it now. I will keep looking.
However while looking up one of the references I did see something which looks really interesting, it's Danish, believe it or not, and is called Seaside Hotel. It's got BIG English subtitles and is on Amazon Prime, but it's season 5, which seems to indicate it's pretty popular somewhere, (I never heard of it) and I really love how it starts. This episode takes place in 1932 and I love the period cars and dress already:
"The seaside hotel "Badehotellet" in NW Denmark opens for its wealthy guests each summer. We follow the guests and staff at the hotel from 1928 into the 1940's."
See what you think:
https://www.amazon.com/Episode-5/dp/B089MFFRLJ/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=seaside+hotel+season+5&qid=1595639220&s=instant-video&sr=1-1
I've never heard of it but I'm going to watch this first episode and see if I like it.
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hmm looks good doesn't it - I'll look for it - I think Grantchester is finishing up this season so maybe until the next season starts they will show this - a Broadway show tonight and for the next 4 or 5 Friday nights.
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It IS! I've watched 20 minutes of it and I'm totally hooked. What a strange language! I love it, it's kind of an Upstairs Downstairs Hotel ... But the language alone is marvelous, how on earth does anybody speak it? Totally fascinating. Het seems to mean do you have and there were a couple of others which came and went before I realized that I knew what they meant.
The guests at a hotel all knowing each other is so real to me because I worked one summer at the Tennannah Lake House Resort in the Catskills (now long gone) but it was the same type of thing. It was a Kosher Jewish resort in the Borscht Belt and everybody there returned every year, and all knew each other, if not from the past, then before the day was out. That was where I operated (for about as long as Auntie Mame did with the same results) the Switchboard.
I'm going to finish this episode (which is the 5th year) and then go back and watch it from year 1.
I don't actually watch that much TV and Michael Portillo is taking up 30 minutes in the morning so this can be my last 40 minutes today. They just published a study saying if you watch more than 2 hours you die earlier, that does not sound good, and that your brain is mush as well (or words to that effect).
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Oh goody, Seaside Hotel...looks good....I only have a few more episodes of A Place to Call Home to go now, so already am feeling withdrawal pangs....hopefully this can take its place!
I like Australian series. I think A place to Call Home must be written by a gay man. There is such an emphasis on being gay, which must have been hell in 1950s Australia. in fact I know it was because I had an Aussie patient who fled the country and that was in the 70s.
Other Australia series I have watched include Rake which I found very funny,and the main character rather attractive, in fact I keep meaning to watch them all again.
You have to sign up for for Masterpiece extra or something to get Seaside Hotel. It's getting to be a real scam. Everything I want to see I have to sign up for something else....but I just sign up for the time I am watching the series and then cancel it because usually the next thing I want to watch is someplace else. I've gone from that BBC thing, to Acorn and now soon this masterpiece one....I have cancelled and resubscribed to Netflix and Hulu at various times because I wasn't watching anything on them. Ah for the good old days before all this diversification!!
Going back to Nordic languages....I used to watch a couple of Swedish series (Wallander was my favourite), and I did enjoy listening to the language a lot. And i think The Bridge was Danish. Anyway danish and Swedish are quite alike!
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It's on Amazon Prime? Do you have that? I agree about all these signups and I'm about to let loose some of mine.
"Het" means "it" in Danish, not "do you have" as I thought. This is absolutely fascinating. It kind of sounds Swedish, actually, in the cadences but then sounds German as well.
:)
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oh we were writing at the same time...I was adding to mine...yes it's on amazon prime. plus....!
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"braw"" in Swedish means "good".....like the Scottish.....braw bricht moonlicht nicht!!!!!
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I HEARD that, too, and thought I was hearing things or that they were all speaking a different language. :) The funny thing is yes sounds like "no," to me. It's supposed to be Ja, but sounds to me like NAOOHH.
I think they may be saying something else. Supposedly if you are thrown into it you can learn it. Not so far. :)
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:'(yeh, i heard it too...on wallander....so i am just thinking it means good or something similar.....but it was great to hear! (Exactly like when I realised that th and d are the same, which, when you say them, your tongue is in almost the same place in your mouth......"daughter...thugatyr.....who knew...daughter comes from Greek. Amazing Well I had the same aha about braw...
and "het" it pretty much "it" isn't it?!!
Its like I'm fixing to do something (which I had never heard till I moved to SC)...it obviously comes from the Latin fingo, fingere, finxi.......to make, mould, arrange.......lovely!
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Dana, You have to sign up for for Masterpiece extra or something to get Seaside Hotel. It's getting to be a real scam. Everything I want to see I have to sign up for something else....but I just sign up for the time I am watching the series and then cancel it because usually the next thing I want to watch is someplace else. I've gone from that BBC thing, to Acorn and now soon this masterpiece one....I have cancelled and resubscribed to Netflix and Hulu at various times because I wasn't watching anything on them.
I truly got so confused trying to figure these all out, I just gave up. I do not have any of them. I have Direct TV, and don't watch one third of the channels in the basic package, so I know I wouldn't watch much on these other providers. I rarely watch any movies at all. TV has become so boring since this covid virus, I keep it off more than on lately. My hubby and I started watching Judge Judy, and we laugh at the ridiculous claims people take the time to bring against others. I am a crazy Housewives of New York, New Jersey, OC, Beverly Hills and Dallas. I watch for pure entertainment, these women are so wealthy they waste their days drinking and shopping or jet setting off to the next vacation spot. I know it is mindless, but my dil got me hooked years back, and now I can't stop/help myself. lolol No judging....we all have a bit of voyeurism in us. lol
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Frybabe, if you do reread Foundation, tell us what you think of it. Although I'm an Asimov fan, I've never read it. I tried recently. It's an interesting situation: mankind has settled many worlds, but a scientist has figured out that civilization is going to repeat the pattern of Europe during the dark ages, knowledge will be lost, people will become more barbaric. This will last 30,000 years. In order to counteract this as much as possible, he establishes a foundation which will collect and preserve as much knowledge and skill as possible, to make the way back easier.
It's clever, but the book is so poorly written that I couldn't stick with it. It's an early book, and it took Asimov a while to get up to speed.
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My biggest problem with the Danish movie Seaside Hotel is that I am now so interested in the characters I want to see how they end, and it's the 5th year. I think I am going to steel self and go back and start with Year 1. There's so much to deal with that it's like some kind of mirrored ball in a way, you don't know where to look: everything is a dazzling feast for the mind. (Or it is if you don't speak Danish). hahaha
I can't get over they will spiel out this long long sentence and the English subtitles (which are gigantic and in the middle of the screen which I really like because you can still focus on the faces and expressions) will be a couple of words. Surely ALL that speech can't be condensed in a couple of words. hahaha It lets you keep up easily though.
All this talk of Asimov whom I used to love has spurred me on to wanting to get one of the magazines, but I've not been to any bookstore since February. I've got all of Bradbury here somewhere, I do like him, maybe one of those but I've got Asimov here, too. Si Fi seems to have a "tone" which I really like and have missed. Maybe this year.
On Michael Portillo this morning we learned the origin of the word "Weekend," and when it was first used and why, and I thought of Maggie Smith's character in Downton Abbey. hahahaa
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First bit of rain in over a month yesterday - hopefully we may get more today but it appears the rain from the hurricane will stop just short of Austin. Can't seem to settle down, I think I've hit my wall with all of this... I'm so tired of the political phone calls - even though I do not answer just the ringing and ringing - grrr I think I woke on the wrong side of the bed today - I wish this was all a Sci fi book and I could lay it down for some coffee and a swim but everything is closed. Well on the up side I have been fine alone for 5 solid months with only my thoughts, books, and music - added is being annoyed that the only TV tonight is the new Endeavor - not even some old repeats - I think it is now not knowing how much longer this will last that drained me today. Well like it or not onward...
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Funny you should say that, I had just read an article by Stephen King on how the current crisis is like living in one of Stephen King's books. :) The calls are something, aren't they? They're wasting their time with me, we never answer any that we don't know the caller any more.
I did bite the bullet and went back to the very first episode of Seaside Hotel. Totally hooked. Love it. AND it's the same characters, so we can watch the plot thicken with all of them. That was an unexpected and super surprise. I swear I am understanding some of the dialogue that they are not translating. Must be hallucinating. :)
This morning Michael Portillo was in Scotland, and it was very interesting. The first person interviewed, a butcher, in Ayr, was speaking on haggis. I could not understand a word he said, not a word, even if I turned it up but the others were comprehensible. Shame, he seemed quite nice as well. Haggis, which Michael Portillo made, and thought was wonderful, looks like it may be an acquired taste? I've never had any. Also surprising was the origin of the modern tartan which is not anything like what I thought, they were almost all lost, and the patterns almost all reinvented when one of the British Kings took an interest, fascinating.
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oh yes I know tartan was favoured by king George the 4th under the influence of Sir Walter Scott and I think in earlier days they just had simpler checks like Celts in Europe had too.
I guess haggis you either love or hate......!
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Barb, I can't imagine dealing with all of this, all by myself, as you have had to do. My kids and grands were doing drive bys in the beginning. Then we had a Father's Day get together, then a graduation party, and yesterday we celebrated my birthday with a cook out, and swimming at my son's house. I did go to a bridal shower at a friend's house last Sunday, and dinner at my other son's house afterwards. We as a family are slowly getting comfortable with each other. My two grandkids, the youngest ones, are begging for another sleep over. We did one for the first time a few weeks ago, then Ohio's numbers started to climb, so we pulled back to no sleepovers.
I am so bored with TV, and so sick of the constant news coverage, I keep the television off the entire day, and just check in on a few shows at night. My granddaughter was telling me yesterday her boyfriend has Netflix, and he can share his with five other people, so she is going to give me his pass code so we can have it for free. My son did this a few years back. I think first we need to purchase a box of some sort that will allow us to download Netflix.
I agree, the unknown is so frustrating, the when, and if, this is ever going to be over. The schools here in Ohio, are all planning to re open. Some will do five full days, some will do two sessions, with a live streaming one day.
I am not bothered at all with politic calls. I do not have a landline, so that must be why I'm not getting any. I check my cell log and do not see any unknown numbers. When I had a landline, it drove me crazy with how many scam/political calls I would get. One guy got very vulgar with me when I told him to stop calling my house. I decided to get rid of the landline, and have not missed it at all in the last five years without it.
Hang in there Barb, you always have us to chat with.
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Wow, Bellamarie, you've gotten out a lot more socially than we have!
I temper everything, every sort of what I consider a "loss," or "sacrifice," with the thought that "I'm not on a ventilator," and that seems, for me, anyway, to put everything into perspective.
But we "live out," anyway, and really I don't know how those in the city manage. At least in New York City you have Central Park, but it would be quite difficult to distance oneself. The very things that attract me to the great cities are the things (theater, museums, great restaurants, etc.,) which would attract the most crowds. All those people have to go somewhere.
Talking about "out," today on Great British Railways we are REALLY out, in the Highlands of Scotland, and in Loch Lomond which IS gorgeous, 609 feet deep, similar to the depth of the North Sea, and then by two car train to Tyndrum, (and I did notice that those two cars, despite the apparent emptiness of the beautiful landscape we were seeing and the mountains, were jam packed with passengers, one would almost have to stand, which is what Rosemary mentioned a while back). Where IS Rosemary? I've not traveled much in Scotland, so it's quite interesting to me. And the origin of the name Cutty Sark was, too, from a Burns poem.
Portillo really dislikes the "Plantations" of "conifers" which have been planted instead of the native trees. I need to look up and see what type of "confers" (which only means cone bearing) these are.
The Seaside Hotel continues to be just the ticket for me as far as plot, characters, and escapism. And really having lived through it, you might say, in the Catskills of NY one summer, it's amazingly real.
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Ginny, we are slowly, and carefully choosing to spend more time outside, and with small groups of family and friends. We do have our masks, and self distance. We went to Maumee Bay State Park this past Saturday, and people were great about not getting near others, and everyone I saw had masks on inside the resort, and stayed 6 ft. apart. We bought our food, and took it outside and sat under a tree near the pond and fountain. I packed beach towels to sit on, so even though we did not spend the night at the resort, like we usually do for my birthday, we at least got to spend some time enjoying the bay, boats, walking, and having a little picnic. Sunday, we spent the day with our kids and grandkids, swimming and celebrating my birthday. My grandson Zak misses us so much, that when we were ready to leave he gave me a hug and would not let go. I had to tickle him to let go. lol
This virus is having such psychological effects on kids, we just don't even realize how lonely they are for their friends and family time.
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Ginny - I am here! I've explained what I've been doing in a post on The Library so I won't repeat it here.
I'm not surprised you couldn't understand that butcher in Ayr, It made me realise that these days I rarely have a problem with a Scottish accent - yet when I first lived here I had no idea what people were talking about. I imagine I might still struggle a bit in Glasgow.
I used to buy haggis quite often when we lived near Ballater - there is a very famous butcher there, Sheridan's, who make it themselves. I also used to buy pheasants from them. We have these days more or less given up eating meat, and i haven't had 'real' haggis for years, but you can get a vegetarian version (not from Mr Sheridan!) that is not bad.
Bellamarie - I don't have grandchildren, but friends who do say not being able to see them is the worst thing. We visited our daughters (who've been living in our house in Edinburgh) last weekend and it is amazing how much something like that lifts your spirits. Apart from that I am still really only going to grocery shops, and for walks by myself of with a friend. I honestly don't feel the need to do much else socially. The pubs are now open again and when I walk past the two here in the evenings, on my way back from the river, they seem to be busy. I'm not convinced that social distancing is really happening up there, though at least most people are sitting outside.
I am enjoying the TV that I am watching in the evenings - we have Prime but not all those extra subscription channels. I am not sure if I mentioned the film Fisherman's Friends, which is set in Port Isaac in Cornwall? It is very funny and also has a good story - which is based on fact - and lots of Cornish sea shanties! I would recommend it if you are looking for something entertaining and with good scenery. The actors inlude James Purefoy, Daniel Mays, David Hayman and Sam Swainsbury, all of whom are excellent. Apart from that I am still carrying on with A Place to Call Home, Mrs America, and Monarch of the Glen (and, unbelievably, I have now got my husband hooked on MOTG too! who'd have thought?!) Unfortunately he has also discovered some dire series about custom cars, which I am at pains to avoid - and the other night he hit upon a programme about Hitler's Cars - for goodness sake. I went to bed - he insists it was brilliant! Tonight there will be another Vera repeat - but I seem to have missed half of them the first time round, so that's OK.
Barb - Grantchester did get far too 'deep' for me for a while, but when James Norton left and they got the new priest, Tom Brittney, I felt it lightened up again.
When we were down in Edinburgh, we all watched an ancient episode of Rebus, based on Ian Rankin's book, The Falls. Unfortunately they seemed to have taken a lot of liberties with the plot - there was far too much about Rebus's love life, and at one point he said to his boss and ex-girlfriend 'I always knew when you said 'No' you meant 'Maybe'' - my daughter almost exhimself was much harder and far more cynical. No love life at all, which was far more convincing with someone like him!
Ginny, that Seaside Hotel programme sounds great, I must look for it! It made me think of The Grand Budapest Hotel for some reason. And how amazing to have worked in one of those Catskills resorts - I have read about them and they sound fascinating.
Rosemary
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THERE you are! Welcome back!
Fishermen's Friends looks wonderful! I've watched the trailer and it's next on the list. Love stuff like that and it's based on a true story, too.
The Seaside Hotel is a real find, I've never seen anything like it. It's bright and has this stable happy platform for all the characters and their sub plots. And it's turning into quite a fascinating piece, part Downton Abbey part romance, (I guess it's part soap opera, too)....you really get to care about the characters. In fact I was devastated when one character who I hoped would get back with the girl due to his noble actions, has apparently disappeared from the cast (I looked him up and shouldn't have, he's busy elsewhere, very busy) but I was really taken with him. But the show is still shooting and MAYBE he will come back! :) Hope springs eternal. It's a bright spot in the day. So far. I'm in year 3. And of course it's showing the prejudices and issues of the 20's and 30's and the coming war. It's something else, it really is.
Yes, the Catskills, that was quite a summer. I've been to all of them, Grossingers (where Elizabeth Taylor, who loved Grossingers, and Eddie Fisher honeymooned) with its own airport and train line.... I mean any big name was there, members of the Rat Pack, I saw "Slammin" Sammy Snead play a round of golf, the great comedians were all there: Kutchers, the Concord... The Concord alone was reputed to have 1500 rooms, sat 3000 at dinner and was on 2000 acres, but Grossingers was the top.
Just those names to people of the period and a certain age are legend, now. I THINK they are all gone. I know Grossingers (that second G is hard as in "GRRR"s), is in ruins, but in their heyday they were something else. Most of these resorts were Jewish. The one I worked at kept Kosher. This was the early 60's, but when air travel became the norm, the vacation in the Catskills and these huge resorts changed forever.
I always thought I'd go back? And be waited on. hahahaha We had rooms on the top floor with the band members. Skitch Henderson's band, Johnny Carson's show....No closet, just a rod. The sign on the wall, this was the summer of 1961, said the rent for the room was $125 per night. For THAT room in 1961!!!! I thought to myself one day I will swan back in here and have the best room in the place, but unfortunately that time never came because it was sold to be an Ashram and disappeared forever.
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This is not about Books or Movies, but...I think that all of us have been longing for something beautiful to brighten our spirits...it's been six months since all this Covid stuff began here in the states.
To bring a little (in my case, a LOT) joy, go to YouTube, and play one or all of the videos of the U.K.'s wunderkinds, Torville and Dean, ice dancing to Bolero. The 1984 championship. There are several more of their routines, which are great too, but beauty & perfection are personified in this familiar routine. Takes my breath away, and brings tears to my eyes everytime I watch it. God-given talent. I just had to post this here, because as I said at the beginning, we need something to brighten our spirits. Their skating just touches my soul. I hope you will tune in and enjoy!!!
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Yes, just watched it - they were so in sync it was as if they were one person - you are so right Tomereader - beautiful.
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I've just realised that my laptop seems to have eaten part of the following sentence:
' my daughter almost exhimself was much harder and far more cynical. No love life at all, which was far more convincing with someone like him!'
I may write nonsense, but it's not often quite that nonsensical (I hope)!
What it should have said was:
'my daughter almost exploded at the sexism of it all so much so that I had to rush to Rankin's defence and say that I don't think any of that was in the book. Now I need to find my copy and check - though i did later read a review, which said that they had indeed cut out an entire subplot and added in all this rubbish. This was one of the early adaptations - or at least one of Ken Stott's first - as the series continued, he became far harder and more cynical...'
Sorry for the lack of proof-reading - serves me right when I have been going on about lack of editing in books!
R
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:) Rosemary.
I read the new reviews for A Suitable Boy on the BBC and it seemed to be really well received except for those who said it was an Anglo version of Indian life, but other than that it was well received.
Tomereader, that IS wonderful, thank you!
If anyone is interested in the end of the British Raj Victorian era Indian films, I recommend Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, one of Aamir Khan's films, it's a musical which has a very serious subject combined with wonderful dancing. Loved it. In fact after I saw it the first time I spent half a day at a cricket match in London just to extend the experience. Wonderful film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSIGQ0YkFxs trailer
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Oh yes that's a great movie...Lagaan I mean.
I don't see how they could have condensed A Suitable Boy into only 6 episodes and done it any justice.
Now I have finished A Place to Call Home (and checked it out and found that to my satisfaction I was right and it was written by a famous gay Australian script writer), I have moved on to The Brokenbrook Mysteries which is from New Zealand and unfortunately keeps putting me to sleep...but I am persevering because it is different in a funny kind of way (described as "quirky" by reviewers) and I love the accents and the scenery.
I once went to a Rotary convention with my husband at the Concord, probably in the early 80s,....it obviously had seen better days but still had a great golf course and super Jewish food.
Has anyone watched Game of Thrones? I am considering it....lots of episodes........
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I can't believe I'm talking to somebody who has actually been to the Concord! I'm surprised it was still there in the 80's. You didn't go to Grossingers while there, by any chance? We (the help) used to get off at night and go to all of them. Ah, youth!
One strong memory I have of the Tennanah Lake Lake House is the Chinese kitchen help at night sitting out and playing mah jong, or so I was told that was what it was, you could hear the clicking in the dark with only a little light here or there, and I was told not to for any reason go blundering up (as I was wont), as they were dead serious about it.
No on Game of Thrones but I wish somebody would watch one or two and report back. Especially since Charles Dance is in them. Where can they BE seen? Is it possible to dip one toe in the water or do you have plunk down for a year's worth? How far back do they go?
For that type of thing (assuming I even know what Game of Thrones IS) I still like Gormenghast, the movie and the book.
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Dana, when Game of Thrones first started, I watched the first episode and decided against it for two reasons, which wouldn't necessarily apply to anyone else.
The brutality level was higher than I like.
And it was obvious there was going to be a huge cast of characters, and bunch of warring factions to keep straight. This doesn't come easily to me, and I decided I didn't want to invest that much work.
That said, I have plenty of friends who love it. You would be able to tell from one episode what you thought.
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tra la a new DI tonight on Death in Paradise - I guy called Ralf Little - evidently his significant other works in California. In this role they are both closer rather than their trips across the Atlantic to see each other and no kids to miss as the past two DIs - although, I must say I am pleased to see Ardal O’Hanlon wave goodby - I could not get out of my mind that he was George Sunday and I expected him to fly off any moment but the biggie, he had none of the charm of Humphrey, played by Kris Marshall, who left because his kids were little and he was missing their growing up.
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The 5th year of Seaside Hotel has just been released by Amazon Prime! Love that thing, as do the reviews, it's having a major uptick in fans due, I guess, to the Coronavirus. I saw a report that TV and movie watching is up something like 60 percent due to the lock down. It is with me. I will be totally sorry to see it end, have enjoyed it so much, and I can't get OVER how many languages are distinguishable in Danish, so that you sort of understand the things they are not translating. It's fascinating.
Today on Michael Portillo we saw Beatrice and Eugenie's "accent" from The Windsors LIVE! hahaha The young woman taking him through a baking plant had "it," though she did not draw out the last syllable quite so long. hahahaha It was subtle but I kept thinking where have I HEARD that, and bingo! More Eugenie than Bea, though. Such a hoot.
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I'm now on series 3 of The Brokenwood Mysteries (but there are only 4 episodes per series) and I am glad I persevered because they get better and better. Took a while though. Now I don't go to sleep at all. They are turning into a sort of New Zealand Midsommer Murders which I always found slightly boring and never got over dozing off in. The murders are as improbable but this series is really much funnier. There is the same dingbat young sidekick but also a cute female detective as well as the boss man. The characters have all developed into interesting personalities and the NZ aspect remains interesting and different. There is a really cool funny Russian pathologist. Definitely worth watching but you have to persevere as it did take into the second series to develop. I wonder if they changed writers because the tone has changed,
so the Danish one will have to wait a bit....let alone Game of Thrones! I guess the pandemic will outlast them all though..
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Barb - Yes, I like Ralf Little in Death in Paradise, though I do think the series has maybe run its course now. Little was in a British show, The Royle Family, for years. I don't know if it was shown in the US, or indeed whether anyone would understand it. It's about a very working class family, in Manchester I think (possibly Liverpool?) - it was written by the late, great Caroline Aherne, who starred in it as the adult (though not very adult) daughter of Jim (played by the excellent Ricky Tomlinson) and Barbara (Sue Johnston, also an outstanding actress). Little played their son, and Craig Cash, who co-wrote it with Aherne, played Denise's husband. The granny was played by the wonderful Liz Smith, who was still acting in her 90s. Nothing much ever happens in this show, almost the entire thing is filmed in the family sitting room or kitchen - it is just a beautifully observed and extremely funny observation of life, with some very dry humour, and a little bit of very crude humour from Tomlinson as the totally idle patriarch.
Line of Duty is being repeated right from the first series here at the moment. I watched the first series ages ago but something or other interrupted my viewing of the second (I think there are at least 6). It is about a police anti-corruption team, led by Adrian Dunbar. Martin Compston plays an officer who joins the group after an anti-terrorist operation that he was in charge of goes horribly wrong (though not through his fault). It is really exceptional TV, very complicated - you have to concentrate all the time as nothing is what it seems, and Jed Mercurio, who wrote it, is a master of holding back information and not explaining things - which makes for very satisfying viewing when the penny finally drops about a plot line. My husband had never seen it so we have started from the beginning, and although I'd seen this series, I of course could only remember small snippets of it - at the end of the second episode, for example, there is a very shocking scene, and when it actually happened I remembered it, but even a few seconds before I could not have told you what was coming. I was relieved to find that a friend is in a very similar position - watched it before and is rewatching now - she also can't remember most of it!
Dana - you've been a lot quicker than I have with A Place to Call Home, but i have to save watching that for when my husband is doing something else. I'm enjoying it a lot though. We do get The Brokenwood Mysteries, I will give them a try, thanks for the tip. And Ginny I really am going to look our for Seaside Hotel, I love the sound of that.
Ginny those resorts sound SO fascinating, I do wish I had been there. The Chinese cooks playing mah-jong in the dark - how immensely atmospheric. When I was younger Soho used to be a bit like that - many of the restaurants were still run by extended Chinese families, some did not translate their menus into English, and we felt very daring venturing inside. I haven't been over there for years, but I can imagine that it has all been smartened up now, like most of the older, more interesting, parts of the city.
I haven't seen Game of Thrones but it is immensely popular here. I don't think it would be my sort of thing. And I've not yet started A Suitable Boy, but the Radio Times says it's good. The head reviewer for RT is Alison Graham, who is a woman of a certain age, as they used to say - and that age is now mine, so I love her to bits. She is very tart and funny, calls a spade a spade, and yet always says when something really moves her. My friend and I were on a long walk around Dunecht House policies yesterday (it belongs to Lord Cowdray, one of the richest men in the country - the house is HUGE but I have never even seen the shutters opened. At least we are able to enjoy the grounds.) and as we got hopelessly lost (despite having two maps...) we had a lot of time to discuss things like this, and we agreed that as we get older we - like Alison Graham - have less and less patience with things that annoy us, and we are far readier to complain than we would have been in our youth - we just don't care what people think any more. Of course that means we are immediately labelled mad old ladies, but never mind. I recently persevered with a complaint to the company that insures my cat. They are usually quite good but they had been terrible of late. It took a lot of repeat emails and calls to get them to sort it, but they have just admitted their errors and refunded me £150. I'm sure most of these places just hope that if they mess about enough we'll just give up and go away.
Going completely off the point now, so I will stop! But I will look for that Portillo episode Ginny (do you know where it was located?) as I'd love to hear a good Eugenie accent. Portillo has just started a new series on TV here but I haven't seen it. The first programme took him to Spain, and the history of his own family. Apparently it was quite emotional for him.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, yes, it's year 3, in the first group at Chelmsford. Lovely young lady whose family had owned the last mill there since the 1800's and who took him around. It's not so noticeable at first, but the more she talks the more it comes out until as they are walking through the mill itself, I don't think anybody could miss it, though it's still more subtle than The Windsors. She's actually got quite a mix of accents there at first. :)
I think I'd like to see his Spanish one. At the rate I'm going it will be a long while, as I only watch him over breakfast, so now don't complete even one episode at a time, but they are always so good and you always learn something useful. Great way to start the day.
Interesting interview with one of the astronauts from Space X this morning in the news about how it felt to come back to earth, the deployment of the parachutes, etc., felt like being hit behind a chair back with a baseball bat, and there were several of those.
That news is being somewhat drowned in the wake of the extraordinary and unending statements by some of our elected leaders.
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Are "The Brokenwood Mysteries" available here, U.S.? If so, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu? Hope it's not Acorn or BritBox, as I can't sign up for anything else.
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Tomereader....they're on amazon acorn. Isn't it annoying, all these different options. I have taken to signing up and then cancelling so I only have one at a time any month.....and sometimes free if I'm on the free week!!.....It just annoys me so I try to beat them at their game as much as I can......at least it is very easy (so far anyway) to sign off and on.
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I can certainly relate to this, also:
and as we got hopelessly lost (despite having two maps...)
I am always lost. Always. Always have maps, am always lost. Not only overseas but in my own GP's office, going to the lab for the eternal blood test Monday (I swore I would never be like those "old" people who are patiently sitting waiting for a blood test, and uh...well...you can't get out of it apparently)...anyway she said "Come in," to the lab office and promptly left so I went in, and there we all were, me, and the office workers wondering who I was....it's a wonder I'm not standing there still, and probably would have been had she not come after me.
But the adventures this lack of direction has afforded me on trips! Priceless. Clueless but priceless. (Of course it must be now admitted that my GPS on the Iphone, now working even when one is a pedestrian everywhere, has now shut this down effectively). Still. One can always turn it off and have the adventure. I've walked through many a field covered in sheep poo, I can tell you that.
we had a lot of time to discuss things like this, and we agreed that as we get older we - like Alison Graham - have less and less patience with things that annoy us, and we are far readier to complain than we would have been in our youth - we just don't care what people think any more. Of course that means we are immediately labelled mad old ladies, but never mind. .
I think as people age they want a sense of control, and the opportunity to make choices, since so many things suddenly seem out of control, like eating dinner. It's amazing what a mess one can make. One wonders how the British manage with their food on the back of a fork, one can barely manage to get any food in even when speared on a fork in desperation. I thought last Sunday that perhaps I need a child's bibb and I'm not kidding. So when the thumb does its strange thing and causes the grip to weaken, then I think the vicissitudes of old age (which were unexpected, for some reason) cause one to want control and choices, and one way to do that is to exercise one's own "taste," and "opinion" on everything one sees.
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Ah well, I'm going to go into withdrawal, I've finished year 5 of Seaside Hotel and like Downton Abbey did as it progressed, Seaside Hotel 5 went off on tangents which are straining the willing disbelief of the fan base, and I hear that season 6 continues not as good as 1-4 (and what could be, let's be honest) but the thing from years 1-4 was just....out of this world. Hopefully since there is also a year 7 they can get it back on track in 8. Season 6 is not available here unless you want to pay 78 pounds from the UK. I'll wait. These threads we were following from each character in 1-4, and were excited to anticipate seeing how they would work out, were announced as done, much too neatly tidied up suddenly in 5, in fact I wonder if I somehow missed something? Probably a good idea to watch it again, huh? hahaha
In the Michael Portillo we're in London today, assisting in ringing the Bow Bells, announcing the trains, and riding in the old postal service underground lines. He's having fun and so are we. I did not realize the Exchange that Scrooge mentioned in A Christmas Carol was rebuilt. Now I am interested to find out if the Exchange Scrooge knew was this one or the previous one. His show is armchair travel at its best: second best thing to being there yourself. TONS of new ideas of things to see. Love it.
Meanwhile Amazon Prime now has Father Brown 8 finally, our PBS left off the last episode, and I have a feeling Shakespeare and Hathaway 3 is in the offing, since you can now buy the DVD's for it, too. So everything comes to those who wait.
Hopefully.
I think I'll pass on Game of Thrones from what I've read here. There's enough violence in the world to watch more as entertainment. That may just be my age, though, it's really popular.
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saw a wonderful 3 part series last night on our PBS about Tides - had no idea about some of the tides they showed - forgot already the names but can vividly see them in action.
A Place to Call Home must have ended a few weeks ago back when Sarah, George and their son look out over Jerusalem with the hint it may be their new permanent home. I did not realize it was the end because since they have been showing here one and sometimes two a night shows from past seasons before Regina went to prison or whatever the institution was that changed her.
Tonight, Saturday a night of TV that I have always looked forward to, every show is a repeat - and the repeats for Misummer Murders are the early series with Neil Dodgeon when Jason Hugh's as Ben Jones is the DS - I do not like the character as written for Neil Dodgeon - find him to be insufferable. And I've seen so many repeats of Father Brown plus the repeats of A place to Call Home - it looks like I need an alternative for Saturday Night TV watching.
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Now reading Greyfriars's Bobby (1912) by Eleanor Stackhouse Atkinson. I remember seeing the Disney movie (1961) way back when, and saw the statue of Bobbie when we were in Edinburgh in 1968.
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There is just NOTHING on TV is there? Nothing. I did watch episode 10 of Father Brown's new series 8, which was just shown in the UK this spring and for some reason was left off here in their one PBS run of the series recently but it was disappointing, despite the "reunion," and I hope whoever directed it and wrote it will be replaced.
I did start A Place to Call Home, it starts out like Seaside Hotel, in that it's on a cruise ship with fancy dress and contrasts in the Upstairs /Downstairs ambiance, and Seaside Hotel is a resort for the well to do who also "dress for dinner," and contrasts in the Upstairs/ Downstairs, but it seems to be a drama whereas Seaside hotel sort of evolves into a lighter tone along with the drama. But it grows on you, and I liked it, and appreciate its being mentioned here. I will have to say also that the trailer for Seaside Hotel is so bad had I only seen it I would never have EVER watched it, whoever did it entirely missed the point.
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AGREE!!! -- However, our local PBS surprised me on Friday night - they had been showing Broadway plays or musicals for the past 4 or 5 weeks but instead they showed a film from the early 90s with Jeff Bridges, Isabella Rossellini, Rosie Perez called Fearless - fabulous film - a plane that Jeff Bridges and his partner were flying in crashes and breaks apart - he had changed his seat to be with a young boy who was flying alone - immediately after the crash he takes the boy and a baby that was tossed his way to safety and guides by calling out to those in the thick dust to follow the light -
He saves many and it only goes on from there - the young boy came just about every day to the house since he could only connect with Jeff and not his real father - of course this caused Jeff's son to loose the attention of his father -
Jeff questions his courage by proving it in the most dangerous ways. He helps Rosie Perez come to wholeness again after she was told to hold onto her baby since the seatbelt did not work and she could not and secretly blamed herself for the babies death - she was the last one pulled from the wreckage screaming that her baby was in the plane before it exploded -
His attention to her, helping her has his wife Isabella Rossellini assuming there is a love interest beyond platonic. In the end after he asks her, Isabella Rossellini to save him, (he thinks he is a ghost and really dead) she does as his life threatening allergy to strawberries puts him in shock unable to breath.
There are lawyers trying to get the most compensation for their clients with Jeff pointing out they get a third of the compensation and will twist things to get the most so that if like Jeff, lying is not in your kit, then you are also while in the middle of your own melt down fighting with lawyers. Some family members are greedy and take over with dollars in their eyes regardless of the loss and mental state of the victim.
I was exhausted just watching this movie and reduced to sobbing tears - only later could I see the parallel and why they replaced the Shakespeare Drama that was scheduled - The movie showed the predictable - a flight across the nation - crashing and ripped apart followed by the drama's of how people coped and healed and how some use unscrupulous means to widdle out an advantage for their compensation as did Jeff's now dead partner before and many after the crash. The entire movie is a great analogy to the US today handling the virus.
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Ginny, I think "drama" is an understatement for A Place to Call home......!
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I missed the premiere of the new season of Endeavour last night. Forgot about it. I should probably look see if Amazon has the last several available, since I stopped watching it when Morse grew his moustache. Has anyone kept up with it?
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New season: Morse no longer has his moustache! It was a good episode, lots of stuff going on with Morse, Thursday, Bright, and Morse's "love interest" - - ha! I figured that out when the sophisticated, erudite foreign gentleman showed up. It's goingto be a good season!
P.S. - I loved the moustache (it takes all kinds).
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Yep, agree with Tomereader - it was a great beginning and unlike in the past the ending left you with a cliff hanger - in fact two cliff hangers - my gut says Tomereader that the so called new friend is not a friend at all - too swarmy for me... and now that we know who his wife is... wow dynamite.
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Thanks, Prime Video has seasons 1-6 free for Prime members, so I guess I have some catching up to do.l
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Just back to say the The Broken wood Mysteries" gets better and better. Now at season 5, I think they must have different script writers. The characters are really developed nicely, the stories are interesting and the humour is off beat. There are only 6 seasons. 4 stories/season. Pity.
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A friend put me on to what must be the best-worst thing I have seen this year - Shades of Love, which is based on the novel September by Rosamund Pilcher.
It has a star cast of people like Charles Dance, Harriet Walter and even Eileen Atkins. Heaven only knows how they got mixed up in this, or what they thought of the results. I see that the actress who plays Laura (Dance's character's youngest daughter - or is she?) has actually deleted all mention of this escapade from her bio - yes, it's that bad.
Dance plays an extremely rich hedge fund manager who has bought an enormous castle in the Scottish Highlands. There is a loch on the doorstep. But we then see one of the women popping down to the local village shops - which I thought looked familiar, and turned our to be in St Abb's, a fishing village in the Borders, near Berwick-on-Tweed, ie hundreds of miles from the Highlands. (If they wanted to pretend it was somewhere else, they perhaps should have asked the local cafe to change its sign...). The castle has so many uniformed staff that they are clearly trying to play to the Downton market, but this is in fact set in the present day (made in 2013 I think.) The weekend entertainment is a ceilidh worthy of Balmoral, for obviously that is just how we live in the Highlands, dusting down our tiaras every Saturday night and cracking open several thousand gallons of champers. After all, what else is there to do up there (no-one is ever seen watching TV...)?
The first episode opens with the family being photographed on the lawns for some smart lifestyle magazine - this is then seen by a (rich, need I say?) American (Michael Brandon, not bad) when he has time to kill at the airport. He recognises the youngest daughter and realises that he, not Dance, must be her father. Instead of getting on the plane, he goes over to see his also extremely wealthy landowning friend, who just happens to be Dance's lifelong friend and close neighbour. Neighbour also has a very complicated family.
Meanwhile, daughter who is not Dance's daughter starts at Oxford, because she is, of course - how could we doubt it? - a Genius as well as Ravishingly Beautiful. She is immediately propositioned by her tutor because isn't that just what happens at Oxford? (It certainly did not happen to me or any of my friends, thank goodness, and we were at Cambridge a long time ago when things were far less PC - even then the teaching staff were more concerned about their jobs than anything else..) Rejecting him, she falls for an undergraduate she bumps into in a cafe. He looks about 12 and has probably only just graduated to long trousers, never mind adulthood...this guy is played by Freddie Fox, who my daughters say still looks like a child. The two of them embark on a passionate and TOTALLY unconvincing affair. And when she leaves Oxford without taking her degree, she immediately, and with no experience whatsoever, lands a plum job in a publishing firm, where someone reads the first novel she has banged out in her spare time and pronounces it a masterpiece. Of course.
And meanwhile....Dance's son-in-law manages to get himself made chairman of the family company by blackmailing Dance's wife, who persuades Dance to choose him instead of their own son. The chances of a hard-headed businessman ever making a decision based on his wife's opinion seem to me to be less than zero, but what do I know? Son-in-law is in fact the only well-written and well-acted character in the whole sorry thing - he is played by Adrian Lukis and is an excellent villain.
And of course there are lots of other sub-plots, all played out against a backdrop of money and property. Deaths, more children whose parents turn out to be not who they thought, unintended pregnancies, boardroom shenanigans, car crashes, secrets....And it's all utterly ridiculous.
The series was made in conjunction with a German TV company (presumably the Germans think we all live like this...) so quite a few of the actors are German. Although everyone is clearly speaking English, I think they must have been dubbed into German and back again, as their mouths are not in sync with their voices, and they sound like they are just reading their words from a card - perhaps they had to do voiceovers after filming was complete. It is truly dire but I was addicted. Luckily there are only 4 episodes!
I have not read Pilcher's book (she also wrote The Shell Seekers), but she was a respected author, and people who have read it and have reviewed the film say the latter is a travesty (surely not?!)
If anyone actually wants to try it after all of that, it's available on Prime (but I had to search for it, they're definitely not pushing it as one of their top recommendations...!)
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hahaha ROSEMARY! How good to see you again!!
You must forward this review to the Guardian, they need you on staff. This, alone, He recognises the youngest daughter and realises that he, not Dance, must be her father made me howl with laughter, and it gets worse, doesn't it? hahaha
Oh my word Charles Dance and Eileen Atkins! In a real stinker! I must look at it at least 10 minutes, you've painted an indelible picture.
"The weekend entertainment is a ceilidh worthy of Balmoral, for obviously that is just how we live in the Highlands, dusting down our tiaras every Saturday night and cracking open several thousand gallons of champers. After all, what else is there to do up there (no-one is ever seen watching TV...)?"
hahahhaaaaaaaaaaa You disappoint me, do you mean this not how EVERYBODY lives in Scotland? hahahaha
And why does the cliche of the Rich American seem to reverberate everywhere but in America?
I was surprised in reading Nigel Hawthorne's biography that he did not mention Mapp and Lucia which I thought he was fabulous in. I think I know why, now, but he was wonderful in the part.
How on earth did you hear of this thing?
SOOO good to have you back!
(Still having Breakfast With Michael, only watching while my minimal breakfast lasts, it's like a virtual trip every morning, grounding, and a reminder of what I hope we haven't lost forever. I really miss travel).
Also watching Rick Steves each night on PBS, who irritates me no end, that "day bag" of his slung over his shoulder, looking like it weighs 20 pounds, for starters is ridiculous, but I think he means well. But I like the bloopers at the end of the thing. At no time has he stated the fact that he has to check that stupid huge bulky thing wherever he goes. No museum (these tapes were done in 2012), and not anywhere else like Pompeii will allow bags like that inside anymore.
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Rosemary, do you happen to know the location for the castle which features in Shades of Love? It's a pretty thing.
And don't Charles Dance and Eileen Atkins look wonderful?!!? That was 10 years ago. I nearly fell over when he called her "Mother," they are 12 years apart and in that one she looks his age. hahhahaha
And yes, it's....awful. :) So much talent on the stage. It's like the Barcelona FC, all that talent on the field, the 6 time and current Ballon D'Or winner in the world (Messi) playing and megamillion talent on the rest of the team, and still not one trophy this year to show for it. Even Dance and Atkins can't overcome this one but they are a delight to look at anyway. For a minute, then you're overcome with feeling sorry for them.
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At the time I liked Pilcher - preferred reading Shell Seekers to the movie - if I remember the story was early and maybe the start of the older women genre - preferred her early work and thought it got strange when her son picked up on her later story and finished them - did not follow him and somehow the magic for me in her later books was just not there.
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Ginny - I have found this:
https://www.filmedinburgh.org/Filmed-Here/Shades-of-Love#:~:text=German%20TV%20drama%20of%20a,Abbs%2C%20Manderston%20and%20Duns%20Castle. (https://www.filmedinburgh.org/Filmed-Here/Shades-of-Love#:~:text=German%20TV%20drama%20of%20a,Abbs%2C%20Manderston%20and%20Duns%20Castle.)
'German TV drama of a Rosamund Pilcher adaptation starring Clare Waugh and Charles Dance. Filmed at Newbattle Abbey College, St Abbs, Manderston and Duns Castle.'
I think Charles Dance's house in the series must be either Manderston or Newbattle Abbey College, but I've looked at both on Google images and I can't decide which one it is.
St Abbs is the fishing village I mentioned. It's a very popular tourist destination - in his latest book The Nature of Summer my favourite nature writer Jim Crumley gets very exercised about how overrun it is and how bad that is for the bird population.
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Last night I watched a BBC programme about the Bruderhof Community (Inside the Bruderhof.) I had never heard of it before, but the British settlement is in fact near Robertsbridge in Sussex, not that far from Rye. The people are committed to living communally, and follow the Bible quite strictly, with the women wearing long skirts and headscarves. No-one owns anything, not even their own food or clothes, but the community runs a very successful children's furniture company, in which many of the adults work. The children are educated within the community, and have no access to TV, the internet or mobile phones.
In some ways it reminded me of the Rudolph Steiner communities here on Deeside, and the Steiner School that my youngest daughter Madeleine attended in Edinburgh (though the school is much more in the 'real world' than Bruderhof). However, the communities here do not require any particular form of dress, and the only rule at the school was that the pupils should not wear anything with logos, which I thought a very good idea.
The Bruderhof children cannot apply for full membership of their community until they are 21, and at 18 they are encouraged to live 'outside' for at least a year. The programme featured one girl who was going to live in London and work in a project for disadvantaged teenagers - I must say she was far from brainwashed, and keen to explore other options, though in the end she wanted to return to the community.
I am not sure I could live anywhere like this, as apart from anything else I like my own space far too much to cope with communal living (the families share houses, but each does have its own bedrooms and sitting room - the kitchen is communal.) The entire community eats together once a day, the rest of the meals are taken in their own homes. Also most of the women were engaged on very 'female' tasks like cooking and sewing, though they all said they were happy with this.
The interviewer asked if all decisions were made communally, and they said absolutely NOT, that would take far too long, and that everything was organised elsewhere, but it was not entirely clear where that was or who made the rules.
I know there has been some controversy about Bruderhof (as there always is about Steiner for that matter) - the BBC put up a statement to this effect at the end of the credits, but I have not yet looked it up to see what that's all about.
It was an interesting programme about something I'd never even heard of. Occasionally the BBC does still produce something unusual!
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Rosemary, when I see your post, I always think of a lovely movie I saw back in 2012: "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen". Is this one you've seen? I know I totally enjoyed it. Don't have any idea if it is available on any of the streaming channels, but it is worth a look! (BTW, this post is totally unrelated to the Bruderhof post, lol)
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Rosemary your description of the Bruderhof members reminds me of the Amish
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Thank you, Rosemary, for finding that information on the castle featured in the movie. It looks to me as if they filmed at both?
I think Manderston must be the exterior of their house. Those glorious gardens and the front do match, although I can't tell from the Abbey photos.
But I thought the Abbey had to be that frontage on the night of the ball because the windows were different. I have now...er... skimmed..... the first 2 episodes, fast forwarding and stopping only for Charles Dance or the gardens. The rising and falling of the volume of the romantic music versus the quiet delivery of Dance is really irritating. I have to constantly fiddle with the volume so as not to blast anybody else here out of the house. The dialogue is ....it's just not good, you are right. The one review of the movie I saw hit the nail on the head for me, but this is not my type of movie in the first place.
I am now on fire to see Manderston and am disappointed to note that it's really (perhaps those are only coronavirus months when open) not open at the time of year when I am able to come. Those magnificent gardens and all the delights it promises! I'll add it to my increasingly long list of "some day, Ida," along with going back to Abbottsford, and finally seeing Hever Castle, Castle Howard, Ephesus, and the Roman cities of the North African coast.
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well I must say I did enjoy Shades of Love and I did not go to sleep AT ALL. (This is high praise !)
It was fun reading all the awful reviews and then gleefully agreeing with them. And I did think that Laura's mouth was really weird and Virginia had been dubbed etc etc.
Glamorous people and beautiful scenery are always nice to rest one's eyes on.
Charles Dance reminds me of that other actor Ian Richardson, both I think a very English type of man, pale eyes, grey hair, slim, distinguished, the type of man Margaret Thatcher was said to like to surround herself with.....
If you come across another series Rosemary, be sure to let me know about it!
(Did you ever watch The Good Wife.....a few years back, I think I have that right,.......and then of-course I was hooked on Desperate Housewives for ages)..... I've always felt sorry I missed Dynasty..... I wonder if you can still get it and if it would be terribly out of date....
A lot of BBC stuff makes me nod off I'm afraid....not Line of Duty of-course, or the one about Jeremy Thorpe, that was great, but I find most of their series really sleep inducing. Its quite strange really. I can't figure out why.
Oh, I did like Happy Valley and The Fall a while ago.....
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I've one foot out the door but if you liked the Good Wife, it's worth a free trial of CBS Access to see The Good Fight with Christine Baransky and Delroy Lindo, the sequel. Absolutely smashing! That first episode is a classic.
Isn't Charles Dance something, though?
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So glad you enjoyed it Dana! It's great looking for all the faults sometimes, isn't it? And this was just FULL of them! I'll definitely tell you if I find any like it. I do have the DVD of The Shell Seekers - in fact I seem to have two, each with a different cast - but the one I have watched is nowhere near as bad as Shades.
I love Line of Duty too, and I also enjoyed the Jeremy Thorpe series and was really surprised at how well Hugh Grant played that part, he really was Thorpe, wasn't he? I try not to fall asleep in front of the TV, but some nights it just seems to happen, whereas on others I am still avidly watching at midnight.
Yes Ginny, Charles Dance is indeed 'something' - I think I've been in love with him ever since he played Guy in The Jewel in the Crown.
Can you believe it, I decided that (as my husband is away) I would go back to working my way through my numerous recorded episodes of Doc Martin last night. I think, as tends to be my wont, I started in the wrong place, as Stephanie Cole had clearly been written out, and in her place we had none other than Eileen Atkins - who played the mother in Shades of Love. Life is full of coincidences.
I have not (yet) seen The Good Wife, but I am working my way through the box set of Desperate Housewives - love it. I did watch some of Dynasty when it was first aired, but I can hardly remember a thing about it, so I bought the DVDs in a charity shop. I haven't watched them yet, as our DVD player is currently still in Edinburgh, but I have asked my husband to bring it back when he comes up in a couple of weeks. I also bought (also in a charity shop of course!) the box set of Dallas, which I did see at the time but quite fancy revisiting.
Oh my goodness, the wind is really whipping itself up outside this evening - so nice to be inside on a day like today.
Rosemary
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Charles Dance and Ian Richardson both remind me of my husband so I like them both for that reason.
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That's lovely!
I told my daughter the other day that we had been re-watching The Blues Brothers and that Dan Ackroyd reminded me so much of her lovely boyfriend. 'Which one is he?' she replied 'I hope you don't mean the short fat one!' (I didn't, I meant the cool tall one - she was happy with that :) )
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Yes, he's a very attractive man, to me, too. But have a feeling he would be very difficult to live with. He's had quite a romantic past, too.
I think he was miscast in The Crown. Yes he's a dead ringer for Mountbatten but he'd have been a perfect Prince Philip for the end or present time of the series because he's got that look in his eye. Apparently they are only going two more years in the series but he'd have been perfect for Philip at 70, in my opinion. And as much as I love (and I do) Jonathan Pryce, especially having stood next to him in line at the Globe while we both waited to get in for Shylock, he to act, me to admire his acting and I did, he's kind and sweet and soft spoken. Perhaps he can transform self.
The Good Fight is on Amazon Prime, season 1. I never saw The Good Wife but the first episode of The Good Fight just blasted me out of the chair. I had no idea we had that level of programming on TV, no joke. Strongly recommend that if anybody gets a chance they watch the first episode. It's really something.
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I didn't know there was a sequel to The Good Wife! It's definitely on my list.......
I've got half an eye on the Republican convention because I want to see Melania and I must say they're putting on a powerful performance.
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Who is that nighttime comic, was it Stephen Colbert, who started his show by being under his desk, cowering, and saying "Has the loud lady gone?" hahaha Dear me. I am not watching the entire conventions but individual speeches and I must admit even 3 seconds of Ms. Guilfoyle's screaming the first night, demented SHRIEKING, was WAY WAY too much.
I will also admit to being surprised by the McCloskeys having been invited to speak the first night. I have read in the British press that they don't limit their pointing of guns only at protestors, but at neighbors, too.
I think everybody has made up their minds on how they are going to vote. I just hope they do.
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Dana, Melania blew me away - and I noticed even Ron Emanuel had nothing but praise for her speech - I loved that there was not a negative or mention of the competition.
Fun fun fun - one of the many Mexican TV stations here shows American movies that were dubbed with Mexican Spanish voices - however - the fun part is that my TV translates everything or if in English everything has subtitles - great for me since sometimes my hearing is not all that it could be but the automatic translation of these American Films that were dubbed makes me smile - so last night I saw Hopscotch a hilarious spy movie with Walter Matthau, and Glenda Jackson, spoken in Spanish but subtitled in English...
With the convention and everyone's opinion all over the TV I had an alternative because as you say Ginny most have made up their mind the way they want the direction of the country to go...
Evidently a Russell Crow movie will be the first new movie to be released since everything closed down last winter. I've enjoyed some of his early work but of late his films are not my cup of tea - Did y'all see where Tom Hanks and his wife have moved to Greece - I wonder if the move is suggesting a lessor Hollywood career... Well it appears with the shut down we will probably not see any kind of blockbuster over the Holiday season - the Oscars will be strange - will there even be enough in the 2020 season to pick winners?
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Dana, I am glued to the TV watching the RNC, the past two nights. Melania did a powerful speech last night, from sharing with us her journey to coming to America, and becoming a legalized citizen, to showing such compassion in her trips around the world embracing the children, for the "Be Best" program, to showing compassion and empathy to the "Moms" who are dealing with this virus, she can and does relate, and shares our same fears. I loved how she refused to go negative against the other party, and pointed out the strengths of, "My Husband." "In fact, if you tell him [it] cannot be done, he just works harder. ... The White House Rose garden she has renovated, which has not been done in sixty years, was a perfect spot to hold her speech.
Barb, like you mentioned Rohm Emmanuel had nothing but praise for Melania, as did Juan Williams. She is a shining light of grace, elegance, intelligence (fluently speaks five languages, Slovenian, English, French, Italian, and German ), love of country and compassion. I love how she pointed out we are not a perfect nation, and we still have work to do where racism is concerned, inequality, etc. I also have to mention the Attorney General Daniel Cameron from Kentucky. This guy has a huge political future ahead of him. The opening prayers and videos just grabbed at my heartstrings, brought tears to my eyes, and reminds me as the song title says, America The Beautiful. We are dealing with so much unrest, the virus, divisiveness in this country, we tend to sometimes forget, we are the greatest, free nation in the world.
Ginny, I agree, Kimberly Guilfoyle's voice can be a bit grating. Yes, most people have already made up their minds, and these conventions are more for the party base. But for me personally, I loved all the patriotism, the stories of successes of your every day people, like Jason Joyce, the lobster man from Maine, the Mom whose child had special needs and school choice made it possible for his needs to be met, for the five immigrants who become naturalized citizens, and so many more. No matter what your party, patriotism and love of country is always moving, when you hear these real life stories.
Okay enough of that....I have finally gotten a Roku, and my granddaughter's boyfriend has graciously allowed me to sign into his Netflix account for free. I guess you are allowed to have five different names to one account. So, now I feel like a deer in headlights. I was ordering a coffee pot for them, and clicked the 30 day free trial of Amazon Prime. I seriously have NO idea if, or what I need this for. Any help is much appreciated. Who of you have Amazon Prime, do you use it, and what do you use it for? Is it worth the cost per month? I noticed in my Roku channels for free, I am able to watch many movies. I was excited to see Netflix has the movie, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I can't wait to watch that, I loved the book!
Like I said, any help will be much appreciated. I am a newbie, to all of this.
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I have Amazon Prime and have had it for years, even before "streaming" became a "thing". It is worth it, to me, when I purchase something, free shipping. I think in one year the amount you save in shipping costs pays for yearly fee. The cost has gone up over the years, but if you like to order "books" especially, you save a bundle in shipping costs.
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agree Tomereader - I also have had it for years - and now Prime Now delivers my groceries for no fee but there is a tip for the driver that they collect - as you say the free shipping is worth it and then all the free movies and free Kindle books as a Prime Member - I actually need to double check - after a certain age it is free and I have not changed that - forgot the age but at this point I seem to be older than dirt.
What channel are you finding the entire convention evening - only an hour on the majors and where PBS says they are going to show it instead it is their reporters sharing their opinion for 2 hours and then they also at 9: central show an hour of the convention. Last week I could tune in to the entire Dem Convention which I did two nights even though all the speeches were canned with no audiance - so why the difference that the Pub Convention is not getting equal time?
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Barb, I have Direct TV, and on channel 360 Fox News Channel, they have done a great job covering the RNC, with little break in for their commentary. I'm not sure if any channel covers it non stop, in it's entirety. I was hoping to go on youtube and try to see if I can see all four nights without any breaking in. Probably not.
Thanks for the input as far as Amazon Prime is concerned. You all watch shows that I couldn't get without the Roku, Netflix or Amazon, and they sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a try. I will give it 30 days to see if it's something I feel I will use enough to pay for. I mean I am getting Netflix for free, so what's a fee for Amazon. lol
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Barb, if you find out the age for free Prime, let me know. If you're older than dirt, so am I, since I've now caught up to you again.
I'm pretty sure I'm still ahead just from the shipping, though.
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BellaMarie, the Prime fee is roughly $100 yearly. Mine renewed late last year, so I've forgotten. I was not aware that they had an "age related fee". That would be very nice. I'm 81. Let me know what you find out, Barb, about the age thingy!
Hugs to all you SeniorLearners out there. Some days, you are the only thing keeping me afloat (sanity-wise). This is exactly the time we would need to have a SeniorNet/SeniorLearn "Bash" to get us all together, have some fun, singing, dancing (if we still can) enjoying conversations with people we "know" yet "don't know".
It was my plan, way back then, to attend the New York Bash, which I think was the last one occuring. But life got in the way, and I was unable to sign up for it.
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Bellamarie, these days I practically live on Amazon Prime. Aside from my shopping (I use Subscribe and Save, mostly for cat supplies and food), I use the Lending Library feature that allows you to borrow any number of Ebooks for free and no time limit, and the once a month borrow Prime Reading, I think) which does need to be returned before borrowing another. Also, you get to download a free book each month that will be debuting as an Ebook the following month. They give you six choices there. While I don't often watch Prime Video, there are lots of programs that are free to watch. They have added links to subscription services like Nefflix, Great Courses, Curiosity Stream, etc. Lots of these subscription services have links in your Roku offerings too. I used to have a Roku and really liked it, but when I got the new SmartTV, I found that Comcast has links to Prime Video and YouTube. Those two apps are what I use the most. Anyway, there are a bunch of other things you can do in Prime that I don't use, so I cannot comment on them.
I didn't know about the age related fee either. Will have to look into it.
Past my bedtime. Catch you all tomorrow.
PS: Barb, hope you will not have to deal with the Hurricane Laura. or the worst of it, Stay safe.
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I have had Prime for some time and I agree, it's well worth it for the free postage (though NB that only applies to things supplied by Amazon or certain third parties who supply through them - most things from third party sellers do still have postage on top, but with books and DVDs, they are often so cheap that they still only cost you around £3 including postage.)
Lately I have been investigating the other things that I seem to have included in my membership but have never used:
Prime TV app - now we have a Smart TV I have found quite a lot to watch on Prime, it is good for films and for some other TV series that the other catch-up apps do not seem to have;
Prime photo storage - I've only just set this up as I was getting so fed up with Dropbox constantly telling me my free storage was full up and wouldn't I like to pay for extra? I am sure they were reducing the capacity each month. Prime gives you unlimited photo storage for free and you can access your photos on any linked device (phone, laptop, i-Pad, etc). I was amazed at how easy it turned out to be to set up, even I managed it, and it works really well so far.
Ebooks- as has already been said, you get the offer of a free book each month, and there are lots of other free ones. I have subscribed (free of course!) to something called Bookbub; this sends you a daily email list of books that are free or cut price on Amazon and other providers. Many are not what I want but there are usually a few worth trying every week; you simply click on their link and it takes you through to the appropriate Amazon without you having to trawl through it all.
Prime Music - they have lots and lots of playlists, I often try one when I am cooking or cleaning - all sorts of genres, and unlike the radio no interruptions for depressing news bulletins or adverts.
The only issue for me with Amazon is that my younger daughter is highly critical of the way it treats its employees, and I know she is not alone in this, they are notoriously bad employers and I know I should have the moral gumption to avoid them - but they are just so good at what they do, it's a hard one!
Rosemary
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I'm a prime fan too, for books and all sorts of orders for all sorts of different things, stuff I don't want to go searching in stores for. And they come so quickly it's so convenient,unbelievable really. I have a friend who won't use it because of the way they have taken away business from regular retail....but....what can I say.....its the way is.....
Also their music through Alexa (new for me) is super and recently I've been watching all my tv series through prime to the extent I cancelled netflix because I was not using it at all. Amazon prime has several add ons for a few $$ more like acorn and britbox and PBS and HBO all of which I have not tried.
And they have tons of free or almost free books to download, but I don't tend to read too much on my phone except when I fly which I am not doing now, or in waiting rooms which I hope not to be in too much! And you could get them read to you with audible.....but that is a sure fire way to put me to sleep, and I have a nice meditation app for that instead.
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We have a huge Amazon warehouse thingy here and we hear both sides of the story. Our PostMistress was telling me her son loved it, he was in the management level though a young man and left to finish college and they offered to help him with that education if he'd return to work for them. At the same time there appears to be a lot of stress on the floor. I think Jeff Bezos is a decent man who will fix things as he is informed of them. I could be wrong.
You can't beat the speed, and I mean they can deliver a book the next day (as they did with the Ethan Canin Tuesday ...that could be that big warehouse....and they can get books quickly that most people don't even stock. And free shipping. That alone is worth it. If you live out by the time you've expended gas to get TO the store and gone through the hassle of not finding this or that item, only to return after 3 stores and frustrated, when with a tap of the finger you have it the next day...there's not much competition.
If ANY of you find out anything about reduced prices for Prime for Seniors, please let me know!
Tomereader, I loved that post and am very sorry you didn't get to NYC either, it was truly a wonderful time. One for the Books. :)
I am so jealous of those of you with those Smart TV's. I did not buy one as I saw no need. I now have this giant non Smart TV in the pantry here which I wish I could see some of those Prime movies on, but I take heart in that the computer screen I AM looking at is huge also it's longer than my arm, and it's so close (poor eyesight) that it seems as big as the other one to watch Prime. I also have that Fire thing which would allow me to put Prime on it but I'm good as it is, am about to enter the land of Over Dosed on Technology.
I have really enjoyed reading about all the advantages of Prime I did not know about, too! That was a good question and good answers.
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Interesting is how larger retail establishments have had the same reputation for closing small business and not treating their employees well since as far back as I can remember - in the late 40s it was the super markets that closed up the local grocery, butcher, bakery, etc. the big saving grace was when the Butcher was hired by the large super market - but then we heard how he no longer cut meat to order to satisfy this or that homemaker's particular cooking needs and how he no longer could give away the bones that actually had meant on them to customers asking for bones for the dog and actually using the bones to make soups - all the individual attention was gone - he had to wear a hat and gloves - there was no longer a barrel of sauerkraut at the end of the meat counter and he became an employee with set hours and no tipping for getting in a certain type or cut of meat...
Then it was Walmart and Kmart that many would not shop in rebellion because they too put out of business local small businesses and they paid their workers pittance and used elders as greeters who were rude and were paid even less - however compared to Amazon there was still the personal attention among the employees as well as floor staff to interface with customers compared to Amazon.
As to Amazon's work expected work ethic - two things - remember back in the 30s and early 40s those movies that were displacing personal and the office space was being redesigned because they had these what were called bean counters - checking the work output - later no one was supposed to use work time for personal business and still later you were not supposed to spend time on the internet communicating with friends or ordering products to be delivered to your home or flowers for your mother for mother's day etc.
Well my guess is that Amazon took all that data so that an employee is there to work and work hard - what does not help is the average young worker did not have an after school job from the time they were 14 where they learned how to work hard and so that is probably affecting how they see their job - unless you are brought up on a farm or ranch most young people do not know hard physical work - and for sure high school does not prepare you to buckle down, put your head down and do the work. I say this because if the work was as horrid as some complain the company would have no workers and be out of business -
And so my conclusion is the bigger the retail company the more distant the employees became to each other and to the individual wants of the consumer - we are compensated with lower prices, faster service and more variety - certainly super markets had more variety than our local small grocer as did the price of goods and variety at the big box stores that none can compare to Amazon that if y'all remember started out simply selling books.
After being through three of these major changes in retail shopping I'm ready to accept change brings good and bad, positive and negative, we loose something and gain something - there is just no perfection and as long as the work is past what was typical up to the 1930s in which the caliber of sweat shop labor in filthy surroundings was typical with child labor the norm seems to me we've come a long way...
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WOW! Thank you all for helping me out with Amazon Prime. My hubby was asking me how much it will be after the 30 day free trial and I told him $12.99 per month. Then I went on to explain what all it provides, (your input was so eye opening). He seems to be okay with the added expense. He is a movie buff, who loves wartime movies. I'd also be interested in knowing the senior discount and at what age it begins.
Ginny, my big screen TV is quite old, we purchased it with the rebate President Bush gave to everyone back in 2008. It has all the capabilities for Roku, streaming, etc. So maybe your new TV only needs the fire stick or roku plugged into it. These do NOT have a monthly cost. I did feel a bit overwhelmed the past few days getting the Roku, Amazon Prime and Netflix all at one time, but it seems today was a success in getting all the accounts set up, and working! For someone who began a technology/computer lab back in 1984, I don't know why I let myself feel so defeated with all these new devices. My nine year old granddaughter takes my cell phone and sets up things for me. Ughhh... is it I just feel burned out like you mentioned?
Tomereader, I think you are on to something.....I would LOVE for our book club to attempt a virtual SeniorNet/SeniorLearn "Bash" Wouldn't it be so fun to put a face to these posts! I mean if you like, we could even dance!
Barb, as always, you put everything in such logical common sense, in explaining how we have gone from one era, to another in how we shop and adjust to the ways of the world. As much as I would not feel comfortable knowing a company mistreats their employees, I must say, you make an excellent point in how this generation has not learned hard work at a young age, and to add to it, my son points out that he hires for his company, and the work ethics of these straight out of college young people are much to be desired. My other son who is a distributor for a major soft drink company, also was just telling us how their company can not keep workers, due to their lack of commitment, and refusing to show up on their scheduled times, and complete what is expected of them. So, not trying to excuse any company for not treating their employees with respect and dignity, we have to understand this goes both ways.
Again, thank you all for your help. Now to go check on those free books ya'll mentioned from Amazon.
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Barb: Your area was very fortunate if " tipping for getting in a certain type or cut of meat..." there was happening in your local Mom and Pop store and "the big saving grace was when the Butcher was hired by the large super market." My father was the owner of a small grocery/ meat market. NONE of the local small stores owners there in my town in my school days were hired by the large supermarkets. My Dad certainly wasn't. It sounds good, and I hope it happened some places, but it sure didn't happen in midcentral Ohio in the 50s and 60s.
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You're right Jane - not every butcher was hired - they only needed a few as compared to the many who had to close up shop but that was the saving grace we all felt when a few of our regulars got hired - did you father have a shop with sawdust on the floor - that is what I most remembered and also the big barrel of sauerkraut - I remember saving my allowance and doling out a nickel twice a week so that on my way home from school I walked past the butcher shop and got a nickles worth of sauerkraut - always ate it before I got home - not sure if my mother would approve but I loved it as my treat. The other 15 cents was 12 cents for the Saturday movie and 2 cents for candy while attending the movie... and a penny saved towards Christmas - such were the days... ::)
Just remembered, my very best adult friend who passed now, her father was a Butcher but instead of losing because of the super markets he lost because the depression finally took its toil - he would allow folks to charge as most did back then - problem was most customers never caught up to be able to pay him what they owed and finally he went through all his resources and there just was not enough to keep going so he had to close - never did work after that - Charlotte's mother took care of people's houses for income and within a few short years her father died - now we would say he died a broken man - drink took over...
Change can be as painful as it brings a new way of life... I know I often say, if only and know what I wish for is gone...
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Barb...No, sawdust on the floor as that would have been frowned upon by the Health Dept. This was in the 50s and early 60s. No sauerkraut in an open barrel. But, yes, on the credit Dad ran for customers. Many paid regularly, and, of course, there were those who didn't. Dad threw those unpaid accounts into the burn barrel when he retired and closed the store.
jane
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Jane, I'll give your father a posthumous salute for the good his credit did. My mother in law was a widow, supporting her family with her salary as a schoolteacher. She could never quite make the money last through the salaryless summer, and the credit was a lifesaver. She always paid back in the fall, though.
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Oh gosh being reminded of the little market on the corner, where my mother sent us kids with a list of groceries to buy, brings back so many good memories. The name of the store was Nick Castell's. He was an Italian, who allowed families to run a credit up, and pay at the end of the month. I would go back to the back of the store, where the fresh meat was, hand the butcher the list, and he would begin chopping and slicing, and wrapping the meat into the brown paper, with the labels of what it was and how many pounds, along with a price. I was so amazed as a young child, to go shopping so often in that store and never see my Mom hand them cash at the checkout counter, or give us cash when she sent us with our list. But then one day I went with her, she had two overflowing baskets of groceries (I was horrified and embarrassed to be pushing the second basket behind her, because a boy I had a crush on, stopped me and said Hi, then said, "That's a lot of food!") But, as the checkout lady rang up the final purchase, she told my Mom the amount, and I watched her take out a handful of bills, and handed them to the check out woman. She said, "Put this toward last month's balance, and the rest pays for this." The first time in my life I realized there was such a thing as buying on "credit".
Barb, sauerkraut as a treat. How funny! Nope, like Jane mentioned, not sure the health dept. would have allowed an open barrel, or sawdust on the floor.
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Right you are, Pat...and the steel workers who were on strike and had no money to pay for groceries and Dad carried them through that. I'm sure, however, I wasn't the only one who, back in those days, heard at home, "We can't afford that."
jane
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How lovely it is to hear about these unsung acts of charity. It was that kind of world, once. Hats off to all those men and women who showed us what America really is, and should be.
I tell you what, I'm kind of proud of us oldsters, we've really been through a great deal, seen great changes, endured great challenges, and here we are in a technology age, still hanging in by the skin of our teeth maybe. hahaha Maybe not. Certainly we'd never have met the people here, sitting in our own homes, and my motto is all you can do is all you can do, and all you can do (with honest effort), (and it has to be honest), is enough.
I was watching Michael Portillo this morning and his visit to the oldest Welsh choir. Their stories and their singing was glorious and I found a tear running down my face to my surprise. I mean it's this little church and these old men prima facie. But it was revealed to be so much more. It seems lately there seem to be a lot of those unexpected tears, at the strangest times. Either I am going dotty or the coronavirus stress is showing itself subtly. At any rate it was wonderfully uplifting and they are tears of joy.
I was watching a documentary last night and early this morning on youtube about the Royal Family and the tension between the Queen Mother and Prince Philip. Apparently anybody can call themselves anything on the Internet and they can produce professional slick looking "documentaries," or teach a subject with no foundation whatsoever or credentials. It's somewhat of a fantasy world, the internet, isn't it? Just make yourself up and go for it.
I found the commentary from viewers on the bottom of the movie very enlightening about both. I think the comments sometimes, the checks and balances, whether it's modern political speeches or this dated thing about the Queen Mother and Prince Philip whose backgrounds were actually the reverse of what the Palace declared in the films, are very enlightening. Of course one has to have enough sense and knowledge to analyze the comments, too, especially on the internet which is more fantasy than reality. "Consider the Source", good motto for all times.
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Ginny, "It seems lately there seem to be a lot of those unexpected tears, at the strangest times."
Well, your post did bring a tear to my eye. I too am finding myself being a tad bit more emotional these past few weeks. I know many of us do not share the same political views, and that's okay, but I must say, while watching the four nights of the RNC convention, the videos, invocations, real testimonies from people of all walks of life how their lives began with so little hope, and then some how they are now standing on a convention stage telling how their lives are now successful, and filled with hope, had me crying like a baby.
We all want the same things in life, we want that American dream, we want to live our faith no matter which one it is, and even if we have none, we want to have safe neighborhoods, good schools for our children, equality for all races, color and creeds, food on our tables, and to be able to choose which ever life style, and not be bullied, harassed, intimidated or threatened. We want fair paying jobs, healthcare, and we want dignity and respect for all human life, at all stages, especially for those who can not speak for themselves, be it inside the womb, or the elderly who can no longer communicate their desires due to debilitating diseases or aging. We want to pursue all our possibilities without being hampered.
My tears were at times tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of hope, tears of patriotism, and yes...tears of loss, seeing our America being destroyed, statues tumbling to the ground that represents our history, good or bad, and tears for all those who have lost their lives to not only these rioters/protestors/anarchists what ever the media deems appropriate to label them, but my tears were also for those who we have lost to this deadly virus, and yes, those unjustly killed be it at the hands of a rogue policeman, or a raged rioter. I am a person of strong faith, but I will say, my faith has surely been tested these past few months.
I have a very intelligent, beautiful, all inspiring black friend, her name is Barbara Neal Roose. Barb travels all over the country giving uplifting, motivational speeches. She is an author, does virtual chats with other authors, for anyone who needs inspirational information or support, and she has a blog page. She posted yesterday, it being the 57th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech.
I read MLK Jr.'s speech in its entirety for the first time yesterday. Barb asks at the end of her blog: What part of Dr. King’s speech inspires you the most?
This was my reply:
Marie on August 28, 2020 at 3:32 pm
Thank you Barb for sharing MLK Jr.’s speech with us. This is the first time for me as well, to read it in it’s entirety. Comparing it to today’s protests, rioting, burning buildings, destroying businesses and people’s life long dreams, murdering, tearing down statues and looting, the part that rings out for me is this:
“We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.”
We are better than what is happening. We need a MLK Jr. today. I pray daily for God to guide us to be better, and to heed the words of this great man. We can not and must not cancel culture, erase history, and silence the voices of those who came before us. In doing so….MLK Jr.’s words are no longer meaningful. Let us join together, sisters in Christ, and be an example of “one nation under God.”
This is the link to her blog. I recommend all her books.
https://barbroose.com/still-dreaming-the-57th-anniversary-of-mlk-jrs-i-have-a-dream-speech/?fbclid=IwAR1aNO78BYxHkwc6aNnCpCICRP6pi-7fQeI0RU5toxvrDYOmvDYNDTYECX4
Now, today, when I think of shedding tears, what comes to my mind is this...
America, America, God shed his grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.
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"Unexpected tears" -- well, for me, maybe not. I cry at our National Anthem, I cry at a song, or songs, that have lyrics that touch my heart, I cry listening to a beautiful piece of music, symphonic or operatic, I cry looking at a painting in a museum (I've not been to many), or a display of artworks from times past that make me wonder "how can someone manage to create something this awesome?" I cry at a dance performance, ballet or contemporary, a skating program that simply reaches into your heart and mind and turns your mundane world inside out. I have cried at early newcasts, at the onset of Covid, showing the many, many patients and caregivers and first responders, and hearing the awful numbers being tolled like dirge bells. 'Tis a wonder I, or you, have any tears left. But deep down, somewhere inside, there is a tiny spark of joy - -Hope-- that things can and will get better. I try, daily, to fan that tiny spark, and not let the tears extinguish it.
Joanne
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Oh! Oh! Oh! I was skimming through Netflix movies and came across The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I generally hate Saturday nights, because there is nothing to watch on TV. I watched this movie and was thrilled with how they were able to bring these characters to life. I was a bit disappointed they left out some major parts of the book, mostly to do with Elizabeth. They did not show just how much she suffered at the hands of the Germans, before they killed her. But then they didn't show much of the occupied time at all. I suppose if they had included all in the book, the movie would have been way too long. I still am so happy I was able to watch it.
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My! I didn't realize it had been made into a movie. When was it made? I just checked; we read it here in 2009! Time flies.
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Did people enjoy it Pat?
I started it a while ago but I found the format unbearably twee and felt I could see where it was going from page one. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
My daughter-in-law gave me the DVD, so perhaps I should give that a try.
Rosemary
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A lot of people did,Rosemary. I don't remember if some didn't. The mood changes some as the story goes on, getting less twee, and some of the characters change too. I don't know whether you would like it or not.
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Tomereader, really, that was so profound. Thank you for that.
I've never been a weeper, I don't know why. I just don't. Or didn't. Until now. :)
Do any of you find your taste in movies has changed recently? What are you looking for in all these offerings we now can see in our home "theaters?" I had taped all the Midsomer Murders but am having a problem getting into them. I still like the one best with the man and the ghost horse which appeared outside his window, that was classic. If you are a fan of that series, I think I probably have most of the recent ones, I like that new detective, will you recommend one?
I think the new Doc Martin which our PBS is not showing but I saw it on Prime or one of them is the best of all the series, and I'm delighted they are making a new one too.
What episode, if you watch them, is your favorite? I still like Dr. Mirth best, of the Father Brown series, and it was one of the first ones. I still yearn for Shakespeare and Hathaway 3. I am not sure why , if these films ARE available, they don't show them on these subscription channels. What are they waiting for? And what IS that bizarre channel showing what appear to be stolen versions of them?
What's the best new series you have seen? I was so taken with the Danish one I'd like to try something else, too.
I did watch Knives Out when it came out on Prime or Netflix, for the 2nd time and I liked it then, too. I like Daniel Craig and his "Southern Accent" is a hoot. It's kind of an And Then There Were None, big spooky house, family wanting inheritance, etc.
Still watching Michael Portillo and learning a GREAT deal of surprising things. It's an invigorating way to eat breakfast and start the day.
What are you watching? Any binge watching in our group?
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Oh but of course Ginny!
Currently binge watching Doc Martin (recorded from when it was all repeated on the Drama channel), Monarch of the Glen (annoyingly I’ve just come to the bit where 3 or 4 episodes are missing from my recording as we brought the recorder up here from Edinburgh and didn’t at first realise that this had wiped off all its instructions & that we needed to reprogramme it....so I’ve gone from Stella and Archie starting to look a bit smoochy to Stella having completely disappeared and Archie and Lexie apparently engaged (and I must say so far their relationship is far from convincing - Molly [Susan Hampshire] and Hector [Richard Briar]’s marriage seems so much more real).
Also binge watching A Place to Call Home (now on series 3). And dipping in and out of Friday Night Dinner - an especially hilarious episode last night (which I watched for light relief after A Place to Call Home!) involving a dead crow, a vegetarian, a ventriloquist’s dummy and the very weird and brilliantly played neighbour Jim. Although all the actors are excellent (it’s a very small cast and almost everything takes place in the family house), Mark Heap as Jim and Paul Ritter as Dad are outstanding.
I’ve got lots of Father Brown recorded, must get back to that. And we also have a backlog of repeats of Vera (Brenda Blethyn) which I’m generously keeping till my husband comes back tomorrow.
I never got into Midsomer Murders, but I do enjoy an episode of Rosemary and Thyme every so often.
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For The Expanse fans, the ninth book, when released, will be the last in the series. The Amazon Prime TV series will be releasing Season 5, but no date yet. It was almost complete by the time COVID-19 hit.
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Not much activity here, I expect we're all busy with Fall activities. I haven't watched any TV now but the news for some time.
But am still enjoying what I call "Breakfast with Michael," the Great British Railway Journeys series. I'm now in the 5th year. It's a great way to start the day and the HISTORY I've learned!! The archival film, and the interesting people and places we've been, just spot on. He needs some kind of medal for that thing. I love to start the day with his positive attitude, and his enthusiasm for the things he's seeing and the people he meets. A great 15 minute start for any day. And a very good substitute for travel if you can't go.
What, if anything, is everybody watching?
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I do watch something most evenings, but if David is watching as well it's what is euphemistically known as 'compromise'....so no Bake Off (new series - I haven't even started it yet), no Doc Martin and preferably (for him) no Monarch of the Glen.
We saw Vera on Friday but I think I'd seen it before and I could hardly keep my eyes open.
Last night we watched the film Brassed Off which is quite a nice story about a colliery band in Yorkshire at the time of all the pit closures in the 1980s. The music was great, but the story was, I felt, predictable, and not nearly so good as Pride, set at the same time and one of my favourite films. There were some very funny bits though.
We will soon gird our loins and move on to series 3 of Line of Duty, but I do think I need a little break in between each series, they are so intense.
My friend recommended Honour, a drama based on the true story of a female police detective who persisted in investigating the disappearance and 'honour' killing of a Kurdish girl in the UK. I'm not sure if I can face it, however well acted it may be.
I found my DVD of The Crown and suggested watching that last night, but it was not popular! So I will watch it during the week, so many people have said how brilliant it is.
Rosemary
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Re: "The Crown" - - Rosemary, it's beautiful. I can't think of where my DVD has gone, but I would be watching it again.
I was trying to watch "Lawrence of Arabia" last night, but only made it to the intermission, and had to go to bed early. (Slept 12 hours, and I am an insomniac - - it's 3:18 AM right now and I'm at the computer thinking it will make me sleepy).
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It is a very long movie, Tomereader. When I first saw it at a local movie house, there was in actual intermission to give watchers a little break. Except for one or two scenes, the movie is true to his book.
I have not been watching any movies lately, although I have added a few to my watchlist. Most of them are ones I've seen before and liked, like Rango, Stargate, and an oldie WWII movie or two like A Bridge Too Far.
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Oh I wondered about the new Great British Bake Off, and if you were watching it, Rosemary, the new cast looks fascinating. I hope we can get it here soon, sometimes we can get the new ones almost immediately and sometimes like now they are showing Mary Berry (whom I like and would watch anyway).
I loved The Crown, too, Tomereader, and am looking forward to the new one whenever it comes out. What IS it about 3 am? Is it the Witching Hour? No matter what I do, there I am, too, for no good reason at all. And you know it's somewhere around 3 am without even looking at a clock.
Frybabe, and Tomereader, I've had a hard time with Lawrence, I've tried the movie a couple of times, have never seen it through.
I LOVE those old movies with the Intermissions. In showing film on Hannibal to a face to face class last week I hit on Victor Mature on Youtube in Hannibal (boy those scenes through the Alps with elephants are something ELSE) but it starts out with a magnificent opening that you know precedes an "old tyme movie" with an Intermission and all the trimmings. I do feel for one of the extras, though, who finally got a part in a big movie, whose lines seem to consist of "Keep moving, keep moving."
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Ginny, Lawrence was a difficult man, I think. Putting together what he wrote and what others who knew him wrote, I believe he was something of a loner and a rogue soldier, had friends and allies, but for the most part I don't think he liked people very much, especially women. I think he loved the desert and its solitude. He often confounded his superiors and went "off script" during the war. At Damascus, after the war and when the allies were deciding what to do with the region and how to divvy it up, he tried to stand up for carving the region along tribal lines and to give them some measure of self-rule. He was by no means a politician and could not hold his own against the allied politicians and the tribal infighting to gain status and power. Plus, during the war he made promises to the Arabs on behalf of the British Empire without consultation which the British Government declined to honor. After the war he very much disliked the notoriety and fame he got and rejoined another branch of the military (RAF) under an assumed name. He began a correspondence with Robert Graves at some point; I used to have a book of their letters to each other. He wrote another book or two. The Mint, which I also read, was about his time in the RAF. Prior to WWI, Lawrence was a trained archaeologist who spent several years in Arabia (forget where exactly). His knowledge of the area, customs and languages proved both a help and a pain in the butt to his commanders. This is a very simplistic view of a very complex and enigmatic man.
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I wouldn't call that simplistic, I'd call it giving us a good place to start.
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Frybabe - thank you for all that very interesting information about Lawrence, I knew very little about him and have not seen the film. The only films I think I have ever seen with interludes are Carousel and The Sound of Music - or did one of the Harry Potter ones have one?
I finally watched the first part of the latest Bake Off last night on catch-up. I am not sure about some of the competitors, but I think I always feel like that at the start of the series. This week was Cake Week, and one of the entrants said she didn't like cake - how can you be a baker and not like cake?!! My friend and I were discussing the series on our walk this morning and we agreed that the contestants are now given so little time to make such elaborate things that they really can't help but have them unfinished when they are told to stop. It was still fun though, and Matt Lucas, who has replaced Sandy Toksvig, is very good - he's very gentle and kind, and works well with the others. I prefer Prue Leith to Mary Berry - Prue's humour is so much wickeder, though she's still kind to the people whose bakes end in disaster.
The other series I have started watching is All Creatures Great & Small (new version) - although Channel 5 has seen fit not to add the first episode to their catch-up channel, so I had to start at episode 2 - not that it makes that much difference for this particular programme! Diana Rigg is great at Tricky-Woo's owner, and the guy who plays Tristan is Calum Woodhouse, the actor who plays Leslie in The Durrells - he is perfect for the part. Samuel West (son of Timothy West, who with Prunella Scales did all those canals programmes) is also very good as Siegfried.
Rosemary
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Diana Rigg passed away at the age of 82 on Sept 10. She must have worked just about right up to her death from cancer. IMDB lists the mini-series Black Narcissus, and a horror film (of all things), Last Night in Soho,as being in post-production.
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:) I am so envious of your seeing the new Bake Off, Rosemary!
All we've seen so far are the profiles the program put up and I thought they looked interesting, which ones are you not sure about, the one who didn't like cake? hahahaa Perhaps one of those purist bread makers, then? I once tried to get into that but the proofing killed me, along with the lack of a proofing oven, it looks so easy on the show. THEY have proofing ovens. I've ruined many a batch trying to get it right. The King Arthur Flour (yes that's their real name) people used to do demonstrations around the country, and I attended one. They make it look so easy! Of course you need to use their flour, maybe that's the secret. Anyway, there are not enough people here to be making great loaves of bread, we're not big bread eaters in the first place.
I agree on the complexity of some of the categories. I still remember the lion from the past. They ought to have a Champions Contest. I think they did once for charity? But it was a one off if I recall. I'd like to see the top winners back for an entire series, I am pretty sure they have enough winners and second place winners to make a quorum.
You have to hand it to them, however. Watching somebody else cook and then the results eaten when you have no idea what it tastes like really and still have an interesting program takes some skillful presentation.
I'm glad to hear that Matt Lucas is good. What happened to Sandy , was it Tovig? Why did she quit, do you know? I actually like Mary better than Prue, for what it's worth...for some reason I am not thinking they are equal in credentials, but I may be wrong.
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Frybabe - yes, from what I have read in the Radio Times, Diana Rigg did indeed work right up to the last. Not having seen her on screen for many years, I must say I was shocked to see how old she looked in this, but, on reflection, given she was 80+, I think she still looked amazing, and her acting had not lost anything, she was as sharp as a knife and looked as if she was enjoying every minute.
Ginny - re the Bake Off, yes, I didn't take to the woman who doesn't like cake! But having said that she turned out to be extremely good at it all, even cake making. There was also a rather over-confident younger woman, but I'm worried that I was probably just prejudiced by her being so slim and effortlessly glam....There's a very enthusiastic 18 year old Edinburgh university student (male) whom I liked (he did well).
Pru Leith (who was born in South Africa) has had her own cookery school, restaurants, etc, and is a very successful businesswoman. She's also a novelist. Not sure if I mentioned the programme I saw a while ago in which she accompanied her adopted Cambodian daughter (now grown up and a successful film maker with her own young family) back to her birthplace to try to trace her 'real' mother? It showed a very different side to Pru - she and the daughter are clearly very close and the daughter emphasised what a happy childhood she had had in England, but Pru was beating herself up for having never thought about maintaining any links with the daughter's family - as she said, in those days you just didn't - and she showed how vulnerable and self-doubting she could be, which is not something you ever see on Bake Off.
Mary Berry is of course very English; she studied cooking at college and then at the Cordon Bleu school in Paris. I think she started her working life demonstrating cooking appliances for the Bath Electricity Board. She's been extremely successful and is considered something of a 'national treasure' in the UK (alongside people like Judi Dench, Alan Bennett and Maggie Smith), but she had a terrible tragedy in her life when one of her three children was killed in a car crash at the age of 19, just a couple of miles from her home.
I think Sandy Toksvig just wanted to do other things.
As for making bread - I used to try this frequently as a teenager and it never worked - I expect the yeast was far too old, and also - like you - we just did not have anywhere warm to make it rise. I know all that kneading is supposed to be therapeutic, but I just get bored, and even our local Co-Op here sells such good bread that I just could not be bothered making it now. Also, again as you say, there are only 2 of us here. I did have a bread-making machine once, but I was forever forgetting to turn it on, or forgetting to put in a vital ingredient - and if I did do it right, I then ate so many huge tranches of the stuff that I made myself feel sick. When we had the lockdown I did buy a couple of packets of bread mix, and I did use one, which came out well, but to be honest even our local shops always had plenty of bread, so it was unnecessary, and I did get fed up with all those people posting photos of the loaves they had made on Facebook - 'look at me! I have turned into Earth Mother!' - did they expect a medal or something? I bet they're all back to sliced white again now.
My mother says my aunt, with whom she lived for a few years, made bread daily - but I suppose in the 1940s married working class women had a very circumscribed life, rarely leaving the home except to get the groceries, so they were around for all that rising, 'knocking back' and whatever other mysteries bread requires. Also shop bread in those days was probably not great - even when I was a child in the 1960s it was pretty limited in London.
My friends in County Waterford (Ireland) make soda bread, which is delicious - but they have huge families, so no chance of it going stale!
Rosemary
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My mother would make bread in the 1940s, not because she had to, but because we all liked it. She would make 6 loaves at a time, and I don't remember how long that lasted, but the first loaf was half gone by the time it was cool.She didn't knead it by hand; she had a big pot, with a lid with a crank going through it, ending in a big dough hook, turned by hand.
I would occasionally make bread, but as Rosemary points out, you have to be around for some time. Finally, my husband got a bread machine and declared bread making was men's work. So for a few years, we had a lot of home made bread.
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Pat - isn’t it strange how some parts of cooking are deemed (by men of course!) to be ‘men’s work’?
My friend’s recently-retired husband has decided to be a bread baker - he is in charge, of course, but she seems always to be having to run home to check the dough when he’s out, go to the supermarket to get the ingredients...
And every man I know thinks he’s the bees’ knees at barbecues! I loath barbecues but my husband is always trying to persuade me to let him have one. Sometimes if I’m away he has a barbecue just for himself. He also takes charge of the grilling of fish (in case, heaven forbid, I overcook it), the making of curries (no surprise there) and also of scrambled eggs. I have no idea how the eggs come into it. I don’t mind, I enjoy cooking less and less as the years go by. I still like cake making, which thankfully he is not interested in (apart from eating the results.)
Even on Bake Off, Paul Hollywood’s thing is bread rather than cake, though I imagine he does know quite a bit about the latter too.
Some well-known male cooks here do include a few recipes for cakes in their books - eg Nigel Slater does a great lemon cake and also a Demerara marmalade one, but these are two recipes in a book of hundreds. But on the whole most cake recipes I have were written by women - Mary Berry, Delia Smith (though tbh she’s not that good at cakes - though I’ll probably be struck down in flames for such heinous blasphemy...), etc.
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Dame Mary now. :)
I think what I most admire about her is that she apparently (and again I have never tasted anything she cooked but I do have one of her cook books), can take the simplest of ingredients and turn out something good whereas I can't take any number of any ingredients and turn out anything edible. And I have tried, for well over half a century. I do think cooking is an art. I say that because I got into jelly, jams, and preserves and won many a blue ribbon at State Fairs. But I attacked that entire process completely differently than I do Sunday dinner. Maybe that's the problem. I hate to admit it, but I'm tired of cooking, period. When you try earnestly and are not rewarded then even a rat in a test avoids being shocked over and over. Or that's my excuse, anyway. (But think of the poor souls who have had to eat it lo these 53 years). hahahaha
I liked Prue, too, but not as much as Mary. But now that Prue has been revealed to be such a wonderful person, I look forward to seeing her anew in the new series, if it ever comes here.
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Wow Rosemary barbecue - that is work - mostly pit masters here are guys but there are a few strong women who do it - Our Chris, my son's oldest, enjoys cooking - mostly Cajun foods - he would love to barbecue but he still does not have a backyard that could accommodate a decent size mesquite burning grill - he does have from his mother's side his grandfather's secret barbecue sauce recipe and my son found and is keeping for him a good barrel to make into his grill - now he just needs a backyard
Back before I got into Real Estate when the children were growing up I used to make bread every Thursday - Thursday night supper was thick slices of fresh bread slathered in butter and jam with a baked apple or a saucer of rhubarb-applesauce - Sometimes I would melt cheese, mix in a bit of wine and spread it on the fresh bread - we adults added to the meal a tall glass of beer.
It's been years now since I baked bread - do not think I even have the strength anylonger to kneed the dough - I remember those dough mixers - I wonder if they even make them any longer.
Before Covid so many ate out or picked up prepared dinner on their way home - that is one change with all the restaurants closed, many are cooking again and some for the first time.
My diet has changed considerably - seldom eat cakes or muffins - I do like something sweet after supper but it is usually dried dates and sugared pecans. However, I do like watching the baking show - amazing the look they create with their various sweets. Last show I saw with Mary in it - she had such arthritis in her hands so that all I could do was watch how she managed - liked the show best when she and Paul worked together.
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Sadly, Sean Connery has passed, at age 90.
I fell in love with Sean Connery the moment he came up out of the ocean in that swimsuit, as 007. Never was another James Bond for me. I also loved ALL of his other movies. Anybody that hasn't seen "Finding Forrester" is missing a good one.The one with him as a researcher in the Jungle is also great. That beautiful Scottish burr was music to my ears. RIP Sir Sean.
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Finding Forrester was another memorable Connery film. I didn't think to mention it in my other post. The earliest movie that I have seen that he acted in was Darby O'Gill and the Little People. That was sooo long ago I can't place him in it. Time to watch it again?
The SciFi channel has a new series coming out in January called Resident Alien. Looks like a case of a shape-shifting alien who gets stranded on Earth. It looks like Showtime is almost ready to release their HALO series next year too. This was an incredibly long time coming.
Various efforts to make a TV series or movie been going on since at least 2003 without much success. There are two movies out with live action, one short one which I only watched maybe twice and Forward Unto Dawn which is a favorite of mine. These two didn't get much of any publicity, and first showed up on YouTube where Forward Unto Dawn was initially released in episodes. It has since been released to DVD. I am something of a HALO fan, not the game, but I've read quite a few of the books.
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Loved Sean Connery's outing n the last Indiana Jones he did as the father. Am immersed in Scots myself at the moment. Today Michael Portillo's Great British Railway excursions for my required morning's 10 minutes of peace and travel and kindness over breakfast finds us in Scotland at Troon in South Ayrshire. At any rate this part of the journey is almost unintelligible. I am loving everything we're looking at and totally uncomprehending of the accents and what they are saying, so melodious, so different. Just now we're riding in the engine pulling possibly 2,000 pounds (not sure what the engineer actually said), great long coal train, state of the art... I'm going to have to enable the closed captioning...I wonder if IT will know? hahaha because it's fascinating.
That makes me want to ask Rosemary something. Way back there you spoke of a daughter's accent as being...forgive for not remembering the term--- too posh for the area she was contemplating going into? I notice that Michael Portillo when he speaks says the words stop by stop..in every introduction. The first word stop he pronounces as we do...sort of like STAHHP ..stop. But the second stop he pronounces as if it were stawp. That deep sort of AW in the middle of it, stawp. So I am wondering which, of either of those, sounds more properly posh or does neither? And if neither is the posh way to pronounce it, what would be? I am fascinated by the cacophony of British accents in this program, and am now up to year 2013 in the series.
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Talk about accents, for some reason I've been on a Richard Burton kick and boy could he speak Welsh AND German. It's amazing how many languages some people speak fluently. I just watched his Cavett interview on youtube and the discussion was stunning. I see now why so many people go on and on about Dick Cavett he was astounding in his questions and Burton was equally stunning in his answers. Unfortunately the "documentary" on Youtube about Burton is quite negative. Lauren Bacall particularly expressed dislike of him. Most fascinating takeaways: he would have liked to have gone into the mines, he was the only son who did not (out of 12 siblings), miners love their jobs, (which I always thought was not the case) his admiration for his father, a miner, (though other sources reveal he apparently he did not attend his funeral) and what there is about acting that makes one want to act as a profession. He kept a diary. Couldn't stand to be touched. The interview was done during his last run of Camelot on the stage which I saw, actually, in Lincoln Center, and despite his health his mind was apparently razor sharp. I have always wondered how on earth they learned all those lines; apparently they are gifted with that kind of memory.
I always thought he was a perfect Antony in the movie Cleopatra.
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A Place to Call Home actually ended here on PBS last night - there was the surprise of another season that started end of summer but this time it really ended explaining the series was based on a written memoir and all the characters were real people. They then proceeded to list when the real people died and what they did in their life - such drama over the years, I guess from the book or at least the years they chose to make into the series - I've heard it said that the average person's life is more dramatic than any drams we see in a movie which I guess goes for a TV series.
Yes Ginny, have to agree the Dick Cavett show was well done and he in such a low key way had a way to get a different and intimate perspective on life from his guests. I did not realize he was still broadcasting - not here in my area and so I wonder where - found a photo and frankly i would never have recognized him today as compared to what I remember
(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/08/05/fashion/05CAVETT1/05CAVETT1-superJumbo-v2.jpg?quality=90&auto=webp)
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:) I don't look like I did in the 90's either, or for that matter 10 years ago. I'm kind of shocked to look in the mirror at all. That 's one reason I like Zoom, hahaha, for some reason it's put some kind of filter on me, how glamorous I look, and how shocked any of them would be to see me in person I am sure. hahahaa
NEWS NEWS NEWS!!! JOYOUS NEWS! Shakespeare and Hathaway 3 are on Amazon Prime! I can't WAIT. He looks strange but I can't wait anyway. What a fun, literate, clever show that is. Can't WAIT!
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5 more Days to the new The Crown, which is supposed to be the best yet!! Netflix on November 15!!!!
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Hi Ginny
Yes, I was saying that Anna's received pronunciation would not have stood her in good stead if she had to do teaching practice in a Tyne & Wear school - she was at that time contemplating applying for the postgraduate teacher training course at Durham university. Durham itself is very smart and upper middle class, but it's a tiny city, and the areas all around it are old mining places, with high unemployment and accents you could cut with a knife. Anyway, than goodness she has decided to postpone that idea for another year. She gets all these notions but fails to consider where the money is coming from - at the moment she has a secure job in London, if she left it she would have no income and would also have to pay fees, rent, etc. When I was at university the one year postgrad teacher training course was free, but now that is only the case if you can teach a shortage subject like maths or physics. The chances of any of my children (or I) even being able to teach ourselves those things are way less than nil.
I'm not quite sure how posh people would say STOP. I think it's probably STAWP or STORP. I must watch Portillo again and see how he does say it - he is definitely posh! The really posh lot also say 'ORF' instead of 'off', but I don't think he reaches those giddy heights. My mother-in-law had some very posh leanings. She always said Nigeriahhh and coliflore (cauliflower) and still called tuna tunny fish, which is a term Constance Spry probably used in her famous 1950s cookbook.
If you can find any of Fanny Cradock's old cookery programmes on YouTube, they will show you what a really posh dinosaur sounded like (although she was in fact born in Essex into a middle class family.) They are also very funny (unintentionally) as she was a very strange woman and apparently terrifying to work for - she went through assistants like water. In the earlier ones you can also see her (fourth!) husband Johnnie, whom she worshipped. She got him in to talk about drink (which he clearly over-appreciated...) and also to boss about. He seemed to take it all in good part. There is a TV film about her life Fear of Fanny, which stars, amongst others, Mark Gatiss and Julia Davis. I think it's also on YouTube. She was a sad case really, but in the end she deserved her downfall - she was involved in a cookery competition that a member of the public had won, and this woman was therefore to cook a special meal for various important people, including Edward Heath, the then Prime Minister, and Fanny herself. When Cradock saw the menu she ridiculed the poor woman on air, told her her proposed dishes were terrible, the meal badly planned, etc. The viewers were collectively furious, the BBC received numerous complaints, and Fanny was dropped by them 2 weeks later, never to return.
Barb - that is fascinating information about A Place to Call Home - I had no idea it was based in fact. How many series did it eventually run to? I don't think we have all of them on catch up, just the early ones.
I am currently trying to catch up with the current Bake Off series - I'm up to week 5 but in real time they are up to 9 I think. I've even got my husband watching it (he has enjoyed the celebrity ones they did earlier this year and last year, especially the Derry Girls one, but until now he hasn't deigned to watch the real thing.)
I've also watched two of the three existing series of (Cormorant) Strike, which I've quite enjoyed. At least if you're watching rather than reading Rowling you don't have to put up with all the endless adverbs. (And yes, I do know I could not possibly write as well as she does, it's just my personal bugbear with all the Potter books...)
I know that everyone is sad that Sean Connery died, and of course it's sad - but he did not have a good record re his attitude to women. Having said earlier in his career that he would hit a woman if necessary, he was asked about that statement again fairly recently. This was his chance to say that his comment had been in the context of the times (not that that for one minute justified it) and that he would not say it now - instead of which he said that he stood by it.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, I gave up on trying to figure out posh British pronunciation after reading Nancy Mitford's essay. At one point she mentions a difference depending on whether you pronounced a certain word to rhyme with "pass" or "gas". Since to this crude American pass and gas rhyme with each other, I decided I was poorly equipped to deal with these subtleties.
I enjoyed the essay, though.
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The final scene at the dawn of 1960 is succeeded by a series of shots wrapping up the characters' stories:
Elizabeth passed in her sleep in 1963. Her chosen epitaph was "Life is a blessing. To die fulfilled an even greater one."
Roy was invaluable to Ash Park and to the Dawn Briggs Community Clinic, until his death in 1975.
Lucky yipped his last bark at age 17, head on Roy's lap.
Emma becomes an obstetrician. "She saved many, as her mother had not been saved."
Doris marries a new employee of Ash Park. "She had twenty married years, being loved as she deserved."
Leah marries Larry. Their daughter marries Frank Gibbs' son.
Jack and Carolyn are shown travelling to Burma. Carolyn later becomes Inverness's first female MP. Jack received an Order of Australia for his services to rural medicine. "They died within days of each other. Their loved indeed lasted forever."
Anna lived happily, but never remarried. "She had one daughter and many children -- born through her writing."
James and Olivia stayed close until his death from AIDS in 1986.
Georgie became a championship surfer, before joining James' business in Europe.
Andrew proved worthy of Olivia's love and they remain married until his death.
Henry and Harry remain together and marry each other in January 2018 after Australia legalizes same-sex marriage, both by then in their nineties.
George passes away at the age of eighty. "His whole life proved that decency is not a weakness." David became master of Ash Park.
The final scene is of Sarah's death at the age of 104, surrounded by David, Olivia, and Leah. On her nightstand is a copy of a book entitled A Place to Call Home, written by a Samantha Swanson, Andrew and Olivia's granddaughter.
Found this on Amazon - A Place to Call Home Hardcover – April 1, 1998 by Deborah Smith (Author)
https://www.amazon.com/Place-Call-Home-Deborah-Smith/dp/1568955480/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
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Through Amazon Prime (CBS All Access) I was able to watch "The Queen at 90".
Beautifully done portrait of a beautiful lady. I notice there were two of these documentaries, titled the same, but it looks like they will be a bit different. One is narrated by one of the women who was in Downtown Abbey. The other, kind of not narrated, but with William being interviewed; also Prince Edward and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex. Tons of good footage from when Queen Elizabeth was a young girl, right up through marriage to Phillip, Coronation and dozens of her at various celebrations, and functions. I was enthralled as I always am with programs about the Monarchy. It is a lovely, lovely piece and I do so hope you can get it on whatever networks to which you have access.
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Tomereader this past summer PBS here had a wonderful series on the Queen - it started before her father was made unexpectedly king and showed her early childhood and the year or so she and her sister stayed at Balmoral for safety till their parent allowed them to return to London when the war first started then all about her volunteer activity through the war, her meeting and marriage to Philip, the birth of their children and playing with them on the yacht, along streams and in fields at Balmoral, then videos of her official meetings, up to and including the death of Diane - I think there was even that famous shot of William and Kate wheeling their second child in a pram down a walk with Prince George holding his father's hand. There was so much that if I remember correctly it was done in two parts. I need to look now and find the documentaries you found on Amazon - just the thing to watch before Christmas takes over everything. I think we are all anxious for the Christmas season this year and I notice ads are already sprinkled all over TV.
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Barb, I think several of the clips you mentioned also appeared in this feature. As I said, there were two in the list of "The Queen at 90", plus some other docus re: queen, royals, etc. I haven't had the time to watch the 2nd one in the "90" set, or the others, but I'm sure I will at some point, as I love things like this about the Monarchy.
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The Queen at 90 is definitely on Amazon Prime, it's very good, isn't it? I saw it when it was on TV here and thought it was wonderful. I still have it on tape.
Two more days to The Crown!! Oh it should be wonderful. Charles Dance as Mountbatten and they say this is one of the best ones ever. Can't wait!!
I did watch the first Shakespeare and Hathaway 3 last night, not one of their best, but it was free on the BritXox Amazon thing, and I had struggled to watch it on that awful rogue site so this was much better. I know there are super episodes to come as I watched another one of them the same way. Just pure escapism.
I might watch the entire series over, I love the clever writing. The first episode of Season 3 excepted.
Rosemary, Portillo has stopped saying stop by stawp! I'm now in the 2013 episodes and he's changed his intro, doggone it, it was comforting. hahaha
I did watch Miss Fanny, on youtube, thank you. It was unfortunate as well, so I'm glad you mentioned the other things, cruel mean things she has done, because she herself on the one I watched was just that: unfortunate. It was an interview with Morley or More or somebody and she was...uh.... well.. there's no other word: unusual in her behavior.
I could not focus on the accent because of the way she acted, and at one point when surprised I swear she suddenly jolted forward and said crikey! But I could be wrong, there was a lot to try to take in. She thrashed herself about in her chair uncomfortably as if it were heated to 1000 degrees looking to the right and left and appealingly to the audience, was made up like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane or whatever that movie was, and in short acted like a parody of a "fishwife." I know that's harsh, and I am sorry, but I could not continue to watch her. I was embarrassed for her.
That's not my idea of posh but again, it made me realize that my ideas and reality are apparently not the same.
:)
Thinking of Charles Dance who says his background was definitely cockney, playing Mountbatten so beautifully, it's, if one wanted to get philosophical, interesting, isn't it? Acting, the ability to be somebody else so well it's hard to tell them apart. Makes you wonder about a lot of things, actually.
One of the things I like about the Portillo series is here we were today looking art a Steam Ferry in Scotland, which was thought up by a man who worked as a stone mason and then a millwright, and who came up with that brilliant idea...the show, to me, seems to cast a light on the inventive creative people who were not born to the aristocracy or the posh people, but who actually today are possibly more remembered, and who made a great deal of difference.
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Speaking of accents, today we are in Glasgow. Which set of mysteries is it which features a detective scornful of Glasgow. ...is it Agatha Raisin? Hamish MacBeth? Whoever it is the main character is really set against Glasgow and the Glaswegian accent. Today everybody that Michael Portillo spoke to had not only comprehensible remarks but they had a charming lilt to them as well. Of course Rick Steves had to do a mini film with closed captioning in his own inimitable style enjoying the fact that they need to be translated at first but then he felt he could understand, on the Glaswegian Accent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL1_d3Phr4E
I had to laugh out loud today, all this time one can't help noticing the beautiful planting in so many of the train stations we've seen along the way in the series. Well today there they were, in Scotland, those perfect ball like geraniums I like so much, in great profusion at the last stop along the way. Bright neon pink and foliage to die for. It must be the climate, but whatever it iS, it's just marvelous and definitely not hard to find there! Felt right at home. :)
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The 2nd episode of Shakespeare and Hathaway Season 3 was absolutely marvelous, the kind of thing you hope to see but rarely do and a stellar performance by the actor playing a washed up Keith Richards look alike, playing an old rocker with a mansion and a desire for a comeback who thinks the Devil has come for his payment. Absolutely up there with the best of them. David Schofield played the part and deserves an acting award for it. I like the humor in every program, too.
Now we're off in the 3rd episode...big country house, and a death at the party...hostess dancing with everybody else while husband has passed away in his chair.....can't wait to see how this one comes out.
A quick look at Netflix, still showing episode 10 of season 3 of The Crown, but a notice above it to "Watch Season 4 Now," but it's not working yet, perhaps tonight? Can't believe Gillian Anderson is playing Margaret Thatcher, I have been a total fan of hers since Bleak House.
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I look forward each week to what getup Sebastian will use - his charm adds so much to the duo
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Yes, it does. Unfortunately series 3 of Shakespeare and Hathaway is not particularly good so far. Episodes 4-6 I had to just omit. I think they need the original writers back. Lacking The Crown which said it would air at midnight, I watched Derry Girls and laughed my way to bed. Love that thing.
But The Crown is on today and I look forward tomorrow to some major watching. :)
It also appears Netflix has the new British Baking Show with Matt Lucas, it's nice to have a lot of stuff to look forward to!
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I hope you enjoy the new Bake Off Ginny, it is good and I like Matt Lucas - he’s a bit surreal like Noel Fielding, but he’s also very kind.
Barb - I meant to say before, thank you so much for all that information about A Place to Call Home, I found it very interesting.
Pat - I think you were perhaps referring to Nancy Mitford’s famous ‘U and non-U’ essay, in which she wrote about all the things - accents, pronounications, terms people use - that make them ‘one of us’ or ‘not one of us’. For example, posh people like her always say sofa, never couch or settee, they always say lavatory and never toilet, sitting room and not lounge, scullery and not utility room. There is a village called Gullane that the rest of us all pronounce as it looks, but they would call it Gillan - and they would be very proud of themselves for knowing that. It’s all very silly and divisive and yet another aspect of our appalling class system.
Ginny - I have never seen Shakespeare & Hathaway, though it is forever on one of our repeat channels like Drama, along with things like Rosemary and Thyme, Inspector Lynley, Pie in the Sky, Father Brown and so on. But, as you know, I do love the Derry Girls!
I don’t know which character decries Glasgow, I’ve seen neither Hamish McBeth nor Agatha Raisin. Most people in Edinburgh think Glasgow is beneath them. Edinburgh likes to think of itself as ‘old money’ - refined, posh and never showy. It regards Glasgow as full of new money, bling, big cars, etc. Both characterisations are of course sweeping generalisations - but.... ;D
Rosemary
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
|
_______________________________Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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Yes, Rosemary, that's the essay. It made quite a stir when it came out, and I think some of the U people were pretty annoyed that she described things so plainly. Since I'm on the sidelines, and don't have to live with the system, I can just be amused.
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Pat - your position is indeed the safest one to take re U/non-U - for people who care (not me) it's a minefield.
I forgot to mention (at least I think |I did ::)) that I am watching the DVD of the 2001 TV adaptation of The Cazalets (Elizabeth Jane Howard's books) and it is excellent. I put off watching it for months as some people gave it poor reviews, but I don't understand why they did, as it is very faithful to the original, and the acting is superb. Hugh Bonneville and Paul Rhys are especially good, and Nicola Redmond has just entered as the flamboyant, avant-garde, Hermione, old friend of Villy's and owner of a smart dress shop. Wonderful.
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Funny Rosemary - yes we all say sofa here however, a bathroom or ladies room used in public places however, not referred to as a lavatory much less toilet, sitting room or lounge - some even say potty in casual conversation. I think what you are calling a scullery or utility room is what we call a pantry that can store canned goods as well as cleaning supplies or the laundry room where the washer and dryer is located along with other home cleaning equipment. Again this may not be a national ID of indoor spaces but for sure they are how we here refer to these spaces and are used to describe these spaces by Realtors describing a home on the market.
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Now Ginny, and all who watch or are watching "The Crown" (I am on episode 3 already), pay close attention to how the actors manage so perfectly to project the "mannerisms" of all or most of the characters. Prince Charles, and his hands in jacket pockets, the downward tilt of his head. When you get to the "Diana" portion, she manages to capture the "look up under the eyebrows", head down, shy looking; totally the young Diana. Now for Margaret Thatcher...wow, Gillian managed to get that voice, the pinch-face, etc. right on the button. Also, I am so glad to see the writers/whoever, give some time to Princess Anne, about whom we know very little, except she is/was an excellent horsewoman. She also has/had a good sense of humor (according to the writers).
I have loved every season/every episode of The Crown, and am totally enjoying this one also. Prince Phillip can be a real horses rear-end in a great number of areas.
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Oh I love it. I love it. Am at the end of Episode 2. I won't say anything to spoil it for those who haven't seen it.
To me Gilligan Anderson steals the show but I've always been a fan.
LOVE Dennis Thatcher. What a hoot he is. There they are watching a hammer throw, she says what am I doing here, miles from Westminster, miles from reality in this.... and he drolly says "Half Scottish half Germanic cookoo land?"
hahaha I like Dennis.
And THEN she delivers an assessment of the Royal Family, to which he adds his own inimitable remarks. Fascinating and bold, I think, for a movie producer.
I have to say that I'm not sure the Royals are coming off as well in this one as in the past? (Thinking of the "Test," I felt quite sorry for her. They could have done that better, the only one coming off well was the Queen.) To me. Maybe I need to watch it again. IS this what they are really like?
As for Shy Di, yes the actors have them down perfectly, Camilla, perhaps not so well. Do you see just a hint, or is it only me, of calculation in those downward glances of Diana's? Again I don't think this should spoil it for anybody. We all know the story.
Can't wait to discuss it with you all.
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Ginny - I am not watching The Crown, though I intend to start right from the beginning soon - but, much as I have little patience with the royal family, I do sometimes feel that Camilla P-B is given an unduly hard time. She (like him) comes from a very traditional, hunting, shooting, fishing, stiff upper lip, background, and it's not her fault Charles married a naive virgin just to carry on the line of Windsor. She and Charles should have been allowed to marry in the first place, as usual it was the inner sanctum of royal courtiers, and no doubt some politicans at that time, who kept them apart. Many people here would say that Diana was pretty manipulative herself as time went by. I think it's important to realise that life in the royal enclave is not life as we know it; these people follow their own strange rules and traditions.
I'm not sure if I already said, but a couple of years ago at the Cathedral we hosted the premiere of a major new work by Paul Mealor for the commemoration of WWI, and Mrs P-B was the one sent to represent the Firm. I met her secretary several times before the event and she was extremely nice, said above all Mrs P-B did not want any special treatment, just an extra cushion for the back of her chair as she has spine problems. We asked what she would like to drink at the interval - 'oh she'll just have a Diet Coke' came the reply. I did not attend the event - I think I was away on holiday - but members of staff who did said she was great, did not want any fuss, insisted on going up at the end to thank all the musicians, etc before leaving.
Anyway, I don't think any of us will ever know what really goes on with that lot - so as you say, best just to watch and enjoy!
I am watching Season 5 of Line of Duty, which means I am exhausted every night by the sheer stress of it all. Thankfully there are only 6 episodes - though of course I'd really rather there were 60, it is so good.
Rosemary
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Have just watched Episode 5 and I think this new year's series is the best of all of them.
Lots of articles in the press about the fear that people will see it as a documentary. A lot of it is made up.
It's really hard to stop watching.
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Ginny - not having seen any of it, I had no idea it was made up! People here do indeed talk about it as though it is some sort of drama-documentary.
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Some of it is made up. Several articles on it in the British press about Fact or Fiction in Season 4. Most of them have spoilers, though. Nice article this morning on the intruder.
It's an artistic masterpiece, Season 4, with triumphal performances the like of which we've not seen in quite a while.
Am now in Episode 7, it just keeps getting better and better.
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British actors are sublime! In almost any genre. I watch a lot of the British mysteries, and am absolutely enthralled with their performances. "Unforgotten" a Masterpiece Mystery, which I have just finished watching all the way through for the second time. Nicola Walker (hope I got that right) simply boggles my mind. She was also in "River" another Masterpiece Mystery. "Last Tango in Halifax", too.
This "Crown" season 4, is ________fill in the blank. Ginny I think you said it well, artistic masterpiece. I know that at some point, I am going to have to buy the DVDs, so I can watch again and again. PBS will be pleased if they hear that! They already have Seasons 1, 2 and 3, so I will wait for the boxed set (hopefully).
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Tome - yes Nicola Walker, she is brilliant in everything she touches! Her co-star in Last Tango, Sarah Lancashire, is also highly esteemed here.
I think I too will end up having to get that boxed set of The Crown!
Rosemary
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Yay, Rosemarykaye. So glad I am not alone in appreciating Nicola Walker. Yes, brilliant would be a good word to describe her!
In watching so many of these shows from the U.K., you see actors that have had roles in numerous other series. Sometimes their makeup has almost made them unrecognizable in other series. It's like a lightbulb goes off in your head when you realize who they are, and what they performed in!
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Yes, we do that too - I'm forever saying 'Oh you know, that's thingy who was in - what was it called?' I think it must be age, as I remember my mother doing this and I would sigh in a superior manner and tell her it was X in Y. So there's karma for you....
The only encouraging thing is that now my husband does it too. He also spends days puzzling over the plots of Line of Duty. It comes to us all ;D
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I've finished the Crown reluctantly, it's very addictive and you can't stop watching. The entire Season 4 is worth watching again, too. And I may do that. You get quite caught up in it and perhaps miss some of the points. I am glad I'm not the one who has to choose which actress to nominate for Best Actress in any awards show. I predict it will sweep them all. As Simon Callow says in the Red Nose spoof of Downton Abbey: "Oscar, Oscar." I believe I'd nominate them all for every slot.
At any rate hopefully more of us can have watched it and can talk about it soon.
I think for me, if I had to pick out one scene, or one series of scenes, the "test" houseparty really set me back. Particularly the attitude of the group to the wounded stag. That I found hard to take. We have hunting here on our own property and I guess I have not spent enough time with some of those hunting but I do know my husband's take on a wounded animal, and I was quite.....really put off by the Royal Family at that point. And I'm still contemplating "Margaret Thatcher's" remarks about the group.
That said, now used to watching TV again, I taped Jurassic something Fallen World, made in 2018. This is, I think, the 4th and latest in the Jurassic Park franchise. And the farther it goes the less violent and horrifying it gets. I can't watch Jurassic Park, the original, it's too scary, and bloody, but Jurassic World, the sequel, and 2nd in the series, was really good, sort of a Disney World gone nuts, like WestWorld, but with redeeming values. This one is the 4th, but it's good entertainment and I enjoyed it a lot, even tho it's getting very Sci Fi, and scary but not the same as the first, and of course they left room for a sequel. The last 2 are something of a formula, but that makes it even more fun as it's not so unexpected.
I am reading about a rebuke from Paul Hollywood to the reaction of one of the bakers having been sent home on the new Great British Baking Show, pointing out that he and Prue are the ones tasting it and smelling it. Although Netfliz is showing photos of the new cast with Matt Lucas, I can't seem to find the new series. Perhaps once it's finished in the UK they will add it here.
I'm up to 2014 with Michael Portillo and today he's in a full kilt hahaha and in the highlands.
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If you'd be wantin' to see the Monarchy totally "trashed", go to Netflix and watch "The House of Windsor". It is a documentary, several episodes long. It begins with how the Windsor name came about. It has real film footage of King George, etc. Tells the tale of how they wanted to be rid of the Germanic name, Saxe-Coburg-Gota. The producers spend entirely too much time on the abdication of Edward, showing clips of he and Wallis throughout the entire series until you just want to scream. Later episodes, they keep comparing Prince Charles to Edward (David). When Diana appears, they portray her as scheming, conniving, self-promoting. The interviews with her private secretary are enlightening. Various historians, authors, Palace insiders, etc all put in their spin on the whole family. It is a very interesting series. If only they had left out about 15-20 clips and references to E&W. Everybody gets a proverbial "slap in the face", less so the Queen herself. They don't really trash Camilla but predominately Charles and his relationship to Camilla. Oh, the things we learn. Disheartening.
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Really? I don't actually WANT to see them trashed, because I admire the Queen, and was quite surprised at the subtlety used, but you have to admit the Houseparty ("Test") was not in their best interest.
I came IN to say that Yes, Neflix DOES have this year's new Best British Bake Off, it's Season 8, and Matt Lucas as Boris Johnson was priceless, that entire opening was priceless. Loved it!!
I could watch him do that all day.
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Almost through with the Great British Baking Show, enjoying it no end, love Matt Lucas, not too sure about some of the humor from both of the guys, perhaps a little too overt on the part of Noel, not sure that's needed, but maybe he can tone it down in future. Love the contestants, unfortunately do know who wins, but still want to see the end. Very much liking Prue this time, she seems more kindly for some strangle reason, always has something nice to say which nicely balances Paul Hollywood this time, I think the new team clicks nicely.
I, inspired, tried a new cake which totally failed, so I think I'll leave the fancy cooking to them. :)
Tomereader, when you said what you did above about The House of Windsor, is that the same thing as the Royal House of Windsor on Netflix?
If so I had been watching it. I love the archival film, particularly of George V. I do think the one commentator in the checkered shirt and the teeth, if you know who I mean, perhaps has a bit more snarky take on them than others, and I guess that's his job on the show, to say things in a gossipy fashion that nobody else but him can be blamed for? I need to go back and see who he actually IS? Some writer? But I am learning a lot I did not know, such as the Queen Mother thinking she'd stay on in the Palace and the conflicts therein with Philip.
I am enjoying it. As far as negativity, other than the above, it's nothing I didn't already know, but am not finished yet, and they could have been a lot worse on Queen Mary and Mountbatten and Edwina so far, too. Lots of film footage of Mountbatten, too. So interesting.
And what IS the American fascination with Royalty, anyway? Why do we care at all? There are other monarchies one could be interested in? None of them particularly speaking English as a first language, perhaps? The history, all that history going back and really celebrated?
Back with Shakespeare and Hathaway Season 3, episode 8 is a good one, enjoyed that no end. Very clever. None of them have met the challenge of Season 3 episode 2 however.
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People Magazine, on the other hand, has come out swinging about The Crown, saying, "Over the next few weeks a number of tiny lights will blink and go out on the satellite map of Windsor-worshipers. These dark spots will represent people disgusted by the royal family after watching the The Crown's devastating Season 4."
They liked Diana's portrayal, found Anderson's Thatcher, "the show makes her faintly ridiculous in her perpetual hectoring overdrive to reverse England's decline--Thatcher was about as ridiculous as a poll tax, but Anderson is entertaining."
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Ginny, from what you are saying above, this sounds very much like the one I watched, but I don't think it had the word "Royal" in front of House of Windsor. I will go back and check it out. However my Netflix seems to be on the fritz for some reason. It just won't load. Do you have any solution for that problem? I can still get my Amazon Prime channels though. So who knows???
I have started watching (Season 1, Episode 1) of "Virgin River" This is one my daughter recommended; she binged Season 1 and Season 2 and is grousing because Season 3 won't be on till late next year! I can't relay much info about it, as I'm only in the very beginning.
I found another "Scandinavian" mystery/police procedural that I am enjoying. I love the Scandi one as a lot of the language might have a couple or several English words in it, and along with the CC, makes it a lot easier to follow. Watched one years ago with an investigative reporter, female, can't think of the name of it, but it was very good. (Hey I don't even know if you care for mysteries.)
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I love mysteries! I will check that out, I loved the Denmark Beach House (which was not a mystery) one and in fact am going to watch it again. The CC does not bother me at all. Thanks for the recommendation.
I don't know about Netflix! Can you contact them? It's loading for me, however there may be an outage in your area. (In fact I thought perhaps the curse had spread as my son couldn't get the "hopper" to load and had to reset it). But it's working now.
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how do you reload the Hopper? I have that too could be part of my problem.
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They say you unplug it but we can't do that, it's behind the TV so you just turn it off and let it reset. Press the red button on the front and it will turn off and wait a minute or two and then turn it on again. It may take a while to reload. We have Joeys which are satellites of the Hopper and we hold the button down on them until it starts to reload, but I think for the Hopper you turn it off and wait a minute and then turn it back on. It will take a while to load back up.
If that does not work contact DISH or whoever you have your service with as they can fix it over the phone with directions.Happens to us all the time.
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Called my daughter, and she helped me re-set my Netflix account. Had to re-log in, with email, password and all. But, hey, it's working now. Thanks. I had reset my Hopper, but that didn't get Netflix back. All good now.
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Oh I'm glad!!! I was just worrying maybe with the Hopper one should hold until it starts back up too, and I had just gone to look it up when I saw your post, so I was worried and came here first. Not the world's gift to technology. hahaha
Thank goodness for children!! :)
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Well I finished Shakespeare and Hathaway Season 3 and enjoyed the last one, very clever, so a mixed bag for Season 3. Still think Episode 2 was the best. Am watching the Royal House of Windsor, now we've just had the Mountbatten murder with lovely footage of him prior to that with his grandchildren, lovely. Now Charles has asked Diana to marry him, and that's where I left off, thing seems to have a million episodes.
Am nearing the end of the Great British Bake Off, only a couple of episodes left.
And am now in 2014 with Michael Portillo and in London this series, I need to see how many more there are all told in the Great British Railways series, and how far that one goes.
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Good evening everyone,
It's turned very cold here (currently 37F) and many of the paths are very icy and slippy, but yesterday in particular was a beautiful day with bright sunshine, and we have had some really spectacular sunsets.
I have finally finished watching the latest Great British Bake Off. I felt the result was fair, though it was a bit of a knife edge - however, in common with just about half the country, I thought that some of the judges' earlier decisions were not the best - in particular, the third finalist did not merit that position nearly as much as some of the people who were booted out earlier. But I do completely agree with Paul Hollywood that the online hectoring of this contestant was dreadful and inexcusable. it's just a show! When you've watched the final let us know what you think Ginny.
I'm not quite sure what to watch now! Tried to get my husband to join me in watching the first series of Pose (which is on i-Player, and which I saw when it first came out here, but he didn't) - but he was not keen, so I will re-watch that by myself.
Last night we watched a one-off fly-on-the-wall documentary about a well known Brixton resident and reggae musician whose nickname is Blacker. He ran a famous Jamaican record shop for many years, and the documentary maker, who knew him, just went around recording the lives of his community over a year or so. Not long after the start of the recording, Blacker was sent to prison for money laundering, but the programme carried on, talking to his sister, his various children, his best friend (a former armed robber and now taxi driver!) and various other people in the area. Brixton is only a few miles from where I grew up; it was then a strongly West Indian area, with an amazing market selling all kinds of interesting Jamaican food. Nowadays the community still exists, but like most areas within easy reach of central London, it has been gentrified to a certain extent. Typically, the big old houses have been bought up and done up by young professionals, while the run down council estates have been left to rot. There is a lot of crime. It was very interesting to hear the black community talk about their families, their values and their traditions, which they felt their younger members did not respect. Blacker himself had sent his youngest son, and the son's mother, back to Jamaica as he felt he would have a better, more disciplined, education there.
I do, however, need a good series to get my teeth into.
The latest film version of David Copperfield is available on Prime too. My daughter gave it a good review, so I might try that.
I have never seen any of these royal family programmes you're all so keen on! In fact the only thing I have seen to do with them recently is Mr Trump laying into Meghan Markle, which seemed a bit harsh. She has recently spoken about a miscarriage she suffered in the summer, and although most people have praised her for airing what is a somewhat taboo subject, even here she has had people accusing her of attention-seeking. I don't know much about her, but she does seem genuinely to want to support other women.
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We too are in limbo on TV - lots of repeats and musicals - one of the annual fund raising drives on PBS has taken over all the time slots mostly with musicals that some they really reached back into their archives bringing out shows from the late 50s and early 60s - The entire day yesterday, over and over they showed the 4 hour documentary of the 25th Anniversary of Les Mis. So far their schedule does not show what will be shown when the fund drive is over.
As to movies - that is a total loss this year - not only are the theaters closed but covid has prevented new movies from being made - any theater that has tried to open only has old movies to show and no one wants to pay theater prices for what they can rent at home.
The other night I saw on TV a David Copperfield filmed in the 1930s and so even the TV stations are reaching into their archived grab bags. Thank goodness the holidays are with us because there are some holiday movies that are timeless and favorites. I look forward each year to It's A Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart and The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant and of course Charlie Brown's Christmas. The Grinch who stole Christmas has already played.
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Barb - I was just reading about Charlie Brown’s Christmas and The Bishop’s Wife, neither of which I have seen. The Bishop’s Wife is, I think, on Prime here at the moment - now that you’ve mentioned it I will make sure to watch it.
I do enjoy It’s A Wonderful Life and The Grinch.
Rosemary
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:) I think I am the only person on the planet who has never been able to sit through It's a Wonderful Life. I have tried many many times. Even the commercial with the little girl singsonging every time (something happens) an angel gets its wings sets my teeth on edge.
hahaha
David Copperfield was the first Dickens I ever read and I love it to this day. I'll look for the new movie, if we can get it.
I have arrived at THE episode of the Great British Bake Off. I am not sure how they made that decision, and I'm glad I didn't have to make it (or eat all that food up to it) but I don't understand how somebody could troll the person who did get in, instead. She did nothing, she was nothing but positive and supportive to the lady who was (trying not to reveal in case anybody else is watching it) let go. Perhaps, as you say, in the past, something different could have been done, and it was disappointing in a way as the one let go had been praised so much and consistently, but both appeared to be really strong contestants. I noticed that Prue said this group was way above the others in the past.
I actually had expected it to be finally between the one let go and the one who won, to be honest. I don't understand trolling at all and could not find any so hopefully it was removed. I did see people expressing sadness and disbelief but nothing against the one who was not let go ( and who did not win at the end), either. I don't think the lady in question, who stayed in, would have beaten the ultimate winner, but a bad day is a bad day and anybody can have one. I guess Dave was just too strong to have the two ladies at the end. Why not have all 4? What difference would it have made? Perhaps they can change that in future.
I expect that all of them will enjoy some fame from the experience. I hope so, anyway.
It also seems that my journey through Britain with Michael Portillo will come to an end with Season 10, though for some reason Amazon keeps searching for Season 11. So I have ordered his Continental Journeys which I hear is fabulous and so can continue there when this one is over.
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And yes, it's the Royal House of Windsor on Netflix and yes they are getting a bit tough on Diana, I put this down to Dr. Piers Brendan, Historian (checkered shirt and teeth)...
Another big thing in either the BBC or the Guardian today saying, the BBC needs to put This is a Fictional Account on top of Episode 4, of the Crown, was it SUCH a shock, then? Perhaps it's been so long that some had not heard the tale of Diana and Charles.
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Ginny, just a heads-up; I don't know what brand of TV you have, but my two are Samsung, and the fix of unplugging the TV itself worked on when Amazon starts interrupting, and the little circle spins, and then it comes back on after the Oops something happened message. Just leave TV off for a couple of minutes and when you re-plug, you quit getting the spinning circle and the "something happened" message.
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I'll remember that. I think all ours are LG, and I have seen that Amazon interrupting thing, so I'll remember that, thanks!
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I think the LG tvs were mentioned in that same fix, so good luck with it!
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Tomereader1, I get that on occasion too, but my TV is a Sony and my TV/Internet is through Comcast. Since my stuff is plugged into a power surge protector, I generally just shut it all off there which will reset both TV and internet modem. If it is just the computer and/or TV I often just hit the reset or power button on the modem. Every once in a while the bits of info get a glitch or "stuck" and that clears it all. If that doesn't work or it happens much too often it is time to check with the service company to do a line and equipment check at their end.
The cats and I have been watching the Tembe watering hole live stream lately. So far I've seen more than two dozen elephants at one time, at least three different kinds of antelope, three zebra, what looked like a small rhino, and last night I got a real treat: five giraffe, a lioness (radio collar tagged), a very large beetle, and a rabbit. Huh? A rabbit? I didn't know Africa had rabbits. This one had very long ears kind of like a jackrabbit. I felt a sorry for the lioness; she was alone and every once in a while would give a call and listen for an answer. She looked a bit sad to me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48MFrf5ADp8 Oh and birds, storks and pigeons (or doves) stand out the most.
In case I forgot to mention it, News of the World is set to release on Dec. 25. It is a great story. Tom Hanks should be great as the Captain.
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Frybabe, your Tembe live stream is a real find. I watched while eating breakfast, and mostly saw birds and some kind of antelope. It brings back some memories too. Eons ago, when we were still part of SeniorNet, one of the many discussions was a webcam of Pete's Pond in Botswana, with the comments of anyone who was watching. It was primitive compared to this site, but still fun.
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OH my WORD!! I LOVE the way you can go back? And see what all has come. There was nothing going on right now but I noticed it was close to the end in recording so I put it back!
OH my gosh, what a find! HERD of elephants at -9.8!!! Wildebeast? Before them. Young elephant chases animals with strange horns off.
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Yes, there is often something going on or something new. After dark there, say around 5pm give or take our time on the East Coast, the elephants are often back as are some of the antelope things (I really have to get a guide to the wildlife there). I forgot to mention the geese I saw the other day. It is interesting to watch how the animals interact, some keeping watch while others get some water. The giraffes are especially careful and extra alert. None of the animals make fast moves unless necessary, almost always slow and easy, checking the scenery all the while. There was one animal I couldn't make out clearly in the dark the other night, but I wonder if it was a small rhino. I haven't used the replay on this site, but I use it once in a while on the Streamtime Live sites along the St. Clair River.
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night in Africa and nothing was happening so I switched to Alaska and watched the bears fishing - they too are slow moving with a seagull looking out over the falls that is so still if you did not know any better you would think the gull was a statue.
forgot about these cams - I'm remembering having one near a Park Ranger's house in Yellowstone and one near one of the bridges in London - need to look and see what is currently being recorded - now they are so prevalent for security.
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Barb, I kept checking last night and not a thing was going on all night. In fact, when I got up this morning there were only birds about. By 5AM here, there were only a few antelopes and one elephant. Slow night after the entertainments of the last two. Spring must have sprung there because yesterday I watched four young antelope racing about and one pair horn sparring. The grass is getting greener.
I watched a clip of News of the World last night. Right off the bat I saw changes to the story as I remember it, and it is going to take a bit to get used to Tom Hanks' voice after hearing Grover Gardner's reading of the book. Sigh! Still want to see the movie though.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
|
_______________________________Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
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Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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Hanks is sure a box office draw - you always know it will be a good movie if he is in it. The premise of this one reminds me how many of us go kicking and screaming into the next phase of our lives - but then Dylan Thomas recommends we go kicking and screaming when it comes time to go into the good night.
I'm so close to finishing my big clear out that I am feeling conflicted trying to get ready for Christmas - still have about a third of the Kitchen to do that does include completely emptying the freezer and frig and in the house I still have the pantry to do - too cold to do the garage and tool room but I'm about half way with both of them - not really getting anything done - I want to finish but I also do not want Christmas to pass without spending time doing and decorating - I've only cleared out not deep cleaned - I want Christmas to wait till I am all finished - ah so and that is me kicking and screaming over having to decide how much to live for me and how much to live by the calendar and past traditions.
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On the Live Cam (I put this in the wrong place initially)
I don't think I know what I'm doing with it? For instance this morning when I grabbed the bar and ran it back to the night time, there were lions, at least 3 female ones or one and two younger cubs, frolicking about in the dark. It was at -4.33. But when I moved the actual bar back TO -4.33, they were not there at all?
Something recorded them? I am in doubt I know what I'm doing.
Last night I was looking for this and found another one which was showing a film (highlights) it said and it was an elephant, a young one I guess absolutely exulting in the water pond, a deeper one than shown here. He was under water totally and thrashing about with his or her trunk, just having the BEST adolescent time in the water until his mother? came down and stopped him. But it went on and on and I wish I had filmed it.
Such joy in an animal.
Oh and what is that constant clicking noise in the camera? Banging kind of something knocking on it? You'd think that would drive the animals off.
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I don't know what the clicking is either. Insects banging up against where the camera's sound pick-up? It sounds a lot like dripping water sometimes. I didn't see anything the last two nights there, except some antelopes off trotting past in the distance. They kept going and didn't stop at the watering hole. Last evening was good for ship watching. CG Neah Bay is at Algonac. She arrived night before last, tanked up and left by 8:15am yesterday morning. She wasn't gone long. By the time I checked back later, she was back and sitting in the middle of the river just off the ferry pier. I am kind of puzzled as to why she chose to sit in the middle of the river all night rather than dock again.
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Oh no, there's a boat one, too? This is the one with the deep water, called Watering Hole which has the film of elephants ducking down in deep water. But today it's not elephants, if you pull the ball back on the bottom which shows the progress of the film, if you get it back about 1/4" inch from the beginning it's film of the hippos there, an entire herd in the water. https://explore.org/livecams/african-wildlife/african-watering-hole-animal-camera I found it very interesting yesterday to watch the elephants try to get OUT of this deep pond.
I was going into Portillo withdrawal when I found 2 more series in this box I bought which I thought I had finished with, so I'm good for a while and the further he goes the more he involves himself gleefully in whatever he's doing. Such fun.
I finished the Royal Windsors, I am getting just a whiff of "Poor Charles," but more sympathy for him, too, I'm not sure where the truth lies, but this latest Crown Episode 4 is apparently really setting off the young people who had no idea of the issues.
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Ginny, the boat cam I mentioned is Streamtime Live's cam sites on the St. Clair River, a forty mile stretch between Lake st. Clair and Lake Huron. They have three cams stationed along the river. They also have a seaplane cam at Anchorage, AK. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtIIVfi-5tMlVXdMDzOMUA
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Ginny - I notice that with my daughters. All this royal family stuff is ancient history to them. My elder daughter was two years old when Diana was killed. I remember it because we had friends of my husband's family staying and for some logistical reason my husband had to sleep on the sofa (I think I had a child sleeping with me to free up beds) - when I came down to the sitting room in the early morning, David had put the TV on, and a newsreader was sitting there, flanked by lit candles. David said 'Diana and Dodi have been killed in a car crash in Paris' - neither of us is in the least royalist, but I still don't think either of us could quite believe it.
And to me, the issues with Princess Margaret's marriage and also the abdication of Edward VIII, also seemed like history, whereas of course my mother remembers them well. She even has a memory of old Queen Mary.
If people of the girls' generation are interested in anything, it is the treatment of Meghan Markle, which they find unforgiveable. I did not follow any of that stuff until one of my children told me all about the appaling things the lowbrow press were saying about her - I had a look at it then and it really was dreadful. These papers have totally polarised attitudes - Diana = saint, Meghan = witch. Of course they only write this stuff to fuel the flames in a certain sector of our society - I would say that most people I know have very little interest in it at all, but there are people for whom it is an obsession. I'm not surprised Meghan and Harry have gone to live elsewhere. For many of us in the UK (and perhaps especially in Scotland) the monarchy is past its sell-by date, but I know it is popular in other countries.
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Have to agree - to me the royals appear like fodder for the tabloid press no different than Hollywood personalities - after all that with Diana it was overkill with many books selling her out based on how well they touted they knew Diana - now I see headlines back as to Harry's biological father - to me there is no sorting it out anylonger - the queen's mother lived to her 100s and so I suspect so will Elizabeth which makes Charles a very old king - my instinct says it will be another 10 years making Charles in his 80s - not exactly an icon for the young - everyone in the press is out to make a name for themselves and so they seem to have influenced how the public views the royals, along with other national leader. Problem I see is once they have pulled down a leader they offer no replacement for national pride - I see it here in Austin - once pride of place goes folks become more insular and self-centered so that there is less community and less community volunteerism as well as, less care about public places - its like falling domino.
Has anyone read The Pickwick Papers? Finally saw the movie that was done as a series and when all is said and done I do not get the point of the story - seems like just a group of men who visit in each other's homes with something maybe about generosity and for sure one-up-man-ship - Compared to Charles Dickens other books it seemed less riveting and more about the mannerisms of the gentry with no explanation of where they receive their wealth that is the engine to their almost decadent lifestyle. I feel like I am missing something that went over my head.
I did not know but there is an illness called Pickwickian syndrome, that accompanies obesity, is some sort of blood disease that one symptom is sleeping all the time and named after Joe, the fat, red faced boy in The Pickwick Papers
I'm having the worst time this year figuring out my Christmas - I can see it had really been about family and traditions but now we are scattered and I can no longer do the traveling but then the grands are all on their own - I'm almost feeling annoyed - celebrating the day has interfered with my drive to clear out and then scrub from top to bottom this house -
Since Thanksgiving last week I feel I am being dragged into Christmas and not getting either done, either Christmas prep or my big clean out - I have an advent book that I've enjoyed for years filled with daily spiritual thoughts that even that has me feeling annoyed and I'm actually arguing with what I'm reading -
I've decided to spend one full week getting everything together that I would be devastated if I didn't do for the holiday and then never mind all the decorating - no one will be here - since I'm into this clearing and cleaning frenzy I've ordered myself my own Christmas present - one of those steam cleaners and I'll spend Christmas week steam cleaning - what a treat it will be to start the new year with a steam cleaned house, with windows that are cleaned from years and years of window wax - for now that brings a smile to my face far more than sitting down to a store purchased meal or watching on TV a Christmas special waiting for phone calls from family members or even this new zoom connection gathering - the knitting I started yesterday is not holding my interest and so rather than being annoyed with myself for feeling like Scrooge or the Grinch, I really have something that is exciting for me to look forward to. Heck once started I may just steam clean all the homes in Whoville
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Good for you Barb! Do what you want to do, not what others expect of you, or indeed what you expect of yourself. I have always felt irritated at the amount of my time Christmas has taken up, involving me in doing a whole lot of things I don't want to do. Yes, I am also a grinch, but it's really just like parties at any time of year, which I hate, and which people always tell me i will 'enjoy when you get there'. There are plenty of things I do like doing, they're just not the ones people think I should be doing!
I am looking forward to having more time to do what I want to do at Christmas (I'm sure my husband would say 'oh, not like every other day of the year then?'!!!) I have just ordered the Secret Santa present i have to do - the deadline was 19 December but for once I decided just to get it done and out of the way. All I have to do now is order a couple of things for my husband, and sort out what we will eat on Christmas day (I'm not even bothered about that, but he will be...)
It's a liberation for me, though I am truly sorry for all the people who want to meet up and can't.
Rosemary
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:) :-* tra la - we figured it out... 8)
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I think perhaps I get my grinch out by reading Mysteries and enjoying Scrooge for the umpteenth time because it does speak to that and quite frankly how anybody can watch that It's a Wonderful Life is beyond me. (I know, I know, EVERYBODY loves it but me). And these are stressful times. People are dying and still 10-11 months in, nobody seems to know what causes it, or how it's transmitted.
People are still washing groceries when they come into the house. They would not do that if there were no need or fear or any definitive knowledge of how it IS transmitted.. This or that authority says this or that but they are not the same. Yes the virus was found on that cruise ship railing 72 hours or days into it but was it viable? It's like the old polio scares.
Today in the grocery, the one I feel safest in, where everybody wears a mask, here was this woman who should know better, old, and that man over there, about 45 to name only two, and one employee in the produce department, mask-less. The 45 year old was bellowing cheerfully at the poor clerk masked and behind a plastic shield, not a face mask in sight on him or that other old woman pushing a cart, and they weren't the only ones.
I guess it's over? Somebody has waved a magic wand? You can TAKE those masks which Home Depot gives out FREE (and nobody wears in the store) and wash them, yes you really can, in antibiotic dishwashing detergent, kills 99.9 percent bacteria and the corona viruses (there are more than one), and put the darn things back on. There's no excuse not to wear a mask, and those "disposable" blue ones have been found floating in the ocean clogging it up. Crest Pro Health mouthwash will kill the virus in 30 seconds according to a hospital report in Wales (on the mouthwash with that particular ingredient, in this country it's Pro Health).
We all have things which comfort us, for me it's a good book and a fire, and on occasion, some Latin to read. I like Christmas because it's Christmas. I like seeing people happy, and singing joyful carols, but "Christmas" means different things to different people, so I figure if you take the good bits and enjoy those and enjoy making others feel good, and ignore the rest, the overwhelming demands, (and that's what they are) it's your choice. I have always been grateful that my husband's business did not require me to entertain. There's nothing worse to me than a cocktail party, small inane talk, and I haven't had to go to one in years and I have a pretty good idea that will continue. And it's OK. :)
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Ginny
(I know, I know, EVERYBODY loves it but me).
You're wrong, Ginny. Somehow I've never seen the movie, so I don't know if I like it or not.
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haha someone heard you Ginny or you are in the forefront of fashion - TV tonight a two-hour production of "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical!" filmed at the Troubadour Theater in London.
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It's a Wonderful Life was good the first time. I can re-watch some movies, but not that one.
For most people, there's no reason not to wear a mask. For some who say they can't, they probably should not be out and about then, given their health issues. My husband spent several years during the Bush administration involved in the Bird Flu, which our country took very seriously at the time. He also is on our county health committee He is adamant about the masks and staying a distance. There are places we do not go because the mask mandate is not enforced.
50 degrees and sunny today. Definitely not Christmas weather.
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Nlhome, you're so right about the masks. It's become obvious how important that is--our most powerful weapon at the moment.
A light frost here this morning, so maybe trying to work toward Christmas.
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I agree, totally, Nhome!
Barbara, I had just happened to look in when you posted that so I went to look, and there it was, looking to me like a new version of Cats on Steroids.
Nope nope nope hahahaa
Did you watch it?
Movie wise they are cranking them out, aren't they? I am now watching the rest of the Shakespeare and Hathaway season 3 to see what I skipped. They've lost the....vibe.....of the show except for 2 episodes, I think I'll go back and re watch it from season 1 to see the difference.
It's funny what you want to watch this time of year. And what you don't.
For some strange reason I became interested in the Bee Gees, whom I have not thought of for 40 years or more. I watched a biography of them. I had no idea that Barry Gibb was so angry about not being taken seriously, and I can see his point, actually. Four of the three brothers are deceased. One particular short thing on Youtube had them singing Jive Talking and the BASS by Maurice was incredible. I did not realize the Bass Guitar only had four strings. I learned a lot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oALKAh_bL5g
I also did not realize they wrote all their songs.
Anybody watching anything interesting?
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OH and in my never-ending quest for quality entertainment, it occurred to me that I had not seen an episode of Come Dine With Me (which Rosemary had recoiled from as if it were the plague earlier) hahaha, in a year or so, but the only versions I had seen were the early ones and if somebody was rude or whatnot, I'd turn it off.
Holy smoke, the ones out there now!!!!!!!! I like the narrator and I liked it when it was 4 or 5 earnest people cooking a meal and enjoying each other, not these people vying to see who can be the rudest, and/ or most hateful and obscene. It seems that nothing is off the table. Literally. What a MESS.
Can these people not SEE how they look? Maybe they are told to be rude?
I haven't made it through one episode yet. hahaha
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Nothing on TV - the last 2 weeks PBS has been having their fund drive and have shown hour and two hour specials of every 1970s singing group known to man - then this week every blessed show is a repeat - a few movies on the other channels but nothing to write home about - the best I saw over a week ago when they ran both Barbara Streisand movies about Fanny Brice and that same channel did Music Man which is still a delight after all these years - there is just nothing - a vast desert of nothingness - and these late night so called comics are as boring - even their guests connected from their homes are boring. They are either gritching about something or trying to be funny and it comes off as being silly.
Even Medici the online opportunity to see live symphonies, ballets, concerts is dull with either no audience or it is a repeat from past years. And so I've been enjoying and really have enjoyed silence or I play music from my collection of CDs. I do not even enjoy getting out - everyone with their masks and I cannot hear that well so I have no idea what they are saying - they do this pantomime to show me what they need me to know grrrr - obviously I am in a bad mood this evening
Downloaded a copy of Au Revoir, Tristesse: Lessons in Happiness from French Literature - interesting, a sort of memoir with commentary on a selection of French Lit and also his experience either having met the author or how he came to read the author - almost gossipy however, making his point about French, Joie de Vivre.
A quote he includes from André Gide caught my fancy - "Know that joy is rare, more difficult, and more beautiful than sadness. Once yo make this all-important discovery, you must embrace joy."
He also includes a bit about how until about 20 years ago we learned more about ourselves and human nature by reading novels - today the young do not read near the number of novels - they seem to learn how to negotiate life by looking up each feeling and hurdle in their lives by Googling the how, what, where, when - I agree, to me I see even my grands acting as if life is a malady that needs constant attention to cure even the usual and expected.
Hmm just dawned on me - I was taken with a repeat shown last night of Call the Midwife - the sisters were congregated to choose a new head - the discussion came around to doing what the order directed versus doing what each thinks is their best way to serve and the enlightened thought shared it was not so much a quarrel between an individual and the order but a quarrel within ourselves and seeing the quarrel as a path to growth as we each sort it out... I forget the exact words but the program does repeat this week and so I think I will listen again and see if I can jot down the words...
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Barb - we are promised a new series of Call the Midwife soon after Christmas, so that's something to look forward to.
And I know what you mean about going out. I am still enjoying walks in the countryside, either alone or with my friend Nancy, but going anywhere else is far too fraught.The grocery shopping I had to do in Westhill last week was such a terrible experience that I decided I am not going again till after Christmas - we can perfectly well manage with what the local Co-Op (teeny) and Spar have. I will however have to queue up at the post office to send a couple of parcels. I will take a book. I did enjoy the trip to the fish wholesalers that I mentioned in my laspt post in The Library, but that was fun, just about everywhere else is not.
Ginny - I do think the people on Come Dine With Me are probably told to be as outrageous as possible - unfortunately that seems to gain them more viewers. Another downside is, I think, that the more behaviour like this is seen on TV, the more people seem to find it acceptable to behave like this in real life. I do appreciate that the days of Celia Johnson in Brief Encounter are long gone, but (and I'm beginning to sound like my mother now, no doubt) it would be nice to see some decent behaviour for once. I was just listening to someone on the radio saying that it annoyed her when people dismissed books as 'twee' when they were often really referring to characters behaving honourably and taking other people's feelings into consideration. She's got a point.
I love the Bee Gees. I have a DVD (For One Night Only) of one of the last concerts they did together before Maurice died. I was really quite sad to realise that I would never see them perform live.
At the moment we are watching the DVD of Bleak House (made by the BBC maybe 15 years ago? Charles Dance wonderfully evil as Mr Tulkinghorn) - I've seen it but my husband hasn't, and I'm enjoying rewatching it as the acting is so good. Pauline Collins as Miss Flyte is brilliant, but Gillian Anderson is the outstanding actor as Lady Dedlock.
By myself I am watching the remake of Upstairs Downstairs, which I did not see at the time it came out in 2010. It is quite fun, especially as it has Keely Hawes as Lady Agnes Hallam, whose husband Lord Hallam is the new owner of the house in Eaton Square, and the wonderful Eileen Atkins as her indomitable mother-in-law. I thought it was sad to see Jean Marsh in it though, as although she knew her lines and did not falter, she seemed to me to be struggling and nothing like the Rose (Buck) she was in the original (which, incidentally, she and Atkins wrote.) I believe she had to leave the show later as she had a minor stroke.
On BBC Sounds I am listening to the audiobook of Wuthering Heights, but I have to say I find it hard work. All those Yorkshire accents, and everyone so moody and miserable. No wonder I've never got past the first chapter of the printed version.
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Oh I truly love that version of Bleak House!! I just found my DVD of it, too.
AND the Bee Gees, I missed them entirely for some reason.
I thought last night I wanted something different and watched the third Jurassic Park, called Jurassic Park III. Non stop screaming, running, horror. I mean non stop. I did get through it but it's not half as good as the one following it: Jurassic World, which seems to do more in the way of plot and character development though I have to say that Tea Leoni and William H. Macy did their best.
It was also short, about 1 hour. In looking for Macy's name I found a LOT Of discussion about it and how bad it was, including lots of questions as to why, here's one and the answer:
Is Jurassic Park 3 bad?
Jurassic Park III remains the only Jurassic Park movie without some form of human villain and it's easy to see why it hasn't happened again. Without another dimension of danger for the main characters going on, the premise can easily seem monotonous. Monotonous screaming running and dinosaurs smashing things and killing everybody, he means.
So I turned from it to The Great British Bake off, and went back to the first episodes for some civility and it was delightful. If your only problem is the braids on a loaf of bread, and you are kind and courteous, it makes very nice watching. No screaming or running.
I am glad you think so, too, about the behavior of the contestants on Come Dine With Me. I really thought on that last they had been coached to be as outre as possible. The young woman could not have been more nasty to everybody but when it came to her night and the "authentic" Mexican food, (for some reason she insisted she knew real Mexican food and had lived in Mexico 3 years, but her stuff was store bought as I recall and some kind of Mexican seasoning from a packet so that she could not name any of the spices, after criticizing everybody else: just awful. It was a caricature of what the program once was with outlandish behavior. And I'm off it for good. And I loved Dave Lamb's comments. I think the original premise was good, but I had only seen old reruns, and had no idea what it had morphed into. And I was initially surprised by your thought on it, thinking well I didn't see it as all that bad. I do now. Why would anybody want to be on it?
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Slowly wending my way through the Jurassic Park series, in #2, (can't watch #1 too scary) and this one is the same pattern, I am not sure why I like this repeated theme over and over, like Westworld (the Yul Brynner original) or R.U.R.. or I, Robot. I guess I like robots or half robots which go crazy.
As an anecdote am watching old I Love Lucy reruns on the We channel and enjoying them a lot, along with Caesar Millan, on the National Geographic Channel who deals with problem owners of dogs rather than the dogs, which he has no problem with, and does it brilliantly. Golly moses, some people put up with some absolutely awful dogs. Man has found his niche in life.
Then was very enthusiastic about Dr. Pol, a new series about a 77 year old veterinarian but there have been some protests by other vets and people about his not wearing the proper clothes, etc., type of anesthesia, all done on camera, and I don't know if there are two sides to this story or not.
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Aw, Ginny. The Jurassic Park series. Actually, in my estimation, the first Jurassic movie was the very best, and the others were wastes of my movie-watching time. Especially III. I tried watching it, but did not make it thru the entire thing. Do try to watch the first one...yes, I know it is scary, but to me, the way the movie is directed is the perfect definition of "edge of your seat". Starts off lulling you into a feeling of "oh, how enchanting" the visitors to the island finding the humongous prehistoric animals. Each segue brings its own build-up of impending terror, all the while telling an awesomely interesting story. I may just put my DVD of it on tonight.
My daughter, and several other people, count as a "Christmas Movies" - "Die Hard" #1, and the other one (#2?) where the plane is trying to land and running out of fuel, with other "action packed" happenings on the ground. I would never have put those in the Christmas Movie genre, but obviously there are possibly hundreds or more folks who tie them into that genre! But hey! I am an action movie junkie from the get-go. Give me the Bourne flicks, "Salt" "Shooter" and on and on. My late teens and into early adulthood, I was a "war movie" connoisseur, then came action movies and I found my niche. Enough about me. Enjoy whatever you like best!
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You're right, Tomereader, on the first Jurassic Park being the best. I think any movie which spawns 4 sequels has to have had something magic in it which people then want to revisit. III definitely doesn't have it, and neither does 2. But Jurassic World, I guess that's #4, does come closer, I think, better than its sequel... I just read that III was the only one with animatronic dinosaurs, they built those things instead of CGI and so forth.
I guess I could fast forward, but the first Jurassic Park engages you so that the scenes to me are terrifying. I even bought the book to try to control the horror and IT is scary too. Right away gory chomping. hahaha Kind of like The Shining, another really good book I can't watch, from the first moment Jack Nicholson looks in the mirror early on, I'm fumbling for the off button. hahaha, CHICKEN!
Talking about Christmas movies, I found myself trying to watch I Robot on youtube and thinking (the sound is awful) I need to get the DVD, that's another one nobody would think of at Christmas, robots in tunnels chase scene, jumping out of tractor trailers whose sides rise up. Will Smith.
I read somewhere the hottest thing this holiday season and in the pandemic as a whole is the Sopranos, believe it or not.
Talk about the plane running out of fuel, I thought the new Sherlock Holmes movie series with Benedict Cumberbach about the plane and the little girl was about as horrifying as one could imagine. I would say I don't know who thinks up these ideas but Mark Gatiss is behind some of the plots and I really like his work, but that thing is haunting...Little girl on a plane, everybody else is dead, plane is flying on auto pilot,she can't wake anybody up, talk about nightmares.
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And of course the little girl had to be helpless sheesh - no one had a cell that she could use to call for help so they could guide her what to do? grrr
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At the risk of raising the grumpy in us here is a link to Finney's version of Dickens Christmas Carol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BfCytGEGY&feature=youtu.be
and for good measure here is George W. Scott's version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaCEInK2Mb8
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Wow talk about a great Christmas gift - I had not heard - there will be a squeal to Downton Abby being filmed in 2021 - here is the skinny...
https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/downton-abbey-will-take-extra-precautions-for-maggie-smith-to-return-for-the-sequel.html/
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A sequel should set the Downton fans into great joy! I say go for it, if you've got the viewers and enthusiasm, why ever not!
On the Sherlock Holmes little girl and the airplane, the entire thing was bizarre, like a nightmare is. The "little girl" is now a grown woman so it took place sometime far in the past, before the time of cell phones working on planes. I think it was 2013 when the law allowed it, but you don't just turn it on, the last time I flew domestically and internationally (2019) you have to pay for that privilege and login, things a child couldn't do. That, however, only pertains to the airlines I have flown in, so it may be limited to them. I would say 30 years ago (in a conservative guess of the woman's age) it would not be possible.
Funny thing about nightmares, one is usually helpless, when you think about it.
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Probably so - I am just in a rant here of late at how many movies on TV are showing dependency rather than independence or at least groups of capable characters -
I think of the comics growing up with Archie and even Nancy Drew - it's where as kids we learned to be courageous, self-sufficient, loyal, capable, resourceful and now the mantra seems to be 'kids should be allowed to be kids' which I see too often as code for kids are safer being dependent -
With some watchers identifying with the kids it is all fine and dandy to be dependent until something happens and an adult or family member is not around - but more it sets kids up to become dependent adults - instead of going into a job bringing their skills and character to benefit the company they come dependent on the job for the safety and care of their being... Ah so... probably a topic of ethics and values - I just do not see the kind of character in most young people today as there was among those who for instance fought in WWII using their head, courage and initiative rather than acting as robots behind technical equipment.
hahaha all that from a TV show about a kid in an airplane - I just remember stories that had someone talking the kid down and rather than this nightmare to unsettle those watching the show the story could be infusing spunk, tapping their inner resourcefulness with just a few changes to the script
AS to Downton - one more chance to see Maggie Smith will be such a joy - she is such the actress but more, the part she plays and the one liners she has been given in this series are worth putting up with Cora - and now that Lady Edith is finally married she may show a very different side of her character.
Well with this monster cold front coming through I need to get busy and sock all the outside faucets and get the hoses into the garage and cut some of the herbs I hope to use - it is difficult to judge when it is warm just how cold it will be but they are saying here the last time we had such cold temps was 2012. We've been in the beginning stages of a drought again so the ground won't take the cold as easily - we may end up with a lot of snapped trees
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hahaha all that from a TV show about a kid in an airplane - I just remember stories that had someone talking the kid down and rather than this nightmare to unsettle those watching the show the story could be infusing spunk, tapping their inner resourcefulness with just a few changes to the script
I think the point was (I'm actually not sure what the point was, that thing was so bizarre and scary that I really sort of tuned in with half a mind, the woman grown is some kind of nut, she's so smart, an evil genius, it pulled out all the stops. Now that I pause to consider the MEANING of the scene, I don't know what it was.) But I THINK the point was this is quite a young child? 5? 4? And the horror of the helplessness, just horror really. I'm going to have to watch the awful thing again just to see what the POINT was! I was so shocked at the way it was filmed that I am not sure now. hahahaa
I'm turning into quite the scardey cat about some things on film, and when I think about it, it's the helpless ones, the guests fleeing from and being terrorized by the dinosaurs, the monster in the basement of the museum, the little girls on planes with everybody dead, hmmm.
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Funny thing about movies that appear scary - I remember as a kid everyone glued to the screen and silence as the scary part came and as a little kid, when I was still attending a movie with mostly my mom, sometimes mom and dad I would bury my head in their arm and ask them to tell me when the scary part was over - but later when I was older and went to the movies with the other kids, for some reason I would get real annoyed thinking it was a silly waste of story time where as I used to look forward to being scared riding the roller coaster -
One of the pages I follow on Tumblr has been including links to mostly obscure holiday films - one with a young Gregory Peck who was blown out to sea off New England - picked up by a ship and landed penniless in England and then two wealthy brothers spot him as their guinea pig to give him a million pound note - evidently it is a Mark Twain story - filmed in 1954
and yesterday she linked to a more modern movie - Ratatouille - cute - also reminded me just how often animals have been humanized - mixed bag on that one - so many adults who grew up surrounded by the humanization of animals have this bambi attitude without any knowledge of how to manage wildlife when natural predators are removed - I must say though I am a sucker for the likes of Wind in the Willows and Winnie the Pooh on film
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OK Barbara you're smarter than you know. hahaha There WAS a cell phone. I scanned the thing again, it 's called The Final Problem on Netflix and it's the Benedict Cumberbach one written by Mark Gattis.
It starts with this little girl who instead of being 4 or 5 looks at least 8 now that she's standing up, and the scene is the same. She gets up (spunk?) and walks down the aisle of the plane when she hears...wait for it.... a cell phone...... but that can't be, but it is....it's a nightmare.... and she picks it up, now looking at least 10 and says please help me etc., and the voice on the other end is Moriarty and the scene fades away to Sherlock's apartment and he and Mycroft and Dr. Watson are seconds from jumping out the window from a bomb blast which blows up their apartment.
I scanned forward and there are other flashback scenes to the plane, she's sitting up with the dead pilot watching London come closer and closer and Sherlock is anxious to help and is going to try to talk her down, but somehow it isn't her? It's a nightmare, an hallucination? Mind control? Apparently the idea is it's Euros, Sherlock's maniacal sister (none of the Homes family are normal) and it's somehow her ability to speak to him in a child's voice and...uh....create these dreams or his imagining of same so he can rescue her from being....lonely ? Or insane? It doesn't say how she is able to enter his dreams, if she has. I just watched the end of it, but it's HER, she's lost, and he is supposed to talk her down.
She's really criminally insane, and is therefore locked up, and I'm not going further as there are a LOT of revelations, lest it spoil the plot if somebody wants to know how the ends tie up (a lot of people have discussed this online) So there IS no little girl on the plane answering a cell phone for Pete's sake which has Moriarty on the other end. hahahaha
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well that sure puts a different twist on the whole thing doesn't it - still though my kick here of late is the dependency thing - I want to see folks roll up their sleeves and do something to make their life different or to make the best of what they have and where they are -
I'm sure the attitudes I'm observing about this covid thing is getting under my skin... Even my sister, with two degrees mistakenly believes, yes, believes that wearing a mask is protecting her rather than the other way around... with all the TV short documentaries showing the affect with and without a mask and how wearing one affects others and still there are people who are looking at the mask as if it were self-protection - I do think though there ought to be as many TV bits telling us how ti improve our immunity system and what to load up on that will help us.
Finished up that chit chat Christmas book with knitting as the center piece - surprise - it really was far more involved then the average chic read - notice Amazon Prime Book Bites or whatever that daily list of specials is called - anyhow they had two historical novels 'free' - one in Roman times and the other in Tudor times - I did not download either though - I have so many i have not read yet and the excerpts did not tickle my 'read me' button - What I did download is Murder at an Irish Christmas by Carlene O'Connor - evidently she writes many mysteries that take place in Ireland - Had not heard of her but this sounds interesting - my guess is and based on the cover it is a cozy - which is fine with me -
Cold front pushing through and so I covered my outside faucets and battened down for the cold just in time - thought we had till sometime tomorrow mid morning but nope it is barrelling through now - Had to go back out and turn the trash cans so the wind would not toss them - the lids were already blown back - tomorrow is trash pickup day. And so I can settle in tonight hearing the wind with a hot cup of chocolate and an Irish mystery...
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Well, that's just it. After a night of reflection one realizes that she was standing behind the pilot and totally helpless and Sherlock asks can you see anything and she says yes, a big wheel .....so they are barreling toward London at a high speed and increasingly low altitude and he is pacing and trying to talk calmly and you can see he's going to try to talk her down.
But the MIND boggles...what is she going to do, grab the pilot who is slumped forward, obstructing the controls and throw him out of the seat? Try to raise him up enough to sit in his lap? He looks a good sized man for a little girl to manhandle. It's brilliant in a way, it's that sort of nightmarish helplessness on the part of everybody: the girl, Sherlock, the pilot.... It's like despite the best of intentions and actions some things are simply not possible and that's what makes it a nightmare. It's brilliant, really, as a torture , and there's more than this one crisis. He has to choose whom to help on two different equally conflicting situations.
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On a brighter note I've been watching I Love Lucy reruns, believe it or not, they mentioned a date from the 50's, can it really be that old? At any rate it's a cute and funny 25 minutes if that. There's this ME channel running all the old things. Really old things. Some of them have not bridged the ages, not sure on the Honeymooners, never was comfortable with that pow right in the kisser stuff, but some are still light and funny entertainment. They have Dragnet and Green Acres and Gilligan's Island, and Andy Griffith, Columbo, The Waltons, and The Twilight Zone, among others.
In Edit: Yes, it is that old: "I Love Lucy is an American television sitcom that originally aired on CBS from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, with a total of 180 half-hour episodes spanning six seasons."
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Barbara...maybe your sister heard about masks protecting the wearer, too, from the CDC and NPR. "CDC now says masks protect wearers from Covid-19 - CNN
www.cnn.com/2020/11/10/health/masks-cdc-updated-guidance/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2020/11/10/health/masks-cdc-updated-guidance/index.html
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/11/11/933903848/wear-masks-to-protect-yourself-from-the-coronavirus-not-only-others-cdc-stresses
I don't really care what those who wear them believe...I'm just pleased they do. So many still don't here.
jane
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hmm Jane even the wearing of masks has become a controversy - sheesh - well we will get through this -
We're in lockdown again - I figured as much with the usual family holiday gatherings - thank God for Zoom - now that i have it, easily said - right - oh how quickly we take advantage and think everyone has the same -
I wear a mask in stores and the like because it is mandatory but frankly I am one of those who thinks this is all political when I see the percentage compared to population and so many shops and restaurants going out of business and how the many who protest in the streets do not get sick - none of it makes sense to me so I am riding along hanging on to the tail of a tiger and hope the tiger gets tired before too long...
Evidently big marches and major protests with thousands of doctors in the streets in covid hospital gear in Austria, Switzerland and Germany - so who knows any longer what is true and what is political
My nephew, his wife and their 5 year old just moved out of NY back to Texas because of all this and his wife, who is a nurse and was hired to nurse at one of Baylor, Scott and White new locations, was beside herself over the idea it would be mandatory to vaccinate their little one - she is in good company here since the entire state of Texas nurses refused the vaccine - what a mess -
I know i have not been able to tolerate a flu shot - I used to get ill each year - at first a day then two days with flu like symptoms - it turned out the dosage uses an egg base process and I am allergic to eggs which is probably why I was getting so ill - so now without any information made public about the process used for this vaccine I am not risking it - with my lungs I do not need a day or so of covid symptoms.
It is like the Sherlock movie you are describing Ginny - looking at the panel of knobs and buttons on a plane and having no clue what any of them do - knowing your life is dependent on making the right choice however, the pros guiding your choice all have a different opinion as to what knob to turn or pull or what button to mash down.
It appears all we have to watch on TV are old movies so I may as well chose from Amazon and watch what I missed or enjoyed the first time - here there is not even midnight mass on TV - NBC said they were going to broadcast but I guess they changed their minds --- looks like I will bring in Christmas by reading and listening to music - I've my candles and small tree also a stollen so what more could I ask for... Merry Christmas !
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(https://static.tumblr.com/b67e93f0a75a73ff33ba5481ab770a9b/uvqci04/aXNp4mdok/tumblr_static_e33sqhkrabk0scg4o0wk848ww.jpg)
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Oh my goodness Ginny, I remember that Sherlock episode now. I don't think I could watch it again, though I do think Mark Gatiss is a fabulous writer.
I've never watched Jurassic Park in any form. I am the opposite of you Tomereader, I hate anything scary, and I get more and more averse to it as I get older. Too much stress!
And I also remember watching I Love Lucy on TV as a child. I was not alive in 1957 so I suppose the UK TV channels, such as they were in those days, must've just repeated them ad nauseam. I enjoyed them at the time, though I would have had no idea how anyone in the US lived.
Barb - I take your point about dependency, but I think the problem is that films, TV programmes, etc simply cannot show children being independent and feisty because they would have endless grief from people telling them they must not entice children into dangerous situations. I suppose the world is a more dangerous place than it was in our childhoods, or even in my children's childhoods, but I also think there are some parents now who feel they have to protect their children from absolutely everything - they feel they have failed as parents if they don't remove every possible risk from their children's lives. I don't know quite why this is. Is it because they feel that the rest of their own lives are so out of their control? I do wonder then, how children's authors can write anything exciting - and I suppose that's why people like JK Rowling set their stories in fantasy lands, just as Enid Blyton set some of hers in boarding schools. Stories like E Nesbit's (The Railway Children, The Treasure Seekers) simply could not happen any more - children would never be allowed to get anywhere near a railway line (occasionally teenagers do, and with tragic results) and nor would they be allowed to roam around the London suburbs trying to devise ways to make money to help their widowed father manage the finances. The film Stand By Me is another one that could only happen in times past. If a group of boys disappeared on an expedition (let alone one to find a corpse!) now, the police would be looking for them in no time. (And remember the trek across the massive railway bridge, and what happens when the train appears round the corner?!!)
Compared to most parents of the time, my own were very over-protective - it did not do me any good at all, quite the opposite, and I have tried to be as hands-off as possible with my own. As I may have mentioned before, I used to get lots of flack from other mothers for letting my elder daughter, then aged about 7, walk home from school alone (she wanted to, I didn't make her!) This was two streets away, plenty of people around, and traffic lights at the one junction she had to cross. One mother actually came right out and informed me that Anna was 'much too young' to be trusted with this. (I still let her!) This woman's own boys could not have been trusted to wipe their own noses, but it depends so much on the child. Anna was always exceptionally independent, my others less so, though I still tried to encourage them to take the initiative, and now as adults I think this shows, they are able to make their own decisions, even though they sometimes flatter me by asking my opinion :)
Re the vaccine, I think everyone has to make their own mind up, but I just wanted to say that the BBC has a very informative Q & A thing on its website, and one of the questions was about the egg issue - they said that these new vaccines are not cultured in any egg products, so people who are allergic to eggs should not experience any problems. A friend who is a senior nurse at our hospital had her vaccine last week, and my ambulanceman son gets his on 7th January. He is not at all worried about it.
Masks have been mandatory here in shops, restaurants, etc and on public transport for some time. There is almost 100% compliance in my area.
Getting back to films, I have recorded the 1946 David Lean adapatation of Oliver Twist, and I see that Nicholas Nickleby will also be shown next week. I've never even read the latter, so I might watch this one too.
Rosemary
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Good to know about the eggless vaccines, RosemaryKaye. I developed an allergy to them a while back, so my doctor doesn't even give me a Tetanus booster anymore. Funny thing, though, I don't get a reaction to eating eggs.
The fifth season of The Expanse is available now on Amazon. I need to remember to watch Episode 4, which released on Wednesday. Otherwise, I've been pretty much sticking to skimming over YouTube goodies. I found some clips about how various musicians came up with lyrics for their songs. Here is an example, Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Si1718YxJC8 Another, this one is sad, about Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNPbavw50T8
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That Olive and Mabel mentioned in the Library is so cute, isn't it? It reminds me of our own black labs, we never had a yellow but they are wonderful dogs. I miss them sometimes. We are, for the first time in 53 years, without animals here, but I doubt we could handle one now, but they are such fun.
I've been watching a lot of Caesar Millan, the "Dog Whisperer" and he was in the UK for one segment to help dog owners there who I thought ordinarily had wonderful control over their dogs, apparently not, and it's interesting the changes he brings about.
He's on the National Geographic Channel here also with the Veterinarian Dr. Pol series which has some naysayers, that one is hard to watch sometimes. I couldn't be a Vet: too squeamish.
One thing I have noticed among UK black lab owners is their dogs have the most shining coats I've ever seen. They are marvels of what should be, anyway. Of course our dogs were primarily outside dogs, which does make a difference, (or that's my excuse, anyway). They are a happy long lived breed.
I am still having a daily does of Michael Portillo in the Great British Railways, but Youtube has his Season 11, November 2020, episode 1, if anybody would like to look at it while it's up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FE2bT2MT3sE
It's a lot different from what I've been watching, louder, brassier, more edgy, music is different, but he's right away on the Venerable Bede and is going into Scotland, so I'm looking forward to moving with the times as I'm still in 2015 now in the series.
This morning the Guardian ran a series on the most popular TV of the Pandemic, and there are two here I thought I'd look at, one on Netfilx, Selling Sunset, which I'm shocked to see is in it's 3rd year about the rich and famous of LA apparently, another reality show, don't know how far I'll get in it, and one called Ghosts which is apparently akin to Horrible Histories which I love and which is on BBC player which we do NOT get and it was in pursuit of it on youtube (not there) which led me to Great British Railways, which is apparently new. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/dec/25/from-jude-law-in-the-sea-to-bemused-vampires-readers-tv-hits-of-lockdown?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Othe
Rosemary, you asked somewhere about an interview you saw on Bleak House behind the scenes? No I don't have the Bleak House with the interviews, and I LOVE those extras, I must look and see where I can get one. I thought the background extras for the original Brideshead were about as interesting as anything I had ever seen.
I thought I had seen all the I Love Lucy episodes, as you say they were repeated for years, but I am finding I either missed a bunch of them or have no memory because some of them are new to me, anyway. At any rate it's the '50's in all its "innocence" portrayed which is so interesting, a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage. The Eisenhower years. Suburbia. There's also Dragnet which is surprisingly good. I may be awash in nostalgia.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
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_______________________________Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join in!
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Still watching I Love Lucy, for 24 minutes of happy upbeat laughter daily.
Also am watching interviews with Andre Leon Talley, the huge man who was with Vogue and Anna Wintour for so long and is in so many films on fashion. He has a new documentary on his life I'd like to see.
That led me to the documentary The Last Emperor, which is about the fashion designer Valentino, which is the first place I saw Talley, which is on youtube now under Valentino The Documentary, it's an extraordinary film, I think, so watched it yesterday.
I am such a Philistine, I was in Rome and very excited to see the new Ara Pacis, when his exhibition at the Ara Pacis was on, and I went there in great excitement only to see it full of his creations which I did not want to see initially, but the staging and the gowns themselves, such splendid things, won me over. What an amazing collection. There had also been a fashion show with runway and excitement was high. This is what was left after the show.
The gowns apparently are designed for those 6 feet tall with 18 inch waists, but they were truly spectacular. Let me see if I have any photos of same left, something has happened to my old photos.
They had the mannequins arranged as if they were attending a sacrifice at the Ara Pacis in Rome, and my poor little camera at the time could not get them all in:
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/ara%20pacis%20valentino.jpg)
Here's one I got close up: (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/ara2red.jpg) Pretty good shot for a tiny nothing camera, and it captures the stunning effect. (Anatomically the neck of that first mannequin is unlikely, perhaps?)
These last two are not mine, but you can see the full effect: (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/ara%20pacis%20valentino%202.jpg)
And the dresses were all colors as well, here are the black ones, stunning:
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/arapacis%20valentino%203.jpg)
And now I am SO glad I got to see it!
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What fabulous photos Ginny - I've sent them to my arty daughter, I'm sure she'll be interested.
I am still watching the new adaptation of Black Narcissus, being shown over three consecutive nights on BBC1. Gemma Aterton (who played head girl in the remake of St Trinians,!) is now the head nun at the remote Himalayan convent. Aisling Fraciosi is really excellent as the scary Sister Ruth. The scenery is of course spectacular, but you do wonder why anyone, even a nun, would foresake a relatively cushy number in Darjeeling and take themselves of to such a remote palace on top of a freezing cold mountain. It's all quite Gothic, with so much repressed sexuality that is no doubt about to explode in the final instalment.
I've never heard of Andre Leon Talley, but I have seen a documentary about life at the Vogue offices with Anna Wintour, and it seemed such a strange and pointless existence (though I do remember Meryl Streep's acerbic put down, in The Devil Wears Prada, when Anne Hathaway implied that fashion was hardly that important.)
I've only recently realised that YouTube has all this stuff on it - for years I thought it was just for music videos. I am such a dinosaur.
Rosemary
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Golly suddenly there is NOTHING on TV here. I don't think we get Black Narcissus and Netflix seems full of costume dramas which look about as appealing as that Selling Sunset which I can't deal with, at all. Talk about vapid shallow people.
You have to worry when I Love Lucy and Dragnet suddenly seem appealing!!
Ted Danson is in a new comedy this coming Thursday something about The Mayor. I really liked him in The Good Life I think it was called, what an innovative program. The Good Fight I thought for the first 3 years was very powerful TV, I wonder if there is a new season, I haven't seen anything about it.
But I now DO have my Charles Dance/ Gillian Anderson Bleak House extra disks, so will look forward to that. I love those takes by those who actually produce films. I thought the ones on Wolf Hall and the new Sherlock series were super. So MUCH time given to details and why they film what they do, and how. Why Wolf Hall is so dark, etc.
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Hi all. Happy New Year.
I watched the movie Unorthodox. It is quite interesting and a true story. Yesterday I watched a little bit of the Roman Empire. Seems to be interesting also, but bloody. Books: Caste and The Racketeer.
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Welcome, Latina90! I have heard of Unorthodox, thank you for mentioning it here.
Where did you see the Roman Empire one? On Netflix? Almost all the Hollywood Roman movies are bloody and way over the top. Unfortunately.
I have heard about Caste, did you like it? Come over to the Books section also and tell us about it: here's a link to the Library:
https://seniorlearn.org/forum/index.php?topic=881.msg401060#msg401060
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Tomereader, can you tell me whether what I'm reading is the same as the first movie Jurassic Park? I am seeing (and I'm no expert on the first Jurassic Park movie as you know) differences in the text, big ones, which make reading it for me an experience which is new. I'm really enjoying the book.
When they first go to the island, and are to have a tour, (and I can hear the music now) do you recall after they toured the labs, etc., (on foot?) that the small group of Dr. Grant and Ellie and Malcolm and the kids were told oh of course you can go see the Velicoraptors, it's just behind the building and they go out behind the building and while looking through an electric fence at ferns encounter an attack by these Velicoraptors slamming suddenly up against the electric fences, which was sudden and frightening?
I seem to recall in the movie version a slick like presentation where they entered a lecture type thing and then it spun them about on a tour immediately? I don't recall this small group venturing out because their guide suddenly had to attend to something? And they didn't walk through those labs did they? Weren't they taken there by this automated Disney type tour thing?
I seem to recall the appearance of the Velicoraptors came later on and was stunning as was their identification as such?
Or do I have the entire thing wrong?
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Hi everyone
It's freezing here, literally. Ice, ice all around, so very difficult to walk, but I have acquired some of those straps with studs on that you wrap round your boots, so today I slithered down to the river, and it was wonderful. Winter sunshine on the water, no ice on the river path itself - and I was rewarded by the sight of two herons AND an otter having a fish for his lunch on the far bank (must admit I wouldn't have seen the latter, but a very kind dog walker pointed it out to me.) Such richness!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos/all/gallery/_7PwKn6bT3Ssm-XKX_hPTw?pageIndex=0 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos/all/gallery/_7PwKn6bT3Ssm-XKX_hPTw?pageIndex=0)
Black Narcissus has finished - I wouldn't say it was 5* TV, but it was worth watching. Now I'm re-watching The Night Manager, which was made a few years ago and is being rerun on I-player, presumably to mark John Le Carre's death. Of course I can't remember most of what happens (was relieved when Madeleine, who watched it with me the first time, said she too could only recall the first and last scenes - and she has youth on her side...) so I am enjoying it just as much as I did before. Tom Hiddlestone, Tom Hollander, Hugh Laurie, and this time I am especially appreciating Olivia Colman's world-weary, unglamourous FCO officer Angela Burr - such a brilliant contrast to ultra-smooth ex-soldier Jonathan Pine (Hiddleston) and ultra-rich/evil arms dealer Richard Roper (Laurie.)
I've also just recorded the Kenneth Branagh remake of Murder on the Orient Express, of which I've heard mixed reports, and Nothing Like A Dame, which is a kind of 'fly-on-the-wall' meet up of Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright, filmed in 2019 - I have seen part of it before but would like to watch the whole thing.
And on BBC Sounds I'm listening to an ancient adaptation of Dorothy Sayers' Have His Carcase, with Ian Carmichael, who will always be Peter Wimsey for me, and Maria Aitken as Harriet Vane.
Hope you're all a bit warmer than I am!
Rosemary
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Sorry I still can't get these photos right. I thought you stuck the photo's URL between the two brackets that come up when you click on the little world icon, but that doesn't seem to have worked!
Hey ho.
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos/share/ZEz8vpj7dAbI6wZ1wjCOOCzLBGmwIgoBMZ0c2buYTVX
What a gorgeous scene, is that where you walked?
It doesn't want any brackets, it's fine as it is. The website will make it clickable. Apparently it's while you are actually viewing the photo that you copy that link.
I never heard of Amazon PHOTOS! Oh my goodness, isn't that gorgeous? And EXTREMELY cold looking!
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Yes, it's the walk I do almost every day beside the Dee - it was indeed very cold today, but here it is in August:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos/share/d2DXqRCGvn0jdNmstzbLnI96vhQ8chGlQl4e143evcY
I am enjoying looking back at the photos of the same location throughout the year - as I have probably already said on numerous occasions, 2020 made me so much more aware of the subtle changes in nature as the months passed.
I ignored Amazon Photos for ages, but it comes free with my Amazon Prime subscription, and offers unlimited photo storage, so I thought why not? I had been using Dropbox, but they have cut the amount of free storage they give you, and after that they just nag you endlessly to 'upgrade' ie pay for more. So to avoid that I was having periodically to move all my photos from Dropbox to the pictures file on my old laptop, and the storage on that wasn't great either, so then that started moaning! I've got far more storage on my new computer, but now that the photos all go automatically into Amazon Photos it's so much easier. You get the app on your phone (and any other device you want it on), then when I come back from a walk, I just open that app and the photos are uploaded and backed up. So far no complaints!
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Wonderful to see the river Rosemary - of course most attractive with leaves on the trees and blue water - but I'm betting up close there are delightful bits during the cold weather season - I'm also guessing the days are much shorter - I'm remembering way back in the 90s visiting London at Christmas time for a few years and was shocked that it was dark just after 4:00 - and so a bracing walk I'm imagining is the perfect thing to settle in afterwards in a cozy warm house.
I thought of you Ginny and the 12 days of Christmas when I came across this today...
(https://64.media.tumblr.com/ed37cfdb80ee834236ea6620f7783bea/1141c98ce13ffa82-8e/s640x960/5e68a2bed8c2035e3dfa9e31396a27e4fb9a29f5.jpg)
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Thanks Barb, and yes, we have very short days in winter and very long ones in summer.
At the moment here it is dark before 4, but in June it will be light till almost midnight, then light again before 4am. I like the summer but I can do without those very light mornings, as I sleep badly enough already, and no black-out blind keeps out all of the light, it gets round the edges whatever I do!
And I agree, there is always something to be seen in nature whatever the season. The gorse/bracken is in yellow flower again, which is strange as it flowered profusely in the summer, and I don't think this can be put down to climate change as it's barely above freezing here, even at noon, at the moment. Maybe it flowers twice a year? Must look that up!
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Ginny, I sent you a private message, but I got the message you had "blocked the message".
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Was it on this website? I haven't blocked anything but I don't get the messaging service here.
Let me email you so you'll have that address. Thank you for trying.
:)
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It was just a private message, yes, on this website. I thought I could go back and find what I had posted, but I'm not having any luck with that right now. I will reconstruct the message so you will know how the book/movie differ.
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Thank you, I really appreciate your doing that. I had forgotten about Malcolm and the getting out of the ride.
I had the BEST day today, I sat with the fake fire and did nothing but read all day long and am almost through Jurassic Park.
Do you recall at all any scene with Dr. Grant and the two kids in a raft?
The way the book is written is quite ingenious, it allows all the edge of your seat stuff but it explains it, I think, better, and it always has this dry scientific bent going on, which kind of allows you to be in control. I even got through Nedry's death which nearly gave me yearly nightmares, when I saw the movie. That actor was really good.
I have so enjoyed it. I've got Crichton's last here, it's also got a dinosaur on the cover, other people finished it for him after his death which doesn't sound promising, I'll try it next.
Pure escapism. :) Good thing, there is NOTHING here on TV.
Wow Rosemary, dark before 4 and light again before 4, that's a lot of darkness!
For some reason I always get "down" in February. It's usually everything budding here in February, I have no idea why. I'm going to adopt a project and stick TO it to see if that helps.
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February is also my down month Ginny - I did get one of those daylight lamps that is next to the computer which is next to my desk and that did help -
I notice our dry years when there is more sun it is not as bad but to take advantage I have to go at least into the backyard - but what really made a huge difference - started first week in February of 2019 and by the end of that week I felt the difference with energy and bright thoughts - complete change - I started a regime of Acetyl - L - Carnitine, Inositol, Magnesium and potassium - repeated the same thing this year and even though we were already staying at home for Covid the combo came through - only this time I was a regular, using this combo along with my other vitamin intake pretty much daily - what a relief -
February depression was getting out of hand and now with my combo regime I can keep myself active without feeling I am sluicing through wanting only to sleep.
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ginny, no scene with Grant and the kids in a raft. I don't even remember that from the book, but it has been years since I read it, although I watch it quite frequently. (Just wondering, where would they use a raft? Never showed any waterways, except when they were approaching the island in the chopper.)
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It appears there is a lot different actually. Definitely a river, and it's a long one, it runs the entire length of the park and they got on it on a raft at one of the feed supply places, and they themselves go down it 5 or 6 miles, and there's quite a bit of adventure on it with the TRex, it's quite exciting.
Now at the end Dr. Malcolm is lecturing us all on the earth, and science, and on and on, several pages of lecture that he (Crichton) feels is necessary, but it's OK, he's done a great job with the book and the somewhat sterile focus ON science is very helpful with all the dinosaurs and their killing sprees. In fact I love the charts about the electronic monitoring of the animals. I'm right at the end now, I wonder if he wrote a sequel.
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Barbara, I think that's good advice on the getting out in February. I found the last two times I went anywhere in February, for a weekend or when I went with the kids twice to Disney World, that I was surprised at how invigorated I was for the rest of the year because of it. Of course that is not going to happen this year. Maybe the getting out can take another form.
I also take a bucketload of vitamins and supplements and always have, since before my children were born. I already am taking potassium and Magnesium, what are these other things Acetyl - L - Carnitine, Inositol?
Whoop! Tomereader, Crichton DID write a sequel!!! He wrote Jurassic World, and that's my second favorite movie of the series. I just thought it was a movie, I didn't realize he wrote the book, too. I have ordered it. I do like to read a paperback rather than a screen. I feel like all I do is read screens.
I think when I'm through with him I'll reread some Peter Benchley (Jaws). Not to read Jaws but Beast, which I loved. He was a serious oceanographer and he wrote Beast and people laughed at him and he wasn't dead a month before one of the species washed up and people were astounded._Since then even bigger and more gigantic ones have been found.
Is anybody watching any of these new costume dramas? They seem suddenly to be everywhere. Are any of them any good?
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Ginny a friend, much younger, I think in her 40s - had a weight problem along with joint issues, lack of energy, allergies, migraines on and on - she found a program of vitamins that has made a huge difference - gave her energy and that started the ball rolling - Looking deeper into the program, it was built around these four vitamins and minerals - potassium, Magnesium, Acetyl - L - Carnitine, and Inositol -
Several of us decided to find the four minerals and vitamins separately and see if we could have similar success - well we did - I am the oldest but one is in her 70s, another just turned 60 and the other in her late 50s - we all had a brighter feeling when we woke up and that brighter feeling stayed with us during the day - 2 of us had a better night's sleep and we all had more energy so that we could get things done and Anna in her 70s started first walking and now she is jogging -
Separately the information about each sounds like - what?! Why? I am no longer a baby machine or I drink plenty of water etc etc. It appears there are additional benefits to the main benefits that most information lists and together something happens so that there is this positive affect - or at least there has been for the four of us.
For me if I do not take this combo for a couple of days I can really tell the difference - I start feeling almost depressed and weepy - I take the combo and within an hour I feel stable and the next day after the second round, I'm feeling all is right with the world again.
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Thank you. I was more interested in the chemical composition of what they are, I have to be careful what I take due to the meds I'm on.
It turns out that Acetyl - L - Carnitine is NAC. NAC is something that boosts immunity and that's something that my doctor said before he retired, take NAC. It would seem that NAC also affects blood tests on the liver and you need to tell them if you are taking it, if you have a blood test, so I take it on and off. I'm a little afraid of it and it stinks.
Inositol appears to be a cure all for anything that ails you, mental, physical or anything else. "Inositol might balance certain chemicals in the body to possibly help with mental conditions such as panic disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder." I don't have any of those that I know of. "It might also help insulin work better." And the list goes on and on. So does the list of side effects. Apparently no studies have been done on taking it more than a year. I might better leave that one to others. I appreciate it, though.
I am taking into account what you're saying, and how well it worked for others, though. Were they also on a multi supplement regimen to start with? I probably need to approach that last one with caution.
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Ginny, tonite on FX channel they are showing "Jurassic World". Is that the one you liked? I think I tried watching it before, but didn't strike me as being nearly as good as Jurassic Park. I'm spoiled, I guess. I've set my DVR to record it, and will give it another try. I can always "delete".
I saw the best program (which I had recorded) on PBS. It was a concert by Lea Salonga, filmed at the Sydney Opera House. I had no idea who she was, but is a Broadway musical star. She is very lovely, and has a voice that wows you. She is of Filipino heritage, and her brother, Gerard, conducted the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
I can't recall how long ago I recorded this, but maybe, knowing PBS, it will get a re-run. Hey, you may not even care about musical concerts. But I thought I'd just throw that out there. Somebody else here might see the post, and comment on the show, or be interested enough to look it up.
Let me know about Jurassic World (the movie).
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Saw this just in time!!!! 9 pm tonight! Got it!
No it's not as good as Jurassic World, because the original had the original concept, and was a really good movie, but I liked it as a sequel. That's Ron Howard's daughter, isn't she gorgeous!
Thank you so much!
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How did you like it?
Since I'm an early to bed type and turn into a pumpkin at 9 pm, I did enjoy it till 9:30. I'm very glad to have it again. Love the beginning and can't wait for the book.
I have seen Lea Salonga on you tube, and she has a glorious voice. There's a film of her and a young man from the audience doing a duet on youtube. There was another singer also I had never heard of till Freddie Mercury did a duet with her of the song "Barcelona." Her name was Montserrat Caballé. He had heard her in the opera and thought she had the most beautiful voice he had ever heard and insisted he sing with her.
She agreed if he would write a song about Barcelona and this is the result, the first pairing of a rock star and an opera singer. Pavarotti was incensed but the acclaim was incredible and he ended up doing it himself later on. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9vNiQ4AdJ8 It's not a very good film but you can get the idea.
There's also another wonderful film about them working on it and behind the scenes and how it came to be made. It's beautiful.
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Salonga says she always picks someone from the audience to sing a duet with her, and did so in this concert. A duet from the movie "Aladdin". He was so star-struck, but did a good job!
Monserrat Caballe, yes, is an opera star. Talk about your glorious voices! I will need to watch that YouTube a bit later.
Re: Jurassic World, I watched the first few minutes of it, but was stricken with a bout of ennui, which happens to me quite frequently nowadays, so I went to bed early too! I will watch this afternoon.
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Ginny, when I had my most recent eye procedure, the nurse of course sent me home with a list of instructions from the ophthalmologist that included a paragraph that he added because of COVID, advising Vitamin D (already taking) and NAC, for the immune system, for his patients. So I take that now, along with fish oil because of a dry eye condition. The thing about vitamins and supplements is that it's hard to prove they work, but who wants to stop taking them because they might?
I have never watched the entire Jurassic Park movie or read the book, but my husband appreciated them. You and Tome Reader have me interested in Lea Salonga, though.
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Tomereader, if you can get into it, tell us how you liked it. I know the first one is the only one for you (and it is good) so that might not happen but I really appreciate your telling me it was coming on!
Nlhome, do you take any particular kind of NAC? Is there some kind of ....slow release or coated tablets? Stuff smells really nasty.
I've always taken a lot of D but not too much. LACK of D apparently is a major issue, though.
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What is NAC? I thought I was familiar with the full spectrum of vitamins and supplements. Guess not! LOL
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ginny, I was awfullly busy today, and did not get into Jurassic World. Did you know that "Jurassic World -Fallen Kingdom" was on the same channel at 9:00 PM last night. It supposedly was filmed in 2018. I have no idea what time frame was for the other JW films; wait, I looked up one, Jurassic World was in 2015.
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I too have absolutely no idea what NAC is!
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Its whole name is N-Acetyl Cysteine, it is a supplement. Side effects can be: diarrhea, eye irritation, fatigue, nausea, skin rash, vomiting. Essential for Making the Powerful Antioxidant Glutathione. NAC is valued primarily for its role in antioxidant... 2. Helps With Detoxification to Prevent or Diminish Kidney and Liver Damage.
I Googled it.
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With those side effects, even if minor, I don't want anything to do with it.
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I have no side effects that stick out. I take a 500 mg. capsule daily with food, don't notice any smell. Take Vitamin D, drops rather than tablets. I take no regular prescriptions, so it's hard for me to remember so I have to leave them out on the table to remind me.
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I don't experience any side affects either - I think now days they list the possible side affects for every herb as well as most meds - the only supplement that has a negative affect for me is if I take more than one tablet of magnesium a day - if so I'm on the pot over and over and over however magnesium is so great for any pain especially arthritic pain - I did pickup some roll on athlete type magnesium that does wonders -
My guess is there are a few who react to herbs, supplements even prescription meds but for most of us it is only if we take more than the recommended dosage because for instance if you use safflower oil you are eating NAR however, most of us no longer fry our food much less use safflower oil - today more of us use olive oil which has other pluses and yep, if you look it up the side affects will be listed. No one wants a law suit and all it takes is one who has the funds to be persistent.
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Hahahaha Well my husband always said I had a nose like a bird dog. :)
Apparently some others have noticed things, too, though,
From the Internet:
This smells really bad like dead fish, is this normal? - Amazon ...
amazon ask › questions
The smell is 100% normal and from the sulfur in the NAC. NAC in its right dosage and potency should have a strong sulfur/rotten egg smell.
People also ask
Why does NAC smell bad?
The odor you smell is likely from the sulfur that is part of NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) — this is normal. This is discussed in the "What to Consider When Buying" section of our NAC Supplements Review.Jun 2, 2017
I've got the 500 mg ones, too,and I got them at Garner's Health Food store. They smell like poop to me. hahahaa Maybe I need to take them with food and that might make a difference.
Mine is listed as #3 in t his list of the top brands of NAC for 2021: https://topsupplements.com/Best-n-acetyl-l-cysteine-nac/?gclid=CjwKCAiAuoqABhAsEiwAdSkVVGhZ8wpXedBKg6VNIVDunq8QTjlJBZOcbgMvTAwPJ5A0k87Vmov5FxoCvjYQAvD_BwE
I will see if they have some encapsulated so as not to have to smell them.
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I have been hearing a lot about a new documentary called Some Kind of Heaven about a gigantic retirement community, called the Villages, a "Disneyland for Retirees"......have any of you heard of it? There are lots of reviews and articles about it like this one in the New York Times:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/movies/some-kind-of-heaven-review.html
The trailer is quite interesting:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmRnGHrjl1w
I don't know what to think about what I've seen of it so far. (Trailers and reviews). To me, something like that is intimidating. I didn't want to be a cheerleader when I was young, much less now.
In Edit: It's on Amazon Prime and you have pay to rent it because it's in theaters, but I think it's worth 6 bucks, and I really want to see what it's about. And it's a heck of a lot cheaper and safer than going to the movies.
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I’ve been to The Villages in Fl twice over the last 6-8 years when my sister rented a house there for a couple of months. You can see a lot of it, too, on You Tube where a couple talks about life there and gives the golf cart (main form of transportation inside the Villages) tours of the places.
I think it’s a love or hate kind of place...look at theYouTube for a look...and talk of rules, etc.
Jane
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On YouTube...the Villages Florida Newcomers
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I went back to smell my NAC. There is an odor of sulfur, but not all that strong. Mine are capsules. I take them with food.
I have a close friend who lives in The Villages. This was the year I was planning to visit, to see her and where she lives. My impression from her emails and conversations is it is a very insulated place, not particularly "homey". It's all older people, so "the sidewalks roll up at 9 p.m." or so. They play a lot of golf, cards and some other games. I think the draw is the climate, and for some, the taxes. It's in the middle of the state, not on the coast, so no beaches, etc. Of course, I'm not going there this year, and if I read between the lines, they are rather bored.
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My Mom was allergic to sulfer.
I remember her mentioning the Villages. It did not sound appealing to me who does not play golf and can't imagine playing cards day after day. For golfers, though, I imagine it is a big attractant.
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Well now THAT, Jane, was fascinating. And I see that Nlhome (I wish you had gotten to visit, I'd really like to hear what somebody from the outside thinks, and here's Frybabe, too, and Jane, who know about this place, and I had no idea). Never HEARD of it nor realized it was so huge. I did see the golf cart parades on TV in a political ad which did nothing for them, frankly, but I had no earthly idea how big it is.
We have Retirement Communities here as well, like everybody else, and some of them have the individual houses, etc., but nothing like this behemoth and it's building more. What is the attraction?
But Jane's recommendation of where to look was an eye opener and now I really don't know what to think. Jerry and Linda? I looked at their vlog is it on perspectives after one year...Rules, (which are nothing compared to what some people have here in some subdivisions which are NOT retirement communities, and which have a representative from the HOA who literally goes about in a car, trying to spot terrible issues such as a tomato planted in the back yard, believe it or not), and quite frankly this in one of those cookie cutter suburbs, I don't know why anybody puts up with it...but the unexpected expenses (Jerry and Linda reveal in a later little film that they have now been there 3 years), seem a bit strange.
I'm so taken with Jerry and Linda, particularity him, it's mesmerizing. Watch this and see what you think? "Things we don't like after living here one year:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LTglD_j6bY
They have now been there 3 years,they both seem to have changed in appearance, and they have a new one from 6 days ago (something about breaking the bubble, I haven't seen it yet) . I am finding it fascinating. It's like watching 7 UP, the British series in which Michael Apted (who just died) showed the difference the British educational system makes in people by following them every 7 years. Fascinating series.
But the commercial for the new movie on the place seems to show one continual life of opportunity for the elderly, sort of a Disneyland Cruise Ship sort of thing. Exactly like a cruise ship. With golf.
So I was surprised to see something which SEEMS? Different. Jerry reveals that he now has to pay 64 dollars..(a round?) , I don't play golf, is that 18 holes? Unless he plays the Executive? Hours which you get for living there, but apparently it's not the times you want. And then there are the Snowbirds who somehow manage to keep a full time regime fee membership and residence in the Villages and live somewhere else 6 months of the year and when they come it's hard to get in line anywhere, and everything is very crowded.
Are there no taxes in Florida? Is it a tax free zone?
So I still don't know what it costs to live there or the benefits. (There is another one on the prices done by somebody but I haven't watched it yet). I WAS startled to see Jerry say the house next door is 5 feet literally away from his, and on the other side it's not much farther. And she said that sometimes you need a GPS to get home because the houses are somewhat similar. Sounds exactly like the old Levittowns, so there must be....there MUST be something attractive which would lure such attractive intelligent NICE people there.
Then I watched a local repairman talking about how another resident had been scammed to paying 10 times more for attic insulation and an air purifier, outrageous, call him instead. So it appears maintenance is yours, too.
Then I watched another one about a man who appears very handsome, personable, and engaging, coming for his "Lifestyle Visit," and so far all the people we have gotten to meet, and residents here seem extremely nice courteous very attractive people whom you'd really like to know....
But the movie shows the other side apparently, featuring residents with other issues, drug addiction, loneliness, ...can you be unhappy in paradise?
Are the benefits the availability of interest groups, the ease of transportation to and from them by golf cart (are you not allowed a car?) and lots of people if you want them to be around? Are they going to take care of you if something happens? Some sort of tiers like they have here? Assisted Living, Memory Care, etc?
I guess my question after watching 3 films is WHY? I am so SLOW to comprehend things sometimes, particularly the motivations of others. WHY would one want to live there?
What do you think?
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Before my friend and her husband bought a place in The Villages (it is a house, has a yard of sorts), they rented places here and there in Florida. One place had rules that denim was not to be worn outside of the house, but people could sit in their driveways in lawn chairs but could not sit in lawn chairs outside the sun porch, which faced a golf course, because it didn't look good. I live in denim, so I told her if they bought there, I'd never be able to visit. They didn't think much of it either. One thing I am envious about, at least right now, is that she is planting flowers and setting out pansies and other blooms in pots. I am looking at snow falling.
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Hi all,
I haven't heard of The Villages, but I did see The Real Marigold on Tour, a series in which older celebrities visit various foreign countries to see how retired people live there. In one episode, they visited two retirement communities in Florida. The more upmarket of the two was very smart, but it was so sterile, and so 'perfect'. There were tons of rules, and everyone appeared to be very white, very rich and very conservative. There was a lot of support for your soon-to-be-ex-president.
One of the UK group was the actress Miriam Margoyles, who is very alternative and outspoken, so you can imagine how that went. I must say I would not have wanted to live there - it was fine if you subscribed to the same views and values as the other residents, and thought that gun ownership was a fine thing - whereas, I have mentioned before, to us in the UL it is such an alien concept. Only farmers, gamekeepers, criminals, and some specially trained police officers have guns here. Our police do not routinely carry firearms. Margoyles ended up in an argument about politics, and it became very clear that if you didn't fit in, you were unlikely to have a good experience there.
This is what the BBC website said:
'The famous four start their trip north of Orlando in Oak Run, an affordable community for 7,000 residents enjoying daily exercise, hundreds of clubs and weekly bingo. Keen to know the locals, Wayne (Sleep) decides to start a dance class, Rosemary (Shrager - well known TV cook) throws a party for the neighbours, and Miriam takes Bobby (George - darts champion) to the local gun shop, to learn that despite living in fortressed ‘Leisurevilles’, retirees are in fact their best customers.
The group’s second destination is an hour north of Miami. The Polo Club, marketed as the height of retired living and home to some of the richest senior citizens in the states, charges $85k per year to be a member. But arriving at their new luxury home soon divides opinion in the group, and their experience of what many residents here consider to be the idyllic lifestyle is not for everyone.
Barely an hour in to their stay a heated exchange ensues and Miriam learns that talking politics and real life with a bunch of blissfully happy retirees is never a good idea. Meanwhile, Rosemary is intrigued to know how the Polo Club members appear to look so young, and she decides to visit a local cosmetic surgeon in a bid to hold back the years.'
Even in sheltered housing developments in the UK (which usually have wardens, etc but nothing like the kind of facilities you mention), I have heard that the hidden extra expenses can be exorbitant. The most well known specialist company here is McCarthy and Stone - they do have a good name for the quality and design of their apartments and houses, but the costs are, I think, rather terrifying.
I do understand that these communities may make people feel safer, but I'm not sure that living exclusively with people just like oneself is a good idea. Wouldn't all your prejudices. preconceptions and fears simply become more and more entrenched? Whereas living in an area with a variety of age groups and lifestyles should surely keep the mind more open and engaged?
Rosemary
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another version of a retirement community is Sun City which is what we have in this area - located in Georgetown which is, now because of traffic, over a half hour north of Austin - to me crazy is that no youngster can stay overnight for I think 2 weeks which means no summer visits from one or more grands over the summer - seems like many prefer living among those who are similar in age regardless if they play golf or not - to each his own...
Yes, I can attest to how as we age we loose friend after friend on top of being less mobile but frankly I cannot imagine living where I do not see kids and no teenager I can hire to help with odds and ends -
Young man next door, who is now in his second year at UT still mows my lawn, on his own brings in and sets next to my garage door my trash cans, takes my vehicle around the block weekly to make sure the battery does not go down again. I prefer being as self sufficient as possible but he is willing to pickup my groceries and pickup my prescription that because of Covid they are delivered free - all that since he was in 7th grade plus I've got trick and treaters making that holiday fun and watch youngsters walking home from school and see Moms or Dads herding their little ones to the playground usually on the weekend. A walk or drive in the neighborhood and there is always a few high schoolers playing basketball in their driveway - it is full of life, energy, fun - nothing staid with quiet concentration to get it right while looking 'right'
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I think from what I can see that these retirement communities fill a need for those who have certain ideas about how they want to spend their "Golden Years," and the types of activities they want at hand and included with your "membership" in a place. Tennis, swimming, classes, driving golf carts to the grocery, activities, and people to do it with with a predicable manageable price, and perhaps not so much maintenance to take care of. People have different needs. If a person did not have these needs or desires they would not be there.
In the Margoles movie, which consists of two ladies, and two men, the first couple the two ladies meet explains that since they are alone in the world, everybody becomes your family and you are never alone, which is something a lot of people worry about as they age and friends die away etc. Obviously there is a lot to do and people to do it with. The ability to have choices of things to do, seems important to those of us a certain age.
I would think you'd also need to be gregarious, a person who likes being with people. Somewhere in this has to be the bit about if I can no longer continue as I am you are going to take care of me and I no longer need to worry about that part of it and live for today. If it's in Florida it's a tax situation, too, as the taxes are less.
I have started watching the Marigold on Tour Group and I'm afraid Rosemary is going to hate me but so far it's been a pretty negative experience.
The Retirement Community in the first stop in Florida seems modest, the houses are not expensive, large or elegant but many of these people have moved from houses that require services to keep up, due to their age anyway, and don't need so much floor space to clean. The neighbors are friendly.
I hate to say it but so far (and I'm not far in) my issue is with the "celebrities," themselves.
Here are some quotes from Miriam Margoles before they even get to the place:
"I know Florida- it has vulgarity stamped all over it, so I'm hoping I will learn something that will teach me how to enjoy it there...." That sounds hopeful , but...
I, on the other hand, am not sure I am seeing what you'd call restrained elegance in our group so far. I nearly turned it off. The mugging and loudness of the introduction reminded me of our own "celebrities" on tour, and quite frankly, Come Dine With Me Celebrities. hahahaha I guess once a celebrity always a celebrity?
And then one of the gentlemen (who haven't had much of a part yet), who seems very nice, cheerfully rolled back his suit sleeve to reveal a forearm pretty much encased in gold bangles, wristlets, bracelets, chains, I'd say easily 1/3rd maybe half of his forearm was ringed with gold, and he made the statement "I had better leave these off, here." Huh? I find myself confused on what vulgar is, again?
It would appear they have brought their ....prejudices with them? As they ride through a sort of cookie cutter neighborhood of moderately priced houses, there are American flags out on every mailbox and Margoles says "look at the flags, and then disgustedly, Oh God."
Says she is not sure how she'll get on, she doesn't care about plastic surgery or beauty. But once in the first small house where they are to stay she says,
"Looking around at this pretentious rabbit hutch there is no style, no taste..."
I am not sure that the celebrity ladies themselves exude taste or style or beauty, either. I'm going to have to rewind it to see what has been judged as pretension in those small barely furnished houses which I THINK are a shell which you are intended to put your own stamp and taste into. I could be wrong.
hmmmm
The lady who is a cook can't understand the need for a "Gated Community," and thinks anybody retiring at 55 has not got much of a life to start with, she thinks it's sad. She seems a nice person and ends that with "or am I being too judgmental?"
Possibly.
So there's definitely a cultural divide here.
I'm being catty. But I think when you start out with a critical attitude you are going to have a critical result. I realize from this that I am the opposite type of traveler, that I start any trip with way too much optimism...perhaps a little too childlike...perhaps naive. It's wonderful, to me. I like people whom others categorize as "characters," but sneering causes me to have to look at the person doing it a little more critically, myself.
Perhaps it will pick up. :)
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haha Ginny - of course I don't hate you!
Miriam Margolyes is and always has been a very provocative person. She was clearly chosen for this series for that very reason - I can't think of anyone in any of the other series of this programme that has been like her, many have been very open minded, really loved the places they visited and even considered moving to them. Margolyes is, I think, a good actress, and I recently heard her reading The Portrait of Lady on BBC Sounds and was amazed to discover that it was indeed her - she sounded so different from her usual persona. But she would be a nightmare to live with, anywhere! (She does in fact have a long term female partner and they seem very happy together - that's why she lives in Australia - her partner's nationality.)
I do agree with Barb though that living in a community where everyone was your own age and of similar means would, at least for me, be less than ideal. As Miss Jean Brodie famously said 'For those that like that sort of thing, that is the kind of thing they like' ;D
And I do think just about everyone I know would struggle with the gun culture in many parts of the US, it is just so different from our own public life (not that that doesn't have many, many issues.)
You also, I think, mentioned Rosemary Shrager (the cook). She reminds me so much of a rather posh friend of mine, Sarah, and I think they probably are, indeed, similar, in that they both speak before they think but actually have hearts of gold. Sarah is. surprisingly, very open-minded but she doesn't hold back from shouting her mouth off at times - when I first met her she annoyed me, but once I got to know her we got on like a house on fire. By contrast, I don't think Margolyes has a heart of gold at all.
I do understand your reaction to this lot, (I can't remember who the guy with the bangles was, but he's definitely not posh - was he a darts playing champion or something? I don't think he would be likely to go on about 'taste'!) If you can bear it, it might be worth finding one of the early series - the first one, I think had people in it who seriously investigated wherever it was they were visiting. And in the series (can't recall now which one it was) in which they went to India, they (mostly) adored the place.
I am such a stick in the mud I can't imagine retiring anywhere but Scotland. But I can see the advantages in living somewhere where everything like maintenance is taken care of - I suppose the ideal might be a small community like that which is also near other people and other types of housing, etc. My husband has a huge down on gated communities (there are hardly any here I think - except in very wealthy areas of London) but I imagine it does help to prevent burglaries, etc.
It all does so much depend on the kind of person you are and what you want, doesn't it? And I do know so many extremely elderly people who have refused point blank to move out of their no-longer-suitable homes, and are now at risk. My own in-laws left it far too late, then had to move straight into a care home, which they hated. If they could have been persuaded to move first into sheltered accommodation while they were still able to enjoy life, I think they would have had a much better time, but unfortunately my mother-in-law had a rigid and unassailable notion of what sheltered housing meant (ie she thought it was the worst kind of care home, despite numerous attempts to explain that it wasn't) and would not even go to have a look.
Anyway, sorry about Miriam M! They are series of this with more sensible participants! Series 4 had Susie Blake, who was already very into yoga and Buddhism, and absolutely adored India, also Henry Blofield (cricket commentator, who also loved it) and Zandra Rhodes - the fashion designer with the very exotic clothes and hair, who was also, I felt , a good and open-minded participant. The only really awful one in that was, in fact, Britt Ekland, not because she didn't like the place, I think she did, but she could nto stop talking about herself, and wanted to be the centre of attention at all times.
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:) Well the strangest thing happened. For some reason when I went to youtube it came up with a link to Miriam Margoles on some kind of talk show talking about her trip to America. So I watched it. She said she had lived in America 16 years in the past and that she thought the American Dream was dead, but pleasantly, and there was such a contrast between that woman, well dressed, pleasant, and congenial, and the one on the trip, I could hardly believe my eyes.
I think perhaps she was having a REALLY bad day when I saw her? But I think I'll pass on the rest of the series.
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Watched another episode of Poirot last night, the original series. It's interesting to see how the series originated and to watch the changes somewhat in the characters as the series progresses. In this age of sweats and comfy clothes ruling the world (which I am 100 percent in favor of) somehow it's lovely to see fussy Mr. Poirot and all the characters decked out in their best. Kind of like the 30's movies of the well dressed and fashionable while the rest of the world is in the Great Depression and couldn't care less what they had on. Or did they? Most of the movies of that period tend toward elegance and rich displays, aquacades, Billy Rose extravaganzas and Gatsby type scenarios.
I read one of those "inisider" books once by a stewardess and how they disdain people in sweats, etc., they just HATE to see somebody come aboard in sweats for some reason, but they do make some very nice warm exercise pants nowadays. I've read articles on will we go BACK ever? It's going to be interesting to see. I do think and always have, that hotels take one look and make a decision based on how you appear when you travel and how you act as well so far as the quality of the room you get (and there are websites devoted to the insider remarks of hotel staff, or there used to be before the pandemic). I learned a lot on them. I know I've been given some fabulous rooms, and have definitely left the sweats at home.
On the other hand, I look like the kitchen help compared to some people, so one wonders if one really DID "dress" for the "occasion" what one would be given??...Anyway, I wonder what the fashion trends will be when this is over.
Did you see that charming 80+ year old man and his sea shanties about the Covid vaccine? He's priceless. Nice to see some positivity lately.
For some reason, channel surfing last night I happened on a Will Smith sort of sci fi movie called Men in Black III which I could not tear self away from, so taped the last of it and then taped the first two also running. I like him, he's very personable and I did get his I, Robot, which is up next.
One is somewhat beginning to understand why kids like super heroes and these video games which allow them to deal vicariously with a world which seems sometimes out of control.
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I watched that episode of "Poirot" the other night. I like the originals more than the updated ones. And I do love Poirot's fussiness and finery.
I may have already asked, (if so, forgive my brain-drain), did you watch the PBS episodes about Agatha Christie?
"The Mind of Agatha Christie" and "Agatha Christie's England". Oh, what gorgeous cinematography in that last one.
There is a movie out now on Netflix (just started showing I think) "The Dig" with Ralph Fiennes, and for the life of me I can't put a name to the female lead. (I tuned in after they had shown the Cast info) I know I've seen her in other things, but she is so, so skinny in this one) I only watched the first few minutes, as it was nearing midnight when I switched on. So, that is my "to do" for today. I should set aside time to vacuum my living room, but "I'll think about that tomorrow" ! Anyway, I sidetracked myself, the premise is that she hires Fiennes to "dig" in the "mounds" that are on her property, she's not looking for buried treasure, but historically significant finds relating to the culture, etc. of whoever/whatever may be buried there.
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"The Dig" is quite wonderful! Should appeal to more than one of you on this forum! IMHO, what movies should be. Wonderful story line, accomplished actors who can carry off their roles, cinematography that embellishes the story line.
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Hi Tomereader - I haven't seen The Dig (we don't have Netflix) but it is proving very successful here. I think there's an article about it in this week's Radio Times.
I do often wonder if we should get Netflix, but we seem to have more than enough to watch already.
Rosemary
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And for frosting on the cake, it is a true story! (I'm sure some things embellished).
I was perusing our TV Weekly, which is sort of a local edition of TV Guide, and just looking through to see what would be on in the Sunday Afternoon time frame (since football --American football is over until the Super Bowl), and some of the channels we were enchanted with back when you had to get a humongous dish on your roof, have simply gone into idiocy. Like a slate of 5 or 6 continuous hours of "The Real Housewives of ______ (whatever city, NY, LA, Atlanta, Dallas), or same # of hours of Two and A Half Men. You get the idea of what I'm talking about. Time was Arts & Entertainment was actually A&E, History Channel, was actually History. (They still have a few good ones). Local TV is also a Wasteland, with so many "reality shows" which bear no resemblance to Reality. So, as far as I'm concerned, it is worth the addnl. expense to get Netflix or Amazon Prime Video if those are available. I am a Dish Network subscriber too, and of late, their programming has taken a real dive; With those same blocs of endless repetition, in shows that have reached their half-life already.
Enough of my rant about TV Programming. (Since we can't get out to the theatres, I guess we live with what we can find. A lot of my favorite regular shows have been showing re-runs, so I just turn the TV off and read, or play on the computer! By play, I mean visiting our SeniorLearn and Seniors&Friends forums to keep up with how our cyber-friends all over the U.S. and World are doing.
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I too noticed that Tomereader - nothing on PBS either except repeat after repeat - although, this new version of All Creatures Great and Small is turning out to be worth watching - the only one who to me is dull and not coming across is the actor who plays Herriot - another new one is a silly thing about a late nineteenth century women taking on her father's detective practice after he died and so, like you I'm reading - I've a bunch of movies bookmarked or whatever it is called on Amazon but have not felt like watching - I'm having more fun with my new steamer - yep, I succumbed - much slower doing carpets than if I rented one of the bigger steamers at the HEB but I'm having fun steaming window casings, mine are aluminum and steam cleaning windows etc.
I'm wondering if they are scraping the bottom of their inventory because covid has about stopped production of anything new - this whole isolation thing is getting us back to taking care of ourselves using our own skills that we had gotten away from - some are cooking after not having cooked a meal in years and I noticed many are at their sewing machines and others are using at home exercise equipment - now it looks like we will be entertaining ourselves like we did before TV.
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Barb - I really enjoyed the new All Creatures Great & Small too. The actor who plays Siegfried is Samuel West, he is the son of actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, both latterly of the canal boat programmes. I do think Samuel W gets into the role, in fact I soon enjoyed him just as much as the last one (was that Robert Hardy?). And when you get to the Christmas special, he is absolutely lovely.
The most recent series of both the Great British Bake Off and the Great Pottery Throwdown were filmed in a ‘bubble’ - all of the participants - judges, contestants, camera crew, directors, every single one - isolated in a hotel for the entire duration. The next, and much anticipated, series of Line of Duty has also been filmed in this way.
I’m afraid I just don’t have the skills to do any of those hobbies you mention. I do cook, but although I was quite interested in it many years ago, and we still always have an evening meal cooked from scratch, and never have takeaways or microwave dinners, these days I see it more as a chore than a pleasure. I also bake, and I don’t mind doing that, but again it’s not something I look forward to with excitement.
I do read however! And write. And as soon as the weather improves, I will be gardening - now that’s something that does float my boat. Yesterday my nearest supermarket had shelves and shelves of primulas reduced to £1 a tray. They were healthy and well established. I bought one tray and have planted two pots with them this morning, and it is so nice to have some colour on the front step again.
Rosemary
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Barb, I am also enjoying "All Creatures Great & Small", the new rendition. I had tried to watch the older ones, but was just terrifically bored, and barely got through 2 or 3 episodes. (I think the fact that it is filmed in HD, and fills the screen makes the series much more enjoyable.)
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Y'all were talking about "Dig" the other day and here is a good article and a preview of the movie
https://austin.culturemap.com/news/entertainment/01-29-21-archaeology-drama-the-dig-movie-review-austin/?utm_source=daily-digest&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website&mc_cid=a0b0e250b5&mc_eid=9c47c294d0#slide=0
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And I went in to find Dig last night and discovered Netflix was not connected but eventually Dish got it back up and running ( I have a new Shark robot Vacuum that needs 2.4 wi fi and I have 5 (but it's a choice)... so the first thing that came up was DIG and it looks wonderful, thank you so much!
History Channel, was actually History hhahah Tome, you're a hoot! And so true.
All these shows sound great. I had stopped watching the new Bake Off!! I must resume.
I saw as I said the last of Men in Black III and just had to see the beginning and it's on Dish On Demand and free so I watched it. I love the sweet little guy character. It's Sci Fi,though and not everybody likes that.
Rosemary, talking about gardening I received a rose in a gallon pot yesterday in the mail and it's in leaf and it's 20 degrees outside at night!! I don't know what they are thinking! So it's in my rolling iron plant rack which I absolutely love, I can bring in all the outside plants, it's wonderful. and BIG. Plenty of room for all plants. It's 72 inches tall. Shelves adjust, there are 4 of them. The plants love it too, I've got two orchids blooming on it, and another one opening up, and if you want to water them, you just wheel it up to the kitchen sink. It's about 6 feet long and about 3' deep and it's got rubber liners so no water drips. A heck of a lot better than trying to keep a greenhouse warm. Even the chickens hate the cold lately.
Barbara, thank you for the great article on The Dig!
Barb - I really enjoyed the new All Creatures Great & Small too. The actor who plays Siegfried is Samuel West, he is the son of actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales, both latterly of the canal boat programmes.
!!!! I did not know that!!!
Boy this discussion is a gold mine tonight!
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I really liked Men in Black III so when I finished that I started Men in Black I, there seem to be three sequels to it. I think the sequels are better made than the first one, but you need the first one to get oriented.
As I said I like Will Smith so have enjoyed it.
I continue to read nothing but good about The Dig, so will look forward to it, tonight. It's about Sutton Hoo, right? Very exciting to anticipate.
My DIL gave me a new book about Movies You Must See and why, and I thought what a good idea. They appear all old? And so I thought maybe we should form a Dinner and a Movie Club and watch one and then talk about it?
I tested out the blind opening of the book and hit on Citizen Kane. I never saw it and really dislike Orson Welles. I thought hmf. And I could not find it anywhere.
So I chose again and got The Third Man. Another Orson Welles and not able to find it at all except for pay on Amazon Prime. hmf.
I am assuming this is not a book of Orson Welles movies, but the premise might be fun?
When I was pregnant with my first child the local theater here did a Ladies Matinee, about 11 am, with free refreshments, nice doughnuts, etc., and an old movie and it was a lot of fun. I remember that and enjoyed it a lot.
Maybe we should replicate it? We could bring our own snacks. :)
Also continuing to enjoy the Poirot original series, very much.
I see The Crown is up for several Golden Globe awards, and I hope that Gillian Anderson can get one as well as the girl that played Diana (hopefully they are not put against each other), but I am chagrined that that's about the only one I actually have seen there. I have seen Shitts Creek, which is winning everything lately, and enjoyed it in the early years. I like Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara, and the whole cast , really. I love the Christopher Guest improv things, like Best in Show and Waiting for Guffman.
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Ginny - I know what you mean about plants being sold at this time of year. Our local store already has roses and hibiscus on the shelves. I wondered about the hibiscus, but luckily I consulted daughter, who reminded me that I already have one on the deck in Edinburgh (ie 100+ miles south of here) and even that is apparently 'not looking very well'....I will have to wait and hope that they still have them a bit later in spring. All of our garden centres are closed, the only places we can buy plants are supermarkets and discount stores, or online, and I'm a bit nervous about the latter as I like to see the plants first - but Madeleine also says that she ordered many plants last summer and was pleased with the results.
I might be up for watching a film then discussing it - do we want to do this people? Not keen on sci-fi, violence or fantasy, but Ok with just about anything else.
I saw a new challenge on Facebook - you only have to do one section of it at a time, and although they called it a 28 day challenge, you don't really have to stick to the rules. I will try to post it:(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EthtqUEXcAEZuaZ?format=jpg&name=small)
If that doesn't work I'll try something else...
Rosemary
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Am just about finished watching "The Good Fight" which Ginny mentioned here ages ago. I also rewatched "The Good Wife" for ages, which I enjoyed but it got a bit boring and slowed down when they dwelled too much on her romantic problems. I guess I like a nice fast pace!
The Good Fight is really political and is very interesting to watch now, with the benefit of hindsight, as it starts at the beginning of the Trump administration. I didn't actually realise at the time, living here in the South, how very very negatively he was viewed elsewhere!
My favourite episode though, is when Christine Baransky wakes up in an alternative reality and Hilary is President. Things turn out not as wonderfully as she was expecting.
I now need another long series
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I don't think I've seen that one, with Hilary as President, is that a new series? I really think the first series is wonderful and Delroy Lindo should have gotten an award. Christine Baransky is great, isn't she? I'm glad you liked it.
Rosemary, that looks like a great list. I'll put it in the heading of the Library.
I'm not sure we have any takers for the Lunch and a Movie idea but I'm totally with you on the violence exclusion!
:)
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Oh I've just started The Dig on Netflix! Absolutely love it!
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Well it could be just you and I Ginny!
A friend tweeted yesterday that she and her husband are having fortnightly ‘matinee afternoons’ - before the pandemic, several cinemas used to do these seniors’ afternoons - you got cheaper tickers and tea/coffee/biscuits beforehand (or it might have been afterwards, needless to say I can’t remember...). So they decided to recreate this. They watch a film on TV and have ice cream (or cake) in the ‘interlude’, ie the adverts. I do think this is a good idea, as I always feel so guilty watching TV in the daytime (my mother still can’t bring herself to do it) and as a result I have lots of films - both DVDs and recorded from the TV - that I am never going to get to watch because by the time I sit down after dinner I know I won’t stay awake for 2-3 hours.
I’d never be able to get David to take part in this - he’s working all week then at the weekend he has to be Doing, and will only watch TV in the late evenings.
See what you think - is two people is too small an audience, no worries.
Thanks for posting the challenge. I’ve done the first four days now. My answers were:
1 - (the best book you read in 2020) - of course I couldn’t pick just one, so I chose three:
The Village by Marghanita Laski
Joan Smokes by Angela Mayer
O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker
2 - (a book you have read multiple times) - again three I’m afraid:
Excellent Women by Barbara Pym
Some Tame Gazelle by Barbara Pym
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
3 - (your favourite series) - another three:
The Starbridge novels by Susan Howatch
A Dance to the Music of Time by Anthony Powell
The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard
4 - (a book you thought you wouldn’t like) - only two this time!
Mr Todd’s Reckoning by Iain Maitland
The Last Hillwalker by John D Burns
Today it is ‘your favourite author’ and I’m still thinking about that.
Ginny, I’ve just realised I should have posted this in the Library rather than here. Is there an easy way of moving it? Should I just try to copy and paste?
I finished the DVD of The Camomile Lawn last night. I feel a bit bereft now and need to find another DVD out of the many that David would not want to watch (as he’s away till next weekend.)
Rosemary
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Well I AM IN! Two is not too few!! We will promote this and YOU in honor of your great attitude, get to pick the first movie!!
I'm afraid you will have to copy it and I STILL need to paste your questions in the heading, (In Edit: Done) so we both need to do some editing here.
I LOVE this: A friend tweeted yesterday that she and her husband are having fortnightly ‘matinee afternoons’ - before the pandemic, several cinemas used to do these seniors’ afternoons - you got cheaper tickers and tea/coffee/biscuits beforehand (or it might have been afterwards, needless to say I can’t remember...). So they decided to recreate this. They watch a film on TV and have ice cream (or cake) in the ‘interlude’, ie the adverts. I do think this is a good idea, as I always feel so guilty watching TV in the daytime (my mother still can’t bring herself to do it) and as a result I have lots of films - both DVDs and recorded from the TV - that I am never going to get to watch because by the time I sit down after dinner I know I won’t stay awake for 2-3 hours.
Why not? Whyever not? Why can't you enjoy yourselves in an humble way?
I'm in!
YOU to pick the first movie, me to publicize it, I'll ask Jane for a Newsline, she's so good at that, and when will we start, we all (all 2 of us) need time to find it, get it, and see it. I suppose it needs to be on Youtube, so we can ALL see it.
And let's set the starting day a week or so off and the day of discussing to be.....?
And I will bring sinfully fattening refreshments. I may even go out and buy a doughnut.
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In other news, till we get our Matinee up and running, (thank you Jane for the great Newsline ad!) , for fans of The Dig, last night I watched a documentary on it in the Secrets of the Lost series and we got to see the actual Mrs. Pretty and the archaeologist, and it was fascinating. It was first broadcast on December 20, 2020 and it's called Secrets of the Lost: Treasures of the Warrior King. If they are rerunning it now it's possible it might be seen, it was excellent! It IS available on you tube, but you have to pay for it and I don't know how much it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z8_gShWDkQ
But I will say that I would love to hear an opinion of the totally over the top professor who occasionally narrates the thing. I won't be cruel but I'd like to hear an opinion.
If one does not care to pay, there ARE some background series from the British Museum and also the National Trust which are great:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZaK78BWeO0&list=PLX_8AEtlB_KHREwHHlN6caI4bH2lB6QEq
I just love The Dig.
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Trailer for The Dig: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZQz0rkNajo
Excellent 6 minute short documentary on The Dig showing the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_POvnICuj4
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I'd like to say I'm in, but I don't really watch movies that often. Even so, every once in a while I come across one that catches my interest, so I will be lurking.
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OH wonderful!! So glad to have you, lurking or not! We'll need plenty of notice for each movie and plenty of time to see it, I think before we meet to chat over it.
I'm kind of anticipating a laid back fun atmosphere, just as we'd do in person, not a film criticism thing, just our off the top of our heads thoughts on it. At least that's what I'm going to do, everybody can do their own thing.
At the grocery last Friday I did pause over the sinful refreshments aisle (one of many) in anticipation. I actually came home with a small slice of...hold on...Carrot Cake Fudge. What on earth can that be? I am afraid to look at the calories, it's decorated on top with the frosting and icing decorated small carrots of a carrot cake but it's fudge. Maybe we should do a bet on the calories per chunk? Anybody want to bet it's filthy tasting? hahaha
OH and they would have, back in the day, a Win a Prize, I seem to recall they had take a number and win a prize but I never won one (bag of popcorn or something). Back in the day when things were low key and fun.
hahahaa Anyway fun and normal, and low key, that's what we need.
(I never recall worrying about those doughnuts they had at the real Ladies Matinees.)
SO glad to see you here!
:)
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I finished The Dig in tears. Wonderful wonderful movie. Just wonderful. The paperback novel came of The Dig and I can't wait to begin.
I wanted something fun and silly so turned to Derry Girls which was an absolute hoot. I will be forever grateful to Rosemary for suggesting it. I think I will start over with it from the beginning of the first series when this one runs out. This is the second series which so far has been something else! I nearly fell over when they all started doing the "Rock the Boat," I had no IDEA it was a thing in Ireland, I thought it was something from my own childhood on the Jersey Shore, boy was I wrong. It was a group in California which did it originally but I think our local DJ's (that would include Dick Clark and Bandstand) took it over. That is just amazing. Then I watched the cast of Derry Girls in a Great British Bake Off Holiday Festival, they were cute. The casting on that show is perfect.
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I do so love Derry Girls!
Next month I am planning to take part in Read Ireland, which is an annual thing run by a blogger I know. It’s very informal - you read any book by an Irish author, review it, and send her the link - she collates them all. Some people read lots, I just about manage one. I’ve bought Marian Keyes’ Watermelon - I wasn’t too thrilled with the only other Keyes I’ve read, The Mystery of Mercy Close, but I’ve seen so many people raving about Watermelon that i thought I’d give it a go.
But the reason I’m posting this here (yes there is a point...eventually) is that the blogger also suggests doing anything Irish-related - make soda bread, read Seamus Heaney, watch an Irish film, etc - or ‘why not rewatch Derry Girls?’
Well why not indeed? So that will be my March treat.
And I can’t remember if you get the Great Pottery Throwdown in the US, but the new host is none other than Siobhan McSweeny (the headmistress in Derry Girls) who is absolutely brilliant, far far better than any of their previous people - it would be worth watching it just for her, though it’s a great show anyway.
I’ve also just started watching a new crime serial set in Northern Ireland, Bloodlands. The first episode was on Sunday night. It seems to have divided optinions, but I loved it and will definitely keep watching. It’s about a detective looking into the abduction of a Catholic businessman, one who used to have (& ?still does have) deep involvement in the IRA and connections to various criminals. The Catholic community is still extremely suspicious of the Northern Ireland police, and sectarianism is still very much alive and kicking in the province (just as it is in Glasgow, only of course much worse in NI). In investigating the whereabouts of this man, the detective realises it is all connected to three other abductions that took place in the Troubles. None of those people have ever been seen again. It was rumoured that only someone with insider knowledge of the police could have committed these crimes. And now the detective guy’s attempts to look into the past are being thwarted by some of his bosses - why?
It’s written by Jed Mercurio, the mastermind behind the excellent Line of Duty, and he is a genius. It does annoy me when people go onto social media in what appears to be a competition to moan about a new programme - ‘I turned it off after 10 minutes’, ‘well I turned it off after FIVE’ - for goodness sake, how can you judge a new serial without even watching to the end of the first episode? I enjoyed it very much.
And last weekend when I needed cheering up I happened upon Queer Eye, which I’d never watched beyond seeing a few minutes of it when one of my daughters had it on. It was absolutely hilarious, what a great pick me up. The programme i saw was from the new series when it was resurrected by Netflix. The guys came to the aid of a gay priest who had no self-confidence, a lovely man with so much dedication to the lives of his parishioners in a poor area of Philadelphia. I don’t think I could watch these programmes back to back, but one at a time they are a tonic.
Since my daughter kindly shared her Netflix account with me I have found so much stuff I want to watch - I’ve even worked out how to make a list, and indeed I wasted/enjoyed an entire afternoon doing just that.
Rosemary
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Netflix! The Dig! The Dig! The Dig!
Ralph Fiennes!
Please put that somewhere on your list!
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Oh dear Ginny, you are not going to like this....I started watching The Dig as soon as I got into Netflix. I have read nothing but good about it so I was really looking forward to this. After half an hour I was bored sick.
Carey Mulligan was great, Ralph Fiennes was great, the scenery was magnificent. But it was all SO slow. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood. I should probably revisit it.
But something else I started last night and loved is Unorthodox. If you haven’t come across it, it is a drama about a young woman from an ultra-orthodox Jewish community in New York who runs away. With the help of her music teacher (and even though her family has banned her from taking piano lessons as women in this community are not allowed to) she takes a flight to Berlin. Here she goes to the safe address that the teacher has given her, but the people are not there. She meets and gets in with some music students from the conservatoire.
Back in New York, however, her husband’s family, their numerous male relations, rabbis, etc want her back - especially when they discover that she is (or is she? - it’s not clear yet) pregnant with what they see as ‘their’ child. The husband is young and nice; he seems to accept that, although it is heartbreaking and shaming for him, she clearly wanted to go - but the rabbi says that he must immediately travel to Berlin, accompanied with a thug of a man who will stop at nothing to find her and please the rabbi (who tells him this will atone for previous sins).
I know so little about these communities that I found all the details of their lives fascinating. The girl decides to leave on the Sabbath, while her husband is out - but when she gets to the foyer of their apartment block she finds many young women with pushchairs all hanging about. They were all on their way to have dinner with their families, but they tell her that the ‘eruv’ has been broken so they can’t leave the building. I looked this up and discovered it is an ‘enclosure’ that makes several houses, or indeed a much larger area, ‘one residence’, thereby getting round the rule that no-one can leave their own residence on the Sabbath carrying anything (even medication) except the clothes they are wearing. Thus the women can’t go out because of the pushchairs. The girl (sorry I can’t remember her name) is carrying a bag in which she has her basic needs. One of the other women tells her it is OK for her, as she can just go (they think she is going to local family like them) without her bag. She is so desperate she leaves her bag in the apartment and goes to JFK with just the passport and money that the teacher has procured for her, plus a photo of her grandmother.
In flashbacks we learn about her childhood (she is from a very broken family) and youth - a scene with a woman who visits to tell her about the physical side of marriage and the rules she must observe about this is quite amazing. And I had forgotten about the hair - the way it must always be covered except in the sole presence of her partner. When the marriage is arranged by the boy’s parents and the girl’s aunt, the boy’s mother and another female relative have to ‘observe’ the girl before they will accept her - so she has to walk around an agreed supermarket pretending she does not know they are there, while they look her up and down.
It is both a gripping story and a real insight into a very different community. I’m looking forward to the next instalment tonight. Of course I have no idea how authentic it is, so if anyone knows it isn’t, please be gentle with me! I have seen a couple of very interesting documentaries about families in orthodox communities in the UK, and I must say the women they spoke with for these seemed perfectly happy with their lot - but maybe their communities were slightly more liberal, as they seemed like a jolly bunch, and I suppose if you have been brought up with certain rules you accept them.
Rosemary
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hahaha if it's slow, it's slow.
As you say you were in the mood for something else. It's a pandemic. You're entitled!
I have a THING, pandemic or not, about not wanting to do anything somebody else violently recommends. hahaha I really do, and have put off a lot of great reads for that very reason. For YEARS. Usually I come to a "bestseller" years after it sold anything and everybody has forgotten it. It took me...well 50 years to read The Great Gatsby for instance and I liked it, actually.
Such is the stubbornness of an only child. Or me in general. I actually put The Dig off initially.
Slow when you have my BP is a good thing. hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, and taste is so individual as is travel.
Vive la difference!
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Well here speaks another only child Ginny!
Maybe that’s why I steadfastly refused to read most of the set books at school - for most of the tests I found you could manage perfectly well just reading the blurb (these were, of course, pre-Wikipedia days!) I have never read The Hobbit (set book), Lord of the Flies (ditto) or The Yearling (ditto again). Maybe one day. It’s probably also why I have never enjoyed any face-to-face book groups in which you all have to read the same book. I much prefer our set up here, where we can just chat about whatever we’ve read or heard about - I think this leads to much more interesting discussions.
My daughter’s friend also recommended The Dig to her. Madeleine asked her what it was about. Friend: ‘well it’s really good. They dig. And then they dig some more...’ Haha - they are all art students, words are not their top subject. Their favourite programme is Rue Paul’s Drag Race....
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My husband and I love archaeology so we greatly enjoyed "The Dig." We didn't think it was slow. The best performance was Ralph Fiennes though I didn't recognize him at first. His character Basil Brown was so gentle, humble and perservering in the face of the prejudice of the educated elite archaeologists. Glad to learn at the end that his work was finally recognized in a display of the artifacts he discovered posted at the British Museum. I also saw on Youtube a female curator show and explain the Saxon helmet discovered there and what it looked like after reconstruction.
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I read the book "Unorthodox" before the movie came out. It was sad in the reading, but much sadder in the movie when you could see the people, their rules and regulations, and how it all finally pushed the woman into leaving!
Excellent movie. And am I allowed to say again: The Dig, The Dig, The Dig! Yes, slowish, but darn, don't people realize that when you are doing archeology, digging up ruins centuries old, you H A V E T O G O S L O W. No front end loaders or tractors or such to unearth such treasures.
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I do really get that Tomereader! I just did not have the patience to watch them doing it - or more especially to watch them giving each other long looks. I was not having a good day, so really I need to give it another go.
I’ve just finished watching Unorthodox and I did enjoy it, though ‘enjoy’ is not really the right word. The ending was uplifting, but I did think about all the other women who had not escaped - though maybe they didn’t want to.
I thought the actor who played Yanky (the husband) was excellent, very nuanced, and in many ways a victim too. I suppose they all were.
Rosemary
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rosemarykaye, in case you hadn't noticed (and this happens more frequently in the network programs) the "long look" you referred to is almost overwhelming. I find myself saying (out loud) "come on, come on" get with the story.
I can say these things out loud because I'm here by myself. When hubby was alive, he would speak little "morsels" out loud to the TV too. Not all were "suitable for all audiences". LOL!
I want to pose a question here, and perhaps our regulars in the library would comment also. I don't know if it has to do with what we are experiencing with the Covid19 strictures, but I find myself very, very short-tempered. Maybe impatient is also a good word, but it's just as well I am here by myself, as I can get awfully "salty" and will sometimes toss something (nothing heavy or sharp!) to the floor. Then again, maybe it's the age creeping up on me. Nah, not creeping, galloping full tilt like a herd of wild mustangs, LOL! All responses will be appreciated.
Gasp! I think I'm a curmudgeon, oh dear.
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Tomereader my take it has to do with loosing control over so much and the one thing we can control without any repercussions is how we think and act at home - it is not just control but many things we loose as we age - the ability to do what we want when we want and how we want - our body lets us down - things change all around us - we loose things that was never an issue and now seems to be - or we forget the water was running and 2 hours later we finally go back into the kitchen or bathroom and see the waste we just spent money on...
Then who wants to start making new friends as one by one our friends move on to the cemetery - new friends will never match or replace the years of history that went into the friendships that are with us no longer.
Just all the being alone after so many years of marriage that brought familiarity -
All those losses are quietly grieved even if polite society does not talk about them - we cannot all soldier on being courageous to travel around the world or hike mountains and all the other adventures that are given as examples to the now 'modern' elder.
What is really going on is we are constantly at one stage or other of the Grief process - we just about get over one loss and another pops up from not seeing so well to not hearing so well to not being able to garden like we used to and not even able to clean house as quickly or thoroughly as we used to - and it is tiresome night after night eating alone.
One stage of the grief process is anger and so welcome to what we live with after we have lived many years - the litany of steps in the Grief process that now they say 7 steps that had been 5 steps for decades. here is a link to a pretty good article using the 5 steps
https://www.verywellmind.com/five-stages-of-grief-4175361
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Me, too, Tome, and I am not sure why. Very short fuse. With things and other people. At the same time I think I'm happier personally. How strange, they don't go together.
This is a good topic and I'm glad you introduced it.
hahaa I am glad to hear that somebody else, your late husband, like me, talks to the TV. hhahaa I don't watch much TV which requires talking to but boy when something worthy of it comes on, it gets the full blast. hahaaaaaaaaaaaaa I am SO glad the election is over, I think my poor husband thought I was losing it, there was MUCH talking to the TV!! Like that does any good, but I feel I am somehow able to reject what I'm seeing.
Throwing stuff on floor? Cool. I don't, I'm too lazy, I'd have to pick it up. :) And I am tired of picking up things, period.
It really is surprising the affect this shut down has had on so many people. Small things become mountains, because it's just too much on top of everything else!! TOO much! It seems unfair. And then you think about those with real issues and you feel guilty so you don't say anything. And there are a lot of anxieties, real, and imagined. Just trying to schedule a Covid shot for a lot of people is extremely frustrating. One becomes outraged at the people in the grocery without masks. And there are lots of them here.
I find it fascinating how people try to cope. Some people are really now into physical fitness. Some like me have kind of let that ease away. I feel entitled to that snack I would never have touched otherwise. Cake! Until last March I had not eaten a piece of cake in years except for birthdays. Forget that. Will probably emerge 90000 lbs.
I'm really lucky I guess in some ways because I actually enjoy solitude, and the online and the zoom classes provide a lot of interaction with interesting people. In fact the 4 zoom classes on Wednesdays to me are almost the same as being there, more than once I have said, now when you get home... or when I get home..... but we are all "home." hahaha oh man. I feel lucky, I guess that's the bottom line, and it's made me appreciate more what I actually have. It really has.
At the same time it takes NOTHING to set me off. It's strange.
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Vesta, we are very glad to welcome you here! Pull up a chair! I agree with everything you said, too.
To me The Dig was about celebrating the unsung, the enthusiast, the volunteer (although if you read up on Basil Brown he was amazing. Entirely self taught, Latin, German, astronomy, wrote a book, archaeology) who doggedly keeps going and ends up accomplishing something others do not. And of course Rafe Fiennes with an accent and demeanor unlike his own, amazing performance. Archaeology is full of such examples, think Schliemann, who doggedly with a copy of the Iliad in his hand discovered Troy, that Troy did exist, all 9? Levels of it. It previously had been considered a myth. But whose lack of understanding ruined several layers and whose treatment of the artifacts made his name mud, I'm afraid, now. Brown was not such a man. Think of the Mildenhall Treasure, also war years, also in the UK also kept, fascinating story, used as dinner plate by the finder till one of the guests noticed early Christian iconography on a spoon and turned him in.
I had been watching Jurassic Park movies, running, screaming, dinosaurs every minute killing, blood, and the Men in Black Series (Sci Fi, lots of robots, the Future), getting the angst out that way, with imaginary demons, so The Dig was like an oasis full of normal decent people, to me. De gustibus, sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't, as the old Almond
Joy/ Mounds candy bars jingle used to go.
I loved it. I've got the book now, but have read of the real family's outcome and what happened to Robert, but maybe for another time.
I came IN to say to fans of the Shakespeare and Hathaway series and one called Murder in Paradise which I've never seen, that there is to be a special episode this Saturday on PBS which apparently has not been seen (in the US) in which Frank plays tennis, here's the Trailer! (http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p8db_kUkyGuGuqMxq4APw_MW7ObNFzMyvNmMP5bgBSbfMvR-Dg7Kqi7Yxpc58E1DTm4phs7NolkDFto69ixHbjxYQb4Y73xeII5779_psDeZWOKHFnf1zmNKZAEnibuWvUuGmAgqwQKa04eriSRcuguMbnE3X0a5MeSV0Mj2d_ykgrf82sEFkvLWomy5UhHU6kLqMP72YU-g_D5689t1QTyNcTxBjVtOcwHkzdVMyN383m62E9bCW-dQPsL7tnMS&c=rZpgxZkICR3PhjWtY2cgPLsph1ZeD2kGs63vF0NN7GFKsWAdLo2ZDQ==&ch=hHR1n2yq7O2MXBOcUabMX_nZLSQpTOhEEmJjzOyyLgOrKH45yJVZQA)
They say:
"Special productions of two light-hearted BBC murder mysteries Shakespeare & Hathaway and Death in Paradise will air on Saturday night at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively. Can you figure out 'who-done-it' before the inspectors? Mark your calendar for Saturday evening, Feb. 27 on SCETV! "
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I’m glad you all enjoyed The Dig really I am. But we all like different things, no? And I think we all like different things at different times.
I also felt impatient, years ago, when watching The Girl with the Pearl Earring. This was at the cinema, and I had something else on my mind that day. In that situation I just do not have the stillness, if that is the right word, to appreciate slow things. That, of course, does not mean that they are wrong, or that I don’t understand how much other people appreciate them. I think that when my own anxiety levels are rising, I need something fast and preferably funny to get me out of that state - so Queer Eye worked well for me that night, and - as you say Ginny - Derry Girls never fails to cheer me up. How could it not?!
But just a few days before The Dig I watched the film of Carrie’s War, which is set in a small village in Wales in the early 1940s, and is at times as slow as slow - and I absolutely loved it. Similarly the fairly recent TV adaptation of Picnic at Hanging Rock is very slow, with lots of Looks - I thought it was brilliant, and was irritated by the people I knew who immediacy wrote it off because it wasn’t the same as the old film. It wasn’t supposed to be. Natalie Portman was superb.
As I mentioned last night, I finished Unorthodox - watched two episodes back to back (which made for a very late night by my standards) as I just could not wait to see what happened. I think episode 4 was even better than the first three. The acting was simply superlative. Shira Haas as Esty was perfect throughout, but as I said, I was equally impressed with Amit Rahev as her young, inexperienced husband Yanky - in the final scenes we really saw his suffering too, as he tried to reconcile his devotion to his extreme version of a faith in which he had grown up with his love for this woman who had decided it was not for her. One of the many things I liked about this series is that it was not one-sided. Whilst it was, of course, primarily about Esty, even she did not see things in black and white. And she did not, I think, renounce her faith, just the exceptionally strict interpretation of it by the community in which she grew up.
My daughter-in-law is going to lend me a book she has read, The Marrying of Chani Kaufman, about the Orthodox community in Golders Green, North London. She said Unorthodox sounds similar.
I find the best cure for my own anxious or tetchy feelings is to get out and walk. I know I am extremely lucky in having so many beautiful places to do just that. This week our weather has improved so much, after weeks and weeks of snow and ice, that I have been able to walk at Castle Fraser (National Trust estate), Dunecht House (vast private estate) and today along the Dee with a friend. It’s been a glorious spring day, we saw so many snowdrops and crocuses, and there were little birds flitting about everywhere.
I shout at the television all the time. What’s worse is when I start shouting at, or even disagreeing out loud with, podcasts and downloaded radio programmes when I am out walking. If someone suddenly hoves into view, I have to pretend I am on the phone.... There is one book podcast in particular on which one of the two presenters drives me round the bed. I usually broadly agree with his views, but unfortunately he delivers them in such a patronising, mansplainy way that I am constantly yelling ’oh for goodness sake!’ Or ‘I suppose you think you’re clever?’ as I wander along the lanes. Or if they can’t remember an author’s name and I can, I am of course shouting ‘It’s (name) you idiots!’
Oh well, small pleasures.
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Tome...you are not alone in whatever this weird place is now.
I'm angry at our Governor for promising to get the vaccine appts set up and she's bragged about two programs...a call site and then a Microsoft website...and then two weeks later she cancels both contracts. Our County Health Dept and local Clinic finally went from "call us now for 100 doses."..and it filled quickly and I got only busy signals...to DON'T call us, we'll call you.
She took off ALL restrictions on gatherings and since I'm still in the 40% who hasn't been able to get even the first shot, I'm very wary of going out, though most older people are still wearing masks or places are still asking them to do so.
So this grumpy old lady also talks back to the TV and does a lot of reading of things that don't upset me.
Now to get all the tax "stuff" I need so I can get that monkey off my back.
jane
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My goodness Jane, that sounds terrible.
I understand that NHS Scotland has now vaccinated almost everyone over 65. We get called in - usually by letter - so the onus is not on us to book. I know friends in other parts of the US and in France have to take the initiative themselves, and that it is extremely difficult for them to get appointments. I think by calling people in the NHS probably ensures that far more people get the vaccine. Of course some people will decline, or just not turn up, but if people had actively to make their own appointments I feel far more of them would forget, feel too busy, or just not bother.
I still await my blue envelope with anticipation!
Mask wearing is still absolutely mandatory in shops, on public transport, in hospitals, etc unless you are exempt. I am not sure how that is defined, and I know people are not asked to prove it, but in my area I'd say almost everyone is complying.
Jane Godley, a Scottish comedian, has been doing voiceovers for Nicola Sturgeon's (Scottish First Minister) daily updates. They are absolutely hilarious (I think most are on YouTube). The latest words of wisdom she confers on Nicola are 'Now remember about social distancing - that's TWO ALSATIANS away' (Alsatians, or German Shepherds, are the dogs traidtionally favoured by a certain element of Glaswegian society [though these days it might more likley be Staffies]. They are beautiful dogs, and are a
I hope you (and I!) get your vaccine soon.
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How can you tell if you need a vacay?
Here's one way: if you woke up this morning in some anxiety over an email which was possibly misplaced.
This email contained 4 links to Virtual Covid19 Shots which, if Julius Caesar failed to take advantage of, he would then have to present himself in person.
He's only been dead 2000 years.
The WORST part? I spent maybe 5 minutes after awakening looking for the email JUST TO BE SURE!
Time for a vacay!
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Finally finished watching the last of the 2nd season of Derry Girls, and I swear I'm getting that Irish intonation? The patterns of speech? It would be very difficult to live there and not take that up? hahaha
And OH yes Gillian Anderson with a Golden Globe AND Josh O'Conner and Emma Corrin if I've spelled those names correctly, who played Prince Charles and Diana in the Crown, They are all spectacular. I am especially happy for Gillian Anderson whom some critics were somewhat negative about concerning her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher.
Where are the Derry Girls in these award shows? Probably the most perfectly cast of the bunch. And where is Delroy Lindo (The Good Fight) in anything he's been in lately? I am not sure who is eligible for those awards and who is not.
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#ReadingIreland month starts today Ginny - so you are already well prepared by the Derry Girls if you want to take part!
And yes, you do eventually get your ear in for the NI accent - I can understand my daughter-in-law no bother these days, but of course she has lived in northern Scotland for 5+years now, so she’s probably unconsciously changed her tone too. The Belfast accent is one of the hardest for people from other parts of the UK to get - the other one is Glaswegian. The southern Irish accent is, I think, easier, though the Dublin one is a thing on its own. And as ever, I find older men the hardest to understand, it’s something about their speech.
The programme’s Wikipedia page does list the awards it has won so far:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry_Girls#Accolades
And just in case anyone does want to take part in Reading Ireland week:
https://746books.com/2021/03/01/its-reading-ireland-month-2021/
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Boy that Read Ireland is something else, isn't it? The woman is very well read. I looked at a couple of suggestions. Midnight seems not quite what I want now, though when I was younger all I read was things of the off at boarding school themes, I remember sitting in the crook of the stairs of our local library with book after book on that subject.
No idea why the subject appealed. Never went to boarding school and had no desire to go. It may have been the atmospheric library itself (odd for NJ) which appealed.(https://www.thecommunityhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/The-house.jpg) It was a small part of that complex which looks a lot different today actually, I hardly recognize the right side, the little porch but it looks well kept up now, it was old and sort of...atmospheric.
Then I thought perhaps the one about The Feast of Lupercal but (1) it's been done and (2) I made the mistake of reading to the end of the review given, and it sums his life up as a "wasted life." That review, I will bet anything, is by a young woman. I recommend for her The Palace Thief by Ethan Canin. Whether the character be male or female, the notion that one must find a perfect person of the opposite sex at ANY age, or their life is wasted irritates me to death.
I had no idea there were so many books about life in Ireland or the culture of Ireland.And some of them do look good and I think would be instructive. I'll keep looking.
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Wow got lost for hours in the 746 book site - thanks for that link Rosemary - I've read many but so many more I have not read - I have yet to read a book by an Irish author that disappointed so the lists will be good to hang onto...
Wonderful looking library Ginny - Living in Lexington Ky when my children were little they had the advantage of spending many an hour reading and being a part of the children's dramas in a memorable Greek Revival structure with lovely gardens - those old buildings are so pleasing to the eye but I bet cost a fortune to maintain.
Today is Texas Independence Day - flags flying all over and tra la the sun came out - here is a good very short video of what we are celebrating
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOo0FxktiPA
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HAH! I read Kathy's intro to 746Books (What's 746 Books all about then?). There must be a lot of us out there who have more books (and continue to buy or borrow more) than they can read in a lifetime.
What a lovely building for a library, Ginny. I've never been that lucky. The first public library I ever was in was at the front of a one story building that housed the police department. The current branch library I visit is in an old high school building that now houses the municipal offices and the police department. It is a large room with a side room for children's books and activities. Originally we were to get the whole of the first floor, but the township authorities decided they wanted half the space for a large meeting room. So, in the end, when we moved down to the first floor with an outside door all our own, we actually lost space instead of gaining.
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It IS a beautiful building, isn't it? But it was, as you say here, a very small library, that's a Community House and was used for many things. It had everything: a full gym on the main floor in the back (it's very deep), a huge almost Olympic pool in the basement, tennis courts behind the building, but this little two story library was tucked off to the right, on the first floor with its own door of entry with window seats at every level of the broad stairs to the top floor. It was small and dark and atmospheric and quiet. I loved it. We lived behind it, so it was nothing to walk there. It really was perfect for a myopic introverted book lover.
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SHRIEK!
BIG NEWS! (Or it is to me, am I the only one who did not know?) DISH now has Amazon Prime on it!
That means all these shows I like I can now see (takes 1/2 second to set up) on the big screen! Instead of a small screen. BIG screen, all of them and BritBox too! And Acorn!
I went in to see another Derry Girls, saw Amazon Prime next to the Netflix Symbol, followed the directions and before I could even turn around I was logged in on the big screen!
OH BOY! Seaside Hotel on the big screen, Poirot, OH and more...PBS documentaries, a HUGE menu of stuff.
Wow.
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Good for you...
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You are going to love it Ginny, especially with shows with lots of scenery.
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Ginny, I have Dish. I get Prime, I guess thru my SmartTV, it was a sign up/registration thing for which I pay. It's not thru Dish, nor is Netflix. The BritBox and Acorn are subscription channels, extra $$ even with Amazon Prime. I would love to have both BB & Acorn, but I think I'm paying enough with my Dish Subscription, Netflix & Prime. And then again, TV is my only entertainment (besides books), so I guess I shouldn't gripe.
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For heaven's sake did I find an oldie - trying to remember when we read it in school - I'm thinking 8th grade but maybe earlier - The House of the Seven Gables by Longfellow - and of all things I found it on Prime as a Shirley Temple movie - Robert Culp and Martin Landau as Clifford and the wonderful Agnes Moorehead - to think we would get scared watching this. The movie almost appears now as a grade school acted production - trees blowing in a stiff wind was enough back then to send shivers up our backs -
I was thrilled with anything Shirley Temple and was the loving caretaker, you could not own, a Shirley Temple doll. She was nearly 2 feet tall and had tied to her wrists with ribbons the tightly pleated skirt - oh she was beautiful - I believe I still may have a photo - I remember mom suggesting I take a photo of her with my bedtime animals with my new black box camera I received for my 7th Birthday.
I remember not being very impressed with Robert Culp. I did not think he was especially good looking and therefore not at all good enough for Shirley Temple as Phoebe. I thought she deserved someone far more dashing where as to me Robert Culp had a sneaky untrustworthy look about him. To me he seemed to wheedle out her trust and liking for him. When, after they found the secret compartment the end of the movie came so quickly I thought for sure the movie was going to deviate continue with someone dashing and honest knocking on the door and rescuing Shirley Temple from the house and from Robert Culp. Having seen the movie when I was younger is probably why I was so bored and skipped reading as homework part of the story. Haha I think I was still angry that those who made the movie allowed Shirley Temple to accept Robert Culp
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I had to look that one up, Barb, since I don't think I ever saw that. So, it a TV production and not a theater movie. Huh! Wonder if I ever saw any of them. I doubt it. I remember Shirley Temple best in The Little Colonel, Captain January, and Heidi. Mostly, I can only snag bits of scenes. I only remember seeing one when she was a bit older, but don't remember what it was.
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hmm maybe my memory is mixed up but we did not have a TV till I was married - about a year later when I was due with my first was when we had our first TV - maybe the movie theater somehow figured out how to show early TV programs - I do remember Shirley Temple was 5 years older than I was - well whatever - I do remember this was a story we read in grade school -
Watched a fabulous Italian movie last night - Spettacola - small hilltop town in Tuscany is a wonderful synopsis of today and how we have all felt the cultural shift in society and how we are moving further away from the land depending more and more on banks and credit and how the young are not following in the traditions that were the glue for communities - really worth seeing - if you are a Prime member it is free -
https://www.amazon.com/Spettacolo-Jeff-Malmberg/dp/B071GM3KGR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TTVIZAQGT12T&dchild=1&keywords=spettacolo&qid=1615492327&s=instant-video&sprefix=spett%2Cinstant-video%2C201&sr=1-1
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Tome, I think I misunderstood you earlier (not difficult for me). I should have gotten a Smart TV. I think Dish feels sorry for me out here in the hinterland. But I am thinking I don't need the Smart TV now.
Thank you for that recommendation of Spettacola, Barbara, I like Prime a lot.
Talking about old movies, though, I am just still totally immersed in the old original Poirots on Prime, and am on episode 6 of the first season of 6 seasons, they are all there. I think this is BINGE watching at its best.
Last night we were in Rhodes. The clothes!!! The CARS!! (What period IS this supposed to be, the 30's? 20's?)
A scene occurred in a bazaar. I suddenly realized that there was not ONE tourist in shorts, or a ball cap, and I couldn't get over it. How travel has changed! (For the better?) And then we went to the beach. The dresses! And I suddenly realized that if I had been there I would not have that 18 inch waist nor be 5'2" nor get my foot in one of those dresses but it made me rethink my entire wardrobe.
Where have all the pretty clothes gone?
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And the gentlemens' attire is fantastic too! Love Poirot's gorgeous suits & accessories!
If you have watched Miss Scarlet and the Duke on PBS, they are well dressed too. The main characters especially.
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Its getting more and more difficult to justify a wardrobe of smart clothes with staying at home becoming the sole reason to chose an outfit - although Poirot dresses beautifully even at home - always liked a scene in one of his stories where he is settling in on a rather straight back chair, upholstered but certainly not cushy, with a book and a piece of chocolate candy being served some tea by the butler only to be interrupted by someone needing his assistance - there had been a murder...
Have a quote somewhere that I need to pull out - it shows a well appointed dining table for one and say 'What you allow persists' and so we could bring back some style to even our at-home wardrobe couldn't we - I tend towards Tshirts under a long sleeve shirt and knit slacks. At least it is not jammies or sweatpants that have become for many their home wardrobe - wouldn't a couple of stylish caftans worn in the evening be wonderful - even changing after dinner to something comfortable for reading or watching a movie.
Just thought - what a blast - dress as if attending a live baseball or football game while watching a game on TV - really get into it with popcorn and such - calling out just as if we were in a ball park or stadium - nutty living alone but hay it would be fun and out of the ordinary however, it is the glamour that we want back in our lives - hmm we need to share ideas...
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This morning I watch a trailer for Apple TV's production of The Foundation. I remember reading the book and at least one sequel, but I don't think I fully understood what was going on at the time. It was one of the few science fiction books I read when I was a teen. Now I feel like I need to read it again. Not likely to happen with all the other books I have stacked to read. I don't subscribe to Apple TV. Maybe I will just to watch it. Still waiting for Showtime to show up with it's HALO series.
Meanwhile, I eagerly await the opening of the Great Lakes shipping season, am watching the SpaceX and NASA launches, and keeping an eye out for new Perseverance and volcano videos on YouTube.
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The Foundation series is highly admired by Asimov fans, but it's one of his earliest works, and it's so poorly written that I've never been able to get very far into it. Maybe it improves as one reads on. If you do read it, Frybabe, I'll be interested to see your reaction. It's an interesting basic idea.
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For those who have Netflix, I have just found an article listing the best 100 films on it this weekend.
https://www.vulture.com/article/best-movies-on-netflix-right-now.html
I must admit I haven’t even heard of most of these, and many sound interesting. If anyone has any recommendations from this list (or others for that matter) I’d be interested to hear them.
Tomorrow we have the final of the Great Pottery Throwdown and the final episode of Jed Mercurio’s Bloodlands - we are going to have to eat specially early to make sure we are on the sofa by 8pm, as normally we would watch the pottery programme the next day, but as it is the final we don’t want to find out the result from our friends, or via social media, before we’ve seen it!
Rosemary
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I've heard of about a fifth of them, but my few recommendations are probably things you've already seen.
Howard's End is a really good job, well worth watching.
Julie and Julia is somewhat amusing if you're a Julia Child fan.
Monty Python needs no comment from me. You either like him or don't.
Pan's Labyrinth is surreal, extremely well done, and deeply disturbing. Don't know if I advise watching it or not.
Total Recall is of interest to Philip K. Dick fans, not otherwise. But it's not true that Arnold Shcwartzenegger can't act. He has three distinctly different facial expressions, which he rotates appropriately.
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So many of these movies have such violence in them. Unfortunately, several of the Award Winning movies do:
"The Departed"; also, overdone bad language. I'll list some of the others I found terribly violent, after a bit. Have to do a bit of "reality" here, and some housecleaning. I'll accept any volunteers who'd like to come and grab a mop or feather duster! LOL
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Thanks Pat and Tomereader - I agree, violence is exactly what I do not want to watch.
I’ve seen Julie and Julia more than once, but would happily watch it again - unfortunately my husband is rather less enthusiastic.
I’ve not see the film of Howard’s End, so thanks for that. I saw the more recent TV series and enjoyed that.
Good luck with the dreaded housework Tomereader. I did vacuuming yesterday but I’m afraid I ran out of steam before the bathrooms got a look in. They can wait.
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I had to stop and come back in here for a moment. More violent ones: The Irishman; There Will Be Blood; Bonnie & Clyde. There are some I've not seen, but various reviews elsewhere specified violence, and thus, I have not watched.
There are so many on this list that are "family friendly", or just flat good movies (and I won't try to list them all) but if you've not seen "Hugo", it is a beautiful, well-made movie (family friendly). Then there's "The Half of It" which is a more modern tale and very sweet. Theoretically, a loose re-telling of Cyrano.
I can see I'd better get this cleaning done, because there are 3 or 4 that I need to watch tonight/today, which I haven't seen before, that pique my interest! Happy Bingeing All!
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Thanks Tome - I have not seen Hugo or The Half of It, so they are great tips.
I always thought There Will Be Blood would be violent, so although it is, I think, about the oil industry, I have not suggested it to my husband!
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And unsurprisingly, Pan's Labyrinth and Total Recall are violent.
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Talk about violent movies, I had two movies in my watch list, Dredd, and 2047 Virtual Revolution. I had to remove them. They seem to be wall to wall violence, sex, drugs etc. Nothing to recommend them at all. I saw Judge Dredd with Silvester Stallone years ago, but don't recall it being near as violent as Dredd. Instead, I watched Aeon Flux, which did had violence, but not wall to wall; it actually had a story to it.
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:) Talk about violent movies, each one of the OLD Poirots comes on Prime with a TV rating and I wondered if the people rating it were watching the same program: almost always it says drug use, violence, language....I have finally figured out the drug use must be the cigarettes that some characters smoke.
But we were in an Opium Den in Season two.
I agree, Tome, the men's clothes!!! I sometimes, watching at home, in some movies pause it, to just take in the splendor of the bespoke suits, vests and layers. Poirot is a peacock, love Suchet's portrayal of him. He's a dandy. Love that cane he flourishes. Silver handled (it appears) walking stick. He doesn't seem to need it for support, I wonder why he carries it? Was it the style? They used to say clothes make the man. I wonder if some day some of the old patterns of dress will return for men. I recall my father used to have one of those long black coats, dress coats. I can't think I've seen them recently except upon one notable exception who shall remain unnamed, but that's a throwback to an older generation I think (or the cold urban NE weather).
I used to have a tradition (LONG gone) of buying my husband a gift on Christmas Eve Day. I remember going into a fine men's store and buying him one, gosh, must have been 50 years ago, the store is long gone. Our weather here does not exactly call for such coats, nor does my husband's personal taste, but he wore it sometimes, if I recall it properly. I wonder what happened to it. I BET it's still in the closet.
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I don't know if Prime shows the off stage interviews, but I remember them from the original TV showing. It's hilarious what a different personality Suchet has (or projects) off stage than when he's being Poirot.
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My Dad called that long men's winter coat his "top coat." I don't know if everyone did.
I haven't seen one in ages, but then I don't often even see men in suits, anymore, except some "older" men at church on Sunday.
However, before the pandemic shut things down, I did see a number of young men (20s-early 30s) in suits in the city. They seemed to be going into buildings where there were a lot of bankers and investment types.
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Until last March my husband wore a suit to work every day.
Over the past 12 months the suits haven't seen the light, and over the winter he has been huddled up in enormous sweaters as he works away in our rather Baltic spare bedroom/study.
One of the lockdown's small pleasures for me has been not having to pay any attention whatsoever to my appearance. I must say I am looking forward to getting a hair cut, but apart from that I could not care less. Comfort is all :)
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I agree! Nothing like comfort. People seem to dress depending on the demands made of them by lots of external sources, and how and where they live.
I was thinking the other day of the clothes I am not sure I am going to wear again when this is over, the lined dress slacks, the dresses, the heels.
Of course I spend most all my time out in the country, so it would be odd if one dressed like that to dig in the mud.
I wonder, looking at poor Italy closing again, if we'll EVER go back to the way things were.
Still enjoying the old Poirot films, how many DID he make? They are short so I am now in series 3 and they are addictive. I hope somebody has the newer ones, too.
I will try to find those interviews, Pat, I love things like that. I especially enjoyed the ones on the original Brideshead Revisited. Splendidly done, and they add so much to the experience.
On Books into Movies I'm reading Nomadland, which was the inspiration for the new movie whose female director, Chloe Zhao, has won so many awards recently. I mentioned it in the Library. It's a great book, have not seen the movie but it's streaming I think. I would like to finish the book first and see what the movie, which is not a documentary but fiction "based on" some of the characters, (in other words art in its own right, as they used to say about Metro Goldwyn Mayor, Ars, Gratia Artis) ...But here in my last day of vacay I think I'll indulge myself with Piorot and I, Robot, which finally came in DVD form.
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Also I've developed a habit in this Quarantine time I'm going to have a problem getting rid of: "granny" socks. The supermarket here back before Christmas had these plush patterned (Norwegian type designs) cheap soft socks in lots of colors and they are warm and soft and I keep forgetting I've got them on. I must cut quite a figure in public with the red ones but hey!
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Don't you get rid of those "granny" socks. If they're warm and comfortable to your feet, keep 'em, wear 'em and when they get holes in the toes, then you can trash 'em.
Nomadland is on Netflix, I think. Can never remember between Netflix & Amazon Prime what is on which channel.
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(http://seniorlearn.org/bookclubs/graphics/bk2movie2150.jpg) | How many of you have read a book,
then watched a movie that was based on that same book?
Were you disappointed?
Or elated that they hadn't made any significant changes?
Or even surprised to discover the movie was even better than the book?
We've expanded this discussion as we're all restricted to our homes with this coronavirus pandemic. If you've found good movies to watch or shows on TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime or wherever, please come share with us.
|
_______________________________Books Into Movies Now on DVD (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2moviesDVD.asp)
Recent Movies Based on Books (http://www.bookreporter.com/features/books2movies.asp)
Books in a Series by Their Authors (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/K_Authors/K_Authors.html)
(http://www.seniornet.org/gallery/larry/lines/mlti012.gif)
Join us in an ongoing discussion of this very popular subject right now.
Pull up a chair, take off your shoes, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and join right in!
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:) They really ARE soft and comfy. They are also gone from the supermarket so am trying to find them online without success. They are also very nice to fill up a shoe as if padded so you don't get blisters, which I also like.
I am not sure really even now how to best work the Amazon Prime on the big screen. If I start it on Amazon on the computer (which screen is 3 feet across because of my eyesight so it's good) then it plays just fine on the TV.
But I have the devil's own time trying to get it started OR to select the right episode on the TV itself, and I've tried everything. It takes me MANY signals to the TV to even get OUT of it to see the other programs on it. I wish they had given some instructions.
I keep anxiously eyeing that Poirot 6 seasons thing, especially now well into the 3rd. I went to look on Amazon to see about the rest of the series and saw all manner of expensive DVD sets and the one with ALL the episodes has many warnings about the poor quality of them so I thought to see if I could get more on the Prime thing and BEHOLD!! I can get them ALL!! Through 13. It will be first free through BritBox and then free through Acorn, but they are ALL available.
I'll be darned. In fact Amazon Prime has the first one during the beginning of wartime of the beginning of Poirot and Hastings, which is not available through DISH. It wasn't particularly good, either, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, but I never know who did it anyway.
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Oh my word, have you seen The Wellerman?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7IfKNhN1oQ
I guess this is under movies. Love the bass. My father was a bass soloist in his off time, and I love a deep masculine voice. The harmony in this version is wonderful.
Also found a wonderful interview with David Suchet:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63sn3Gr09E0 It's called on the darker side of Poirot but it's not about that but about his own life and career: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63sn3Gr09E0
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Ginny, tell me you didn't listen to all three hours of that sea shanty. It is good, though.
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:) hahaha no, it's just a repeat but this version has the history which I thought was interesting, including the "tounging." I love the fact there are so many versions and each one has different people adding to it.
And I am thinking it's the current top of the music charts in the UK. I could be wrong.
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I have just watched "Orchestra of Exiles" which is the history of how violinist Bronislav Hubermann established the then Palestine Philharmonic Orchestra from musicians he rescued from Nazi Europe. It is on Amazon Prime. Hubermann himself, was a world famous violinist who sacrificed some of his career to carry out this task. In his early teens he played the Brahms violin concerto with Brahms in the audience. Brahms was impressed! He recruited top musicians from the best orchestras of Europe (Multiple first chair violinists from top orchestras all to now to play second, third, etc, chair to one of their colleagues. If you have ever known first violinists, getting all the prima donas to work together is an achievement in itself. It is a story of grief, hardship, achievement, the wonderful power of music. Cameo appearances by Perlman, Bell (who now plays on Hubermann's Stradivarious) and others.
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Jep142, you gave me my morning laugh with the picture of someone trying to manage a herd of first violinists. That sounds like a movie I should watch.
Living just outside Washington, DC, I'm in a position to hear a lot of good music, and have heard the orchestra, now called the Israel Philharmonic. They're a very fine orchestra indeed.
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Hello PatH. I also live just outside Washington D.C. (Bethesda). All this on line learning makes us not realize we could be neighbors!
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We could be. I live in Bethesda too, just off Old Georgetown Road on the other side from the YMCA.
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I live just behind BCC. Is there a way for the Senior Learn to enable (allow) us to contact each other directly? Now that we are becoming vaccinated (I've had my two shots) some in person contact could be rewarding.
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Jep142, there are several ways to contact members. If you look under someone's picture, or under their name if they don't have a picture, you will see some tiny symbols. Place your cursor over one to see what it does. One will say "send personal message", another will say "email". Click on the one you want, and it will take you to a screen where you can continue. You can do the same sort of thing from the alphabetized list of members. At the moment, I'm keeping to a tiny bubble of contacts, but that isn't going to be forever.
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Recently I started watching again the series "Rake". Has anyone seen it? You would not forget! It's Australian; about this lawyer who IS a rake I guess. It's funny, has a crazy story line and I think I am enjoying it even more the second time around. Every character is a gem. Five stars from me!
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Watched it way back when it was first on! It was very, very good.
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Lots of great suggestions here! I'll watch it too. Strangely enough the best Poirot I have seen so far is connected with Australia, I think. (Still watching the episodes, they are short and delightful ways to spend the time) but this one, Year or Series 6, episode 1, called Hercule Poirot's Christmas is absolutely the best of the lot so far.
I nearly did not watch it at all. It started out in what I thought was the desert or the old west but it turned out to be, I think, Australia, and some diamond miners, and it looked gritty, etc., so I thought not today (but that was the history of what would be his current Christmas), and went on but when I came back to watch the next one there it was again talking about Christmas and so I tried it again.... It's a startling and amazing leap up in presentation and filming and scenery, and direction! It's about as perfect, it really is, as you can get. And of course till the very last I literally had no idea, NONE, and had picked the wrong murderer. It's fabulous. If I could only see one of them I'd watch that one. There's also humor and sweetness, it's a very good one.
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Anyone liking Mysteries/Police Procedurals? I have been watching "London Kills". The strange title interested me, so I tuned in. The best part was/is that it stars Sharon Small, who you might know co-starred in the Inspector Lynley Mysteries (shown some places, I think, as Lynley&Havers). Anyway, I knew there was a reason I was so drawn to Small...she was born in Scotland, and shares my birthday (January 1). In this series, she is a Detective Inspector, and kind of marches to a different drummer, which doesn't always endear her to her boss man. Every now and then as she's speaking, there's a lovely Scottish "burr" that sneaks out, which I'd never noticed in the Lynley series. London Kills is a very, very adult oriented crime series, and not for the squeamish. Some very good acting throughout the cast.
Just thought I'd pass this on.
Enjoy this last week in March. Hope the weather where you are is as nice as mine: 70's-80's, sunshine, not much wind to contend with. Trees have budded and the blossoms have fallen away, leaving a world of green!
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Hi Tomereader
For some unknown reason London Kills was first shown as daytime TV here so many people missed it.
I watched the first series and loved it. I think Sharon Small is great, and I was annoyed by her character's treatment in Inspector Lynley (I have stopped watching that series as Lynley is such a patronising posh boy, and the tedious relationship with his girlfriend seemed to me totally unconvincing.)
The head man (DI David Bradford) in London Kills is played by Hugo Speer (who was in The Musketeers), whom I like very much.
Our weather here has turned very warm. This morning I had a great walk around the Crathes Castle estate with my friend Nancy. The National Trust for Scotland has published the dates on which it hopes to re-open its local properties - mainly towards the end of April. We don't bother going inside the buildings (we've done them all many times) but it will be good for the charity to start bringing in some money again, and it also means that the cafes and gift shops will start to re-open, though the cafes will probably only do take away for a while. I am so grateful to NTS for keeping all of its parks and estates open throughout all of this. You don't have to pay to use them (though as it happens we both have membership) and they have even waived the usual parking fees.
Rosemary
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Rosemary, so glad there is someone else who has seen and enjoyed "London Kills". I've been watching at least one episode per night. Would watch more, but I get sleepy, then when I go to bed, I can't sleep. I have been known to get up, instead of tossing and turning, and go back into living room, put on Netflix, Amazon or Hulu, and watch at least one episode of "something".
There is an Australian series (don't know how old it is) on Hulu called "Harrow" about a medical examiner. He also marches to his own drummer. He is so darn cute, but a bit of a "rake" too.
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I am finally getting around to watching Dickensonian after it sat in my cue for over a year. I watched the first episode last night. How interesting to find all of Dickinson's characters occupying the same time and place. How Marley died, how Ms. Haversham got jilted, etc. I particularly liked Detective Bucket. And there is Anton Lesser playing Mr. Scrooge. Funny, I can't find this listed on IMDB.
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Oh that looks good, Frybabe! Here is Dickensian, I had not heard of it: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4531728/
I really like Dickens, I'll take a look, thanks.
Now in Poirot 12, the series is uneven, but Suchet remains super, more irascible but still super. There was one episode in 11 about being on a dig and she wrote quite a lot about archaeological digs, both in her autobiography Come, Tell Me How You Live and in her mysteries. And sometimes her perspective is non PC. She supposedly could write anywhere (Virginia Woolf take notice), on a battered old table with dirty objects all over it, a train, wherever. But Legend is Legend. Anyway that one was really well filmed, and apparently in film making the art is what matters.
I haven't read any of her novels in years. But I do like her short stories, ever so clever, and actually quite timely, human nature and all that. It's interesting, too, how people perceive Poirot, this or that person says he looks like a penguin, or makes fun of him, and they always mispronounce his name. That's an interesting little thing she puts in there and she does the same with Miss Marple, you'd never know how clever that little old lady was, either, would you? Appearances can be deceiving.
I had read that in that Mesopotamian one Suchet, much padded for the part, actually fainted once in the heat. Certainly he looks extremely hot and uncomfortable.
Hate to come to the end, really. They've been wonderful diversions and entertainment. There was only the one I thought the casting was WAY off, supposed to be a woman of incomparable beauty whose beauty itself was dangerous. We had just come from a previous episode with THE most gorgeous women in it and this woman in this one...REALLY? Beautiful? Not in any way shape or form. "Attractive" would have pushed it. Strange.
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I was just re-reading my last post. Sorry, Anton Lessor did not play Scrooge, he played Fagin. I always thought of Fagin as a nastier guy than is portrayed in Dickensian. but it sure does bring out how evil and heartless Compeyson is, and how depraved and avaricious Arthur Haversham is more than I felt when I read Great Expectations. Ned Dennehy does a fine job playing Scrooge, but I can't say that he adds to the impression I already have of Scrooge from reading A Christmas Carol and seeing other performances. He does look the part though. Otherwise I can't say that the rest of the representatives of the book stand out. So far I have identified characters from A Christmas Carol, Bleak House, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist and Our Mutual Friend. Mr. Venus from Our Mutual Friend and Mr. Bucket (from Bleak House) have some interesting scenes. Mr. and Mrs. Bumble are not, so far, portrayed as cruel. Mr. Bumble is, however, mightily hen-pecked by his wife who pushes hard to effect an improvement income and status. Some of the characters I haven't identified yet, mostly because I keep missing their names.
Ginny, I hope you do get a chance to watch it. I think you have Amazon Prime, so you can catch it there, but I expect some of the other sites carry it.
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Yes, PBS did Dickensian back a couple of years ago and it is available to watch on their platform also - I remember the entire Haversham story being enlarged with the entire background almost a second story and just how awful was her experience.
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I finished Season 1 of Dickensian last evening. I can now add The Old Curiosity Shop and Pickwick Papers characters to the list. Since Season 1 only went up to when Oliver showed up in the story, I assume there was a second season. Amazon does not have it yet if there is.
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It's funny about Dickens. Several times a year I have a longing to read him again. it's very strange. Also usually my desire gets subsumed in something else and I don't. And usually it's prompted by something just like you describe here. I'm going to have to put this on my list for the summer and follow through with ONE reading, this is ridiculous, I never finish out what I want to read.
Speaking of finishing out, I finally bit the bullet and watched the last Poirot. Christie was was brilliant, she really was. It was sad but it also was very clever. Loved it, a fitting end. I understand she killed him off way before she herself died to be held and brought out when she did. And it was a worthy last effort. And of course I never would have guessed hu dun it and very much enjoyed seeing Hastings again.
I am going to miss him. And the settings, cars, costumes, manners, etc. I may watch them again. After all, I did binge watch all 13 years. hahaha And I skipped one which did not look interesting so there somewhere is one more to see. AND there is a lovely documentary with Suchet talking about his portrayal of Poirot, I'll watch that first.
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I think Christie is wasted on me. I just don't understand why people think she was a genius, because to me almost all of her plots seem to turn on the same few points - there is nearly always some person from the victim's past who turns up unrecognised (maybe has never been seen, eg the child of another character, who was mistreated by the victim) and is eventually revealed to be the killer. I read Murder in Mesopotamia for our 1936 Club, and really the solution to that was quite ridiculous. But i can see that so many people admire her work so much that she must have been special. I must have a gene missing or something ;D
Call the Midwife has just returned for a new season. I am two programmes in to the series, and both have been excellent; the one I saw last night dealt with a very different kind of illegal abortion from the usual backstreet-knitting-needle affair (as in Vera Drake.)
And we are nearing the end of the latest series of Line of Duty. So far the BBC has not said whether there will be another one. This one, like all the others only even better, has been outstanding - Jed Mercurio's plotting is just brilliant, you are on the edge of your seat all the time trying to work things out. Kelly MacDonald has joined the cast this season, and her perfomance last night was stunningly good. I don't know if you get LOD in the US? I can't think of anything that comes close to it.
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oh we get all of it ...on neflix or amazon, can't remember which, just a bit later. It is excellent, I agree, up with The Sopranos (almost), and that Sarah Hughes blog about all the previous series was great....now I am watching Game of Thrones and her blog almost makes it all worthwhile....now that's a really stupid show IMO, pandering to the worst in everybody, including me, which is why I continue on with it!!! She wasted her talent writing about it I think, but she does help to make it all hang together and points out stuff I would never have noticed. What a shame that she died and I read someplace that she had to wait for her treatment (for cancer) because of Covid. So young, too.
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Rosemary, read the last Poirot, Curtain, and if you guess who did it (and it has none of the elements you dislike in her plots) I will treat you to a pub lunch!
NOOOO cheating, either!
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Really doubt that there is much interest here in the Movies that were just celebrated by the Oscars. I had gotten to a point where I didn't really watch the Academy Awards anymore, but this time I had actually "seen" one of the movies and was so rooting for it to win, at least one award. It did better than that. Strangely, it was from a book, and I am ashamed that I don't know the author's name (I could Google it, but when I'm typing, I don't like to lose my train of thought). The movie is "Nomadland", starring Frances McDormand. It was a strange kind of tale, based on true "nomads" (no, not the ones in the desert!) but some of them do congregate in the desert areas of the U.S. I think McDormand is a consumate actress, and while the roles she chooses usually have no glamor, excitement (I should probably rescind that statement if I mention one of her other movies), for the most part, they are "dark" movies, but she can really get her teeth into the character she portrays. She is "much of a character" herself. I won't jump off into "recommending" this movie, but it is something different, acted beautifully, gorgeous cinematography, directed patiently and most probably with a loving hand. I know very few of you here will actually view it, and "enjoy" is not a pronouncement I would make (except that I did-enjoy). The movie makes a statement about some of the things that have been happening in our world for quite awhile, i.e. businesses shutting down, loss of jobs, and how those things affect people's lives and how some people cope, or not!
Submitted for your consideration!
Tome.
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so many are raving about that movie Tome - I remember when the subject was a special on PBS how groups would travel in a line of mobile homes from park to park, many picking up part time work at the park and how a group of women in their 50s traveled together dressing themselves and their mobile homes with the colors and style of the 50s and then all about a group who settled in the desert and created a community with all sorts of decorated mobile homes, The desert location became quite large with mobile homes now parked permanently - all tied to low income and some living on Soc Sec. From what I hear the theme of the movie is on this phenomenon.
With Covid the theaters here were closed till only recently and I do not think people are yet back to attending and then I hear from time to time about a movie that was going to be either made or released having been postponed - you have to wonder about the future, how many theaters will close of be used for something other than seeing a movie - I think movie attendance was already down before Covid - it is so easy now to see a movie at home and some folks have good size screens - its the making of a movie with actors and not animated that I know I'm missing.
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Barb, the movie is streaming on Hulu. That's where I saw it.
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OH I loved the book (I think you recommended it first) and I think McDormand would be perfect to play that first woman's part in the book, she's exactly how I pictured her. I know it's realy not a documentary of the book but a take off inspired by it and I can't wait to see it.
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Sorry, Ginny, I can't take credit for recommending the book (Nomadland). I will take credit for the statements/recommendations I made above. Such a deserving movie (I'm sure there were others too that I haven't seen) but I may try to catch whatever ones may be streaming now or later on.
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I am really looking forward to seeing it come to life and again I know the movie is not the documentary of the book, but I am glad to read your sterling review of it, and do see a film version of what the book inspired.
At the moment I'm still in my COVID BINGE of OLD MOVIES mode and am watching The Jewel in the Crown again. I'm just to where Dapphne dies and Lady Manners has the baby. I do remember that last part and the snobbish reaction of the British community there.
I had forgotten so much about the movie it's almost as if I had never seen it, and it's not what I remember. I definitely do not remember seeing some of the scenes now being shown but I do recall that some scenes were shown initially in the UK not shown here. Either way it's interesting in a strange way, but it's not, initially, the same experience I previously had. I think I need to watch more, am only in the 3rd episode. I've also got the books and may reread them.
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Well have just finished season 1 of Game of Thrones and I have to admit I am now enjoying it which shows a lack of taste on my part I think. Lots of ridiculously unnecessary sex, lots of pretty graphic (but not too graphic) violence, lots of kinds of nastiness, BUT baby dragons have just been born!! Hooray...really looking forward to series 2 now.
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You've got me wondering about it now. I have wondered about it ever since i heard Charles Dance was in it. Is it anything at all like Gormenghast? I used to love that thing.
I came in to say Peggy Ashcroft, Peggy Ashcroft, Peggy Ashcroft!
OMG her performance in Jewel in the Crown has blown me away. She is SO real it's depressing. Talk about Virginia Woolf, this character is heart rending. I have really been depressed with my reaction to her portrayal which did earn her a BAFTA for best actress and should have earned her everything on earth.
THIS would be a movie/book/series to discuss.
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Oh for heaven's sake. I no sooner say Charles Dance when a new episode of The Jewel in the Crown starts and here enters a character called Guy Perron. He's blonde and handsome and young and after a bit his mannerisms and his voice make me wonder....wonder...at one point he cocks his head and kind of looks. and I think can it beee? So I look up the cast on IMdb and guess who it IS?
Charles Dance, a very much younger but still commanding Charles Dance! OH boy!
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Yep Lord Mountbatten is Guy Perron or is the other way round ;) his character Guy Perron is not a pleasant role to think back on is it...
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:) And what a performance. "Chillingsworth" to the core and yet Dance himself was of the opposite origins, what an actor.
And don't leave out his...I think....greatest performance Mr. Tulkinghorn in Bleak House.
I must say I find the character Sarah Leyton (Geraldine James) extremely annoying. So far. Woman seems like the walking dead.
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Finally watched the movie Downton - to me it was choppy nor did I find the mini stories compelling - maybe it took a couple of episodes to flush out a mini story then is possible in a movie with a limited amount of time and so, stories are limited in scope - I was disappointed and did not have that full satisfying feeling as I did watching the series - so glad I did not spend the high dollar rental fee charged and came across it now when the rental was just under $5
Watched the first series of a French Village - takes place in German occupied France located across a river with some characters living in Vichy France starting on the other side of the river and yet part of the village - Very well acted - compelling without the usual WWII horrors - the story shows the full realistic character, both what today we would label good or bad but then, the circumstance and deprivation was such they did what it took to stay alive - for those in business especially a business that benefited the Nazi's, who were labeled differently than the ordinary German Soldier and so, for some in the Village there was a Nazi watching and acting at every turn. Appears there are 7 series with 15 to 17 episodes to a series - Debating with myself since the rental on the second series is the $29.99 - interesting pricing schedule - 3 in the series are free and they are scattered rather then one after the other - then 2 are priced over $29 and 2 more are a penny less then $15 - that is $90 plus to see the entire set - hmm
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And I have finished The Jewel in the Crown at last, and think I may read the books next.
I think you may be thinking of the character of Ronald Merrick, Barbara? Guy Perron in the movie was the good guy. Still trying to get over the portrayal of Sarah Layton, I seem to remember projecting a lot more ONTO the screen characters than now seems to be there. It may be old age. :)
Then I tried and failed to watch A Passage to India for about 15 minutes. The character of the eager doctor is quite painful to look at now (I do remember this movie vividly), considering, so I'm putting it off for a while. I've never been much of a movie watcher but the Covid lockdown has produced strange bedfellows.
Some movies are better as books, anyway.
I thought the Downton movie was a nice pastiche of the former series, for the fans, but not much more, and I had not watched all of the original, it got too unbelievable for me... kind of like the series Dallas and the "dream." There is a new Downton Abbey movie coming out at Christmas. During the Depression people could not get enough of the glitz and "glamor" Hollywood portrayed, it was harmless escapism....It may be a protectionism kind of thing. I don't know. Fantasy, the supposed high life, whatever. It was a big thing during our own Depression and the Covid lock-down is changing a lot of things.
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The whole Jewel in the Crown series is quite absorbing, Ginny. Go for it. I believe we did a lengthy discussion on the series quite some time ago. Unfortunately, I gave away my set and have regretted it off and on ever since. As for A Passage to India, I have to agree. I could neither get through the TV version nor the book.
Just yesterday I started reading The Grand Babylon Hotel. I could have sworn I saw the movie, but no, it was The Grand Budapest Hotel I saw.
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It's funny but I think I used to prefer A Passage to India, but I don't now. I thought it was marvelous at the time.
It's odd how your taste changes.
Yes now that the classes are out except for the odd this or that appearance I'm officially on vacay and plan to spend it reading and gardening, since where I want to travel does not look doable yet. But there are small trips!! :)
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I've become so used to being sequestered in my home I'm having a tough time leaving just to go to a store or get stamps at the Post office much less go anywhere - how easily we adapt to a security blanket - reminds me of the kids when they had to drag theirs along with them wherever we went and I remember when I was even older - I think maybe first grade and as summer approached Mama had us leave off our winter underwear that included a vest type undershirt - I remember when I was younger crying and later feeling so naked but it only lasted a day or two and so I am sure if I get started I'll slip again into running errands and arranging lunch meetups.
Saw the other night on PBS Michael Wood's China followed by Egypt Darkest Hour - I think I saw China a few years ago - just flashes suggested I may have watched it in the past - it was wonderful, entire history laid out so it was a long stream and since I've read separately about some of the dynasties this documentary was a well done connecting the story line that put it all into perspective. I do not ever remember reading about Egypt when as we would say today, when the lights went out - interesting and enlightening.
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Those last two look really good, Barbara. I will look for them.
I am in a...not sure what kind of mood you'd call it, entertainment mood.
I'm watching all of Shakespeare and Hathaway again. hahaha
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Shakespeare and Hathaway along with Paradise are our regular Monday night PBS entertainment - our local PBS has been showing a movie on Friday night that is repeated on Monday after S&H and P - Last week it was the David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia - compared to many of the movies that receive awards today those older movies are a cut above - I wonder what becomes of making a movie out of A Gentleman in Moscow Last I heard Tom Hanks was doing it - now he has moved to Greece and the word is his health is really scary bad.
Watched Second Hand Lions the other night - how much fun - I know lots of guys just like them... no longer typical of Austin though
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Found this and WOW - at first I thought she spoke too fast but once into her rhythm she is very informative - found her when a book I was reading referred to her explanation of Laocoon and his sons and then with a couple of clicks and found her page - easily spend hours here
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCAQ5zzjBOZqsnhEXOXxPIQ
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Yes, that's quite interesting, thank you for alerting us to it.
Her pronunciation of Laocoön is strange, however.
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I finished all the Shakespeare and Hathaways the 2nd run through and it was fun and now have started again on Derry Girls which is as priceless as it was the first time. Love that show.
OMG I have just watched the first two episodes of The Good Fight Season 4 (the new one) and it's jaw dropping. Wow. Like a jolt of electricity to the brain.
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What's evreybody watching? I just finished binge watching The Good Fight Season 4 and am still trying to pick up my jaw, just unbelievably wonderful. Incredible cast but I've just read two of the main characters are leaving, for season 5 which has been picked up. Christine Baranski is listed as Producer, good for her. She is always fabulous. I do hope that is not true that they are gong to lose Delroy Lindo as he is very powerful in his role and I am not sure how he could be replaced. Hopefully he can keep his place or return. I would also hate to see Cush Jumbo leave as she really has done a great job with her part.
The thing is not R rated but it's close. In every way, language, situation, ..... and now is behind another paywall on top of ? CBS Access. this one Paramount Plus. Or have they merged?
This one was about Alternate Realities, and it's just out of this world. I think perhaps the language could have been toned down, other than that it's nothing that HBO couldn't show.
I'm going to watch the entire series from the beginning again.
Has anybody seen it?
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Yes I've watched it all last fall. I started off with The Good Wife (for the second time!) and then went on...it does get weirder and weirder, and so anti trump. I did enjoy it. My especial favorite episode in series 4 was the Hilary Clinton alternative reality one though.
I read an article about Cush Jumbo. I did not realise she is British. Apparently she is quite well regarded. (I never know who anybody is which is why I like reading what you all here say about actors). I think I read she has played Hamlet. And why not, about time.
There is a new series on HBO Mare of Eastown with Kate Winslett (who's she, say I...but you guys probably could tell me.) Got rave reviews from the Telegraph and Guardian so its on my long list of to be watched...
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Is Kate Winslett the one with the Titanic? Or do I have her confused with another?
At any rate that reminds me DISH no longer gets HBO and I think we're paying for it. It IS irritating sometimes, all the paywalls you have to go through any more to see anything.
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Wow talk about serendipity - nothing on TV and so I looked for a movie on Amazon and saw A Rumor of Angles - did not look too compelling but it did feature Vanessa Redgrave in her elder years - Wow wow wow - you think someone had picked it - Perfect for this Memorial Day weekend as the story features her friendship with a young boy who lost his mother who she helps as the storyline is centered about her way of handling her son's death - He died aboard ship in Viet Nam along with the entire crew - it is a beautiful done story that could easily have been a nothing but Vanessa elevated it and gave it depth. She can do more with a smile and her piercing look than all the action actors combined.
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Oh that does sound good, Barbara! There are so many really GOOD things out there.
Yesterday for some unknown reason I had finished what I was watching on Prime and stumbled on Dominick Dunne's After the Party which was also quite....interesting and revealing. It was about his life and his passion for writing about those who murder and get away with it (OJ Simpson, Klaus von Bulow, and his last one was Phil Spector who just died a couple of months ago). This was because his own daughter was murdered and the killer got off very lightly, 2 years or something. Anyway I'd read all his fiction such as The
Two Mrs. Granvilles and he really wrote well. But at the same time it was disturbing in some ways and sad.
So I thought to be entertained and I thought of Dana actually asking herself about her taste in looking at Game of Thrones because I spent a happy evening via Prime/ BritBox with the old Rosemary and Thyme season 3. When I was last in London (which seems 10 years ago now even though it was only 2019, thank you Pandemic), Rosemary and Thyme reruns were on TV and so I enjoyed...I guess it's just a Mind Vacay.
It's pleasant, it's fun, it takes you out of all the headlines and strife and real danger and it's harmless.
I think that's OK sometimes.
(Unless it rots the brain, which is a real possibility).
What are YOU all watching?
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Actually not much - a movie on Prime now and then - I cannot remember when I have not had the TV on for days on end - you would think I was living in the 1940s or early 50s when that circular signal was on the screen for hours at a time.
I have had my subscription to Medici going - not only can the music be a background but watching the concerts or Ballets captures my attention - Danil Trifonov and Yuja Wang and Denis Matsuev playing Rachmaninoff or one of my favorite conductors Valery Gergev on and on...
And then more music - I love putting s few of my favorite contemporary French songsters concerts on Youtube - two of my favorites are Patrick Bruel and Garou, who played the part of the Hunchback in the musical Notre Dame De Paris - if you have not seen it here is the full musical - the music is glorious and they did a good job of interpreting the Victor Hugo novel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMSu9Zu1L3Y
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Such beautiful music and innovative staging, as well. I loved that book.
I've been watching the OLD Rosemary and Thyme and I swear I never saw season 3!! So this is a real treat. Season 3 episode 3 was absolutely the best, Clive Exton wrote it, just wonderful.
Funny thing, in episode 7 they show the duo planting in Regent's Garden in London and they are planting acres of geraniums and they look a LOT like the ones here which I like. There was a name tag buried in an old one here and I thought I had finally found out the name of it, but it says Carolina Red, which is not what it is, as the leaf does not have that variegated color and it doesn't make those huge ball like blooms.. So whatever it is, I am trying to encourage it on the porch.
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Not a book or a movie, I am just now watching the ships on the St. Clair River. An oil/chemical tanker under the flag of Barbados named Carolus Magnus (aka: Charlemagne) has just made the bend and will pass the Marine City camera soon. This one is new to me. First one I have seen with a Latin name, except for a few named after Greek/Latin mytical gods.
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I had no idea - I knew of Hadrian's wall in Britain but had never read or known that he also was responsible for an approximate 500 mile wall in Germany - watching a documentary on Amazon... Adventures in Archaeology: The Roman Frontier in Germany - the sound is not good and it appears to be rather simple almost as if put together by an amateur group but they do have loads and loads of good photos and they interview a few good German archaeologists among other guests -
Seems found are pieces of the original wood palisade that technology now allows archaeologists to date and the stone towers or basis to other buildings along the service road along with the replacement stone wall that in spots ran alongside the wooden palisade and in other locations replaced the wooden palisade.
However, for the information found in the documentary this great World History Encyclopedia website lays it out...
https://followinghadrian.com/2020/09/23/ad-120-the-army-erects-a-wooden-palisade-on-the-german-frontier-hadrian1900/
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Gosh, Barb, I knew about some watchtowers but not that many, and I think they are of a later date. I also had seen pix of raised earthworks that I associated with Roman roads, but not border works. Since it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is longer than Hadrian's Wall you would think there would be more written about it. Limes is Latin for, you guessed it, limit, but also path or border.
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The Limes! Yes, Augustus started it, and it was added on to as time went on. 5,000 k I think, by the end of it.
I had a wonderful trip to The Saalburg long ago which is a reconstructed fort on the Limes in Germany, the limit of Roman rule, not far from the train station at Bad Homburg. (https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Saalburg.jpg) It's extremely impressive and is one of the few Roman forts which has the ruins of the attached village still evident.
You can see how old these photos are by the size, remember when we could only put in small photos on SN?
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/The%20Saalburg%20assembly%20hall.jpg)
Here above is the Assembly hall and below the first courtyard you meet as you enter:
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/The%20Sallburg%20Principia%20inner%20courtyard.jpg)
Another photo, back then my camera wasn't very good either. You can have a delightful lunch here at the fort and if you like, they will serve you a real Roman meal. :)
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/The%20Sallburg%20couryard.jpg)
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/The%20Saalburg%20ditch%20best.jpg)
Ditch is still intact.
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/The%20Saalburg%20Map.jpg)
This fort is on the outer limits to the right above the blue square box with the word Nida.
(https://seniorlearn.org/latin/graphics/Graphics/The%20Sallburg%20Antoninus%20Pius.jpg)
And here Kaiser Wilhelm II had put in a statue of Antoninus Pius to greet visitors.
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Still enjoying Rosemary and Thyme SO much. I enjoy looking at beautiful gardens, and since on this program I get to see plenty of them, plus overgrown reclaimed gardens and planning one AND doing all the work and in an hour or so producing a garden that would take years to get to that level, I enjoy seeing the finished product and having a mystery, besides. :) In this last one they planted roses fully in bloom and a door which had roses cascading over it, presto.
I need them to come here. hahaha Instant gardens fully formed and blossoming. It's a joy, I will hate to see the three seasons end. I don't know why they stopped filming it, I seem to recall protests at the time.
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Now watching Upstairs Downstairs, the old one, on Amazon Prime.
I had remembered it so fondly. I find that I don't recall ANYTHING about it at all. Nor about the characterization of the two different worlds, which is very sharply delineated.
Not Downton, for sure.
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Really obsessed with the original Upstairs Downstairs now, am well in Season Two and they have 13 episodes each, and it's a very interesting experience.
For one thing if they make a mistake, knock over a prop, etc., they keep going. That's fascinating. There's been banging and crashing as if they were real people doing real things, especially in the kitchen scenes. It has the strangest effect on the viewer, the mistakes tend to make you feel as if it's really happening. Hard to explain. We don't see it much now in our modern films. You'd think it would interfere with the suspension of disbelief, but it doesn't.
Meanwhile the drama really keeps going, testing the smooth false exterior both Upstairs and Downstairs desperately want to maintain as show. Really riveting, and I can't figure out yet which "class" is intended to be the better, it's not that obvious yet. Just about anybody would be crushed by what's happening to the Upstairs, but not everybody has the Family Solicitor (Fix It Man) who has a solution for everything.....he alone is...I hate to keep using the word.... fascinating. He's clear his loyalty is to Lady Marjorie's father, the Earl....it's something else. The message I'm getting is pretty severely critical of the Upstairs false front but the Downstairs has one, too, and it's likewise false, but is heartbreaking, actually, to watch. I'm trying to figure out why.
That's what I'm getting out of it so far, but I wonder if it's actually a statement about all of us.
Super experience.
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Well, just finished Game of Thrones...it gets better and better as the series goes on. Not better aesthetically, if that is the right word, but more and more exciting. Wouldn't watch it again tho, (well, no surprises any more)....the dragons were splendid. But why do these movies film half the stuff in the dark....a lot of the time I can't make out what's going on, very annoying.
What to watch next? Planning to start Mare of Eastleigh. It's supposed to be very good.
My husband and I used to watch Upstairs Downstairs and like you Ginny, I remember it very fondly. But what you're getting out of it now does not ring a bell at all! Funny.
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The old Upstairs Downstairs does exactly what you just said: it gets better and better as the series goes on. It's now the series I remember. :) It's morphed quite a bit. Nothing like 2021 eyes on an old series.
There are 68 or something episodes, and now a beautiful and noble supportive partnership exists on both sides.. It's quite touching. I hate to see it end, to be honest. I'm in the last 3 shows. Marvelous television! Very addictive watching. Just like it used to be.
I was typing in where can you get that Mare of Easttown when the search engine came up and said Amazon Prime, is that where you're getting it? I was thinking it was not available till July. Well it's close to July isn't it?
I was interested in following the actor who played handsome Frederick (Gareth Hunt) of Upstairs Downstairs and found him in The New Avengers with Patrick Macmee and Joanna Lumley for heaven's sake but he died in 2007.
Youtube has the original Avengers with Patrick Macnee and they are in color. I used to love that crazy thing. It also has The Prisoner, anybody remember that one? I liked the Prisoner with that huge white bouncing ball if I recall it correctly. Prequel idea to The Truman Show and The Good Place.
Meanwhile I got hung up on Glyndebourne's opera presentation of Handel's Giulio Cesare (for a talk I had to give) and this splendid ending scene. The young woman playing Cleopatra, Danielle De Neice. is making her debut with the opera, and she is radiant. I was amazed at "Caesar's" vocal range, thinking he was a contra tenor, he's not. He's a woman, Sarah Connolly, and she is a Mezzo Soprano, here's the end of the opera: 2 minutes of incredible music. How De Neice can hit those flawless notes sitting down holding a glass of champagne is beyond me: magic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv9A9ATlb0o
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I just watched that Handel.....very nice but I got distracted by Olive and Mabel on the side of my screen....keeping up appearances.....
Mare of Eastown is on amazon prime and HBO which I have at the moment. I watched the first 2 episodes last night and it's very good. Reminds me a lot of Happy Valley with Sarah Lancaster (unknown to me but apparently well known in the UK) as the tough granny who kicks in doors (loved that bit!), a British series from a couple of years ago.
Both series are set in working class, run down, drug ridden areas with the lead a local tough cop/detective, middle aged granny with a totally dysfunctional family and lots of problems, but a heart of gold and common sense too....
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Ginny, I faithfully watched both The Avengers and The Prisoner. I also liked the original Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy series too.
Apple TV is working on making Mick Herron's Slough House (Slow Horses) series into a TV series. Last I heard they had six episodes wrapped, but then the COVID pandemic hit. It appears they are working on season 2 now, but IMDB still lists it as "in development". I am looking forward to seeing what they do with it when it is released. Gary Oldman and Jonathan Price are in it among others.
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Dana, I did not have Olive and Mabel so of course I had to go look. Not a very good washing job, hahaha We always had black labs, those little films are SO cute.
I don't know what happened to HBO and Dish, but it never came back. But I do get Prime. It sounds wonderful.
Frybabe, I loved The Prisoner!! And Jonathan Pryce, I am hoping the Slow Horses one makes it out soon.
I am seeing episodes in Upstairs Downstairs I never saw before. I never saw the trip to Scotland in the spooky house and the one with Miss Georgina killing the man with the car. The actor who plays Sir Geoffrey Dillon, the solicitor, is marvelous. I've watched his bit three times.
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I remember watching The Good Life BBC TV series long ago. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jul/01/six-chickens-60-families-live-good-life-pandemic-grow-food?utm_term=b30c22d2e0fd2f8b6f77c7cf56e467c5&utm_campaign=GreenLight&utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=greenlight_email
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There's definitely something about these long ago series that appeal, isn't there?
I'm now watching The Duchess of Duke Street, a real oldie from 76-77. Love it. So many of these programs I've never seen.
I've also figured out, thanks to Apple Play, how to hear Podcasts through my car when driving and the great thing IS, I can also hear all the Basil Rathbone Nigel Bruce Sherlock Holmes radio shows from 1946 "to our men and women overseas," and there are 117 of them! So many more than could ever get on CD. I love old radio.
We were talking about The Villages Retirement community a while back and did you see the 3 massive sinkholes which opened there a few days ago? That Villages is MASSIVE! I had no idea. It's something like 33,000 acres! I literally had no idea!
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And a very depressing movie that is, too, the documentary about The Villages. Or rather 4 people IN The Villages, totally and truly depressing.
I just saw it two days ago, Amazon Prime has it. I wonder why the filmmakers chose those 4 people.
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Along with the Duchess of Duke Street am watching the three Men in Black movies again. Surely it's considered Sci Fi?
They are fun escapist things.
Have also discovered the world of Sam Chui and the others on YouTube like the "Luxury Travel Expert" who film their experiences in travel, mostly in expensive seats and all the perks that go with them. It's pretty fascinating stuff as I doubt sincerely that Ethiad or Emirates airlines are in my future, it's interesting to see the, in one case, actual private real ROOM on the airplane and the adaptations. Fun kind of vicarious experience taking the place of any trips by air now. I did think the show on how airlines prepare food on the ground and how it's loaded on very interesting.
Some of these guys apparently make millions with their You tube channels. I hope the Wellermen groups do the same.
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I am so bummed out - only last week we learned our second PBS station to the main PBS station that carried all the Brit series and comedies will no longer carry any of the Brit shows - the station was 'Q' and now will be 'World' - So tonight they had a marathon of 8 Shakespeare and Hathaway shows - just finished watching the last that finished after 3: in the morning - all as a goodby - no more - tomorrow the same with 'Art Wolf's Travels To The Edge' and Wednesday the Australian show 'Miss Fisher Murder Mystery' and then the last of the Agatha Christi 'Poirot', no more 'Death in Paradise' and no more Friday night Classical movie - it is all over -
Now it will be the world view on current affairs none stop - not even the local garden show - 'Masterpiece Theater' will still be on the main PBS station but already there was so little of interest I only watch the main PBS station on Sunday night and if I miss anything it is repeated on Saturday night and they had been showing on Thursday night 'Midsummer Murder' - that is it!
I might just as well put my TV in storage except I can watch movies on the big screen - oh yes, and local news at 10: which half the time I don't even watch the news on TV any longer... looks like TV had a good 60 or really I guess 70 year run and now it is over - no longer a place for weekly creative drama or comedy much less on the scene breaking news - according to the line up, available now will be just a lot of talking heads and showing the awfulness of this or that group, industry or endeavor, private or public...
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Good heavens! What on earth brought that about?
I guess it's because we live so close to NC that we get their channels, too. And we are lucky we do. I just looked and we get 3 PBS channels but only one from SC, I hope that one does not stop their British programming, but the other 2 have it constantly. Hope this is not a new trend. If so it may be the end of PBS, as the British programming is very strong here.
You may have to watch online or through Amazon Prime or something like DISH? Or Netflix?
There was a strange tag on show last night to the end of that Love it or Leave it home buying/ renovating show I occasionally tape, and it was called Escape to the Chateau or something like that about a British family who buy a French Castle and while the man seems normal the woman is...uh..... quite different in appearance and in airs and graces.
It's one of the things going to be shown on the new "free" Peacock channel. I think I'll see if I can get through an episode before the free turns into not so free. It's strange strange strange, but somehow compelling. I wish some of you had seen it, I'd love to hear your opinion.
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Mulling over this loss today and I realize it means no more choral music from the great Cathedrals of Britain or France during the Christmas season and no more shows like, The Great British Bake Off or any of the WWII historical shows - there were so many wonderful shows on Q that were really the overload of shows that could not fit the main PBS station's schedule - looks like anything that does not have a global outlook is being taken down - at least here in Austin...
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I am so sorry, Barbara! It seems inconceivable they would offer yet another news program instead of what they are most famous for. Are you sure there is not another maybe new PBS station available?
That is a great loss.
That said, I am not watching PBS much lately, myself.
At the moment am watching the Olympics taped in snatches, and for entertainment once again watching Joan Hickson in the Miss Marple series. She was 78 when it started. I appreciate it more every time I look at it, even the introduction is so well done.
Have also discovered a Travel Tips program by a woman who is married to a pilot with whom she travels all over everywhere on StandBy. Her descriptions of what travel is like now in the Covid lockdown are very useful and startling. And I really like her packing tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyBotkIY5C4 I watch it for ideas for when, if ever, we can travel again by plane.
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OK all I can do at this point is laugh and laugh and laugh - this is the line up of TV on World that replaced Q as of yesterday - Q was heavy showing British drama, comedy and mysteries - including Shakespeare and Hathaway and also several Australian programs like Miss Fisher Murder Mystery - there was lots of music both country and symphonic and showed a classic film on Friday night followed by an hour's documentary on the producer or director or one of the main characters - all that is gone as I shared earlier...
And so the line up for tonight
5: France 24 - a world view of news from Paris
5:30 NHK news - a world view of news from Japan
6: Climate Change, The Facts - David Attenborough explores the science of climate change and potential solutions to this global threat.
7: America Reframed - showing the history as currently explained, tonight being the history of race in Missouri
8:30 Justice in Chester - a documentary showing the fight in Pennsylvania with industrial waste
9: PBS News Hour
10: The Day - A daily news summary from Europe with anchor Brent Goff
10:30 BBC World News
11: Repeats line up from American Reframed till 3: in the morning
at 3: in the morning is Amanpour and Company - Christiane Amanpour leads discussions about world issues and interviews with global leaders
4: in the morning is Reel South - from South Carolina ETV, UNC-TV and the Southern Documentary Fund.
I could go on but most of these news shows are in place for a daily showing with the only change in which they are all documentaries is daily at 6: in the evening where two documentaries are back to back till either 8: or some days, when they show POV for kids which is over at 9: when either BBC or PBS news starts the lineup that daily includes news from Japan, France and sometimes Germany
Nothing local from either Austin or Texas and nothing but news and documentaries - isn't there some 24 hour news network available to those who use Cable?
And now I notice even Prime Video has fewer and fewer free movies - looks like I get in more reading and I may get back to some needlework or knitting with music as my background sound and if that changes thank goodness I still have a nice collection of CDs - was going to toss my movies that are both CD and tape but I think not - my VCR still plays tapes...
Well onward - Globalism is the 'thing' and those who annually meet in Davos are making sure we see national and state interests as second to global interests - much less we dare have a laugh or two by watching entertainment from those who film stories and fantasy storylines that allow us to imagine another reality...
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There's such a thing as news indigestion, and it looks like we're all headed for it.
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I love it Pat - news indigestion - now if they only sold a pill or liquid or even an herb that eased all the 'gas' called opinion - ah so... I'm thinking we are not alone and as folks stop watching it will be interesting to see what they do to fix that...
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Seems a shame.
I'm nearing the end of the Joan Hickson Miss Marples and I thought to put it off a bit, so thought I'd watch something else and on Brit Box what should come up but another Miss Marple, Geraldine McEwan, whom I like, so I watched her Sleeping Murder.
It was completely different! It's interesting in its own right, but completely different and I don't recall which one is the more accurate, so I will read the book or short story, I can't remember what, and find out.
I have to say that Geraldine McEwan is very good although (in my opinion) very strangely dressed, not at all as I have envisioned Miss Marple, not at all, and to me is Lucia of Mapp and Lucia every time she speaks.
Another interesting thing was the part of the country doctor was being played by the actor who played Mr. Smallweed in Bleak House!!! Such fun to recognize him in SUCH a different role. He was in the one from Masterpiece Theater with Gillian Anderson and Charles Dance and Pauline Collins. THAT was a cast! His name is Phil Davis, and he's been in a LOT of things since then, including one now in production.
But she's still good and so is the program so I will watch another.
What's everybody watching? I have so enjoyed these old movies!
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My goodness, the McEwan Miss Marple continues to evolve quite differently than the Hickson. And it seems somebody in production is aiming for a different kind of wow for the viewer in that the casts seem to be a homecoming of character actors you've known and loved.
Miss Marple has decidedly gotten out of the bag lady look as well and started to dress more like what you'd expect, but the episodes have turned very dark, and dramatic which is not really what I am looking for. I am beginning to realize that Miss Marple has become my Comfort in the Covid saga, something dependable and familiar and I'm afraid this series, while interesting, is not it. (I might re-watch Mapp and Lucia again, though). :)
At any rate What Mrs. McGillicudy (sp) Saw was one happy gasp of recognition after another. There was Pam Ferris (Laura Thyme of the Rosemary and Thyme series), Celia Imrie of the Marigold Hotel, there's the woman who played Dolly Bantry in the Hickson ones, Ben Daniels (Lord Snowdon in The Crown), Rob Brydon (The Trip), and more... (I made a long list, now missing). But in the one I'm watching now so far there's Anthony Andrews (Brideshead Revisited: Sebastian) in The Moving Finger, along with Harry Endfield ( Charles in the current The Windsors), this entire series is full of faces you know recalling former work--and because there are SO many, it's kind of distracting to the plot. I now realize why some actors don't want to be typecast in a part!
I am not sure what this sudden being hooked on Miss Marple means. hahaha
What are YOU watching?
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There's a very interesting documentary on BritBox which I really like, whether or not I watch it through Amazon. It's called Inside Claridges the famous hotel in London and all I can say is you have to see it to believe it. Fascinating, I think it's 3 episodes but they are all something else. The General Manager of the time, Thomas Kochs, could be a movie star himself and he was named Hotelier of the Year in 2019 but is not at Claridges now.
I didn't know what Noma was (episode 3) but I do now. I'm definitely not eating live ants for anybody. :)
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Have any of you seen The Chair? It's new on Netflix, only 6 episodes, and is about a University English Department and the first woman chairman.
I absolutely love it but it's strong in language and there's a naked body in in one shot, so it's not for everybody.
It's an absolute hoot, and interesting on old faculty members and the ....it's just GOOD.
Golly moses the reactions of the viewers, too. Couldn't be more far apart.
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Also on Netflix, also extremely good, is a documentary on Bob Ross, remember him? The soft spoken artist who gave lessons on TV and who completed a painting in 29 minutes every time? Apparently he was taken advantage of, I'm not that far into it, it's narrated by his son. Riveting watching!
It's funny, too, because I was just thinking of him and wondering if I watched some of his youtube shows if I could paint. He made it look so easy.
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He made it look so easy.
I suspect that's bit like a ballet dancer making their dancing look effortless--the result of much practice. Nice to watch though.
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:). Hopeful. He was dealing in hope and encouragement. And passion for art. I'm almost afraid to watch more.
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It seems the list of free movies is either shorter now, less interesting or good, or I've seen them already. On my sister's recommendation I did watch The Tomorrow War a few weeks back. I didn't care for it much, but watched the whole thing anyway. There were a few more that I started but soon gave up on.
So I am back to watching documentaries and YouTube clips. My sister recently watched The ABC Murders, which she though I would like. For the most part, I dislike serial killer stories so after a few minutes I gave up on it.
My Xfinity service contract will soon by up which will make for a good opportunity to change to a different level, I think, since I can afford to upgrade a little now and/or add a premium channel or two. I just have to make up my mind what I want. Making up my mind between choices can be such a challenge.
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I've been enjoying mindless "mysteries" on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. Nothing earth shaking, but I've really enjoyed MONK and his many phobias and others that are at the same level of mindlessness...Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, Murder She Baked...now called Hannah Swensen Mysteries, I think, and so you see where my mind has gone during this pandemic. Things are not returning to normal, as I'd hoped, here in the "heartland"...where people think taking a livestock dewormer is preferable to getting a doctor recommended vaccine. I swear their brains must have corn root worm. Maybe the dewormer will fix that. OK>..off my soapbox for now.
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Eeeeuuuu! Is that what that stuff is? A dewormer?
Okay, I think you just invented a title for a new mystery series: Mindless Mysteries. Should be a big hit.
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I LOVE Monk and am so glad to hear he's somewhere, I had no idea. I have taped the first 7 episodes coming up and really look forward to them, but last night on Youtube I stumbled into another TV movie of Poirot and am....well....somewhat abashed to say that I was hooked immediately AGAIN, and watched 2 of them last night for the same reasons I watched them the first time. Entertainment, escape, and most important.....
Let POIROT do it!!! And he will, with all his idiosyncrasies, he WILL solve the problem, no matter what it is, cleverly. I am thinking that's what I like about what I'm watching: something needs fixing, and HE will do it, HE will worry about it, an no matter what it IS, HE will do the worrying about it and fix it...very cleverly.... and not me. :)
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Yep, Frybabe...."https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19" Ivermectin is often used in the U.S. to treat or prevent parasites in animals.
My great nephew and his wife are both veterinarians, nephew specializine in cows...wife on a PH.D path in animal pathology. They both got the approved vaccine for humans.
I'd watch your Mindless Mysteries, though that's what the ones I watch are. My brain and emotions are on overload with the recent News and political decisions and rulings being made. I can't take anymore. So...on to thoughtless and mindless entertainment.
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Seems to me Mindless Mysteries title would be kind of "truth in advertising". I wonder who coined that phrase.
Speaking of, I recently started watching a Canadian series set in Newfoundland called The Republic of Doyle.
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Frybabe....where did you find the series about Newfoundland?
For reasons I cannot fathom, I am fascinated by Newfoundland after visiting Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick. One guide said he worked there for a year, and there are basically two or so "cities" and the rest is vast open space. I would guess Labrador is the same, maybe? Has anyone here been to either place?
jane
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Jane, every month Amazon Prime features a movie or series from one of its listed pay for subscription partners. I get to watch the first season free this month only, but have to purchase a subscription for Acorn (as best I can tell right now) if I want to see the rest. IMDB points to Tubi TV to see it, so it may be free there. I've cruised around Tubi a once or twice, but I don't recall if they have a pay section or not.
There are supposedly six seasons, but I only see five listed. It ran between 2010 and 2014. The first two episodes I watched are mostly indoor scenes with the few outdoor scenes mostly dockside shots. The star of the show also produces/directs the series. The show is okay, but I am not sure I truly like his character much. He seems to want in every woman's pants, even his soon to be ex-wife. This is supposed to be a comedy type PI thing that I saw likened to a mix between Rockford Files and Northern Exposure. I don't see much, if any, resemblance myself, and IMO is not as good as either of them. I will probably finish watching the season anyway.
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How interesting, I never heard of the movie! Not sure the pants thing appeals (especially with the paywall) but I'll look for it.
No, I am surprised to say I have never been to Newfoundland. Maine is the farthest I have been north in the US. Didn't you go there once, Jane?
Hooked on Monk. I watched the first episode I taped last night, he's gone to a vineyard B&B/ Winery for a Tasting/ memories of his wife stay, and it was Pure Monk, just what I remembered. Love it, am taping the rest. Nice to see a hero (like Poirot) who, like the rest of us, has some idiosyncrasies. And how kindly his friends treat him. Monk's, of course, are exaggerated, but the kleenex over the public phone (ditto) and some of his other precautions (check) are right in tune with the times now. If Wet Wipes had been invented in his day he'd be a walking grocery store of them.... (Ahem: ditto)...For instance it always used to amaze me to see people allowing babies to crawl on airport floors or to pick up a pacifier a child had dropped from the dirtiest concourse or train station and put it right back in their mouths, no wiping, no anything. Call me crazy. The "5 second rule"? A lot of those things had been on the ground a lot longer than 5 seconds, but it only takes one to pick up something that can make you very sick.
Two thumbs up, and thanks for the recommendation!
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Ah, Frybabe, thanks for the information. I loved Northern Exposure...until it got, for me, a little too "out there/weird/goofy."
Ginny...Never to Newfoundland, but have been to beautiful Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. I think that's what stirred some of my interest.
In some of the later episodes, you'll find Monk has discovered wipes! Boy, has he discovered wipes!
jane
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Jane, it is about time for me to renew/change my cable service contract so I was looking at different packages and what additional channels for pay were available. While doing that, I discovered that Paramount+ also has Republic of Doyle. But what is more important to me, because I am a HALO fan (not the game, the movie clips and books), is that Paramount+ took over from Showtime to get the TV series ready to air. The last time I had looked, Showtime was stuck in HALO hell especially when COVID hit. They didn't even have a full cast set. Well, Paramount+ has four episodes ready now. I believe there are going to be nine episodes all together. They are a little vague, but they expect to have Season 1 ready to air the first quarter of next year. I am actually getting hopeful again to see it completed. Beyond that, Paramount+ has some movies and shows that interest me, which I couldn't say for Showtime. Since my cable provider does not offer Paramount+ I will probably pick it up through Prime.
What I saw of Northern Exposure, I liked, but it was since it aired on a work night, I didn't get to see much of it. I don't think I had a VHS or DVR at the time it aired. I actually never used the DVR feature on my cable subscription. I missed those Monk episodes with the wipes, but I did see the first few seasons. Most of the TV series don't appeal to me these days. I can't even say that the recent Masterpiece shows appeal to me, not since Downton Abbey and Endeavor anyway. Got away from watching all the NCIS variants and haven't felt like catching up on them.
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Wow what do you know - PBS is showing the movie Nicholas Nickleby this Thursday - a new two part series tonight called Guilt - only watched about a third of it - had me squirming with average everyday guys who hit a guy while driving home from a reception and then lying and lying and being caught by a neighbor who saw and paying her off - I do not like watching secrets and underhanded stunts to pull the wool over eyes - I'm OK with espionage but when it gets personal my skin crawls and finally realized I don't have to watch something just because it is usually a good show and so thank goodness for a Dickens Classic or the entire week of TV would be a bust because this series Guilt plays a repeat next Saturday and then the final 2 programs to the series next Sunday along with a repeat of another detective type mystery
Looked up the Republic of Doyle on Amazon and put it on my watch list - for some reason I'm not watching movies - watching allows my mind to wonder where as reading grabs me and I can drop away from the mess going on...
Clearing and found two good size boxes full of a couple of years of the magazine Victoria - do not have the heart to toss them - the photographs and articles are wonderful and I really had a lovely evening going through the magazines - the lifestyles presented may end up being as much of our past as the period of the Victoria era that they were using as their inspiration - The Christmas issues really held my attention - several issues featuring hand written notes and letters.
Everytime I see an article I renew my intent to write letters to family members - at least I get in a couple before other things crowd out my intent - thinking back when it was part of our lives and I realize part of it being so big was probably because there was nothing else - there was no email, internet or even TV - any news came from the newspaper and radio but that was not down to earth personal news - and you just did not pickup the phone and call to chat - most of us had party lines so family chit chat was avoided and our line had 4 families who may cut in they needed to make a call and so it was writing letters - that is probably why it is difficult to keep up today - now it is an extra - a bit of nostalgia but not exciting as when a letter arrived in the mailbox that we poured over and read several times... All to say these magazines hit the spot - like reading a picture book of fairytales for adults.
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I am really enjoying Monk! Last night was the Halloween episode and his brother waiting for their father. Loved it, what a clever mystery, funny, kind, and smart. I would never have figured that one out.
I'm watching one a day now, and so glad to know about them. He's been into the wipes already in the one today. ahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I love PBS too, Nicholas Nickleby sounds perfect for Thursday, I'll tape it! I am enjoying Sit and Be Fit, Core exercises on PBS. They really work, too. I need core work.
I am having the MOST fun working puzzles in an iPad game. It is called Jigsaw Collection by Veraxen. It's free, and there are hundreds of pretty puzzles in any theme you want. There is a puzzle piece tray which loads automatically and on the right of it a red square with a magnifying glass on it which will display what the finished puzzle should look like immediately on the screen. No more boxes standing on end on the table, which is the way my table here is now. :) You can choose to do whatever puzzle you like in 42, 63, or 99 pieces and there is a daily new puzzle free. And it makes a very satisfying little metallic click when the right piece is put in the right place.
I like castles, and am currently doing castles surrounded by water, the photographs are gorgeous, and I enjoy the music (which you can turn off) which is very calming, a lovely flute and instruments. They play the same thing over and over, I guess you'd call it elevator music but it's SO calming and delightful. I just found out today that after a certain number of puzzles done you can have a certain number of free new sets. I've chosen Travel, since I can't yet, and so get to go vicariously. Love it, it's one of the best puzzle things out there. You can also buy new sets at 1.99- 3.99 if you want.
The only thing that could make it better would be the identification of the castle or perhaps even a bit about it, and then it would be perfect. I spend a lot of time as each piece comes together imagining what life is like for a person who is living in one of them, they are all so far apparently inhabited.
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Ginny, is "Sit and Be Fit" still running on PBS? Used to watch it all the time.
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Yes, it is! There are 35 episodes taped on my DVR so far. I'm currently doing the core strengthening one but am thinking of adding the strong back strong core one on the off days. I like her and her attitude.
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Here the exercise series is Classical Stretch: By Essentrics and it is on at 5:30 in the morning - I wonder if the Sit and Be Fit is on either Youtube or maybe as a movie on Amazon, from what y'all are saying it sounds like a worthwhile program of exercise.
Late at night before I'm off to bed I do like to watch a bit of TV - nothing on the big name stations and a few weeks ago I found, on a channel that brings in A&E programs, a show with a couple of men from Boston who flip houses - they have built a drama around the differences in each of these two - one who looks like a big Irish guy is all about speed - the faster the job to rehab a house the quicker their return on their investment and the other guy who looks like he may be either Italian or maybe Greek is all about detail and design - they take these houses that need major work and put in high end kitchens, wood floors, completely do the siding and roof sometimes adding a porch -
Fascinating watching what they do and the completed projects are fabulous - almost wish i was 30 years younger - I would love to do what they are doing - the banter between the two and the drama of things that go wrong or neighbors who get in on it or tenants that won't move out of the second story or having to get a survey being close to wetlands before they could build a viewing porch of the river - on and on - now I'm looking forward to the show - next they go to Las Vegas, evidently the market in Boston, their home town, is tanking making it almost impossible to make a profit.
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Yes, here she is in a special appearance arranged by NYC in 2020, this is not her program but she's live. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEGlntjbyZI She was 84 in 2020 when this program was done!!
Here is the one I do with weights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdB9YyP1jbg&list=PLiBGdcawVC9ybHj_IEbuoLPO-z40UgVzj
She's an RN. I do this one every other day with the Core ones.
She has her own youtube channel and exercises for balance, etc., pretty much everything.
https://www.youtube.com/user/SitandBeFitTVSHOW/playlists
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Great thanks
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Thank you, Ginny.
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My pleasure! She sure looks fabulous for 85.
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I'm 82 and I don't look anywhere near as good as she does!
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I'm not far behind you and I didn't look or stand that straight 20 years ago. It MUST be the conditioning, and that in itself is impressive, and sort of makes you want to start. And I live SO far from any gym!
She has a fascinating life story, too. That's her daughter in some of the tapes with her and when asked when her mom would be giving it up said "when she dies." Good for her! Used to work with polio patients. Impressive.
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Monk had jury duty last night. I laughed out loud for the first time in days.
I think I'm turning into Mr. Monk. There aren't many people who could play that part.
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Tomereader I do not know if you always had that quote at the bottom of your posts but I Love it -
Ginny I'm thinking Monk was one of the original nerds - Have you seen Professor T - another strange character - I am annoyed though with this British remake - only saw the original filmed I think in the Netherlands a couple of years ago - preferred their version of the Professor although I must say the mother in the British version is wonderful, Frances de la Tour - she played the older women on the make in the TV series Vicious with Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi.
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No, I've not heard of that, I'll look for it.
But I just watched the episode of Monk and the Actor in which Stanley Tucci plays an actor in a movie they are making about the police department he works in, and I am here to say that Stanley Tucci is absolutely incredible in the part, he imitates Monk till he's more than Monk and you can barely tell them apart when in costume. He should have gotten an award for that appearance, I think I'll look and see if he did.
I had NO idea Tucci had so much talent, he is absolutely a born mimic. Incredible.
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Well I didn't have to look far:
He has won three Emmy Awards; one for Winchell (1998), one for a guest appearance on the comedy series Monk, and one for being a producer of the web series Park Bench ...
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Monk (2002)
For playing "David Ruskin". For episode "Mr. Monk and the Actor".
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Change the subject from a droll inspector to the marvelous production on PBS of Nickolas Nickleby - the whose who of English actors, some taking bit roles, Nathan Lane did some of his best work and new actors that showed remarkable talent - settings were the most wonderful - found on youtube a 2 minute+ trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld_4K1jtbqg
Watching this was like enjoying a night of TV as we did over a year ago...
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Ginny, yes I've always had that quote on here.
I love the one by Goethe that Mars Gal uses!
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Tome, it wasn't I who mentioned the quote but I've loved it since the day you put it in, (should have mentioned it) and it was sort of paraphrased in the new mini series The Chair, too. :)
Barbara, thank you for the link. Nicholas Nickleby is not on our PBS here but your link took me to the Nathan Lane/ Charles Dance original one from 2002, and we can all see it now on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUh9U0Af1kg&t=54s
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Now, I can get a little excited about this. The current Masterpiece newsletter has just announced that Masterpiece is doing Tom Jones. They will start filming this fall in Belfast, Ireland.
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Sorry, Ginny! That was Barb who mentioned the quote. Thank you so much Barb!
I put my DVR to good use the past week, I got every special, both on History Channel, PBS and NationalGeographic, and watched them, one at a time, from Friday and still today. Terrifically sad. I remember we got the news while at work, and our company sent everyone home, as we were in a tall-ish building (no where near the Towers' height). I shed a lot of tears watching these, but there were some footages that we never saw, so it was enlightning. One of the best was the 4 Planes, where they plotted the tracks of the 4 planes, and how each Air Traffic Control asked and answered questions from each airport. They showed the radar screens and how each plane made their turns, etc. The most frightening one was where the showed the Radar screen indicating all the over 5,000 flights in the air at that time, before they grounded everything.
Being so far away from the actual scenes, and having come home and watched on TV, the feeling of Terror was all encompassing (for me).
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I watched a TimeLine episode about the 9th Legion in Britain and its' disappearance. There is supposed to be a second part to this, but I haven't found it on YouTube yet.
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Now, I can get a little excited about this. The current Masterpiece newsletter has just announced that Masterpiece is doing Tom Jones. They will start filming this fall in Belfast, Ireland.
I can get excited about that too. It could be great. They have a tough act to follow, though, in the super 1963 (yikes! Time flies.) version, with lots of stars, including Alert Finney, Susannah York, and Joan Greenwood.
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I agree, Pat.
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That sounds very interesting, Tome! I found whenever the subject came up I tear up so I've not been able to watch much of the 9/11 films. I've been to the Museum there and it's shattering. So many times my children and I were on the observation floor... I can't get over it.
Really proud of New York City for their recovery and strength.
Still watching one Monk per night. I swear I am turning into him. Tony Shaloub is wonderful in making this poor anxious soul, this damaged OCD human being relatable and charming. One has sympathy for him, due in some part to the reactions of the wonderful cast (they are all alive, they all appeared for charity in a fun film like Red Nose Day, and they all look the same, too). Amazing, that was almost 20 years ago, wasn't it?
Thankfully there are 127 episodes and I hope to tape them all.
I haven't seen Professor T, Barbara, I'll look for it. I did see that the Beach Hotel series from Denmark has 2 new seasons!! So I know I'll start that one over, subtitles and all.
:)
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Local PBS showed 12 Angry Men last night - riveting and after all these years the entire storyline is the same as if filmed today - astonishing the skill of these actors and most interesting is who among them went on to have Stella careers - showed me again how we interpret what we see and hear through the lens of our own viewpoint and how ethics is affected by our cultural and personal life experiences.
We are getting a brand new TV station - not sure where it emanates from and it has nothing to do with PBS but the line up they are advertising includes some of the British Mysteries that our PBS channels are no longer carrying as of the summer like Midsummer Murders - the station comes alive on September 27 - a light in what has become a dark place on TV - forgot the call letters - all that I can find with its initial broadcasting.
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That sounds exciting, Barbara! Maybe that’s the reason they took off the British programming. It’s going to be interesting to see what it is…
I didn’t get to see the Emmys but I taped it, and I’m so glad for Gillian Anderson, she was so good as Margaret Thatcher, my goodness. Tour de force. She’s good in everything she’s been in.
I’m still loving Monk.
Are any of you watching Jeopardy? I really like Miriam Bialik. She has a pleasant nice voice, and seems to be a nice person.
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Looks like our local PBS is showing Elizabeth is Missing on Masterpiece, but not until 9:30pm. and it doesn't end until 11:30pm. I don't know if I can stay awake that long. What is worse is that they are only rerunning it once at 2am Monday morning. I haven't checked into WITF in quite a while. I see that they are still running reruns of Are You Being Served? and Last of the Summer Wine, two of my very favorites.
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I watched this previously. I should say I suffered through it. The book was a thousand times better.
Don't want to change anyone's mind who might be planning to watch it. Just saying!
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Chose not to watch it the first time - thought the subject matter too depressing however, watched it tonight mostly because my sister was full of high recommendation - watching it was still depressing but the acting of Glenda Jackson was unbelievable - wow - a tour de force - the whole thing was sad, what happened, her dementia, her reacting as the dementia became debilitating, the daughter's life painfully disrupted - thank goodness there was some logic to even out the story if it was a 70 year old skeleton - for me the only satisfying bit in the whole storyline - but again kudos to Glenda Jackson.
Well tomorrow starts the new TV station - so far the excerpts shown look good - I've been down to watching TV 2 nights a week and sometimes 3 -
I've taken to watching on Wednesday Blue Bloods with Tom Selleck as the Commissioner of Police in NYC - Saturday night on PBS has Father Brown and something about an Indian Doctor in a mining town in Wales and a Poirot Agatha Christie series.
Sunday is a toss up - Masterpiece are repeats and most not worth seeing twice - and the same with Thursday night, our PBS shows a classic movie - sometimes good and sometimes not so...
Of course if I just want background sound there is always Football - Saturday collage, Sunday and Monday professional, Thursday and Friday local high school games and so I am really looking forward to this new channel.
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New TV channel is wonderful - all either Brit or Australian TV programs - Mid Summer Murder picks up all the way back when Gavin Troy was the assistant Detective - he was followed by Dan Scott before we even get to Ben Jones who was a part of the show for a total of 6 seasons staying for a season after Tom Barnaby leaves and in the show his cousin John Barnaby becomes inspector. Joyce Barnaby, Tom's wife looks so young and reminds me of the American Actress Gina Davis - as she aged the resemblance is no longer there.
A Police/Detective show from Australia that again is old - many of the actors that appeared in the long running series A Place To Call Home are in this series as younger actors including the actress that played Elizabeth Bligh
A renovation contest among contractors again from Australia and a renovation show from England where buildings several hundred years old and abandoned are brought back to life as new residences with additions that blend with the old original shell of a building. Lots of history about the area and the abandoned building in this show that includes meeting over tea or a beer with some of the locals -
Looks like others that so far appears they will be regulars - these shows held my attention and finally I think there is again if only this one channel worthwhile TV to watch... OH yes the call letters are digi
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I'm so glad you got your British programming back, Barbara!
I've come in to say my DIL put me on to a new website called Pluto and it is like Turner Classic Movies I guess, it's old programming running continually. For instance there is a Mystery Science Theater CHANNEL, these programs have their own channels. All the old TV we used to enjoy. Westerns, sitcoms, it's just unreal. And it's free.
It streams these things, one after the other. I don't think you can record them, and you have to watch it then or it's gone, like the old TV days. It had some great programs last weekend. It plays on anything, just saying. I am sure they will ask for money sometime.
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sounds good Ginny - i'm thinking people want calm and secure so that even the movies made in the last 10 years are too on the edge of your chair to relax with compared to the older movies. I'm ready for the Christmas movies to start - there are so many that limiting them to the month before Christmas is not enough time.
Well Mid-Summer Murders starts in a few minutes tra la so I'm off here...
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I know what you mean, Barbara!
I am still SO enjoying Monk! Jane had noted that all 8 years are on Amazon Prime and I am in hog heaven. It is so enjoyable and relaxing to view. I think so far my favorite episode was the one with his truck driving father, wonderful.
The other day the History magazine from National Geographic came, and in it a lovely feature on The Orient Express. It was beautiful with photos and nostalgia and full of wonderful facts I did not know. It mentioned that Agatha Christie was a fan and had set her famous mystery there and some of the movies made about her book. I had never heard of the 1974 one but Ingrid Bergman and Laurence Olivier and Sean Connery hooked me in and I watched that on AmazonPrime. I did not care for Albert Finney's Poirot, as am used to David Suchet's, but I loved Finney in the musical Scrooge.
LOVED the train in that thing. Then I thought to watch the David Suchet Poirot Murder on the Orient Express, but in trying to find IT, I stumbled on an old documentary on the Orient Express and got hooked, and watched it instead.
So I looked again today for the Suchet Poirot one, and I found David Suchet, but this time in a documentary about the Orient Express!! I couldn't believe the coincidence, and it's absolutely marvelous, it really is! The photography is beautiful and he is SO enthusiastic it's a pleasure, even if he's in the new train. Full of history, maps, very well done.
It's called David Suchet on the Orient Express.
One thing I noticed in the 1974 production was when Ingrid Bergman was sent to her car ahead of the one manned by the porter, there were no porters, no one to help with her baggage, she had to lift a huge suitcase way over her head, the platform was deserted. I find that hard to believe.
Back in the day when the Orient Express ran, I would be shocked if that were the case.
Even back when I took my children on the cross country train from Chicago to the West Coast, there were porters to help at every car, particularly the sleeping cars.
That doesn't seem to me what a luxury train would offer, but I plan to read and view further. I guess you could say I'm on a side track for a while. hahaha
Whatever offers fun escape is good with me. :)
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I'm still looking for "feel good" things to read and watch. I'm continuing to enjoy Monk on Prime Video and I've found a number of programs I'd never seen before.
I'm not mentally in a place for deep, search for hidden meanings and revelations type programs. I think my brain is in need of a respite from all the news and sadness around us...from school shootings to coronavirus deaths, etc. Hence the search for light, bright and positive. Escapism? You Bet!
Stay safe and healthy,
jane
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agree Jane - escapism - i can't even get into listening or watch youtube of Christmas music by church children's choirs.
Started, We Won't Forget You Mr. McGillicuddy and got a third of the way into it and sure enough it is the age old a family taking advantage of their elder who has bailed them out over and over.
I've been reading Tepper Isn't Going Out and it is a riot - NYC parking and how he tries to beat the system or paying the least and having the longest in the least expensive meter area - I started it late summer and other things got in the way and now I've picked it up again - glad I did not finish it in the summer it is so perfect for now...
Another is Fannie Flag - any of her novels are great escape stories and I forgot who it was but one of our past contributes introduced us to Ivan Doig and his books are engaging in a folksy no deep thinking way.
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Speaking of escape, yesterday I went out for lunch with my youngest son, a Christmas tradition you might say, in the city nearest to him. After a lovely lunch as we were adjourning to our respective cars, I noticed an ambulance in front of mine, on and blinking with no one in it, blocking the entrance to the restaurant and the drive, hemming me in, and then police everywhere and then police helicopters and it was obvious something was going on. My son got the manager who came out but nothing could be done, more armed police. The manager came over to me, apologized and said that "it looks serious." I told him I was sorry to hear that and I was not in a hurry, not to worry.
Apparently there had been an attack somewhere on the premises? I heard no gun shots. Perhaps a knifing in the kitchen? More police. No one was allowed to leave the restaurant. After about 45 minutes I spotted my son talking again to the manager who found a policewoman who after much conversation, convinced her to move the ambulance which was actually blocking the entire entrance to the restaurant and porte cochere and drive. I never saw anybody leave. People went in, nobody came out.
This is why we need escape.
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Goodness, Ginny!
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Wow - metaphor for our life these days - thank goodness your son was nearby - if nothing else it is a comfort to know someone who is also experiencing the troubles... Did you ever learn what it was all about...
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No we never did. Nothing on the news at all. I looked. :) It could have been so much worse, huh? What a new world. That's a nice restaurant, and it was full for the first time I have ever seen it. (It's usually almost empty).
They don't need bad publicity. Can't imagine what it was. But whatever it was it "looked very serious." Mystery. A heart attack would not have these additional things, police, helicopters, would it? Surely not.
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Well at least the weather is keeping to its tradition - for the past couple of days and on through the weekend after a cold front last week its turned hot, foggy and muggy - so much so we have had to turn on the AC - the calendar says late fall but nature as usual just thumbs its nose at anything man made like a calendar... 8)
I did not know George Orwell was thought of as a science fiction writer - I guess since so many of his scenarios have come true there is little that says his books fall into the fantasy category - All to say yesterday I found on Kindle for the grand sum of 30 cents a link for everything he ever wrote and published including papers and short articles - I had an old copy of 1984 but now except for liking to read holding a book there is no need to save the book.
Of all things I'm reading The Wizard of Oz - been years since I saw the movie but I think I remember it well enough to see that the book has a slightly different tone and incidents are timed in the book a bit differently than how I remember the story unfolding in the movie - I don't remember the movie including them waiting in turn to see the wizard and as early in the story as the book has the incident play out -
The book includes how the journey meant having food and sleeping arrangements for Dorothy and how the Straw man did not need food or sleep and how the tin man had to be oiled frequently so he did not rust. I'm thinking over the years the story has become such a metaphor of a current situation that even the now old movies forgot it was a children's tale when children were concerned about how a character slept and ate and followed rules. That the scary part in the forest depicted in the movie was made more scary where as it was just part of the journey in the book that yes they were glad to be among the open fields - and the whole scenario where they are in a field of poppies and are overcome with sleep so that they had to be dragged away was a perfect concept for Opium back when its major use was to make morphine and codeine.
I'm glad I'm reading it - refreshing to read what was actually a children's book.
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Isn't that interesting? I enjoyed reading that, Barbara. There's a lot of analysis on The Wizard of Oz, and all the children's fairy tales, for that matter. The Grimms brothers in particular.
The Derry Girls are doing or trying to film Season 3 and that has me watching the first two again, love that series, but it's not for everybody. I still think their excursion in the car with the people parading in the street was the funniest thing I ever saw. It's brilliant, it really is. Can't wait for the 3rd season.
I am astounded to see several new seasons of the Danish series Badhotellet, (Beach Hotel) (with captions which one also needs for Derry Girls) which I because addicted to when the Pandemic started. I'm going to watch from the beginning again, I loved the development of the characters, and it reminds me of the hotels of the Catskill Mountains in NY where I worked summers as a teenager, the same people coming back year after year...so interesting, and real life, really.
Haven't seen the Saints of Newark, has anybody?
Still have to have my Monk pill every day, and Sit and Be Fit.
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Found a new freebie streaming channel on my TV called Filmrise/British TV. I watched the first of three episodes of Terry Pratchett's The Color of Magic (2008). As I recall, I tried reading the first Disk World and didn't care for it too much. Watching it, however, is 'nother story altogether. What fun. Actors include Tim Curry, Jerome Irons, Christopher Lee, and Brian Cox among others. Terry Pratchett himself played a role in two of the episodes.
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The only thing Orwell wrote that you could call science fiction is 1984. Animal Farm isn't even fantasy, it's an allegory of Russian history, with the actions of Napoleon the dictatorial pig closely paralleling the life of Stalin. I've always liked the story of a big American publisher (forgot which one) who turned down Animal Farm because "We don't do animal stories."
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Never heard about that, PatH. Did he even read it? Bet not.
I hope you are doing well. I do miss your posts, but understand the difficulty typing these days. Have you thought a voice recognition program like Dragon Speak?
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Typing hasn't been the problem, it's been my complicated life--complicated, not tragic, everyone's fine. I think things are calming down now, and I'll start being back more. I've been following everyone, both here and on our sister site, but writing is never effortless for me. I now owe a letter to everyone I know.
I had the same reaction as you to the Color of Magic--couldn't finish it. It took Pratchett a while to get good.
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Barb, the thing that struck me the most when I reread The Wizard of Oz as an adult was the description of Auntie Em at the beginning. She had been a gay and pretty young woman, but the hardness of farm life has worn her down. Grey and weary, she looks startled at Dorothy laughing and playing with her dog Toto, as though such emotions were incomprehensible.
The tin woodman had to be oiled in the movie too, and Ray Bolger's dancing as the scarecrow was unforgettable.
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For fans of Monk, an ominous note has started appearing in the Amazon Prime episodes, at least in Season 3, saying Monk will disappear in 3 days or something like that. I didn't believe it. I'm only in season 3 of 8 and trying to outrun it. On the internet they are saying it will be free on Paramount or something like that, but that, too, will require a subscription and fee. Monk continues to be my go to for stress relief, they better not take it off. Especially since the DVD sets are not complete, etc.
The perfect panacea for our times.
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Amazon does that now and again. I think they feature a season or two of some shows and to see the rest you have to sign up for a premium channel. If I look I will probably find that Monk is probably on Paramount+ rather than the regular Paramount stream that Comcast offers here.
Have you watched the new Wheel of Time yet? I watched the first episode but it didn't click.
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We still see Monk on one of the channels - forget which one - not one of the big 3 or is it 4 --- ABC - CBS - NBC - and I guess FOX is considered a major - Found it... "the original television series, "Monk" airing on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries."
I don't have cable
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Yes, Hallmark is where I first encountered Monk and got hooked, and apparently the rest of the Pandemic world is, too, but there are many more seasons and episodes than Hallmark shows: there are 8 years of it and they are priceless, so many good ones I did not see on Hallmark, but that's SOMETHING, you're right, Barbara, a crumb in the face of a feast, but a crumb nonetheless. A crumb is good versus nothing!
I mean for what one pays for Amazon Prime, one would hope not to have a teaser there, right?
I haven't seen Wheel of Time, Frybabe, what's it about?
Is this Weir book Project Hail Mary or something like that living up to the hype?
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Wheel of Time is a fantasy revolving around a group of females brought together because of a prophesy that one of them has the power to change the balance between Light and Dark. The Dark One apparently is a guy, of course. It seems well done but I lost interest watching the first episode. Wasn't in the mood for a gals vs guys show. I might try it later, though. Often I find the first episode of a fair number of shows do not hold my interest.
I haven't really taken a look at Project Hail Mary yet. If I do, it will be the Audible version because Ray Porter is narrating it. He is one of my favorites. The Audible version has some Weir approved text changes from what is in the original book. Okay??? What did they change and why? Haven't seen any comparisons, just a comment that they made changes to better accommodate the text to audio. Some readers who reviewed the book didn't like the amount of science in the book, but they thought that of The Martian too. That book had some science that, to me, was pretty basic, the kind you would get in high school. Here is the Kirkus Review which explains what it is about. They seem to like it a lot. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/andy-weir/project-hail-mary/
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Frybabe, if you get to the Weir before I do, let me know what you think. I'm certainly not against a lot of science, though I had quibbles about some details in The Martian.
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Thank you Frybabe, I am not sure what is meant by "too much science," or the changes. I'll rely on your judgment, it's certainly getting a lot of hype.
Still watching Monk, some really really good ones not normally seen and lots of complaint online about the removal of same from Amazon Prime, although it seems to still be playing. Apparently the DVD's are not suitable substitutes, lots of complaints there as well, so am watching while I can. He was hilarious in his Christmas one. It's very interesting to see the complete series and it makes you wonder why they leave out some of the best ones on channels like Hallmark, etc., but had it not been for Hallmark I might never have seen them all.
I can't figure out why the series appeals to me so much. He's SO out there, I guess, and everybody around him is so supportive, it's just nice when the world of course laughs at him, and he's so smart he has the last laugh against evil. I guess it's good versus evil but the good is flawed, but who isn't?
Love it.
What's everybody watching?
:)
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Ginny, had the good fortune to spend 3 1/2 days with my daughter at her home. We ate, and ate. Some home cooked, some ordered out, but spent most of those days full to the brim. We watched our silly, modern Christmas favorites: "The Holiday", "Last Holiday", one other whose name escapes me right now! We were going to watch "Love Actually", but got sleepy. We always watch the most "un-Christmassy movie, which has garnered support by thousands as one they have to watch on Christmas Eve---"Die Hard" (goodbye Nakatomi Plaza, boom!) This of course is the original Die Hard, and the best of the bunch. Love Bruce Willis!
Your gifts sound wonderful, especially the book you said weighs 20 lbs. about the frescoes.
Hope you have a great New Year - - I hope we ALL have a great New Year!
Love and Hugs,
Joanne
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For some people, Ginny, if there is technical detail, even a small amount, it is too much. I had no problem with The Martian even though I had no chemistry or physics in high school. Now if you ask me, SevenEves by Neal Stephenson is the epitome of hard science fiction. Since 2016, a movie is listed in development with Ron Howard listed as director. Well, that would be a project and a half. I can see that taking about as long as the HALO (Microsoft) TV series has taken. That one was first proposed for a movie back in 2003 and is finally on track to release on Paramount+ this coming year. I will believe it when I see it.
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Tome, that sounds absolutely wonderful! We ate and ate, too.
How many times a year does Christmas come? We deserve it! Especially now.
hahaha
I may, however, never eat again, having eaten so much. I had been on a diet and enjoying being "thin" and now I'm afraid to get back on the scales. I wonder if I have finally found something that will maintain me (other than holidays when I eat what I want).
Frybabe, that's interesting, so Si Fi is about escape from real science then...sort of a what if? Science Fiction, I just realized the name. In the past I read an awful lot of Ray Bradbury and Isacc Asimov and they were both just great. And I still like both versions of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. And of course R.U.R., my all time favorite: the first robots. And all those Men in Black movies.
Tomereader, I love your choice of "silly" movies. One of my secret pleasures is silly movies of another kind: Japanese Monster Movies, such as King Kong vs Godzilla here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78yJR-uOi6E ....total destruction by what seems to be, in some of the worst ones, sometimes by a hand puppet and sometimes is on wheels. If you can watch them via Mystery Science Theater and their comic running commentary, it's even better, I saw one before Thanksgiving with Godzilla and some other monster which was SO much fun.
I came in to say to Monk fans that there was a cast reunion recently you may not know about, in aid of support of the Pandemic workers. It's been 10 years since the last Monk show, and the first thing you notice is that Tony Shaloub looks the same but a bit thinner, and possibly not well and that's because he reveals he had Covid!! It's quite lovely at the end. Thankfully he and his wife are OK.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x_p9nBg0B4
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Well yes and no, Ginny. The what if's are there big-time. Much of Science Fiction is based on real science or theories and hypotheses. A few seem to be strictly imagination. Science fiction writing has expanded greatly with all kinds of sub-genres. A lot of the newer stuff is mostly a regular story wrapped up in either a imagined future without very little actually science involved or at least explained. Ursula le Guin's books have characters traveling from planet to planet with no real explanation of the technicalities of space ship construction or operation. These stories could be set anywhere. What changes is the scenery, including a greatly altered Earth or on another planet or in a space ship, what the author wants alien(s) to look like, and often a projected change in social structure and norms.
Others do include some explanation of the science or the technical application of such. For example,The Martian uses some basic physics, chemistry and botany like that which was taught in high school college prep classes or first year college as best as I can tell. What Andy Weir did in his book is show, even if it still seems a little far-fetched to some, how someone could survive on Mars for at least a short period of time with the knowledge of science that we have now. SevenEves is a hard science book where scientists, astronauts and technicians are using science and technology to construct and expand a habitat to survive in space for a considerable time after a catastrophic earth event. Imagine the ISS being expanded (and jury-rigged) enough to include enough hydroponics, collect water sources in space, and maintain the station well enough without supplies from Earth to keep the original science station team alive, let alone eventually devise and construct stations that would keep their descendants alive for thousands of years in space. The book is very heavy on science and technical details.
Oh, and not all science fiction is set "out there". There are plenty books with environmental disasters, science experiments gone wrong, AI's turning against humans, apocalyptic wars, etc., right here on good ol' Earth.
In other words, those who think Science Fiction is not their thing, should look a little closer. Check out the alien romances, Indiana Jones type adventurers, colony building on other worlds, social science fiction, or send your favorite Soap Opera into space. Some are even down right comical. If you like humor, check out one of John Scalzi's first books called Agent to the Stars, or H. Beam Piper's Little Fuzzy (or Scalzi's Fuzzy Nation, written based on Little Fuzzy with the Oppenheim estates permission). There are lawyers and bounty hunters in space, lots of military shoot-um ups, on and on. Places like the Wild West, and others with run by an iron hand, oh, and some actually democracies. Go off world, and your politics and political enemies are there waiting to continue the arguments. There are paradise worlds of luxury and tourist attraction and worlds turned into a hunter's dream or terror as the case may be.
Well, that was long winded. I am neglecting my housework and eating into my reading time.
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Oh that was lovely, thank you so much. A wonderful tribute to Science Fiction!!
Lately some things in our real world seem like science fiction, to me. It's like Ted Levine (Captain Stottlemeyer on the Monk shows) said in the recent cast reunion when asked how he was doing, said, oh I'm living the dream. And then he said except it's one of Stephen King's dreams, not mine. hahahaa He's right on that one. I used to read a lot of Robin Cook, who wrote a long time ago in fiction about what we're now going thru with the Coronavirus. And I think perhaps Stephen King did, too.
But for fans of the history of the Duke of Windsor, there's a new film (or new to me) I just spotted on youtube called Whatever Happened to the Windsors? It says it's put in there by "Prince Harry," but that's apparently just the alias of the person putting it up on youtube.
But it IS the production of Edward Windsor, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth, and he's the narrator and he's marvelous. It's really well done, all sorts of things I did NOT know, (and I truly have read every book on either of them I could get my hands on, due to the extraordinary circumstances of giving up an empire for his great love.)
I even have the catalog of their effects which were sold by Sothebys, because at the time I had a lot of their catalogs, and was interested in but unable to afford the priceless Roman artifacts passing through their auction house....such treasures....such treasures....I hoped to some day get a candlestick, and became fascinated by what they WERE selling of the Windsor estate after her death, (and later what the prices brought for something like a pair of his socks)....I mean, really? Socks?
This tackles all the rumors and the Hitler connection, the Wallis affair and much much more. Especially the Duke's continuing love for her....It talks to the footmen, the equerries, the hair dressers...you can't fool your hairdresser..... Her descent into dementia....Archival photos and letters....truly really well done. Long ago I thought I heard Edward had aspirations in film and apparently that's so but this thing is not only fascinating, it's, if you are interested in the subject, substantive and worth watching more than once. And fair, it seems, to both parties.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmXfb99bAqM
Sotheby's is also fascinating: https://www.sothebys.com/en/about/our-history They initially started out by selling the great libraries of the great houses and Napoleon's effects and walking stick. Fascinating stuff.
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I've been watching some of the more current YouTube presentations on Vindolana, their finds and current (outside the camp) excavations. Everything you ever want to know about Roman shoe fashions and construction, and a guess as to why there were so many found there since they didn't appear to have a shoe manufacturing industry going. The highlight for me was to see the precursors of horse shoes; they were like metal sandals for the horses hooves. Also, I had no idea that the water table was so high at the site. What a mess to try to dig and sift through.
I hope to watch the David Tenant version of Around the World in 80 Days on PBS this Sunday. It appears that PBS is presenting it as a mini-series.
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Fascinating, and so many new discoveries there.
You simply CANNOT get away from the ancient Romans and Greeks, no matter where you look. It's amazing. Last night after the news this PROGRAM came on, some sort of competition again but this time THIS time it's based on the Myth of Atalanta, and the contestants (and this is in prime time on one of the major networks, just can't recall the name of the thing, contestants very weird) act out...parts of her myth... I mean....really? It's a clever idea I guess and certainly a fertile field. Never SAW so many references to the ancients as we have now, commercials, references, programs, films.
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My take Ginny is since schools are not including the classics in their curriculum any longer it is both a way to come some education across and for many the scenarios are new and so the stories not only hold their interest as they have for thousands of years but with writers working independently from their home there isn't the collaboration typical for writing new plots.
What did you think frybabe of the new Round the World... I like David Tenant but this version just did not hold my interest - very few PBS shows do I pass on but after about 10 minutes I gave it up and switched to the new Digi channel that show Brit and Australian shows - then later I switched back to try again but it was not making any sense however, I was comparing it to the original -
Sunday nights here they are bringing back Vienna Blood and Bleak House - along with new shows to All Creatures... and the new Round the World... - full lineup...
Tra la I notice during the week they are bringing back some of the Brit series - I think they finally realized they lost most of their audience - coming back is Midsummer Murders, on Thursday and on Saturday Death in Paradise, Poirot (which I am sure will be repeats) and a series on Castles: Secrets, Mysteries and Legends - here PBS was turning into a 24 hour news show with Antiques Roadshow about the only thing breaking it up, oh yes, and Finding Your Roots that I do like and did look forward to watching early on Tuesday evenings however they are all repeats as well however, I do find the stories of family interesting.
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You make some wonderful points, Barbara~!
I can't believe how long it has been since I've posted here, am swamped but loving it with all the classes.
I've been watching when I get 5 minutes the Antiques Road Show from Britain where they drive the vintage cars and compete? It's been on for literally decades, and when I was last in London, was still on BBC1 with new episodes... Amazon Prime/ Brit Box has tons of them, just tons. I like James Braxton and at the moment am watching episode 16, or season 16, I like the way Amazon does it, you can view the entire series which has many episodes, and choose the people you like to watch. Each one has about a week's worth of touring the UK, buying antiques, and going to auction. It's so much fun.
Over the years our dapper James has put on weight and lost some hair and his "posh" accent has changed, but he's still got that charm that he's always had, love the show. So well done.
I finally got my DVD's of the first two years of Succession which I hear is like Dallas on evil steroids, so I'm going to try... I don't have HBO any more due to the DISH/ HBO squabble.
Also on HBO a lot of people are watching the old reruns of Dr. Who, a program I have never seen, and loving it.
I've read that in this extended pandemic, sort of like the frothy movies of the Depression, the new thing is the Murder Mystery, and Agatha Christie in particular, think of that. Chaos and control. Kenneth Branaugh has a new one out, I am not sure of his Poirot, thought the last one was overdone but the filming and scenery made up for it. There are two more in production, glamorous murder mysteries, which is apparently what the people want now.
Another Murder Mystery with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Anniston filming, I really liked the last one, and a new Knives Out. Another Jurassic Park. (I have a fondness for the Jurassic Parks and the Men in Black series.
Escapism and fun. For instance, I personally I don't like antiques and don't care anything about them, despite having some old beautiful things passed down, but I have to say some of those shops in the UK have some really splendid pieces of furniture. I wouldn't last 5 minutes in one, I despise bargaining and the people on this show are REALLY good at it.
Amazing how your taste changes in this pandemic, or is there still one? People are still getting sick here but it's very hard to find a mask anywhere in evidence.
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I was okay with the new Around the World..., what I saw of it. I was so used to not watching PBS for so long, I forgot to watch most of them. My sister was not thrilled with it though.
I've been watching some old favorite SciFi movies and 14 episodes of Firefly. The Russians Are Coming... is in my cue as is Lost Horizon, and the old TV series Allo, Allo. I am tempted to put Hanover Street on the list, which I don't remember ever seeing.
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Firefly was a great series. It's a shame it got squashed by the network.
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I loved the movie Hanover Street - WWII romance - never did see Firefly - been enjoying Sunday Night repeat of Bleak House along with new episodes of All Creatures Great and Small and I believe the episodes being show of Vienna/Blood are new - I don't remember most of what I am seeing although last year the detective's revile was promoted based on his belonging to this secret group that bordered on what later could have become Nazis where as, last weeks episode the rival, now his boss didn't act like his boss and no hint of his association with the secret group that include most of the Police - which made me wonder if it was an original episode that I just do not remember.
However, I am really enjoying the shows on this new Digi network that can be watched on the computer screen as well as, on the TV screen - Blue Heelers is an Australian small town police group and Midsummer Murders is repeating all the shows of which several years were before Sargent Jones and then, there is another Australian police show that takes place in a large city - I think Melbourne - called City Homicide - little to no gun play or car chases although just as thrilling as most of our American city crime shows - both Australian shows depend on a group/team of actors rather than any one single actor and so I look forward to each show to see them all.
Has anyone been out to see a movie in a movie theater? Frankly I have no idea what the movies were that were made and released last year. Anything I should know about?
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I'm still enjoying a break from the real news and indulging in escapism with Monk on Prime Video and Sweet Magnolias on Netflix and reading, reading, reading from the Kindle Unlimited I've signed up for. I had 3 months free, and I'm hooked and staying on for awhile, at least.
Enjoy whatever makes you happy and relaxed is my motto. I hope you've all found your "whatever" that makes you happy.
jane
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It appears that all the shows I've been enjoying on Digi are winding up -probably they will repeat but we shall see what we shall see - Last night was the end of 3 months of the Renovators - a group of 24 rehab 6 - started with 4 renovators per house - challenges gradually knocked them out till there were only 6 left - they brought the finished houses to auction and the one who made the most profit upon sale was the lead Australian renovator -
Ages ranged from 22 to 59 and it turned out those in their 20s did best not only in superior skill sets but quickly learning design, decorating, budgeting, which were their weaker skills - from what I observed the older renovators stuck to what they knew that yes, was a greater box of knowledge and experience but they would dig into that box rather than add to the box - interesting - made me think of how I approach life and how easily I get annoyed with new, especially tech ways of doing things... Also the younger renovators were quick to take the advise and hire other experts for some of the tasks where they were not as experienced.
Jane would you share the titles of a few of the books you have been reading?
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Still watching Antique Road Trips with James Braxton (there seem to be hundreds of them) on Amazon Prime through PBS, if you have a membership to it, and can't seem to get enough of them. It's harmless fun, and if you like him, (his small segments) it's an immersion into antiques which I know nothing of and care nothing about but the presentation of the show is marvelous. In each show segment they feature in about a week's contest and they drive all over the UK and there are at least 2 side trips into British/ Scottish/ Welsh history and places, just to go and learn, and I'm really enjoying that. He's tried his hand at morris dancing and badminton and he's a hoot. Not quite as lithe and sleek and athletic as he was, but who among us is? hahahaa I was shocked the other day's program when he said he was 52. I have children older than 52, and he's not aged well athletically but he's marvelous to watch and has been on there for at least the last 30 years, surely.
It's just fun. And if you like the other presenters, like Charles Hanson, his are cute as well.
Have left off Mr. Monk for a bit, but love that show....love it.
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In the recreation department since we don't have an Electronic Games area here, I have discovered an old card game on the iphone and i pad based on the conceit that you're staying in a posh hotel in the 30's? Roaring 20's? And everything looks 'antique." Including the deck of cards appearance.
It's a gin rummy game and you can choose many iterations. I am not sure why I am obsessed with it but it's great fun and I don't win much, but they seem to promote you anyway, and give you more chips, etc.
You appear to be playing real people, some of whom have put in their photos. Some of whom try to communicate with you using emoji's etc. Stock words like "great game," or "nice work," or something. I personally think they are all robots.
You can also invite friends to play as well.
I'm in the lowest level, the beginner level, and refuse to leave it, so I don't get promoted much but for some reason have over 65,000 "chips," little....plastic like gambling things, though I've paid nothing and am not in the top ranks.
I just like playing the game. :)
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anyone else watching the Ken Burns documentary on Benjamin Franklin - fabulous - I forgot so many of the things he did and his various pithy sayings - realized so many of his thoughts were part of my learning in the classroom - reminds me of what I see missing in society today and maybe that is it - his life story and his sayings are no longer part of the education of children - no wonder there is such a gulf between the generations of late... My take is they threw the bathwater out along with the baby since yes, some of his ways were detrimental to parts of society but then what he did add was amazing...
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Didn't know he made one, Barb. I only remember his The Civil War, The Dust Bowl, and Jazz. He has done quite a lot. Here is Wikipedia's list of his future films:
The U.S. and the Holocaust (working title) (2022, with Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein)[72]
The American Buffalo (2024)[73]
Leonardo da Vinci (2025)[74]
The American Revolution (2025)[74]
LBJ & the Great Society (2027, with Lynn Novick)[75]
From Emancipation to Exodus (working title, also called The History of Reconstruction) (TBA)[74]
Winston Churchill (TBA)[74]
I am not a Lovecraft fan by any means, but I found this quote that speaks to me.
"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."
-H.P. Lovecraft
Someone (Dad maybe?) said a long time ago when I was young that he thought I had a fear of the unknown. I also remember that a lot of my childhood nightmares were fear related: being left behind, someone turning the lights out or it gets dark out and I can't see but sense spooks and demons, being chased by someone unknown. Never liked horror films as a whole. That didn't stop me from watching Vincent Price though.
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My childhood dreams and nightmares were me running from usually a guy dressed and hooded in black and I would run so hard I would end up running on air up as high as the top of the telephone poles or another I would be escaping from usually a community of people attending of all things a barn dance across a desert or prairie at night striving to reach the mountains where I could hide in the forest with all sorts of dangers in my way from weather to wild animals to crossing unexpected fast running creeks or being trapped in deep ditches. I can feel the anxiety as I write this - oh dear...
Great list frybabe of Ken Burns films to look forward to - Have not looked but the information with the credits said the Benjamin Franklin series was available on the PBS web site - Hope so because I think i may have missed a section - According to this documentary Washington winning at Yorktown was key to our winning the war and thus our independence from George III and Britain.
Saw a great documentary last night on PBS about Hannibal crossing the Alps and what route he probably took - they pointed out how this guy really knew what he was doing and a coin found from the era shows on the back an elephant which they realized by its shape it was an African elephant - and then they showed how the African elephants could have still been in the Atlas Mountains having been pushed into this last stronghold as the Sahara desert took over the land- and then they showed how elephants were War Elephants used in two ways - either with a wooden frame on their back that was the perch for soldiers with spears and arrows or simply as large frightening animals capable of tossing men aside with their trunks.
I'm aware Carthage was in northern Africa but I never really took it in that the city would be populated with Arabs and darker skinned people - I'm more aware of the various European centers of war that I never fully realized the difference - I'm wondering if the early Jews were less European looking and more 'Arab' looking for the want of a better description. Not the dark skinned blacks that we associate with Africa but the look of an Arab. Today we label those from Turkey as East Asian which brings to mind the look of an Arab but back when Constantinople was the center of things again I bet the population was more 'Arab' looking than European looking. Pondering, it seems obvious but we usually see paintings that show a European looking population in at least Constantinople and written descriptions don't really describe complexion or the features of even the more famous characters - they say they were strong or beautiful or maybe he had a straight nose but that is about it.
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I've been spending a little time with the TV lately. Right now, I am in the middle of watching a Great Courses program on the history of Eastern Europe. Very interesting. Also, just started one called Grand Tours, Scotland's Lochs. The two series I have been watching are HALO, and Star Trek, Strange New Worlds. Both are new series this year.
Shan, at this moment, is watching the birds next door.
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Are the Great Courses on TV now, Frybabe? They are usually very good.
That IS a wonderful documentary about Hannibal, Barbara. Some people have spent their entire lives trying to find his actual route. There's a really good book on it by Patrick Hunt.
I'm enjoying a great slate of programs I'm finding on Amazon Prime. I watched An English Scandal which has Hugh Grant in a really stellar performance as the real life Jeremy Thorpe and it was mesmerizing. It's probably too much for people not wanting details of homosexual activity but Thorpe himself is fascinating and Hugh Grant should have won (and I think he did) many awards for that...the acting in episode 3, the actual trial at the Old Bailey is spectacular.. I have seen a couple of days of trials there in the past and the lawyers are incredible and they were here, as well. ....I'm now reading the book it was based on...
I get that through Brit Box. Then I'm SO enjoying Badehotellet, (Seaside Hotel), I think it's called, it's Danish with English subtitles, which I get through Acorn. I had gotten through 4 seasons of it previously and that's all there was, but now there are 9 and they go through 2022, so I went back to Season 3 to catch up.
I think it's really addictive. I am also picking up some Danish (yes, no, me, good morning, and thank you) so far is what I can remember. Danish appears a very interesting language, it sounds half German. But if I ever went to Denmark I need not worry, 86 percent of the people of Denmark speak English fluently. But sometimes the words on the screen don't match what you know they are saying, you can hear and understand it. It's fascinating. I just read that Dutch is the closest language to English linguistically and I believe it, because if you listened to it long enough I think you might be able to speak it in a halting way.
It's kind of an Upstairs Downstairs type of thing, but this time told from the point of view of the Downstairs staff of a hotel on the sea.
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Ginny, Great Courses is indeed available on the web now. If you go to the Great Courses website, you can sign up from there if you want to watch on the computer. They offer a free "preview" channel, and the paid "Signature Collection". I think they offer it through an outfit called Wonderium. However, I watch mine through Amazon Prime. You can sign up for the paid service through them, too. Every month, Prime Video offers a selection of normally paid programs that you can watch free for that month. A Great Courses lecture is often one of them. This month it is a history of Eastern Europe. In addition, Xfinity offers the app through their streaming service, but I haven't tried it.
I remember the Thorpe scandal, started watching the program, but didn't get far (don't remember why)
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OH well that's very interesting news, thank you for that. They are usually very good!
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Oops! I meant TV. Depending on your service provider, if they have streaming apps available, Great Courses may be among them. I watch mine through Prime Video, Ruku also lists Great Courses among their many apps, so does AppleTV. YouTube, I believe, has some freebies. There are probably more service providers who offer Great Courses with their streaming programs. Does anyone know if DirectTV offers it with their streaming apps?
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I don't know, Frybabe, we have DISH, but this streaming thing that Barbara found is really a hit if a person likes British TV type things: https://www.watchdigitv.com/watch-live
It's free, well organized, schedule posted well in advance, and you can watch on your ipad or phone or whatever.
10 and 11 am this summer are set for me, one on trying to keep these old mammoth country houses without going into ruin and the one on a garden makeover.
Apparently to buy one of these giant country estates one has to be a billionaire or hire it out. Kind of erases the joy I would think.
I thought the last one was quite poignant, actually, the aged lady of the manor loves the house, does all the work herself and is rather odd, like the.. Grey Gardens ladies here in the US but trying. It exhausts me to even contemplate it.
House has no hot water.... neighbors helping....Buying antiques rather than repairs or fix the heater...poignant.
A slice of life of these apparently ubiquitous gigantic hundreds of years old great houses and estates we might not ever see otherwise.
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Yes, it appears you have to be a successful entrepreneur to live in one of those large country homes - I did not realize there were as many as that show made me aware - there are many tours for some of of those grand houses however, I'm thinking the biggest but there appears to be many many more that are big but not as gigantic as the few with tours, or maybe they did not get on the bandwagon and make their home a tour site - I do like the many ways the show is bringing out to make a house and land into an asset - I'm thinking there are now many with lessor homes that are offering rooms not as a B&B but I forgot what they call them something like airnab - Where some do it full time others are doing it just a few weeks a year when the local sights like fall leaves bring in travelers.
Watching Renovation Man and did he really say that there were 86 million bricks used at Hampton Court - all made on site using mostly local mud - wow - but the view from what ever roof they are on really shows the brick work and various designs of all those chimney's - I love seeing the current brick makers at work - that is the work that went into daily life that people took pride in that is missing today - everything made by machine and most of us see is the finished product - not much to take pride in is there... Even washlines that I love seeing with laundry blowing in the breeze is a seldom seen sight but there was pride in seeing your work lined up on a washline.
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Barbara, what's the title of the Restoration Man show which has Hampton Court? I'd like to watch it. I really like Hampton Court and when I do get to go to London (it's beginning to feel as if I haven't been there in 19 years) I always go out for the day.
Ella Gibbons from this site and I went the year they were filming a movie there, in 2003 or 2004. It was Vanity Fair with Reece Witherspoon, a movie I have yet to see, and we all got to watch them do it from above, you could choose a gallery on any floor which looked right out on the court... it was fascinating. They stand about in the hot sun for hours setting up this or that shot, it was blistering that day and people were in those awful hot costumes. Then they suddenly fog the area with this black fog stuff to look like London of the period, and they suddenly start marching out and moving and everybody is playing their role, it's fascinating. Then they stop...they barely got started marching out the gate, but they stop and come back again for a long time, the horses (there were a lot of horses in the part we saw) are sweating , they have their own handlers, the people are sweating, and then suddenly they are off again. It was absolutely fascinating.
I really can see how the allure of film making and Hollywood would call, especially if you get paid millions of dollars to do it, but it does appear to be tiring work and then of course if you haven't got your lines right all of that has to start again. I think this summer I will watch Vanity Fair to see that shot, and see if I even recognize it. It was supposed to be London or a village apparently or town? Show biz. Lots of extras, dogs, horses, it would have been a nightmare to reshoot over and over unless you focused in on something other than the main square, to match it all up.
Here's the trailer and obviously they have not remastered it, but it doesn't look like that bad a movie, actually....lots and lots of extras. In the trailer there appears only one scene of external Hampton Court Palace, and that's the one with the long shot at 1:19 of trees and carriages which lasts all of 2 seconds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16hZR4bgT38
One interesting thing that came out of the Depp/ Heard trial is that if the two main characters in a film who are supposed to be a love interest don't have any "chemistry," then skillful editing by the cameramen can make it seem as if they do, but it's time consuming and costly to edit the tape, and they might like to look for another actress (this in relation to Amber Heard and Jason Momoa in Aquaman I....which I am pretty sure I am not going to view), but it WAS interesting to read about. It really is a business, it's magic, but it's a business.
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This "Under the Vines" which you may have seen commercials for a new PBS type series in New Zealand about two people who inherit a vineyard is really good, so far, and cute....it's funny, and light....I see it on Amazon Prime through Acorn.
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I also finished all 8 years of Seaside Hotel, the Danish TV series, and am waiting till they show the 9th season which just concluded two months ago.
I really liked it. They are in WWII now, I did not know anything about Denmark and Norway then and am learning how the Nazis took them over little by little.
Certainly fits the times today.
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I had originally seen the Hampton Court episode on DIGI but the other night saw the episode again on another channel - Sorry but I don't remember either the other channel or the name of the episode - you know how DIGI does not include the titles of the shows after they are shown.
From what you and Ella observed it struck how actors used to say they could do move or stage but not both - don't hear that much any more but there are actors that you never see in the movies but are big names in the Theater world - appears in the Theater you need to know your lines for the entire show and it is seamlessly acted without any breaks but then they don't have the addition of animals to give a scene more character and excitement.
What crosses my mind making a scene in a movie is if you acted perfectly and one of the other cast members flubs or the atmosphere is not as expected and then you have to do it over - after a few of those I would be thoroughly annoyed and can understand how some in the industry are labeled a temperamental actor - after a couple of those kinds of delays I would be temperamental.
Had PBS's Memorial Day Concert from D.C. as background last evening and realized the show was repeating and then it was repeating for the third time - sheesh - even showing an old war movie in between would have worked and so at the third go around I had to fiddle around and find something else - nothing so I shut it off - the house is so silent and I've packed up most of my CDs so I wasted an hour on media news that is followed by all these opinions - even that was boring - I'm tired of opinions - I've gotten crotchety - like the old TV police show - when Friday says, 'Give me the fact ma'am, just the facts'
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That's why I like to tape things so you don't have to watch what they put on when they feel like putting it on. That's the biggest issue with DIGI that I have found, you have to watch right then, or miss it, or see a later offering of it, but either way, you have to be like the '60's and all gather round the TV or miss it.
I guess we've gotten spoiled with all these taping abilities.
Having said that, am back to watching Monk again, last night I wanted something after what I saw of the Jubilee Party, such an upper, so since I have taped all the Monks, and the Hallmark people are once again? Doing a Monk? reprise I enjoyed the circus one no end. Never figured it out before he did, either. Very clever. That really WAS a good show, and I'm sorry it's not still on.
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I had started to read Barbarians at the Gate again but kept seeing James Garner and Jonathan Pryce in the movie of the same name in my mind, so stopped the book and watched Barbarians at the Gate and it's just as good as it ever was. Wonderful cast, really brings the book to life.
It's about the corporate take over of RJR Nabisco by...I think it was KKR, Kohlberg, Kravis, and Roberts, a private equity firm specializing in leveraged buyouts. You would not believe how interesting that is.
Still watching the DIGI channel, also, despite the bits about the reclaiming of English Country historical estates being something of a (1)surprise and (2) downer.
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Had a thought - today had the Country House Rescue on as background on my computer - and it hit me watching Pentillie Castle and how they were doing it all on their own much to the chagrin of Ruth who frankly I do not see her as being full of good cheer and support for the Corrigans sheesh - but to my point having watched more of Restoration Man and seeing how all these couples tackled rehabbing old homes - one couple did what it takes most couples at least a year if not 2 or 3 they accomplished it all in 6 months - the difference was he was a CEO of a small company and knew how to organize people and tasks and how to order and was on top of the project where as most of those rehabbing are not used to accomplishing on that level of executive decision making.
And that is what I see Ruth assumes the owners of these large estates can do and how to utilize professional help and organize that - which takes the property one step further away from being the owners home into more and more of a money making enterprise.
I really did not like Ruth's fighting with the owners in this episode at all - the most unprofessional behavior I can imagine from the one who is promoting professional solutions to the owners... beyond sad to me - Horrifying... As a Real Estate Broker I could not imagine fighting with a client because of how they approached and decided upon getting their house ready for market. Just as emotional for some sellers as this experience for the owners of Pentillie who are giving up their private ownership to now a public display...
Had to stop watching I was so horrified with Ruth's behavior... If it were me I would clam up and as soon as Ruth left I would close her out and do things my way gradually deciding how much I wanted my home and gardens to be a business rather than a home and probably decide to hold a month long public opening seasonally - 3 or 4 a year - not as big a money earner but on my terms till I decide differently as if I was the hostess and not some hired professional taking over decision making - But to me Ruth acted more like someone living in a row house causing a ruckus with her neighbors.
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Here's the current Pentille Countyry House site today, looks like they are doing teas, tours, weddings, theater, garden membership, rent the castle, your very own castle for the event, etc....there's even a swimming pool:
https://www.pentillie.co.uk/whats-on
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Here's the current Pentille Country House site today, looks like they are doing teas, tours, weddings, theater, garden membership, rent the castle, your very own castle for the event, etc....there's even a swimming pool:
https://www.pentillie.co.uk/whats-on
Maybe they hire staff to clean up afterwards, and figure that in the amount. Most places do.
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Lovely website - whatever they did to get on with this business venture from the web site it looks glorious - thanks for looking it up - never thought of finding these places online
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I didn't know that Barbarians at the Gate was about the RJR. I'll have to watch that (or read the book). True Story: When I was in Jr. high school I took riding lessons from a gal who, I was told later (when I found out the stables were knocked down to make room for some light industry or other), married one of the Reynolds heirs but it apparently didn't last long.
Sally and at least one of her best students rode in some of the equestrian nationals, including the Pennsylvania National held in Harrisburg every October. The PA National is (or was at the time) part of the circuit of the horse competitions that lead to a chance at competing in the Olympics. We moved when I was just going into 9th grade, and there were no riding stables close by that taught riding English saddle. I was just snobby enough not to want to switch to Western.
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Those leveraged take overs are something else. And they do keep happening.
I've found a fascinating bit of stuff on youtube about rude airline passengers. I really can't believe some of the footage. A&E has done a huge thing on it. I had no idea that airline personnel had to put up with SO much!!! I mean the people in the ticket counters seem to get the brunt of it, and stewardesses on flights. The footage I've seen is more about the ticket counters.
Particularly SouthWest Airlines who seem to have lovely caring people working behind the desk but extremely rude hysterical passengers, standing in front of it, and Easy Jet.
Both oversell their flights, this was stated by one of the airline representatives, and in this case since there were so many cancellations a passenger argued that it was oversold by 10-15 people, and you can lose your seat easily when that happens IF you don't also check in at the Gate as well. So I guess that means you check in at the desk and at the Gate?
I don't really know what more people would expect from Easy Jet. It's unbelievably cheap with bizarre rules. I once got a ticket on it to go from Rome to Lyon France but did not even get on, the rules were surreal, the entire thing was like a movie, a regular cattle stampede. Yes it's cheap flights, IF you can get on, IF you can find the gate they keep changing, IF you know the time they keep changing, not going to do that, would rather stay home. Or in this case fly British Air to London and turn around and fly to Lyon. Now THAT is a hassle and expensive, would rather have had a flight which went direct but which actually WENT there. Such a mess it was.
Admittedly this ONE experience happened to me when they first started up? And it happened to me overseas.
But the model is flawed, it seems to me. No checked baggage. Cheap tickets. First come first served in the plane so the line up for seats is very long. Air travel is or WAS unpleasant enough without that. Apparently now it's....well it CAN be a total mess apparently from the videos, some of which have people in masks on them, so are recent.
One woman, I think it was Australia, and I don't recall the airline but got so angry at the ticket counter she threw her well dressed self down on the floor and pitched a tantrum a 2 year old would have been proud of, not only screaming but kicking her feet. Unreal. Also lots of belligerent drunks. Who knew?
One stares, horrified.
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This is what's coming up today on Country House Rescue on the DIGI channel which is free and on an ipad, etc., but is rigid in schecule and can't be taped:
Chesters is a grade I listed 17th-century country house and estate, located on the banks of the River Teviot in the Scottish Borders. The estate includes 1,500 acres and 14 estate cottages, as well as a mile of the River Teviot. John and Ellie Henderson would like to leave their jobs in London and take up permanent residence at Chesters, but they are unable to afford to. Can Ruth help the couple make the estate profitable enough to achieve their dream?
That's at 11 this morning in our area.
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I was interrupted with Chesters, so hopefully they will put it up another time. I truly had no idea there were so MANY ancient derelict great houses in Britain. There are several books on it, I think I'll try one, having seen so many of these houses now I think I would understand more.
But there's BIG news for fans of Shakespeare and Hathaway AND Father Brown!
BOTH the new series are now out, the Shakespeare and Hathaway for Feburary of 2022 and Father Brown of January 2022 are OUT and if you have Amazon Prime, free on that or I think with the case of Father Brown Prime/ BritBox. I expect you could have BritBox by itself, it's very reasonable, if you didn't want to pay more.
I've watched the first two Shakespeare and Hathaway ones and enjoyed them both no end, and the first Father Brown (a serious one, but a good one) and started the second one which was just delightful in the beginning as well before I had to quit...Sid is BACK already and apparently permanently and we can see how much we've missed him.
LOADS of great film...one of them is "only" 9 episodes which the filmmakers have apologized for, due to Covid. ONLY 9! I can't WAIT!!
I have a feeling PBS will pick these up asap. Great news!
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So here today on DIGI free to watch on ipad or phone or PC we have Plas Teg is a grade I listed Jacobean mansion, located near Pontblyddyn in Flintshire. For most of the 20th Century the house lay derelict. In 1986 Cornelia Bayley purchased Plas Teg, and poured her life and finances into the house. But the constant maintenance of the old building and estate has isolated Cornelia, and funds are at an all-time low. Ruth Watson advises her to offer out the house as a location for film and photo shoots, but Cornelia is worried about strangers harming her beautiful home.
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that is great news on Father Brown and Shakespeare and Hathaway - both wonderfully acted and good writing.
Sounds like Ruth takes bits and pieces from the many successes used by the owners of Highclere Castle where Downton was filmed.
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Plas Teg is the one with the slightly eccentric lady, not sure if this is the one with the dresses.
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Talk about "One For the Books:" Father Brown, new series 4, Episode 2 is priceless, so cute.....vintage Father Brown and lots and lots of Latin, a puzzle extraordinaire!
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See here's the thing. These programs are 10 years old , and here's the current state of the absolutely gorgeous Heath House, and its 400+ acres today.
The contents, 400 lots, were sold off at auction April 21 2021, and was put on sale May 2, 2021 with Savills from offers in excess of £6,250,000 .
https://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/a-spectacular-farm-for-sale-thats-more-downton-abbey-than-dirty-wellies-225979
History
The current house was first constructed in 1836 for John Burton Philips (previously a High Sheriff of Staffordshire) and his wife, Joanna. However, the Philips family first bought the estate in the 1680s, and the current house replaced an older construction. Notable guests who have visited The Heath House over the years include Florence Nightingale, who came to the house after the Crimean War.[1] The Heath House was requisitioned for the Red Cross during World War II, and was used as an auxiliary hospital for military personnel. After the war the property was returned to the Philips family.[1]
Television appearances
The Front lodge
In March 2010 and September 2011, The Heath House was the subject of a Channel 4 television programme presented by hotelier Ruth Watson as part of her Country House Rescue series.
https://www.facebook.com/TheHeathHouse/
On 19 January 2011, it was featured as one of four different houses to be shown on the ITV1 television show May The Best House Win. Family representative Ben Philips showed the guests around it.[2]
Heath House has also been used as a location in:
The Hound of the Baskervilles (Jeremy Brett, 1987)
Agatha Christie: They Do It with Mirrors (1991)
BBC adaptation of Tim Pears' novel In a Land of Plenty (1991).[3]
The Heath House
*Announcement & Auction 12th April 2022*
Following the sale of the estate in 2021, the Philips family sadly left Staffordshire but with the knowledge that the estate will prosper and grow under the ownership of a new family.
The last remaining connection with the House sees the sale of the contents, and attached is a link to the auctioneers for your perusal. Following the auction, the website will be taken down.
We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who have played a part in the history of the house and estate, and we wish you all the very best for the future.
Following the sale of the estate in 2021, the Philips family sadly left Staffordshire but with the knowledge that the estate will prosper and grow under the ownership of a new family. The last remaining connection with the House sees the sale of the contents, and attached is a link to the auctioneers for your perusal. Following the auction, the website will be taken down.
We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who have played a part in the history of the house and estate, and we wish you all the very best for the future.
Find out more: https://www.mellorsandkirk.com/auction-calendar/
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Interesting - all these houses with history are a marvel
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Yes, they are, and they just keep on coming. I had no idea there were so many: here is todays:
Ruth visits Abbey Dore Court, a quaint country house with a big problem. Set in 150 acres of Herefordshire farmland, the house was bought by Charis Ward in 1967 for £12,000. Up until ten years ago the house was a happy home where Charis's children and grand children grew up. However, in 2000 Charis decided to leave Abbey Dore to live in a more manageable property, and the house has since fallen into disrepair.
Fans of Father Brown: not only is Sid back, but Lady Felicia AND Flambeau are back and last night Bunty also arrived, thinner, and the entire cast has been reunited. It's like a homecoming.
:)
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And here is one in Prot Isaac, Cornwall. Doc Martin's surgery is up for sale. https://johnbrayestates.co.uk/properties-for-sale/fern-cottage-cottage-port-isaac-north-cornwall-5144/
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Oh my all my favorites - no longer on our local PBS - they have become a 24 hour news from the world channel with Masterpiece and Mystery on Sunday evening and other usually 4 episode type series on Saturday night - that's it... locally they have 4 channels - one for cooking and adventure - one for children - one for US type news and the main one International news from places like China and Poland and Spain sometimes Germany on and on... fingers crossed the lineup is different where I'm moving which would be Houston stations.
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And I've just watched this one: on DIGI which is free on any ipad, computer or iphone, and it was a grand success! The first one I've seen really a success. James with his 1,000 acres and fabulous house was extremely resistant but he's not now. It was wonderful, if you get a chance to see it:
Ruth Watson is back for a third series, taking on some of Britain's biggest country houses and most historic families. In the first episode of the series, Ruth visits Wyresdale Hall in Lancashire, home to the Whewell family. The Hall belongs to James Whewell senior and his wife Sally, who have spent decades restoring the estate back to its former glory.
She backpedalled her remarks on this one and well done, Ruth, as 72 year old James had over the years wrested back the land and the house that his father had lost and naturally had his own ideas as to how it should go, it was truly a beautiful meshing of all concerned.
Wyresdale Hall today: https://wyresdalepark.co.uk/
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Wow beautiful countryside - so glad you included the link - today we are taking down all the curtains and washing them and painting the window sills... onward...
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Yes these are beautiful old places, it's a shame about the rot and all. I'm shocked there are so MANY of them, there really ARE.
I'm glad to see somebody was able to keep it.
Last night Amazon Prime was offering The House of Gucci. I had Gucci for some reason confused with Versace where the brother was assassinated....Obviously it wasn't.
This one has a cast and a half, too. I don't recall any of these news items of the actual shooting, but I looked up the real people and they are extremely interesting in their own right. Lady Gaga turns out to be a wonderful actress, I thought she did a super job. It also had Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Jared Leto, and I really enjoyed it...although there has been a lot of praise and at the same time lots of criticism for the Paolo (Leto) performance.
Still watching the Gardening Videos, as well as the house restoration efforts on DIGI https://www.watchdigitv.com/watch-live the one today was touching and very sweet. I like the team of Charlie Dimmock ( a woman) and Harry and David Rich, Chelsea Gold Medal winners, apparently the two men left the show but are coming back for the new series. You can get ideas from it, though the plants are somewhat different.
PS: Yes, and here's breaking news: the Rich Brothers are back for 2022 and they are shooting now and we could have submitted our own gardens (if we lived in the UK) by January 31 to be remade!!! Maybe they will come to the US!! I sure could use them! https://www.jobearnshaw.co.uk/bbc-garden-rescue-is-back-for-2022/
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Shoot that is the second time today that I finished a post and hit something so that the entire post disappeared - this time whatever I hit the connection to the internet disappeared - sorry I'm not going to try and remember what I posted - something about would like to see a documentary about Versace and so glad the brothers will be back on Garden Rescue --- grrrrhh - it is what it is... gotta get some water out for the deer and the birds - 105 today...
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In the action/thriller category, yesterday I watched the last of the first season of Jack Carr's The Terminal List. Since Carr has written five books in this series. I can look forward to seeing the next season when it comes out. I have not read any of his books.
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Wow just finished watching The House of Gucci - talk about an Italian Opera steeped in revenge, betrayal, manipulation, raw aggression to satisfy a thirst for power and money - whew... Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Pagliacci and Verdi's Nabucco all rolled into one libretto, The House of Gucci sheesh
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Lady Gaga did really well in that part, didn't she? Apparently there's also another fashion house, besides Versace, with the same amount of tragedy and drama, too. I truly had no idea.
Am watching Edward on Edward, on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2gL6h-Iy4I it's not new, Prince Edward is examining the life and papers of Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor, lots of black and white archival film, very interesting. I thought I had read everything on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, apparently not. Also Edward Fox, an actor I really like, was in one of the Poirots last week and I thought to watch his Edward and Mrs. Simpson which Amazon Prime has free, and it's still one of the best movies on them, I think, although very old, he's a perfect Duke of Windsor.
Speaking of the British aristocracy, here's one which certainly would put anybody off them for life: one of the last programs I saw with the DIGI was the one with the Fulfords, and I have never seen anything like them....ever.
There's a program on youtube where the woman who comes in and famously cleans houses goes to the Fulford place and.....I actually had to stop watching...as I said, I never saw anything like that and hope never to, again.
"Fulford is lord of the manor of Great Fulford, the current owner of the estate which was granted to his ancestor William de Fulford by King Richard about 1191, as a reward for military service on the Third Crusade.The present great house dates back to the 16th century..."
Known for the reality series The F***ing Fulfords.... Huge 50 room house. 3000 acres. I managed to get through 9 minutes of this and wished I had spent the time otherwise:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n-P6Oo4zS8 How Clean is Your House Special - The Filthy Fulfords
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I think Tony Bennett did much for her allowing the public to know she was really good and a nice person where as her outrages appearance may have caught the attention of the public, it sure was not suggesting she had skill and talent worthy of an acting part - even her name is pop and so we are surprised when she shows she is more than a pop icon.
Regardless the condition I'm thinking it is courageous to maintain one of these castles built before the eighteenth century - when they were built and in their hayday they had all sorts of local taxes supporting them much less being free of estate taxes, and all sorts of servants that when staffs were reduced there is no way without pots of money modern equipment could take their place and the homes really have to become money make enterprises just to be maintained and most of the upper class are not educated or trained to be CEOs of the kind of enterprise required to keep these castles and even the large country houses going in the manner they were when they were built. I've seen a couple of times how the owner of, is it Hardgrove where Downton Abbey was filmed - he runs that estate like a large business with many products and services each in separate departments - it is far more than a small business - that kind of knowledge and skill is not the typical education sought by the upper class
What really would be interesting is a documentary about the entire staff that it takes to run say Windsor or Buckingham Palace including the gardens - problem to do that many would be shocked at the expense and want the royals to either move or foot the bill - in fact it would be interesting to learn what it takes to keep the White House and it's grounds in action but again so many in the public would see it as moeny that should be spent on the less fortunate.
Going back home on Sunday and so I doubt I will watch either till next week but thanks for those links - something to look forward to...
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I watched a YouTube program about Jane Austen's house only to discover more this morning. I plan on watching the TimeLine program a little later on the "big screen" rather than watch it on the computer in a bit. Lucy Worsley sure is enthusiastic about her subject, isn't she? https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Jane+Austin+House
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Yes, I really like her and this is a good one, too. She's very good on the Tudors, Henry VIII and his 6 wives, and Dan Snow is also very good. A good film, especially for Jane Austen fans.
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Agree "Lucy Worsley sure is enthusiastic about her subject," - love the way she includes herself by dressing as a side character in these period documentaries - she is doing George III and IV & the Napoleonic War this week on our local PBS - I'll have to look for the one done on Jane Austin - sounds good
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Am really missing DIGI and my mornings in the gardens and in the stately homes, though the latter was so depressing I quit watching, but last night Amazon Prime popped up with a series on Acorn I never heard of, called The Agatha Christie Hour and I watched the first one which starred her character Parker Pyne, which I never cared for, after a few pages, and never read the books.
What an ODD thing that was. It's not a mystery, at least this one wasn't, it was some kind of...I don't know what he was, "fixer," who fixed people's lives when they were unhappy and.... I don't know, very odd. At least the actors were delightful, and the reason I watched it to the end was the female lead was the same actress who played Colonel Bantry's wife in the Miss Marple series, Dolly Bantry, and I really like her.
I have no idea what to make of it, and it apparently IS a series of its own. Acorn seems to be coming out with all kinds of different things lately, which is fine with me.
Anybody watching anything good?
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Anybody watching the new prequel series called The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power on Amazon? I am not sure I care to, but basis for making this prequel is rather interesting. I have, but never read, Silmarillion, but have read his short stories set in Middle Earth.
https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/what-book-is-the-rings-of-power-lord-of-the-rings-based-on
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Interesting link, Frybabe. I've read bits of The Silmarillion, but find it rather depressing. It's interesting that Amazon bought copyrights to the Ring trilogy, including the appendices, which give some of the background and further outcome of the trilogy, but not to The Silmarillion itself. I hope they didn't buy exclusive rights. I sort of don't trust Peter Jackson, and certainly don't trust Amazon, not to Disneyfy things. Jackson did an amazing job on LOTR, especially visually. It's hard to believe anyone could make visual sense of Gandalf's duel with the Balrog and what happened afterwards, but he caught it perfectly.
But in several places he oversimplified motives in a way that lost some of the point.
I doubt I'll watch it. I'm not watching much these days.
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Oops. I was reading too fast, and thought Peter Jackson would be involved in Rings of Power. I'm even more doubtful.
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After seeing two of the 'Ring' books on film I was so disappointed and they were considered good interpretations - Forgot his name, was it Jackson, from Australia - anyhow he made whatever was supposed to be frightening, bad or evil so gargantuan on screen it lost for me all its spiritual meaning - how could anyone relate to the part of themselves that was not up to snuff - he took the story out of any possibility for a deeper meaning and just filmed it as a fantasy good versus bad extravaganza - and the ad that keeps popping up when you link to Amazon does not bode well that their version will be any better... and so like you Pat I doubt I will be watching...
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I see it's been a few days since I signed on to Amazon--hadn't seen the ad yet. Yes, Barb, it bodes ill. Tolkien had an understanding of myth, and what it takes to make a good one, that many of his imitators lack. It isn't enough to dress in elaborate medieval costumes and wave a sword or wand around in front of a castle. And, as you point out, Tolkien was deeply spiritual, and it shows in his writing..
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Hi. I've been watching the new Ring back story. I'd say, "check it out". I'm enjoying it for the most part. I think it is well cast and richly "filmed". I agree that Jackson (from New Zealand) made the last two installments of LOR pretty operatic. I much prefer his Hobbit trilogy and enjoy rewatching it whenever the opportunity arises.
Nice to have some sci fi/ fantasy fold in the group. Who else is waiting for Avatar 2?!
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Yesterday i received an email notifying me that author Matthew Mather died in a car crash earlier this month. I left a link to one of the more extensive obits I've seen for him over on the Science Fiction discussion group. His book, Cyberstorm, is to be made into a movie, but it is likely to be a few years before we see it. No info on it other than it is in development.
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Occasionally I run across a movie trailer that looks interesting. The other day, I found two.
One is Till which is about Mamie Till Mobley and her pursuit for justice for her 14 year old son who was lynched. Nigerian-American Chinonye Chukwu directed. The trailer mentioned that this is a film by blacks, for blacks. It premiered on Oct. 1 and will be released October 14.
The other is Orbital. There is very little information on IMDB about this one other than it is a foreign film, the cast and crew all appear to be middle-eastern or Indian and that the distributors are all internet outfits. Snapchat, Facebook Watch and YouTube were named plus one more not familiar to me. So, I guess that means it is an internet only movie?
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Those sound like interesting films, Frybabe, thank you for bringing them here.
I haven't had much time for fun leisure activities but I did watch season one of the 1970's remake of Upstairs Downstairs, solely to see Adrian Scarborough as the butler.
I had tried it once before and found the first couple of shows absolutely awful and retreated to buy the original series.
But he's always mentioned in that part and since he made such an incredible George Carman I wanted to see him, and I am so glad I did.
As the first series went on, it grew on one. I very much disliked/dislike the female lead and still think she's most unsympathetically drawn, but it's not the actress's fault. One tires of these tiresome titled whiny people sometimes, but Scarborough was super and the supporting cast is marvelous: Eileen Atkins, Jean Marsh, Art Malik, Claire Foy, Anne Reid, super work. A stellar cast down to the last person. The Downstairs is much stronger than the Upstairs but maybe that is intentional.
I take back all my negative reviews of it previously. Episode 2 in the second year brought me to tears, so beautifully done.
So I hope to continue in Season 2 this weekend.
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The Crown is certainly interesting and has some spectacular episodes of what I think are great worth.
The Valet to the King episode, MouMou is excellent about Sydney Johnson and his relationship to Mohamed Al Fayed, I found that one to be outstanding, (had never heard of him but now there are documentaries about him), and the comparison there to the Charles- Diana thing was pretty striking, too, and not to the credit of the Royals I must say. I have a feeling it's only going to get worse.
I watched that episode twice, it's gotten a lot of buzz.
Anybody watching it?
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It's only available on Netflex which I have not subscribed to.
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Oh that's a shame, the entire series is quite good.
I'm not sure this latest installment is up to the others but there have been some super episodes, really the best they've had. I'm really getting up for the World Cup, despite all the negativity about it, the teams are wonderful and it's going to be some great TV sport.
(Messi, Messi, Messi!!) hahhaah
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Tomorrow afternoon I will be watching the world cup, after all it is Wales vs the US.
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Oh I know!! And there are 15 other matches today. All day long.
Very exciting.
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I have no idea who to root for since I am half Welsh. However, since this is the first time in eight years the US had made it this far, they deserve a few cheers.
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Love the World Cup, so many unexpected developments in this one. Can't wait till it comes to the US next time!
I finished The Crown, and was somewhat startled to see it end like it did. I had seen people wanting to "explain" the ending online and wondered why. I still do. What is there to explain?
Thing took a dark turn with the "Charles" episodes, the last few, particularly, very dark, vis a vis his personal ambition and his relationship with Diana there at the last. Dark and mean.
I do think it's a very good idea to have postponed it till after the death of the Queen, it was quite unfair to her in parts, especially the last bits about Charles and the new Prime Minister, really would probably have hurt her feelings. No need in that, I think, and I also think her last year as Queen was triumphant. The crowds certainly seemed to think so. Brilliant bit with Paddington Bear, too.
I'm glad she missed the movie.
I do have to wonder why, with all her resources, she could not undertake the repairs on the Britannia personally.
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My take on letting the Britannia go was not just the repairs but the cost of maintenance but more she seemed to love spending her time away from London at Balmoral rather than at sea.
Can't figure out Charles - in one breath all he did was trash his Mom and then in his later years they were best friends - so far my take is he never had the confidence of either of his parents and therefore he did not know how to have a relationship with someone like Diana who, let's face it had far more charisma than he did and would probably within a perfect marriage still get more world attention for any of her charities then he ever would or has...
The British public seems to be giving him their support except that incident a couple of weeks ago where he had eggs thrown at him... so far no real look at him as a person of interest - I don't think he can even play polo any longer - he prefers traditional architecture but so far no interest in gardens - we shall see - he really hasn't even been formally crowned yet unless they are skipping that in the name of a more frugal monarchy.
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Watched this interesting perspective this morning. "The Roman Ruins of Detroit" posted by ToldinStone. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGTt2izw3XA
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He's always good, isn't he? I have his book but have not yet read it.
I had seen a clip of Scorsese being asked what he's watching now and he said Derry Girls, to great applause, and then he laughed and said "those nuns!"
I thought, don't tell me they've released Season 3 and lo and behold they have! I watched a bit of it last night on Netflix, and it's as hilarious as it ever was. I am so sorry this is the last year.
Rosemary Kaye originally suggested it and it's a total hoot, and it doesn't hurt to have the closed captioning on for their accents, but for some reason this year I understand them.
Super series.
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Another really good one so far is Glass Onion, a Knives Out Mystery, the second installment of Daniel Craig as the detective and this one, so far, is better than the first one which is saying something. I really am enjoying it, have any of you seen it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj5ibYSz8C0
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My daughter told me to watch it, and I started it. To me it was kind of silly. I may go back to it. I started watching the original, and so far finding it funnier than Glass Onion. We'll see.
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Oh and I just finished it last night and came in to say I am going to watch it again, how far in it did you get? I loved it. Pure escapism with lots of unexpected surprises. The casting alone is so fun to gasp in the little walk ons, "oh that's...." It's just fun.
They are both loosely based on Agatha Christie, this one on And Then There Were None, as it's called in America.
They are making a third. I think they are on to something.
I looked up (changing the subject) Derry Girls on Rotten Tomatoes and it has an unprecedented critic's rave rating of 99 percent and 93 percent audience opinion, absolutely love that show. That's definitely earned but it's not for everybody, for sure. It's a comedy based on the Troubles in the Irish Republic written by somebody who lived through it, it's hard to explain but it's definitely a hoot.
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I was watching again a documentary on Claridges Hotel in London, a luxury hotel for the super rich, to see how the other half lives the other day because it came up on the side panel of one of my searches. I've seen it before, I think it's 12 years old, and Thomas Kochs, the manager featured here is now at the Corinthia, but it's fascinating to imagine, even for an hour, this world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBsJ0vC4Xnw Christmas time at Claridges.
And on the side it had this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxqdcnMhnQ4&t=2474s which I am mesmerized with. And you thought YOU cooked a lot on Christmas!
When I was in high school, they were sort of obsessed with taking us on field trips to huge manufacturing plants so we could see assembly lines? Or view mass production? For some reason. Two that stand out for me were the Hershey plant when you went inside the plant, unlike today's tour, and a steel mill where we had to don helmets and nearly got killed by a moving huge red hot beam of steel, being moved in the air. I have always been fascinated by it, but THIS thing is way beyond. I can't imagine, I truly can't, doing this all day long.
The stollen alone is worth the watch. I always wondered how they cut layers in a cake, too. For an automated plant there appears to be an AWFUL lot of physical work. Repetitive heavy physical work. Remember Lucille Ball in the candy factory?
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This week I discovered that someone is putting up the old History Channel series Cities of the Underworld. The first one was about Naples. Very interesting and one I don't remember seeing at all. Last night I watched the Freemason Underworld episode which I had seen before. I suspect I missed a lot of them because there appear to be at least six seasons. I do not remember there being six seasons. YAY! Some of these are marked updated. Double YAY!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-PJiq1UPNs&list=PLmESdUVQzm3x7PkwBp6zBHmIkAiV0ySqg
Not surprisingly, my interest in books, art and illustration got a boost with Pete Beard's series on magazine, books and their artists and illustrations. The first I watched just had to be about MAD Magazine. https://www.youtube.com/@petebeard I haven't seen any postings for Norman Rockwell or the Vargas girls yet.
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Did not even know they made the book into a movie but saw A Man Called Ove and was delighted - they nailed him - not so over the top he was no longer believable and all the neighbors were spot on... I was not too sure of the actor they chose for him as a young married man but looking at the face I realize how believable the facial features - I remember delaying reading the book because it was such a hit I was sure it was going to be a 90 day wonder and all over before it actually got started - instead it was one of several by the author and each low key with just enough quirky to make the stories a delight and the movie did not disappoint at all.
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You fully "got" the original Man Called Ove movie! It's my feeling that Tom Hanks is NOT the person portrayed in the book, or the original movie. Yes, they'e saying he's a "curmudgeon", but that is not the whole enchilada in the portrayal of Ove (Otto, as this new one is named). In the original movie, there is drama, sentimentality, caring, learning about others; not just a curmudgeon, yelling at everyone for any reason he might think is necessary. My opinion about Tom Hanks probably won't be popular here, but all these books that he buys the rights to, don't do any justice to the book as written (I realize screenplays change things), but he uses them for his personal (I want to say "glorification", but that's not the word I'm looking for) well, glorification. LOL. He is a good actor, but his older films stand out in my mind, i.e. "Castaway". For me, he ruined "News of the World". Nuff said.
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I was wondering about that Tome. I didn't know here was an original movie (2015)
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Oh so that is what my daughter-in-law was talking about - I heard Hanks did one of the books but did not realize it was a remake of A Man Called Ove - the movie I saw was just too perfect for anyone much less a personality actor to improve on it... yes, he is really basically kind and it sounds terrible to say but his many attempts at suicide were actually funny. Who ever he is he played it just perfectly - the Persian women was good but I could see someone else in the part but no way could there be an improvement on Ove...
As for Hanks in my book once he got successful he allowed his head to blow up... Moving to Greece because he did not like what was happening in the US is not supposed to matter in the scheme of acting but it was below the salt as far as I was concerned and he went down another notch - But then Hollywood has not been realizing much of interest to me - the daily news has become so much drama that I want peace and simple which is not the recipe for a blockbuster movie.
Saw an interesting documentary on the Gauls - appears they were farmers and although had a reputation as fierce warriors the daily life was the mild stuff of many ancient civilizations.
Read several articles on Pope Benedict who was a theologian of theologians and in one of his books he goes into how Christianity and in particular Catholic theology is dependent upon the Greeks and Romans where as the documentary on Gaul suggests it lent its thinking to the basics that became basic Greek and Roman philosophy. Within my reading I like how Benedict explains without both faith and belief along with thinking and questioning the worst of man comes to the forefront - without faith and belief we get leaders like Hitler and Pol Pot and without thinking and questioning we get another kind of fanatic Cult Leader - humanity is dependent on both... Never thought it through and it makes sense...
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Never read Shadowland and last night found the movie - looks like from the actors in the film it was made back in the 80s or maybe the 90s - and it appears to be a retelling of the book - interesting - took place it appears in the 50s or maybe early 60s when the popular joke always included bashing women - I thought he wrote the Narnia stories for his children and here he never married till late in life and never had children of his own... Probably have him mixed up with Kenneth Grahame or maybe A.A. Milne - the movie did alert me to at least one other of his Narnia books that I would like to read, The Magician's Nephew
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In addition to Cities of the Underworld, I watched the first episode of The Normans which is another old goody from The History Channel. The Cities episode was mostly about the old Russian bunkers from WWII. It was more interesting than I expected. Much of Ukraine, where most of the bunkers were, was hit hard by the Germans during WWII. The most notable bunkers were from that era including the bunker at Sebastopol. The last bunker tour, though, was a decommissioned underground nuclear submarine base from the Cold War era.
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As mentioned in the Library I'm enjoying the 9th season of Seaside Hotel, the Danish hit, with of course closed captioning, really enjoying it, also year 3 of Derry Girls, that one you can't stop binge watching until it's finished. But they are on tape and the current Murdaugh trial is not, so I'm riveted to it at the moment. Also just finished the Great British Bake Off, the newest season we get, and really enjoyed the people. They are all so NICE!
Nice to see in our current climate.
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Youtube is currently running free the old Jeeves and Wooster full episodes and they are so much fun.
FYI
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The Jeeves and Wooster originals are also interesting for the cast. Last night I noticed that Balmy is actually Martin Clunes, or Doc Martin to a lot of people, much younger.
I wonder if Hugh Laurie can play the piano, he does a good job of pretending if not.
PS: I looked him up, uh YES he can play the piano, that was real:
Laurie’s talents aren’t limited to the screen or the stage—that is, acting on stage—as he also has a successful career as a musician. From the days of Jeeves and Wooster and Fry and Laurie, to House, to hosting Saturday Night Live, Laurie has put his musical talents to use in his acting. But as a pianist and vocalist, also he’s fronted and toured with his blues band, the Copper Bottom Band, and toured as part of the charity cover band, Band from TV. He’s released two solo albums, Didn’t it Rain and Let Them Talk, a celebration of New Orleans blues featuring collaborations with blues legends Irma Thomas, Dr. John, and Allen Toussaint.
In a 2013 interview with Larry King, who asked him if he enjoys music more than acting, he replied, “I do, I do,” later explaining, “I think actors become actors because they want to hide—they put on masks, they want to be someone else. When you’re doing music, even when you’re playing a character in a song, there’s still an element of removing masks; it’s about exposing yourself, it’s about being vulnerable. And there’s an intimacy to that, and an honesty in that relationship with an audience, which I think is very, very precious when it’s right.”
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Heading.
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The ways artists relate to their audiences are fascinating, aren't they. My favorite example is Daniel Day-Lewis. Once he accepts a role, he doesn't just create a mask, he lives the character as much as possible--emotionally and physically, in his daily life, not just on stage. This is emotionally exhausting, and he has to have long breaks between roles to recover, in fact currently he says he's used up and won't take any more roles.
Incidentally, he's the son of British poet laureate Cecil Day-Lewis, who also wrote detective stories under the name Nicholas Blake. I used to like them; wonder what I'd think of them now.
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He IS good, isn't he? I wondered why I hadn't seen him in a while.
I came IN to say that for some reason our PBS station has suddenly starting doing the Antiques Road Trip (the British one) with Celebrities (like actors in Downton Abbey) and although I don't particularly like the Celebrities ones, it's so exciting to see the Road Trip on PBS!
It's a lot different from our "Road Antiques shows." But I still don't think it's as good as the normal show on the BBC.
Still it's very fun to travel with them each time to several small towns in the UK, in each episode, and then go to an auction and see them compete with their purchases.
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I just stumbled on the strangest thing while watching the Weather Channel. It's something about 401 Rescue or something where these giant tractor trailers on a major (401?) highway have overturned and run off the road and have to be towed upright again.
I recently ran off the road (a country road) in the dark running sideways down a steep ditch, hit nothing, no overturn, no injury, no car injury but had to be towed back up onto the road and that was SOME kind of experience, let me tell you. So when I saw this show about it, I was transfixed. I had always wondered how they got out any vehicle which has run off the road like that and is in a deep ditch. Now I know. Fascinating, at least mine was, and the first episode I saw of the tractor trailer with two mammoth tow trucks pulling at it from the road above (which is how they do it) was fascinating. They were across the lanes of traffic. in my case the wrecker stayed parallel on the road as if it were driving (in the wrong lane) and it was a tow up the side of the hill with me steering. That's the last time I drove at night. :)
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I saw bits of that program the last week or so. I didn't stick with it, but the last one looked interesting. The cab on the truck was so badly mangled and looked completely burned out that they had to remove it before trying for the trailer. I cannot see how the driver could have survived that.
This morning the Weather Channel had a program showing a dredger crew. I watched a little of that but never heard where they were and didn't recognize the surroundings. This crew included divers. They use a lot of dredgers and work boats along the St. Clair River and the ongoing work at the Soo locks at Sault St. Marie, but I don't remember seeing divers with the crews while they worked. I will have to look closer when things start up again this year.
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Yes, the Weather Channel is really branching out, that one about 401, which is apparently a Canadian road system, is fascinating. It's put 12 episodes on my timer already. I watched one last night in which the police call for a wrecker and whoever gets there first gets the job. That seems kind of strange to me, is that the way it works here?
I haven't seen the one with the crushed cab, so far the truck cab itself has been OK but the trailers have lost axels or been so full of stuff that they had to be emptied before they could drag the thing out. I didn't realize they were so comparatively flimsy. They didn't show what happened to the stuff which they literally lifted up the front of the trailer and left on the roadside after using some sort of digger thing to get a lot of the stuff out (bottles of something) and dumped it out like a child would with a toy.
That road system had 10 lanes of traffic one way with a median between the 5 on both sides, 20 lanes of traffic! THAT'S major traffic.
I came in to say that I thought I'd watch that Everything Everywhere All at Once movie, and it's definitely Sci Fi? Or something like it, I don't know the categories in that area. I mean it's mesmerizing because you can't figure it out? I watched maybe...a half hour of it.... and I want to go back. I may start at the beginning because you are so busy trying to figure out what's happening or why, that you think (and that may be the point) you missed something. So far it makes no sense, but at the same time it's strangely compelling.
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I just read the Wikipedia entry for Everything Everywhere All at Once . Apparently, they didn't know how it categorize it either. The first line states that it is an "American absurdist comedy-drama". Under Themes, it lists a bunch of themes and genres the movie hits on. The article uses the words absurdist, nihilism, and existentialism several times and even mentions Dadaism, an art form I never cared for. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Everywhere_All_at_Once
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wow reading the wikipedia article is sounds like they took the concepts of quantum theory and attempted to bring it to life - had not thought I wanted to see this movie but now I am curious - sounds like the Flash Gorden of the 21st century
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A friend and I went to see the most wonderful movie! I don't know how many of you get out of the house now to "go to a movie" since Covid shut us down back in 2020. The movie is: "The Lost King". It's about one woman's search to locate the missing bones of Richard III. The Scottish accents are difficult, but it is beautifully filmed and acted. You may remember his bones being found under a parking lot back in 2012. My friend had gone to see this last week, and loved it so much (knowing how I like movies like this) she invited me to go see it with her. Glad I brought some tissues for the ending. It's really something that needs to be seen and heard on the big screen, but if it ever gets to streaming, the closed captions will be good for the dialog. Cinematography is awesome.
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Wow what a movie - if you have not seen Glass Onion you really missed a roller coaster ride - I could not leave it - the movie evidently came out during the Pandemic and even includes characters wearing masks - it is a fantasy or sorts - the story is so fast paced I could not leave the room although I was watching on I think Prime and could have delayed it to do something any time I wanted - I was literally on the edge of my chair - so many analogies and metaphors in the story that can be for any point of view and for many current social, political and world situations - having since read the reviews it appears the writing was not intending to be more than a one thought story it to me was explosive which the story includes a grand explosion.
The British guy that plays the latest Bond was the detective if you would that to me was like a 22nd century Poirot - although reading more and more about Alternative Intelligence the set in the movie may be 21st century in just a few years from now. I have not seen the new Tom Cruise movie Top Gun but from the excerpts I have seen it too is a non-stop action film as is the Glass Onion -
I'm not familiar with the actors but they are all great in their role - they must be a younger tier of actors and for years I have not been attending the movie theaters for more than just a few big movies that we were going to when Paul and his family were part of a holiday celebration. I think the one actress is the daughter of Goldie Hawn, Kate something and the way she plays her part did remind me of a character off the screen of a Poirot story.
Never thought I would be thrilled with a movie again - for years now movies that made an impression have been far and few between so this Glass Onion movie came as a total surprise.
Thanks Joanne, Lost King sounds interesting - all of a sudden I feel as if life lived as we knew it, that was seeable growth from the 1500s just turned a page - so much now is embracing new technology and new thinking and new allegiances with faith in anything having disappeared. To me it feels like the time between WWI till the Pandemic was one hunk of time and now we are experiencing something very different - I wonder if it will be seen as such by historians and what label they will put on it like they labeled other hunks of time in History - you have to wonder what place, if any history from the past will have in this new world. Although, if the movie I shared Glass Onion is an example of what will be, one of the revered pieces of art in the movie is the Mona Lisa. I remember when they found the skeleton bones of Richard III but never heard anything more as to where they are now located, assuming they continued to build on that parking lot location.
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No one has been in for about 4 days. So...anyone looking in, I'm wishing you all a beautiful Sunday and a great start to next week.
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I don't watch a movie a day, but I'll put in that since I was here last, I watched the last available program in the 9th year of the series Seaside Hotel, the other night, in Danish with English subtitles. I'm so hooked on it I think I may start it over. That's the latest one as of 2022.
I agree, Barbara, the Glass Onion is excellent. I've watched it twice, it's got a lot of things about our modern world that if enough people saw it, we could discuss.
Unlike a lot of people, I don't like MOVIE theaters and don't care if I ever go in another one. Broadway, yes. Movie theaters, no. If you wait half a minute you can watch it at home in comfort.
The prices for refreshments are through the roof, the theaters are not particularity clean, and I have a bad memory of one from my childhood, vis a vis people hiding in the seats behind one, so as to see several movies without paying, I am sure, but their sudden appearance in the middle of the thing addressing our party out of the dark in an hostile manner was frightening, so despite that experience being decades old, I'll skip that experience unless absolutely necessary. (Which I can't see happening). Come to think of it, that may be why the teenage staff walks to the back of a theater before the show now. I wonder.
Last night I watched Joan Hickson again on Amazon Prime in yet another ancient Agatha Christie Miss Marple episode. I also watched another half hour episode of Antiques Road Trip with James Braxton, I like him and Charlie XXX, and the little historical interest bit this time focused on Bignor Roman ruins and their mosaics in England.
I still can't understand Everything Everywhere All at Once, or whatever it's called, but it grows on you. Maybe next time. Nothing makes any sense.
I have also watched on youtube, a couple of Barbara's old fave recommendation , the Digi channel, (which seems somewhat preserved there on youtube, and on PBS) concerning making over a yard into a garden, in one day. I seem to have taped 12 of them so far from the local PBS channel. It's pretty amazing, actually, what they can do with your yard in one day. I wish they'd come here.
It's called The Instant Gardener, and here's one episode, which I have not seen yet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iICgrEJn9wo
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For some reason that I cannot pin point I just cannot get into the newest Tom Jones now on PBS - first time a Masterpiece Theater production disappointed - the actor for Tom Jones just does not fit although the telling of the story is in my mind a bit off and so he seems to fit this telling of the story but the whole thing lacks something and bores me and so I'm skipping it - also grown tired of the Midwives - the actors have all aged and some have lost their appeal - the newer actors do not have the same verve and the story line has lost something and so it also is in the pile of no watch...
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There was a 1963 movie of Tom Jones with Albert Finney that really caught the spirit of the book. I hadn't thought of it for years, but it would be hard to equal, much less beat.
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Yes Pat, I think that is part of the problem - without realizing it I've been making that comparison and this PBS version is sadly lacking...
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OLDIES BUT GOODIES:
Someone mentioned HAL the computer the other day and I ended up watching 2001 and then 2010 and the first one scared me to death like it did then. hahaha Those are on Amazon Prime.
I finished the Mapp and Lucia (this is the British version and has two years and Georgie in a beard) on BritBox and enjoyed it no end, the one with Geraldine McEwan, I love that cast.
Then I noticed last night that BritBox has the original Avengers, with Patrick McNee and Diana Rigg, and they are also very good, just as I remembered them, in black and white. Also scary. ahahaha
Next I'm going to try to find the Prisoner, remember that one? The guy who is...chased? By a giant white ball? Can't believe I just wrote that, but do you remember it?
But what brought me IN here was the Documentary 63 UP, remember that? A Michael Apted film. They have done interviews with some children in Britain every 7 years since they were in elementary school to see how they turned out. They are now over 63. It's absolutely fascinating.
“THE MOST IMPORTANT BRITISH FILM OF OUR LIFETIME”
David Thomson
Film Critic & Historian
“Inspiring”
Joe Morgenstern
The Wall Street Journal
( On The UP Series)
“VISIONARY. THE NOBLEST PROJECT IN CINEMA HISTORY”
Roger Ebert
(On The UP Series)
“GROUNDBREAKING”
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Oh the BAFTAS!! The British Awards for film. I had done a cursory look and didn't see anything about my favorite show until the other day when it was all over the news, DERRY GIRLS!!!
Best Female Performance in a Comedy Programme: Siobhan McSweeney, (Sister Michael), Best Comedy, and Best Writer, and all wonderfully deserved. Now I need to see if I can find that ceremony on Youtube. I did see her acceptance speech, I'd like to see all of it.
I love their categories. I think they are so much more inclusive than, say, the Oscars.
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Some years back I started Under the Tuscan Sun and gave up on it - at the time I remember thinking one more divorced women going through the after and all the bumbling that goes with the awkward feeling of being one in a couples world and for years having been a couple even if it was not good was very different than being a single and so it has languished on my book shelves thinking the Italian country side my be its saving grace... Well the other night I bumped into it as a movie on Prime - glad I watched and never finished the book because never having been to Italy I could never have imagined the settings as well as the movie and even the characters were far more charming and less brash then I was reading into the book... it did have me glued since I had only planned on watching a bit - getting to bed and finish watching the following evening - well I couldn't stop in fact I was hardly aware I was so fixed on not only the story that was an interesting blend of house, home, scenery, Italian culture - the works - not sure how close to the book but I enjoyed the movie...
Also saw Chocolat - again seeing the movie was wonderful - I did read the Joanne Harris book years ago and remember reading the scene of the Mayor asleep in the window of the shop on Easter Sunday morning after having more than his fill of Chocolat - however, I had no idea this was the start of a series of 4 books - skipped the 2nd and just ordered the third where she goes back to Lansquenet after having been in Paris which was the setting for the 2ned book. Joanne Harris always writes a good solidly written story - thinking about it I've read more of her books than I realized
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Lincoln Center is presenting a new opera July 13-15 based on Olivia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents. I think it has been shown several places (colleges mostly) since 2022.
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Oh I like your recommendations for movies, Frybabe! I was the same with the first book about Under the Tuscan Sun, for some reason it annoyed me no end. It really did. I would have never have watched a movie on it. Perhaps now I might try, since you recommend it.
Joanne Harris's book Gentlemen and Players I think is one of the best suspense books I have ever read. It's wonderful. I have not read her Chocolat or seen the movie, two great choices here you've presented.
I'm still watching the Antiques Road Trip, it's just so much better than our Roadshow, and more fun, too. It's on Prime and sometimes on Youtube. Also watching Jeeves and Woster, on Youtube, and of all things, watching the boat landings in the US, New Smyrna Beach, usually in Florida, on youtube, Captain Credit Card's and The Big Dan Show particularly. People really do get in awful situations trying to load a boat in a river but now there are so many people filming them for entertainment some really get irritated. I had no idea it was so dangerous.
For Gardening I like the Instant Gardener, it's an old British Show, they remake a garden in one day but it's fun anyway.
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Wasn't me, Ginny.
Barb, I both read Under the Tuscan Sun and saw the movie. I can't remember which I did first but loved the movie.
I was cruising about checking out the specials on the Kindles yesterday. What I discovered is that you can read more file formats on them now. Including .epub. The blurb mentioned a conversion program and there was something about a link or better/smoother/faster way to access Libby/Overdrive on the new Kindles. I would have to go investigate which ones have these new features, because I forget as the moment.
Well, that sort of blew my reasons for getting my Kobo. I have the Libre II or plus (whatever!) which looks a lot like Amazon's Oasis. It is really nice to handle with the wide side and buttons (or you can swipe if you want). But it doesn't seem to hold a charge as long as my ancient Paperwhite, is slow to boot up and is now as nice to find your way around the bookstore. I usually go up on the website to find what I want.
Speaking of Kobo, I finally paired my Bluetooth headphones to it. Unfortunately, I couldn't find anything to download that wasn't super expensive. They don't seem to have very many sales, and I see only a few at a time. Also, I find their selections a bit less than inspiring. Of course, I only looked around for a little while and only once since I got the earphones paired. BTW, it is awesome for sound, IMO. I got one that had a good rating for audiobook files as well as music.
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I was told by an old friend, who is also a voracious reader (and former teacher) that the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, bore no relation to the book. However, I have watched the movie dozens of times, and love it each and every time. Can't say that I wanted to read the book after friend's dissing of the movie. "Chocolat" is also one of my very favorites, and my f2f book club read it, and enjoyed, enough to read the 2nd book. I loved that movie too, and I think the casting was simply awesome! Another movie that I think we might enjoy,(I've seen it several times) is "Letters to Juliet". It is, in a movie, what a cosy is to a book. Very sweet, good ending! If I can remember correctly, Vanessa Redgrave is in it. I'll have to check that to make sure.
Lovely to see us posting in this category also. But, we might have opened the spigot on this topic, at least for me, as I watch a lot of movies, (most of which wouldn't interest any of you as I am also an action/adventure person).
Earlier, well, last night actually, I thought of another movie I'd like to see again, "Hearts in Atlantis". With Anthony Hopkins. I don't know if it was based on a book. I have six other movies that I return to often, nice clean pictures. If anyone is interested, I will post those later.
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Well, you aren't the only one who likes action/adventure. My favorite classics are 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Call of the Wild. Many of my Science Fiction fit into the action/adventure category with plenty of books by Jack McDevitt, Arthur C. Clark, Tolkien, Ursula K. La Guin, H. G. Wells, and others.
Off the top of my head, I'd say tha
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Tome!! Me. too, on the movies.
Thing is with movies, they are their own art, to sort of coin a phrase from Metro Goldwyn Mayor's Ars Gratia Artis, Art for the Sake of Art, and so no matter how close to the book they do take on their own being as they should.
Since you said that I will look for it, but the book REALLY got on my last nerve for some reason.
I have never heard of Letters to Juliet OR Hearts of Atlantis, and will look for both.
What IS Action and Adventure, Tome and Frybabe? I don't think I will be watching any Tom Cruise, but perhaps the Indiana Jones? Has anybody here seen the new one? I hear it's not so good.
Oh, sorry, Frybabe, and Barbara: it was Barbara! That's what I get typing on this jerryrigged mess here while my computer is being repaired. You would think I could read!
In the Si Fi movie interest, I've recently watched the "Hal" movies again, they are really frightening but my best Si Fi movie to date were actually two: the two on the Invasion of the Body Snatchers, boy those were good! I also watched Truman again, and for some reason have seen a couple of the old Avengers with Patrick McNee (sp). Boy those were the days, everything it seemed ON TV was Sci Fi. The Twilight Zone, the...who was it with the bouncing ball that kept him from leaving? Similar themes to some of them but done with such skill.
Lately I've been wanting to revisit the one on the sinking ocean liner, was it the Poseidon. The one on the Titanic everybody likes so much I wasn't so caught up with.
The sheer availability of movies now on the internet will probably keep me out of any theater for good. Am currently doing the Minions Despicable Me ones.
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Hah, accidently hit the wrong button then got side tracked and missed the modify time limit.
My favorite classics are 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, The Virginian and Call of the Wild. Many of my Science Fiction reads fit into the action/adventure category with plenty of books and short stories by Jack McDevitt, Arthur C. Clark, Tolkien, Ursula K. La Guin, H. G. Wells, John Scalzi and A. G. Riddle to mention a few. As far as I know, none of McDevitt's works have made it to the movies, though his Alex Benedict and the Academy series would make basis's a movie or TV series. Star Trek and all its iterations should probably get a nod since they were basically tasked with exploration. Andre Norton wrote some good time travel/exploration books. Christopher Paolini"s To Sleep in a Sea of Stars is another very good scientific adventure in space. Fractal Noise is his latest in that series. I haven't read it yet. Which reminds me, Finnish writer Hannu Rajaniemi wrote a three-book series about a thief modeled after the burglar, Arsene Lupin written by Maurice Leblanc. Only Hannu's character is in a working in a post human environment.
Oddly, I am not a big fan of some of the very popular movies/books like Jurassic Park and Avatar or . Watched lots of Westerns when I was young. We don't see too many of those around now-a-days. But Cowboys and Aliens was a really fun combo of Western and SciFi. Currently, I am waiting on season two of The Terminal List. Oh, and I like the Riddick series of movies (except the first). There is a new one coming out soon.
Ginny, I think action and adventure do not necessarily go together but the combo is very common. The action here generally involves something exciting and dangerous, like dealing with adversarial opponents whether other people, aliens, or dragons, for example. The adventure can also include dangerous elements, but mostly, to my mind, its associated with exploration, maybe like Gulliver's Travels in fiction. Didn't The Hobbit start out as an adventure? Been a while since I read that series. Alice in Wonderland? The Narnia Tales? (never read those).
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We ought to have a group discussion of Books We Should Have Read. hahahaa
I haven't read the Narnia books either.
Since I read everything as a child I could get my hands on, apparently that was not available to me at the time.
I really liked the first two Jurassic Parks, particularly the first one.
I also liked Jul Brynner in the original WestWorld, the concept. Robot revenge.
And that scene in the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers at the very end on the public street when that "person" realizes that they have real humans among them and points with that awful shriek... Haunted me for years.
And that awful scene in the movie where...what movie WAS it, where a truck load of robots is chasing...the hero though the tunnel? Can't recall any more than that about it, SCARY!! Possibly Will Smith? I'd like to see that whole thing again.
I'm not sure what genre they are but they were fascinating.
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Interesting idea, Ginny.
I came in to share a line from Michael J. Sullivans latest book (and from his remarks in the intro, I wonder if it will be one of the last), Farilane. "The more we learn the less magic there is in the world. And the less enchanting life becomes." I just love that. Something to think about. Another comment implied that magic holds no power if you stop believing in it. I listen to the audio version which is narrated by the incomparable Tim Gerard Reynolds.
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Just for fun, I am going to watch (re-watch after 20 years) 2001 Space Odyssey. Kind of a touch on Artifical Intelligence way back before that name came into popularity. Kind of like: "Watch what happens when you let science and technology into your lives"...na, na, na, na, na, nah!
Speaking of which and this should go up into the Library discussion, have you all read "Klara and The Sun"? I read it for book club, and was not sure if I liked it or not, but we had great discussion, and I really got more out of it than it seemed.
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No, and I remember your mentioning that. I've got it in the stack!!
I watched 2001 and was scared to death, after a remark about Hal made in a face to face class. I did not remember it as it was. Then I watched 2010 and didn't give it my full attention. I probably need to watch it again.
The movie with Will Smith was I, Robot, and I need to see that again, too, that also was very scary. Robots seem scary lately for some reason. Youtube has the entire robot tunnel scene which I watched yesterday. Good scary movie.
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Yikes you are all braver than I am - to watch what you know will be a scary movie - shoot - I remember as a young child being scared beyond my mom being able to contain me till she took me out of the theater when the flying bats came on The Wizard of Oz - In '39 I must have been 6 and my sister would have been 4 and she was hysterical crying through most of the movie so that Mom, I'm sure wanting to see the movie, told us when we were scared to hide under her arms - and now The Wizard of Oz is seen by children much younger without even their eyes widening - boy have we become immune to anything out of the ordinary so that it has to be even more scary than I can cope with to have an affect on most... In fact if a movie involves sneaking around to hide activity from others my tummy does a loop de loop and I get anxious so that if that is the focus I don't watch and find something else. I can read about it but not see it in a movie.
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Barb, you gave me a chuckle. I know a lot of people who were scared by those animals (I remember them as monkeys), and one of them was JoanK. She hid under the seat, and the woman in front of us turned around and scolded our mother: "Imagine taking a child to a movie like this."
Umm. Who was it written for? Something else scared me. I've managed to forget what.
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Maybe they were monkeys - my entire life and I've never gutsed up enough to watch the movie even on TV - choosing to be scared just does not go down well 8) - memory of that time - another memory is how in summer we always brought a sweater with us because the only place that had AC was the movie theater - these huge banners were used hanging from the marquee advertising their zero like temperature as a come on to entice folks into the theater - well we found it too cold not being used to AC - I can hear my mom still calling out 'take your sweater' - sometimes we remembered and other times we felt annoyed that we forgot and had to go back to the closet to grab our sweater.
From the time we were 8 or 9 till we were 12 (adult ticket price started at age 13) all the kids went to the Saturday matinee that was 2 movies, the news and at last 2 animated shorts - theater opened at 11: or 11:30 and we hoped against hope that it would be over by 4: because Saturday confession ended at 4:30 and so a gaggle of kids rushed out of the theater running all the way to church and in and out of the confessional in that half hour - thinking back as an adult I wonder if the priest laughed when he got back to the rectory as all these kids had about the same confession - Talk about a conveyor belt of kids going in and out of the confessional - what a riot and then all lining up at the alter to say about the same set of prayers the priest metered out to atone for our sins. We used to compare if you got 5 Hail Mary's and 5 Our Father's or 6 or maybe only 2 - we were in awe with those who had 6 because that meant they were really bad. OH my and such was life...
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oh yes, they were monkeys.
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I just watched, spellbound, Netflix's film about Bernie Madoff The Monster of Wall Street. I really had NO idea. If you get a chance to watch it, you will find your mouth gaping open. So MANY things I did not know.
It's based on a book called The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust by Diana B. Henriques. She is featured and interviewed in the film and I've ordered the book. Lots of interviews with a lot of those involved. Just riveting.I had no IDEA.
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It has boggled my mind why some who have huge fortunes sell their soul leaving their integrity in shards over obtaining more wealth and not just more, but huge sums all obtained illegally. Its not like they have a dream to create something that needs this financial backing to get off the ground - it appears to be wrapping their arms around millions and billions for no other purpose than to say they have control over that much wealth and it seems getting it illegally is as important to their control as the money itself - I often wonder if the bottom line cause is the same as those who cover their inner pain with more and more drugs obtained illegally. Well a curious affliction if it is one that seems to be open to those who already have wealth.
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The movie is VERY powerful as to how many lives he ruined. The book has just come, written by one of the "talking heads" in the documentary. I have heard, however, for all that misery and it was misery, he was quite the hero in prison. I don't know whether that is true or not.
Many of the victims were somewhat reimbursed. I remember that specifically from the news at the time but I did not realize the brutality of the reimbursement. If anyone had benefited from this Ponzi scheme, by demanding his money, etc., and getting it back from one time or another along the way, that amount was called in. Should that person have died, his wife and heirs then took up that financial burden. People, children, who knew nothing of this at all, also lost many of their assets so that the people originally cheated might have some recompense. It's just unbelievable. EVERYBODY lost.
His wife, I am not sure I've put this anywhere, hope not, but in an ironic twist of fate, actually won the Lottery. I'm not kidding. I've forgotten how much it was but it was plenty enough to live well. I am thinking a couple of million dollars-- not sure on that one but it was a lot.
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Wow - and wow again on the wife - I would think though knowing the damage to these other families she would feel some obligation - well who knows - if she had no clue then she would be angry but still - well no sense thinking what someone else 'should' do with their life and unexpected gains - glad she was able to maintain a nice life and it sounds like in prison he shared himself with others and maybe had a better life with the inmates then he was able to have keeping up appearances
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Yeah.
Funny true experience yesterday. For some reason I am in the mood for British nostalgia, so I looked up, I think it was on Netflix, Keeping Up Appearances (the one with "Hyacinth Bouquet" and her long suffering husband Richard and the neighbors? hahhaa) Believe it or not you can't imagine what it recommended for me?
The Murdaugh Documentary!
Merciful heavens. (Apparently they do not have copies of that old sit com but I bet youtube does).
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Oh my however no comparison between Hyacinth and Murdock - she was quite the actress after seeing her in a few other things and then some show she was being interviewed - I love those twitches she did when things went to her mind completely out of hand and then the sister Daisy and oh my Onslow in fact all of them - when Rose would go after the Vicar oh oh a laugh and a half as they say... thank goodness I like baseball and have the Astros to watch - even when they loose I don't feel confused and shocked with the world I know so topsy turvey as I do watching the news or most supposedly shows for entertainment - I keep thinking it will all straighten itself out but it sure is taking more time than I imagined - PBS seems to be focusing on these big blockbuster British shows - no small half hour sitcoms as it was back when Keeping Up Appearances was a weekly - trying to remember some of the other Brit sitcoms on PBS because on Thursday if I'm remembering there were at least 2 half hour sitcoms followed by two hour long show.
Vaguely remember the original All Creatures Great and Small was one of the hour long shows oh yes, another half hour sitcom was As Time Goes By with Judi Dench - others are coming to the surface of my memory - there was The Vicar Of Dibley and Fawlty Towers and I remember when issues of age were just being explored as comedy material there was Last Of The Summer Wine oh and who could forget To the Manor Born or Are You Being Served and I loved John Cleese in Hold The Sunset which was fairly recent - come to think of it ever since the Pandemic there are no longer Britcoms on PBS - maybe when things closed down they never resurrected sitcom writers and it could even be the typical actors for a sitcom grew much older and there were no new ones in the pipeline.
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Now that BBC I has cancelled after so many years in Prime Time my favorite the Antiques Roadtrip not show contest, I'm getting revenge by watching it on youtube in reruns. I bet it won't be long before some iteration of it reappears somewhere else. I really like James Braxton and will hate to see him go, but he's already appearing in some of the other weekly contest things.
I can't believe how out of it I am with some programs, though. Thumbing through Netflix for some reason it started playing something called Arrested Development, which apparently is quite old. I had vaguely heard of it, but never saw it. My gosh, am binge watching it as we speak. Where has THAT, all 3 seasons of it, been, all my life? It's kind of an...almost impossible to describe....thing..... but also has classical allusions (as does everything else) and very funny if definitely not PC.
Speaking of PC, the Crown is coming again to PBS soon. I always have a difficult time adjusting to the male cast for some reason, except of course for Charles Dance who was a perfect Mountbatten in every way, and would have been a perfect Philip but they had already used him once in the cast.
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What has everyone been watching lately?
So far I've watched two of the Crown and Country episodes, produced and hosted by Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, on You Tube that BBC originally aired between 1998-2001.
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been watching Seaside Hotel - a Danish series that the local PBS channel started to show starting midway of the 7 year series and so I went ahead and added the monthly fee that I really do not understand since I am a member of Prime but anyhow I wanted to see the series from the beginning to find out why certain people were doing things that finally added up. I should have been more patient but I'm ahead of the shows that the PBS channel is showing - but the whole thing about the WWII occupation and how the various characters handled life is riveting - I've never seen any of the actors but they are all top notch - not sure if they are all Danish or Swedish - those playing the part of German's don't seem to have a pronounced German accent but then it would be according to from what part of Germany they live.
I'm going to have to revamp my watching - all summer till last weekend I was watching the Astroes that played just about every day - since I do not watch TV during the day except if there was a game the only other I had time for was a bit of news and maybe one light movie - for some reason not in the mood for holiday movies - still putting up books and linens etc etc. this unpacking is taking so much longer than I expected but then I'm doing most of it on my own and my body gives out so that I'm finally not being annoyed with my progress. annoyed was putting it lightly... ah so such is life...
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I'm watching/ taping Escape to the Country, on our PBS stations, it's an OLD (2012-2017) British series where a couple wanting to relocate and buy a new house is shown about by a realtor, to three houses.
In the process we get the local history and customs and meet some of the locals. It's escapism to the max. I would probably go nuts if I personally had to move, but this one is all positivity new lifestyle hopes and enjoying seeing some wonderfully characteristic houses, it's all pure fun. I watch it after the news just for the happiness of it.
Two things in it are amazing. One is the truly astronomical prices of the houses, and the other is what you get for that money. A third might be that almost all the couples are interesed in hosting a "holiday let," to raise money, so they need a different building on the property or "annex" as they call it. Also I have picked up the term "kitchen diner," which I never heard before.
Whether or not they buy is immaterial. Very seldom does it end with their buying, but it's just harmless and very pleasant sightseeing fun.
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Ginny there is an even older series of couples who thought living in the country was their dream and then it showed the work to maintain either the extensive garden or the animals or farm life - some are overwhelmed and sell out but some take the challenge that changes their life and the concept of their dream. Seems to me the series was on Amazon - I'll see if I can find it...
I notice our local PBS is showing old episodes of Midsummer Murder which like the Escape to the Country, which here is on DaBL, is as you say harmless and very pleasant sightseeing as are so many of these British Cozy Mysteries.
There is another series that I'm enjoying on PBS that they have extended to another season --- Astred, the main character in this crime show has Asperger's syndrome - interesting watching the exactness for detail that usually of course solves the case. I was never good at details and admire anyone who is...
Well tomorrow I've an Astro game to watch - prefer baseball to nearly all other team sports - no one is crashing and banging into each other that they even do now in Basketball - I like the calculations the players use to play - do not understand Cricket but it too appears to be a game about skill and not body aggression.
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I know what you mean. I'm getting to the point where SOME newscasts feature people stridently talking and interrupting others, which sounds eo me like screaming in harsh voices and I don't even want to hear THAT, much less see violence.
Couldn't sleep last night so discovered to my shock a world of Escape to the Country on Youtube, some of it only a week old, all the latest ones, how I enjoyed that. They aren't quite the same, there are ads for properties in the very areas they are talking about (the price certainly has increased over the last 6 years, we're talking upwards of 500,000 British Pounds, last night one was 788 British Pounds, which is $964,000 this morning), and what that gets you in the UK, and there's also a nice commercial now that they have explained how gorgeous (and they all are) the little towns are, where you can rent a room for 200 BP Sterling a night, which is different than the old series, as well, but it's still positive and cheerful and escapism.
And I can see I can have one a night for a LONG time.
:)_
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Not my day - second post I got to the end and pinky hit a wrong key and I lost everything - not going to try for a third time - back later...
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That is happening more and more to me and it's very annoying, isn't it?
I mentioned this in the Library but I really AM enjoying Escape to the Country, especially the new 2022 ones on Youtube. The show tells you what date it is when they talk about the cost of properties, about 1/10th into the show, the people describing it, however, say they are all new. Some of the best ones are old, however.
It's gentle, kind, and hopeful. I think the "presenter" I like best is Jules Hudson. He's an archaeologist and a lot of other things, and could sell me anything, he's really personable. I also like Nicki Chapman, (the blonde lady), she's very sweet. I can't believe, however, some of the prospective buyers who well on in age, would not blink at 3 flights of stairs to get to a bedroom. Perhaps they are thinking they will put in an elevator.
Such terminology I'm picking up. A "detached" cottage. Everybody wants "detached." I had no idea what that meant. Imagine buying a house attached to another, like a row house. Some of them are extremely nice. However if you ask for a "detached" house and they show you one not it seems odd, to me. Perhaps the attached one is a perfect match, EXCEPT for of course the presence of others attached to your house for Pete's sake.
A "kitchen diner." A "log burner." And the ASTRONOMICAL prices! A "character" or "characterful" house. A "homely" house which does not mean what we think it does. A "garden" can be a lawn here.
It's an education. :)
Anybody watching the new Crown? I think, from what I am reading about it, I am going to skip it.
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OH forgot to say I'm also watching the new Great British Bake Off on Netflix, and it's somewhat astounding what they are doing. It's nice to get the shows as they air for a change instead of so old, this is Netflix.
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My TV connection - I have no idea what to call these many connections but anyhow they show a menu of about 50+ stations and one of the stations is carrying a series with Mary Berry that I enjoy far more than the newer versions of the Bake Off that takes place in a barn - the newer show just does not have the excitement that was built into the show when Mary was among the judges. Forgot the guy's name that was also a judge - don't see him anywhere any longer just like the Garden show I don't see the brothers anywhere - I saw a come on that the brothers were going to have their own show but that come on was last summer and I've seen nothing.
I did see a documentary last night that was well over an hour about the European Gypsies - very interesting - today they travel in a motor home and no longer dress as flashy as years back and many now live in a community of mostly apartments - you know how after watching any I guess you would call them videos anyhow after this documentary on Gypsies they had one on the awful experience Gypsies went through during WWII as the Jews did - I heard about it but not in the frame of mind to see all that horror so I skipped it.
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It's amazing what's out there now, isn't it? Still loving the Escape to the Country, it's everywhere now, and I hit on a new episode of not only Doc Martin , which I really enjoyed, there must be a whole season I did not see, AND a new one of...surely not....Father Brown which I also enjoyed. I had stopped both programs when I thought I had seen them all, didn't like the new cast on Father Brown but this was the old cast. I seem to have missed a lot of shows. And there also appears to be a new season of Seaside Hotel, I'll have to look that one up. I wouldn't mind seeing it from the beginning again, Danish or not.
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I too like Seaside and paying $5 a month just so I could see the entire series from the beginning - would you believe PBS is now showing the entire series from the beginning - and I did see but do not remember where an episode of Seaside that takes place after the war that I do not remember seeing when I went through the series having paid to see it on my time and schedule --- Love the characters and the actors that depict the characters on that show and love the colors chosen for the interior of the hotel and the clothing they wear.
Been watching Father Brown with the new sidekicks and the old police captain is back - I'm thinking the one before the short guy - this one is tall and nice looking. A little older now... and Doc Martin is going to broaden - he resigned as a Doctor just as they learn Louisa is pregnant again - now Doc has to figure out how to get his job back. Before he quit all these doctors came to evaluate while watching him work as a result of the complaint against him - it was hilarious as they all knew less then he did and each in one way or another botched up the inspection
These Brit coms are about the only thing I'm watching any longer on TV - you'd think it was 1951 or 52 when although the TV was there the pattern was on for most of the time with a few shows in the evening. I have been watching old movies - in fact some not so old and those are usually from France or Belgium or Italy - I've also been watching cooking shows mostly from Britain.
Found a series with James Martin 2014 - love his home kitchen - evidently televised after he lost a ton of weight and he no longer was doing a weekly Saturday show in a studio. After watching his show found the shows with Mary Berry a bit more lights and glamor as if she was performing - this series with James Martin he seems like an old friend that you are visiting in his kitchen while he cooks and he is willing to explain what he is doing.
Then of all things found a Christmas concert done in London with the Dutch violin player Andrea Rieu and his orchestra --- Actually the orchestra tackles some serious music however, they are mostly a cheerful lot - women wearing long full colorful ballroom like dresses and some fun and crazy moments between the orchestra and the audience including a banter if they are tired and want to go home since the concert is coming to an end - there are 3 tenors that one of the pieces is Bizet's the Pearl Fishers and the 3 sopranos do a magnificent OH Holy Night - I've enjoyed the music so much that I have watched or actually just listened to it every night for a week now before I slip off to bed.
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Hello there! Barb, if it was you who mentioned the movie "Arrival", thank you. I checked it out from the library, and watched it today. I had watched it before, but think I lost a lot with commercials popping in all the time. With DVD, no commercials, yay!
I also requested "Interstellar", which came today from the library, and I will be watching later this evening.
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I watched "Interstellar" but much preferred "Arrival". Interstellar seemed overly long to me. But, both very much worth watching.
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I can definitely recommend The Holdovers. which was up for several Oscars and worth it. I actually would like to see a sequel. It's like anything else, some people don't like it at all, and some really liked it.
They said the reason that Paul Giamiatti did not get the Best Actor award at the Oscars, was that he had "played himself," but even so he was 2nd in the voting, and he did win a Golden Globe for the role. And I think another award, too. He sure was good.
It cost me $5.98 on DISH for 48 hours. Oppenheimer is available, too. I doubt I will be going to any theater in the near future, and it's been quite a long time since I did go.
I enjoyed it, a lot. :)
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Am I the only one watching the Elspeth (or however it's spelled) program on CBS? I absolutely love it, quirky fun new detective. Love it.
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Hadn't heard of it... now that baseball season started I've been watching the Astros and after watching all the episodes available of a British detective series of 4 retired age police offices I fond Murder She Wrote and been watching that every night for over 2 months and still more shows I never saw to watch.
Have enjoyed Poirot on PBS Thursday night even as repeats - in fact nearly all the Thursday and Saturday night PBS shows are repeats - they certainly have been having many and successful fund raisers so what is going on...
I'm finding most of the shows on TV boring however, I'm finding interesting documentaries of old movies to watch. In order to watch the Astros had to pay for Fubi which gives me automatic access to a bunch of other websites or apps or whatever they are called that only show movies plus it taps into Amazon so I'm less likely to watch the old tired and true like CBS or NBC or any of them...
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Ginny, ah there you are! You are NOT the only one watching Elsbeth! I find it so funny, even though she worries me to death...much like "Columbo" used to do. I just love her wild, yet beautiful outfits. Like viewing a modernistic painting sometimes.
Are you reading anything...lately? I have several books going, and made the "mistake of the month" by going to the New Fiction shelf, when I was there picking up a volume of Mary Oliver poems. Don't know if you have read any of the "Slow Horses" books by Mick Herron, or seen the TV show. I don't get that "pay" channel, so the books sufficed nicely. Anyway, he has a new book out, titled "The Secret Hours" and is, once again, about the Intelligence Div. in the U.K. Mr Herron is rather always funny, but this new book is a riot, per page (sometimes per paragraph). If you don't care for spy-type stories, you mayn't like it. But I am laughing so hard, I can barely keep turning pages to follow the story. I keep wanting to write down some of his more delightful sentences, but I would have to hand-write the entire book, LOL. Think I will just buy a copy of the book so I can underline or highlight the ones that tickle my funny bone. I will quote this one(which is terribly true in real life) "That's the real art of politics, Ms.Fleet. Knowing when the next F-up's due, and arranging for a human sandbag to be standing in the way". "Afterwards she recognized this as the key moment in their conversation, the point at which he revealed his outlook. Always decide who's to blame before anything goes wrong. It makes the subsequent investigation much simpler". That's just one of the conversations that reminded me of time spent in an organization where the boss might possibly have spoken his words, and subordinate probably was thinking her words.
I am taking time out to have a bit of lunch and let my stomach muscles relax from all the laughter. The "veddy British way" of attacking subject matter just brings these characters to absolute life as I read along. I wish I was better at relating all this to you, but otherwise, just take my word for it! Side-splitting comes to mind!
So glad you have posted something (I was worrying about your absence). Happy "Elsbeth" viewing!
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Tome!! Good to see you!
I'm not reading anything other than pertains to Latin and it's really difficult to get all that background read at the moment, but when I REALLY want to indulge myself, a stolen hour, I'm reading AGAIN Agatha Christie in front of the huge "fake fire" on DISH, with my heated throw, calm and peace, and I have to say it's a stolen hour of magic, it really is. I just finished the one most people know as And Then There Were None, and enjoyed it immensely , although surely I have read it or seen it 100 times. I love the way she writes. She does not flesh out the characters physically, just a hint here or there and that immediately makes the reader part of the story, as the reader does all that work and emotionally engages. Love it.
Your book sounds absolutely wonderful, I have already ordered it and am looking forward to laughs. I also love the British quirky sense of humor, watch as many episodes of Escape to the Country as I can, to escape actually, on YouTube or Prime (where the end is not full of strange music and people stuck on).
Another ElsBeth, is it, fan!!!!!!!!!!! Do you know it's already been renewed for next year after 4 episodes?
How could anybody describe it? I will say the character is a genuinely nice person who is always overlooked (like Miss Marple) and not considered anything but ditzy. Just think, a genuinely NICE person...how long has it been since that appeared on TV? But a detective story.
A genuinely nice, enthusiastic, happy person. But she notices things, like Mr. Monk. I don't see the Columbo tie in appearance wise, but clever wise, I can see it, and lots of the reviews mention it. She's a female Mr. Monk to me, but without the extreme quirks and she's always neatly but somewhat brightly dressed. I love the character.
11 million watchers so far. I've seen them all.
Nice to turn on the TV and see something new which does not consist of people screaming at each other. Nice to see you here, too and I have heard about Slow Horses but never seen it, I will see if I can find it , as we do have far too many of those paid channels.
Barbara, for some strange reason I was never a fan of Murder She Wrote but I know a lot of people are. I didn't realize it was still on. I will look for it and see if old age has changed my mind.
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Now let me warn you, the book is set up in a way that not all readers like; not straightforward in "time", but shifts from the excitement of the opening 25 pages with the "spy" doing what we expect, running from the bad guys. Then it shifts to the politics/back room doings of the intelligence service (a lot of the hilarity is here). Another shift when the Committee, set up by the P.M. gets underway, to investigate "anything" that might indicate that any operative (s) might have done something illegal. The backgrounds of the members of the Committee are touched upon, and gradually we see a couple of them fleshed out. "oh what a tangled web we weave..." etc. Less humor, more spy stuff. But all in all, it is an enjoyable book. I hope I haven't gotten your hopes up too high, but if nothing else, seeing the tangled web of government is enlightening, if not totally frustrating. God save us from politicians.
I always watched Murder She Wrote, but now I might catch one or two episodes. I had a hard time getting used to Mr. Monk, but he grows on you. The Columbo reference was how he always said "just one more thing/question". I feel like Elsbeth kind of does that. "And Then There Were None" (in it's original B&W version) is an all-time favorite of mine. I've watched that more times than I could count.
I think I've about covered everything we've touched on. Enjoy the fake fire and Dame Agatha!
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I have a little over nine hours (out of about 62 hours) left of listening to The Far Pavilions The book is a bit too long if you ask me, but I do want to finish it. And now I discover that the Brits made a mini-TV series of it back in 1984 and HBO ran it in 1985. It is available on Amazon Prime for rent. Well, I guess I will have to miss out for now; I no longer have Amazon Prime. Anyway, there are some big names associated with it, like: Amy Irving, Christopher Lee, Omar Sharif, John Gielgud, Rossano Brassi. The lead was played by Ben Cross. Does anyone remember seeing this?
As I suspected from listening to this book, I was not surprised to learn that M.M.Kaye was born in India. At ten she was sent to England for schooling, returning only briefly to India afterward. She wrote and illustrated many children's books, wrote a murder mystery series, each based in a different international city, and wrote, edited or introduced other books. Paul Scott (author of The Raj Quartet) was her literary agent, and it was he that encouraged her to write The Far Pavilions.
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Looks like the 1984 movie with Ben Cross and Amy Irving can be watched free on Freebee
Has anyone subscribed to BritBox - from the ad it looks like you run out of movies to watch within a couple of months - Am I missing something - I ask because my favorite the older Inspector Morse series is only available on BritBox.
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Thanks Barb, I will look into it later today. This not a fun morning I have a tooth extraction to deal with.
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Ouch - hope your able to keep the pain at a minimum...
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I subscribe to BritBox and there is "plenty" to watch, in fact I watch it more than my Prime or Netflix. You will not run out of things to watch. If you subscribe, I recommend you do it direct thru BritBox and not through Amazon Prime. I tried that in the beginning, and was not happy with them (billing and programming).
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Thanks Joanne and thanks for the tip on direct subscription
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:) Elsbeth tonight, free, on CBS, give it whirl.
On Britbox, I get it through Prime, and they and or Prime have the new Escape to the Country 2023 episodes as well as all the oldies and quite a few things I've never heard of. It seems to be catching on in the US.
Sorry to hear about your tooth extraction, Frybabe, I hope you are feeling OK. Not a fun thing.
I feel sure I have seen The Far Pavilions, but am not sure I have read the book. It's quite odd, I may have it entangled with the Scott series in my mind.
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:) Elsbeth tonight, free, on CBS, give it whirl.
On Britbox, I get it through Prime, and it has every old British film one could want including all the Joan Hickson Miss Marples and many of the Escape to the Country ones, too, and a lot of other things I never heard of.
Sorry to hear about your tooth extraction, Frybabe, I hope you are feeling OK. Not a fun thing.
I feel sure I have seen The Far Pavilions, but am not sure I have read the book. It's quite odd, I may have it entangled with the Scott series in my mind.
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Ginny, of the two, I like The Raj Quartet better, but The Far Pavilions is quite interesting as it is from the perspective of a "half-caste" who is trying to fit in to a society that both Indian and English distain, neither group fully embracing or trusting those of mixed race. The quartet shows similar, but as I recall focuses much more on the English perspective. I think the extended book discussion we did for the entire Raj Quartet was one of the best, if not the best, discussion we held here. What a giant undertaking both books are/were. Set earlier in time than the Raj Quartet, The Far Pavilions begins to set the stage for what comes next in India and Pakistan as well as showing the Afghani peoples' fierce independence which is still present today.